iREADING, PA - The Penn State Berks Softball team closed out the regular season by sweeping Gallaudet University on Saturday, April 27. The Lions took game one 10-0 and then won game two 8-0.  

GAME 1 

Before the game, the Penn St. Berks softball team and athletic department took a few moments to honor the four senior members of the softball team; Savannah Wilson, Rylee Tineri, Hayden Perrone and Emily Smith.  

The Lions raced out of the gate, scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Paige Brightwell led off the inning with a single. Namoi Fay singled and then both runners moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Peyton Vivian crushed a double, plating both runners to give Berks the 2-0 lead. After Lauren Ziegler singled, Vivan scored on a wild pitch. Rylee Tineri drew a walk to put a pair of runners on base. Hayden Perrone finished off the rally, slashing a single into the outfield, allowing two more runs to score.  

Berks kept their foot on the gas petal, pulling away in the second inning. Brightwell and Fay once again led off the innings with a pair of singles. Vivian again made the most of the opportunity, smacking her second double of the game, plating two more runs. Ziegler singled and stole second base to put a pair of runners in scoring position. Emily Smith hit a hard ground ball allowing Vivian to score and put the Lions ahead by eight. Ziegler eventually scored on a failed pickoff attempt, making the score 9-0.  

Inside the circle for Berks, Brightwell was dominate for the Lions. She allowed only one hit in her 5.0 innings, striking out six batters. The Lions added one more run in the fourth inning. Fay led off the inning by hitting a single and then stealing second base. Ziegler eventually lifted a fly ball into center field allowing Fay to tag up and score. Berks remained in control, rolling to the 10-0 mercy rule victory.  

GAME 2 

Berks once again started fast, scoring seven runs in the first inning. Brightwell led off the inning with a double and then Fay singled to put runners on the corners. Vivian remained hot, smacking her third double of the day, driving in both runners. Smith singled, allowing Vivian to advance to third. Maura Gorman drove in Vivian with a ground ball to stretch the advantage to three. Ashlyn Sherwood singled into left field allowing Smith to score. The Lions then loaded the bases for Brightwell who cleared the bases with a double, making the score 7-0.  

The Lions got another lights out pitching performance from Mallory Duff. Duff pitched 5.0 innings, shutting out the Bison while allowing only five hits and striking out three. Berks looked to close out the game by scoring a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Perrone singled and stole second base to put herself in scoring position. Savannah Wilson moved Perrone over to third with a bunt. Duff then smacked a walk off single, securing the victory.  

WHO'S NEXT  
The Lions have finished the regular season and clinched #3 seed in the United East Championship Tournament and will take on #2 Penn College in Middletown, Pa.  

STAY CONNECTED  
Fans can keep up with Penn St. Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.