Kent State University
Akron
Golden Flashes Host the School Down the Road in Midweek Home Series
4/6/2026 6:10:00 PM | Softball
KENT – Kent State Softball (17-16, 7-5 MAC) seeks to build on their recent weekend sweep when they host the University of Akron Zips at Devine Diamond. The series gets underway on Tuesday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m., and ends on Wednesday, April 8 with a doubleheader with 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. start times. The series is part of the Mid-American Conference's regional rivalry week with four series taking place between traditional conference rivals.
Last Time Out
Kent State enters this series red hot after a three-game sweep over Bowling Green (April 3-4) earning their second conference sweep of the year and staying undefeated at home.
In the opener on Friday, Kent State cheered on by viral support from the Flashes' football team rallied from a 5-0 deficit. Trailing by three heading into the bottom of the sixth, Gabby Quinn delivered a solo home run to spark the comeback before Caleigh Shaulis knocked a two-RBI single that put the Flashes ahead for good in a 7-6 win, with Alena Hillyard earning the win in relief and Meadow Ferri closing it out. Game two was a pitcher's duel with Ferri spinning a career first complete game shutout allowing just six hits. The Blue and Gold scratched across the only run they would need in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly from Shaulis securing a 1-0 victory. Sunday's series finale was all Aaralyn Nogay, who went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple while scoring a trio. As Kent State built a 5-2 lead, Ferri again earned the win tossing five scoreless innings in total including a reentry in the seventh as the Flashes held on for the final out.
Scouting the Zips
Akron enters this Wagon Wheel Series with an overall record of 17-19, and a conference leading 9-3 record in the MAC. Akron's offense is anchored by Meagan Lee who is hitting .372 on the season. Sophia Wygast also provides solid power with seven home runs and a .593 slugging percentage. The Zips are hitting .270 as a team and like the Flashes have been aggressive on the basepaths stealing 33 bags on 41 attempts. In the circle, Macy Walters and Madie Jamrog form one-two punch, combining for 14 wins and over 188 innings pitched. However, both carry ERAs above 3.80 that Kent State will look to exploit. Additionally, Akron has left 215 on base this year and have committed 31 errors in the field.
On Deck for the Flashes
The Golden Flashes will continue their season this weekend playing three games at Northern Illinois University. The series begins with a doubleheader on April 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. eastern time. It continues April 12 with the third and final game at 1:00 p.m. ET.
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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.
