Mercer University
Kennesaw St.
Softball Advances to Second Round of Atlantic Sun Tournament with win over Kennesaw State
5/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With the bases loaded and clinging to a one-run lead, freshman Anna O'Neill and the Mercer University softball team's defense got the third out to advance with a 5-4 win over rival Kennesaw State in the first round of Atlantic Sun Tournament play on Wednesday.
Mercer (35-17) received an inspiring performance from senior Krista Kennedy to beat in-state rival Kennesaw State (24-28) at Draper Diamond at Smith Stadium. The fourth meeting between the two schools proved to be the fourth one-run contest, as well.
Freshman Kirsten Stevens (14-4) got the win after allowing four runs (three earned) on right hits. She did fan two batters and frustrated the Owls lineup all night. O'Neill recorded her third save after pitching two innings of scoreless ball. She struck out two, also, in her six-out save.
Kennedy went 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs. Her two-RBI double in the first tied the game at the time and her solo home run in the fifth gave Mercer the lead they would not relinquish.
Mercer will face top seed USC Upstate tomorrow
