University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Thursday, April 2
Pittsburgh, Pa.
6 PM
Pitt
vs
Syracuse
Pitt Set for Series with Syracuse
4/1/2026 4:32:00 PM | Softball
Pitt Panthers (18-16, 4-8 ACC)
vs. Syracuse Orange (11-14, 0-7 ACC)
Date: April 2-4, 2026
Location: Vartabedian Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Watch: ACCNX
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
QUICK NOTES
- Pitt and Syracuse meet for the first time since the 2024 season, when Pitt won two of three games to claim the series.
- Syracuse leads the all-time series, 29–15, while the Panthers hold a 2-1 edge under head coach Jenny Allard.
- Pitt enters the matchup following a dramatic 7th-inning comeback win over Penn State, scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure a walk-off victory. The win marked the Panthers' first home victory over Penn State in nine years.
- KK Esparza leads the Panthers offensively with a .392 batting average, including a .429 mark in conference play. Over her last 10 games, Esparza is hitting .480 with two home runs and 10 RBI.
- She also owns a .696 slugging percentage with seven home runs and 29 RBI, along with a team-best .619 batting average when leading off an inning and a .393 average with runners in scoring position.
- Pitt ranks second in the ACC, behind Louisville, in stolen bases, going 78-for-90 on attempts this season. The Panthers' 78 steals through 34 games are their most since 2011 (79). Pitt's program record of 117 stolen bases was set in 2007.
- Pitt is averaging 2.29 stolen bases per game, tied for the 11th most in the NCAA.
- The Panthers' speed is highlighted by three players ranked in the ACC's top 5 for stolen bases: Ahmari Braden (2nd, 18-21), Tieley Vaughn (T-3rd, 16-18), and Alena Ball (T-3rd, 16-17).
Players Mentioned
OF
/ Softball
P / OF
/ Softball
C
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball2025 Hall of Fame Class | Jessica Dignon
Saturday, September 27
Highlights | Pitt vs. Virginia Tech
Friday, April 18
Highlights | Pitt at Penn State
Tuesday, April 15
Highlights | Pitt vs. Duke
Saturday, April 12