The Maryland softball team gained momentum for the first time this season when it won a three-game series against Michigan State last weekend. But it was unable to carry that success into its matchup with Penn State on Friday night.
Despite earning their first series win of the season against the Spartans, Terps pitchers allowed about seven runs per game, and that negative trend continued in Maryland’s 9-6 loss at the Nittany Lions.
Coach Julie Wright said this week the combination of pitchers Brenna Nation and Madison Martin could be used to keep hitters off-balance because of their differing styles in the circle — Nation throws hard while Martin leans on her off-speed pitches. Against Penn State, though, both hurlers faltered.
Nation started the game and allowed five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings. Martin, meanwhile, lasted just 0.1 innings in relief. She faced five batters and gave up three home runs before being pulled for Nation.
The Terps offense maintained the success it showed last Sunday when it scored 19 runs in two games against the Spartans. Still, the six-run, nine-hit effort was not enough.
Catcher Kristina Dillard had three hits and three RBIs, outfielder Kylie Datil went 2-for-4 and outfielder Sarah Calta went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
In the first frame, the Terps got off to a strong start. Infielder Lindsey Schmeiser led off the game with a single and Calta reached on an error.
Maryland managed just one run from the threat, however, on a sacrifice fly by utility player Hannah Dewey.
After falling behind, the Terps lineup came alive in the latter innings. Dillard ripped a two-out bases clearing double in the fifth to cut the deficit to 9-5. Then, one frame later, Calta hit an RBI single to pull the Terps within three.
But Maryland failed to finish the comeback, as Nittany Lions pitcher Madison Seifert closed out the game with a scoreless seventh frame.
