CLERMONT, Fl. – Penn State New Kensington softball faced off with Thiel and Saint Joseph-Brooklyn in today's matchups. The Lions fell short in both games, 11-2 and 8-0.

Thiel began the game strong with five runs in the top of the first. New Kensington was unable to get in any runs themselves, although Nicole Skokowski (Oil City, Pa.) and Lauren Torgent (Brackenridge, Pa.) were left on base.

Thiel scored again in the second inning, but New Kensington started bringing in runs in the bottom of the third while the score was 6-0. Rebecca Wilhelm (Upper Burrell, Pa.) was first up to bat and singled to second base. Teresa DeSimone (Spring Church, Pa.) and Skokowski filled up the bases on a fielder's choice and a walk. With a single from Erika Finn (Upper Burrell, Pa.), Wilhelm scored for the Lions. On a fielder's choice, Hannah Berry (Leechburg, Pa.) made it to first and Skokowski was able to score.

The score was 6-2 heading into the fifth inning, and Thiel ran in four, while New Kensington only got one hit.

Finn and Berry both had one RBI.

In the second matchup against Saint Joseph-Brooklyn, New Kensington had a tough time getting on base.

The Lions faced three consecutive outs in every inning except the top of the fourth when DeSimone singled to left field. With the only hit for the team, DeSimone also was able to steal second in efforts to up the team's score.

The Lions will be back in action on Saturday, March 16 as they take on CCAC at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma