University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Look To Carry Strong Play Into Postseason
5/10/2022 8:10:00 PM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware softball team is ready for the postseason as the squad will travel to Elon this week for the 2022 CAA Championship. The Blue & Gold enter as the tournament's No. 1 seed after winning the regular season championship for the first time in program history.
"Winning the first CAA Regular Season Championship in school history is surreal," said Head Coach Jen Steele. "This is something we've been working towards for the past four years, so to see it come to fruition has been really special."
The Blue Hens have put together one of the program's better seasons up to this point, owning a 28-14 record through the end of the regular season. Delaware had a challenging non-conference schedule to open the season with six games against Power Five opponents over the first five weeks, but the team answered the call by going 3-3 in those early contests with wins over Purdue, N.C. State and Penn State.
The early-season momentum carried into CAA play where, after dropping the first conference series of the season at UNCW, the Blue & Gold responded with back-to-back sweeps of Elon and Drexel before winning each of its last two series against Towson and Hofstra. Despite having their final two series canceled, the Blue Hens' 11-4 record was good enough to clinch the regular season title.
The strong record should not be a surprise when looking at the team's overall statistics as UD ranks second in the conference in offense, pitching and defense. Despite tying for the fewest games played, the offense is second in batting average (.279), hits (319), home runs (36) and runs scored (319). The pitching staff owns the second-best team ERA with a 2.86 mark and has struck out 222 batters while issuing a league-low 80 walks. Defensively, the squad has committed just 42 errors in 42 games, tied for the second-fewest in the CAA.
"We know that in order to be a complete team we need all three facets - pitching, hitting and defense - functioning at a high level," said Steele. "We've worked really hard this season at raising our level of play across the board. I couldn't be more proud of the efforts of our student-athletes and coaching staff for never abandoning the process and making sure we've kept a consistent approach, regardless of opponent."
Leading the way for the Blue Hens all season has been a strong contingent of upperclassmen. The team's typical lineup features six seniors, including five in each of the first five spots in the batting order. Delaware's seniors have combined for 84 extra-base hits, including 29 home runs, and 147 RBI. In the circle, Megan Stauffer is 1-1 with a 3.17 ERA in 18 appearances and has set a UD record with five saves.
"We are extremely fortunate to have so many veteran leaders. Few teams in the country have the experience that we do and it has been the biggest difference maker this season. I am excited to watch our veterans lead the way for us at the CAA Championship this week."
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