Pitt Drops to No. 6 Tennessee in NFCA Classic Finale

Sunday, February 9

Clearwater, FL

11 AM EST

Pitt

3-2

Tennessee

5-1

Pittsburgh

Tennessee

Pitt Drops to No. 6 Tennessee in NFCA Classic Finale

2/9/2025 2:03:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Pitt softball team dropped to No. 6 Tennessee, 8-3, during the final day of the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Complex, Sunday afternoon.

The Panthers trailed 6-0 after two complete innings but cut the deficit to three runs with a solo home run by Saleyna Daniel in the top of the fourth inning and the Panthers scored two more runs off a Tennessee error in the top of the fifth.

Gwen Sparks entered with two outs in the bottom of the second inning and allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits, one strikeout, and three walks. Sparks retired a combined 6-of-7 batters faced in the fourth and fifth innings to help cut the Panther deficit 6-3.

The Lady Vols scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth with a single to center field to add insurance and help secure the 8-3 victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Tennessee hit a triple followed by a walk to put runners on the corners in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman left-handed pitcher Bekah Duck stranded two runners by forcing a foul out to first base and fielded a groundout to end the inning.

The Lady Vols scored five runs in the second inning as Sophia Nugent hit a leadoff solo home run to center field on a 1-1 pitch to break the scoreless tie 1-0. Tennessee loaded the bases and hit a grand slam after a Panther pitching change to take an early 5-0 lead.

Pitt got on the board with a Daniel leadoff homer off the first pitch to start the fourth inning. The Panthers drew back-to-back walks to put KK Esparza and Ana Hernandez on first and second with two outs. Pitt couldn't take advantage and went down on strikes to leave two runners stranded.

Desirae Martinez drew a walk toe leadoff the top of the fifth inning and advanced to second on an Alena Ball sacrifice bunt. Griggs flied out to center and Ahmari Braden drew another walk to put two runners on base with two outs. Brannstrom hit a fly ball to centerfield and reached on a fielding error that scored two runs to cut the deficit to 6-3 with two outs.

Sage Mardjetko earned the win as the Lady Vols' offense recorded six runs on six hits, with five extra-base hits.

UP NEXT
The Panthers are back on the road for the University of Houston Tournament from Feb. 14-16. Pitt will face off against Houston, UIW, and Nevada.