Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's softball team returns to the field this spring, looking to return to the postseason for the 5th consecutive year.

The Panthers are coming went 11-27 in the 2023 season, with a 6-8 record in AMCC play. They finished the regular season in 5th place in the AMCC standings, earning a spot in the post-season tournament. In the tourney, the Panthers lost a tough opener 4-2 to LaRoche, before being eliminated with a 9-1 loss by the eventual conference champions, Penn State-Altoona.

"We made some improvements last year, and think we are poised to make even more in the coming season," said head coach Tina Phillips. "We have a great mix of experienced upperclass students to pair with an exciting, talented freshmen class."

This season, the Panther offense will be led by a pair of seniors, Faith McLaughlin and Lexi Peters. A 3rd Team All-AMCC Selection in the outfield, McLaughlin hit .381 in 2023, tallying 37 hits, 29 runs scored, and 14 RBIs. She finished the season 3rd in the AMCC with 16 stolen bases, and in conference play had the 2nd-best batting average in the league at .514. Splitting time between 3rd base and shortstop, Peters hit .320 with 5 home runs, 29 RBIs and 20 runs scored. She was 2nd in home runs in the conference, and in AMCC play, hit 3 long balls, the best in the conference against AMCC opponents.

Sophomore Krislyn Clement will return to lead the Panthers pitching staff in 2023. She picked up 6 of the Panthers' 11 wins last season and had a 5.41 era with 41 strikeouts. She will lead a deep pitching rotation that includes Megham Kapp and a few newcomers.

The Panthers were projected to finish 5th in the AMCC Pre-Season Coaches poll. They will begin their season with a pair of doubleheaders in Virginia the weekend of February 24th. On Saturday, they will take on Eastern Mennonite, before traveling to Roanoke for a double dip on Sunday.