Liberty softball is in the midst of an 11-game home stand, and the Lady Flames have opened that long stay at home with a 4-1 record this week. Liberty has now won 9 out of their past 10 games to improve to 9-6 on the season.
FRIDAY GAME 1: LIBERTY 6, GEORGE WASHINGTON 3
Liberty used a five-run fourth inning to push past George Washington in the Lady Flames’ home opener. The Flames extended their winning streak to six games. Karlie Keeney, Kara Canetto, Devyn Howard, and Caroline Hudson all came through with RBI hits in the fourth as the Lady Flames jumped out in front 5-1. Keeney pitched five innings, allowing three runs, as she improved to 11-0 all-time at Liberty Softball Stadium, while McKenzie Wagoner tossed two scoreless innings for the save.
FRIDAY GAME 2: CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 3, LIBERTY 0
The Lady Flames saw their six game win streak snapped in the second game of the day on Friday, being shutout by former Big South rival Charleston Southern. The Buccaneers recorded inning-ending double plays in both the fourth and seventh innings, and Rachel Roupe was thrown out at home in the second inning.
SATURDAY GAME 1: LIBERTY 6, MAINE 0
Liberty would get back in the win column as Emily Kirby tossed a four-hit shutout to earn victory on Saturday. The Flames scored in four out of its six innings at the plate, getting an RBI from five different players. The Black Bears threatened to score in the fifth inning by loading the bases before Kirby got out of the jam with a fielder’s choice ground out.
SATURDAY GAME 2: LIBERTY 8, MAINE 0
The Lady Flames completed the doubleheader sweep on Saturday with a run rule win over Maine in five innings. Liberty built an 8-0 lead on the strength of a two-run second inning and three-run frames in both the third and fourth innings. Keeney earned her fifth win of the season, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out two batters in 4.1 innings pitched.
TUESDAY: LIBERTY 6, VIRGINIA 2
Liberty jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Cavaliers managed to tie the contest at 2 by the third. The Lady Flames jumped back in front with three-runs in the fourth inning as Canetto led off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Rachel Craine had an RBI single and Mary Claire Wilson stole home on a double steal in the inning. Virginia loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, but Karlie Keeney entered in relief of Megan Johnson to record the final out.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DEVYN HOWARD
Howard set a new program record with hits in 11 straight at bats beginning with Friday’s game against George Washington. She also set a program record, reaching base in 10 straight plate appearances. The streak ended Tuesday night against Virginia after she hit a double to lead off for the Flames in the bottom of the first. During the week, Howard was 11 for 15 batting with 5 runs, 4 RBIs, 3 doubles, and one walk.
PITCHER OF THE WEEK: EMILY KIRBY
Kirby hurled a gem on Saturday against Maine. The ASUN Preseason Pitcher of the Year pitched 7 scoreless innings allowing just four hits while striking out six and allowing one walk. The Lady Flames picked up the win 6-0 to bounce back from a disappointing loss against Charleston Southern on Friday night. She also got the start on Tuesday against Virginia, and went through the first inning unscathed. Control became an issue in the second as she walked the bases loaded before Megan Johnson came on in relief and only allowed one run to score. For the week, Kirby pitched 8.1 innings while allowing 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 7 and walking 4.
ON TAP
Liberty continues its long home stand with the Liberty Softball Invitational which begins on Thursday. The Lady Flames will host Rutgers on Thursday evening at 5 pm. On Friday, Liberty plays a double-header, hosting Lehigh and James Madison beginning at 4:30 p.m. Play continues into the weekend, as Liberty welcomes Notre Dame Saturday at 7 p.m. and Rutgers on Sunday at 2 p.m. All games will be streamed on ESPN+.
