Pitt Splits Second Day at Houston Invitational

Friday, February 13

Houston, TX

12 PM (CT) / 1 PM (ET)

Pitt

3-4

Michigan

5-1

Pitt

Michigan

Pitt Splits Second Day at Houston Invitational

2/13/2026 6:09:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 HCU - Box Score (PDF)UM - Box Score (PDF)

HOUSTON, Texas – The Pitt softball team split the second day of the Houston Invitational, getting the win over Houston Christian, 3-2, and falling to Michigan 3-1, Friday at Husky Field.

Tieley Vaughn led the Panthers by going 5-for-8 while Amelia Long earned her fist collegiate win over HCU.

Game 1: Michigan 3, Pitt 1
Michigan scored two runs in the opening inning off solo home runs to build a 2-0 advantage. The Panthers threatened in the top of the third with two outs, following an Alena Ball walk and back-to-back singles from Tieley Vaughn and Calle Henne to load the bases. Pitt was unable to capitalize, however, leaving all three runners stranded.

Pitt answered in the top of the fourth when KK Esparza launched a solo home run on the first pitch of the inning to cut the deficit to 2–1.

Vaughn led Pitt at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance, while Esparza and Addison Toczek each added two hits. Despite out-hitting Michigan, 10–7, Pitt was unable to overcome missed opportunities as they finished just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine runners on base.

Kyra Pittman provided a strong inning of relief in the sixth, retiring the first three batters she faced with a groundout and back-to-back strikeouts. Bekah Duck suffered the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two.

Game 2: Pitt 3, Houston Christian 2
Pitt jumped out to an early lead with a three-run rally in the top of the first inning. The Panthers strung together four consecutive singles after Tieley Vaughn was retired to open the frame. Alena Ball and Calle Henne reached base before Mackenzie Reese drove in the game's first run with a single to center field. Gracie Helton followed with another RBI single to center field to extend the lead to 2–0, and Macy Hamilton brought home the third run with a groundout to shortstop.

Houston Christian responded with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Huskies loaded the bases with two walks and a single before Chloe Foster delivered a two-run single to the left side, trimming Pitt's lead to 3–2.

After the early scoring, Amelia Long settled in the circle for the Panthers. The freshman right-hander kept Houston Christian scoreless over the next four innings, allowing just three hits while not issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts to preserve the one-run advantage.

Kyra Pittman entered in the bottom of the seventh inning and closed the door to earn the save. Pittman retired three of the four batters she faced, allowing one hit and striking out two to secure the victory.

Vaughn led Pitt offensively with a 2-for-4 performance, while Helton and Reese each drove in a run as the Panthers improved their record at the Houston Invitational.

UP NEXT
Pitt continues the Houston Invitational Saturday with a single game against UIW. First pitch is scheduled for noon (CT) / 1 p.m. (ET).