By SCOTT DAVIDSON
Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA — Lindsey Martin and Jenna Simon both said they knew their undefeated team would rally after spotting Lake Central a three-run first-inning lead Wednesday night.

The Penn pair did its part to make sure it happened too.

Pitcher Martin regained her composure, while Simon's speed disrupted the Indians as the Class 4-A No. 8 Kingsmen rallied for a 4-3 victory.

Shannon Stephan had a big performance for the host Kingsmen too with a 3-for-3 effort and the game-winning RBI in the third frame.

Martin worked out of a pair of big jams in the second and third innings to keep the Kingsmen close. The senior did not allow a run, extricating herself from a bases-loaded, no-out pickle in the second and a bases-loaded, one-out predicament in the third.

"I just do better under pressure," Martin said. "I think I get better as the game goes on. I knew for sure we would beat them. No one hung their heads when we got down 3-0."

Martin (2-0) only allowed three hits the final four innings. She finished the game with a strikeout and a lineout with the tying runner on second for the Indians.

Simon made sure Penn would get back in it. The junior shortstop, who possesses blazing speed, was 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

The lefty leadoff hitter, who has made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame, drew a walk in the home half of the first. She then raced all the way to third on a sacrifice bunt by Aubrie Lane and scored on a sacrifice fly by Holly Hoffman to make it 3-1.

"We have a good offense and I knew without a doubt we would come back," Simon said. "We just look at it as it's 0-0 and we need to win every inning. My job is to get on base, and my speed obviously helps there. I have faith that my team will bring me in."

Penn tied the game at 3-3 in the second. Shelby Miller delivered a key RBI single to plate Sam Krcelich with two outs, then scored on a single by Simon.

The Kingsmen took the lead in the third on a clutch, two-out RBI single to right by Stephan that scored Katie Green, who was running for Hoffman after she doubled to start the frame.

The Kingsmen have plenty of options with 14 returning letterwinners from last year's 26-6, sectional championship squad.

"I like how we worked together and had different players step up for us," said Penn coach Beth Zachary. "We have 14 solid players we can count on. We don't have to rely on just 1 or 2.

"I was happy how we answered back in the first and then chipped away. I was really happy with how Lindsey settled down and regained her composure. She got the job done when she needed to.

"Jenna just sets the pace for us. It's a game of momentum and she sets the table. Her speed just completely discombobulates other teams."

Marissa Maluchnik had a double and Kaitlyn Ranieri an RBI single to lead Lake Central. Julia Druzbicki had two hits, and freshman Abbey Rauch took the loss.

Penn (2-0) plays at Crown Point on Thursday.

 

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