KENNESAW, Ga. - Jacksonville University softball (13-21, 1-4 ASUN) began their second ASUN series of the season with two games against the Kennesaw State Owls (19-18, 4-4 ASUN) Saturday afternoon. After falling in extras during game one, Jacksonville came from behind to take a lead into the final inning of game two. It was Kennesaw State, however, who pulled out the win in the bottom of the seventh.

Game One

It was pitching that prevailed in the first game of the day, with both teams scoring just one run before an eighth inning was required to decide this one. It was the fourth extra-innings game Jacksonville has payed in this season. 

Seana Mora received the start for JU and allowed just two runs on four total hits. The junior recorded a pair of strikeouts as well, but with Jacksonville's offense unable to do damage in extra-innings, Mora's record moved to 4-7 on the season.

Makenzie Buss was the lone Dolphin to cross home plate during the first game when she hit a solo home run over the fence in left. The homer tied the game at 1-1 after the Owls had scored one inning prior. Four other Dolphins also recorded hits in the game.

Once Jacksonville's hitters were retired in order in the top of the eighth, the Owls led off their half of the inning with a single. Four batters later, the Owls scored on a game-winning sacrifice fly.

Game Two

Like the first game of the day, game two remained tight throughout its duration. This time, however, runs were not scarce by either team. Jacksonville managed to put together 4-run and 3-run innings and carried a lead into the bottom of the seventh, but the Owls made the final move with a walk-off single that scored two.

With nine hits in the game, Jacksonville's offense put the pressure on the Owls. A notable third inning saw Jacksonville score four runs in back-to-back at-bats. First, it was Kasi Shaffer hitting a 2-RBI double. Then, Carolyn O'Neal hit JU's second homer of the day which drove in both Shaffer and herself. 

The game sat tied until the Owls added two more to their total in the fourth. Responding quickly, Jacksonville scored three runs in the top of the fifth to take their first lead of the day. Victoria Rodebaugh scored first in the inning by making it home on a wild pitch. Haley Holloway and Hannah Roberts then recorded RBIs to give Jacksonville a 7-6 lead. The lead would last until the bottom of the seventh when the Owls scored two to end the contest.

Kassidy Cross went 2-4 in the second game after recording one hit in the first. Her hitting streak now sits at 23 consecutive games. Seana Mora, who came in to relieve Alyssa Bilodeau, received the loss and moves to 4-8 on the season.

Jacksonville plays game three of the series tomorrow, Mar. 31 at 1 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.