HUNTSVILLE— Sam Houston shut out Kennesaw State in a 7-0 victory Friday at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
The Bearkats (15-15) took the opener of the three-game Conference USA series to move to 4-3 in league play.
Elia Hebel, who has come up with some key hits in conference action, got things started with a two-run double in the first inning. Bella Perez followed with an RBI single to bring Hebel home for a 3-0 lead.
Perez extended the advantage in the third with a two-run homer over the left-center wall.
Allie Saville added an RBI single in the fifth, and Samantha Graeter drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth to cap the scoring.
Amy Abke (6-7) delivered in key moments, striking out five while stranding nine Owls on base to earn the victory in the circle.
Makenzi Jenkins closed out the game, striking out two of the five batters she faced, including the final out with two runners on.
Sam Houston will go for the series win Saturday at 3 p.m. Live stats will be available on StatBroadcast.