Harrison Lilley – Photographer

hjl5363@psu.edu

The Penn State Behrend softball team split an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, AMCC, doubleheader with Pitt-Greensburg on April 24. The Lions won the nightcap, 9-5, while falling 9-1 in game one.

In game one, Pitt-Greensburg showed their dominance by taking the lead early on with six hits in the five-run second inning. Melanie Mienke pitched an excellent game, striking out eight and allowing just four hits to lead the Bobcats past the Lions in five innings. Jocelyn McNany and Cami McNany each had an extra-base hit, but the lone RBI single came from Emi Curcio in the top of the second. The Bobcats added two runs in the third, one in the fourth and another in the fifth, eventually winning 9-1.

However, the Lions bounced back in game two thanks to the outstanding performance of Meghan Petitte, who hit a grand slam to score four of her team’s five runs. Petitte’s immense contribution helped the Lions claim the nightcap, 9-5.

In the crucial sixth inning, the Lions trailed 5-2 heading into the frame but only needed three hits to score three runs at the top of the inning to take an 8-5 lead. Petitte’s grand slam, along with two other home runs from Sierra Williams, created a perfect win for the Lions. Abby Tingley pitched a complete game, striking out four and allowing just five runs on 10 hits, to get her fifth win of the season.

The Lions are now 14-14, 8-2 AMCC, with their next game scheduled for April 18 against Mount Aloysius. The team will be hoping to continue their good form as the conference tournament approaches.

Penn State Behrend has been one of the better teams in the AMCC this season, and their performance in the second half of the doubleheader shows why they cannot be taken lightly. They need to play with the same intensity that they showcased in game two, especially with the playoffs around the corner. This win will provide a much-needed boost to the Lions as they look to impress in the remainder of their season.

Overall, it was a mixed day for the Penn State Behrend softball team, but the emphatic win in game two will be a reminder of what they are capable of achieving. The Lions will be keen to capitalize on this positive momentum as they enter the final stretch of the season. With talented players like Petitte and Tingley leading the way, the Lions will be confident of putting together a strong performance in the upcoming games. It will be interesting to see how they perform in their next game against Mount Aloysius, and whether they can maintain their good form heading into the conference playoffs.