The Owls were unable to pick up a win in two chances to start their final home series of the season against the Central Arkansas Bears on April 27 in Kennesaw.
With the regular season coming to a close, Kennesaw State came up short, despite a late rally in game one and a solid pitching performance by Emma Friedel in game two on Saturday.
The Owls sent Graduate senior Lindsey Kyte to the mound for game one to face UCA’s Bailie Runner. Kyte started strong, not allowing a single baserunner in the first four innings. The Owls’ bats were unable to produce a run in the same period, however, resulting in a 0-0 tie headed in the 5th inning.
In the top of the 5th, Kyte recorded the first two outs before UCA rallied to load the bases. Colleen Bare capitalized for the Bears with a three-RBI double to open the scoring. Kylie Griffin singled in another run to put UCA up 4-0 and ended Kyte’s day.
UCA struck in the 6th inning on a Gracie St. Hilaire single to go up 5-0 and again in the 7th inning when Griffin picked up another RBI on a sacrifice fly, making the KSU deficit 6-0.
With their backs against the wall, the Owls notched three straight hits to open the final frame to finally get a run on the board. With the bases loaded, Macie Howes doubled to plate three runs drawing within 6-4 and brought the tying run to the plate.
Julia Petty entered the game in relief for the Bears after Runner went a strong6 2/3 innings.
Hannah Harvey singled to keep the game alive for the Owls before Reese Evans popped out to end game one.
In game two the Bears stuck with Petty while the Owls went with freshman Emma Friedel.
After both sides remained scoreless in the first two innings, Griffin brought in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly to put UCA in the lead at 1-0.
It would be the only run of the game as Petty held KSU scoreless in her seven innings pitched while allowing just two hits.
Friedel went a strong 4 1/3 innings while only surrendering four hits and the lone run. Melanie Bennett came in to relieve Friedel and struck out four batters in 2 2/3 innings pitched.
The Owls fell 1-0, dropping to 14-35 on the year and 6-12 in ASUN play.
KSU is set to conclude the regular season with a three-game series against Florida Gulf Coast on May 3-4 in Fort Myers.
Currently sitting in eighth place, the Owls will need a strong series to hold onto the final spot in the ASUN tournament with Austin Peay sitting just one game behind.
