Penn State softball defeated Rutgers 7-5 on March 29, completing a three-game sweep in their Big Ten Conference series. The Nittany Lions have now won six straight games against the Scarlet Knights and improved their overall record to 23-11, while moving to 4-5 in conference play. Rutgers fell to 17-18 overall and holds a 3-9 record in the league.
The outcome is significant as it marks Penn State’s second consecutive season sweeping Rutgers, further establishing their dominance over the Scarlet Knights. The Nittany Lions have achieved a strong track record against Rutgers, posting a 7-2 mark over the last three regular season series.
In Sunday’s game, Penn State’s offense drew eleven walks—matching its season high—and saw contributions from several players. Freshman left fielder Breanna Hanik hit her fourth home run of the year and scored twice. Freshman shortstop Allison Oneacre had two runs batted in and added defensive plays, while freshman first baseman Gabby Gradishar contributed with two RBIs. Junior second baseman Michela Barbanente scored twice as well.
On the pitching side, freshman Brevyn Kellepouris started and later earned her first collegiate save by closing out the final innings under pressure. Junior McKenna Young was credited with the win after throwing scoreless relief innings and improving her personal record to eight wins this season.
The game featured several momentum shifts, including early scoring by both teams and key hits from Oneacre and Gradishar that helped Penn State build a lead. Hanik’s solo home run in the seventh inning provided an insurance run before Kellepouris secured victory despite late efforts from Rutgers.
Looking ahead, Penn State will face Pittsburgh on March 31 at Vartabedian Field for a non-conference matchup that will be nationally televised on ACC Network.
