Penn State DuBois senior Paige Pleta throws the ball in from the outfield during a recent home game at Heindl Field in DuBois.
DuBOIS, Pa. — For spring sports in Pennsylvania, the saying goes that you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. For the baseball and softball teams at Penn State DuBois, that statement couldn’t be more true — both teams played a limited slate after forecasts and weather forced some schedule changes.
On the softball field, the Lady Lions were looking forward to a doubleheader on March 22, which would be their first games in a nine-day stretch. Hosting Penn State Greater Allegheny at Heindl Field, DuBois was looking to extend its win streak to three games. DuBois showcased an offensive explosion in a commanding 26-0 victory over Greater Allegheny in five innings.
Right from the outset, the Lady Lions established dominance, racking up an impressive four runs in the opening inning and continuing their onslaught with seven more in the second. Their relentless attack yielded an extraordinary 10 runs in the third inning, firmly asserting control of the game.
Caitlyn Watson spearheaded the offensive barrage for DuBois, tallying four runs and driving in an impressive four RBIs. Natalie Bowser's bat was equally potent, contributing seven RBIs, including a powerful home run. Audrey Walker showcased her hitting prowess with four RBIs and an exceptional three doubles, while Chelsea Busatto also chipped in with two RBIs.
Pitcher Megan Hyde commanded the mound for the Lady Lions, delivering a stellar performance. She pitched a flawless game, striking out 10 batters and allowing no runs on just six hits, displaying dominance from start to finish.
After the resounding win in game one, the Lady Lions were ready to take all the momentum into game two on the day. However, Mother Nature had other ideas. Before the second game could begin, the weather started to turn, and the temperature dropped drastically. Therefore, the decision was made to postpone game two of the matchup until a later date. Details of the rescheduling have not yet been finalized.
Penn State DuBois freshman Kamryn Mactavish begins her swing during a recent home game at Heindl Field in DuBois.
The baseball team also had its schedule changed due to weather. Originally, the Nittany Lions were scheduled to host Penn State Fayette at Showers Field on March 22 for an evening doubleheader. Due to the colder temperatures and weather, that doubleheader was moved to Sunday, March 24. DuBois also was scheduled to visit Fayette on March 23 for a doubleheader. That matchup was also moved and will now be played today, March 25.
DuBois and Fayette were able to play a doubleheader on Sunday at Showers field, marking the first time these two teams have matched up this season. In game one, a commanding display of offensive firepower from DuBois overwhelmed Fayette, winning game one, 31-4.
The Nittany Lions wasted no time asserting their dominance, erupting for an astounding 25 runs in the first inning alone, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Colby Bodtorf led the charge, delivering a stellar performance with three hits, including two triples, and three RBIs. Cory Lehman and Brett Beith also made significant contributions, combining for six hits and six RBIs, while Tyler Yough, Jorge Rodriguez, and Brandon Sicheri added to the offensive onslaught with multiple hits and RBIs each.
On the mound, Zach Tiracorda delivered a masterful performance for DuBois, shutting down Fayette's offense with six strikeouts over two scoreless innings. DuBois' dominance extended beyond the offensive and pitching realms, as they showcased outstanding defensive prowess, holding Fayette to just four runs throughout the game.
Riding the high of the win in game one, DuBois looked to carry on with another win in game two of the doubleheader. The Nittany Lions displayed another all-around effort in game two, coming away with an 8-2 victory over Fayette to pull in two wins on the day.
The game began with both teams battling through a scoreless first two innings, but DuBois broke the deadlock in the bottom of the third, taking a 1-0 lead. Fayette responded with a run of its own in the top of the third to tie the game momentarily.
However, the Nittany Lions surged ahead in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring two more runs to regain the lead. Their offense continued to dominate in the fifth inning, adding four more runs to extend their lead significantly. Fayette managed to add another run in the sixth inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome the formidable lead built by DuBois.
Key players for DuBois included Lehman, who delivered a stellar performance with two hits, including a double, and an RBI, and Beith, whose powerful hitting resulted in a home run and three RBIs. Kyle Elensky also made significant contributions with a double and a home run, driving in one run and scoring two himself. On the pitching front, Jake Sikora led the charge for the Nittany Lions, delivering an impressive performance with six strikeouts over four innings, allowing only one earned run.
Penn State DuBois senior Brandon Sicheri squares to bunt during a recent home game at Showers Field in DuBois.
After last week, which saw few games played for both teams, the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions are scheduled to have a busier week this week. The Lady Lions, now riding a three-game win streak, will begin their week on Tuesday, March 26, when they travel to play a doubleheader against Penn State Fayette. The first game on that day will begin at 2 p.m. Then, on Friday, March 29, the Lady Lions will host Penn State Brandywine at Heindl Field for another doubleheader. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. The team will then travel to face Penn State Schuylkill on Saturday, March 30, to close out the week with a final doubleheader. Game one at Schuylkill will begin at noon.
On the baseball diamond, the Nittany Lions, who are now on a seven-game win streak, will be back in action today, March 25, when they travel to visit Penn State Fayette for a doubleheader rescheduled from the past weekend. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. DuBois will then host Penn State Mont Alto for a doubleheader at Showers Field on Thursday, March 28. Game one is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. To end the week, the team will travel to face Mont Alto for another doubleheader on Friday, March 29. The first game of the day will begin at 2 p.m.
For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.
