AKRON, Ohio – A leadoff home run by senior Julia Mazanec tied it in the top of the seventh and freshman Bri Despines stole home for the winning run as Kent State defeated Akron, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon. The victory secured the series for Kent State, which now leads 8.5-0.5 in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge standings.
The Golden Flashes (8-17, 3-2 MAC) played from behind for the third game in a row, as the Zips led 3-0 after two innings of play at Lee R. Jackson Field.
Kent State loaded the bases in the top of the third and sent the go-ahead run to the plate, but Akron pitcher Hayley Croyle was able to get a routine fly ball to the outfield to escape.