DuBOIS, Pa. — The final week of March typically means a full schedule for both the baseball and softball teams at Penn State DuBois. This year was no different, with both teams playing six games last week. Now, both teams will be looking to find more successes this week, as a full slate of games is again on the schedule.
To start last week, Penn State DuBois traveled for a doubleheader against Penn State Fayette. Despite a strong effort, DuBois fell short, succumbing to Fayette with a final score of 4-3.
The Lady Lions started strong, rallying for three runs in the third inning. Paige Pleta ignited the offense with a pivotal double, while Allison Lininger came through with clutch RBI hits. However, Fayette countered in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on opportunities to push ahead on the scoreboard.
On the mound, Kelsey Stuart battled fiercely for DuBois, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out four. Despite her efforts, she was credited with the loss.
Offensively, Pleta and Lininger led the charge for the Lady Lions, with Pleta registering a hit, a run, and an RBI, including a stolen base, while Lininger contributed two RBIs. Defensively, the team showed resilience, holding their opponent to just four runs despite the loss.
Although the outcome wasn't in its favor, DuBois showcased determination and skill throughout the game.
In game two of the day, Mother Nature played a contributing factor. Although the game started and DuBois pulled out to a 9-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning, the game had to be suspended because of weather conditions. The game is scheduled to be resumed on April 10.
The Lady Lions then returned home to Heindl Field on Friday when they hosted Penn State Brandywine for a doubleheader. In a challenging matchup on its home turf, DuBois faced a formidable offensive onslaught from Brandywine, resulting in a 19-7 defeat.
Despite a valiant effort, the Lady Lions struggled to contain Brandywine's relentless hitting barrage. Offensively, Natalie Bowser and Kelsey Stuart showcased their skills, with Bowser going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Stuart delivering a stellar 3-for-4 performance, including a double, with three RBIs. However, their contributions weren't enough to overcome Brandywine's dominant display.
On the mound, Aleigha Geer got the start for DuBois but encountered difficulties, yielding six runs in just 2.2 innings. Stuart and Megan Hyde also took the mound, but they faced challenges against Brandywine's potent lineup, with Hyde conceding eight runs in 1.2 innings.
The Lady Lions then looked to turn the results around in game two of the day. In game two, DuBois showcased its prowess on both offense and defense in an impressive 8-1 victory over Brandywine.
Starting with a strong defensive performance, DuBois limited Brandywine's offensive opportunities, holding them to just one run on five hits. Hyde led the charge, delivering a stellar performance on the mound, allowing only one run while striking out five batters over the course of seven innings.
Offensively, the Lady Lions capitalized on their opportunities, posting four runs in the third inning and adding three more in the fourth to secure a commanding lead. Bowser led the charge with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, including a double and two RBIs, while Chelsea Busatto and Stuart contributed with key hits and RBIs.
Defensively, Penn State DuBois remained solid throughout the game, supported by strong performances from Caitlyn Watson, who made key plays at shortstop, and Makena Baney, who contributed both defensively and offensively.
With this victory, DuBois demonstrated the ability to bounce back from a tough loss, staying focused on the moment to get the win in game two.
The Lady Lions returned to action the next day when they traveled to face Penn State Schuylkill away from home. Two tightly contested games ensued, with DuBois falling in both games.
In a closely contested matchup in game one, DuBois faced off against Schuylkill, but ultimately fell short in a 4-2 loss.
The Lady Lions got off to a promising start, tallying one run in the first inning courtesy of a triple by Watson, who later crossed home plate. However, they struggled to maintain momentum as the game progressed, adding just one more run in the third inning on an RBI by Lininger.
On the defensive side, Stuart started strong for DuBois, holding Schuylkill scoreless through the first inning and a third. However, Schuylkill mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring two runs to take the lead.
Despite a valiant effort from Hyde, who entered the game in the second inning and held Schuylkill to just two runs over the remainder of the game, DuBois couldn't overcome the deficit.
The Lady Lions once again looked to rebound in game two. In another tight game, DuBois battled against Schuylkill but fell short in a hard fought 5-4 loss.
DuBois got off to a strong start, tallying two runs in the first inning, fueled by a double from Watson and a home run by Bowser. However, Penn State Schuylkill quickly responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the first.
The game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Lady Lions managed to add one more run in the third inning on an RBI by Audrey Walker, but Penn State Schuylkill continued to apply pressure, scoring two runs in the second inning and one in the third to take the lead.
Despite a valiant effort from DuBois, including solid pitching performances from Geer and Hyde, they couldn't quite mount a comeback against a resilient Penn State Schuylkill squad.
The game, which featured strong performances from both teams, showcased the competitive spirit and determination of DuBois and Schuylkill on the softball diamond.
