Delaware Chosen as Preseason Favourite in Tightly Bunched Colonial Athletic Affiliation

Picture courtesy Delaware Softball

The next launch info was issued by the Colonial Athletic Affiliation and knowledge and courtesy of the Colonial Athletic Affiliation…

RICHMOND, Va. – Delaware was tabbed as a slender favourite to win the CAA softball title in a decent predicted order of end, based on a vote of the league’s 12 head coaches.

Three groups obtained first-place votes and the highest 4 groups have been separated by simply 16 factors. The Blue Hens tallied three first-place votes and 112 factors to sit down atop the preseason ballot, forward of newcomer Campbell, who totaled a league-best six first-place votes regardless of trailing with 109 factors. The defending CAA Champion, Hofstra, additionally obtained three first-place votes, totaling 101 factors to edge UNCW (96) by 5 factors in fourth. Towson (82) and Elon (73), separated by 9 factors, rounded out the highest half of the ballot in fifth and sixth, respectively. Stony Brook (56), Charleston (55) and North Carolina A&T (39) adopted, with Monmouth (36), Drexel (20) and Hampton (13) concluding the anticipated order of end.

Delaware received its second straight CAA common season title in 2023. The Blue Hens went 18-5 in league play, marking probably the most CAA wins and greatest convention successful share in program historical past, led by two-time reigning CAA Coach of the 12 months Jen Steele. Delaware returns two All-CAA honorees from final season, together with Emily Winburn (17-8, 2.16 ERA), the 2023 CAA Pitcher of the 12 months. As well as, Julz Garber (.358/.401/.377) earned Second Group All-CAA accolades within the outfield for the second 12 months in a row. The Blue Hens additionally bolstered their pitching employees and lineup with the addition of Morgan Hess (98K, 13HR), who was a First Group All-Massive South choice for Presbyterian final spring.

Campbell received its third straight Massive South Championship title final season earlier than successful an NCAA Regional contest. The Combating Camels have 79 wins previously two seasons below head coach Trena Prater, together with a 42-18 document final spring. Campbell returns a league-high 5 all-conference performers from 2023, who will assist the Camels be an prompt contender of their first CAA season. Amongst these anticipated to contribute closely are Isabella Smith (29-12, 2.06 ERA), the reigning Massive South Pitcher of the 12 months, and Madilyn Gillespie (.316/.417/.390), who earned Massive South Freshman of the 12 months honors final spring. Moreover, Alyssa Henault (.343/.390/.385), a First Group All-Massive South choice, and Second Group All-Massive South honorees Delany McDilda (.315/.372.408) and Savannah White (.280/.376/.449) are again within the lineup for the Combating Camels.

Hofstra returned to prominence, successful its league-leading thirteenth CAA Softball title final season. Adrienne Clark, who has received seven CAA Championships as a participant and coach, guided the Delight to its first title since 2018. Chelsea Manto (.301, 53H) is the top-returning bat within the Hofstra lineup after incomes First Group All-CAA for the second straight season in 2023, whereas Alanna Morse (.284/.329/.377) seems to be to raise her sport after CAA All-Rookie accolades throughout her freshman season.

UNCW had its greatest common season end (17-7, 2nd) in program historical past final season following its title run in 2022. The Seahawks have a whole lot of acquainted faces and are hungry to return to the CAA title sport in 12 months two below Ashley Wade. Kara Hammock (10-10, 1.98 ERA) has been one of many high arms within the league over the previous two seasons, together with First Group All-CAA honors final spring. As well as, Arial Pearce (.321/.393/.440) and Taylor Vitola (.348/.382/.373) return to the batting order after all-conference recognition a 12 months in the past.

Towson returned to the CAA title sport for the primary time since 2016 final season. The Tigers made probably the most of their first convention match look since 2019 however are searching for extra in 2024. The Tigers welcome again First Group All-CAA shortstop Mackenzie Lake (.383/.429/.589), who led the convention in hits (69) and runs scored (43) final spring. Towson will even be searching for a 12 months two bounce from Addie Ferguson (.289/.396/.474), who was a First Group All-CAA choice throughout her freshman marketing campaign.

Elon certified for its fourth straight CAA match final season and has superior to the title sport in two of the previous 4 seasons. The Phoenix retain All-CAA honorees Carly Davis (.301/.377/.463) and Kaitlyn Wells (.187/.250/.364), seeking to lead Elon again to the championship come Might.

Stony Brook, Charleston and North Carolina A&T rounded out the CAA Event’s expanded discipline final season. The Seawolves made a deep run of their inaugural CAA season behind the stellar play of First Group All-CAA outfielder Alyssa Costello, who led the league in batting common (.402), ranked second in slugging (.652) and was third in on-base share (.431). In the meantime, the Cougars return the tandem of Caroline Connor (9-8, 2.95 ERA), who was the 2023 CAA Rookie of the 12 months, and Karlee Hughes (.300/.404/414) after the duo earned All-CAA accolades as freshmen. The Aggies additionally return an All-CAA honoree, Megan Ellis, who was a two-way participant for A&T as a freshman.

The 2024 season begins on Thursday, February 8, with 11 groups in motion in the course of the opening weekend. The defending CAA Champs, Hofstra open play the next week. The 2024 CAA Softball Championship is slated for Might 8 by means of 11 at Boseman Discipline in Wilmington N.C., hosted by UNCW.

2024 CAA Softball Preseason Ballot

2024 CAA Softball Preseason Watch Record

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