Pitt ready to start big in Big East openers

Pitt softball is looking to come up big in this weekend’s back-to-back doubleheaders against… Pitt softball is looking to come up big in this weekend’s back-to-back doubleheaders against Big East opponents Villanova and Rutgers.

The Panthers (12-11) would like to demolish the Wildcats (7-9) in this Saturday’s conference opener.

“The opening game sets the tone for the season,” Pitt’s team captain Jess Dignon said. “We have to be the aggressors if we want to win, and we’re looking forward to beating the piss out of them.”

To Dignon, wins are obtainable when the team finishes strong. Earlier this season, the team struggled with holding leads in the final innings, but Pitt coach Michelle Phalen thinks the off week will prove beneficial.

“We’ve been off for a week and conference play is very exciting, so we are looking forward to this weekend,” Phalen said.

Although both Villanova and Rutgers are tough teams to play, Phalen is confident in the team’s ability to bring home several victories.

“I fully expect us to get four wins, because we have great players,” Phalen said.

The Scarlet Knights (10-14) will be a difficult team to beat because of its offensive aggressiveness.

“Rutgers is relentless and very aggressive on the bases,” Phalen explained. “They take advantage of every mistake, so we have to play smart.”

Although Rutgers and Villanova have very talented players, Dignon believes the Panthers have what it takes bring home four victories.

“We have a really good team from top to bottom, and if we play well, we’ll be the team to beat,” Dignon said.

Win or lose, the Panthers plan to use this weekend as a learning experience.

“This weekend will have an opportunity to see how we match up in the conference,” Phalen said. “We won’t get too high or too low, because it’s early in the season. We’ll get better every week.”