Following a season that saw them win a share of their first conference regular-season crown in 11 years, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford softball team had seven players earn all-conference honors, while Jordan Uhing and head coach Tina Phillips were named Pitcher and Coach of the Year.
“We had a senior class that saved their best for last and a team that played for each other in a season that was like no other,” said Phillips. “This group was resilient, tough, supportive and selfless in getting through these past 15 months. I am so happy to see them get recognized for that.”
Uhing was the Panthers’ only first-team honoree. She was also named AMCC Pitcher of the Year, completing the season with the same title that she was given before its start, as she had won the preseason version of the award. Uhing led the conference in nearly every pitching category. Despite not throwing as many innings as many of her competitors in AMCC play, Uhing led the league in wins (7), ERA (1.57) and strikeouts (49). She went 8-2 and added in a save. She also joined the Pitt-Bradford history books, throwing the fifth and sixth no-hitters in program history.
“I am so happy and proud for Jordan,” added Phillips. “She was dominant this season, and we knew every time we handed her the ball she was striving for a perfect performance.”
Pitt-Bradford’s No. 2 starter, Kerrigan Hoffmann, was also recognized in her final season with the program. She was named to the second team as a pitcher. Hoffmann went 7-2 and set career highs in wins (7), strikeouts (30) and ERA (2.37). Her ERA was the fourth-best in the conference.
“Kerrigan stepped up for us this year and completed a formidable duo in the circle,” Phillips said. “I am thrilled that Kerrigan got the recognition she worked so hard for.”
Hannah Lathrop was also placed on the second team at first base. Lathrop led the AMCC in home runs with four, hit .412 in conference play and drove in 20 runs, the fifth-best total in the league. Her .745 slugging percentage was the fourth-best in the AMCC. Lathrop had a record-setting day in the Panthers’ sweep of Hilbert. She set a program record with three home runs in the doubleheader.
“Hannah gave our lineup a true power hitter this season. Knowing she could change the game with one swing is something we haven’t had in a few years,” Phillips described.
Senior shortstop Gabby Carpenter finished her career in Bradford with a placement on the second team. She had previously been named to the third team in 2019. She was the spark plug for the Panthers hitting out of the leadoff spot. She finished sixth in the AMCC with a .463 batting average in conference play. She was seventh in hits with 25, second in runs with 24, eighth in on-base percentage at .508 and led the conference in steals with 13.
“The team offense went as Gabby led from the leadoff spot, and most often she got us going,” said Phillips. “I also believe she is the best defender of her position in the conference and was happy to see her have such a strong senior campaign.”
Freshman Lexi Peters was the final Panther to make the second team. She represented Pitt-Bradford at the designated player position. She split her time in the DP position and at third base. She hit .364 with a home run, 11 RBIs and six runs scored.
Fellow freshman Faith McLaughlin also made an impact in her first season with the Panthers, as the outfielder made the third team. McLaughlin hit .375 with 10 runs scored and six RBI. She had one of the best eyes in the conference as she led the AMCC with 12 walks. This gave her a .533 on-base percentage which was the fifth-highest in the conference.
“Lexi and Faith made an instant impact in their first season for us, which is even more impressive considering we did not have a fall season,” Phillips said. “Lexi helped to extend the lineup and Faith was a steady presence in the lineup, often setting the table for Hannah in the cleanup spot.”
Sophomore Daytona Wentzel was the final Panther to make all-conference, making the third team at second base. Wentzel hit .419 in conference play and was second in the AMCC in doubles with seven. She scored seven runs and drove in 10.
“Daytona had a really strong first full season. She showed good power in the middle of our lineup,” Phillips said. “She also was rock solid defensively at second base.”
Closing out the annual honors for the Panthers was head coach Tina Phillips, who won her third AMCC Coach of the Year award. She had previously won the award in 2013 and 2005. Along with leading her team to a 14-2 conference record, which is their best since 2006, Phillips also surpassed the 300-win mark with the program after the Panthers’ season-opening sweep of Alfred State.
“I’m just really proud of our team this year. They battled through so much over the past 15 months and their legacy will be unlike any other here at Pitt-Bradford,” Phillips concluded. “Though our season didn’t end how we would have liked, we have so much to be proud of on the field and off of it.”
