YORK, Pa. - In non-conference doubleheader action on Thursday afternoon, March 20, Penn State Harrisburg's softball team bounced back from an 8-0 six-inning setback in game one by rolling to an impressive 7-1 victory in the nightcap. 


The Lions (5-4) struggled to get the bats going in the opener, while the home team got things rolling early and built on the hot start by scoring runs in four innings. Penn State Harrisburg managed just five baserunners, with Cara Biesecker and Ava Allison accounting for the team's two hits, while Olivia Herncane and Emily Cutman each walked. 


The nightcap proved a different story, with the visitors overcoming a one-run, first-inning deficit before running away with things. Kierstyn Smith was excellent inside the circle, allowing just one run on seven hits. The Lions (6-4) were patient at the plate, working a dozen walks. Rylee Martinez had two hits and two walks, while Aspen Walker drove in two runs and scored two more. 


After the Spartans (5-9) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Penn State Harrisburg roared back in the third, using five walks, a pair of hit by pitches and a Walker RBI single up the middle to score five runs and take a lead that would not be relinquished the rest of the way. Mackenzie Fisher, Lillian Feltenberger, Herncane, Aleisa Rowe and Walker each scored in the stanza, while Rowe, Walker, Elaina Gates and Fisher each drove in a run during the frame.


The Lions tacked on two more in the top of the fourth thanks to a Cutman two-out double in the gap in left center that plated Rowe and Walker. From there, Smith and her defense went to work, as the pitcher allowed just one baserunner through the seventh inning. Despite two baserunners reaching scoring position in the final stanza, Smith got the final batter to line out to center field where Gates snagged the fly ball at the warning track to secure the decisive win.


NOTABLES
- Smith earned her second consecutive complete game victory, allowing just one run on seven hits and one walk in the nightcap. 
- The Lions racked up 12 walks in the second game.
- Martinez went 2-for-2 with two walks in game two.
- Walker drove in a pair of runs and scored two more in the win.
- Cutman doubled, walked and drove in two runs in the second outing.
- Rowe was 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored and an RBI in game two.
- Allison was 1-for-1 with a walk in the opener.


WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions begin United East play by hosting Cairn for doubleheader action in their home opener at Courtney Pollock Memorial Field on Saturday afternoon.


STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.