Penn State DuBois senior pitcher Taylor Boland delivers a pitch during a recent home game at Showers Field in DuBois.
DuBOIS, Pa. — The final week of March typically means a full schedule for both the baseball and softball teams at Penn State DuBois. This year was no different, with both teams playing six games last week. Now, both teams will be looking to find more successes this week, as a full slate of games is again on the schedule.
To start last week, Penn State DuBois traveled for a doubleheader against Penn State Fayette. Despite a strong effort, DuBois fell short, succumbing to Fayette with a final score of 4-3.
The Lady Lions started strong, rallying for three runs in the third inning. Paige Pleta ignited the offense with a pivotal double, while Allison Lininger came through with clutch RBI hits. However, Fayette countered in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on opportunities to push ahead on the scoreboard.
On the mound, Kelsey Stuart battled fiercely for DuBois, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out four. Despite her efforts, she was credited with the loss.
Offensively, Pleta and Lininger led the charge for the Lady Lions, with Pleta registering a hit, a run, and an RBI, including a stolen base, while Lininger contributed two RBIs. Defensively, the team showed resilience, holding their opponent to just four runs despite the loss.
Although the outcome wasn't in its favor, DuBois showcased determination and skill throughout the game.
In game two of the day, Mother Nature played a contributing factor. Although the game started and DuBois pulled out to a 9-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning, the game had to be suspended because of weather conditions. The game is scheduled to be resumed on April 10.
The Lady Lions then returned home to Heindl Field on Friday when they hosted Penn State Brandywine for a doubleheader. In a challenging matchup on its home turf, DuBois faced a formidable offensive onslaught from Brandywine, resulting in a 19-7 defeat.
Despite a valiant effort, the Lady Lions struggled to contain Brandywine's relentless hitting barrage. Offensively, Natalie Bowser and Kelsey Stuart showcased their skills, with Bowser going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Stuart delivering a stellar 3-for-4 performance, including a double, with three RBIs. However, their contributions weren't enough to overcome Brandywine's dominant display.
On the mound, Aleigha Geer got the start for DuBois but encountered difficulties, yielding six runs in just 2.2 innings. Stuart and Megan Hyde also took the mound, but they faced challenges against Brandywine's potent lineup, with Hyde conceding eight runs in 1.2 innings.
The Lady Lions then looked to turn the results around in game two of the day. In game two, DuBois showcased its prowess on both offense and defense in an impressive 8-1 victory over Brandywine.
Starting with a strong defensive performance, DuBois limited Brandywine's offensive opportunities, holding them to just one run on five hits. Hyde led the charge, delivering a stellar performance on the mound, allowing only one run while striking out five batters over the course of seven innings.
Offensively, the Lady Lions capitalized on their opportunities, posting four runs in the third inning and adding three more in the fourth to secure a commanding lead. Bowser led the charge with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, including a double and two RBIs, while Chelsea Busatto and Stuart contributed with key hits and RBIs.
Defensively, Penn State DuBois remained solid throughout the game, supported by strong performances from Caitlyn Watson, who made key plays at shortstop, and Makena Baney, who contributed both defensively and offensively.
With this victory, DuBois demonstrated the ability to bounce back from a tough loss, staying focused on the moment to get the win in game two.
The Lady Lions returned to action the next day when they traveled to face Penn State Schuylkill away from home. Two tightly contested games ensued, with DuBois falling in both games.
In a closely contested matchup in game one, DuBois faced off against Schuylkill, but ultimately fell short in a 4-2 loss.
The Lady Lions got off to a promising start, tallying one run in the first inning courtesy of a triple by Watson, who later crossed home plate. However, they struggled to maintain momentum as the game progressed, adding just one more run in the third inning on an RBI by Lininger.
On the defensive side, Stuart started strong for DuBois, holding Schuylkill scoreless through the first inning and a third. However, Schuylkill mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring two runs to take the lead.
Despite a valiant effort from Hyde, who entered the game in the second inning and held Schuylkill to just two runs over the remainder of the game, DuBois couldn't overcome the deficit.
The Lady Lions once again looked to rebound in game two. In another tight game, DuBois battled against Schuylkill but fell short in a hard fought 5-4 loss.
DuBois got off to a strong start, tallying two runs in the first inning, fueled by a double from Watson and a home run by Bowser. However, Penn State Schuylkill quickly responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the first.
The game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Lady Lions managed to add one more run in the third inning on an RBI by Audrey Walker, but Penn State Schuylkill continued to apply pressure, scoring two runs in the second inning and one in the third to take the lead.
Despite a valiant effort from DuBois, including solid pitching performances from Geer and Hyde, they couldn't quite mount a comeback against a resilient Penn State Schuylkill squad.
The game, which featured strong performances from both teams, showcased the competitive spirit and determination of DuBois and Schuylkill on the softball diamond.
Penn State DuBois softball's Allison Lininger throws the ball back into the infield after making a play during a recent home game at Heindl Field in DuBois.
On the baseball diamond, Penn State DuBois began the week by traveling to visit Penn State Fayette, closing out a home and home series. In the first game at Fayette, DuBois showcased a dominant pitching performance alongside a potent offensive display, securing a 5-0 victory over Fayette.
The Nittany Lions surged ahead early, tallying one run in the first inning, followed by another in the second. The team's offensive prowess continued to shine in the third inning, as DuBois added two more runs to its tally. Cory Lehman led the charge, hammering a triple, while Brett Beith contributed with two hits and two RBIs. Grant Lillard also made a notable impact with a hit and an RBI.
On the mound, Jeff Romano delivered a stellar performance for DuBois, holding Fayette scoreless over five innings while striking out eight batters. Casey Serine, Austin Shoup and Christian Hopp combined to maintain the shutout, allowing only three hits throughout the game.
