Pitt Preps for FGCU Spring Break Classic

Pitt Panthers (6-11, 0-3 ACC) at FGCU Spring Break Classic
March 8-10, 2024
FGCU Softball Complex
Fort Myers, Fla.

QUICK HITS: The Panthers travel to Fort Myers, Fla. for the FGCU Spring Break Classic from March 8-10. Pitt will play nine games over the next 10 days, beginning at FGCU. Pitt will play a midweek contest at FIU (March 12) and will wrap up the road stretch with an ACC series at Virginia Tech (March 15-17). A live stream will be available for Sunday's game against FGCU. All other games will not be broadcasted.

THE ROAD AHEAD: Pitt begins the season on the road for the first six weeks, playing 26 games from Feb. 9-March 17 before returning to Pittsburgh for their home-opener (Feb. 19 - vs. Penn State). Pitt faced four 2023 NCAA tournament teams in the first three weeks of the season, facing off against No. 12 LSU (Feb. 10-11), Ole Miss (Feb. 16, 18), No. 6 Washington (Feb. 23), and No. 8 Oklahoma State (Feb. 24).

OUTSTANDING AGAINST OK STATE: Pitt was anchored by strong defense and pitching despite falling to No. 7/8 Oklahoma State, 1-0, at the South Florida Showdown. The Panthers held the Cowgirls scoreless until the sixth inning. The Panthers held the Cowgirls to just one run scored for the second time this season. The Cowgirls entered the game outscoring their opponents 23-2 over three games prior to facing the Panthers at the South Florida Showdown.

BY THE NUMBERS: Kat Rodriguez leads the Panthers in batting average (.306), OPS (.794), hits (15), slugging percentage (.408), and on-base percentage (.386). KK Esparza led the Panthers in the ACC opener against Georgia Tech, batting .800 (4-for-5) with a home run, two walks, and an RBI.

DON'T RUN ON KK: Junior catcher KK Esparza leads the ACC and is tied for fifth in the NCAA with six catcher caught stealings. Leads the ACC and ranks tied for sixth in the NCAA with seven caught stealings...has allowed 16 stolen bases for a .696 stolen base against percentage.Pitt Panthers (6-11, 0-3 ACC) at FGCU Spring Break Classic