Penn State softball (24-12, 5-5 Big Ten) beat Maryland (13-21, 1-12 Big Ten) 13-5 in game one of a weekend series at Medlar Field.

A stellar third inning paved the way for the Nittany Lions. An eight-run inning was highlighted by a grand slam by Gabby Gradishar as well as two other home runs hit by Breanna Hanik and Allison Oneacre.

How It Happened

Brevyn Kellepouris started the game on the mound for the Nittany Lions. Despite allowing a double early, she was able to get out of the top of the first without allowing any runs.

In the bottom of the inning, both Brooke Klosowicz and Allison Oneacre drew walks but were left stranded, and the game was scoreless through the opening inning.

After four singles and a run by the Terrapins, Kellepouris was pulled in favor of McKenna Young. Young would prevent much further damage, but a sacrifice fly made it 2-0.

Natalie Lieto got the first hit of the day for the Nittany Lions, singling to start the bottom of the second. Cara Bohner would get on base next on a fielder’s choice as Lieto was thrown out at second. Bohner would score the first Penn State run when two Nittany Lion batters were walked, and a pitch hit another. Penn State was unable to punish Maryland anymore and stranded three baserunners at the end of the second.

A fielding error led Maryland to take a 3-1 lead with an unearned run. In the bottom of the third, Gabby Gradishar hit a grand slam to give the Nittany Lions the lead. Breanna Hanik and Oneacre would also homer to put a cap on an eight-run inning for Penn State to make it 9-3.

Abigail Britton took over the pitching duties for the Nittany Lions in the fourth. She would give up two runs on two hits, with Maryland’s Matti Benson bringing in both runs with a double. After walks by Gradishar and Madison Seidel, Penn State scored three more with the second home run of the day by Hanik. The Nittany Lions would go back-to-back with a homer by Michela Barbanente in the next at-bat, making it 13-5 going into the fifth.

Bridget Nemeth took the mound to close this one out for Penn State. She allowed a leadoff single but bounced back by forcing a flyout and a double play to conclude the game. Penn State takes game one 13-5.

Takeaways

• The Nittany Lions raked today. They hit five home runs in an outstanding offensive performance.
• Breanna Hanik and Allison Oneacre continued their strong seasons. Hanik hit two home runs and batted in five runs, while Oneacre had three hits.
• While Penn State pitchers didn’t have the best day overall, they did a good job of getting out of innings, which resulted in Maryland stranding seven runners on base throughout the game.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will look to complete the sweep against Maryland tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, with a doubleheader. The first game starts at 11 p.m. at Medlar Field, and both games will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.