The Kent State softball team (9-15, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) lost its first game to Eastern Michigan University (12-13, 1-1) Friday, but came back to defeat the Eagles in the next game.

The Flashes started off strong in their first game against Eastern Michigan. The Flashes were up 5-0 by the top of the fifth with a home run by senior Maddy Grimm.

Eastern Michigan had a frantic comeback, however, and came back to beat the Flashes 6-5.

The Eagles scored all six runs in the last two innings. Four of those runs came in the sixth inning, all of which were unearned. Eastern Michigan scored its first two runs on a sac fly and RBI single, and the next two on an error and passed ball on strike three.

The Flashes had a chance to extend their lead in the top of the seventh, but Eastern Michigan sophomore pitcher Nicolle Miranda pitched around a bases loaded jam.

The Eagles tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a bunt by junior Brandice Olmos, and won it in the next at-bat on a bunt by senior Taylor Wagner. 

Kent State won its second game 11-3, much in part to Grimm. 

Grimm opened up the scoring for the Flashes in the third inning with a grand slam. She added another run on a bases-loaded walk later in the game. Senior Janel Hayes (6-3) threw five innings for the victory. 

Grimm is tied for second in Mid-American Conference history with 57 career home runs.

The Flashes will take on Eastern Michigan University again Saturday at 3 p.m. 

Samantha Ross is a sports reporter, contact her at [email protected].