GLENVILLE, W.Va. – The Gannon softball team opened the 2026 season with a doubleheader sweep Friday at the Sue Morris Sports Complex, defeating West Virginia State in the opener before rallying past West Virginia Wesleyan in the nightcap.
Gannon jumped out early in the opener and never looked back, while a seven-run fifth inning powered a comeback victory in Game 2, closing out the day.
The Game Facts
Game 1
Score: Gannon 8, West Virginia State 1
Records: Gannon (1–0), West Virginia State (1–4)
Location: Sue Morris Sports Complex
Date: February 20, 2026
Game 2
Score: Gannon 9, West Virginia Wesleyan 7
Records: Gannon (2–0), West Virginia Wesleyan (0–1)
Location: Sue Morris Sports Complex
Date: February 20, 2026
The Knight Cap — Game 1 vs. West Virginia State
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Fast Start: Gannon scored three runs in the first inning and controlled the opener en route to an 8–1 victory.
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Power on Display: Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy) and
Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) both homered in Game 1.
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Run Production: Smerick drove in three runs, while
Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) added two RBIs and Spano chipped in with a solo home run.
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Speed on the Bases: Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) and Smerick each stole two bases.
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Multi-Hit Performances: Smerick and Clontz each recorded two hits, while
Alli Novick (Pinckney, Mich./Pinckney Community) and Clontz both added doubles.
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Efficient Offense: Gannon scored eight runs on eight hits.
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Armstrong in Control: Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) struck out nine batters while allowing just one walk in a complete-game performance.
The Knight Cap — Game 2 vs. West Virginia Wesleyan
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Comeback Complete: Gannon erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning after entering the frame trailing 4–2, rallying for a 9–7 victory.
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Power Surge: Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy),
Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area), and
Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) each homered.
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Spano Paces the Offense: Spano went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
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Balanced Run Production: Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City),
Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny), and
Mia Ryan (Zelienople, Pa./Seneca Valley) each drove in a run, while Smerick also added an RBI.
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Speed & Contact: Smerick went 2-for-4 and stole a base, while Fox also swiped a bag.
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Biles' Start: Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) struck out five batters in her start.
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Bullpen Closes It: Jessica Westmiller (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East) allowed no earned runs in relief, while
Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings.
Up Next
Gannon continues play at the Sue Morris Sports Complex on Saturday, February 21, opening the day against D'Youville at 10:00 a.m., before closing the weekend against Glenville State at 12:30 p.m.
This story was written using the support of AI.
