Wilmington University Spring Sports News 2018 BB and SFTBL

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SUBJECT: Softball Closes Regular Season with 12-1 and 6-0 Sweep of Concordia

DATE: April 30, 2018
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NEW CASTLE, Del. - - The Wilmington University softball team concluded the 2018 regular season with a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference sweep of Concordia, 12-1 (5 inn.) and 6-0, setting a new program record for conference wins in a season by going 21-5.

The Wildcats (35-15, 21-5 CACC) finished second in the CACC standings and earn the No. 2 seed in the upcoming CACC Tournament starting Friday. They square off against No. 7 Holy Family (15-27, 14-12 CACC) in the first game, hosted by Georgian Court University in Lakewood, N.J.

Game One:

The Wildcats came out of the gates firing putting four runs on the board in the bottom of the first. After a run in the bottom of the second, the Wildcats put the game away with a seven-run fourth inning.

Lexi Baughman started the scoring in the bottom of the first with an RBI single before Keara McCarthy plated two more with a two-run single. Now with two-outs and the bases loaded, Jazmeen Llamas walked to force in the fourth run of the inning.

With runners on the corners and two outs in the second, Rosa’Lynn Burton stole second and Lexi Baughman swiped home to give the home team a 5-0 lead.

A walk and three straight singles scored three more runs for the Wildcats to start the third, with RBI’s coming from Jazmeen Llamas and Alyssa Velasquez. Keara McCarthy tacked on two ore runs with a two-run single, giving the Wildcats an 11-0 lead. Jordyn Virden capped the scoring with a double to the gap in left center, scoring Keara McCarthy for the 12-0 lead.

Game one starter Caitlyn Whiteside earned the complete game, five-inning win while only allowing one run and one walk on five hits.

Alyssa Velasquez went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored from the leadoff position while Keara McCarthy batted 2-for-3 with four RBI. Jordyn Virden hit a double and went 2-for-2 in the game.

Game Two:

The Wildcats got off to another fast start in the nightcap, as they put a three spot on the board in the bottom of the first. They then scored single runs in the second, third, and sixth innings to conclude the sweep.

Back-to-back Concordia errors put the first two runners on base in the bottom of the first and Annie Davila made them hurt with an RBI single to right field. Lexi Baughman gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead with a sacrifice fly to left and Lauren Lopez capped the inning by executing a squeeze play for the 3-0 Wildcat lead.

Annie Davila collected an RBI on a groundout in the second inning and Jazmeen Llamas singled in Caitlyn Whiteside in the third to move ahead, 5-0. Alyssa Velasquez capped the Wilmington scoring with a sacrifice fly to left field in the bottom of the sixth.

Whiteside came on to start the second inning and tossed the final six innings for her second win of the day. She improved to 18-8 on the year, one win from tying the single season program record that she tied last year as well.

Five different Wildcats collected one hit each in the win, with Annie Davila leading the way with two RBI.

Up Next:

The Wildcats head into the CACC Tournament starting on Thursday morning. Continue to log into athletics.wilmu.edu all week for Wilmington softball postseason updates.

 

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SUBJECT: Pitching Dominates as Baseball Advances in CACC Tournament with 2-0 Shutout of Nyack

DATE: May 5, 2018
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NEW CASTLE, Del. - - A pair of third inning runs was all Zach Rumford and the Wilmington University baseball staff needed to get by Nyack, 2-0, in the 2018 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Play-in game on Saturday afternoon at Wilson Field.

The win propels the Wildcats (30-18) to the double-elimination portion of the CACC Tournament, hosted by Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut starting on Thursday afternoon.

Zach Rumford escaped a two-man on, no out threat in the top of the third inning, allowing the offense to go to work in the bottom half.

The Warriors started the inning with a leadoff single before an error put two runners on with nobody out. Rumford buckled down and picked up a strikeout before Kyle Fries tracked a ball down in the right center field gap for the second out. With runners on the corners, Rumford came up with a big swinging strikeout to exit unscathed.

Nick Macey started the bottom of the inning with a single to center and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Nick Grant. Macey was nearly caught at third on a bouncer to the shortstop, but an error put Wildcats on the corners with only one out. Christian Adorno bounced one to short, but the attempt to second base flew out of the shortstops hand, keeping everyone safe and scoring Macey from third for the 1-0 lead.

