Golden Flashes Drop Pair of Games to Start Crimson Classic

Friday, February 27

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

12:00 PM

Kent State University

8-7

USF

16-5

Kent State

USF

Photo by: Ashley Bryant

Golden Flashes Drop Pair of Games to Start Crimson Classic

2/27/2026 5:28:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kent State Softball (8-8) dropped both games of their first day at the 2026 Crimson Classic. The Golden Flashes fell to the University of South Florida by a 10-2 final before falling 8-0 to St. Thomas (Minn.) in the afternoon. Both games ended in five innings.

Game 1: Kent State 2, South Florida 10 (5 innings)

Kent State struck first in the second inning. Megan Claerhout led off with a double to center field and scored two batters later. Leilani Johnson launched a two-run homer to center field to give the Golden Flashes a 2-0 lead.

The Bulls responded with five runs in the bottom of the third inning to take control of the game. The Bulls loaded the bases before delivering a series of hits to erase the deficit and build a 5-2 advantage. In the fifth inning, USF put the game away with five more runs.

At the plate, Johnson led Kent State with a 1-for-2 performance including a home run and two RBI. Claerhout finished 1-for-2 with a double, Libler went 1-for-2, and Brooke Aberle added a 1-for-2 effort. Aaralyn Nogay drew a walk and recorded a stolen base.

Game 2: Kent State 0, St. Thomas 8 (5. Innings)

St. Thomas jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, stringing together three hits including a two-run double to center field. The Tommies extended their advantage to 5-0 in the fourth inning before adding three more runs in the same frame to build an 8-0 lead ending the game in 5 innings.

Kent State's only hit came in the third inning when Nogay singled to left field and stole second base, but the Golden Flashes were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.Nogay accounted for Kent State's only hit with a 1-for-2 performance that included a stolen base. Caleigh Shaulis drew a walk in the game.

On Deck for the Flashes

The Blue and Gold return to action on Saturday, Feb. 28 in day two fo the Crimson Classic. Kent State will play the No. 7 ranked University of Alabama at 12:00 p.m. and the St. Thomas again at 7:30 p.m.

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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.