Softball | 2/24/2026 2:32:00 PM
Gannon softball opened the 2026 season in strong fashion, as Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) and Katie Armstrong (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) were named PSAC West Softball Athletes of the Week following standout performances last weekend at the Glenville State Tournament, where the duo helped guide the Golden Knights to a 2–2 opening weekend.
Smerick, the reigning PSAC West Athlete of the Year, earned PSAC West Softball Player of the Week honors after setting the tone offensively across four games. She hit .467 (7-for-15) with six runs scored, six RBIs, and three home runs, while posting a .500 on-base percentage and a 1.133 slugging percentage. Smerick recorded multiple-hit performances in three of the four contests, highlighted by a 3-for-4, two-RBI effort against D'Youville, and consistently delivered timely power to pace the Golden Knights' lineup.
Armstrong was tabbed PSAC West Softball Pitcher of the Week after a dominant opening weekend in the circle. She logged 8.1 innings across two appearances, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out 11 batters for a 0.84 ERA. Armstrong earned a complete-game win against West Virginia State and added a save against West Virginia Wesleyan, while also tossing 1.1 scoreless innings to help secure another Golden Knight victory.
Gannon is set to compete next at the Space Coast Games in Melbourne, Florida. Action begins on Wednesday, March 4, as the Golden Knights open play against St. Cloud State at 12:15 p.m., followed by a matchup with Minnesota Crookston at 4:45 p.m.
