Kissimmee, FL- The Penn St. Berks Softball Team concluded their spring break trip, by facing Carlow University (Pa.) and DeSales University on Wednesday, March 12. The Lions rallied back to defeat Carlow by a score of 7-5 before falling to DeSales 3-0.

The Lions (2-4 Overall) got off to a fast start, striking in the bottom of the first inning. Kylie Krauss led off the inning with a double into center field. Peyton Vivian then reached on an error, putting runners on the corners. On the next pitch, Vivian took off to steal second, drawing a throw that allowed Krauss to score, and Vivian survived the rundown to steal second base. Anna Laughlin then lined a single into left field, and Vivian raced around the bases, dodging a tag at home to score. Later in the inning, Jaredis Flores reached base on an error that allowed Laughlin to score and give Berks the 3-0 lead.

The Celtics (1-3 Overall) answered back in the top of the second inning, scoring four runs to take a 4-3 advantage. Berks stormed back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Naomi Fay started the rally, crushing a double into left center field. Hailey Mauger reached second on a field error that allowed Fay to jet around the bases and score, tying the game at four. Ashlyn Sherwood reached on a fielding error, that allowed Mauger to score, putting Berks in front 5-4. Krauss continued her big day, perfectly placing a triple into right center field, allowing Sherwood to score. Vivian finished off the rally, hitting a sharp ground ball that allowed Krauss to score, giving Berks a 7-4 lead.

Carlow fought back, scoring one run in the top of the sixth inning, but the Lions were able to get out of jam and maintain the lead. Paige Brightwell came in pitch, slamming the door and securing the 7-5 victory.

Krauss showed off her power, going 2-4 with a double and triple, driving in an RBI and scoring twice. Fay also had a great showing at the plate, going 2-3 with a double. Laughlin and Vivian each drove in a key RBI in the victory. Mallory Duff earned her first win of the season, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three.

The Lions found themselves in a great pitching duel in their second matchup of the game. Paige Brightwell was strong early in the game, recording six strikeouts in the first three innings. Meanwhile Berks threaten to score in the first inning, putting a pair of runners in scoring position, but could not capitalize on the opportunity.

DeSales finally broke through, scoring in the fourth inning to take a 1-0 lead. Fay tried to start a rally back in the fifth inning, driving a single up the middle and stealing second to put herself in scoring position. Once again, the Lion could not capitalize, and the Bulldogs scored twice in the bottom of the fifth to extend their advantage. Berks tried to make one last rally in the top of the seventh inning, getting two runners on base and the tying run to the plate. They were unable to mount a late rally, falling 3-0.
 
WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will journey back to Pennsylvania for their home opener, when they host Misericordia University on Wednesday, March 19. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

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