Softball | 2/13/2026 12:00:00 PM

The Gannon softball team enters the 2026 season with a roster that combines veteran leadership, returning production, and newcomers ready to make an impact.

With experienced players throughout the lineup and added depth across the field, the Golden Knights set their sights on competing at the top of the PSAC West and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

After finishing 29–19 overall and 18–10 in PSAC play last spring, the Golden Knights made their 14th straight appearance in the PSAC Tournament and were picked to finish third in the PSAC West preseason poll. Gannon returns four All-PSAC performers from a year ago but must replace the production of two decorated departing All-PSAC selections in Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic) and Maggie Lenda (East Aurora, N.Y./Iroquois).

Mallozzi, a two-time D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Second Team selection, led the team with a .399 batting average, recording 55 hits in 138 at-bats with 31 runs and 32 RBIs. She totaled nine doubles, two triples, and five home runs, while adding 13 stolen bases. The first baseman ranked second on the team in slugging percentage (.601) and posted a team-best .506 on-base percentage behind a team-high 24 walks.

In the circle, Lenda was a two-time First Team All-PSAC selection and the 2024 PSAC West Pitcher of the Year. In 2025, she finished 9-9 while appearing in 24 games with 20 starts, logging 124.0 innings with a 3.16 ERA and 109 strikeouts.

With four All-PSAC returners, including an established presence in the circle, and a mix of power and speed throughout the lineup, eighth-year head coach Michelle Wiley believes this group has the pieces to contend in the conference and make a postseason push.

"It starts in the circle," Wiley said. "Katie (Armstrong) has been a workhorse for us, and I'm really proud of what she's done. She's got a lot of innings left in her, and I'm excited to see what the spring brings."

Right-hander Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) emerged as Gannon's top pitcher in 2025, earning First Team All-PSAC West honors with a 15–7 record and a 2.51 ERA. She struck out 181 batters in 133.2 innings and held opponents to a .227 batting average. Behind the plate is Bella Atherton (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong), her longtime battery mate dating back to before college.
"Having those two together makes the game easy for me," Wiley said. "Bella does a great job behind the plate. She's a great leader and really takes command of the field."
 
Offensively, Gannon is led by Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong), who was named the PSAC West Athlete of the Year following an outstanding season. A two-time First Team All-PSAC West selection, Smerick also earned NFCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and D2CCA All-Atlantic Region First Team honors, becoming the first Golden Knight to earn the league's top honor since Jess Rectenwald in 2015.

The junior outfielder from Ford City, Smerick led the team with a .394 batting average, totaling 61 hits in 155 at-bats while driving in 34 runs. Hitting out of the leadoff spot, she showcased both power and speed with 11 doubles, a team-leading nine triples, and six home runs. Her nine triples marked the second-highest single-season total in program history, while her 35 stolen bases set a new school record.

Smerick also paced the team with a .697 slugging percentage and recorded a .469 on-base percentage. She finished the year with 108 total bases and 16 multi-hit games, consistently setting the tone at the top of the lineup for the Golden Knights.

Sadie Carroll (North Canton, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) also returns after a standout freshman campaign that earned her First Team All-PSAC West honors. She hit .378 with a team-leading 13 doubles and 26 RBIs while contributing in multiple roles throughout the lineup.

Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) provides power in the middle of the order after finishing with 35 RBIs on 41 hits, including 10 doubles, two triples, and four home runs. Senior Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) returns at shortstop as an experienced presence in the lineup after appearing in 35 games with 32 starts last season, scoring 19 runs while posting a .417 on-base percentage and drawing 23 walks.

"We're very well-rounded," Wiley said. "We have a good mix of power and speed, and girls who know how to get on base and bring runs in."

The Golden Knights will look to newcomers to fill key spots. Freshman pitcher Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) is expected to see time in the circle after a strong fall, while Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) has shown versatility playing both the outfield and infield and could factor into multiple roles.

Wiley knows the challenge ahead in PSAC play.

"The PSAC is one of the top conferences in the country," she said. "On any given day, anyone can beat anyone. We have to bring our A game every single day."

Gannon opens the 2026 campaign on Saturday, February 21 at the Glenville State Tournament hosted at the Sue Morris Sports Complex in Glenville, W.Va. The Golden Knights will face West Virginia Wesleyan at 10:00 a.m. before returning to the field at 12:30 p.m. to take on West Virginia State.