GROVE CITY, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington softball lost to Grove City in two games this evening, 11-0 and 3-2.

During the first game, Grove City took the lead right away in the first inning with two runs. New Kensington was able to get one person on base, Calle Zmenkowski (Cheswick, Pa.), who singled to right field. With their third out, New Kensington was down 2-0.

Grove City reached three runs in the top of the second and two in the third. New Kensington remained steady with no runs, which put Grove City ahead 7-0 moving into the fourth.

No runs were scored for either team during the fourth, but Zmenkowski was able to single to right field again.

Grove City put themselves over the top when they scored four in the fifth inning, but the Lions couldn't get any hits to try for a comeback.

Pitchers Abigail Michelucci (Canonsburg, Pa.) and Zmenkwoski had three strikeouts a piece.  

New Kensington had better luck during the second game, but still weren't able to get a win.

With two outs in the top of the first, Erika Finn (Upper Burrell, Pa.) singled to right field. Next up to bat was Lauren Torgent (Brackenridge, Pa.) who singled to left field. Hannah Berry (Leechburg, Pa.) was walked, and with bases loaded, Nicole Skokowski (Oil City, Pa.) singled to center field bringing in Finn and Torgent. The Lions kept their lead the whole way up until the top of the sixth when Grove City scored two.

With the score tied heading into the seventh, the last inning, Grove City scored one. The board then read 3-2 and New Kensington had one more chance to tie or win. Becca Wilhelm (Upper Burrell, Pa.) singled to left center with no outs, but the Lions were unable to take back the lead.

Torgent pitched for six innings and struck out two.

New Kensington will have another doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 22 against Penn State Du Bois. Game times are 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma