The Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California marked the Lady Lion’s last softball games before their home opener this Thursday. The team’s first home game at the new stadium probably can’t come soon enough, as they left the “Golden State” with a 2-3 record in the Classic.

In their first game of the weekend, the Lions fell to No. 6 Arizona State 5-1, managing only three hits in the game. They quickly rebounded however with a victory over Fresno State 1-0. Despite another game of struggling at the plate, pitcher Jackie Hill was able to shut down Fresno’s offense with eight strikeouts and only two walks to get her seventh win of the season.

The Nittany Lion bats woke up during the game against No. 9 Oklahoma and totaled thirteen hits, three of which came from right fielder Alyssa Sovereign. Hill had another great game, racking up ten strikeouts in her eighth win.

Unfortunately, the ladies failed to keep the offense alive in their final two games of the Classic, losing close games of 2-1 and 1-0 to Pacific and Boise State.

The softball team will look to get back on track this Thursday when they play their first game on the newly built Beard Stadium. According to GoPSUsports.com, the stadium is named after Lee and William Beard to acknowledge their generous donation to the new field. It has the capacity to seat 1,084 fans, and now has a concession stand, bathrooms, and a new scoreboard with video.

The home opener is a doubleheader against Buffalo with the first game scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be bought through the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office or at the game. Tickets will be $5 for general admission, and students can gain free entrance with a valid student ID.

Show your support for the women’s softball team this Thursday, and as always, follow them on twitter – @PSULionSoftball