Softball Debuts at No. 6 in First NCAA Regional Rankings

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Following a 28-18 regular season, the University of Bridgeport's softball team checked in at No. 6 in the first set of NCAA East Regional rankings released on Wednesday. UB is one of three CACC programs represented in the top nine, joining Caldwell (No. 1) and Goldey-Beacom (No. 8).

The Purple Knights, who have earned bids to each of the last two NCAA Tournaments, are once again positioned firmly in the postseason picture.

UB's resume is bolstered by a 21-13 record against in-region opponents, including six victories over teams currently featured in the regional rankings. Among those signature wins are two triumphs over Goldey-Beacom, along with individual victories against SNHU, Caldwell, STAC and Franklin Pierce.

Offensively, the Purple Knights have been one of the top teams in the CACC this season, leading the conference in runs scored (235), home runs (33) and walks (138).

Mya Jones and Paityn Thibodeaux have paced the lineup, each batting above .380 on the year. Jones ranks second in the conference with a .431 average, while Thibodeaux leads the league with a .504 on-base percentage.

Sydnee Perreault has also been a key contributor, topping the CACC in runs scored (45) while ranking second with nine home runs.

In the circle, Bridgeport has been equally formidable behind the duo of Samantha Ledger and Vise Zarate.

Both pitchers rank among the top seven in the CACC in ERA, with Ledger leading the conference in opponent batting average at .214.

Zarate, meanwhile, ranks No. 1 in the league with 14 wins and 128.1 innings pitched.

The Purple Knights now turn their attention to the CACC Tournament, where they have secured the No. 3 seed and will host sixth-seeded Goldey-Beacom in the opening round this weekend.

UB and the Lightning will square off in a best-of-three series, beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. at Seaside Park.