Two batters later with runners on the corners and two outs, Kendall Small pulled one to the right side, off the glove of a diving second baseman for an RBI single, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead.

Rumford set nine straight Warriors down in the middle innings before running into trouble again in the seventh. With two out s and no one on, the Warriors came up with back-to-back singles to threaten once again. But Rumford bore down and notched his eighth strikeout of the day to get out of the inning.

Brad Scull relieved Rumford for the eighth inning and made quick work of the Warriors. He handed the ball over to Justin Mears who induced a game-ending 6-4-3 double play to earn his 10th save of the season.

Five different Wildcats collected one hit each with Adorno and Small collecting an RBI each. Frank Nigro and Nick Grant each hit a double in the game. Rumford improved to 6-3 on the year with the win, striking out eight while throwing seven scoreless innings and now allowing a walk.

Nyack’s Jack Kelley went the distance for the Warriors, allowing two unearned runs on five hits. He struck out two and walked one in falling to 7-3 on the year.

The Wildcats play the winner of the Post/Goldey-Beacom play-in matchup on Thursday afternoon at either 12:00 or 3:00 p.m.

 

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SUBJECT: Ryan Rucinski’s in Second; Wilmington Golf in 15th After Two Rounds at Super Regionals

DATE: May 8, 2018
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DANIELS, W.Va. - - Junior Ryan Rucinski is still in title contention following day two at the 2018 NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Super Regional Tournament, sitting in second overall in leading the Wilmington University golf team to 15th place after round two on Tuesday at The Resort at Glades Springs.

The Wildcats shot a 311 on Tuesday, totaling a two-day score of 301-311 for a 612 (+36) and in 15th place overall. Ryan Rucinski is three strokes off the leader and in second place, shooting a 73 on Tuesday to sit at 142 (-2) for the tournament.

Starting on the first hole on Tuesday, Rucinski sank back-to-back birdies on holes five and six to get to one-under on the front nine. Another birdie on the par five 12th put the junior at one under for the day, but his round finished with bogeys on holes 13 and 16, finishing with a 73 (+1).

Rucinski only trails Concordia’s Minwoo Park who has posted rounds of 70-69 for a 139 (-5) to lead the tournament.

Senior Matthew Kettleson’s day started with a birdie on the first hole, and got back to one under par with back-to-back birdies on holes five and six, but finished the front nine with three straight bogeys. The back nine started with four pars before a bogey on 14 put him at three over. His round ended with a double bogey on 17, shooting a 77 (+5) on Tuesday. He has a two day score of 79-77 for a 156 (+12), tied for 67th overall.

Senior Joey Russo started his round with five pars before a bogey on the par four sixth. Another bogey on the par four ninth put him at two over on the front nine. A nine on the par four 10 put a damper on Russo’s round, as he finished the day with seven pars to shoot an 80 (+8). He has a two round score of 78-80 for a 150 (+14) and is in a tie for 77th overall.

Freshman Enrique Valverde hit a birdie on the par four fourth to get to one over, but a double on the par four eighth had him make the turn at three over par. Another double on 11, coupled with a double on 18 had Valverde shoot an 81 (+9) for the day. He is in a tie for 67th overall with scores of 75-81 for a 156 (+12).

Zac Moore rounded out the Wildcats on the course on Tuesday, finishing with 10 bogeys and eight pars on the day for an 82 (+10). He is in a tie for 94th overall with an 80-82 for a two-day score of 162 (+18).

Franklin Pierce leads the tournament after shooting a 300 on Tuesday, tallying a 291-300 for a 591 (+15). Concordia is one stroke back with a 297-295 for a 592 (+16). Indiana (Pa.) rounds out the top three with a 291-302 for a 593 (+17).

The Wildcats wrap up the Super Regional on Wednesday morning with the third round, beginning to tee off at 8:20 a.m. from the first hole.

