No. 7 Penn State softball (32-22, Big Ten 13-11) was eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament by No. 2 Nebraska (38-14, Big Ten 18-5). While it was a competitive game, the Nittany Lions absorbed the 3-1 loss in the quarterfinals of the Tournament.

Penn State started out on top by scoring in the second, but a big fifth inning for Nebraska ultimately gave them the win.

How It Happened

To state off the first, Penn State’s Cassie Lindmark got on base but was unable to score. In the field, Bailey Parshall gave up a double, but no runs came across for the Huskers.

The Nittany Lions were able to get on the board in the second when sophomore Liana Jones hit a double to the fence and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Maggie Finnegan then had an RBI to score Jones, giving Penn State the 1-0 lead.

Speeeeeeed from @lianajones33 for the lead #WeAre pic.twitter.com/pzJtLSwXLl

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) May 12, 2022

In the second, third, and fourth innings, both teams left runners on base but were unsuccessful in adding to the score. Penn State’s outfield was key in these innings, as it kept the Huskers from advancing on multiple base hits every inning.

This changed in the fifth for Nebraska when it got a string of hits to put runners on first and second. Then, the Husker’s Billie Andrews had a base clearing double to put Nebraska up 2-1. Another single up the middle then scored Andrews, extending the lead to 3-1. Penn State’s Kylee Lingenfelter then entered the game to get the final out of the fifth inning.

Both teams once again showed a strong presence on defense to keep the score 3-1 in the sixth, but the Nittany Lions were unsuccessful in the comeback in the top of the seventh inning.

Penn State then earned the 3-1 loss and finished its Big Ten Tournament run.

Takeaways

• Although its Big Ten Tournament run is over, Penn State has had one of its best seasons in years in conference play. This also adds to its chances of getting a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
• While Bailey Parshall got the start, pitcher Kylee Lingenfelter came in in the fifth inning and was able to shut down the explosive Nebraska offense to keep Penn State in the game.
• The outfield has had some phenomenal plays on defense, but it is also the reason for the single run scored in today’s competition. Liana Jones and Maggie Finnegan will both be back next year, and it will be a fantastic foundation for this defense.

What’s Next?

Penn State will wait and watch the NCAA Tournament Selection Announcement Sunday, May 16, at 7 p.m. to see if it will make the tournament and continue the 2022 season.