by Kendis Butler '23

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Penn State Harrisburg women's softball team split their first two games of the 2023 campaign against Wilkes and Gettysburg in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Sunday, March 5. The Lions defeated Wilkes 4-3 in a full seven-inning battle while they dropped a 12-1 decision to Gettysburg later that afternoon. 

GAME 1

The Lions made a dent in the scoring column early on in the first and second innings against the Colonels. Steph Reider flied out to left field in order to let Madelyn Lehigh cross home plate in the beginning inning to earn Penn State Harrisburg's first run of the contest. In the second inning, Lehigh recorded an RBI on a single to right field which allowed Elaina Gates and Mackenzie Fisher to score and expand the lead to 3-0. 

Wilkes got a run of their own in the third inning with a double from Nicole Howell but the Lions answered the very next inning when Lehigh tripled to center field and Gates scored the final run of the game for Penn State Harrisburg. The Colonels' Hayden Calaman shrunk the deficit to 4-2 in the seventh inning by tripling to right field but it was too late for a comeback. 

On the mound, Mackenzie Sawdey pitched all seven innings for the Lions as she recorded eight strikeouts throughout the contest. 

GAME 2

Penn State Harrisburg fell behind quickly and got down 9-0 by the top of the third inning. The Blue & White saw some daylight when Mackenzie Fisher allowed Kierstyn Smith to score the team's only run of the contest. However, the Bullets finished strong throughout the fifth and ended the game 12-1. 

Gettysburg relied on Lauren O'Leary who had a double, triple, and a RBI, Michaela Carroll who produced two doubles and two RBI, and Gianna Peralta who racked up two triples and three RBI. Smith was the sole Lion to tally an RBI against the Bullets. On the mound, Smith pitched the bulk of the innings, while Sawdey and Carissa Yeager both made an appearance as well. 

NOTABLES 

- Lehigh led the Lions throughout the day as she produced a run, three hits, a pair of RBI, and a triple. 

- In the first contest of the day, Sawdey earned eight strikeouts on the mound and had ten total strikeouts through both games. The freshman earned the first win of her collegiate career against Wilkes. 

- Smith tallied a run and a hit against the Bullets. 

- Fisher added a run and two hits versus Wilkes. 

- Against the Colonels, Gates finished with a pair of runs and a hit. 

- Reider drove in a run off a sacrifice fly during the Lions' first contest.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions continue their stay in South Carolina by facing off against Cedar Crest at 11 a.m. and Ursinus at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 6. 

STAY CONNECTED

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.