The University of Pennsylvania softball team split a doubleheader against Cornell on March 28, winning the first game 7-2 and dropping the second 7-6.
The games marked an important moment for both teams as they continue their series. Penn opened the day with a strong performance, bouncing back from a previous loss to Dartmouth.
In the first game, Delaney Smith led Penn at the plate, going four-for-six with one run batted in and two walks. Sienna Acosta pitched four innings, allowing only two hits and striking out two batters without giving up any earned runs. Gigi Ganje and Hannah Graveline each scored on wild pitches early in the contest. Jaz Johnson contributed an RBI via fielder’s choice, while Ella Utschig, Graveline, and Jade Montgomery added insurance runs in later innings.
Cornell responded in game two by taking an early lead but Penn rallied in the fifth inning to build on their advantage. Alexis Youngren hit her first home run of the year—a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth—helping Penn go up 6-2 entering the final frame. However, Cornell staged a comeback behind Lauren Holt’s hitting; she homered twice including a three-run shot that gave Cornell a late lead. Penn was unable to tie or regain control before time ran out.
The series will conclude tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., when Penn faces Cornell again at Penn Park.
