Posted March 27, 2024 | Article by Maddie Bader | Photo by Matt McLaughlin
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Nittany Lions mercy-ruled the Bucknell Bisons 10-2 for another Nittany Lion Softball Park & Beard Field victory on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Penn State started the game quietly with just one run in the first inning; however, they quickly turned up the heat.
In the bottom of the second inning, Emily Maddock, in what felt like a never-ending standoff, took 12 pitches before being walked to second.
“When [Maddock] is in there and putting swings on the ball it is just a matter of time until she wins it”, head coach Clarisa Crowell said.
Her patience and consistency at the plate loaded up the bases for the Nittany Lions.
“I knew she was going to get on,” Gaby Garcia said. “I have that trust in my teammate.”
Following Maddock’s battle at the plate, Garcia knocked the ball out of the park hitting the scoreboard in left field with a grand slam that instantaneously brought energy to Beard Field. This play gave the Nittany Lions a five-run lead and a bit of breathing room for the remainder of the game.
“[The grand slam] gave us some momentum,” Garcia said. “Overall, I think it just set the tone of ‘this is our house’ for the rest of the game.”
At the top of the fifth inning, the Bisons had two RBIs in an attempt to put themselves back in the game; however, the Nittany Lions answered with four runs by Poletti, Barbanente, Maddock and Garcia.
The game marked Penn State’s ninth consecutive win. The Nittany Lions look to continue this win streak on Friday when they take on the Maryland Terrapins.
“We are going to keep having fun and we are going to keep playing together,” Garcia said. “Just do Penn State Softball.”
Madeline Bader is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email madelinegbader@gmail.com
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