Phoenixville, PA- The Penn St. Berks Softball Team capitalized on an offensive outburst, powering past the University of Valley Forge in United East action on Thursday, April 10. The Lions picked up a 12-0 victory in the opener before earning a 19-2 win in the nightcap.  

The Lions (13-7 Overall, 6-0 UE) wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, striking in the top of the first inning. Haylie Mauger led off the game with a single and then stole second base to move into scoring position. After Peyton Vivian reached on an error, Anna Laughlin drove a single into the outfield that allowed Mauger to score. Later in the inning, Laurel Zubler lifted a ball into left field that allowed Vivian to tag up and score.  

Berks took control of the game in the second inning. Kylie Krauss led off with a double and Autumn Weil reached on an error to put runners on the corners. Mauger then hit a sharp ground ball that allowed Krauss to score, putting Berks ahead 3-0.  Weil would then score on a wild pitch, extending the advantage. Vivian kept the rally going, smashing an RBI double into the outfield, scoring Mauger. The Lions then loaded the bases for Zubler, and she delivered a double that plated two more runs.  

Paige Brightwell continued to be dominant in the circle, earning another shutout victory, holding the Patriots (3-23 Overall, 0-10 UE) to two hits while striking out seven. Brightwell extended her shutout streak to 31.2 innings over last seven appearances.  

The Lions continued to add runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Maura Gorman lined a two RBI double into the outfield, pushing Berks' advantage to nine runs. In the fifth inning, Naomi Fay used a double to drive in a run. Zubler then knocked a single into left field, allowing two more runs to score, giving Berks a 12-0 lead. The Lions turned a double play in the bottom of the fifth inning, closing out the victory.  

Berks fell behind early in game two, as Valley Forge scored in the first inning. The Lions answered back in the top of the second inning. Weil and Ashlyn Sherwood started the inning with singles, putting two runners in scoring position. Fay kept the rally going with a single of her own, allowing Weil to score. Mauger put Berks in front with an RBI single. Vivian drove a single into right field, clearing the bases and giving Berks a 4-1 lead. Vivian later scored on a wild pitch. Lauren Ziegler hammered a double into the outfield, bringing home another run. Mallory Duff finished off the rally with a single to right field that brought home two runs and gave Berks an 8-1 advantage. 

Duff got the start for the Lions in game two, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out four Patriots batters.  

The Lions added on to their lead in the third inning, with Vivian, Krauss and Ziegler each blasted RBI doubles, pushing the advantage to 10 runs. Berks continued to pile up runs in the fourth inning. With runners on first and second base, Krauss knocked a single into the outfield, bringing home another run. Ziegler then launched another double, clearing the bases and making the score 14-1. Ziegler finished the game with three doubles, tied for the second most in a single game in school history.  Berks added five more runs in the top of the fifth inning, securing a 19-2 victory.  

WHO'S NEXT 
The Lions will remain on the road, traveling to take on Notre Dame of Maryland University in a United East showdown on Monday, April 14. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM.  
 
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