The members of the softball team at Penn State DuBois who were recognized, along with their family members, during senior day recognition.
DuBOIS, Pa. — As the calendar passes the halfway point of April, the baseball and softball teams at Penn State DuBois are preparing to close out their regular season schedules. With a busy week ahead for both teams, the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions will both be looking to build momentum in their push towards the playoffs in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).
Last week, the Penn State DuBois softball team kicked off the week by hosting LaRoche University for a double header at Heindl Field. In a competitive game one, the Lady Lions clinched a hard-fought victory over LaRoch by a final score of 8-7.
Right from the start, DuBois set the tone, capitalizing on early opportunities to build a lead. Caitlyn Watson and Paige Pleta led the offensive charge, with Watson's double and Pleta's timely hits proving pivotal in driving runs home. Natalie Bowser showcased her hitting prowess, contributing to the team's offensive firepower with crucial hits and RBIs. Audrey Walker and Megan Hyde also made significant offensive contributions, driving in key runs for the Lady Lions.
On the defensive side, DuBois pitchers Kamryn Mactavish and Aleigha Geer delivered solid performances, stifling LaRoche’s offense and limiting their scoring opportunities. Mactavish showcased her skill and determination, pitching 5 innings and allowing only 4 earned runs, while Geer efficiently closed out the game to secure the win. Despite facing a resilient team from LaRoche, the Lady Lions maintained their composure and resilience throughout the game, ultimately emerging victorious with a final score of 8-7.
In game two of the day, DuBois faced a tough battle against LaRoche. Despite their efforts, they fell short, losing 10-8 in a closely contested game.
The Lady Lions showcased solid performances, with Bowser's standout moment being a powerful home run, contributing to her impressive four RBIs. Allison Lininger and Pleta also made notable contributions with key hits that drove in runs for their team. On the defensive side, despite the efforts of pitcher Megan Hyde, who pitched 7.1 innings and struck out two, DuBois couldn't stifle LaRoche's offense enough to secure the win.
Although the Lady Lions staged a late-game rally, they couldn't overcome LaRoche's lead, ultimately falling by a score of 8-7.
Penn State DuBois returned to action on Wednesday when they traveled to Penn State Fayette to complete a game that was suspended earlier in the season. Over the entire game, the Lady Lions demonstrated how good their offense can be, defeating Fayette by a final score of 15-3.
DuBois wasted no time asserting their offensive prowess, jumping out to an early lead with four runs in the first inning. They continued to pile on the runs, adding two more in the second and three in the third, overwhelming Fayette from the outset. Bowser led the offensive charge for the Lady Lions, going 3-for-4 at the plate with an impressive five RBIs, including a triple. Kelsey Stuart was another standout performer, driving in four runs on a 2-for-3 outing, which included a double. Pleta and Makena Baney also made significant contributions, each tallying two RBIs.
On the mound, Geer delivered a strong performance for DuBois, pitching a complete game and limiting Penn State Fayette to just three runs on 10 hits. Geer's control was impeccable, issuing zero walks while striking out one batter. Defensively, the Lady Lions showcased their prowess, with several players making key plays to support Geer's pitching effort. Watson and Walker each recorded multiple putouts, while Chelsea Busatto and Mactavish demonstrated their defensive acumen with flawless fielding performances.
Penn State DuBois returned home on Saturday for a doubleheader in the PSUAC against Penn State New Kensington. This would also be senior day for the Lady Lions, in which senior players and players who are moving on to another campus were recognized at the conclusion of the first game of the day.
In game one, DuBois suffered a tough defeat, falling to New Kensington by a final score of 10-1. Despite a solid effort, the Lady Lions struggled to generate offense against a strong New Kensington squad. The visitors got off to a quick start, scoring four runs in the opening inning and adding two more in the second to establish an early lead.
DuBois managed to get on the board in the fourth inning, courtesy of an RBI from Lininger, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback. Offensively, the Lady Lions were led by Hyde, who went 1-for-2 with a run scored. However, the team couldn't find consistent success against New Kensington's pitching.
