Penn State softball (5-30) was swept yet again this weekend, as it fell to Indiana (23-17) in all four games. There were inconsistencies on both sides of the field throughout the weekend, where in some cases the offense didn’t do enough to win, and in others the pitching fell short.

Despite the constant losing, there have been some bright spots for the Nittany Lions. Mel Coombs has been hitting the ball well, and Ally Kurland continues to be one of the better power hitters in the lineup. Kylee Lingenfelter has also shown a lot of improvement in the circle, despite what her record says.

Game One

The first game of the Friday doubleheader was hard fought between both sides, but the Hoosiers came out on top in extras with a walk-off home run and won 2-1.

Kylee Lingenfelter started the game for the Nittany Lions in the circle, pitching seven innings and striking out four. She would be the pitcher responsible for the home run against the first batter she faced in the eighth, however it was still one of her better performances of the season.

The offense was stagnant again for the most part, but Mel Coombs delivered the only run in the seventh inning on an RBI triple. Coombs has been one of the more consistent hitters on the team, so it only made sense that her hot bat was what sent the game into extras.

Game Two

Game two of the Friday doubleheader proved to be just as, if not more, heartbreaking for the Nittany Lions. Despite having a lead going into the seventh inning, Penn State would lose 8-7.

The offense was much better in this game, showing how much potential this team has. Kennedy Legg had a big day at the plate, hitting a solo home run and an RBI single. Chelsea Bisi and Ally Kurland also homered, the former hitting a two-run shot and the latter also hitting a solo one. Melina Livingston contributed with an RBI double, while Coombs added another run off of an RBI single.

It was the pitching that hurt the Nittany Lions in this game. Vanessa Oatley got the start in the circle, and she pitched 5.2 innings and gave up six runs on eight hits. Logan Black pitched an inning of relief, giving up two runs on three hits. Oatley ended up earning the loss.

Game Three

The first game of the Saturday doubleheader turned into another loss for Penn State, losing 4-1.

Black started in the circle, pitching five innings and giving up all four runs on all 12 hits. Oatley would come in for a clean inning of relief.

The offense could not pick up where it left off in Game Two, only being able to get three hits throughout the entire game. Two of those hits were Lilia Crouthamel singles, while Lexie Black added one of her own. The only run of the game came off of an Indiana error in which Crouthamel scored.

Game Four

The second Saturday game was just … bad. Indiana routed Penn State 17-0 in only five innings.

Bisi, Kurland, and Michelle Leone accounted for the only hits of the game, all of which were singles. The Hoosiers were just so dominant on both sides of the field that the Nittany Lions never stood a chance.

All three pitchers for Penn State were used, with Lingenfelter getting the start. She pitched 2.1 innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. Oatley only pitched 0.1 inning, giving up four runs on four hits, though none were earned. Black also pitched 1.1 innings, giving up seven runs on eight hits

Takeaways

• Bailey Parshall did not pitch at all in this series, which is very concerning. For a team that already has no pitching depth, being able to only send out three pitchers is not where this team wants to be. It’s unknown if Parshall is injured, but if she is, Penn State has to hope she won’t miss too much time. Otherwise, the rest of the staff really needs to step up.
• Mel Coombs deserves a lot of credit for how she has played this season. It’s not easy making the adjustment to play on the college level as a starter, but she has made the most out of every chance she’s got. She has more than earned her rep as one of the better hitters on the team, and she should continue to improve as the season winds down.
• Even though the Nittany Lions aren’t performing well, they still have a lot of fight. They still go out there and try to win every single game that they can, and they truly have that “next game” mindset. It isn’t always pretty, but it’s obvious that it isn’t for a lack of trying. They deserve credit for sticking through it all.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions head to East Lansing to make up a series against Michigan State that was postponed earlier this season due to health concerns within the Penn State program. The doubleheader will take place starting at noon on Tuesday, May 11.