The University of Pennsylvania softball team split a doubleheader against the Columbia Lions on April 24, dropping the first game 6-3 and winning the second 4-1.
The results are significant as they keep Penn within striking distance for an Ivy League tournament spot, with only four games left in the regular season. The Quakers currently sit a game and a half out of a playoff position.
In the opening game, Penn took an early lead when Megan Huang drew a bases-loaded walk. Caylene Nguyen responded for Columbia with a home run to tie things up. Jade Montgomery contributed by doubling home another run, helping Penn to build a brief lead before Columbia answered with five unanswered runs to secure their victory.
Montgomery had six hits across both games, going six-for-eight at the plate and driving in two runs. In game two, freshman pitcher Sienna Acosta delivered her best performance yet by pitching all seven innings while allowing just one earned run on four hits and one walk. The Quakers scored their first run in the fourth inning after Jaz Johnson bunted and reached base due to fielding errors by Columbia. Delaney Smith and Montgomery then hit back-to-back home runs in that same inning, providing enough offense for Penn’s win.
With this split result against Columbia, Penn remains competitive in pursuit of an Ivy League tournament berth as the season nears its conclusion. The team will have one day off before facing Columbia again for their series finale scheduled for 12:35 p.m.