On the mound, Hyde faced a tough outing, allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings of work. Mactavish came in relief but couldn't stem the tide, conceding two more runs over 0.2 innings. New Kensington's Linda Shepard stifled DuBois' offense, limiting them to just one run on six hits while striking out one batter.
DuBois then looked to rebound in game two of the doubleheader. However, the offensive struggles of the day continued for the Lady Lions. New Kensington emerged victorious in game two, defeating DuBois by a score of 11-2.
DuBois found themselves in an early deficit as New Kensington surged to a commanding lead with six runs in the first inning and five more in the second. Despite their best efforts, the Lady Lions struggled to mount a comeback against the strong pitching and offense of their opponents. Watson and Bowser provided the lone highlights for DuBois, each driving in a run to account for their team's scoring. However, the offense was limited to just two runs on seven hits.
On the mound, Geer started the game for DuBois but faced challenges against New Kensington's potent lineup. Hyde came in for relief, but the duo couldn't contain the opposition's offense.
Penn State DuBois closed out their week by traveling to visit Penn State Beaver for a doubleheader on Sunday. With both games being closely contested, Beaver survived a late comeback effort from DuBois in game one, winning by a final score of 6-5.
DuBois struggled to find their rhythm early in the game as Beaver took a 4-0 lead through the first four innings. Despite the deficit, the Lady Lions mounted a comeback effort in the fifth inning, scoring four runs to tie the game. Watson, Bowser, Pleta and Morgan Wolf each contributed RBI hits during the rally, sparking hope for DuBois. However, Beaver responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to regain the lead. The Lady Lions battled until the end but couldn't muster enough offense to complete the comeback. The team showed resilience, but ultimately fell short by one run.
Hyde pitched a solid game for DuBois, allowing six runs, three earned, on eight hits over six innings.
In game two, Beaver once again pulled out a close victory over DuBois, winning by a score of 9-4.
The Lady Lions got off to a strong start, scoring a run in the first inning. However, Beaver responded with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the third inning to take the lead. Despite falling behind, DuBois fought back in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to narrow the gap. Watson, Pleta, Busatto, and Walker contributed to the offensive effort with key hits.
Unfortunately, Penn State Beaver's offense remained potent, adding three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to extend their lead.
Geer started the game in the circle for DuBois, pitching three innings and allowing seven runs on three hits. Hyde entered in relief, pitching three innings and allowing two runs on five hits.
The Lady Lions will now be looking to get back on the winning track this week to try to build momentum at the end of the regular season.
Penn State DuBois sophomore Caitlyn Watson fires a ball across the diamond from her shortstop position during a recent home game at Heindl Field in DuBois.
On the baseball diamond, Penn State DuBois opened the week by hosting Penn State Shenango for a single game at Showers Field on Monday. Fans who attended this game got to witness something that doesn’t happen often at any level of baseball, a combined no-hitter.
DuBois dominated the matchup against Shenango from the start on their way to a 12-0 victory. From the outset, the Nittany Lions displayed strong offensive capabilities, scoring five runs in the second inning to set the tone for the game. They continued to apply pressure, adding six more runs in the fifth inning to solidify their lead. The team's hitters delivered standout performances, with players like Colby Bodtorf, Cory Lehman, Tyler Yough, and Bryce Dobson leading the charge. Bodtorf and Lehman provided crucial hits and RBIs, while Yough's home run and Dobson's triple contributed significantly to the team's offensive onslaught.
On the defensive side, Penn State Du Bois pitchers held Penn State Shenango scoreless and hitless throughout the game. Maclain Welshans, Jeff Romano, Joe Tettis, and Austin Shoup combined their efforts on the mound, stifling Penn State Shenango's offense and securing the shutout victory.
The Nittany Lions returned to action on Saturday when the traveled to face Penn State New Kensington for the first games of a home and home set of games between the PSUAC counterparts. In the first game on Saturday, DuBois showcased their offensive firepower in a commanding 11-6 victory over New Kensington.
