SACRAMENTO, Calif.-Returning to her hometown, Sheena Hellon (Sacramento, Calif./Cordova) belted a three-run homer to lift the University of Pittsburgh past Saint Mary’s, 4-1, Saturday in the second day of play at the Capital Classic.

Pittsburgh (9-15), would take a quick three-run lead in the top of the second inning.  With runners on second and third, and just one out in the inning, Hellon ripped a three-run homer to left field, the second of career.  Hellon would go 2-for-3 at the plate, with 3 RBIs. 

Pittsburgh tallied one more run in the fourth, on a series of singles and walks. Jen O'Donnell (Pittsburgh, Pa./Montour) singled to third to reach, followed by  Jessica Thomas' (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) walk. Hellon then singled and sent O'Donnell to third and Thomas to second. The next batter walked, allowing O'Donnell to score. The inning ended when the Gaels threw a runner out at home and forced a pop up.

The Gaels would post a run in the next inning, but could not muster a hit in the final two innings of play.  The Panthers recorded 11 hits by six batters.  Francesca DiMaria (Pittsburgh, Pa./Montour) led the Panthers with three hits, a season best.

On the mound, Meghan Bostick (Colleyville, Texas/Grapevine) pitched for five innings, allowing four hits and one run.  Laura Belardinelli (Endicott, N.Y./Union-Endicott) pitched the final two innings, allowing just one hit.