The Kent State softball team concluded its non-conference schedule on Wednesday with a dominant win over Robert Morris, 11-3.

The Flashes (31-11, 9-4 Mid-American Conference) have now defeated the Colonials for the second time this season.

“I am happy with the way we played today given the tough conditions,” coach Karen Linder said. “It was a great team win and several players made key contributions throughout.”

The team started the game off playing from behind, as junior pitcher Alyssa Frankenfield gave up an early run in the top of the first inning.  

However, the Flashes wouldn’t be down for long. In the team’s first at-bat of the game, senior outfielder Kim Kirkpatrick blasted her sixth homerun of the year to right-center field to tie things up at one apiece.  

The home run would only be the start of things as the Flashes kept their hot bats going. In the bottom of the third, the Flashes scored four runs on two hits and an error, which helped give them a four-point cushion, 5-1.

After Robert Morris scored two runs of its own off of a two-run homer from junior outfielder Kristen Gabelt, the Flashes’ lead slimmed down to two, 5-3.

But it was in the bottom of the fourth inning when the Flashes took control of the game and never looked back. After safely getting the first three batters on base, sophomore third baseman Maddy Grimm rocketed a grand slam over the left field wall, bringing in four runs. The team would go on to score two more runs in the inning to cap off a six run inning.

“Of course Maddy (Grimm) had another big hit with the grand slam and Kim (Kirkpatrick) tying the game in our first at-bat was huge for us,” Linder said. “Vanessa (Scoarste) and Ariele (Patterson) came through to bring in the final runs that allowed us to end the game in just five innings.”

Earning the victory for the game was Frankenfield, who improved her record to a career-best 4-1 on the season.   

Grimm led the team with four RBI on the day, and Kirkpatrick went a perfect 3-3 at the plate and scored three runs.

The team will now hit the road for their weekend series. The Flashes will play a doubleheader on Friday against Bowling Green; first pitches are set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The team will then head over to face Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

Contact Quentin Smith at [email protected].