Kent State University
LIU
Ringler Throws Shutout in Kent State Debut
2/12/2022 6:54:00 PM | Softball
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Freshman Kylie Ringler threw a complete game shutout in her first collegiate appearance inside the circle Saturday morning as Kent State completed a weekend sweep of LIU with a 1-0 victory. The Golden Flashes lost to Boston College, 4-3, later in the afternoon after rallying to move the tying run into scoring position as the second day of the FGCU Kickoff Classic came to a close.
Ringler totaled three strikeouts and became the first Golden Flash to record a shutout in her debut since Markie Pozzuto threw a five-inning no-hitter against NC Central in 2008.
At the plate, Kent State had nine players collect a hit. Senior Brooklyn Whitt led the way with three hits, while redshirt junior Alexandria Whitmore, freshman Delaney Robeson and freshman Savannah Wing had two hits apiece. Robeson drove in the winning run against LIU and had the Flashes' only multi-base hit of the day, a double against Boston College.
"Disappointing finish to the day, but we gave ourselves a chance at the end to win a game where we didn't play very well," said head coach Eric Oakley. "That being said, the highlight of the day was Kylie's first college win and shutout. Maddy and Alex also had career first hits, and Delaney & Savannah continued their strong play. So, there were plenty of bright spots. We just need to be more consistent in game two."
Game 1: Kent State 1, LIU 0
Kent State left at least one on base in each of the first five innings. Delaney Robeson was finally able to deliver the clutch hit the Flashes needed with a two-out single through the left side that brought home pinch runner Jade Ramer in the top of the sixth.
The Golden Flashes collected three straight hits with two outs in the bottom of the fifth to take their first lead of the season. Chloe Cruz started the rally with her first career triple. Savannah Wing followed with a single to right field, recording her first collegiate RBI. Jessica LeBeau then blasted her first home run in a Kent State uniform to go ahead 4-2.
That was all of the offensive support that Kylie Ringler (1-0) needed in her first college start. Ringler retired six of the next seven batters she faced to close the door on the Sharks. The freshman recorded three strikeouts while issuing one walk and limiting LIU to five hits.
Alexandria Whitmore hit 2-for-2 for the game, while Savannah Wing collected her first multi-hit game as a Flash.
Game 2: Boston College 4, Kent State 3
Jessica LeBeau (0-2) retired the side in top of the first, but Boston College pushed two runs across home plate in the second inning on a double and two singles.
Kent State threatened to strike back in the bottom of the third, as Delaney Robeson led off the frame with a double. Brooklyn Whitt advanced her to third base with a single. Following the first out, Brenna Brownfield collected an RBI on a groundout to third base, and Whitt also scored on an error that made it 2-2.
The Eagles went back ahead in the top of the fourth, however, with a triple and double by back-to-back batters. The leadoff hitter in the fifth reached on an error and came around to score an unearned run to extend it to a 4-2 score.
Down to three final three outs, the Flashes started the bottom of the seventh with singles by Madison Hershberger and Alex Fiske. An error allowed Hershberger to score, but pinch runner Julia Mazanec was thrown out attempting to advance to third. The next two hitters grounded out to end the game.
LeBeau went 5.1 innings in the circle, striking out six and allowing three earned runs on nine hits. Anilese Kelly faced seven batters and recorded the final five outs.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State concludes opening weekend at the FGCU Kickoff Classic on Sunday against No. 10/8 Texas at 11:45 a.m.
