Softball takes two wins

Despite falling behind in both games of a doubleheader against Lafayette, Penn found a way to notch two impressive victories yesterday afternoon at Warren Field.

Penn started the afternoon with a 3-2 triumph, thanks to seven solid innings of pitching from sophomore Nicole Borgstadt.

Borgstadt gave up two runs on two hits in the first inning, but then blanked Lafayette for the rest of the game.

The Quakers were slow to get their bats going, before scoring their first run in the third inning on junior Deborah Kowlachuk's single.

The Red and Blue continued the comeback with two more runs in the fourth inning. Junior Danielle Landolt and freshmen Zahya Hantz crossed the plate for the Quakers.

In the second game, Borgstadt and the Quakers fell behind again, as Lafayette jumped out to a 3-1 lead through the top half of the third inning.

Once behind, the Quakers bats heated up, as Penn answered with three runs in the third and one more in the fourth.

Penn racked up eight hits in all in the second game, getting run scoring hits from Crista Farrell, Veronica Richardson, Landolt, and Kowalchuk.

Borgstadt was once again steady after her early inning woes, allowing just one more run the final three innings.

"She is our go-to pitcher," Kowalchuk said. "Nicole pitched both games and pitched very well."

"She was able to keep her pitches low today, forcing Lafayette to hit ground balls, which kept our defense involved," freshmen Kristi Hackett said.

Penn next faces Delaware on Sunday, followed by La Salle on Thursday, as the Quakers prepare for Ivy League action next weekend against Princeton.

Penn traveled to Florida for a week of competition, compiling a 4-10 mark over the week. The Red and Blue were looking at the double header as the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

"We are just trying to take one game at a time," Kowalchuk said. "We accomplished our first goal by winning two games today."

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