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KENNESAW, Ga. – After trailing 7-1 going into the bottom of the seventh, the Owls rallied and got the tying run up to plate, but they couldn't complete the comeback, falling 7-5, in the series opener to UTEP.
Macie Howes homered for the seventh time this season.
Hannah Harvey and
Ava Brooke Strickland each added an RBI as well.
In the circle,
Jenna Chase tossed 5.2 innings of two-run ball.
How It Happened
UTEP burst out on the gate for five runs in the first inning. Two singles led to the first run of the contest before a steal made it 3-0. The Miners had five hits in the inning altogether.
The Owls got a run back in the bottom of the second. Back-to-back singles from
Jojo Johnson and
Rylee Limberger set up Strickland with two outs. The captain roped a ball up the middle, scoring Johnson.
In the third inning, the Miners loaded the bases for Kendall Angulo. The redshirt senior knocked in two runners for the 7-1 lead.
The next three innings saw no runs for either squad. After a scoreless seventh from UTEP, the Owls entered the bottom half of the frame down six.
Kimberly Tobar set the tone with a lead off walk. After a wild pitch and deep fly out, she moved to third base. With runners on the corner, Harvey singled to bring home Tobar. Howes then went opposite field for the three-run homer. Johnson continued the momentum, getting into scoring position to set up Limberger. The freshman was the tying run, but she grounded out to end the game.
Notes from the Diamond
- Macie Howes went yard for the seventh time this season. It's a new single-season high for the Louisville native, breaking her previous high of six in 2024.
- With a walk and the home run, Howes extended her on-base streak to 15 games. She's reached base safely in every game during March.
- Tonight was Howes's fifth game of 2026 with three RBI.
- Jenna Chase pitched 5.2 innings in relief. It's her second-longest outing of the year after her performance against Saint Mary's (3/1).
- Jojo Johnson bounced back after a hitless game on Wednesday. She's batting .400 in the last nine games.
- Rylee Limberger made her first career start at third base.
On Deck
The Black and Gold will look to tie the series against UTEP tomorrow. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
