Penn State (20-27, 6-11 Big Ten) struggled offensively in a midweek doubleheader where Saint Francis (40-9, 12-0 NEC) won both meetings 2-0 and 1-0.

The Red Flash pitchers Ethel Santai and Ketarah DeVries allowed just a hit each in the two games where Saint Francis took the opener with runs in the first inning and finally scored in the second game off two doubles in extra innings.

How It Happened

Game One

Marlaina Laubach got the start in the circle for the opener and didn’t begin how she would’ve wanted to with a hit-by-pitch, walk, and single to load the bases. The Red Flash laced a sac fly to right field and stole home to score two runs.

Laubach was locked in the rest of the way, but Penn State struggled offensively against Saint Francis’ Ethel Santai. The senior pitcher allowed just one hit against the Nittany Lions, yet Penn State had its opportunities — including a chance with the bases loaded in the second — from a number of players getting walked. The Red Flash prevailed off of its first-inning production 2-0.

Game Two

There wasn’t much going for either offense as Saint Francis’ DeVries and Penn State sophomore Madison Shaffer each dominated in the circle. The first game was categorized by missed opportunities for the Nittany Lions, but there wasn’t much to be missed out on in the second game with very few runners even reaching base.

Saint Francis had been knocking at the door in later innings, and finally broke through in the eighth after back-to-back doubles with two outs from Sierra McKee and Kassidy Troxell to finally put a run across the board and take the sweep 1-0.

Player Of The Game

Ketarah DeVries | Pitcher | Redshirt Senior

Penn State at least had its opportunities against Santai, but it had nothing going offensively against DeVries. She went the complete eight innings, only giving up a run and a hit, while striking out 10 batters.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions head to College Park for a series with Maryland this weekend. The opening game will air on BTN at 6 p.m. Friday. Saturday’s and Sunday’s matchups will both be on BTN Plus at 1 p.m.