ERIE, Pa. — The Golden Knights softball team earned a doubleheader sweep over Pitt.-Johnstown on Saturday afternoon at McConnell Family Stadium, highlighted by a dominant offensive showing and a 10-run fourth inning in game two.

Despite cold and rainy conditions, Gannon honored its five seniors, Jessica Westmiller (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East), Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny), Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City), Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason), and Josie Spano (Hudson, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy), before the doubleheader and went on to complete the season sweep of the Mountain Cats.

The Golden Knights combined for 21 hits across the two games, powering their way to the sweep.

THE GAME FACTS
Game One Score: Gannon 9, Pitt.-Johnstown 1
Game Two Score: Gannon 12, Pitt.-Johnstown 4
Records: Gannon (17-19, 10-12 PSAC West), Pitt.-Johnstown (15-24, 8-16 PSAC West)
Location: McConnell Family Stadium – Erie, Pa.
Date: April 25, 2026

HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME ONE
Pitt.-Johnstown struck first in the opening inning, but the Golden Knights responded immediately as Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) tripled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Emily Spears (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) to tie the game.

Gannon took control in the second inning when Mia Ryan (Zelienople, Pa./Seneca Valley) launched her first career home run, a two-run shot to give the Golden Knights a 3-1 lead.

The Golden Knights broke the game open in the fourth inning, plating five runs on six hits. Key RBI knocks from Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason) and Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) extended the lead to 8-1.

Gannon added one more in the sixth and cruised to the 9-1 victory behind a complete-game effort from Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area). 

THE KNIGHT CAP – GAME ONE

• Ryan's first homer: Mia Ryan (Zelienople, Pa./Seneca Valley) launched her first career home run, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
• Smerick sparks offense: Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a triple.
• Breuer drives in two: Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason) recorded two hits and two RBIs.
• Clontz adds production: Jenna Clontz (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) finished with two hits and two RBIs.
• Fox stays consistent: Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) added two hits in the win.
• Biles dominates: Miranda Biles (Hartstown, Pa./Jamestown Area) earned the win, allowing just three hits and one run over six innings.

HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME TWO
Gannon once again struck early, scoring in the first inning on an RBI single from Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason).

After trading runs through the first three innings, Pitt.-Johnstown tied the game at 2-2 in the fourth before the Golden Knights delivered a decisive blow.

In the bottom of the fourth, Gannon erupted for 10 runs, taking advantage of timely hitting and defensive miscues. Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) delivered a two-run double, while Sadie Carroll (North Canton, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) added a two-run single.

The inning was capped by a three-run home run from Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) to break the game open at 12-2.

Pitt.-Johnstown added two runs in the fifth, but the Golden Knights closed it out to secure the sweep. 

THE KNIGHT CAP – GAME TWO

•  10-run inning: Gannon scored 10 runs in the fourth inning to break the game open.
•  Smerick leads again: Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs.
•  Whipkey's big swing: Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) blasted a three-run home run and drove in three.
• Carroll delivers: Sadie Carroll (North Canton, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) recorded two RBIs off the bench.
• Breuer produces: Lindsay Breuer (Mason, Ohio/Mason) added two hits and two RBIs.
• Balanced attack: The Golden Knights scored 12 runs on nine hits while drawing seven walks.

Up next 
Gannon returns to action Sunday, April 26, hosting Indiana (Pa.) for its annual Katie's Kids Day and Alumni Game. First pitch of the PSAC doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m. at McConnell Family Stadium.

This story was written using the support of AI.