Flashes Come Up Short to UNCG in Weekend Finale

Sunday, February 22

Greensboro, N.C.

11:30 AM

Kent State University

8-6

UNC Greensboro

10-5

Kent State University

UNC Greensboro

Flashes Come Up Short to UNCG in Weekend Finale

2/22/2026 3:28:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Kent State Softball team (8-6) fell to the Spartans of the University of North Carolina Greensboro on Sunday afternoon by a final score of 3-2. A defensive game throughout, the Golden Flashes pushed two runs across late in the ball game falling just short to hosting UNCG.

Kent State got some early runners on base but were unable to bring them in. UNCG took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. After Kaylyn Belfield singled up the middle and stole second base, Avery Bouquin followed with a single to short to put runners on first and third. Bouquin then stole second base before Nya South delivered a sacrifice fly to left center to score Belfield. Bouquin scored from second on a throwing error to extend the lead to 2-0.

The Golden Flashes broke through in the fifth inning cutting the deficit in half. Aaralyn Nogay drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Ashlyn Porter singled to center field allowing Nogay to score from second on a fielding error to make it 2-1.

UNCG answered in the bottom of the fifth when Bouquin doubled to left center and scored on an RBI single to push the advantage to 3-1.

Kent State pulled within one run in the sixth inning when Leilani Johnson reached on a fielding error by the third baseman and was replaced by pinch runner Miley Anderson. Anderson stole second base and scored on an RBI double to deep left field by Caleigh Shaulis to cut the deficit to 3-2. UNCG utilized a double play to end the frame. In the top of the seventh inning, Kent State had one final opportunity after Libler drew a two-out walk, but Porter struck out swinging to end the game.

Riley Miller took the loss, working all six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits while registering four strikeouts. Porter led the Golden Flashes offensively with a 2-for-4 performance. Shaulis finished 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI after being hit by a pitch, Quinn went 1-for-3, Camacho was 1-for-2, and Claerhout added a 1-for-3 effort with a double. Nogay drew a walk and recorded a stolen base, while Anderson contributed a stolen base as a pinch runner.

On Deck for the Flashes

The Blue and Gold return to action on Friday, Feb. 27 at the University of Alabama's 2026 Crimson Classic. Kent State will play the University of South Florida at 11:00 a.m. and the University of St. Thomas at 1:30 p.m.

Follow Kent State Softball

For complete coverage of Kent State Softball, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.

Follow Kent State Athletics

For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram , and Facebook for news and updates.