The Kent State University softball team opened the 2017 season with a doubleheader split on Friday at the Mercer Invitational in Macon, Ga.
The Golden Flashes lost 3-2 to Dayton in Game 1 and defeated Mercer 9-1 in Game 2 in the first day of the tournament.
The Flashes (1-1) led 2-1 after the second inning in the opener but allowed a tying run in the second inning and the game-winning run in the eighth inning. Maddy Grimm and Emily Dobbin each drove in a run in Game 1 and Madi Huck took the loss.
The Flashes rebounded in their second game of the day behind a three-run home run by Holly Spears and three RBI from Dobbin in a 9-1 win over the Bears.