Column | Projecting Penn State softball’s 2025 lineup after a record-breaking season 

Penn State’s 2024-25 season didn’t end in an NCAA Women’s College World Series bid. Yet, statistically, it was one of the program’s best seasons at the plate, with new records set across the board.

However, there were numerous departures across the diamond that’ll make the renewal of such batting success just slightly more difficult, but these holes are set to be filled by some highly talented recruits and transfers.

Here are the projected starters in each position of the lineup for the blue and white.

Designated Player - Brooke Klosowicz

One of the only positions for the Nittany Lions with no uncertainty is designated player, where slugging star Brooke Klosowicz spent the majority of the time last season.

During her sophomore year, Klosowicz saw her numbers jump to a team-leading .422 batting average with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs — all top-three single-season figures in program history.

Such prolific batting numbers saw the Johnsburg, Illinois, native earn a ranking of the No. 6 utility player midseason by D1Softball and, at the end of the season, was recognized as an All-Big Ten Second Team member. Surely, preseason and next year will bring more accolades for the Nittany Lions’ star.

Catcher - Madison Seidel

After initially starting on the bench at the beginning of last season, Madison Seidel had an opportunity to break into the starting lineup when freshman Macy Chamberlin was sidelined only 25 games into the season.

As a result, the Hilltown, Pennsylvania, native broke out and rose in the lineup, posting a slash line of .247/.330/.409 with four home runs.

Chamberlin is still in contention after tallying a .321 batting average, while incoming freshman Kirsten Finarelli joins the catchers as well and has a chance at seeing the field early.

First base - Gianna Poletti

The blue and white had one of its best seasons played at first base in program history in 2024 courtesy of Meagan Ricks, who starred in her lone season for Penn State with the highest in-conference batting average.

With Rick’s graduation, the opening is likely to be filled by Gianna Poletti. In Poletti’s sophomore year, she started five games, all at first base, and had 32 overall appearances. With a solid career .993 fielding percentage, Poletti seems the favorite for the open gig.

Second base - Michela Barbanente

Michela Barbanente was Penn State’s primary second baseman last season, appearing in 51 games.

In her sophomore year, Barbanente hit for a .284 average with eight long balls, along with a reliable .964 fielding percentage, which is likely to earn her a starting nod even if not in her same position from last year.

Third base - Allison Oneacre

As the lone projected freshman starter, Allison Oneacre has big shoes to fill at third base in 2025-26 after Maddie Gordon had a historic season at the position the year prior.

Yet, Oneacre arrives with a decorated career of her own out of Alpharetta, Georgia, where she made first team All-Region in four different years, earning her the No. 19 rank in the Extra Inning Softball rankings — the highest ranking of any recruit next season for Penn State.

Shortstop - Kaylie Walters

Despite being the most challenging position defensively, Kaylie Walters made shortstop look easy, becoming the only Nittany Lion to appear in every single game at the same position.

It was the Philadelphia native’s first season in Happy Valley after transferring in from Saint Francis. Yet, Walters put up stellar numbers in her sophomore campaign with a .350 batting average, a .943 fielding percentage and eight steals.

Left fielder - Natalie Lieto

After a strong first-year campaign that saw Natalie Lieto become one of two true freshmen to be named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, she has an opportunity to take a larger role next season.

Defensive play was the key to what made Lieto stand out and gain notoriety, despite holding a .329 average with seven home runs and 10 steals in 50 games played.

Center fielder - Jenna Nelson

As the captain of the outfield, Jenna Nelson had a career year both offensively and defensively, which is expected to earn her the nod again in center field after 49 starts last season.

After only having 15 plate appearances in two seasons prior, the Swedesboro, New Jersey, native saw that number increase to 110 last year and excelled with a .282 average at the plate.

Right fielder - Cara Bohner

As the lone batting transfer for the Nittany Lions, Bohner may be all the help needed.

With Bohner’s senior year ahead of her in State College, she arrives from Towson with a .292 career batting average and 85 RBIs, with her stolen base and home run totals both at seven, leaving her as the perfect candidate to start in right field.