DURHAM, N.C. – Penn State softball (9-10) took the early lead but were not able hold on in a tough battle with No. 13 Duke in Durham Tuesday evening.
The Nittany Lions wasted no time getting on the board as Ally Kurland ripped her ninth double of the year to the gap. After Kurland advanced to third on Michelle Leone's groundout, Lexie Black went deep to center for a two-run homer and the early lead for Penn State. Black's home run is her fifth of the season and extends her team-leading hit streak to eight games.
After Bailey Parshall recorded the first two outs, Duke worked the count for a pair of walks before a single by Kelly Torres scored Jameson Kavel. Parshall induced a foul out to end the threat. The Blue Devils would strike again with two outs in the second inning on a Deja Davis solo shot to tie the game at 2-2.
Both pitchers settled into a groove over the next couple of innings until the Blue Devils managed to push two runs across to take a 4-2 lead after five innings. The Lions were not able to close the gap
Game Notes:
- Lexie Black hit her fifth home run of the season in the opening frame to give the Lions the early 2-0 lead. Black's home run extended her hitting streak to eight games.
Up Next:
The Nittany Lions finish off their season-opening road trip at in-state foe Pitt Wednesday at 5 p.m. The game will air live on the ACC Network.