Kent State University
University of Central Florida
Flashes Conclude Spring Break Trip Tuesday at UCF
3/21/2016 5:30:00 PM | Softball
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Kent State (17-6) will play at UCF on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in its final tune-up for the start of Mid-American Conference play this weekend.
Last Time Out
The Golden Flashes took four of five games over the weekend at the USF Spring Break Tournament in Clearwater. Despite hitting just .221 as a team, the Flashes found a way to manufacture runs and outscored their opponents, 24-14. Freshman Bailey Brownfield led the way with six hits and three RBIs. Junior Maddy Grimm led the Flashes with five runs and four RBIs, which included a solo home run. Senior Shelbi Tilton drove in three runs.
Junior Ronnie Ladines earned three more complete game victories and had 13 strikeouts and a 2.33 ERA. Junior Janel Hayes went 1-1 in two complete game starts with a 2.15 ERA and struck out 9 batters.
Flashes Among Nation's Best
Kent State's terrific play early in the season has been recognized nationally. The Flashes received one point in this week's USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll. A week ago, the Flashes received one point in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll.
Additionally, Kent State came in at No. 49 in the first set of RPI rankings released by the NCAA on Monday. The Flashes' losses have been to the Nos. 4 (twice), 18, 52, 54 and 120 teams.
Home Run Queen
Junior Maddy Grimm became Kent State's all-time home run leader earlier this season after hitting four round-trippers at the Red & Black Classic after to increase her career total to 38. The record-setting blast came against North Dakota State on February 28. Grimm has added two more home runs since and currently has 39 for her career.
Ace in the Hole
Junior Ronnie Ladines (11-1) has outstanding in replacing 2015 MAC Pitcher of the Year Emma Johnson as the team's ace. Ladines is tied for the MAC lead with 11 victories and has gone the distance in 11 of 12 starts. In 78 innings, she has 74 strikeouts and a 2.60 ERA. Opposing teams are hitting just .219 against Ladines. Fellow junior Janel Hayes has proven capable of having a much bigger role on the pitching staff than in previous seasons and owns a 5-5 record with a 3.22 ERA. Hayes has 31 strikeouts in 58.2 innings and has thrown five complete games.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State starts the MAC season by hosting Central Michigan for a three-game series at the Diamond at Dix this weekend.
