Yesterday Pitt womens’ softball won their first ever NCAA tournament game (against Oakland). They followed that up with a surprise 6-3 win over California (whom they had lost to by an 11-3 score in their original tournament game), and thereby advanced to today’s regional final round. Today they must beat Michigan twice to advance to the final 16 teams.
A first game is scheduled for 3:30 PM Eastern time and is scheduled to be telecast on ESPNU. A second game, if necessary, is scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern time and is also scheduled on ESPNU.
If MIchigan wins the first game, Pitt will be eliminated from the tournament by sustaining their second loss. If Pitt wins the first game, the winner of the second game will go to the softball “sweet sixteen” and play Georgia or Western Kentucky in a superregional.
For a good look at the overall tournament, check out this pitt panther site: http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/pitt-softball-ncaa-central-15.html#nav-bracket
Michigan’s overall record is 53-6 compared to Pitt’s 37-21, but the Panthers have been on a roll in the tournaments and are jelling at the right time.
One factor at this point may be how much the pitchers have left, with the games so close together.
Win or lose at this point, Pitt has shown great resiliency, has made strides in how far it has advanced this season, and has received more notice on television journalism that should help with future recruiting and that has made us proud as fans.
H2P!
PittSportsOptimist 