Kent State University
Boston
Softball Take Winning Streak to Charlotte
2/23/2023 8:28:00 PM | Softball
Kent State takes a four-game winning streak into this weekend's Queen City Classic, where a challenge schedule awaits.
The Golden Flashes will play three contests against Power Five programs and host Charlotte is the No. 1 mid-major team in the country, according to Extra Inning Softball.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, February 24
10 a.m. vs. Boston
5:30 p.m. vs. Penn State
Saturday, February 25
3 p.m. vs. Georgia Tech
5:30 p.m. at Charlotte
Sunday, February 26
11:30 a.m. vs. Georgia Tech
About the Flashes
Kent State went 4-0 in action at the Retriever Round Robin last weekend, taking two games from both Niagara and host UMBC. The Golden Flashes outscored their them overall 19-4, as redshirt senior Anilese Kelly, freshman Macy Irelan and senior Morgan Bowers held opposing hitters to a .140 batting average while recording 29 strikeouts to only six walks. Kelly earned victories in both of her starts and had a career-high 11 strikeouts against Niagara. Irelan tossed a five-inning shutout in her only started and recorded saves in each of the other three games.
Junior Emily Lippe and sophomore Savannah Wing led the way at the plate with five hits and a .467 on-base percentage each. Lippe hit three home runs and had six RBIs, while Wing homered once and drove in three runs.
Overall this season Anilese Kelly (2-2) ranks second in the Mid-American Conference with 21 strikeouts and leads Kent State's pitching staff with a 3.21 ERA and 28.1 innings pitched. Freshman Macy Irelan (1-2) is tied for second in the country with three saves and has 15 strikeouts over 17.2 innings in the circle.
Lippe, Wing, Bri Despines and Delaney Robeson share the team lead with six hits apiece. Lippe has swung a powerful bat with four of hits going for extra bases and a team-best .762 slugging percentage. Despines has reached base in eight of nine games and has four RBIs.
Scouting the Opposition
Boston
The Terriers (7-2) were tabbed to win the Patriot League in the conference's preseason poll after four straight regular season titles. Boston ranks 16th nationally in batting average (.351) and 21st in runs per game (7.00) this season. Lauren Keleher and 2022 Patriot League Player of the Year are both hitting above .500 and have combined for 17 RBIs. Three additional Terriers have an on-base percentage above .400. 2022 Patriot League Pitcher of the Year Allison Boaz (3-1) and Kasey Ricard (3-1) lead a pitching staff that has limited opponents to a .201 batting average.
Penn State
After their opening weekend tournament was canceled, the Nittany Lions (5-0) outscored their opponents 28-1 last weekend. Led by All-Big Ten ace Bailey Parshall, Penn State's pitching staff has not allowed an earned run and has held opponents to a .064 batting average. Liana Jones leads the Nittany Lions at the plate with a .438 average, while Lexie Black and Maggie Finnegan share the team lead with seven RBIs each.
Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets (5-5) are headlined by Emma Kauf, a top-10 catcher in the nation according to multiple national media outlets, who has scored a team-high 10 runs and its one of three players with three home runs on the season. Mallorie Black leads Georgia Tech with 11 RBIs. Blake Neleman (2-1) and Chandler Dennis (3-3) have combined for 59 strikeouts over 50.1 innings. Dennis tossed a shutout against Saint Francis on Feb. 12.
Charlotte
The 49ers (7-3) own two wins against SEC teams and also defeated MAC preseason favorite Miami, 5-3, during opening weekend. All-American Bailey Vannoy has a team-high three home runs and is one of five players who have hit multiple long balls this season. Kassidy Krupit leads Charlotte with a .417 batting average and 12 RBIs. Lena Elkins (1-0) has allowed just one earned run over 12.0 innings and tossed a no-hitter against St. John's on Feb. 17.
On Deck
Kent State is scheduled for four games in Huntington, West Virginia as part of the Thundering Herd Round Robin on March 4-5.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
