Kansas Splits with No. 20/23 Arizona State, Wins 11–7 in Game 2

Thursday, April 2

Lawrence, Kan.

3 p.m. CT

University of Kansas

25-11, 6-4

Arizona State

29-9, 4-6

Arizona State

Kansas

Kansas Splits with No. 20/23 Arizona State, Wins 11–7 in Game 2

4/2/2026 9:33:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Score 1 (PDF)Box Score 2 (PDF)Season Stats 4.2 Conference Stats 4.2

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas split its opening two games against No. 20/23 Arizona State Thursday night at Arrocha Ballpark, dropping the opener 8–5 before rallying for an 11–7 victory in Game 2.

The Jayhawks relied on a five-RBI performance from Anna Soles in the second game to power the win. Ella Boyer's home runs on the day brought her season total to 16, tying the KU freshman single-season record previously set by Daniella Chaves in 2015. Boyer will look to break the record Saturday.

"This was a great team effort," said head coach Jennifer McFalls. "We stayed aggressive at the plate and made the timely plays we needed to turn things around in Game 2. It's a big win for our program and gives us momentum heading into Saturday."

Kansas notched its first win over a ranked opponent this season and now sits 1–1 against the Sun Devils. The Jayhawks improved to 26–11 overall and 7–4 in Big 12 play.

How It Happened | vs Arizona State (Game 1)

Kansas struck first in the top of the first inning. Ella Boyer hit a solo home run to center to give KU an early 1–0 lead.
Arizona State responded in the fourth inning with a four-run rally. An RBI single, followed by an RBI sac fly, turned the game in the Sun Devils' favor, putting ASU ahead 4–1.
Kansas rallied in the top of the fourth, scoring four runs on six hits. Anna Soles delivered an RBI double, September Flanagan added an RBI single, and KU briefly tied the game at 5–5, thanks to a combination of timely hitting and aggressive base running.
Arizona State regained control in the fifth and sixth innings. A single from ASU in the fifth for an unearned run, and another RBI single in the sixth to extend ASU's lead to 7–5.
The Sun Devils capped their scoring in the seventh with an RBI double by ASU and a groundout RBI, sealing the 8–5 win for the Sun Devils
Kansas had strong moments offensively, with Boyer and Soles leading the way, but could not overcome ASU's pitching and timely hitting.

PITCHERS OF RECORD
Win: Aissa Silve (11-2)
Final Line: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO
Loss: Blakely Barber (6-2)
Final Line: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 SO

How It Happened | vs Arizona State (Game 2)

No. 20/23 Arizona State opened the scoring with a solo home run to center in the first at-bat of the game.
Kansas answered immediately with a three-run bottom of the first. Anna Soles roped a two-RBI double to center, and September Flanagan added a sacrifice fly to give KU a 3–1 lead.
Kansas broke things open in the second. Ella Boyer delivered an RBI single before Soles launched a three-run home run to right, extending the Jayhawks' lead to 7–1.
Chloe Barber regrouped after the leadoff homer and retired the Sun Devils in order in the second, then worked out of the third with a strikeout looking to end the inning.
Arizona State made its push in the fifth with a three-run homer to cut the deficit to 7–4. Kaelee Washington entered in relief and recorded key outs to stop the rally.
Kansas added four more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Emma Tatum singled, Stafford reached on a fielder's choice, and Bailey Amezcua singled to move Stafford to third. Madi Hays stole second, then Kadence Stafford scored on a fielding error, and Hays crossed home on an RBI single by Ella Boyer, pushing the lead to 11–5.
The Sun Devils responded in the sixth with an RBI double and RBI single to make it 11–7, but Washington shut the door in the seventh, recording a strikeout looking as part of a scoreless frame to secure the win.
Anna Soles drove in five runs across the first two innings, powering Kansas' early offensive surge.
Kansas used two pitchers in the win, with Barber earning the start and Washington closing out the final 2.2 innings.

PITCHERS OF RECORD

Win: Chloe Barber (7-3)
Final Line: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 6 SO
Loss: Aissa Silva (11-3)
Final Line: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 1 BB, 7 SO

Up Next

Kansas continues Big 12 play at home with the final game of the series set for Saturday, April 3, with first pitch slated for 12 p.m. CT. The Friday game has been officially canceled due to inclement weather. Fans can follow all Saturday action through live stats, stream the game on ESPN+, or get updates via the Kansas Softball official X account.