Penn State DuBois senior third baseman Tyler Yough follows through with his swing during a game last season at Showers Field in DuBois.
DuBOIS, Pa. — As the seasons start to transition from winter to spring, that signifies the start of the baseball and softball seasons for the teams at Penn State DuBois. Both teams had the opportunity to get their spring seasons started last week during spring break as they played a series of games in Myrtle Beach. With their spring trips now complete, both the Lady Lions and Nittany Lions will continue their seasons at home this week.
The softball team played a total of eight games in Myrtle Beach, coming home with a 2-6 record in those games. The Lady Lions got a win to start the trip against Bay Path, a 5-3 win that saw both Natalie Bowser and Paige Pleta have two hits in the contest. Bowser and Makena Baney each drove in a run in the game as well. The team’s second win of the season came in a 12-4, five-inning win over Cairn University. Bowser led the Lady Lions with three hits, including a double and a triple, drove in a run and scored two runs herself. Caitlyn Watson, Kelsey Stuart, Audrey Walker and Baney each contributed two hits in the contest as well.
The softball team has a busy week ahead as it prepares to play its first home games of the season at Heindl Field. The home schedule will begin with a double-header against St. Vincent College on Tuesday, March 12, with the first pitch scheduled in the first game at 3 p.m. The Lady Lions will be back in action again on Wednesday, March 13, when they host Central Maine Community College for a double-header. First pitch also will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Penn State DuBois junior pitcher and outfielder Kelsey Stuart moves through her windup to pitch during a game last season at Heindl Field in DuBois.
The baseball team played six games in Myrtle Beach, starting out on the wrong side of two close games, with losses to Northampton Community College and Morton College. The team then rebounded with four straight wins over John Jay College, New River Community College, Penn State Berks and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. The Nittany Lions didn’t have any time to rest on their four-game win streak, however, as Grove City College visited Showers Field in DuBois on Friday for a double-header.
In game one, Penn State DuBois found themselves on the losing end against Grove City College with a final score of 12-3. The Grove City offense showcased dominance throughout the game, capitalizing on key moments and securing a well-deserved victory.
On the defensive side, the Nittany Lions struggled to contain the Grove City onslaught. Despite a valiant effort, the pitching trio of Maclain Welshans, Jake Sikora, and Wyatt Coakley faced challenges against the potent Grove City lineup.
Individual offensive highlights for Penn State DuBois included Kyle Elensky, who managed a hit and scored a run, and Tyler Yough, who secured two hits. Cory Lehman showcased his skills with a double and an RBI, while Grant Lillard contributed a triple and an RBI. Aaron Miller came off the bench to deliver a timely hit and scored a run.
On the mound, Welshans faced a tough outing, allowing six runs in 1.2 innings. Sikora provided some stability, pitching 4.2 innings with five strikeouts but also conceding five runs. Coakley came in to finish the game, pitching 0.2 innings and allowing one run.
In a closely contested game two of the double-header, Grove City managed to edge out Penn State DuBois with a final score of 4-3. The game featured strong performances from both sides, but Grove City's strategic plays ultimately secured their victory.
The Nittany Lions fought valiantly, with Colby Bodtorf leading the offensive charge with a pair of hits, including a crucial double that drove in two runs. Brett Beith and Yough also added crucial hits to the scoreboard, with Beith tallying an RBI. Lillard and Tanner LaBenne showcased their baserunning skills, each crossing the plate to contribute to the team's three-run total.
On the pitching side, Zach Tiracorda started strong for DuBois, allowing only one run in five innings and striking out seven batters. The bullpen, represented by Zach Witherow and Jeff Romano, faced additional challenges, resulting in two more runs for Grove City.
The Nittany Lions will be looking to build on the positive aspects of their performances on both games and adjust for future games, aiming for a stronger outcome in upcoming matchups. The individual contributions of Bodtorf, Beith, Yough, Lillard, and others highlight the team's potential for success as the season continues.
The baseball team is scheduled to play three sets of double-headers this week, beginning on Thursday, March 14, when it hosts Central Maine Community College at Showers Field. The first pitch in game one is scheduled for 4 p.m. Then, the team will return to action on Saturday, March 16, when Clarks Summit will visit DuBois for an afternoon matchup beginning at 1 p.m. Finally, Westminster College will come to Showers Field to take on Penn State DuBois in a Sunday afternoon double-header on March 17. The first game of this double-header will begin at 1 p.m.
For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.
