UNIVERISTY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Softball (16-4) split its home-opening doubleheader on Thursday, defeating UMBC, 4-1, but dropping its second matchup to Cornell, 4-3.
Penn State's ace pitcher Bailey Parshall hurled seven dominant innings in the defeat of UMBC, allowing just one run on three hits and fanning five.
On the offensive end, it was Lexie Black and Melody Coombs who shined. The duo combined for a 9-for-12 performance on the night with three runs and four RBIs.
Game 1: Penn State 4 UMBC 1
The Nittany Lions jumped out to an early advantage when Coombs singled to centerfield then got into scoring position by stealing a base. Lydia Coleman moved Coombs over when she reached on an error. Morrison singled to short left field after Coleman brought home Coombs. Lexie Black doubled to the left centerfield, scoring both Coleman and Morrison and extending the Penn State advantage to three.
The Retrievers wouldn't go down quietly however. Emily Riggs took a Parshall fastball over the centerfield fence to put UMBC on the board.
Penn State got its run back when Kaitlyn Morrison and Michelle Leone hit back-to-back doubles.
Parshall was able to shut the Retrievers down in the final inning and the Nittany Lions took their home opener, 4-1.
Game 2- Penn State 3 Cornell 4
Coombs opened up the game with a single and then swiped second base to enter scoring position. Black singled her home three batters later and the Nittany Lions jumped out to an early lead.
Coombs scored again in the third inning after singing and moving to third on a Coleman ground out. Black doubled to the left field gap driving home Coombs and extending the Nittany Lions lead to two.
In the fourth, Maggie Finnegan singled to reach base and worked herself to third. She reached home after a Cornell fielding error off the bat of Lilia Crouthamel and extended the Nittany Lions lead to three.
Cornell began its comeback in the top of the fifth inning when Cornell was able to load the bases after Lingenfelter allowed a hit and two walks. Sydney Stapf tripled home three and tied the game at three for Cornell.
The Big Red was able to take the lead in the sixth inning when Ellla Harrod snagged home on a passed ball.
Penn State loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning after Lexie Black, who was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, was intentionally walked. The Nittany Lions however weren't able to get anyone home, dropping the contest, 4-3.
Next Up
The Nittany Lions continue the Penn State Classic as they will get a rematch with Cornell tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. after a 4 p.m. matchup with Canisius.