KENNESAW, Ga. -- The Georgia State (13-14) softball team swept Kennesaw State (13-9) in a Friday doubleheader in Kennesaw, 1-0 and 3-1.
The Panthers have won four out of their last five games as they head into a week off from games before their CAA opener against Towson next weekend in Towson, Md.
GSU and the Tigers will play a doubleheader beginning at noon on Saturday before a single game at noon on Sunday. GSU swept Towson last season including eliminating the Tigers from the CAA Tournament.
GAME TWO - Georgia State 3, Kennesaw State 1
Georgia State pitcher McCall Langford (5-7) allowed just one hit over six innings as the Panthers downed Kennesaw State, 3-1, in the second game of a doubleheader.
Langford went six innings, allowing only one single and no walks while striking out five. The LaGrange, Ga., product's no-hit attempt was broken up in the sixth inning on a single by Sara Sikes.
After reliever Kaitlyn Medlam relieved Langford and notched the first out, Erin Collins came in to close out the seventh, picking up her CAA-leading fourth save of the season and second of the day. The inning was not without drama, however, as KSU had three hits, including an RBI single by Jensen Hackett. With the game-winning run at the plate, Collins forced a foul out to end the threat and game.
GSU pitchers did not issue a walk in the game. In contrast, KSU pitchers walked seven GSU batters while allowing seven hits by the Panthers.
GSU picked up its first run in the first inning as senior Lauren Jones drove home Brenna Morrissey on a single up the middle.
A pair of runs dotted the third inning. After Cassie Boese reached on a fielding error, freshman Jessica Clifton knocked a double down the left field line that plated Boese. Later in the inning, sophomore Paige Nowacki hit a single into centerfield, scoring Clifton.
The one-through-five hitters for the Panthers all picked up a single with Clifton, Jones and Nowacki all producing one RBI each.
GAME ONE - Georgia State 1, Kennesaw State 0
Junior pitcher Alana Thomas went six innings, allowing only four hits, and Brenna Morrissey hit the game-winning RBI in the third inning as the Georgia State softball team knocked off Kennesaw State, 1-0, in game one of a doubleheader.
Sophomore Audrey Mason opened the third inning with a walk and stolen base. Morrissey stepped up and drove Mason home by clocking a double to right center to give GSU the 1-0 lead. The hit by the Salem, N.H., native proved to be the Panthers only hit of the contest. GSU also reached base on a walk and a pair of errors by the KSU defense.
The lone run proved enough for GSU as Thomas (3-5) controlled the Owls' bats for much of the game. The Athens, Ga., native allowed only four hits and a walk in six innings. Reliever Collins entered in the seventh and picked up her third save of the season and second on the week.
The Owls out-hit GSU, 5-1, but left eight on base. KSU had its best opportunity to score in the second inning. The Owls loaded the bases after a fielder's choice, walk and single, but a groundout by Brittany Moore ended the scoring threat.
The shutout was the third of the season for the GSU pitching staff, which also blanked Morehead State and Appalachian State.
