CLARION, Pa. —
Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) set the Gannon softball program's career stolen base record as the Golden Knights rolled to a 13-0 win over Clarion in PSAC West action on Friday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.
With the win, Gannon improved to 14-13 overall and 7-6 in PSAC play.
THE GAME FACTS
- Final Score: Gannon 13, Clarion 0 (5 innings)
- Location: Clarion, Pa. – Memorial Stadium
- Records: Gannon (14-13, 7-6 PSAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Gannon wasted no time offensively, scoring four runs in the opening inning behind a sacrifice fly from Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong), an RBI single from Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy), and a two-run home run by Carlyn Vaupel (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) to jump out to an early lead.
The Golden Knights added another run in the second before breaking the game open in the third inning with five runs. Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) delivered a two-RBI single, while Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) added a two-run double to highlight the frame and extend the advantage.
Gannon continued to add on in the fifth, plating three more runs behind RBI hits from Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) and Alli Novick (Pinckney, Mich./Pinckney Community) to push the lead to 13-0 and secure the run-rule victory.
In the circle, Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) was dominant, tossing a five-inning shutout while allowing just four hits and striking out four.
THE KNIGHT CAP
- Record Breaker: Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) set the program's career stolen base record and now has 73 career steals.
- Historic Speed: Smerick also holds the single-season program record with 35 stolen bases, set last season.
- Shutout Performance: The Golden Knights recorded their third shutout of the season.
- In the Circle: Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) earned her fourth win of the season and now leads the team with 58 strikeouts.
- Offensive Output: Gannon finished with 13 runs on 12 hits.
- Spears Leads the Way: Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) went 3-for-3 with four RBI.
- Smerick Produces: Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) added two hits and two RBI.
- Fox Contributes: Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) recorded two hits and two RBI.
- Extra-Base Power: Gannon totaled five doubles and a home run.
- Long Ball: Carlyn Vaupel (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) launched a two-run home run in the first inning.
UP NEXT
Game two of the doubleheader was suspended due to rain, with a makeup date to be announced.
Gannon will travel to Slippery Rock on Saturday, April 11 for a PSAC doubleheader, with game one set for 1:00 p.m.
