University of Delaware Athletics
BLUE HEN SPOTLIGHT: Young Players Making Big Impact on Delaware Softball
5/10/2016 1:18:00 PM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. -- After a disappointing past two years of missing the conference championship tournament, University of Delaware Softball is once again in contention for a Colonial Athletic Association title.
The Blue Hens were picked sixth in the preseason coaches poll back in February but ended their regular season as the fifth seeded team in the tournament, which gets underway today at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Delaware (29-19, 9-9 CAA) opens the double-elimination tournament Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. vs. No. 5 seed Elon.
John SenecaSophomores Leanna Gearhart and Mariah Kondravy are two players who have greatly contributed to the team's success this past season. Both started playing the sport at a young age and decided early on they wanted to compete in college.
Gearhart, a shortstop who was selected to this year's All-CAA second team, credits her success this season to her desire to help the team.
“If I take another base or get a hit, that's just me thinking that that's a step closer to our team winning,” said Gearhart, an honor student in exercise science and a native of Robbinsville, N.J.
Being elected captain as a sophomore means filling a big role as a leader, but Gearhart says she uses the position to lead by example by the way she acts on and off the field.
“Leanna's work ethic on the field, in the weight room, and in the class room is second to none,” said Seneca. “This kid truly understands the level of commitment it takes to compete at a high level.”
Gearhart, who chose Delaware for its nationally-known physical therapy program, says she is excited to be a part of Delaware Softball's growing program and can't wait to see what develops over the next few years.
A CoSIDA Academic All-American nominee, Gearhart has been one of the CAA's most productive hitters this season. She is currently batting .346 with a team-high 51 runs scored, eight triples, and 42 stolen bases. She ranks No. 6 in all of NCAA Division I in triples, No. 7 in stolen bases, and No. 23 in runs scored.
Kondravy, who Seneca describes as "an RBI machine," is one of the top hitters in the conference. She currently leads the team and ranks fourth in the CAA with a .381 batting average. She also is second in the CAA with 14 doubles and fourth with 41 RBI.
She earned first team All-CAA honors this spring after being a second team selection as a freshman a year ago.
“She doesn't waste a single swing at practice and truly believes she should get a hit every time she steps up to the batter's box,” said Seneca.
Kondravy's success in the clutch has helped the Hens secure several thrilling wins this season. The sophomore medical diagnostics major says she also prefers to lead by example, especially in games when hits need to be had and plays need to be made.
As far as the team's overall success this year, both Gearhart and Kondravy believe it has to do with team chemistry.
“It's a little bit of a smaller team this year, but that's what made us closer,” says Gearhart.
"The fact that we know how to play with each other, even when we are moved around at different positions, makes it easier for us to act and compete as a team,” said Kondravy.
Game 1 for the Hens will be played this afternoon against Elon, and after the Phoenix' upset against regular season champion and nationally seventh-ranked James Madison two weeks ago, Seneca is convinced they are still flying high from it.
“Our conference is extremely competitive, so it is important for us to build on this experience and fully understand the commitment it takes to get here,” says Seneca.
“We haven't made the tournament since our current senior's freshman year, so being able to go this year is awesome, says Gearhart.
“A lot of people see us as the underdogs because we haven't made an appearance in a few years and we haven't played for this championship,” said Kondravy. “Now we get a second chance to play teams that we didn't beat in the regular season.”
