Penn State softball lost its Big Ten Conference series finale to Ohio State by a score of 9-0 in five innings on Sunday afternoon at Buckeye Field.
The game was significant for Penn State as it marked a setback in their conference record, dropping them to 8-10 in Big Ten play and 28-17 overall with six league games left this season. For Ohio State, the win improved their record to 23-22 overall and 10-8 within the conference.
Freshman third baseman Allison Oneacre led off for Penn State with a double in the first inning, finishing the day 1-for-2 at the plate. Junior shortstop Kaylie Walters returned from injury and recorded a single in her first at-bat since coming back, also ending up 1-for-2. Freshman Breanna Hanik and sophomore Natalie Lieto each drew walks during the contest.
On the mound, sophomore Abigail Britton started for Penn State, marking her tenth start of the season and taking her fifth loss after Sunday’s result. She was followed by freshman Brevyn Kellepouris and junior McKenna Young out of the bullpen. The Nittany Lions were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including loading the bases in the third inning but failing to bring any runs home due to an inning-ending double play.
Ohio State took control early with two runs in the first inning and four more in the second. They added three additional runs in the third inning, leading to a run-rule finish after five innings. This game marked Ohio State’s 68th win over Penn State across their all-time series that began in Columbus back in 1975.
Looking ahead, Penn State will close its non-conference schedule against Saint Francis on Tuesday at Nittany Lion Softball Park & Beard Field. The game is scheduled for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night with first pitch set for 6 p.m., streaming live via B1G+.
