Despite a late attempt at a game tying score, KSU softball could not get enough going offensively as they fell to Atlantic Sun conference opponent North Florida 1-0 on Sunday, ending the weekend with a 2-1 conference record.
In a game where hits were hard to come by on both sides, the Owls (10-10) saw their biggest scoring chance in the bottom of the final inning. Down one run, KSU lead off the seventh with a walk from Sara Sikes. After a fielder’s choice put Courtney Sutter on, Megan Veringa drew a walk before Bianca Durant singled. Sutter then attempted to score from second on the hit, but was thrown out at the plate.
The game was a pitcher’s duel from the start. KSU’s Paige Matthews had her best outing of the season, allowing only one hit over seven strong innings, striking out three and walking seven. Meanwhile, the Owls’ hitters struggled to figure out opposing pitcher Kaylie Wallace, and the game was scoreless for the first five innings.
That changed in the sixth when the bases on balls began to play a big role. The Ospreys loaded the bases on three walks in the inning before a sacrifice fly to left field allowed the runner from third to score, giving them a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the frame, the Owls looked to answer. With two outs in the inning, Natalie Rhodes doubled to put the tying run in scoring position. A Taylor Denton single advanced Rhodes to third, but a pop out to second base ended the sixth with no runs scored.
The Owls were able to muster only four hits total, with Denton accounting for two of them.
KSU will continue their current homestand on Tuesday, when they play host to Missisippi State at Bailey Park.
