Indianapolis, Ind. – Junior Sophie Howell posted another solid pitching performance and the Penguins some timely hitting in a 6-1 victory over IUPUI on Saturday at the IUPUI softball complex.
Youngstown State improves to 20-19 overall and 8-5 in the Horizon League while the Jaguars fall to 12-24 overall and 8-8 in league play.
Howell struck out five in a complete-game performance to get her 10th win and 10th complete game of the year.
Hailey Niekderkohr went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBIs and two stolen bases. Sara Fessler and Conchetta Rinaldi also had two hits for the Penguins.
The Penguins jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Fessler led off the game with a walk, stole second and scored on Niederkohr's single to right field.
The Penguins took a 3-0 advantage in the top of the third when Jillian Jakse's bases-loaded walk scored Megan Turner, who doubled, and Avrey Schumacher's ground out plated Niederkohr.
Youngstown State extended its lead to 6-0 with a three-run fourth inning.
Fessler and Niederkohr each ripped two-out, run-scoring singles to drive in Elyssa Imler and Fessler, respectively, and Niederkohr stole home on a double steal to give the Penguins a six-run cushion.
The Jaguars added a run in the bottom half of the fourth frame.
Youngstown State visits Ohio State for a single game, Tuesday, April 18. First pitch is at 6 p.m.
