Penn State softball etched itself into the history books during THE Spring Games tournament in Lynchburg, Virginia. A 2-0 victory over Saint Francis (PA) earned the 2024 squad the best start in program history at 8-0.

Head coach Clarisa Crowell and her team have achieved yet another feat following back-to-back 30-win seasons and multiple appearances in the Big Ten Tournament.

“It’s not a me thing. This is about our program and our student-athletes,” Crowell said. “I think it’s a special moment for our kids.”

Crowell also noted the significance of beating a fellow in-state team.

“When you play teams from Pennsylvania, it means a little bit more because we have a lot of pride being here at Penn State,” Crowell said. 

Crowell wasn’t the only figure in this monumental program win. Players both on the field and at the plate came together for this dominant start.

Specifically, freshman pitcher Bridget Nemeth had another standout weekend and was crowned the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

“Her consistency just comes from the person that she is,” Crowell said. “She is probably one of the calmest and coolest kids that you are going to meet.” 

Nemeth has an impressive 8-0 record with 52 strikeouts and a 0.63 ERA, and the strong presence in the circle helped set the tone for the rest of the roster. But with such a young squad, Crowell is still switching around the lineup to find her solid starting nine.

“We are a younger team, so there are a lot of kids that are figuring out how the pieces are going to fit to the puzzle this year,” Crowell said.

Despite the inexperience on the team, the attitude and camaraderie of the women are key, and they are focused on going 1-0 every time they step onto the field.

“If you want to be the best, you have to play the best, and if you want to make it to the postseason, you have to go out there and you have to compete,” Crowell said. 

With only one more tournament and series before the Nittany Lions return home, the upcoming stretch of games in Texas will provide another test and opportunity.

“We are going to put our cowgirl hats on and get our boots and go to Texas,” Crowell said.

The Nittany Lions will head south for the Longhorn Invitation in Austin, Texas. Game one begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, against Hofstra.