NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington softball took on Penn State DuBois in back to back games today, but couldn't get a win during either, 15-2 and 11-2.

With DuBois bringing in runs in the first and second inning, New Kensington was already down 3-0 heading into the bottom of the second. Erika Finn (Upper Burrell, Pa.) was walked and Nicole Skokowski (Oil City, Pa.) singled to third base. Both of them were left on base when New Kensington faced a third out.

DuBois scored one in the top of the third and three more in the fourth inning, but New Kensington started scoring in the fourth. Lauren Torgent (Brackenridge, Pa.) doubled and Hannah Berry (Leechburg, Pa.) did the same right after. Torgent was able to score off of Berry's hit. Berry advanced to third after Sami Grazioli (East Brady, Pa.) grounded out. Brittney Wolford (Lower Burrell, Pa.) singled to second base and Berry ran home for the score.

No points were scored for either team in the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, DuBois scored eight runs, putting themselves ahead 15-2, the final score.

Torgent and Berry both doubled, and Berry had one RBI. Wolford also had one RBI. Abigail Michelucci (Canonsburg, Pa.) struck out three in the 3.1 innings she pitched.

During the second game, DuBois was ahead 4-0 at the top of the second. With New Kensington up to bat, Finn singled to left center and Torgent reached first on a fielder's choice. The Lions proceeded to get three outs, and those two were left of base. No scoring took place in the third inning.

DuBois ran in two in the top of the fourth, but New Kensington was only able to get one hit that Wolford singled to center field. The score was then 6-0 and remained steady throughout the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, Graziolo was walked and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Skokowski singled to left field and Grazioli scored. Wolford then singled and Skokowski advanced to second. Alyssa Slancauskas (Lower Burrell, Pa.) singled and bases became loaded. Michelucci grounded out and Skokowski got a run. At the end of the sixth, New Kensington was close behind, 5-2.

DuBois had five runs in the last inning, which put their score at 11, and New Kensington never caught up.

Michelucci and Skokowski each had one RBI and Torgent had a double for the Lions. Torgent pitched for four innings, striking out 3, and Michelucci also struck out three while pitching for three innings.

New Kensington and DuBois will face off two more times tomorrow at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma