Game Grades: Penn State Softball Invitational

The Nittany Lions returned to Beard Field on Friday for a pair of games under the lights.

After a weather adjustment to the schedule, Penn State hosted Canisius and Fairfield, closing out the day with an unblemished home record of 2-0.

Here’s a report card of how the blue and white performed on the opening night of the Penn State Invitational.

Offense: A-

The bats were hot.

The Nittany Lions scored an impressive 35 runs compared to their opponents’ combined four. They recorded the third-most runs in a single game in Penn State history during the 23-0 shutout against Fairfield.

The offense started slow in game one versus Canisius, but once Penn State timed its swing up, it was unstoppable.

The early 0-2 deficit turned into a stunning 12-4, run-rule victory.

The short game and singles worked in some situations, but home runs were opponents’ kryptonite. The Nittany Lions notched five homers in each game with an additional 11 RBIs.

The batters found their sweet spot, showing off their strength and dominating around the bases —veterans, rookies and everyone in between, had a day at the plate. If the Nittany Lions continue their offensive strides from the batter’s box, nothing but greatness should be expected from this team.

Defense: B+

Penn State played well in their two battles on Friday only allowing one error on the night.

However, this was a routine play.

Pop-ups, snags at the hot corner and grounders are all basic elements of the game and the Nittany Lions handled them well.

They fielded hits and dribblers cleanly and shockingly stayed warm in the 38-degree weather.

Penn State played a textbook defense, which worked in its favor. Yet, in upcoming competitive conference games, expect some dazzling plays and Sports Center-level dives from the Nittany Lions in the field.

Pitching: B

Penn State’s pitching rotation has been interesting with Bridget Nemeth currently “unavailable to pitch,” according to coach Clarisa Crowell.

However, this leaves the Nittany Lion pitching staff to fill some big shoes. On Friday, freshman Abigail Britton had solid outings and already recorded a shutout on the road this season.

Mady Volpe and Lydia Spalding helped defend the mound as the trio of pitchers allowed just four earned runs in the first match-up.

However, the surprising, rising ace is Jiselle Hernandez.

The sophomore infielder has been playing a big role, joining the pitcher carousel and threw a solid inning to solidify the win in game two.

Hernandez threw an impressive eight strikes of her 12 total pitches on the mound, including a drop ball – “a pitch that other pitchers don’t necessarily have,” according to Crowell.

“For her to be able to just give hitters a different look by throwing the drop ball, it’s huge,” Crowell said. “A great performance by Jiselle.”

With Big Ten competition just around the corner, don’t be surprised if there’s a new “pitcher” in the rotation for Penn State along with some more heat coming from the mound.

The long ball: So back

The first Beard Field home run of the season has arrived and fans weren’t waiting long for it to happen.

Brooke Klosowicz got things started for the Nittany Lions, going yard for a 2-run homer in just the first inning. But the fun didn’t stop there.

Penn State tallied five multi-run bombs in the first game against Canisius. Despite the cold weather, the bats were undeniably hot.

Natalie Lieto and Haylie Brunson each notched a 2-run shot over the fence, tacking on to the lead. Meanwhile, freshman Macy Chamberlin connected for a 3-run homer for her first at home.

It was a home run derby on Friday night for the Nittany Lions. Klosowicz finished her night with a solo shot, but the festivities continued in the second game against Fairfield.

The blue and white added a whopping five more homers in the Friday finale. Klosowicz led the charge, recording her third of the night.

Michela Barbanente, Jenna Nelson and Gianna Poletti all found the long ball in the bottom of the fourth. Lydia Coleman joined in on the fun, knocking the final homer of the night over the fence.

If there is one thing that is certain this season, the long ball is inevitable and the Nittany Lions know it well.

Up next, Penn State concludes its home invitational on Sunday, hosting Fairfield and Lafayette.

Meghan Strange is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her please email mgs5649@psu.edu.