Selena Collins-Patterson high-fives and congratulates a player. Photo courtesy of KSU Athletics
Softball closed out its season over the weekend after being swept by Liberty at Bailey Park, ending a year full of struggle.
The Flames got out in front early in Thursday’s series opener, scoring two runs in the third and two more in the fourth on a two-run home run to take a 4-0 lead.
The Owls scored two of their own in the fourth to cut the lead in half before LU scored four more in the fifth inning and took game one 8-2.
On Friday, the Flames got hot early and KSU had no response. After scoring 11 runs in the second inning, LU forced a run rule and won 14-0 after five innings, securing the series victory.
Before the first pitch, seniors Macie Howes, Ava Brooke Strickland, and Olivia Tyson were honored as part of senior day festivities as they played their last game and final home appearance for the Owls.
The Flames opened the score first during the top of the first inning, as Paige Doerr and Alexia Carasquillo gave LU an early 2-0 lead over KSU. The Owls quickly fired back in the bottom half of the inning as Jojo Johnson delivered at bat to help bring in two runs on base to tie the game at 2-2.
Howes hit a solo home run to put KSU up 3-2. This was the only time that the Owls led during the game.
The momentum of the game started to shift during the fourth inning. The Flames responded with three runs to regain the lead at 5-3 as Savannah Whatley and Ella Fox helped LU rally in front. The fourth inning also marked Tyson’s last pitch and final appearance at Bailey Park as she left the field to a standing ovation.
KSU could not keep up with the Flames’ momentum as the LU offense took over. They added four runs in the sixth inning and one more in the seventh. The Flames went on to defeat the Owls 10-3.
This loss for KSU completed a season that the Owls ended with a losing streak of 18 games. KSU still remains winless against LU since 2021.
While the Owls didn’t get the outcome that they were hoping for, the day was mainly directed to the seniors, who were honored and surrounded by family, friends, and teammates.
Howes, who has led KSU in hits, batting average, home runs, and RBIs, got to deliver one last big moment for her team with a homer in the third inning, going out as a true leader and mentor for this Owls squad.
