This weekend was packed with Pitt sports action as the tennis, swimming and diving, softball and track teams all competed in their respective events, earning mixed results. Highlights included a meet record for senior Brycen Spratling and three wins for the softball team to begin its season.
Track and Field, YSU National and Armory Collegiate invitationals and Virginia Tech Elite Meet
The men’s and women’s track teams traveled to Youngstown, Ohio, and Blacksburg, Va., for the YSU National Invitation and Virginia Tech Elite Meet.
At Virginia Tech, sophomore Evann Thompson turned in a personal best time in the women’s 800-meter, which she had previously set at the 2014 Hokie Invitational in Blacksburg, Va.
The Panthers’ success continued in Youngstown with impressive performances from junior Dustin Fuller and sophomore Cullen Davis in the 400-meter and 3K races, respectively.
Spratling was named the Armory’s Most Outstanding Male Competitor after his performance at the Armory Collegiate Invitational on Saturday. The meet was a collection of the best collegiate track athletes at the Armory Track and Field Center in New York City.
Spratling set a new meet record for the 500-meter dash and contributed to the 4×200 meter relay win.
Softball, Easton Tournament
Pitt softball opened its 2014 season on the road at the Easton Tournament in California.
The Panthers won both games Friday against California State-Bakersfield behind strong performances from center fielder Carly Thea and pitcher Alexa Larkin. Thea recorded two hits and drove in four runs in the second game while Larkin pitched more than six innings to earn her first win of the season.
Saturday proved tougher for the Panthers, as they split the doubleheader. Pitt was able to beat winless Loyola Marymount in the first game, but couldn’t slow down the bats of undefeated California State-Fullerton later in the day.
Second baseman Maggie Sevilla drove in five runs that day, including a three-run homer in the win over Loyola Marymount.
Tennis against Youngstown State
The Pitt tennis team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 5-2 win over Youngstown State behind strong performances by sisters Molly and Amanda Wickman in singles and doubles matches.
The match was clinched at court two, where Audrey Ann Blakely defeated Marta Burak 6-2 and 6-3.
The Panthers will look to continue their strong start to the season next Saturday as they face cross-town rival Robert Morris.
Swimming and Diving at Virginia
Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams were defeated at Virginia on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers were led by senior Veronica Lee and sophomore David Sweeney. Lee won the women’s 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard IM, while Sweeney won the men’s 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard freestyle relay.
Despite Pitt’s efforts, Virginia was able to win the team competitions. The Pitt men’s team was defeated 179-112, while the women lost 189-103.
The Panthers will now look forward to the ACC championships, which begin in less than two weeks.
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