Right from the start, the Nittany Lions displayed their hitting prowess, led by Bodtorf, Lehman, and Brett Beith, who contributed crucial RBIs. Yough's double and Grant Lillard's triple further bolstered the team's offensive onslaught. On the mound, Zach Tiracorda started for DuBois, facing tough opposition but holding his ground. Despite allowing five runs in two innings, he kept the team in contention. Ezeck Ollinger then stepped in, providing solid relief pitching for 4.2 innings, conceding only one run while striking out three.
Penn State New Kensington fought back, but Nathan Mecke, the starting pitcher, struggled against DuBois' relentless offense, surrendering six runs in five innings. Relief pitcher Ryan Clearwater also faced difficulties, allowing eight hits and five runs in two innings.
After the win in game one, the Nittany Lions looked to continue their winning ways in game two. Continue is exactly what they would do, securing a 13-3 win over New Kensington.
Bodtorf set the tone for DuBois with a strong performance, contributing two hits and two runs. Yough led the offensive charge with a remarkable five RBIs, including a crucial double. Dobson and Tylor Herzing also made significant contributions, each driving in runs to support the team's offensive onslaught. Pitcher Connor Cherry delivered a stellar performance on the mound for the Nittany Lions, allowing just one earned run on three hits over six innings while striking out six. Christian Hopp provided solid relief pitching, despite allowing two runs in one inning of work.
After two wins on Saturday, the Nittany Lions returned home to close out the series against New Kensington at Shower Field. The first game in DuBois saw the Nittany Lions continue their hot hitting, securing an 11-5 victory.
New Kensington got off to a strong start, scoring five runs in the top of the sixth inning. Braden Tristani led the offensive charge with a home run and three RBIs. Jared Busche also contributed with a hit and an RBI.
However, DuBois responded with an impressive offensive display, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second inning and six more in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure the win. Bodtorf led the way with four RBIs, including a double. Yough and Cole Slaugenhoup also made significant contributions, each driving in multiple runs. On the mound, Jake Sikora started for the Nittany Lions, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing five runs. Zach Witherow came in for relief and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings to secure the win.
Looking to close out a four-game sweep of New Kensington, the Nittany Lions geared up for game two of the day. In the final matchup between the two teams in the regular season, DuBois emerged victorious by a final score of 8-1.
New Kensington got on the board early with a run in the first inning, credited to Thomas Santiago Jr.'s RBI. John Galeano Del Castillo led the offensive effort with a hit and a run scored. However, DuBois responded swiftly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead. Bodtorf contributed with an RBI, while Braylen Corter, Yough, and Dobson each drove in a run. The Nittany Lions continued to add to their lead, scoring runs in the second, third, and sixth innings. Lehman, Hopp, and Alex Gavlock each contributed RBIs to extend the lead.
On the mound, Romano started for Penn State Du Bois, pitching five innings and allowing just one run. Tettis came in for relief and pitched two scoreless innings to finish off the win for DuBois.
Penn State DuBois sophomore catcher Grant Lillard prepares to catch a pitch delivered home during a recent home game at Showers Field in DuBois.
Looking at the week ahead, the softball team will return to action at home at Heindl Field on Tuesday, April 16, when they host Penn State Greater Allegheny for a single game, making up a previous contest that was postponed due to weather earlier in the season. That game will be played at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Lions will then host Penn State Scranton for a double header on Friday, April 19. Game one is scheduled for 3 p.m. The team will then close out their regular season by traveling to face Penn State Hazelton for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 20. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 2 p.m.
For the baseball team, the Nittany Lions will take on Clarion University on Tuesday, April 16, at Showers Field. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. The team will then travel to visit Penn State Beaver for a doubleheader on Friday, April 19, with the first game scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Penn State Beaver will then make the trip to Showers Field for another doubleheader on Saturday, April 20, on what will be senior day for Penn State DuBois. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.
