Teams combine to post 31 runs in highest-scoring Penn State contest since March 22, 2009
2012 (Freshman Year)
Started 19 games on the mound, earning a 5-9 record with a 5.52 ERA through 22 appearances...Made collegiate debut in a start against Louisiana Tech (2/11)...Rolled six complete games...Finished with 78.2 innings pitched...Struck out 33, including a season-high five against LIU-Brooklyn (3/2).
BEFORE PENN STATE
Led Livingston Manor Central to New York Class D title as well as Section 9 Class D championship in 2010 and 2011 coached by Kevin Clifford...In 2011, went 14-1 with a 0.14 ERA, tossing six no-hitters including back-to-back feats in the state semifinals and championship game...Struck out 251 batters in 103 innings, tossing seven one-hit games...Named N.Y. Class D Player of the Year and Gatorade/ESPN Rise Softball Player of the Year...Had 1,345 strikeouts in five high school seasons with a 0.47 ERA...Named to All-State first-team as a sophomore and junior while earning New York Co-Player of the Year as a junior and senior...Garnered second-team All-State honors in eighth grade as well as freshman year...Named Times-Herald Player of the Year sophomore and junior years...Member of the Tri-State Angels travel team that won the Triple Crown National Championship in 2010 coached by Angelo Matz...Lettered five years in softball and basketball...Four-year letterwinner in soccer...Reached the 1,000-point plateau during sophomore season in basketball...Guided soccer team to New York Section 9 Class D title in 2007 and 2009.
PERSONAL
Marissa Jill Diescher was born June 27, 1993, in Middletown, N.Y., to Michael and Tracey Discher...Has one brother, Michael...Intends to major in physical education, hopes to teach and/or coach softball after graduation.
QUOTING DIESCHER ON PENN STATE
"I chose Penn State because I like the coaches and the beautiful campus."
QUOTING PETRINI ON DIESCHER
"Marissa can flat out throw. She is one of the hardest pitchers in the region and will become a workhorse for us on the mound. She has great levers and a mindset that is true of a Nittany Lion. Marissa will not be denied and will fight to the last out. She is an incredibly well rounded athlete and is constantly striving to improve her game. We will look to Marissa to step right in and be an impact player in her freshman campaign."
