Box Score PITTSBURGH - Point Park's bats stayed red hot on Friday afternoon as the Pioneers launched four home runs across two games against Wheeling at Fairhaven Park, powering their way to a dominant offensive showing to close out the regular season.
GAME ONE: POINT PARK 13 – 8 WHEELING
W: Johnson (9-16) | L: Shields (5-15)
Wheeling got off to a quick start in the opening inning as Madison Kay and Kaylin Shields hit back-to-back doubles, leading to the first run of the game. Shields later scored on a sacrifice fly from Grace Mummery, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.
Point Park wasted no time responding. Ava Hubble recorded the Pioneers' first hit, and Gianna Welsh followed with a single to put two on. Shania Cope delivered with a two-RBI double to tie the game, and Emma Henry reached on an error that allowed Cope to score, giving Point Park a 3-2 lead after one.
Wheeling answered in the second to regain the lead, but the Pioneers continued to respond. In the third, senior Gianna Welsh delivered a big moment in her final game at Fairhaven Park, launching a home run to left center, her second of the year tied the game at four. Just moments later, Jana Hess followed with a no-doubt shot to dead center for her first career home run, putting Point Park back in front 6-4.
The power surge continued in the fourth as Mia Arndt led off the inning with her sixth home run of the season, extending the lead to 7-4.
Wheeling chipped away, scoring in the fifth and sixth innings to cut the deficit to one, but the Pioneers broke the game open in the sixth. Taking advantage of walks, hit-by-pitches, and timely hitting, Point Park put together a big inning highlighted by a two-RBI double from Welsh and a two-run single from Cope to push the lead to 12-6. Henry added a sacrifice fly to cap off the rally and make it 13-6.
The Cardinals added two late runs in the seventh, but Julia Johnson closed it out, going the distance to earn her ninth win of the season.
Welsh led the offense going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Cope drove in four runs and Henry added two hits in the win.
GAME TWO: POINT PARK 14 – 2 WHEELING (POSTPONED)
(Game suspended in the bottom of the third due to weather)
Wheeling once again struck first, scoring two runs in the opening inning, but Point Park responded immediately for the second straight game.
The Pioneers took a 3-2 lead after one inning, behind RBIs from Welsh, Cope, and a sacrifice fly from Henry. They continued to build momentum in the second, as Hubble drove in a run before Welsh launched her second home run of the day—a three-run shot to center—to extend the lead to 7-2.
Point Park's offense erupted in the third inning. Arndt delivered a two-RBI double, Hubble followed with an RBI single, and Welsh continued her standout day with another RBI double. Cope added two more RBIs with a single, and Henry capped the inning with an RBI knock to make it 14-2.
As rain intensified and field conditions worsened, play was halted with two outs in the bottom of the third. After discussion between coaches and umpires, the game was officially postponed.
For updates on the completion of the game, follow Point Park Athletics on social media or visit pointparksports.com.
2026 SEASON RECAP
The Pioneers closed out the season at 13-34 overall, showing growth offensively down the stretch. The team finished with 19 home runs and a .275 batting average.
Friday also marked the final home appearance for seniors Gianna Welsh and Kaylee Fabiano, two four-year contributors who played key roles in the program. Their leadership and impact have been instrumental, and the program wishes them continued success moving forward.
Mia Arndt highlighted the season statistically, breaking her own single-season stolen base record with 33 steals.
