By Daniel Chavkin

Maryland softball continued to struggle over the weekend, getting swept by Penn State in University Park.

In game one on Friday, the pitching let the Lady Terps down in a 9-6 loss. Junior Brenna Nation started the game, but allowed five runs in just under six innings. Junior Madison Martin relieved her, but she allowed four runs while only pitching a third of an inning. Junior Sarah Calta and Junior Kristina Dillard produced the majority of Maryland’s offense, combining for five hits and four RBIs.

While the pitching struggled in game one, the hitting struggled in game two. On Saturday, Maryland got shutout, and Dillard was the only starter to have two hits. Junior Hannah Dewey four runs in under four innings, while Martin bounced back, not allowing a run in just over two innings pitched. The final score was 4-0 Penn State.

Finally, in game three on Sunday, both sides of the ball were let downs. Nation allowed three runs in the first inning alone, and Martin allowed the two winning runs to score in the bottom of the sixth as Maryland lost 5-3. Dillard continued to be the lone bright spot as she collected three hits and an RBI. Both Dewey and sophomore Skylynne Elazar collected an RBI each also.

Maryland returns home Wednesday for a double header with Rutgers.