COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Penn State softball team (22-25, 6-11 Big Ten) was able to pull within one after trailing late in the game, but ultimately fell to Maryland (20-23, 4-11 Big Ten), 5-4, Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Maryland Softball Stadium.
The first two innings remained scoreless for both teams, as both registered two hits and stranded both runners.
The Nittany Lions then jumped in front in the top of the third with a solo home run that stayed just left of the foul pole in right field from senior Toni Polk to go up 1-0.
Maryland took the lead for the first time in the series in the bottom half of the frame, scoring three runs on three hits and an error.
The Terps continued their offensive momentum in the fourth inning, tacking on two more runs on three hits to take a 5-1 advantage after four innings of play.
Penn State started its comeback bid in the top of the fifth to pull within one and make it a game again. With two outs, Polk and Claire Swedberg both drew walks to bring Chelsea Bisi to the plate. The freshman blasted a line drive straight out of the park for a three-run home run, her second home run in as many games and her 11th of the season.
After two good defensive innings, the offense returned to the plate in the top of the seventh and were able to get runners in scoring position. Bisi again come up to bat with two outs and had a well-hit ball to the same spot in left field as her home run but it was tracked down by Maryland to end the game.
The Nittany Lions still won the series, 2-1, for their second series win this season.
Penn State returns to Happy Valley for a midweek non-conference doubleheader with Bucknell on Wednesday, April 24 starting at 5 p.m.
Game Notes:
- Home runs by Toni Polk and Chelsea Bisi mark Penn State's 11th multi-home run game this season. The duo remains tied for the team lead in the category with 11 each.
- Penn State is now 20-6 when scoring at least three runs.
- Penn State is 5-9 in one-run games this season.