SOFTBALL | Lions Sweep Doubleheader

Penn State softball continued its winning streak Thursday after coming off an undefeated weekend. The Nittany Lions captured both games of a doubleheader as part of the USF Tournament in Tampa, Florida. With Thursday’s victories, Penn State has won 5 games in a row, including 2 doubleheader sweeps in six days. 

Lions Win Opening Nailbiter

This game was a pitcher’s duel. Penn State started the scoring immediately in the first inning with a sacrifice fly from right fielder Maggie Finnegan. Leadoff hitter Melody Coombs was able to score from third base, and DP Lydia Coleman was also able to score after reaching third base due to a throwing error. The Lions took the early lead, 2-0.

FGCU would answer in the third inning and score two runs after a sacrifice fly and an RBI single, which tied the game at two runs a piece.

The winning run would be scored for Penn State in the bottom of the sixth inning. Emily Maddock, who was pinch-hitting for Lauren Marcotte, hit an RBI single to score Maddie Gordon from third base. Ultimately, Penn State softball won the nailbiter by a final score of 3-2.  

Kylee Lingenfelter (4H 2 ER 1K) picks up her fourth win and remains undefeated on the season.

Déjà Vu for Penn State Softball

In many ways, this game felt similar to the first. USF struck first with an RBI single in the third inning and another RBI single in the fourth inning, putting the Bulls up 2-0.

Penn State would score all three of its runs in the sixth inning. Kaitlyn Morrison reached on an error by the USF shortstop that allowed Melody Coombs to score from third and put Penn State on the board, 2-1.  

The breakthrough play was Lauren Marcotte’s single that scored two runners and gave Penn State its first lead, 3-2.  

The pitching staff would hold on and secure the win by that same score. The win was attributed to pitcher Vanessa Oatley, who entered the game in relief of Bailey Parshall and did not give up any hits or runs. 

With the 2-0 start, the Lions move to 12-3 on the year. Penn State softball plays in another doubleheader on Friday, with Game 1 against St. Francis and Game 2 against Marist.   

?Nittany Lions Win Game 1?

Maddock 1-1, 1B, 1 GW RBI
Coombs 1-2, 1B, BB, R
Coleman 1-2, 1B, BB, R
Lingenfelter 1-0, 4H, 1K, 2ER#WeAre pic.twitter.com/jF8ywqQsBF

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) March 9, 2023

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