Penn (12-6) opened the second half of its spring break trip by splitting with Concordia (Mich.) Thursday, winning 2-1 and falling 7-5. The Statesmen then swept Bethel (Ind.) Friday 10-2 and 7-6 before dropping a pair to Madonna (Mich.) Saturday 2-0 and 8-7.

Concordia (Mich.)--Game 1

Penn came out on top in a great pitcher's duel that included just three runs on ten hits. Matt Casey (Sr., Palmdale, Calif., Antelope Valley CC) had an RBI single in the second inning and Eddie Sobczak (Jr., University Place, Wash., Skagit Valley CC) recorded an RBI sacrifice fly in the third frame, while Chris Wedel (Sr., Wasco, Calif., Taft CC) was terrific on the mound to collect the win.

Wedel, who improved to 2-1 on the season, allowed just one run (unearned) on five hits. The senior struck out seven against two walks.

Daley Benson (Sr., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Yakima Valley CC) worked a perfect seventh frame for his first save of 2009.

Alex Chavez (Sr., Culver City, Calif., LA Harbor CC) led the offense with a 2-3 showing.

Concordia (Mich.)--Game 2

The Statesmen fell behind 7-0 after three innings of the nightcap, but nearly pulled out the win with two in the fifth and three more in the sixth. Unfortunately, the deficit was too much to overcome and Penn fell to Concordia for the first time in four games. The loss also snapped the team's five-game winning streak.

Sobczak was a perfect 3-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. Garrett Jenner (Jr., Jamul, Calif., Grossmont CC) scored a team-best two runs in the loss.

Contrary to the first game, Benson did not have his best stuff in the nightcap, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits over two innings of work. The senior fell to 0-2 on the season.

Mark Appel (Jr., Glendale, Ariz., Gateway CC) relieved Benson, but also struggled, allowing four runs (all earned) on three hits in 1 1/3 innings. He struck out one versus four walks.

Daniel Holland (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif., Victor Valley CC) was Penn's best arm in the loss, keeping Concordia off the board, hitless in fact, in 2 2/3 frames. He struck out three with one walk.

Bethel (Ind.)--Game 1

Penn gave up two early runs to Bethel in the opener, but quickly responded with four runs in the third and three runs each in the third and fourth frames to run away with the victory.

Steven Schultze (Sr., Simi Valley, Calif., LA Mission CC) was 2-3 to lead the Statesmen at the plate. The senior also had three RBIs and one run scored. Ramon Cabral (Sr., Antioch, Calif., Laney CC) and Jaime Ayala (Sr., Modesto, Calif., Modesto CC) both scored three times each, while Cabral also brought home two runs with his bat.

Brad Fattore (Jr., Renton, Wash., Edmonds CC) matched Cabral with two RBIs, while Jenner scored twice in the win.

Keith Rizor (Sr., Westminster, Calif., Orange Coast CC) was strong to improve to 3-1 on the year. The senior gave up two runs (both earned) on seven scattered hits over six innings. He also struck out four with one walk.

Holland relieved Rizor in the seventh and allowed only one walk in a scoreless frame.

Bethel (Ind.)--Game 2

Penn claimed the double dip sweep despite almost giving up a five-run lead in the bottom of the seventh. Leading 7-2 entering the final half inning, Bethel scored four runs on four hits and an error, but pitcher Micah Spencer (Sr., Modesto, Calif., Indiana State) finally tallied the last out to finish his complete game.

Spencer (3-0) gave up six runs (five earned) on nine hits. He tallied five strikeouts against four walks.

Offensively, Chavez, Ayala, Schultze and Nick Golich (Jr., Aurora, Ill., Waubonsee CC) led the charge with two hits each as Penn belted out 13 base knocks.

Chavez had two RBIs, while pinchrunner Aaron Laird (Fr., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) crossed home plate a team-best two times.

Madonna--Game 1

Joey Grant (Sr., Soquel, Calif., College of San Mateo), fresh off his first career no-hitter earlier in the week, pitched another gem against Madonna, but came up on the losing end of a 2-0 pitcher's duel.

The senior (1-1) allowed just two runs (none earned) on three hits, while striking out five (two walks).

Madonna broke a scoreless tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning and Penn failed to respond.

Jenner, Cabral, and Richie Hawley (Sr., Palmdale, Calif., Antelope Valley CC) each had one hit apiece in the loss.

Madonna--Game 2

The Statesmen rallied from a five-run deficit by scoring six runs in the sixth frame of the nightcap. Unfortunately, Madonna answered right back with two runs in the seventh and held off Penn for the sweep.

Tim Waters (Sr., Marysville, Wash., Everett CC) started the game and allowed six runs (all earned) on seven hits over six frames. The senior, who struck out four against two walks, did not figure into the decision however.

Travis Warnock (So., Auburn, Wash., Pierce CC) had a tough debut as he walked three batters in 1/3 inning and took the loss (0-1).

Cabral, Jenner, and Ayala all had two hits each, while Cabral and Jenner were joined by Schultze with two RBIs apiece. Cabral also scored twice in the setback.

Next: Penn returns to the Midwest to face Park this weekend in Parkville, Mo. The Statesmen play two doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday with each beginning at noon.