It was another exciting week for women’s softball at Penn State New Kensington. The Lady Lions won all 6 games they played last week and another team member earned national recognition.
Looking ahead, Penn State New Kensington hosts Penn State Fayette on Thursday, April 19 for a conference doubleheader at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell. Games will take place at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Penn State New Kensington softball is now 9-1 in the PSUAC conference, and Fayette isn't far behind at 6-4.
The Lady Lions come off of a 6-game winning streak, as they swept their opponents Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State Hazleton and Penn College last week. According to head coach Mike Marsili, “We hit the ball very well on Saturday and outscored them. Then, on Sunday our pitching held us in the games. Both offense and defense are doing well and everyone is contributing. It’s not just one or two people winning the games for us, everyone is stepping up to contribute.”
Fan Appreciation Day on Thursday:
Fans are encouraged to support Penn State New Kensington on Thursday, April 19 as the girls try to hold onto their conference lead. Free food, drinks and other giveaways will be provided to those in attendance.
Those needing a ride to and from Wolf Pack Park for the fan appreciation game can take advantage of the campus shuttle. The shuttle will be operating continuously during the game, departing from the lion shrine in the front parking lot and traveling to and from the ballfield from 1:30-4:30 p.m. For those with their own transportation, the field is located at the intersection of Wild Life Lodge and Garvers Ferry roads, a short drive from campus.
USCAA honors sophomore Keri Barnes as Player of the Week:
A few weeks ago sophomore pitcher Tarra Oravec was the first Penn State New Kensington softball player to ever receive United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s Player of the Week honors. Now, teammate Keri Barnes, catcher, is in the spotlight as the campus' second recipient of the Player of the Week award.
Barnes had a strong bat last week and went 11 for 20, hitting an impressive .550 average with 14 RBIs and 7 runs. She had 3 doubles and 3 home runs -- one of which came at a very key moment for New Kensington. On Sunday, Penn State New Kensington was tied at 3-3 against Penn College when Barnes hit a 3-run walk off home run in the bottom of the 8th inning to win the game.
Barnes is a psychology major at Penn State New Kensington and she comes to the team from Leechburg Area High School.
Recap from last week:
April 11 - @ Greater Allegheny W 8-2, W 9-0
April 14 – hosted Penn State Hazleton W 10-4, W 6-3
April 15 – hosted Penn College W 6-3, W 4-3
For more information about women's softball, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/index