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Similar to the Pitt baseball squad, the softball team has dropped considerably after a fast start. After beginning the season 5-0 and then climbing up to No. 19 in the polls (and even earning a No. 1 overall vote), things took a nosedive from there.
The team dropped games to Lipscomb and Troy, was swept by North Carolina and Louisville in three-game series', and is only 1-8 in the conference. Currently, they're 17-13 on the year.
The Panthers have been playing a little better lately, though, capped by a win in the finale of the Boston College series and, most recently, an easy 7-1 victory over Penn State. The team also lost two games against Boston College, but both were competitive as they lost by a combined three runs.
Sarah Dawson, the pitcher who threw a perfect game last season, continues to come out of the bullpen. But she's at least getting a little more opportunity it seems as freshman Brittany Knight has come back to earth a little after a fast start. Dawson has gotten one start this year and it was a complete game. Knight got the start against Penn State but was quickly relieved by Dawson after only two innings. Dawson then went the distance without allowing a run. It continues to make you wonder if Dawson will again become a full-time starter at some point.
The Panthers' mini-resurgence might be short-lived, though. This weekend, they travel to Florida State to face the No. 1 ranked Seminoles in a three-game series.
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