The Kent State softball team began their weekend schedule Friday with two games against two different teams and with very different results.

The Flashes scored eight runs in the first two innings, leading to a 9-2 victory over Lehigh in the first game of the N.C. State Wolfpack Challenge.

Sophomore Abbey Ledford got the Flashes on the board with a two-out, two-run single to center field in the first inning. Ledford finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a solo home run in the second inning.

Ledford and senior Mary Holt were a one-two punch, with Holt also going 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and a solo shot to left-center field in the fifth inning.

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Lauren McNeil had a solid outing for the Flashes, giving up only two runs on eight hits and striking out seven.

Later in the afternoon, Kent State suffered an 8-0 loss to N.C. State. The Flashes struggled offensively against the Wolfpack, only managing three hits in the game.

Kent State had opportunities to score in the second and forth innings but couldn’t capitalize on them. The Flashes left a total of five runners on base.

The Flashes get another chance against N.C. State on Saturday when they face the Wolfpack again at 3:30 p.m.

Contact Tim Dorst at [email protected].