BGSU softball (7-1) kicked off the ETSU Tournament on a high note Friday in Johnson City, Tennessee, handing previously undefeated East Tennessee State University (4-1) a 5-2 defeat. The victory improved the Falcons’ record to 7-1, tying the school record for the best start in program history, previously set in 2018.
The Falcons and ETSU battled in a scoreless defensive duel until the fifth inning, anchored by senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik. Bowling Green finally broke the scoreless tie after freshman outfielder Hannah Simko delivered a three-run double, driving in redshirt sophomore third baseman Addie Martin, senior catcher Ashley Chevalier, and sophomore outfielder Hanna Massaro, putting the Falcons ahead 3-0.
ETSU cut the deficit to 3-2 with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, but BGSU responded in the sixth. Martin blasted a one-out solo home run to left field, extending the Falcons’ lead to 4-2.
The Falcons put the game out of reach in the seventh inning. After junior shortstop Cameron Kaufman walked and redshirt freshman pinch-runner Jilliyn Gardner advanced to third on a passed ball, Gardner aggressively stole home to secure the 5-2 final.
Simko and Martin led the offense with multi-hit performances. Simko finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a stolen base, while Martin went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and a steal.
Krafcik anchored the pitching effort, allowing just two runs on seven hits over seven innings, striking out four and issuing no walks while throwing 66 of her 95 pitches for strikes.
Up Next
The Falcons continue the ETSU Tournament with a pair of games on Saturday, Feb. 21, starting against Tennessee State at 10:30 a.m. before a rematch with host ETSU at 1:00 p.m.
