Weather continues to keep Softball off the field

Another day of rain in Pittsburgh kept the Pitt softball team away from the diamond, and with… Another day of rain in Pittsburgh kept the Pitt softball team away from the diamond, and with the precipitation forecasted to continue throughout the weekend, the Panthers are wondering when they will open at home this season.

“Always something we have to deal with here in Pittsburgh,” head coach Michelle Phalen said about the weather.

The Panthers (13-17) were scheduled to have their home opener against Youngstown State on Tuesday, but the home opener was pushed back to yesterday against Robert Morris. More rain prevented that from happening.

Now, after having the week off, Pitt will now look to its weekend games against Big East rivals Villanova and Rutgers. The layoff should not affect the Panthers, as they’ve played a tough schedule to date and could use the rest.

Today’s double-header against Villanova has been moved to tomorrow at noon, when the Panthers hope to finally open their home schedule. It would also mark the opening of their Big East schedule.

“I’m happy we’re opening up at home [against Big East teams],” Phalen said.

However, opening against Villanova (11-12, 2-0 Big East) is going to be a test for Pitt. Villanova went 34-15-1 last season, and lost in the Big East Tournament Championship game to Notre Dame.

“Villanova is traditionally one of the better teams in the conference,” Phalen said. “[But] we competed with them very well.”

The Panthers played two very close games against Villanova last year, but ended up getting swept by scores of 6-3 and 4-2.

Second baseman Francesca DiMaria hit a home run in each contest last year. She finished the day 3-for-6 at the plate with five RBIs and two stolen bases.

Pitt is scheduled to play Rutgers (14-15, 0-2) on Sunday at 12 p.m. The Panthers split last year’s two-game series with the Scarlet Knights, winning the second game 1-0.