The Kent State softball team (12-16) lost to No. 9 University of Alabama (31-4) 5-3 Wednesday. 

Of the 2,526 fans at the game, many seemed to think Alabama would only have to play five innings, according to a report by Kent State Athletics.

“I am not a fan of moral victories, but I am a fan of this Kent State softball team and incredibly proud of how they fought tonight in this environment,” coach Eric Oakley told Kent State Athletics. “(Senior) Maddy (Grimm) showed that she is one of the best hitters in the country, and (senior) Ronnie (Ladines) again showed that she can pitch with any team. We are getting on the bus tonight holding our heads up high.”

Grimm hit a single to right field to bring in a run for the Flashes, giving them a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Alabama came back with three runs in the next two innings, but Kent State came back on a Grimm home run that tied the score at three.

The Crimson Tide managed to score two runs in the sixth inning to push their lead to 5-3.

Kent State came back strong and swept the double header against the University of Evansville (12-16). 

Kent State scored four runs in the second inning of the first game. Two of the runs came from sophomore Jen Cader’s double. 

Grimm hit her 59th career home run to left field in the fifth inning that pushed the Flashes to 6-1.

Senior Janel Hayes hit a ball to shortstop advancing sophomore Bailey Brownfield to home plate to make it 9-1 Flashes.

The Flashes finished the sweep off when they beat Evansville 8-2 in the nightcap.

Kent State had a demanding 4-0 lead on Evansville in the first inning, thanks in part to a two RBI single by freshman Kristyn Eckl.

Grimm hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning that made it 6-0 for the Flashes.

Evansville was scoreless until the sixth inning where they brought in two runs, but it wasn’t enough to make a comeback.

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