March 15, 2008
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Penn State University softball team (14-8) had two outstanding pitching performances from senior Jenn Reynolds (Clovis, Calif./Clovis) and sophomore Kimi Wong (Goleta, Calif./Don Pueblos) who held their opponents hitless through 5.2 innings and 4.1 innings, respectively. In the first game Reynolds dominated throughout holding Dartmouth University (1-6) to only one hit as PSU went on to win 7-0. In game two, Wong went 6.1 innings while redshirt freshman Jackie Hill (San Jose, Calif./Leigh) came in and picked up the win as the Nittany Lions defeated Liberty (2-17-1) 2-1 in nine innings.
Leading PSU in game one was junior Kayce Zielinski (Arlington, Texas/Kennedale) and freshman Janelle Lukens (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) who each picked up two hits while Zielinski added two RBIs. Senior Ashley Esparza (San Pedro, Calif./San Pedro) also had two RBIs while freshman Desi Giordano (West Caldwell, N.J./Caldwell) picked up the one remaining RBI. Reynolds went the distance while striking out three and allowing only one hit which was a blooper over third base in the sixth.
In game two, junior All-American Danielle Kinley (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad) showed why she was awarded the AA distinction as she went 5-for-5 with two RBI including a walk-off double in the ninth. Five others added hits including Esparza, Zielinski, Wong, Hollee Haines (Riverside, Calif./Martin Luther King) and Shana Madura (Slate Hill, N.Y./Minisink Valley).
Wong went 6.1 innings striking out four while allowing just two hits. Hill picked up the remaining 2.2 innings striking out two and allowing a hit.
The Nittany Lions will return to action tomorrow, March 16, at 9:00 a.m. as they take on the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before finishing the tournament with an 11:00 a.m. match-up with Boston University.