Softball travels to St. Joe's for a pair

After four straight defeats this weekend crushed hopes for a high Ivy League finish, the Penn softball team attempts to right itself in a crosstown doubleheader at St. Joseph's today at 3:30 p.m. The season may be nearing its end, and the Quakers might be coming off their most disappointing weekend of the year, but Penn's best effort will not be spared in the non-conference showdown. "We're always really motivated to beat city rivals such as St. Joseph's, and we'll be playing for our pride," shortstop Sam Smithson said. Overcoming the Hawks might pose one of the Quakers' greatest challenges this year. St. Joe's has compiled an impressive 28-13 record, which should launch it into this year's Atlantic 10 playoffs. Last Sunday's split against Lehigh marked the Hawks' first loss in nine games. A main reason for their domination has been the performance of pitcher Janielle Hoffman, who completed 71 innings without walking a batter earlier this season. Potent offensive production has also been a source of support, as St. Joseph's has averaged nearly seven runs in its past 10 contests. In contrast with the Hawks' successes are the woes of the Quakers, who have kept fighting this year only to face more disappointments. After being decimated by injuries earlier in the year, Penn convincingly swept Brown two weeks ago to put the squad back into conference contention. But the Quakers (10-29) were then met by heartbreak this past weekend in New England. Twin bill sweeps by Harvard and Dartmouth put a damper on the team's hopes. Now, the matchup against the Hawks and Saturday's doubleheader at Cornell are all that is left on the slate for Penn. Much can be salvaged in these games, though, because the Quakers are an extremely young squad that is looking for a late-season roll and a boost entering next season. Most of the Quakers' shortcomings this year are correctable with added experience and some confidence. And confidence will come from beating top teams such as St. Joseph's. "Our goal is probably to split with St. Joseph's," outfielder Laurie Nestler said. "If they lose to us once, they are not going to lose to us twice."