April 28, 2018
By Andy Kuros, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -1,411 fans filed into their seats Saturday at Beard Field as Penn State took on in-conference Illinois for the conclusion of Friday's rain delayed game and Saturday's scheduled contest. This marks the second time the Nittany Lions broke its attendance record this season, passing the previous high of 1,410 that was set on April 7th when Michigan came to Happy Valley.
"I'd just like to thank all the fans that came out and really represented for our seniors this weekend because they deserve it," head coach Amanda Lehotak said postgame.
Following inclement weather that suspended Friday night's game after just a half inning of play, the Blue and White and Fighting Illini concluded the first game of their series Saturday afternoon and played game two shortly after.
Here are some takeaways from Saturday's action-packed day of softball.
Player of the Day - Paige Johnson
Junior third baseman Paige Johnson was on a fire at the dish in the first two games of the Nittany Lions last home series of the year. In game one she hit a two-out, three-run homerun to left-center field to give Penn State an early 3-0 lead. She then added a two-run homerun to right center field in game two, as she led Penn State offensively.
"It was just about see ball-hit ball," Johnson commented. "I just tried to get back to the simplicity of my swing and be myself again."
"There's honestly no words to describe it," Johnson said about finally hitting her stride at the plate. "I'm so happy to be able to contribute the way I want to contribute to our offense. It's just been a blast the last couple of days."
Johnson hit her fifth and sixth homeruns of the season and pushed her RBI total to 21 on the season, which ranks second on the team.
"It was great to see Paige Johnson get back to her offensive self," Lehotak said about the bio behavioral health major who broke out of her slump in a big way.
"Paige has had really bad luck, where she's hit it right at the (defense)," Lehtok added. "So for Paige, her hard work is finally paying off. She's been frustrated for a while, so it's a relief that it's finally come together."
Johnson will look to continue her hot streak, both offensively and defensively at third base, and add to her new career high mark in homeruns.
Gianna's Big Moment
Shortstop Gianna Arrizurieta, one of the program's three seniors playing in their second to last game at Beard Field, came through in a big spot for the Blue and White Saturday. With Penn State trailing by five and Arrizurieta coming up with the bases loaded and two outs, she hit a line drive down the right field line to score two, cutting down the Illinois lead during game two.
Arrizurieta, with both her good play on the field and good leadership in the locker room, will most certainly be missed by the rest of the Nittany Lions.
"Getting to know the three seniors this year, they're amazing people and I wish the absolute best for them in whatever they choose to do with the rest of their lives," Johnson said about Arrizurieta and the two other senior teammates.
What's Next?
Penn State will conclude its series with Illinois Sunday afternoon at noon in the regular season home finale.