March 25, 1998

PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh softball team played its first-ever games against St. Francis of (Pa.) Wednesday, March 25 and suffered two losses in a double-header at Pitt Stadium.

The Panthers dropped a 4-0 decision to St. Francis in the opening game. The Red Flash opened the scoring in the first inning on a run by right fielder Amy Smick. Pittsburgh closed the inning on sophomore pitcher Laura LeViere's (Pittsburgh, Pa./Northgate) first career strikeout, retiring St. Francis' Autumn Helsel at the plate. The Red Flash went on to score two runs in the third and closed the game, 4-0, with Julie Miller's RBI in the seventh.

Pittsburgh recorded its first-ever hit with junior first baseman Jen Mannick's (Waymart, Pa./Western Wayne) single to right field, while also going 1-for-2 at the plate in the first game.

St. Francis prevailed in the second game of the double-header, winning a 11-1 decision over the Panthers in five innings. The Red Flash took an early with the help of a five-run first inning.

Panther freshman Shannon Delker (Muncy, Pa./Muncy) registered Pittsburgh's first run of the season in the fourth inning of the game. Delker scored on an overthrow at third to allow her to cross the plate.

The double-header with St. Francis marks the Panthers' only home game of the season. Their next action is Saturday, April 4 when they travel to Robert Morris for a double-header at noon.