Box Score
Box Score (PDF)
GREENVILLE, N.C. - A nine run first inning scoring outburst by Penn State was too much for the Morehead State softball team to overcome Sunday afternoon as the Eagles managed just one hit themselves in falling 11-0 to the Nittany Lions in five innings.
MSU returns to Morehead this week for its home opener Friday against Oakland University. The Eagles are now 1-7 in 2010. Penn State improved to 9-3.
The Nittany Lions took advantage of an MSU fielding error on their first batter at the plate and went on to record six hits and nine runs in the first inning off two MSU pitchers. Only three of the runs were earned however.
Sarah Funston took the loss for the Eagles, falling to 1-2 and not making it out of the first inning. Ashley Boyd allowed a two-run double before Alex Gjevre came in to finish the game. Gjevre pitched the final three innings and gave up just three hits to go along with four strikeouts.
The Nittany Lions collected three more hits in the second inning and scored two more times to lead 11-0 after two frames. PSU pitchers KImi Wong and Lisa Akamine combined to nearly throw a perfect game. The duo combined to throw four and a third innings of perfect ball before Kelsea Bullock finally reached first after striking out but moving up the base path via a passed ball.
After another strikeout, Kayla Ashbrook broke up the no-hitter with a single to left field. Cassidy Bell led the Nittany Lion offense, which produced 10 hits, by going 2-for-3 with four RBI.
The Eagles host Oakland at University Field on Friday at 2 p.m.
