Baseball earns first victory since being re-established as varsity program
After a winless 2017 season, the 2018 Penn State New Kensington baseball team found victory on the first day of its 2018 spring training trip to Ft. Myers, Florida. On March 5, the team faced Rivier University in a doubleheader. Although the Nittany Lions fell in the first game 18-6, they bounced back and defeated the Raiders 13-10 in the nightcap. Freshman Justin Lindeman earned his first collegiate win on the mound. On the day, Noah Oddis had four runs batted in, Dylan Wiley had four hits and Jake Stackiewicz had three hits, including a pair of doubles.
The following day, the team battled Illinois College, eventually falling 11-7. Oddis and Stackiewicz each had two hits for the Nittany Lions. New Kensington played in three more exhibition games during the remainder of the week in preparation for the regular season. During the training trip, the team made great strides both on the field and in coming together as a team.
Softball travels to Orlando for spring training
The Penn State New Kensington softball team opened their season with six games in Orlando, Florida, during spring break. On the first day of play, March 6, the team faced Defiance College and Emerson College, falling 10-0 and 8-0, respectively. Junior Rebecca Wilhelm had three hits on the day.
On Mar. 7, the Nittany Lions dropped games to St. Joseph’s College of Maine and Simmons College. Sophomore Stephanie Schrecengost had two hits to lead New Kensington.
New Kensington saved their best for last. After losing their first game on Mar. 8 to Bridgewater College, the Nittany Lions put up their first runs of the season against Heidelberg University. Sophomore Morgan Williams hit her first collegiate home run and also had two other hits on the day to drive the New Kensington offense.
Although New Kensington softball did not come away from Florida with a win, the student-athletes gained valuable experience and team chemistry that will help them during the regular season.
Upcoming Games
Saturday, March 17 – Baseball v. Kent St.-Tuscarawas – noon @ Valley High School
Sunday, March 18 – Baseball @ CCAC South – noon
For more information about Penn State New Kensington Athletics, visit www.psnkathletics.com.
