Penn State softball lost to the Northwestern Wildcats by a score of 13-4 in five innings on April 11 during the second game of their three-game Big Ten Conference series at Nittany Lion Softball Park and Beard Field.
The loss affects Penn State’s position in the conference standings, dropping them back to an even record against league opponents. The result also marks Northwestern’s return to a .500 record overall and within the conference, with both teams now holding identical records as they head into Sunday’s series finale.
During Saturday’s game, Penn State managed two hits and scored four runs, drawing eight walks and one hit-by-pitch. Freshman infielder Allison Oneacre contributed a single and an RBI hit-by-pitch, while freshman left fielder Breanna Hanik also recorded a single. Additional runs came from walks drawn by junior pitcher Bridget Nemeth and freshman first baseman Gabby Gradishar, along with an RBI from junior second baseman Michela Barbanente on a fielder’s choice. Nemeth started for Penn State, pitching four innings with one strikeout before taking her fifth loss of the season. Freshman Mackenzie Duncan pitched the final inning for Penn State.
Northwestern established an early lead with four runs through the first two innings. Penn State responded in the bottom of the second inning by loading the bases after three consecutive walks; they scored three runs to narrow Northwestern’s lead but could not sustain momentum as Northwestern added more runs in subsequent innings. The Wildcats ultimately secured victory after scoring four additional runs in the top of the fifth while keeping Penn State off the scoreboard for a run-rule win.
With this defeat, Penn State’s overall record stands at 26-14 through its first forty games this season, including a 7-7 mark within Big Ten play. Both teams will look to break their tie in conference standings during Sunday’s series finale scheduled for Family Day and Bark in the Park at Nittany Lion Softball Park & Beard Field.
