The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Kent State
Softball falls to Kent State at home, 8-3
April 05 | Softball
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AKRON, Ohio -- Akron built an early 2-1 lead and carried it all the way to the sixth inning, but was unable to stall Kent State's seven-run rally in an 8-3 loss on Saturday afternoon at Lee R. Jackson Field.
UA (15-7, 2-1) suffered its first Mid-American Conference loss, while KSU (15-14, 1-2) picked up its first victory in league play with the result.
Shawna Mailloux was 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI to lead the Akron offense, marking her seventh multi-hit game of the season. Jessica Schneider and Jessica Reiman earned the other two RBIs for the Zips.
Erin Seiler was tagged with the loss, moving her record to 9-3 on the year. She gave up five runs in 5.1 innings of work, scattering eight hits.
Kent State's Emma Johnson (8-7) picked up the win in the circle, throwing six innings.
The Zips wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning when Schneider ripped a double to left center field, driving home Chelsea Wildey to take a 1-0 lead. It was Akron's second double of the inning after Mailloux connected on an 0-1 pitch for a leadoff double.
It was Mailloux's bat that came up big again late in the bottom of the second. The sophomore poked a single through the right side with two outs, plating Taryn Allmon who reached on a leadoff single to almost the same spot in the outfield.
Akron rode its 2-0 lead safely through the first few innings, behind a strong start from Seiler who retired seven-straight batters through to the top of the fourth. Kent State snuck a run across with two outs and runners on first and third before Seiler forced a ground out to end the inning.
The Flashes threatened again in the fifth, but Seiler was able to work her way out of a jam. After giving up a walk with a runner on second, Seiler intentionally walked Kent State third baseman Maddy Grimm to load the bases. The decision paid off, as the Zips were able to capitalize on a force out at the plate and a grounder back to the pitcher to escape the frame unscathed, a 2-1 lead still intact.
KSU's bats caught fire in the top of the sixth inning though, and Akron did not have enough to cool them off as the Flashes exploded for seven runs, fueled by a one-out grand slam from second baseman Abbey Ledford.
Mackenzie Conrad came in to relieve Seiler after the Flashes took a 4-2 lead on a pair of doubles and a triple. Conrad tossed 1.2 innings for the game, allowing just two hits but one was the Ledford home run.
The Zips earned a run back in the bottom of the sixth on Reiman's RBI single, but UA's one-out rally attempt would fall short. Kent's Lauren McNeil entered to pitch the final inning for Johnson, retiring the side in order.
Akron and Kent State will meet again on Sunday in the final game of the series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Lee Jackson.
