Softball Drops Weekend Opener in Extra Innings

Friday, March 8

Cullowhee, N.C.

10:00 a.m.

Kent State University

7-8

Gardner-Webb

16-6

Gardner-Webb

Kent State

Photo by: Bruce Newman

Softball Drops Weekend Opener in Extra Innings

3/8/2024 4:53:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Sophomore Brynn Libler's two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the seventh tied it, but Kent State went on to lose to Gardner-Webb in eight innings by a score of 6-4. Due to weather, the Golden Flashes (7-8) were unable to play their second scheduled game of the day against host Western Carolina.

Sophomore Macy Irelan allowed just three hits through the first five inning while holding the Bulldogs scoreless before allowing a solo homer to start the top of the sixth. Irelan retired the next three batters but surrendered three singles in the seventh as Gardner-Webb extended its lead to 2-0.

After a fly ball out to start the bottom of the seventh, junior Savannah Wing singled through the right side for her second hit of the game. A groundout advanced Wing to second and Libler was given her second pinch-hit opportunity of the season. Facing an 0-2 count, Libler crushed a pitch over the left field wall for her first collegiate home run and gave Kent State new life.

An error with two outs extended the top of the eighth and three straight hits put the Bulldogs ahead 6-2.

Delaney Robeson homered to lead off the bottom of the eighth and cut the deficit in half, but the next three batters were unable to reach base.

Irelan (2-4) tossed a career-high 7.2 innings and had two strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs.

Kent State is scheduled to play games against North Carolina Central and Western Carolina on Saturday.

Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.