LEESBURG, Fla. – The Penn State softball team (0-12, 0-12 Big Ten) dropped the series finale to Illinois (10-2, 10-2 Big Ten), 8-0, in six innings Sunday morning at Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex.
Sophomore Michelle Leone hit a lead-off single in the top of the first to get the Nittany Lions' offense going, but she was stranded to bring the defense to the field.
The Illini then took an early 1-0 lead with a triple and a sacrifice fly.
Senior Dani Fey singled to lead off the top of the second and then stole second but was caught trying to steal third to stall the offense.
The Penn State defense was able to keep the Illini at bay the next three innings, including a great tag at home by junior catcher Ally Kurland in the bottom of the fourth for the third out to keep it a one-run game.
Senior Kennedy Legg doubled in the top of the fifth but was stranded.
Illinois then scored six runs on four hits and an error in the bottom half of the frame to take a 7-0 lead after five.
They added the walk-off run in the bottom of the sixth for the run-rule victory.
ON DECK
Penn State has a week off before starting play on campus sites. The Nittany Lions will travel to Lincoln, Neb., March 26-28, for a four-game series with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
