Box Score

Box Score (PDF)

KENT, Ohio ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢'¬" Following a doubleheader full of rallies, Miami University's softball team was unable to overcome a trio of home runs, falling 3-2 to Kent State University Saturday afternoon at the Diamond at Dix.

Despite the loss, the RedHawks (23-17, 9-6 MAC) remain in first place in the Mid-American Conference East Division with nine league games left to play.

After Miami went down in order in the top of the first, Kent State (17-23, 7-8 MAC) took a 1-0 lead as junior shortstop Holly Speers homered to center field in the leadoff at-bat. The Golden Flashes extended their lead in the bottom of the second as senior pitcher Ronnie Ladines went yard to left, making the score 2-0. For both Flashes, it was their second home runs of the weekend.

In the top of the third, senior center fielder Jenna Jones walked to leadoff the frame and eventually came around to score on a fielding error. In the fourth, junior right fielder Megan Wurts reached on a muffed throw and stole second, but was stranded.

Senior reliever Kelsey Fredericks entered the game in the bottom of the fourth and pitched two perfect innings, keeping Miami in the game with her effort. The RedHawks threatened in the sixth as back-to-back hits gave them two in scoring position, but a double play ended the inning without scoring. The Flashes capitalized with their third leadoff homer of the game as Speers connected for her second four-bagger, bringing the score to 3-1.

In need of a rally, senior catcher Lauren Anderson did her part with a one-out home run down the left-field line, narrowing the margin to 3-2. The homer was not enough as the final two RedHawks struck out to close the contest.

The Red and White return home next weekend to face Buffalo in a three-game series. The opener is set for Friday, April 21 at 3 p.m., followed by a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:30 p.m.