The Gannon University softball team fell in a PSAC West doubleheader against IUP on Friday afternoon at Ruth Podbielski Field. Despite a strong start in the opening game and a late offensive surge in Game two, the Golden Knights were unable to secure a victory.

Game 1 – IUP 10, Gannon 2
Gannon kept IUP off the board through three innings, but a nine-run fourth inning turned the tide in a 10-2 loss. The Golden Knights responded in the fifth with RBI singles from Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) and Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason), but the deficit proved too much to overcome.
Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, adding a stolen base, while Clontz collected three hits. Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) took the loss, allowing six runs over 3.2 innings before Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy) and Jessica Westmiller (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East) entered in relief.

Game 2 – IUP 14, Gannon 6
IUP jumped out to an early lead in Game 2, scoring seven runs in the first inning and four more in the second. Gannon battled back with a five-run rally in the fifth, but it wasn't enough to close the gap in the 14-6 defeat.
Kloie Troutman (Lorain, Ohio/Elyria) delivered a key two-run double, while Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong),  Breuer, and Bella Atherton (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) each drove in runs. Abbey Girman (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette) and Maddie Krause (North Royalton, Ohio/Holy Name) scored twice, and Hannah Richardson (Shelby Township, Mich./Romeo) contributed a pinch-hit single.
Maggie Lenda (East Aurora, N.Y./Iroquois) was charged with the loss after surrendering seven runs in two-thirds of an inning. Westmiller provided relief, striking out six across 3.1 innings but allowing six earned runs.

Up Next
Gannon will be back in action on Sunday, March 23, when they travel to take on Pitt-Johnstown. First pitch of the PSAC West doubleheader is set for 1:00 PM at Pitt-Johnstown Softball Field.