UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Penn State softball team (17-11, 0-0 Big Ten) extended its winning streak to seven games with a 2-1 win over Saint Francis (Pa.) Tuesday at Nittany Lion Softball Park and Beard Field.
All scoring happened in the first two innings of the game, with Mel Coombs's RBI double in the bottom of the second inning being the difference. From there on, the Nittany Lions put on a show on the defensive side of the ball, limiting the Red Flash to only five hits and one run in the game.
How It Happened
Penn State opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. A sac fly to center field by Lexie Black drove home Cassie Lindmark to make it a 1-0 game after one inning of play. Lindsay Ward quickly erased the Nittany Lion lead, tying up the game up in the top of the second via a solo home run.
In the bottom half of the second, Mel Coombs roped a ball down the left field line, seeing Liana Jones across the plate and giving the Nittany Lions the 2-1 advantage. From there on out, it was a defensive battle.
Lilia Crouthamel made a spectacular catch in the top of the third. The center fielder fully extended for a ball and made an amazing diving catch to save an extra base hit. Maggie Finnegan made a great catch the next inning, jumping up against the wall and robbing the Red Flash of another extra base hit.
Kylee Lingenfelter and Vanessa Oatley both saw action in the circle, but it was Bailey Parshall who closed out the game for Penn State. The senior went three innings, only allowing two hits, while securing her eleventh win of the season as Penn State held on for the 2-1 win.
Game Notes
- The Nittany Lions are on their first seven game win streak since 2016, when they won seven straight games from March 23 to April 4.
- Cassie Lindmark extended her hitting streak to 12 games in the win. It continues to be the longest streak by a Nittany Lion this season.
- Over the last four games, Mel Coombs has four RBI, which accounts for all her RBI this season.
- For the fifth game in a row, the Nittany Lions committed zero errors on defense.
On Deck
The Nittany Lions open up Big Ten play with a series against Maryland. Game one of that series will take place on Friday, March 25 with first pitch set for 6 p.m.