Penn State Softball Dominates USF Tournament

After dominating the early rounds of the USF Tournament this week, Penn State softball defeated Florida Gulf Coast University for the second time in three days Saturday. With the 8-2 victory, the Nittany Lions finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.

Hot Start Leads Lions by FGCU

Penn State started the scoring with a six-run inning in the first.

After an RBI single by Michelle Leone and an RBI double by Lexie Black, the Lions took the early 2-0 lead. Morgan Farrah then hit a bases-clearing double to increase the lead to 5-0 Penn State. A Liana Jones sacrifice fly would add one more run and give Penn State a six-run advantage going into the second inning.

The Nittany Lions would score again in the third inning from a sacrifice fly by Melody Coombs to extend the lead to 7-0. 

FGCU would finally get on the board in the third inning via a groundout that scored a runner from third base to make it a 7-1 game. 

Penn State added their last run of the day after left fielder Liana Jones was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

FGCU would score another run from an RBI double in the sixth inning, but ultimately Penn State softball won this game in dominating fashion, 8-2. 

Where Does Penn State Softball Stand?

With the win, Penn State softball improved to 15-3 and recorded its eighth consecutive win. The Nittany Lions will finally have the chance to enhance their impressive winning streak in front of a friendly crowd this week when they take on Cornell and Canisius in a home-opening doubleheader Friday. 

The Nittany Lions close the USF Invitational 5-0!

Morrison 2-5, 1R
Leone 2-3, 1R, 1RBI, 1BB
Farrah 2-3, 3RBI, 1R
Parshall W, 4IP, 2H, 7K
Oatley 3IP, 2H, 5K#WeAre pic.twitter.com/pEHM3W3PLg

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) March 11, 2023

The question is again raised as to whether Penn State should be ranked. I still think that should be the case. 

While they have not faced any ranked opponents yet, the Lions’ two prolonged winning streaks – matched with only three losses – warrant enough to be ranked. We will see if the committee thinks the same.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at cjmangum29@gmail.com. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!