Softball Defeats Top-Seeded Caldwell, 6-2, to Advance to 2026 CACC Championship Game
Purple Knights are now just one win away from claiming first-ever CACC Tournament crown.
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NEW CASTLE, Del. – For the second time in three seasons, the University of Bridgeport softball team is headed to the CACC Championship game after the third-seeded Purple Knights knocked off top-seeded Caldwell, 6-2, on Friday afternoon in New Castle, Del. With the victory, UB improved to 32-18 overall while remaining unbeaten through four games in the conference tournament.
Sydnee Perreault once again led the way offensively for the Purple Knights as the junior continued her torrid stretch at the plate in postseason play. Perreault, who is now 8-for-16 with nine RBIs across UB's four CACC Tournament victories, broke the game open in the second inning with a three-run home run to left-center that gave Bridgeport a 3-0 advantage.
The blast was her 11th home run of the season, moving her into sole possession of second place in the CACC, while her 45 RBIs are now tied for the conference lead.
UB added another run in the third inning as Mya Jones came around to score on a Caldwell fielding error before Sophia Philippou extended the lead in the fourth.
The sophomore launched a solo home run to center field to push the Purple Knights in front, 5-2.
Isabella Benjamin later supplied an insurance tally in the seventh inning with an RBI double to left-center that plated Sienna Lucas.
Perreault finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored while Benjamin added a hit and RBI of her own. Nathalie Mongrain, Breanna Pelaez and Philippou also collected hits in the win as UB totaled six runs on six hits.
Senior right-hander Vise Zarate continued her dominant run in the circle, tossing her 16th complete game of the season to improve to 18-8 overall.
Zarate allowed just two runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out three across seven innings of work. Over her last six appearances, the senior is now a perfect 6-0 with five complete games and a stellar 1.00 ERA across 35 innings pitched.
Behind Zarate, the Purple Knights also turned in an outstanding defensive effort. Mongrain (2B), Pelaez (RF) and McKenzie Morgan (C) all made highlight-reel plays at their respective positions.
UP NEXT
UB will meet the winner of the Caldwell/Felician matchup in tomorrow's CACC Championship game at 11 a.m. The undefeated Purple Knights need one win in the double-elimination final to capture the 2026 CACC crown.