The Kent State softball team split the Florida State Invitational 3-3, bringing its record to 7-7.

In the first game of the final tournament day yesterday, Kent State swept Tulsa 6-0. The Flashes scored three runs in the first inning and grabbed singles in the third and fourth. A home run by sophomore first baseman Jamie Fitzpatrick put the game out of reach for the Hurricanes.

A 1-0 loss ended the tournament for the team. The Flashes had chances to take the lead early in the game with runners on second and third with no outs, but the Huskers were able to keep them off the board.

On the first day of the tournament Friday, the Flashes took a 2-0 sweep. They first defeated Western Illinois 3-2 in 10 innings, breaking a 2-2 tie in the tenth with a scored run from sophomore outfielder Corey Houk.

Senior pitcher Erin Christopher struck out six and allowed only four hits in six innings, while junior Brittney Robinson earned the victory by striking out five.

In the second game of the day against Florida State, the Flashes claimed a 4-2 victory after Robinson struck out 14 Seminoles and allowed only four hits and two runs.

Fitzpatrick grabbed two hits including a home run to left field in the sixth, scoring two runs.

Senior catcher Ashley Fairhurst and Houk both recorded one hit in two at bats with an RBI.

In the second day of the tournament, the Flashes fell to Utah 3-2. The Utes jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Kent State tied the game with runs in the second and third innings with a sacrifice fly and a home run. Robinson took the loss as she allowed 11 Utah hits.

Against Connecticut later in the day, Kent State endured its second loss of 8-5. The Huskies scored three runs in the bottom of the third with a home run, sacrifice fly and single. They went on to score four more in the second with a grand slam by Connecticut junior Jessica Quan.

The Flashes scored five runs in the top of the fifth, but the Huskies were able to hold them off.

The Flashes will continue their road travels this weekend as they head to Columbus. The first game of the weekend will begin at 2 p.m. Friday against Youngstown.

Contact assistant sports editor Amanda Vasil at [email protected].