Softball
After season-opening win, softball drops a pair
Despite upsetting No. 22 LSU on Friday night, Penn State softball dropped consecutive games to Louisiana Tech and LSU Saturday.
More than 1,000 fans were in attendance to watch Nittany Lions catcher Kasie Hatfield’s bases-clearing double in the fifth inning which sparked the victory on Friday night.
Hatfield’s double to right-centerfield plated Kailyn Johnson, Danee Collett and Alyssa Sovereign, all of whom reached base either by way of being hit by pitch or walk. The fifth inning rally gave Penn State a three-run lead, which would prove to be enough, as the Lions won, 5-3.
Starting pitcher Lisa Akamine pitched all seven innings, allowing just three runs on five hits. Akamine helped her own cause in the fifth inning rally, as she singled and later scored for the Lions’ second run of the evening.
Saturday morning’s game in the Tiger Classic matched the Lions against Louisiana Tech, and the Lady Techsters squeaked out a 4-2 victory over Penn State.
Penn State starting pitcher Marissa Diescher was roughed up for three runs in the first five innings before the freshman was relieved by Jordan Wheatley. Johnson continued her hot streak, going 3-for-4 in the losing effort, tying her previous career high for hits.
The final matchup on Saturday for the Lions paired them against LSU once again.
In an extra inning showdown, the Lady Tigers came out on top, 1-0.
Wheatley got the start for the contest, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings before being replaced by Akamine, who went on to pitch 4.1 innings. The pair went toe-to-toe with LSU’s Rachele Fico, who dominated Penn State all day, striking out 10 Lions in eight scoreless innings.
Wheatley and Johnson were the only Penn Staters to attain base hits before LSU’s Tammy Wray ended the game on a fielder’s choice.
After the first three games of the season, Johnson is hitting .500 with a double and four walks, while Akamine sports a 1-1 record and 1.85 ERA.
After the results of Friday and Saturday, Penn State rests at 1-2, with one more chance for redemption Sunday morning against Michigan.