Michigan
Penn State
Wolverines Sacrifice Late Lead in Loss to PSU in Series Finale
4/10/2022 3:55:00 PM | Softball
» No. 22 Michigan fell to Penn State, 3-2, in the series finale after giving up a seventh-inning lead.
» RHP Alex Storako struck out 17 batters -- her third most this season and 11th double-digit strikeout game -- and allowed three runs on just three hits and four walks; PSU posted two homers
» Annabella Widra tallied her first collegiate homer on a solo shot in the third inning.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 22-ranked University of Michigan softball team dropped its series finale against Penn State, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon (April 10) in front of 2,063 fans at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field. PSU scored the game-winning run on a seventh-inning solo homer.
Senior RHP Alex Storakor (17-5) was strong from the circle, striking out 17 Nittany Lions while allowing three runs on three hits and four walks. All three PSU runs came off a pair of home runs. It was Storako's third-highest strikeout tally of the season and her 11th double-digit strikeout performance.
Michigan combined for just four hits -- its lowest in 23 games -- but struck first in the contest with a run in the second inning. Graduate student second baseman Melina Livingstonr singled to lead off the inning, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a caught foul out against the right-field side wall and ensuing throwing error.
PSU took the lead with a two-run homer in the top of the third, but the Wolverines quickly responded to tie the game in the home half of the inning when freshman shortstop Annabelle Widra smacked her first collegiate home run -- a solo shot -- deep to center field.
The game remained deadlocked until the seventh when Penn State went long again, sending a go-ahead solo homer over the right-center wall with two outs. Junior right fielder Audrey LeClair got up and nearly made the catch over the wall but couldn't hang on.
Michigan (23-12, 4-5 Big Ten) will wrap up its week-long home stand with a Midweek MACtion slate against Central Michigan at 4 p.m. on Tuesday (April 12) at Alumni Field. Tickets are still available through the U-M Ticket Office.
