The Gannon University softball team concluded its 2025 postseason run on Wednesday at Veterans Park in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, after a challenging day at the PSAC Tournament. The Golden Knights faced a tough 9-0 loss to Shepherd in their first game and then battled hard against California (Pa.) in an elimination game, ultimately losing 9-8. Despite a determined rally in Game 2, Gannon's season ended with an overall record of 29-19.

Game 1: Shepherd 9, Gannon 0

In Game Four of the PSAC Softball Tournament, the Gannon University softball team ran into a dominant performance from the PSAC East Pitcher of the Year, falling 9-0 to Shepherd on Wednesday afternoon at Veterans Park in Quakertown, Pa.

Madelayne Ruffner silenced the Golden Knights' offense with a complete-game shutout, striking out 15 batters and allowing just three hits over seven innings. Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic) led Gannon at the plate with a pair of singles, while Abbey Girman (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette) added a double in the seventh.

Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) went the distance in the circle for Gannon, but the Rams broke through with three runs in the third and five more in the seventh to seal the win.

Game 2: California (Pa.) 9, Gannon 8

The Gannon University softball team saw its season come to a close in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday evening, falling 9-8 to California (Pa.) in a back-and-forth battle in the PSAC Tournament elimination round at Veterans Park.

The Golden Knights surged out to an early 5-1 lead, highlighted by a two-run homer from Abbey Girman (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette) in the first inning and a solo blast from Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) in the second. Sadie Carroll (North Canton, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) added a key RBI triple to cap the early scoring.

However, California (Pa.) responded with six runs in the top of the sixth to grab a 9-5 advantage. Gannon fought back in the bottom of the frame with three runs—courtesy of RBI singles from Carroll, Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic), and Girman—but the comeback bid ultimately came up just short.

Gannon racked up 12 hits in the season finale, including multi-hit efforts from Carroll, Mallozzi, Girman, and Whipkey. Maggie Lenda (East Aurora, N.Y./Iroquois) took the loss in the circle, allowing seven runs over five innings before giving way to Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell).