The Kent State softball team (18-23, 8-8 Mid-American Conference) became patient at the plate in order to beat rival University of Akron (20-24, 8-8 MAC) 7-3.

“I think they just got patient,” coach Eric Oakley said of the team’s play. “We had been putting the bat on the ball pretty solid the first few innings, and I think that we just got patient at the plate. Their pitcher got a little erratic. We just focused on putting the ball in play and took advantage.” 

The Flashes had no runs until the fifth inning when they scored four runs to give the Flashes a 4-3 lead.

The last run was scored by sophomore Hunter Brancifort, who hit a home run to center field in the seventh inning.

Senior Ronnie Ladines pitched all seven innings. Ladines struck out six, walked two and gave up three runs. 

“It’s a good win,” Oakley said. “It’s a rivalry win. They were a game ahead of us, and now we’re even, which, obviously, we still have two more games. Getting the first one was really important.”

The Flashes take on University of Akron tomorrow for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. 

Samantha Ross is a sports reporter, contact her at [email protected].