The Maryland softball team allowed Penn State to jump out to an early advantage Sunday, marking the third time the Nittany Lions scored first this weekend.
But unlike in losses Friday and Saturday, the Terps were able to come back and tie the game after falling behind 3-0. But poor defense contributed to a late collapse and Maryland fell, 5-3.
In the bottom of the sixth, a throwing error by infielder Emily Libero, who had been the hero in a walk-off win last Sunday, gave Penn State two runners on with no outs.
The Nittany Lions capitalized on the scoring opportunity with a pinch-hit two-run single from Shannon Good to retake the lead. This time, they were able to hold onto their advantage en route to sweeping the Terps.
Pitcher Brenna Nation recovered after giving up three runs (two earned) in the first inning. She tossed scoreless frames in the second and third before being replaced by Madison Martin.
Martin also fared well in the circle until she gave up two runs (one earned) in the sixth.
The Terps had fought back to tie the game at three from RBIs from catcher Kristina Dillard, infielder Skylynne Ellazar and utility player Hannah Dewey. Dillard, who was 8-for-10 at the plate in the series, went 3-for-3 on Sunday to spearhead Maryland’s comeback.
But the offense wasted a crucial opportunity in the top of the sixth just before it fell behind for good. Infielder Emily Libero and outfielder Destiney Henderson led off the inning with singles, but after a sacrifice bunt from infielder Sarah Lang, the Terps weren’t able to score.
And despite a one-out single from Dillard in the seventh, Maryland could not complete its second comeback of the game. The three-game sweep to the Nittany Lions marked the second time they’ve been swept by a Big Ten foe this season.
