University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Softball Sets For Fall Ball
8/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Aug. 31, 2011
PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh softball team officially opens the fall ball season on Saturday, Sept. 17. The six-week fall season runs through the second week of October and includes two scheduled tournaments.
The first tournament is slated for Sept. 17-18 at Youngstown State. Pitt meets Akron at noon, followed by a 2 p.m. contest against Cleveland State on Saturday. Sunday, Sept. 18, the Panthers face host YSU. That start time has not been determined.
Pitt will host its inaugural fall ball tournament at the Petersen Sports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 1, entertaining California (Pa.) and Robert Morris. The first contest slated for 11 a.m., features Pitt versus RMU. The Colonials face Cal (Pa.) at 1 p.m., followed by a Panthers/Cal. (Pa.) matchup to close the day (3 p.m.).
The following day, Sunday, Oct. 2, the Panthers meet Ohio State in a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Vartabedian Field.
The Panthers return 11 players from their 2011 squad and welcome an exciting freshmen class. The newcomers include: Nikki Caruso, Jordan Fannin, Alicia Keough, Savannah King, Alexa Larkin, Maggie Sevilla, Carly Thea and Carissa Throckmorton.
In addition to the newcomers, All-Big East selection Kelly Hmiel returns for her senior campaign. In 2011, Hmiel earned All-Big East second team honors and ranked among NCAA leaders in slugging percentage (25th), home runs (32nd) and runs batted in per game (43rd). Hmiel also shared a piece of the regular-season Big East home run title (15).
In 2011, Pitt's .320 batting average in league play was also a school-best. The Panthers also set a school record for wins, while outscoring opponents 236-138.
The Panthers look forward to seeing all fans during fall ball, and through the 2011-12 season.
