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University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Clare Sebastianelli_3.4.20
Greg Mays

Softball

Softball Readies for The Spring Games

PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania softball team (5-2) heads out on the road for a trip to Florida, following a convincing doubleheader sweep against Lafayette on Wednesday afternoon. The Quakers will play the first five games over three days beginning on March 6 at 1:15 p.m., with an additional game to come on March 10.
 
Previewing Penn
The Quakers enter Florida with a great deal of positive momentum, especially on the offensive end. After scoring 19 runs in the first five games at the Liberty Classic, the Red and Blue scored 20 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Lafayette. It's the most runs scored by the Quakers in a two-game span since the back-to-back shutouts of Cornell on April 6 and April 7 last season.

On the offensive side, Emma Nedley continues to be a factor in the offense, already notching 10 RBI in just seven games to lead the Ivy League. Freshman Sarah Schneider has been a revelation, hitting .391 with three RBI and three doubles, while leading the team in extra-base hits and multi-hit games over her first seven collegiate games. Six qualifying players are hitting .300 or better and several other players appear to be breaking out, including sophomore Ashley Waco, who notched the biggest hit of her young collegiate career with a three-run bases-clearing double against Lafayette.

The pitching staff continues to be the backbone of the Quakers lineup as senior Jennifer Brann continues to work her way into the record books, while also going 3-1 with a 0.88 ERA (24.0 IP) which leads the Ivy League. Julia Longo and Abigail Abramson are also off to strong starts, solidifying the pitching depth. Freshman Bella Fiorentino got her first look in relief against Lafayette and may continue to see use as both a hitter and a pitcher in the coming days.
 
Penn vs. Saint Louis – Friday, 1:15 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn is tied 1-1 | Last Meeting: March 12, 1997 (Penn, 4-3)
 
Previewing the Billikens
At 4-10, the Billikens will continue their wild tour of the United States, traveling to their fourth tournament of the year. Saint Louis began the year at the Black & Gold Invitational in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, traveled to the Bobcat Classic in San Marcos, Texas and finally the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Billikens boast a diverse offensive attack, with no one over 10 RBI, but four with over five RBI and two qualifying batters hitting well over .330. Junior Sadie Wise will be one to watch for, notching two home runs and six RBI while hitting .364.
 
Penn vs. Niagara – Friday, 4:15 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn leads 3-1 | Last Meeting: March 7, 2018 (Penn, 7-5)
 
Previewing the Purple Eagles
As so many northern schools do, the Purple Eagles have yet to begin their season and will open it in Florida, entering the matchup with Penn at 0-0. The Purple Eagles will open March 6 with Valparaiso before facing the Quakers and will look to improve on last year's 18-32 record. Hard hitting senior Kendall Watkins returns for her final year and may supersede her six home runs and 23 RBI from last year.
 
Penn vs. Detroit Mercy – Saturday, 11:15 a.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn leads 3-1 | Last Meeting: March 6, 2016 (Penn, 4-2)
 
Previewing the Titans
While many teams long for a week of play in sunny Florida, the Titans may be hoping for a trip elsewhere, as they enter The Spring Games at 1-17 on the season and 1-8 in the state of Florida. Despite the record, the Titans have played several tough opponents, including ranked battles against Florida State, Kentucky and Arizona State. Freshman Reese Ruhlman is a bright spot, hitting .286 with two home runs and seven RBI.
 
Penn vs. #12 Florida State – Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn trails 0-1 | Last Meeting: March 8, 2018 (Florida State, 12-0)
 
Previewing the Seminoles
At 12-6, the #12 Seminoles are one of the top teams in collegiate softball for a reason. Florida State has won five games against ranked opponents, including two wins against the preseason #1 team in the nation in Alabama. Most recently, the 2018 National Champions enter the weekend coming off an 8-3 win over #22 UCF. On the other side, there have been some hiccups, losing to Villanova and #23 Northwestern along the way. The Seminoles boast a fearsome offensive lineup, led by junior Syndey Sherrill who is hitting .348 with four home runs and 12 RBI.
 
Penn vs. Cleveland State – Sunday, 11:30 a.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn leads 1-0 | Last Meeting: March 13, 2008 (Penn, 7-1)
 
Previewing the Vikings
The Vikings are now 3-6, having lost their last three games entering their trip to Longwood, Florida. It's been a tale of two teams early for Cleveland State, scoring 24 combined runs in the three victories, while scoring just 10 combined runs in the six losses. Senior Kelly Hysong is the undisputed leader of the team, pitching in six games, owing a 1.87 ERA over those six and hitting .300 with four RBI. Sophomore Mackenzie Turner is another bright spot, hitting .389 with three RBI, two triples and three doubles.
 
Penn at #7 Florida – Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: First Meeting
 
Previewing the Gators
At #7 in the country, the Gators have made a compelling argument as one of the top teams in the nation. The Gators are 18-4, losing only to top-15 ranked teams and boast at least one mammoth win against #5 Arizona. However, the Gators are 2-2 in their last four, dropping two of three in a series against #10 Louisiana-Lafayette in Gainesville. Sophomore Charla Echols is off to one of the best starts in the nation, hitting an astounding .443 with seven home runs and 23 RBI over 22 games. The Gators will open SEC play with three games against Auburn before facing Penn.
 
#Purpose
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Players Mentioned

Abigail Abramson

#25 Abigail Abramson

P
5' 8"
Junior
Jennifer Brann

#5 Jennifer Brann

P/OF
5' 5"
Senior
Julia Longo

#30 Julia Longo

P
5' 3"
Sophomore
Emma Nedley

#7 Emma Nedley

OF
5' 3"
Sophomore
Ashley Waco

#8 Ashley Waco

IF
5' 4"
Sophomore
Bella Fiorentino

#16 Bella Fiorentino

P/IF
5' 8"
Freshman
Sarah Schneider

#19 Sarah Schneider

C
5' 4"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Abigail Abramson

#25 Abigail Abramson

5' 8"
Junior
P
Jennifer Brann

#5 Jennifer Brann

5' 5"
Senior
P/OF
Julia Longo

#30 Julia Longo

5' 3"
Sophomore
P
Emma Nedley

#7 Emma Nedley

5' 3"
Sophomore
OF
Ashley Waco

#8 Ashley Waco

5' 4"
Sophomore
IF
Bella Fiorentino

#16 Bella Fiorentino

5' 8"
Freshman
P/IF
Sarah Schneider

#19 Sarah Schneider

5' 4"
Freshman
C