After winning six of its previous nine games, the Kent State softball team dropped four of five games in the Ole Miss Classic tournament. 

They started the weekend with a win, earning a season-high four consecutive wins; however, the Flashes (7-7) were outscored 27-10 during the final four games. 

Coach Jessica O’Donnell believes the team needs to continue to build relationships to trust each other during the games. 

“All around pitching, hitting, defense, we as a coaching staff sort of put out a plan and a vision of what we want to accomplish in a game,” O’Donnell said. “Continuing to get to know the players and vice versa will build the trust in that relationship so that the players can know we are making the right call.” 

Regardless of the losses this weekend, the team had a great heart and kept fighting until the end. 

“I felt that they never quit playing, even when they went down 10-0 with Ole Miss. They never quit,” O’Donnell said.

An opponent’s coach was even able to recognize the team’s attitude.

“The Southeastern Louisiana coach told me after the game that your team has a lot of juice and that he hasn’t seen that in a long time,” O’Donnell said. “Just to get that respect from him, and again, they beat three power five teams this year, so very successful coach to be able to notice that we’ve got an energized team.” 

Outstanding individuals 

Freshman infielder Kenzie Bromley

“She played left field for us. There were two shots over her head that went to the warning track. She picked that ball up and threw the runner out at second base,” O’Donnell said. “That’s a huge play and huge momentum shift in our favor.” 

She was also a standout on the offensive side.

“She hit the home run in Friday’s game against Southeastern Louisiana, and that put us on the board,” O’Donnell said. “She did not play like a freshman this weekend.” 

Sophomore pitcher Macy Irelan

“She pitched a lot this weekend. We put her in the start games, and I would reenter her when I felt like I wanted her to close the door,” O’Donnell said. “I was just really impressed with her moxie this weekend.” 

In the weekend’s last game, Irelan retired the first six batters she faced, and only two reached base during the first three innings. 

Coming up

The team will head to Colluwhee, North Carolina, to participate in the Catamount Classic beginning on Friday. 

They will play against Gardner-Webb, Western Carolina and North Carolina Central. 

Robyn Taylor is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].