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KENNESAW, Ga. – In its 2026 home opener, Kennesaw State softball took down Miami (OH), 4-3. Macie Howes led the way, going 3-for-3 with three RBI.

Leah Jannakos pitched a complete game for the first time in her career. Danielle Bailey also had a multi-hit game, recording a double and triple.

 

The win marks the first for head coach Selena Collins-Patterson at Bailey Park.

 

How It Happened

The scoring opened up in the second inning. Alora Bevily led off with a walk before Bailey knocked her in with a triple. Howes doubled in the third to bring home Ava Guzowski.

 

Jannakos was locked in, retiring 11 of the first 13 batters she faced. The RedHawks got on the board in the top of the fifth with a solo shot.

 

The Black and Gold added two more insurance runs in the following frame courtesy of a two-run homer from Howes.

 

Miami battled back, tacking on two runs in the seventh inning. With a runner in scoring position, Hannah Harvey secured the final out for the win.

 

Notes from the Diamond


Macie Howes went 3-for-3 with three RBI in today’s contest. Both marks tie personal highs.
Howes threw out a base stealer for a third-straight game. She’s now in sole possession of second place in KSU history with 29 runners caught stealing.
Leah Jannakos pitched a complete game for the first time in her career. It’s first complete game by an Owl since Emma Friedel pitched all 13 innings against NM State on May 4, 2025.
Danielle Bailey went 2-for-3 with a double and triple. It’s the first multi-hit game for the redshirt sophomore.
With the win over Miami, KSU has now won its last five games against the RedHawks dating back to 2009.
Selena Collins-Patterson won her first home game as KSU head coach, becoming the fourth coach in program history to do so (Scott Whitlock, 1991*; Wes Holley Jr., 2014; Tory Acheson, 2015)

*1991 was the Owls’ first season in the Fastpitch Era.
 
On Deck
The Owls will head to Troy, Ala. this weekend for the Trojan Invitational. Their first game is against Omaha at 9:30 a.m.
 
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The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU’s programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.