Reading, PA- The Penn St. Berks Softball Team celebrated senior day by sweeping Lancaster Bible College in a United East Doubleheader on Saturday, April 19. The Lions earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory in game one and then rallied to pick up a 7-2 win in game two.
 
Before the game, the Penn State Berks Athletic Department and Softball team took a few moments to honor the senior members of the softball team; Mallory Duff, Naomi Fay, Peyton Vivian and Lauren Ziegler.
 
The Lions (19-7 Overall, 12-0 UE) and the Chargers (11-18 Overall, 1-10 UE) were deadlocked in a pitchers' duel in game one, with Lions being led by ace pitcher Paige Brightwell. Brightwell was in complete control of the Chargers, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing only four hits while striking out five Chargers.
 
Berks was able to strike in the bottom of the third inning. Kylie Krauss led off the inning with a single and then Fay reached on a bunt single. Haylie Mauger drew a walk to load the bases for Vivian. She capitalized using a ground ball that allowed Krauss to score and take a 1-0 lead.
 
The Lions went on to load the base in three separate innings, but they could not plate another run. LBC tried to make a late rally in the top of the seventh inning. The Chargers loaded the bases, but Brightwell drew a pop up to short stop to secure the 1-0 victory.
 
Berks found themselves trailing early in game two, as LBC plated two runs in the top of the first inning. The Lions answered back in the bottom of the second inning. Duff led off the inning by drawing a walk and Laurel Zubler then lined a single into center field. Autumn Weil reached base on a fielder's choice and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Ashlyn Sherwood laid down a great bunt, using her speed to force and overthrow, allowing both base runners to score and tie the game at two.
 
The Lions took their first lead of game two in the bottom of the fourth inning. Zubler led off the inning with a single and Weil drew a walk to put two runners on base. Sherwood laid down a great sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. Mauger then launched a double down the left field line, allowing both runners to score and Berks to take a 4-2 lead.
 
In the circle of the Lions, Duff was once again excellent, shaking off a slow start to hold LBC to two runs on seven hits while striking out four.
 
Berks added on their advantage in the fifth and sixth innings. The Lions loaded the bases in the fifth inning and a wild pitch allowed Krauss to score a run. In the sixth inning, Berks once again loaded the bases for Krauss, and this time she blasted a single through the right side, scoring two more runs and giving Berks a 7-2 lead. Duff fended off one last threat by the Chargers in the top of the seventh inning, securing the victory.
 
WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will hit the road, traveling to face Wilson College on Tuesday, April 22. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

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