Kent State Falls to #7 Alabama and St. Thomas on Day Two of Crimson Classic

Saturday, February 28

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

12:00 PM

Kent State University

8-9

Alabama

17-0

Kent State

Alabama

Aaralyn Nogay and Megan Claerhout at Crimson Classic 2026

Photo by: Ashley Bryant

Kent State Falls to #7 Alabama and St. Thomas on Day Two of Crimson Classic

2/28/2026 10:15:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kent State Softball (8-10) dropped both games of their second day at the 2026 Crimson Classic. The Golden Flashes fell to the hosting #7 ranked University of Alabama by an 8-1 final in the morning prior to dropping a 9-1 decision in five innings in the night cap.

Game 1: Kent State 1, #7 Alabama 8

Kent State struck first in the ballgame in the top of the first inning. Aaralyn Nogay led off with a single to right field then stole second base. Brynn Libler advanced Nogay to third with a sacrifice bunt. Ashlyn Porter then hit a slow chopper to first that became a fielder's choice allowing Nogay to reach home sliding headfirst underneath the tag.

Alabama answered with two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead, then extended the margin to 5-1 with three runs in the third inning including a two-run home run The Crimson Tide added three more runs in the sixth inning to build an 8-1 lead and secure the victory.

Abbey Pochie made her second appearance of the season. At the plate, Nogay led Kent State with a 1-for-3 performance including a walk and two stolen bases. Caleigh Shaulis added a 1-for-2 effort with a walk. Leilani Johnson drew two walks in the contest.

Game 2: Kent State 1, St. Thomas 9 (5. Innings)

The Golden Flashes were unable to overcome an early deficit as the Tommies scored in each of the first four innings to secure the run-rule victory. St. Thomas took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

Kent State cut into the deficit in the top of the second inning as Shaulis led off with a single to shortstop and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Porter. Gabby Quinn followed with a single to center field, and Shaulis scored on a throwing error by the catcher to tie the game at one run.

The Tommies pulled away with three runs in both the third and fourth innings to build a 9-1 lead and end the game via run rule after five frames.

Shaulis and Quinn each finished 1-for-2 to lead the Golden Flashes. Quinn also recorded a stolen base. Nogay, Libler, Alex Trevena, and Brooke Aberle each drew a walk in the game.

On Deck for the Flashes

The Flashes will wrap up play in the Crimson Classic on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. eastern time against USF.

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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.