Golden Flashes Drop Pair of Games to Startwork Crimson Classic

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kent State Softball (8-8) dropped each video games of their first day on the 2026 Crimson Classic. The Golden Flashes fell to the University of South Florida by a 10-2 last earlier than falling 8-0 to St. Thomas (Minn.) within the afternoon. Both video games led to 5 innings.

Game 1: Kent State 2, South Florida 10 (5 innings)

Kent State struck first within the second inning. Megan Claerhout led off with a double to heart area and scored two batters later. Leilani Johnson launched a two-run homer to heart area to provide the Golden Flashes a 2-0 lead.

The Bulls responded with 5 runs within the backside of the third inning to take management of the sport. The Bulls loaded the bases earlier than delivering a collection of hits to erase the deficit and construct a 5-2 benefit. In the fifth inning, USF put the sport away with 5 extra runs.

At the plate, Johnson led Kent State with a 1-for-2 efficiency together with a house run and two RBI. Claerhout completed 1-for-2 with a double, Libler went 1-for-2, and Brooke Aberle added a 1-for-2 effort. Aaralyn Nogay drew a stroll and recorded a stolen base.

Game 2: Kent State 0, St. Thomas 8 (5. Innings)

St. Thomas jumped out to a 3-0 lead within the high of the primary inning, stringing collectively three hits together with a two-run double to heart area. The Tommies prolonged their benefit to 5-0 within the fourth inning earlier than including three extra runs in the identical body to construct an 8-0 lead ending the sport in 5 innings.

Kent State’s solely hit got here within the third inning when Nogay singled to left area and stole second base, however the Golden Flashes had been unable to capitalize on the chance.Nogay accounted for Kent State’s solely hit with a 1-for-2 efficiency that included a stolen base. Caleigh Shaulis drew a stroll within the sport.

On Deck for the Flashes

The Blue and Gold return to motion on Saturday, Feb. 28 in day two fo the Crimson Classic. Kent State will play the No. 7 ranked University of Alabama at 12:00 p.m. and the St. Thomas once more at 7:30 p.m.

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Follow Kent State Athletics

For full protection of Kent State Athletics, obtain the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and comply with the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram , and Facebook for information and updates.