Softball Earns Another Perfect Weekend In Fall Ball Action
9/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sept. 28, 2010
PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh softball team went 8-0 in Fall Ball action, after sweeping its opponents in both the Kent State Invitational and Robert Morris Invitational this past weekend.
The Panthers opened the weekend with a 3-1 victory over Kent State on Saturday during the KSU Invitational. Senior outfielder Ashley Amistade got things going with a leadoff triple and would eventually score. Junior third baseman Kelly Hmiel went 1-for-2 in the game, including a home run in the sixth inning.
Later in the day, Pitt earned a 4-1 decision over Akron. The Panthers jumped on the Zips early when freshman Karlyn Jones hit a line to right field, scoring two. That was all senior Alyssa O’Connell needed as she pitched a gem, striking out nine in the contest. Junior Keli Gaynor added on an insurance run in the sixth with a RBI single. Also, junior infielder Niki Cognigni went 2-for-3 with a stolen base.
At the Robert Morris Invitational on Sunday, Pitt began the day with a 2-0 shutout over California (Pa.). Senior Cory Berliner earned the start in the circle and gave up just four hits. The Panthers broke a pitchers’ duel in the fifth when freshman infielder Courtney Derus tripled, scoring Gaynor. Junior Ciera Damon's RBI brought home Derus for the Panthers second run. Derus ended the game 2-for-2.
In Pitt’s fall finale, the Panthers recorded their third shutout with a 5-0 win over Robert Morris. Jones pitched a five-hitter and fanned eight. Junior Amanda Heitmeier went 1-for-2 and drove in Pitt’s first run in the third inning. Damon would later homer to account for the Panther’s second run, capping off a 4-0 weekend.
Pitt’s 2011 season begins on February 18, when it travels to the Florida International Blue and Gold Tournament.