Kennesaw State softball (7-28, 3-12 CUSA) is set to face No. 10 Tennessee (32-6, 9-6 SEC) on April 8 in Knoxville. While KSU struggles with a three-game losing streak against ranked opponents, standout player Macie Howes seeks to bounce back after a snapped 19-game on-base streak. Freshman Rylee Limberger shows promise with a nine-game streak of her own. Tennessee boasts the nation's best ERA at 1.11 and has a strong roster capable of offensive and defensive prowess.

By the Numbers
  • Kennesaw State has a 0-3 record against ranked SEC teams this season.
  • Tennessee leads the all-time series against KSU 6-0.
Yes, But

KSU has been competitive in past games, showing potential despite the losses, particularly with a record-breaking 20 hits against Furman. Improvement in key areas, like pitching and defense, could give KSU a fighting chance against elite teams like Tennessee.

State of Play
  • Tennessee's pitching trio has each thrown over 65 innings, with multiple players ranking in the top 10 in NCAA Division I for ERA.
  • KSU's Macie Howes continues to lead in key offensive categories, even after her streak ended.
What's Next

After the matchup with Tennessee, KSU will need to focus on capitalizing on their offensive opportunities and improving their pitching strategy to enhance their upcoming games in the conference.

Bottom Line

For Kennesaw State to succeed against top-tier teams, they must leverage their strengths in offense and improve defensively, particularly in high-pressure situations against prominent opponents.