Regular and postseason playoff success have been a way of life for Penn College softball teams throughout this century. Under coach Roger Harris from 2002-15, the Wildcats were 177-174, reaching the playoffs eight times, claiming two championships, two seconds and two thirds.

Under coach Jackie Klahold from 2016-19, teams were 76-70, with four playoff appearances and one second-place finish. Coached by Angie Stackhouse from 2020 through last season, teams were 141-57, with three conference crowns (two United East), three trips to the NCAA Division III Regional, two conference runner-up finishes and one third-place finish.

This season, under Amber Savage, in her collegiate coaching debut, the Wildcats haven’t skipped a beat despite fielding an all-sophomore and freshman lineup, going 29-5 overall and 14-2 in the United East Conference, where they are seeded third and host sixth-seed Penn State Abington (7-9, 18-20) in a best-of-three series starting at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Lumber Yards. The second game is set for 5 p.m. Friday, with a third game, if needed, at noon on Saturday.

When the teams met during the regular season, Penn College won by scores of 10-7 and 5-2.

“Our regular season wasn’t just successful; it was a testament to who we are and what this program is built on. A standard set and a statement made,” Savage said.

“From opening day to the final out of conference play, this group showed a level of consistency, toughness, and togetherness that you simply dream of. Every practice rep, every adjustment, every lateinning response added up to a season defined by growth and grit and true love of this game,” Savage continued.

Leaders include sophomore pitcher Mackenzi Tice, of Mansfield, who is 18-2 overall (9-1 UE) with a 1.38 ERA, 155 strikeouts and 59 walks in 121 2/3 innings of work, holding opponents to a .169 batting average. Freshman first baseman Taylor Brown, of Bellefonte, is hitting at a .424 clip and owns a .992 fielding percentage.

“We proved we can compete with anyone, even as a squad of all sophomores and freshmen. We proved that when the moment gets big, we rise to it together,” Savage said.

Sophomore right-fielder Payton Crawford, of Bloomsburg, is batting .471; sophomore third baseman Ryleigh Rinker is batting .480; freshman center fielder Sofia Mileto, of Loyalsock, is batting .422; sophomore shortstop Harley Kunes, of Mill Hall, is batting .365; and sophomore left fielder Carissa Lusk is batting .357.

“Tice is the ace of the circle, and everyone shines around her competitiveness. Brown plays well beyond her years and gives the infield a sense of trust and confidence as our first baseman,” Savage said. “Her bat is a reliable one, and between her, Crawford, Rinker, Mileto, Kunes and Lusk, the remaining lineup responds to their energy, example, and ability to get after it. 

“What makes this group special isn’t just the wins. It’s the way they earned them. The way our lineup trusted each other,” the coach continued. “The way our pitching staff attacked hitters. The way our defense played with pride. The way our bench stayed locked in and ready. Everyone had a role, and everyone elevated the standard.

Also in the playoff field are defending champion and No. 1 seed Penn State Brandywine (16-0 UE, 29-7 overall), second seed Wilson College (15-1, 28-9-1), fourth seed Lancaster Bible College (13-3, 20-11), fifth seed Penn State Harrisburg (10-6, 21-11), seventh seed Penn State Berks (7-9, 9-19), eighth seed Notre Dame (Md.) University (7-9, 11-18), ninth seed Cedar Crest College (6-10, 16-20), and 10th seed Cairn University (4-12, 7-23).

“This regular season reflected our identity of being disciplined, competitive, connected, and hungry. And the best part is that we’re not done. The work continues, the stakes rise, and this team is built for exactly that,” Savage said. “Postseason is ahead — and we’re stepping into it confident, battletested, and ready. As the girls say: All in.”

Winners from this Friday and Saturday games will advance to the double-elimination final four playoffs on Friday-Sunday, May 8-10, with a trip to D-III regionals awaiting the champion.