Softball Drops Two to Boston College

4/17/2000

Panthers look to rebound with three matchups this week.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Panthers softball team dropped a doubleheader to host Boston College Sunday, April 16. Pittsburgh was narrowly defeated in the first game, 1-0, and lost the second game, 6-1.

The Panthers had an exceptional defensive effort in the first game led by freshman pitcher Nikki Gasti (Carmichaels, Pa./Carmichaels) who held Boston College scoreless until the fifth inning. Gasti allowed only three hits and one run in the Panthers narrow loss. Her record now stands at 7-7. Junior right fielder Beth Steidle (Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville) hit a double in the third inning and was in scoring position after advancing on a single by junior left fielder Robin Johnston (Pittsburgh, Pa./Carrick). But the Panthers could not pull ahead.

Pittsburgh's lone run in game two came from freshman Kelly Hulpa's (Washington, Pa./Trinity) solo home run in the fourth inning, marking her fifth of the season. Fellow freshman Janelle Pepe (Connellsville, Pa./Connellsville) came in to relieve sophomore hurler Gina Bessolo (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood) in the fifth inning. Pepe gave up just three hits, no walks, and struck out three batters. Despite Pepe's effort on the mound, the Panthers could not respond offensively.

The Panthers record stands at 16-21 overall and 2-6 in the conference.

The Panthers return to action Wednesday, April 19 when they host Robert Morris at 1 p.m. at Frick Field. Pittsburgh will also host Big East Conference-foes Villanova April 20 at 2 p.m. and Notre Dame April 22 at 11 a.m. Both contests are doubleheaders and will be played at Frick Field.