UNIVERSITY?PARK?— The Penn State Lady Lions see a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament as their chance for redemption. After finishing the regular season 2-9 following a 15-4 start, Penn State will make its first postseason appearance in five years when Hofstra visits the Jordan Center on Thursday night in the first round of the tournament. ‘‘We’re really excited,’’ freshman guard Alex Bentley said. ‘‘It’s been a long time since the Lady Lions have been in a postseason, so it’s really exciting and I’m very glad to be a part of it.’’ Coach Coquese Washington said it is rewarding that her team is one of the last 128 teams still playing. The Lady Lions (17-13) are especially excited to give their seniors the opportunity to play in at least one more game, with a chance to finish their careers at the Jordan Center on better terms. Penn State put up a dismal 71-39 performance in the home finale Feb. 25 against Wisconsin.