Kent State University
Villanova
Golden Flashes Drop Pair on Opening Day
2/10/2023 9:44:00 PM | Softball
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Kent State lost twice on opening day at the Texas State Tournament on Friday. The Golden Flashes fell 3-0 to Villanova in their first contest of the day and were then defeated by host Texas State, 8-0, in five innings.
Sophomore Abbie Wilfing led Kent State at the plate with one hit in each game.
Game 1: Villanova 3, Kent State 0
Anilese Kelly and Peyton Schnackenberg were locked in a pitchers' duel and the game was scoreless at the end of the sixth inning.
Three walks loaded the bases for Villanova with just one out in the top of the seventh. A double and sac fly followed to plate three runs.
Kent State drew a pair of walks in the bottom of the seventh but could not advance a runner past second base.
Kelly (0-1) had three strikeouts and allowed three runs on three hits over 6.1 innings in the circle for the Golden Flashes. Macy Irelan retired both batters she faced in her collegiate debut.
Madison Hershberger and Jalynn Young reached safely twice in the game. Both had a single, while Hershberger was hit by a pitch and Young earned a walk.
Game 2: Texas State 8, Kent State 0 (5 innings)
The Golden Flashes threatened in the top of the first inning, loading the bases with a walk drawn by Savannah Wing and singles by Abbie Wilfing and Delaney Robeson after the first two batters of the game were retired. Texas State pitcher Karsen Pierce snagged a ball lined back up the middle to end the frame.
The Bobcats totaled four hits in the bottom of the first and took a 4-0 lead.
The Golden Flashes' leadoff batter reached safely in the second and third but was unable to advance past second in both innings.
Texas State extended it to 5-0 on a solo shot in the third and added three more runs in the fourth.
Bri Despines collected her first collegiate hit and also threw out a baserunner attempting to steal second.
Macy Irelan made her second relief appearance of the day, striking out two while allowing four runs on four hits over 3.2 innings in the circle.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State will be back in action for two games on Saturday. First pitch against Texas State is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET and the Flashes will finish the day against Wichita State at 4 p.m. ET.
