Penn State Harrisburg 9, Cedar Crest 0 (6 Innings)
Harrisburg Lineup
Humphrey cf, Krantz 2b, Gochenaur 3b, Hartman p, Emmett c, Bruno ss, DeMatteo 1b, Nevius rf, and Simon lf
Cedar Crest Lineup
Santaniello 2b, Bilous lf, Van Buskirk c, Horning 3b, Dalton 1b, Herpel ss, Savini rf, Young p, and Sarboukh cf
How It Happened
The Penn State Harrisburg softball team got their 2019 campaign under way, taking on Cedar Crest College in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Lions offense was able to get baserunners into scoring position throughout the opening four innings, but could not but a run on the board. Pitcher Allison Hartman kept the Falcons offense off balance, holding them to just two hits in the first five innings while striking out six batters.
Harrisburg's offense would finally come alive in the bottom of the fifth inning. Delaney Nevius sparked the rally by leading off the inning with a double into right center. Kaylee Simon followed with a well-placed bunt allowing her to reach first and Nevius to move to third. Simon would then steal second base, causing the Falcons to commit an error allowing Nevius to score the game's first run. Katie Humphrey doubled to center field, driving in Simon. After Humphrey advanced to third base, Carlee Gochenaur would drive a sacrifice fly into center field giving the Lions a 3-0 lead heading to the sixth inning.
Hartman would once again stymie the Falcons offense in the top of the sixth inning, maintaining the advantage. Dominique Emmett would lead off the sixth inning with a massive homerun blast, clearing the scoreboard in left center field. Having captured the momentum, the Lions offense would start to roll with Kaylee DeMatteo singling up the middle to score Nina Bruno. Singles by Nevius and Humphrey would load the bases for Carlee Gochenaur who delivered a single into left field plating two more runs. Hartman would close out the game with a double down the left field line, allowing the Lions to pick up the mercy rule victory.
At the Plate
- Carlee Gochenaur delivered driving in 3 RBI's for the Lions including a 2-run single in the sixth inning
- Dominique Emmett crushed her first home run of the season
- Delaney Nevius sparked the Lions offense, going 2-3 with a double
- Katie Humphrey went 2-2 with a RBI and a double
- Allison Hartman closed out the game with a walk-off double to left field driving 2 RBI's
In the Circle
- Allison Hartman got her season off to a strong start, recording 6 strike outs and allowing only three hits on her way to the shutout victory
Penn State Harrisburg 11, Lehman 1 (5 Innings)
Harrisburg Lineup
Humphrey cf, Simon p, Gochenaur 2b, Hartman 1b, Bruno ss, Roelli c, Nevius lf, DeMatteo 3b, and Dixon rf
Lehman Lineup
Alexander ss, Vilegas 1b, Vernon c, Adames p, Gilflan 2b, Delgaldo 3b, Guerrero rf, Wenyfel-Brito lf, and Cruz
How It Happened
Using momentum from their early victory, the Lions jumped out to a quick advantage against Lehman College. In the second inning, Kaylee DeMatteo singled with two outs. Sierra Dixon singled into left center field and after an error by the Lightning's left fielder advanced to third base bringing in DeMatteo for the game's first run.
The Blue & White would take control of the game in the third inning. With Carlee Gochenaur and Allison Hartman on base, Nina Bruno would crush a line drive down the left field line hustling around the bases for the inside the park three-run home run. Jessica Roelli would follow that up with a single and Delaney Nevius drew a walk to once again put runners on base. With DeMatteo up to bat, a pair of wild pitches would allow both runners to score. After a DeMatteo walked, Katie Humphrey doubled to right field driving in DeMatteo and putting Harrisburg ahead 7-0.
Singles by Roelli and Humphrey and a sacrifice fly from DeMatteo would increase the Lions advantage to 11 in the fourth inning. Meanwhile pitcher Kaylee Simon controlled Lehman's offense allowing one run on three hits while striking out seven batters. Simon would close out the mercy rule victory striking out two of the last three batters, picking up her first collegiate victory in the process.
At the Plate
- Nina Bruno hit her first career homerun, driving in three runs in the third inning
- Katie Humphrey had another big game, going 3-4 while driving in 3 RBI's
- Jessica Roelli reached base 3 times, going 2-2 with a walk while driving in a RBI
- As a team the Lions were disciplined at the plate, drawing eight walks
In the Circle
- Kaylee Simon allowed 1 run on 3 hits while strikeout 7 batters on her way to her first career collegiate victory
Who's Next?
Tomorrow the Lions will continue their spring break trip, taking on Hilbert College at 11:30 p.m. and former Capital Athletic Conference foe Wesley at 3:30 p.m.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow the Lions on Instagram (@pennstatehbgathletics), Twitter (@PSHbgAthletics), and Facebook (Penn State Harrisburg Athletics) for all the latest on Penn State Harrisburg athletics.