Entrance of Bailey Park. Photo by Kai Millette
Kennesaw State wrapped up a Conference USA series against Jacksonville State this weekend at Bailey Park, showing resilience despite the team’s second sweep in a row.
Across the series, the Owls displayed moments of strong defensive play and timely hitting, competing throughout each game while continuing to build momentum in conference play.
KSU’s ability to respond in key moments and generate offense in stretches highlighted the team’s determination against the conference frontrunner.
In Friday’s series opener, the Owls worked to find their rhythm early, adjusting to the pace of the Gamecocks while creating opportunities at the plate.
KSU showed flashes offensively, putting the ball in play and applying pressure, while the pitching staff settled in as the game progressed. JSU came out on top winning 6-2.
The second matchup saw continued improvement, as the Owls battled throughout and made key defensive plays to stay within reach, showing their ability to compete deep into games. KSU lost Saturday’s game 6-0.
Sunday’s finale provided another opportunity for KSU to build on those efforts. The Gamecocks jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, but the Owls remained composed and quickly began to settle in defensively.
By the second inning, KSU responded with a clean defensive frame, recording three quick outs and showing improved communication in the field.
Offensively, the Owls focused on making consistent contact and limiting strikeouts, working to create opportunities on the bases even as runs were hard to come by early.
In the third inning, KSU’s defense continued to battle through a challenging stretch, making key stops to limit additional damage and keep the game within reach.
The breakthrough for the Owls came in the fourth inning. Junior Hannah Harvey sparked momentum with a deep hit that put her in scoring position, energizing KSU’s dugout.
Sophomore Ana Gore followed with a two-run home run, bringing both runners home and putting the Owls on the board. The sequence highlighted the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and shift momentum.
KSU carried that energy into the fifth inning, where freshman Savannah Frachiseur added a solo home run to left field, continuing the Owls’ offensive push. While the rally did not extend further, the inning demonstrated the teams persistence and ability to generate scoring chances against a strong pitching staff.
Defensively, KSU continued to make plays late in the game. A standout moment came in the sixth inning, when the Owls’ defense executed a key play to prevent an extra-base hit, showcasing awareness and quick reactions in the field. Even with JSU applying pressure, KSU’s remained engaged and competitive throughout.
In the final inning, senior Macie Howes provided another highlight with a deep drive to center field for a triple, giving the Owls one more scoring opportunity. Though KSU were unable to convert, the effort reflected their continued fight and refusal to back down with a final score of 11-3.
The Owls will look to carry the positives from the series into their midweek matchup against Georgia on April 15.
