Sofbtall: Stevens sets freshman homerun record

Softball head coach Holly Aprile knew that her freshman catcher had the potential to emerge… Softball head coach Holly Aprile knew that her freshman catcher had the potential to emerge as a premier power hitter for the Panthers. She just didn’t know that it would happen so soon.

Holly Stevens recorded three homeruns in a three-game series against Big East opponent St. John’s, bringing her season total to a team-high nine. The previous record for single-season homeruns for a Pitt rookie was six, set last year by Yvette Bravo.

“When we recruited Stevens, we hoped that she would be a major offensive contributor,” Aprile said. “I can’t say I am surprised with her performance this weekend, but three homeruns was certainly a bit unexpected.”

Aprile also noted that Stevens has consistently batted in the third spot of the lineup, a position that Aprile looks to for run production.

Stevens helped propel the Panthers (22-17, 6-5 Big East) to two victories over the Red Storm (16-23, 5-8 Big East), both by a score of 7-2. St. John’s avoided the sweep by defeating the Panthers in a 6-0 shutout.

For the second week in a row, Pitt failed to close out a series in which they had entered the final game 2-0. Previously, the Panthers secured two victories over Georgetown before falling to the Hoyas in extra innings.

“Last week against Georgetown, we played well in the final game, and I was pleased with the effort despite the loss,” Aprile said. “This week, I felt that our usually steady defense made mistakes and we failed to adjust at the plate.”

The Panthers were out-hit by the Red Storm 10-4 in the defeat and junior pitcher Alyssa O’Connell was credited with the loss.

Pitcher Kat Lawrence of St. John’s recorded the victory with seven scoreless innings of work, and the Panthers left eight runners on base.

While the Panthers could not generate offensive production in the final game, runs were easy to come by in the previous two contests.

In the opening game, the Panthers came back from an early 2-0 deficit, thanks to Bravo’s two-run homer in the third inning.

“We have been in so many close games this season, so we know that we are well within striking distance, even when we are down two runs,” Aprile said. “In the third inning, we made hitting adjustments, and Bravo’s homerun was evidence of that.”

The Panthers added five more runs to secure the victory and take the series lead 1-0.

In the second game of the series, the offense continued to produce as sophomore Ciera Damon added a homerun to Stevens’ two.

“I know that this team is able to score runs,” Aprile said. “Our pitching has carried us most of the season, but hopefully we can keep up the offense, which is something we talk about in practice.”

As for the Panthers’ pitching, both O’Connell and fellow junior Cory Berliner earned their 10th victories of the season.

O’Connell was recently named to the Big East Honor Roll for her past pitching performances.

“O’Connell has been a great asset to the team in terms of her hard work,” Aprile said. “She is extremely dedicated, and that shows in her success this season.”

The Panthers will travel to USF, the fourth-place team in the Big East, for a mid-week doubleheader today.

“This is a quick turnaround for us,” Aprile said. “We only have two of [these] mid-week games, and this is one we have to travel a bit for.”

Still, Aprile believes that after a day of rest, the Panthers will be prepared to “beat up on the Bulldogs” of USF.