PHILADELPHIA- After launching back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first, the University of Pennsylvania softball team took down Drexel, 5-2, on Wednesday evening at Penn Park.

For the first time this season, the Quakers went back-to-back as Chloe Lesko and Delaney Smith homered to center field in the bottom of the first inning. Penn added runs in the third and fifth innings in route to the win.

FINAL: Penn 5, Drexel 2
The Red and Blue started off hot in the bottom of the first as Lesko drove a 3-1 pitch over the wall in center. On a 2-0 count, Smith let one fly in nearly the exact same spot to give Penn the 2-0 lead. Dana Anderson was then hit by the pitch, and Jade Montgomery came in to pinch run. Montgomery stole second and came around to score when Katie Reagan doubled to right. After the end of the first, the Quakers jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, Smith picked up her second knock of the day with a single to right. With Montgomery at the plate, she grounded out to second base, allowing the pinch runner Dakota Farmer to advance to second. Farmer then scored when Sammy Fenton laced one to right field, extending the lead, 4-0.

Starting pitcher Kelly Zybura held Drexel hitless through the first three frames. The Dragons were able to get on the board in the top of the fourth, as Zybura gave up a leadoff double. With one out, Lily Mueninck dropped in a single to right field, scoring Kalea Calugay.

After reaching on a fielder's choice, Farmer was able to take second on a passed ball, putting herself into scoring position. The next at-bat, Montgomery punched one towards the right side for an RBI single. After five, the Quakers led 5-1.

In the top of the sixth, Zybura surrendered a leadoff single to Grace Abbonizio, who moved into scoring position on a ground out to Reagan at second. Calugay then singled through the left side, putting runners on the corners with one out, forcing Penn to make a pitching change, as Olivia Szewczyk entered the game. The Dragons then attempted a double steal in which Calugay took off for second, while Abbonizio made an attempt for home. The Quakers were able to chase Calugay back to first, but Abbonizio dove head-first into home, stealing the base and cutting the deficit, 5-2.

Szewczyk remained in the game for the top of the seventh, and retired the side in order, as the Red and Blue held on for the 5-2 win.

Quaker Notemeal

• The Quakers recorded seven hits, Smith led the way with two, while Brown, Lesko, Montgomery, Fenton and Reagan added a knock.
• Smith's home run is her second of the season, and Lesko's longball is her third of the year, which gives her the team lead.
• Farmer scored two-of-five runs for Penn, as Lesko, Smith and Montgomery each crossed the plate once.
• Five different Quakers attributed to the RBIs.
• Zybura tossed 5.1 innings, surrendered just four hits and two runs, while picking up her second win of the season.
• In relief, Szewczyk tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up just one hit.

Up Next
The Red and Blue will return to Ivy League action this weekend with a trip to Cambridge. Penn will take on Harvard in a three-game series beginning on Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m. with game two beginning approximately 30 minutes after.