Panthers Host Virginia in Home Opener

Pitt Panthers (14-11, 0-3 ACC)
vs. Virginia Cavaliers (20-10, 1-5 ACC)
March 24-26, 2023 | ACCNX
Vartabedian Field | Pittsburgh, Pa.

LEADING OFF

Pitt softball returns to Vartabedian Field to face Virginia in its 2023 home opener, March 24-26. Due to inclement weather in the area, the start time for Friday's game has been moved to 3 p.m. The games on Saturday and Sunday games are set to continued as scheduled.
The Panthers will begin the series on Friday, March 24 (3 p.m. - ACCNX) and will celebrate National Athletic Trainer Day and the Year of Emotional Well Being Saturday, March 25 (2 p.m. - ACCN). The series will wrap up with Dad and Daughter's Day and post-game autographs on Sunday, March 26 (12 p.m. - ACCNX).
The Panthers are set to play their second ACC series this season after opening conference play on the road with a three-game series at Louisville, March 17-19. Pitt played a double-header Friday night after a 1.5-hour delay due to low temperatures. Pitt wrapped up the series with a single game on Sunday.
The Panthers are coming off a mid-week game at in-state rival, Penn State. Pitt dropped a hard-fought battle to the Nittany Lions, 1-0, in eight innings at Beard Field, Tuesday evening.
Pitt is 14-11 through the first six weeks of play. Seven of the Panthers' wins have come by four or more runs, including three wins by eight or more runs. Nine of their 11 losses have been decided by three or fewer runs.
The Panthers have out-hit their opponents in 14 of 25 games this season, including outhitting the FIU Panthers 21-12 over two games Feb. 17-18.
Pitt began its season with six-straight trips on the road (25 games). The Panthers have traveled to Clearwater, Fla., Miami, Fla., Houston, Texas, Memphis, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky.

NOTES

After finishing towards the bottom of the ACC in most of the major statistical categories in 2022, the Panthers have made a turnaround on the season.
Through 25 games, Pitt ranks third in the ACC and 29th in the nation in stolen bases per game (2.00).
After hitting 35 doubles through 41 games in 2022, Pitt has already hit 43 doubles in 25 games this season. The Panthers rank fourth in the ACC and 23rd in NCAA in doubles (43) and are fourth in the ACC and 13th in the NCAA in doubles per game (1.72).
Yvonne Whaley is the toughest batter to strikeout in the ACC and second overall in the NCAA behind Abbey Tolmie (Central Michigan). Whaley is batting .446 and has recorded just one strikeout in 65 at-bats this season. Whaley is one of seven batters in the nation to only have one strikeout.
Abby Edwards (4-6) is having a strong start to the 2023 season, leading the Panthers' staff with a 2.70 ERA (22 ER/300.1 IP) and has recorded a career high 60 strikeouts this season.
Edwards entered as a pinch hitter against Sam Houston and crushed a solo go-ahead home run to center field for her first career at-bat. She is just the third player in the NCAA to hit a home run in their first career at-bat this season.
Edwards allowed just one earned run in a walk-off loss at Penn State (3/21). Allowed just three hits in 7.1 innings with five strikeouts.
Kayla Lane leads the team with 11 stolen bases, going 11-for-11 on attempts and ranks fifth in the ACC in stolen bases. Lane has recorded four games with two swiped bags.

PROMOTIONS
Friday, March 24 @ 3 p.m. – Virginia

Home Opener / Roc the Royal – Make sure to Roc your Royal as Pitt Softball opens up 2023 home season at Vartabedian Field.
Giveaway: Pitt Softball Koozies

Saturday, March 25 @ 1 p.m. – Virginia

Athletic Trainer Day / Year of Emotional Well-Being – All athletic trainers are welcome to attend the game as we honor Pitt's athletic trainers. Free admission for all Pitt athletic trainers, $5 tickets for any non-affiliated athletic trainers.

Sunday, March 26 @ 12 p.m. – Virginia

Dad's and Daughter's Day – All dads and daughters are invited to spend the day at Vartabedian Field. There will be a special concession deal and post-game autographs. Discounted tickets will be available at the gate.

Panthers Host Virginia in Home Opener

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Abby Edwards

Kayla Lane

Yvonne Whaley

Panthers Host Virginia in Home Opener

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Abby Edwards

Kayla Lane

Yvonne Whaley

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