For one game yesterday against La Salle, the Penn softball team showed signs of improvement. In the second game, it returned to old form.
After freshman Lindsey Permar's two-hit gem gave Penn an 8-0 game one victory, shaky defense let the Quakers down again.
For the third time in seven games, Penn lost a game without surrendering an earned run, falling 5-0.
Penn coach Leslie King Moore thought the Explorers (9-22, 1-3 Atlantic 10) really turned the tables on Penn (10-20-1, 1-5 Ivy) in game two.
"We got off to a good start in the first game and capitalized on a couple of mistakes that they made," Moore said. In game two, "they capitalized on our mistakes."
Penn freshman Melissa Haffner was the offensive hero of the first game with her three-run double in the first inning on her way to a 2-for-2-afternoon.
Penn's five first-inning runs were more than Permar needed.
She shut down the Explorers, surrendering two hits and striking out nine in five innings, improving her record on the year to 7-8. With the exception of a relief appearance against Dartmouth, Permar has been pitching exceptionally well lately.
"You build confidence as you go out there and you start seeing what you can really do," Permar said.
Haffner knew that after her big hit, Permar would carry the team the rest of the way.
"Lindsey's a strong pitcher," Haffner said. "I knew she could pull through and do it."
Freshman Brandi King and sophomore Jen Nichols also added two hits for the Quakers in the first game.
Game two started well for Penn, with senior starter Nicki Borgstadt perfect through three innings, but things quickly turned ugly in the field.
With a runner on second and one out in the fourth, La Salle pitcher Laura DeZolt singled up the middle and the ball went under the glove of Penn freshman center fielder Erin Boyle, allowing the first unearned run to score.
Then in the sixth inning, Penn senior first baseman Erin O'Brien's throw into right field on a sacrifice bunt opened the door for Jeanette Middlestead's pinch-hit grand slam.
While the hitting in the second game was not terrible, nobody could come up with the clutch hit. Penn left 10 runners on base, including two in the fifth inning, who were on with nobody out and the top of the order coming to the plate.
This weekend will not be any easier for the Quakers, as Yale and Brown travel to Warren Field for doubleheaders.
Both teams come into the game with 3-1 Ivy records, but that doesn't worry Permar, who will likely start one game against each opponent.
"I don't know anything about these girls," Permar said. "I like going into games ... treating everyone like they're their best hitter."
Penn will face Yale tomorrow at noon and Brown Sunday at noon.
