CALIFORNIA, Pa. — Gannon split a PSAC West doubleheader at California (Pa.) on Saturday afternoon, dropping the opener 9-5 before rallying for a 9-6 extra-inning victory in game two.
The Golden Knights responded in a big way in the nightcap, using a three-run eighth inning to secure the win and salvage the split.
THE GAME FACTS
Game One Score: California (Pa.) 9, Gannon 5
Game Two Score: Gannon 9, California (Pa.) 6 (8 inn.)
Records: Gannon 15-18, 8-11 PSAC West | California (Pa.) 15-23, 10-10 PSAC West
Location: Lilley Field – California, Pa.
Date: April 18, 2026
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME ONE
Gannon struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate before
Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) delivered a three-run double to give the Golden Knights a 3-0 lead.
California answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, then broke the game open in the third with a five-run frame, highlighted by a three-run home run.
The Vulcans added another run in the fourth to extend the lead to 9-3.
Gannon chipped away late, scoring in the fifth on an RBI single by
Alli Novick (Pinckney, Mich./Pinckney Community) and again in the seventh on an RBI single from
Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area), but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
THE KNIGHT CAP – GAME ONE
- Fox drives in three: Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs to lead the offense.
- Seven hits total: Gannon recorded seven hits, with multiple players contributing one hit apiece.
- Late push: The Golden Knights scored in the fifth and seventh innings to trim the deficit.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME TWO
Gannon wasted no time getting on the board, as
Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason) doubled home a run in the first inning.
The Golden Knights broke things open in the second, scoring three runs behind a two-run double from
Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) and an RBI single from Breuer to take a 4-1 lead.
After California responded with a four-run third inning to take the lead, Gannon answered right back in the fourth.
Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) delivered a two-run single to put Gannon back in front, 6-5.
The Vulcans tied the game in the fifth, but both teams remained scoreless until the eighth.
In the extra frame, Gannon came through in the clutch.
Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy) delivered an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from
Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) to give the Golden Knights a 9-6 lead.
Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) shut the door in the bottom half, sealing the comeback victory.
THE KNIGHT CAP – GAME TWO
- 14-hit attack: Gannon totaled 14 hits in the win, with multiple players recording multi-hit performances.
- Smerick leads the way: Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs.
- Breuer stays hot: Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason) went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a double.
- Clutch eighth inning: Gannon scored three runs in the eighth to break a 6-6 tie.
- Biles earns the win: Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) picked up the win in relief, allowing just one run over 5.1 innings.
- Fox adds three hits: Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored in game two.
Up Next
Gannon returns home to host Pitt.-Johnstown for Senior Day on Saturday, April 25. First pitch of the PSAC doubleheader is set for 3:00 p.m. inside McConnell Family Stadium.
This story was written using the support of AI.
