Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford softball team will host Alfred State in its first home contest of the season. The Panthers have also designated a theme for this game, as before and during the game, they will be working to raise awareness for sexual assault prevention and victim services.

The Panthers have gotten off to a strong start this season, sweeping both doubleheaders they have played in. They started their season with a non-conference sweep of Alfred State, and then in the AMCC match-up of the week, picked up another sweep over the defending conference champions, Mount Aloysius.

Strong pitching has been the backbone of the Panthers' early-season success. Seniors Jordan Uhing and Kerrigan Hoffmann have dominated their competition combining for 5 earned runs over 27 innings of work. Uhing, who was named AMCC Pitcher of the Week on March 29th, is 2-0 on the year. She has posted a 1.00 era, with 19 strikeouts. Against Mount Aloysius, she allowed only 3 hits in the Panthers' victory, striking out 11 batters. Hoffmann has been equally dominant. Over 13 innings of work she has posted a 1.62 era. She has the only shutout for the team in the early going, keeping Alfred State off the board in the PAnthers' 12-0 victory.

Hannah Lathrop has gotten off to a strong offensive start for the Panthers. She was also recognized for her performance by the conference, winning the AMCC Player of the Week award on March 29th. In her first four games, she batted .500 with 1 double, her first career home run, and 5 RBIs. Junior Dolcey Shunk has done a good job turning the lineup over for the Panthers. Hitting near the bottom of the lineup, Shunk has started 6 of 10 and scored 4 runs. She has also stolen 4 bases.

Alfred State has started their first season in the AMCC with a 2-8 record through 10 games. They lost both of their AMCC games, as they were swept by Penn State Altoona in a doubleheader.

Three sophomores have paced the Pioneer offense, who despite the slow start, have remained potent. Kailey Wonica is hitting .472 through 10 games. She has 17 hits, scored 8 runs, and drove in 7 more. Sarah Boyce is hitting .417 and has scored 10 runs. Krista Lovell is hitting .364 but has driven in a team-high 11 runs, and hit the only home run for the team. 

Junior Brittany Fisher has been the Pioneers' ace this season. She is 1-4 on the year but has posted a respectable 4.78 era. She has struck out 25 batters and walked only 4. Audrey Farrell has pitched the other 5 games for Alfred State, posting an identical 1-4 record. She has a 9.33 era and has struck out 21 batters.

To start their home season, the Panthers will raise awareness for sexual assault prevention and victim services. Throughout the game, informational pamphlets will be available for spectators to pick up, and players will wear wristbands in recognition of the event. Additionally, one of Pitt-Bradford's players will be reading a short statement about Sexual Assault Awareness month and available resources. There will also be short facts and announcements made in between innings.

This game will also serve as the Panthers' first home game in nearly two calendar years. Due to COVID-19 mitigation protocols, new regulations have been put into place for spectators, including seating arrangements. 

• New seating areas have been roped off to separate spectators from players, coaches, and game management staff. This area includes both dugouts, the bleachers, press box, and batting cages. Spectators will be able to view the game while remaining physically distanced along the perimeter of the outfield fencing stretching between the batting cages on each baseline.
• All spectators must wear masks while on the Kessel Athletic Complex.
• The restrooms at the baseball field will not be available for spectator use. Spectators requiring bathroom facilities have access to the bathrooms behind the Facilities Management building next to the Tennis Courts and Soccer Fields. These restrooms are sanitized and disinfected in accordance with Pitt-Bradford campus policies.
• There will be no concessions at the event.
• Spectators, athletes, and coaches are prohibited from chewing and spitting sunflower seeds and smokeless tobacco products within the complex.

Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. with the second game starting at approximately 3:00 p.m.