After resuming play in the bottom of the second inning, the Gannon softball team completed a key PSAC West victory on the road, defeating Slippery Rock 4-2 on Thursday afternoon at Kasnevich Field.

The win improved Gannon's overall record to 27-17 and 16-10 in PSAC West play. The Golden Knights have already secured their spot in the 2025 PSAC Softball Championship, which will be held in Quakertown, Pa., from April 30 to May 3. This marks the 15th consecutive season that Gannon has clinched a postseason berth.

Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) sparked the offense with a leadoff triple and came around to score the game's first run. She finished 2-for-3 with a triple, double, walk, and two runs scored. In the fifth inning, Sadie Carroll (North Canton, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) delivered the game's biggest swing—a two-run single up the middle to give the Golden Knights the lead for good. Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) followed with a clutch RBI double to make it 4-2.

Maggie Lenda (East Aurora, N.Y./Iroquois) earned the complete-game victory in the circle, scattering four hits and striking out eight while allowing just two earned runs over seven innings. Her strong outing helped Gannon hold off Slippery Rock's fourth-inning rally.

The Golden Knights tallied seven hits and drew seven walks on the day. Mia Ryan (Zelienople, Pa./Seneca Valley), Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic), and Bella Atherton (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) each added a hit, with Ryan also reaching base twice.
Defensively, Gannon was flawless, committing no errors in the field.

Up Next 
The Golden Knights wrap up the 2025 regular season on Friday, April 25, traveling to Clarion for a PSAC West doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.