Panthers Come Back to Defeat Army, 3–2

Sunday, February 22

Stephenville, TX

9:30 AM (CT) / 10:30 AM (ET)

Pitt

8-5

Army

5-9

Army

Pitt

Panthers Come Back to Defeat Army, 3–2

2/22/2026 12:47:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Pitt completed a comeback victory on Sunday, rallying past the Army Black Knights, 3–2, to close out the Texan Classic.

The Panthers and Army were scoreless through the first two innings before the Black Knights broke through in the top of the third, plating two runs to take the early lead.

Pitt starter Gwen Sparks was sharp early, recording four strikeouts and allowing just three hits through the first two innings. She finished with four strikeouts over three innings of work.

Pitt threatened in the bottom of the third, drawing three walks to load the bases, but was unable to capitalize. The Panthers remained hitless through five innings as Army held a 2-0 advantage.

Pitt finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning as Alena Ball snapped Army's no-hit bid with a single, igniting the rally. Calle Henne followed with a double to bring in Pitt's first run, and KK Esparza tied the game with an RBI groundout. Gracie Helton then drove in the decisive run on a groundout to give the Panthers a 3–2 lead.

Mia Kliethermes earned the win in relief, tossing 4.0 innings while allowing just one hit and one walk and striking out five to shut the door on Army's offense.

UP NEXT
Pitt returns to action Feb. 27–March 1 at the EKU Colonel Classic.