Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 BOX SCORE: GAME ONE (PDF)
BOX SCORE: GAME TWO (PDF)
 
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Samford softball team collected two wins Friday in its doubleheader over Kennesaw State. The Bulldogs edged the Owls 2-1 in game one prior to a 5-0 shutout in game two paced by Jordan Walter's 11 strikeouts.
 
GAME 1
Final: Samford 2 | Kennesaw State 1
 
Freshman pitcher McKenzie Newcomb saw her fourth start in the circle this season, guiding the Bulldogs to a win with a seven-inning, nine strikeout performance that featured no walks, four hits, and one run allowed. Fellow freshman Sarah Squillace went 2-for-4 at the plate with one run scored, while senior Amanda Briskin tallied an RBI single with one hit in her three plate appearances.  
 
It was a quick start for Samford with the Bulldogs striking in the top of the first after senior Timberlyn Shurbutt made it back home off a Kennesaw State error in left field. Samford extended their lead by one run in the top of the fifth following a walk to sophomore Jordan Moore, single from freshman Sarah Squillace, and an RBI single from senior Amanda Brisking to plate Moore.
 
The Owls attempted a late rally in the bottom of the seventh with Kennesaw State's Katie Greep singling to right field to score Cheyanne Sales who was on second after she doubled to right center. With two outs already on the board, Newcomb put the game away for Samford, striking out Isabella Galloway swinging.
 
GAME 2
Final: Samford 5 | Kennesaw State 0
 
Game two was a defensive battle through three innings with Samford's pitcher, Jordan Walters, retiring five batters at the plate before the Bulldogs headed into the top of the fourth. This inning would see four runs for Samford, starting with pinch runner Lindsey Nelson scoring off a throwing error by Kennesaw State's catcher.
 
Sophomore Ansley Yantis put the Bulldogs up 2-0 after she smacked a ball out to right center to plate newcomer Kedzie Howe for an RBI double. Samford's lead doubled in the next two plays after Kennesaw State committed back-to-back throwing errors. It wouldn't be long before the Owls handed the Bulldogs another run off an error with KSU's second baseman mishandling a hit from Kedzie Howe, ultimately scoring junior Merritt Cahoon on second for a 5-0 victory at Bailey Park.
 
Sophomore Jordan Walters secured her first win of the season after an impressive performance in the circle, allowing no runs on five hits while posting 11 strikeouts after 30 batters faced. The Tallassee, Ala. native threw her first complete game for the Bulldogs for an overall record of 1-0.
 
UP NEXT:
The Samford softball team will face Kennesaw State once again in a doubleheader on Sunday, Feb. 20 with first pitch set for 1 p.m. at the Samford Softball Field.
 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford softball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSB (Twitter), and @SamfordSB (Instagram).