READING, Pa. – For the second time in as many outings, Penn State Harrisburg softball defeated top-seeded Penn State Berks in extra innings, this time in the third and deciding game of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Tournament Semifinal Series on Monday afternoon, May 10. The win secures the Lions a spot in the NEAC Championship Series later this week.
HOW IT HAPPENED
With the score tied 3-3 after seven innings of play, Penn State Harrisburg struck first in extra innings. A Krysten Moore double to right center field to begin the top of the eighth and drove in Lauren Hess from second base before Mary-Kate Penczkowski singled through the left side to plate Moore and give the visitors a two-run advantage.
In the bottom of the frame, Penn State Berks cut the deficit to one when an Arizona Shreck single scored Hunter Hart from second base. Penczkowski got right back to work and quickly got back-to-back fly balls to slow the threat. After a single moved Schreck into scoring position, Penczkowski got Maggie Duncan to ground out to Sarah Coolbaugh at second for the final out, sealing the upset victory for Penn State Harrisburg.
The visitors struck first when Steph Reider launched a three-run home run over the fence in left center field in the top of the first inning. After a slow start, Penn State Berks used a pair of doubles, a walk, and an error to plate three runs and draw even in the bottom of the third.
NOTABLES:
- With the victory, Penn State Harrisburg advanced to its first conference championship series in program history.
- The win improved the Blue & White to 13-11-1 on the year.
- The visiting Lions outhit Penn State Berks 13-7 on the day.
- Sarah Coolbaugh was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
- Krysten Moore finished 3-for-4 with a double and drove in one run and scored another.
- Kaylee DeMatteo and Mary-Kate Penczkowski each recorded two hits, with Penczkowski also driving in a run.
- Steph Reider hit her third home run of the season, while Delaney Nevius added a double.
- Courtney Fleisher got the start inside the circle and threw the game's first three innings.
- Penczkowski earned the win, throwing the final five innings and allowing just five hits and a walk.
- The victory improved Penn State Harrisburg to 3-0 in extra-inning games this season.
WHO'S NEXT?
Penn State Harrisburg will take part in the NEAC Championship Series beginning on Saturday afternoon, May 15. The Lions will face the winner of the Penn College/Penn State Abington semifinal series set to get underway on Tuesday, May 11.