Penn State Nittany Lions (25-11, 3-7 Big Ten)
Busy Slate for Softball This Week Includes Six Home Games...Penn State (25-11) hosts Pittsburgh on Tuesday to begin what will be a very busy week for the Nittany Lions. Softball hosts the doubleheader on April 18, with first pitch at 3 p.m. before heading to Akron the next day to make-up a contest from April 4. That game also begins at 3 p.m. A full weekend of Big Ten action highlights the week, including single games vs. Michigan State on Friday, April 21 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 22 at noon. Sunday, April 23, the reigning NCAA champion Michigan Wolverines come to town for a noon doubleheader. Penn State has won the last two meetings with Michigan, both when the Wolverines were ranked No. 1.
Pitcher/designated player Jenn Reynolds looks to stay hot this week after batting nearly .600 in the Lions' four games last week, including hitting the game-winning homerun vs. Minnesota on Saturday. (Photo by Steve Manuel)
Radio Coverage for This Week... Four of Penn State's six games this week will be broadcast live on www.GoPSUsports.com as well as locally on WBLF 970 AM. The Pittsburgh doubleheader can be heard on both outlets starting at 3 p.m. Friday's match-up with Michigan State will also be aired live as will Penn State and Michigan's noon doubleheader on Sunday.
Lions Among NCAA's Elite Fielders... In the NCAA rankings, Penn State is at the top for fielding percentage, touting a .982 with only 19 errors through 36 games. Penn State is in a three-way deadlock with UC-Santa Barbara and Stanford for the category lead. Penn State's ERA is also ranked in the top 15, settling in at No. 13 (1.34). Individually, Missy Beseres and Meghan Wolfer also made the list. Beseres' 1.14 ERA was 29th in the rankings while Wolfer's 0.43 sacrifices per game was ranked seventh nationally.
Join the World's Largest Softball Tailgate with the Lions... This Saturday's game versus Michigan State will feature Penn State's attempt to break the record for the World's Largest Softball Tailgate! Thanks to Dick's Sporting Goods, a select few will win a chance to trade in your lawnchair for our "Best Tailgate Seat in the House." Bring your oldest and ugliest lawn chairs for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Last Time Out... Penn State took two from Big Ten foe Minnesota with a pair of 3-0 decisions, both pitched by Minneapolis-native Missy Beseres (Golden Valley, Minn.). The pair of wins brings the Lions' conference record to 3-7 this year and extends their current win streak to four games.
Intra-state Rivals Square Off... The Penn State/Pitt softball series only dates back to 2000, but represents a rivalry near to every Penn Stater's heart. The Nittany Lions own a 3-0 advantage on the softball field, with the Lions taking a pair from the Panthers on April 13, 2005, in Pittsburgh by scores of 7-1 and 10-1.
Robin Petrini Gets Career Win No. 300... The Nittany Lions' 8-0 victory in game two vs. Bucknell last Tuesday night signaled Penn State head coach Robin Petrini's 300th of her career. Petrini is in her 10th season with the Lions and now has a 302-245-1 career mark after a weekend pair of victories over Minnesota. She has guided the Lions to five NCAA Tournament appearances, six Big Ten Tournament appearances and six 30-win seasons.
Promotions Abound at Nittany Lion Field... Fans- don't miss any of the excitement at Nittany Lion Field this season! Penn State has plenty of home games during the month of April for Lion fans to check out the Damon's 3-up/3-down giveaway, or snag a foul ball and exchange it for a free cone at Ben and Jerry's, or pick up your 2006 schedule poster. Also, during the April 22 contest vs. Michigan State, bring your ugliest lawn chair for a chance to upgrade with a $25 gift card to Dick's. Head to Nittany Lion Field before the Blue/White game for your chance to win.
Akron Game Moved to April 19... Due to inclement weather on the originally schedule date, Penn State will travel to Akron on April 19 to make-up the contest. The doubleheader will begin at 3 p.m. for the two Mideast Region foes.
Many Dates Remain on Penn State Radio Schedule... Numerous dates remain for out-of-town fans to catch-up with the Nittany Lions over the airwaves. In addition to this week's Minnesota contest on Friday, the following Penn State softball contests will also be carried live on GoPSUsports.com and in State College and surrounding areas on WBLF 970 AM.
April 18 PITTSBURGH (DH) 3:00 p.m. April 21 MICHIGAN STATE 6:00 p.m. April 23 MICHIGAN (DH) Noon April 26 at Kent State (DH) 3:00 p.m. May 6 OHIO STATE 1:00 p.m. May 11-13 Big Ten Tournament TBA May 19-22 NCAA Regionals