The Panthers opened their season with a 3-1 triumph over Bucknell at Ambrose Urbanic Field on Monday night, pulling away in the second half after a tightly contested first 45 minutes.
Pitt drew first blood in the 31st minute when Miguel Bertran capitalized on a misplaced pass, slotting the ball past the Bucknell keeper to put the home side ahead.
The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Cade Whitmire, making his season debut, rose for a diving header that found the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The assist was credited to Noah Handzel, his second career helper.
Grayson Carter restored the lead just five minutes later, converting a penalty kick in the 69th minute to make it 2-1, a momentum swing that would prove decisive.
A Late Surge Secures Victory
With the clock winding down, Cannon Scretchen sealed the outcome in the 78th minute, adding a third goal to stretch the margin to 3-1 and quiet any hopes of a Bucknell comeback.
Both teams managed ten shots apiece, and each goalkeeper was tested with two saves, underscoring the defensive intensity of the contest.
Bucknell will look to rebound on Friday when they travel to face Fordham at Emmitt Field, kicking off at 7 p.m.