Shutouts were everywhere this weekend for the Penn State softball team. Unfortunately, twice the Nittany Lions were the ones not scoring.

Penn State (19-14, 3-3 Big Ten) lost to Illinois (24-8, 2-2) Friday, 6-0, and beat them Saturday, 2-0. The Lions were able to hold off Northwestern (21-11, 3-5) in game one yesterday, 1-0, but fell in the second game of the doubleheader, 4-0.

The Lions could not get the bats rolling in the loss to Illinois, collecting only four hits. Gina Bianchini and Erin Norton each had two of the hits.

The third inning was big for the Illini. Third baseman Erin Jones hit a bases loaded triple to build a 3-0 lead. Catcher Janna Sartini connected on a two-run home run, her fifth of the year, two batters later. Illinois added its last run the next inning when outfielder Sarah Baumgartner led off with her third home run of the season.

That ended the day for Penn State starter Marisa Hanson (9-7). She gave up six runs on six hits in getting the loss. Tina Skelly finished the game, allowing just one hit.

Illinois got a complete-game from Amanda Fortune (15-5). She walked five batters to go along with the four hits she allowed.

Unfortunately for Penn State, all that translated into was nine runners left on base.

The offensive star for Penn State in Saturday's 2-0 win was third baseman Destinie Chavez. Chavez went 2-for-2, scored both of Penn State's runs, and collected her second home run of the season leading off the fifth inning.

The first run of the game came in the third inning on a bases-loaded single by right fielder Kelley Galigher.

Skelly (6-6) started the game on the mound and picked up the win. Shana Riggleman closed out the game, allowing just one hit in picking up her first save of the season.

Even without a sweep this weekend, Penn State softball coach Robin Petrini was satisfied with the results.

"Getting a split out of a Big Ten series is a big deal," Petrini said. "I will take [a split] any day."

In yesterday's opener, the Lions got all the offense they would need from a sixth-inning solo home run by Galigher. It was her second of the season.

Riggleman (4-1) threw the shutout for Penn State. Petrini said that her performance was great and really important for the team. Northwestern pitcher Courtnay Foster (9-6) struck out nine and allowed just two hits but still suffered the loss.

The home run was the weapon of choice for the Wildcats in the second game. Right fielder Erin Mobley and first baseman Robyn Pettinger each hit a homer in the third inning. Lauren Schwendimann added another in the fifth inning.

Schwendimann (7-4) also got the win on the mound, throwing the three-hit shutout. Skelly could not make it out of the third inning and took the loss.