After putting up 13 runs and dropping its series opener against Penn State on Friday, Indiana softball bounced back to secure its first conference wins of the season Saturday.
The Hoosiers battled during their first game of the series Friday with seven different Hoosiers scoring a run and strong performances from junior outfielder Melina Wilkison and senior pitcher/utility player Brianna Copeland. Wilkison and Copeland each had one home run and four RBIs on the night.
The Hoosiers were unable to fight back Friday after allowing Penn State to score seven total runs in the first two innings, and they eventually fell 14-13. Indiana was outhit 17-8 in the contest with three errors.
The Hoosiers faced Penn State two more times on Saturday to wrap up the weekend series.
To start the first game Saturday, Indiana came out hot to take a 4-1 advantage through the first four innings. While Penn State made a push by scoring three runs in the fifth inning, Indiana held on to their lead and won the game 7-5.
The final game of the series was played just 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game Saturday. The Hoosiers carried their winning momentum into the next game and finished in dominant fashion.
Indiana secured the win by run rule victory after a strong offensive performance. The Hoosiers put up an eight-run fourth inning and outhit the Nittany Lions 14-7, resulting in a final score of 17-4.
Copeland and Wilkison put up solid performances once again with two hits and four RBIs each in the second game Saturday. The Hoosiers had four total home runs as a team during the game from Copeland, sophomore utility players Aly VanBrandt and Alex Cooper and senior outfielder Taylor Minnick. VanBrandt’s home run marked her first of her collegiate career.
The weekend series displayed the Hoosiers' ability to bounce back in dominant fashion and the capabilities of their potent offense. During their Friday loss, the Hoosiers were still put up 13 runs. This was followed up Saturday with 24 total runs scored across two games. The two wins gave Indiana its first two Big Ten wins of the season and an overall record of 22-8.
Indiana will continue conference play as they travel to Columbus, Ohio, for a three-game series with Ohio State from March 29-31. The games will be streamed on the Big Ten Network and the Big Ten+.
