Falcons Split Friday Doubleheader With Kent State

Friday, April 6

Kent, Ohio.

1:00 p.m.

Bowling Green State University

Kent State University

April 06, 2012 | Softball

By: John Enright-Athletic Communications

Game 1 BOXSCORE | Game 2 BOXSCORE |

KENT, Ohio. – The Bowling Green State University softball team split their doubleheader with Kent State Friday afternoon, defeating the Golden Flashes 4-2 in the first game, before dropping the second contest 3-1.

Home runs from juniors Andrea Arney and Hannah Fulk powered the Falcons offensively in the first contest, accounting for all of Bowling Green's runs. Arney went 2-for-4 on the day, recording three RBI. Fulk also went 2-for-4, including a double and an RBI. Freshman Jamie Kertes collected the win, giving up six hits and two runs in 6.1 innings of work.

The Falcons threatened early in the first game, loading the bases in the top of the first inning. Bowling Green was unable to take advantage however, leaving the game scoreless until the top of the third frame.

Fulk led off the third with her fifth home run of the season, giving Bowling Green the 1-0 lead. The Falcons continued to pressure in the frame, starting with a single from senior Melissa West in the next at bat. Junior Paige Berger reached on a Kent State error, before Arney came to the plate and blasted a three-run homer. Arney's home run marked her team leading eighth of the season, and gave Bowling Green the 4-0 lead.

Kent State responded right away, scoring two runs on three hits in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the Falcon lead to 4-2. Kertes was strong throughout the remainder of the contest however, holding the Golden Flashes to two hits for the remainder of the game. Freshman Paris Imholz came in and closed out the contest for the save, striking out two batters for the final two outs of the game.

Bowling Green dropped the second game of the doubleheader 3-1, despite outhitting Kent State 7-6. Kertes went 2-for-3 in the contest, while senior Rachel Proehl collected the lone Falcon RBI. Imholz was credited with the loss, giving up two earned runs and six hits with five strikeouts over six innings.

Kent State scored the first three runs in the contest, crossing the plate in the second, third and fifth inning.

Bowling Green attempted a rally in the top of the seventh, scoring a run on three hits. With runners at first and second and one out, Fulk hit a single through the left side, advancing to second on the throw. Sophomore Erika Stratton moved to third, but freshman Chloe Giordano was called out at the plate. Proehl singled home Stratton for the lone Falcon run in the next at bat, but Fulk was called out at the plate, ending the rally for a 3-1 Kent State victory.

"We played hard today," said head coach Shannon Salsburg. "It was huge to take the first game. We battled the second game and had a chance to tie the game in the 7th. I am pleased with our effort and look forward to playing tomorrow."

Arney's home run gives her eight this season, double her career total heading into this year (4). Arney's team-best RBI total (32) is also more than her career total heading into this season. (29).

Bowling Green (19-14, 4-2 MAC) is back in action tomorrow against Buffalo. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.