April 14, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State softball team ended up on top in a 1-0 decision over Kent State. Although the nightcap of the double header was cancelled due to inclement weather, the Nittany Lions extended their win streak to five. Penn State is now 14-18 overall while Kent State falls to 17-17. Junior pitcher Jackie Hill (San Jose, Calif.) matched her season high striking out nine en route to taking her 10th win.
Penn State scored the first and only run of the game as freshman catcher Danee Collett (Orange, Calif.) reached on a walk in the bottom of the second. Carnie Smith (New Wilmington, Pa.) then came in to pinch run. Smith stole second and rounded third to score as freshman designated player Lisa Akamine (Escondido, Calif.) singled through the left side.
The stifling defense of the Nittany Lion infield combined with Hill's precision in the circle prevented Kent State from advancing past second through the entire game. Penn State scored one run with three hits while Kent State scattered seven hits and left six on base. Hill took her fifth straight win tying her season high of nine Ks to become 10-5 in the circle.
The Nittany Lions will return to the diamond for the second double header of the week as they host St. Francis (Pa.) Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.