Lions Compete with Energy, Show Offensive Promise in Doubleheader

Monaca, PA - Beaver came up short in both ends of a doubleheader at Penn State New Kensington on April 1, 2026, falling 9–1 in the opener and 10–3 in the second game. Across the two contests, New Kensington used early pressure and timely power to seize control, while Beaver showed flashes offensively but struggled to sustain momentum and limit big innings.

In game one, New Kensington wasted no time setting the tone, scoring twice in the first inning on a bunt fielder's choice and a solo home run. Single runs in the second and third stretched the lead to 4–0 before Beaver broke through in the fourth, when Haydan Baucan scored on Reza Benson's RBI groundout. The hosts responded immediately and then pulled away with a four-run fifth to secure the 9–1 final.

For Penn State Beaver, offense was limited to one hit and one run across five innings. Baucan provided the spark, going 1-for-2 with Beaver's only hit, scoring the team's only run, and adding a stolen base. Benson drove in that run with an RBI groundout, accounting for Beaver's only RBI of the afternoon. Beaver didn't draw a walk and struck out five times, while also committing two errors in the field. In the circle, Mackenzie Boyd took the loss, working 4.1 innings and allowing 12 hits and nine runs (seven earned) with one strikeout.

Game two followed a different script early, with Beaver briefly taking control before New Kensington's power surge flipped the game. The hosts opened with an unearned run in the first, but Beaver answered in the second as Mackenzie Boyd scored on Haley Cook's RBI single, then took a 2–1 lead when Reese Riordan reached on an error that plated Cook. New Kensington responded with a two-run homer in the third and broke things open in the fourth with five runs, including a three-run blast. Beaver added a run in the fifth on Kierstyn Mays' RBI single, but New Kensington answered again with a two-run homer to close out a 10–3 decision.

For Beaver, Jaiden Patterson led the way offensively with a 2-for-4 day that included a double, while Mays also went 2-for-4 and drove in a run. Cook finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Boyd went 1-for-2 and scored as well. Cheyenne Duhl added a hit, and Mia Gomez went 1-for-3 with a run scored. In the circle, Mays worked the full six innings, striking out one; Beaver's defense was charged with two errors, and several of New Kensington's runs came across unearned as innings were extended.

Beaver showed resilience throughout the twin bill, breaking through in both games and briefly grabbing momentum in the nightcap. However, New Kensington's ability to capitalize on early opportunities and deliver in the middle innings ultimately proved the difference, as Beaver was unable to recover from the decisive stretches in each game.

The tea currently sits with a 5-12 record overall and haas a 0-2 conference record. They look to overcome this in the coming weeks as conference starts to heat up. The team will take the field again on Wednesday, April 8th at 3pm and 5pm when they take on Chatham University at home. For all things Penn State Beaver Softball check out beaverathletics.com!