Penn State softball falls in B1G Tournament, awaits College World Series fate

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After a dramatic win in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday, Penn State softball faced off against second-seed Indiana on Thursday in round two. The Nittany Lions kept it close throughout the game but could not overcome a late extra-inning rally from the Hoosiers and were eliminated from conference title contention.

Hoosiers eliminate Lions for title contention

Indiana scored the first run of the game via a solo home run in the second. After trailing for three innings, Penn State answered in the fifth when Amanda Mack hit a sacrifice fly ball to score Maddie Gordon, tying the game 1-1.

However, the Hoosiers quickly responded in their half of the fifth with another solo home run, reclaiming the lead. The Lions fought back in the sixth with an RBI single from catcher Cassie Lindmark that scored Lydia Spalding, tying the game once again.

At this point, both offenses stalled, and the game headed into extra innings. Lexie Black continued her hot streak in the top of the eighth by belting a two-run home run to put Penn State up 4-2. However, Indiana would tie the game again in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run double.

After holding the Nittany Lions scoreless in the top of the ninth, the Hoosiers hit a solo home run to win in walk-off fashion, 5-4, and eliminate Penn State from title contention. 

Does a NCAA Tournament bid await Penn State softball?

Although eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament, the Lions await a potential bid in the Women’s College World Series. An NCAA Tournament invitation is likely for Penn State softball after coming off the program’s second straight thirty-win season. 

This season also saw stellar individual achievements, such as when super senior pitcher Bailey Parshall broke two program records in a single game. The Lions battled all year against conference opponents, finishing at .500 in Big Ten play. Penn State softball has built a solid resume to be among the 64 teams featured in this year’s WCWS. The selection show is on Sunday, May 14th, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. Stay tuned to find out if the Lions secure a bid!

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