DuBOIS, Pa. – When the softball team at Penn State DuBois was selected to participate in this year’s United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Small College World Series, some found it as a bit of a surprise. However, the Lady Lions showed they can play on the biggest stage with an impressive performance during their two days in the tournament. After an 11-3 loss to Salem University on Tuesday night, DuBois saw their season end, finishing the year with a 13-22 record overall.

The world series began for DuBois on Monday, May 13, when they played Salem University for the first time in the tournament. DuBois couldn't overcome Salem's early lead, ultimately falling 7-4. Salem jumped ahead with a 2-0 lead in the first inning, setting the tone for the game. Despite DuBois' efforts to rally, Salem's solid pitching and defense held them at bay.

The Lady Lions’ offense was led by Natalie Bowser, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, including a double and two RBIs. However, it wasn't enough to counter Salem's strong performance. On the mound, Megan Hyde took the loss for Penn State Du Bois, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing seven runs, four of which were earned. Aleigha Geer provided relief, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing no earned runs. Caitlyn Watson and Allison Lininger each contributing two stolen bases in the losing effort.

Falling into the bottom bracket of the double elimination tournament after the loss, DuBois matched up with Lyon College in an elimination game on Tuesday, May 14. Needing a win to keep their season alive, the Lady Lions got a dramatic 6-4 extra innings win over Lyon.

The game started with a tight defensive battle, with both teams locked in a 1-1 tie after three innings. DuBois gained momentum in the seventh inning, scoring three runs to take a 4-1 lead. Lyon, however, responded with a three-run rally of their own in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, the Lady Lions surged ahead with two more runs, ultimately sealing the win. Watson led the offensive charge for DuBois, scoring three runs and contributing an RBI. Bowser also played a crucial role, driving in three runs for her team. Hyde delivered a standout pitching performance, earning the win after pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Hyde's pitching, combined with solid defensive play, helped secure the victory for DuBois.

The win over Lyon set up a rematch between DuBois and Salem on Tuesday evening, with the winner advancing to the next round of the tournament and the loser seeing their season come to an end. While the Lady Lions gave an outstanding effort, Salem’s offense was too much to overcome, winning the game by a final of 11-3. Salem surged ahead early, scoring five runs in the first inning to establish control. Despite a brief response DuBois, Salem continued to add runs throughout the game to keep their lead secure.

DuBois managed to muster three runs, with Watson contributing two RBIs and Hyde adding another. However, it wasn't enough to match Salem's offensive output. Geer took the loss for Penn State Du Bois, lasting 0.2 innings and surrendering five runs. Hyde provided relief, pitching 4 innings and allowing six runs.

While the second loss to Salem did mark the end of the season for the Lady Lions, several members of the team were recognized by the USCAA for their efforts on the field and academically. Award winners for Penn State DuBois softball were:

All-Academic Award Winners

• Makena Baney
• Chelsea Busatto
• Aleigha Geer
• Megan Hyde
• Tanisha Myers
• Kelsey Stuart
• Caitlyn Watson

Second Team All-American

• Caitlyn Watson

First Team All-American

• Natalie Bowser

For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.