Pack Closes Out Homewood Suites Challenge With Loss To Kennesaw State

Sunday, March 25

Raleigh, NC

2:30 PM

NC State

18-13

Kennesaw State

22-11

Kennesaw State

NC State

Pack Closes Out Homewood Suites Challenge With Loss To Kennesaw State

3/25/2018 6:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

RALEIGH – The NC State softball team closed out the Homewood Suites by Hilton RDU/RTP Challenge on Sunday afternoon with an 8-2 loss to Kennesaw State at Dail Stadium. Haylee Kobziak's two-run homer in the third inning was all for the Wolfpack in the contest as the team falls to 18-13 on the season and the Owls improve to 22-11.

How It Happened
-Kennesaw State took a 1-0 lead in the first inning with a solo shot to left center, but after an outfield single and pair of walks loaded the bases Timberlyn Shurbutt turned a double play to end the inning.
-The Owls added four more runs in the second inning on three hits and two errors. Back-to-back errors led to the first run scoring, while two RBI singles and a sacrifice fly allowed the other three to cross home plate.
-Kobziak cut the Pack's deficit to three in the third with a two-run shot to right center, her third of the year. Chandley Garner hit a two-out single and Kobziak pinch hit for Cheyenne Balzer.
-Kennesaw State extended its lead to six in the fifth inning, scoring three runs on as many hits and an error. A sacrifice bunt with runners at the corners brought in the first run, while an outfield single and double plated the other two runs.
-Closer Brittany Nimmo kept the Owls off the board in the seventh when she turned a double play in the pitcher's circle for the team's second of the game, but the Pack was unable to rally as the side was retired in order in the bottom frame.

Inside The Box Score
-Garner led the team at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance while four other players tallied a hit to give the team six in the contest.
-Three different pitchers saw time in the circle on Sunday. Starter Harli Hubbard (2-2) took the loss as she threw one inning and gave up an earned run.
-Jade Caraway hit her sixth double of the season in the fifth inning, and is tied with Alyssa Compton and Shurbutt for the most among the team.

Up Next
The Pack will host USC Upstate Tuesday in a midweek matchup. First pitch is 5 p.m. at Dail Stadium and the game will be streamed on the ACC Network Extra.