MONT ALTO, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington softball swept Mont Alto in two games 13-3 and 10-2. The women improve to four conference wins after capturing these two games.
The early game started off in favor of New Kensington and continued that way for all six innings. In the first inning, the Lions scored two runs. Already they put themselves in front of Mont Alto, who didn't score any in the bottom of the first. Both teams ran in one during the second inning, but New Kensington's lead remained in tack, 3-1.
The third and fourth inning was again in New Kensington's favor as the team ran in two during each. This put the Lions up 7-3. During the fifth, action was slow as no teams scored. This changed in the last inning when New Kensington scored six. With a last chance to catch up, Mont Alto was unable to score any runs, allowing New Kensington to grab the win.
Teresa DeSimone (Spring Church, Pa) led the Lions in runs, three, and had two hits. Calle Zmenkowski (Cheswick, Pa.), and Erika Finn (Upper Burrell, Pa.) each had two runs. Zmenkowski also had two RBIs, along with Hannah Berry (Leechburg, Pa.) and Brittney Wolford (Lower Burrell, Pa.).
Zmenkowski had two hits throughout the game, both of which were doubles. Abigail Michelucci (Canonsburg, Pa.) pitched for the entire game and struck out seven.
The second game proved to be just as victorious as the first for New Kensington.
In the second inning, the Lions began bringing in runs, four, and maintained that lead for the entire game. Mont Alto only scored one in the bottom of the second, and didn't score again until the last inning, one.
Unlike Mont Alto, New Kensington consecutively scored two runs for the next three innings and swept away the home team.
Once again, DeSimone ran in the most, three and had one RBI. Lauren Torgent (Brackenridge, Pa.) and Becca Wilhelm (Upper Burrell, Pa.) scored two. Torgent added two RBIs and so did Wolford. Zmenkowski pitched for the whole game, striking out four.
New Kensington and Mont Alto will play again on Tuesday, April 2 at home. The games are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Written by Janet Surma