Romano's impressive outing earned him the win. The Nittany Lions' defense also was sharp, highlighted by Colby Bodtorf's two assists and Kyle Elensky's three assists.
With the win, DuBois looked to carry that momentum in game two of the day. DuBois showcased a resilient performance, overcoming an early deficit to secure a hard-fought 4-1 victory against Fayette.
Fayette took an initial lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, but DuBois swiftly responded with a commanding offensive surge in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs to take the lead. Tylor Herzing's clutch RBI proved pivotal in the comeback effort.
Beith was instrumental at the plate for the Nittany Lions, contributing two hits and scoring a run, while Aaron Miller's pinch-hit appearance resulted in a crucial run scored. Despite facing a strong pitching performance from Fayette, DuBois capitalized on its opportunities and showcased resilience throughout the contest.
On the mound, Joe Tettis delivered a solid performance, allowing only one run over four innings of work. Ezeck Ollinger entered in relief and earned the win, stifling Penn State Fayette's offense with three scoreless innings and five strikeouts.
DuBois' defense held strong, with Tanner LaBenne recording nine putouts despite an error. The team's disciplined approach paid dividends, as they capitalized on Fayette's defensive lapses and maintained composure in critical situations.
With this victory, the Nittany Lions were riding a nine-game win streak that they looked to carry on with in their next set of games when Penn State Mont Alto came to Showers Field on Thursday. DuBois started the day on a high note, securing a 7-3 victory, taking its win streak into double digits.
Both teams showcased their offensive capabilities early on, but it was DuBois who managed to take control of the game, capitalizing on key opportunities and executing their plays effectively.
Bodtorf ignited the scoring for the Nittany Lions with a crucial RBI, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Lehman and Beith followed suit, delivering impressive performances at the plate with Lehman's double and Beith's home run.
Tyler Yough and Elensky also contributed to the offensive onslaught, each recording hits and runs scored. Brandon Sicheri's powerful home run further extended DuBois' lead, while Lillard's double added to the team's offensive output.
On the defensive end, Taylor Boland showcased his pitching prowess, holding Penn State Mont Alto to just one earned run over six innings while striking out six batters. Ollinger provided solid relief pitching, shutting down Penn State Mont Alto's offense in the final inning.
Looking to keep momentum going in game two, DuBois finished off the doubleheader sweep with an impressive 9-4 victory.
DuBois took an early lead, capitalizing on its offensive opportunities to secure a commanding advantage. Bodtorf's stellar performance at the plate set the tone for the game, with his RBI and two stolen bases putting pressure on Mont Alto from the outset.
Lehman and Beith also played pivotal roles in DuBois' offensive onslaught. Lehman's RBI and Beith's impressive display, which included two home runs and five RBIs, showcased their offensive prowess, and contributed significantly to their team's success.
Yough's powerful hitting, including a double and a home run, further bolstered Penn State DuBois' offensive output. Herzing's triple and Elensky's timely RBI added to the team's impressive offensive display.
On the mound, Zach Tiracorda delivered a solid performance for DuBois, allowing just four runs over 5.2 innings while striking out three batters. Serine provided reliable relief pitching, shutting down Mont Alto's offense in the final inning to secure the win.
With this victory, the Nittany Lions were riding a double-digit win streak as they traveled to face Mont Alto for two more games the next day, this time at Mont Alto.
In a thrilling matchup in game one, DuBois emerged victorious against Mont Alto by a final score of 6-3
DuBois displayed resilience and determination throughout the game, staging a comeback after falling behind early. Bodtorf led the charge for the Nittany Lions, showcasing his offensive prowess with two runs scored and two hits. Beith's solid performance included two doubles and an RBI, contributing significantly to DuBois' offensive output.
On the mound, Connor Cherry delivered a commendable performance for the Nittany Lions, allowing only two runs over five innings while striking out three batters. Jake Sikora provided reliable relief pitching, helping to secure the win for DuBois.
In game two, DuBois looked to continue on with winning ways. What ensued was a dominating performance that saw the Nittany Lions take home the victory 10-0 in seven innings.
DuBois' offense came alive early, scoring a run in the first inning and adding three more in the third to set the tone for the game. Bodtorf led the charge with a stellar performance, contributing two hits and driving in a run. Lehman and Beith also made significant contributions, each recording multiple hits and RBIs.
On the pitching front, Maclain Welshans delivered a standout performance for the Nittany Lions, tossing five scoreless innings while striking out five batters. Zach Witherow, Hopp and Shoup provided solid relief pitching to seal the shutout victory.
Penn State Mont Alto struggled to generate offense against DuBois' pitching staff, managing only two hits in the game.
Penn State DuBois senior outfielder Brandon Sicheri celebrates his home run with assistant coach Garrett Brown as he rounds third base during a recent home game at Showers Field in DuBois.
Both teams return to action this week. The Lady Lions will play their first games of the week on Friday, April 5, when they host Carlow University for a doubleheader at Heindl Field. The first game of the day is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. The team will then travel to visit Penn State Mont Alto on Saturday, April 6, with a 1 p.m. first pitch scheduled for game one of two on the day.
On the baseball side, the Nittany Lions will begin their week today, April 1, when they host Houghton College for a doubleheader at Showers Field. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Then, Penn State DuBois will host Penn State Greater Allegheny for a doubleheader on Friday, April 5, with game one beginning at 6 p.m. The Nittany Lions will then travel to face Penn State Greater Allegheny on Saturday, April 6, for another doubleheader. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 p.m. The games on Saturday will be played at West Mifflin High School.
For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.
