Penn State softball upsets highly-ranked SEC foe with late-inning rally

Penn State softball kicked off its 2024 season this week at the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida. The Nittany Lions have begun the new year as hot as the weather in the Sunshine State, charging out to a 5-0 start. However, the most impressive win came against a highly ranked SEC foe, as Penn State took down No. 16 Arkansas Saturday 3-2, the Nittany Lions first ranked win in over two years.

Penn State softball upsets No. 16 Arkansas

Although the scoring started early, this contest was ultimately a rubber match. The Razorbacks got on the board in the top of the first with a sacrifice fly, answered by the Nittany Lions in the second when senior outfielder Liana Jones hit a triple that scored Gaby Garcia. 

Arkansas reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning off an RBI single. However, Penn State would quickly respond, with Haylie Brunson driving home a run in the bottom half of the inning with a single of her own.

The Nittany Lion pitchers then went to work, with Paige Maynard, Mady Volpe, and Bridget Nemeth holding the Razorbacks scoreless for the rest of the game. This one ultimately went to extra innings, where Emily Maddock hit a walk-off single in the eight to give Penn State softball the 3-2 upset win. 

Freshman two-way player Bridget Nemeth picked up the win, allowing no hits, no earned runs, and no walks while striking out three in the final two innings of the game.  Starting pitcher Paige Maynard surrendered two hits, two earned runs, and three walks in 3.2 innings. Mady Volpe allowed two hits and three walks while striking out three in relief.

First win over a nationally ranked opponent since 2021? This is Penn State softball.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/LVwtr6drW4

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) February 10, 2024

What’s next for the Nittany Lions?

Penn State softball concluded the Paradise Classic with back-to-back games against the Ohio Bobcats, the last of which took place on Sunday morning. The Nittany Lions went undefeated in those games, outscoring the Bobcats 12-1 in the process.

Penn State will remain in Florida this week, participating in THE Spring Games tournament next weekend. First pitch against Kansas will be at 2 p.m. on Friday.

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