After losses to Harvard, Quakers' score back-to-back walkoffs

Lightning struck twice for the Penn softball team on Sunday as they swept Dartmouth, winning both games on walk-off home runs.

In both games, the Quakers (10-11, 2-2 Ivy) found themselves down 8-4 against the Big Green (7-12, 2-2) heading into the final inning. Undaunted, Penn (10-11, 2-2 Ivy) rallied to get into striking distance and then struck final blows with the late homers.

Freshman Kayla Dahlerbruch was the hero of the first game while sophomore Brooke Coloma delivered the clutch blast in the second.

In addition to showing strength with their bats, the Quakers’ power with their pitching arms. In the later game, Taylor Tieman came out of the bullpen in the second frame and tossed seven strong innings, allowing only a single run. Her effort kept Penn within striking distance and set the stage for the dramatic walk off.

The Quakers were fueled by the extra motivation of playing an Ivy League game.

“Everyone knows that success in the Ivy League season is our goal. We’re too strong a team not to win,” Coloma said.

Coach Leslie King also acknowledged the electricity in the air.

“The intensity was palpable,” said King. “We could feel it pregame and during the at-bats, and that gets you pumped.”

The Quakers were unfazed by the deficits, even with their back against the wall.

“We’ve always been known to be out there to have fun. When we are laid back we play our best,” Coloma explained.

King, meanwhile, explained the long-term benefits of the duo of wins.

“It gives belief. Even if it’s the last inning, it gives hope and that’s huge.”

While comebacks are exciting, Coloma said, “Maybe in the future we might not want to wait until the final inning. It would be nice to take the lead in the 4th or the beginning.”

The victories put Penn even in the Ancient Eight after suffering two losses Saturday against Harvard, including a 10-0, five-inning defeat. The Quakers notched just one hit in each of the losses. The Red and Blue are now tied with Princeton for second in the South Division behind defending champion Cornell.

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