WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 3, 2011) – The Penn State Berks softball team downed Gallaudet University 18-5 and 7-3 to sweep its North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) doubleheader on the road Sunday afternoon.
The Nittany Lions (10-11, 7-3 NEAC South), who have a season-high five game win streak, used a 21 hit attack in the opener and followed it up with a four hit, 10 walk showing in the nightcap.
Larissa Tenley scattered four hits and surrendered three runs – two earned – to pick up the victory in the first game. She also registered four strikeouts in the five inning, mercy rule shortened contest.
Five batters recorded three or more hits. Dayna Harrison went 4-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored. The round tripper was the fourth of the season by the Harrison, making her the single-season home run leader at Penn State Berks. The freshman standout also moved into a tie for the most RBI in a season at 30.
Brittany Hicks, who became the all-time hits leader in yesterday's sweep over Penn State Abington, was 3-for-3 with a home run and the four RBI moved her into first in school history with 66. Hicks finished the game a double shy of the cycle in the first game. She did later pick up that double, but it was the third inning of the second contest.
Marissa Ruggiero was 4-for-4 with four runs batted in and three runs scored, while Ashley Heeman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Alyssa Stahly kept up her torrid pace, with a 2-for-4 showing at the dish.
The Lions didn't score with as much ease in the nightcap, but still found a way to drop the Bison (2-12, 0-4 NEAC South). Shari Lynn Kluth notched two of the Berks hits and scored two runs. Casey Hafer and Hicks had the only other hits for the Lions.
Devon Denker earned the win in the pitcher's circle. She allowed three runs – two earned – in four innings of work. Hafer threw three innings of one hit relieve to pick up the first save of her career. The freshman righty recorded five strikeouts.
Alicia Johnson combined to go 5-for-7 on the day with a run and an RBI. Krystal Johnson drove in two runs in the second game.
The Lions will start the second half of their NEAC schedule with a doubleheader on the road at Penn State Harrisburg on Wednesday, April 6. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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