Penn State softball honored its graduating seniors on May 3 during a Senior Day ceremony before facing No. 3 Nebraska in the final game of the regular season at Nittany Lion Softball Park & Beard Field. The Nittany Lions lost to the Cornhuskers by a score of 13-5.
The matchup marked the conclusion of Penn State’s regular season, with special recognition given to seniors Cara Bohner, Jordyn Jochims, and Madison Seidel. Both teams now look ahead to postseason play following this contest.
Freshman Breanna Hanik led Penn State offensively with two hits, including a solo home run that extended the game in the sixth inning. Junior Michela Barbanente also recorded two hits. Brooke Klosowicz contributed three runs batted in and a home run for the Nittany Lions. In total, five different pitchers took turns on the mound for Penn State during Sunday’s game.
Nebraska established an early lead with three runs in the first inning and expanded it further through consistent offense over several innings. Penn State responded with a three-run third inning highlighted by Klosowicz’s home run but was unable to close the gap as Nebraska continued scoring throughout the contest.
With this result, Penn State completed its regular season at 32 wins and 20 losses overall and an 11-13 record within Big Ten Conference play. Nebraska finished its campaign at 43-6 overall and went 23-1 against conference opponents. Both programs will participate in the upcoming Big Ten Softball Tournament from May 6 through May 9 at Maryland Softball Stadium.
Penn State now awaits details regarding its tournament seeding and first-round opponent as it prepares for postseason competition.
