Pitt Shows Fight in Loss to No. 16 Duke

Friday, April 11

Pittsburgh, PA

6 PM EST

Pitt

13-25, 3-13

Duke

30-12, 11-5

Duke

Pitt

Pitt Shows Fight in Loss to No. 16 Duke

4/11/2025 9:30:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

PITTSBURGH – The Pitt softball team rallied to score five runs over the final three innings, but it wasn't enough to overcome the explosive start from the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils as the Panthers dropped the series opener, 13-7, Friday night at Vartabedian Field.

The Panthers and Blue Devils put on an offensive clinic, combining for seven home runs and six doubles. Pitt totaled a season-high four home runs and added three doubles on a windy night in Pittsburgh.

KK Esparza had a monstrous night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and a double. Kylie Griggs was another offensive spark for the Panthers as she finished 2-for-4 with a home run and a double.

Pitt trailed 12-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning and plated three runs to avoid the run-rule victory. Esparza sparked the run with a leadoff solo home run to center field off the first pitch of the at-bat. Amanda "Tuta" Ramirez drew a walk and Camryn Murphy followed with a pinch hit single to get two runners aboard. Griggs hit a double down the left field line to score one run and Tieley Vaughn reached on an error to bring in the third run of the inning.

The Panthers continued the momentum into the sixth inning as Esparza got her third hit of the night, a leadoff double to right center field. Murphy joined the home run party and hit a two-run home run to right field to cap off the inning.

The Blue Devils attacked early in the game as Thessa Malau'ulu hit a solo home run to center field on the third pitch of the game for a 1-0 advantage. Duke scored four runs in each of the first three frames to take a 10-run lead.

Kendall Brown held the Blue Devils to just two hits a one run, a home run, over the final four frames to help the Panthers' comeback.

Malau'ulu led the Blue Devils by going 3-for-5 with two home runs and three runs scored.

UP NEXT
The Panthers and Blue Devils continue the series tomorrow at 3 p.m. as Pitt celebrates Alumni Day.