Kent State University
Central Michigan
Tuesday Doubleheader to Begin Busy Week at Devine Diamond
4/29/2024 2:54:00 PM | Softball
The Kent State softball team returns to Devine Diamond for the final five games of the regular season, beginning with a doubleheader against Central Michigan that is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
About the Golden Flashes
Kent State (24-21, 9-13 MAC) sits eighth in the conference standings and 1.5 games out of the top-6 that qualify for next week's MAC Tournament after losing all three at first-place Miami over the weekend.
The Golden Flashes are hitting better than .300 for the first time since 2018 and rank third in the MAC in batting average (.308) and scoring (4.70 runs per game).
Graduate student Julia Mazanec leads the way at the plate and holds top-10 rankings in the conference in batting average (.386), hits (54) and runs scored (37). Junior Savannah Wing is having a breakout season and is chasing the program's single-season doubles record. Wing has 18 two-baggers, which ranks seventh nationally, while batting .313 with a team-high 32 RBIs. Senior Emily Lippe has launched a team-high nine home runs and is second on the team with 29 RBIs.
Freshman Megan Nuechterlein (17-8) is tied for the conference lead with 17 wins and ranks third in innings pitched (144.1). Sophomore Macy Irelan (7-7) ranks third in the MAC with a 2.56 ERA and sixth with 102 strikeouts.
Scouting the Opposition
Central Michigan (14-28, 11-9 MAC) rallied to beat Akron, 5-4, in the series finale on Saturday to avoid being swept and sits fifth in the conference standings. The Chippewas rank in the bottom three in the MAC in both scoring (3.88 runs per game) and batting average (.239).
Carly Sleeman leads the way in several offensive categories, including batting average (.297), hits (41), doubles (17), home runs (4), RBIs (26) and slugging percentage (.507). In conference action, Abbey Tolmie is hitting a team-high .329 and drawn 16 walks.
Grace Lehto (8-15) is the ace of the staff and has 98 strikeouts over 121 innings. Mackenzie Langan (2-1) has a team-best 2.98 ERA and has tossed 49.1 innings primarily out of the bullpen.
Series History
Kent State is 50-53 all-time against Central Michigan after dropping both games of a doubleheader in Mount Pleasant last season. The Golden Flashes had won eight of the previous nine meetings.
On Deck
Kent State will host rival Akron in a three-game series to finish the regular season on May 4-5.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