 

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SUBJECT: Brad Scull Shuts Down Post, 5-0, to Move Baseball in Winners Bracket of 2018 CACC Tournament

DATE: May 10, 2018
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WATERBURY, Conn. - - Brad Scull only needed 104 pitches to throw a complete game shutout in leading the South Division’s second seeded Wilmington University baseball team to a 5-0 victory over the North Division’s top seed Post in the first game of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference double elimination tournament on Thursday afternoon, hosted by Post University.

Five of the junior’s 10 strikeouts came within the final nine outs of the game, as Brad Scull (Aston, Pa./Monsignor Bonner) got stronger as the game went along. He improved to 9-2 on the year while allowing only six hits and not walking a batter.

He helped the Wildcats (31-18) move on in the winner’s bracket of the CACC Tournament and will face the South Division’s top seed Felician on Friday at 12:00 p.m.

The offense gave all Scull needed in the top of the second, proving early run support in the victory. With two outs and runners on second and third, Brooks Ryan doubled down the right field line to give the Wildcats a 2-0 lead.

On a hit and run, Dakota Graham kept moving to third base on a slow grounder by Nick Grant. Graham would have been out at third, but his slide knocked the ball out of the shortstop’s glove, allowing the junior to trot home for the 3-0 lead in the fourth.

Dakota Graham gave the Wildcats a 4-0 lead by executing a squeeze bunt with runners on first and third in the sixth and Nick Macey capped the scoring two batters later with a two-out RBI single to center to score Frank Nigro, 5-0.

Scull stranded two batters in the bottom of the second and a runner on third in the bottom of the seventh, but remained unharmed for the majority of the contest. He struck out one batter in the seventh, one in the eighth, and eventually struck out the side in the ninth while leaving two on to close out his 10-strikeout performance.

Kendall Small went 3-for-4 with a run scored while Brooks Ryan batted 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Dakota Graham and Nick Macey collected RBI’s for the Wildcats as well.

The Wildcats lost all four games to Felician during the regular season but haven’t played the Golden Falcons in the CACC Tournament since the 2014 Conference Tournament Championship. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Waterbury Memorial Stadium.

 

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SUBJECT: Baseball Falls to Second Seeded St. Thomas Aquinas, 8-3, in First Round of NCAA Regional Tournament

DATE: May 17, 2018
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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - - St. Thomas Aquinas put the Wilmington University baseball team away late in the first game of the NCAA Division II East Regional Tournament, 8-3, on Thursday, sending the Wildcats to the loser’s bracket of the double elimination tournament hosted by New Haven at Pace University’s Finnerty Field.

The seventh seeded Wildcats (34-20) had opportunities against the second seeded Spartans (37-13), but couldn’t come up with the much-needed hit. St. Thomas Aquinas scored an unearned run in the second but scored their final seven runs in their final four at-bats, including five combined in the sixth and seventh innings.

A two-out error kept the bottom of the second alive for the Spartans, and the reigning Regional Champions came through with a two-out RBI to take a 1-0 lead.

Dakota Graham single through the right side in the top of the fifth, and Nick Macey walked to put two runners on with only one out. But the Spartans got out of the jam with a deep fly ball to left and a ground ball to second.

The Spartans answered in the bottom half of the inning, starting the frame with a leadoff triple to left center. A one-out single gave the Spartans a 2-0 lead against starter Brad Scull.

The Wildcats threatened again in the sixth, all starting with two outs and the bases empty. Nick Grant walked and Brooks Ryan singled back up the middle. Frank Nigro singled through the left side, but too hard to score Grant from second, loading the bases. But the Spartans escaped once more, getting Graham to fly out to center to end the inning.

Coming out of the jam, the Spartans swung the momentum in the bottom half, hitting a one-out RBI triple into the right field corner before taking a 4-0 lead on a wild pitch.

Christian Adorno put the Wildcats on the board in the top of the seventh, launching a two-out solo homer to left, his fourth of the season, to trail 4-1.

But the Spartans stole the momentum once again in the bottom of the seventh, hitting back-to-back home runs to left field to start the inning. They followed with a two-out RBI single, putting the game out of reach, 7-1.

A final effort fell short in the top of the eighth as Brooks Ryan hit an RBI double off the wall in left with no outs. But the Wildcats could only manage one more run in the inning, scoring on a wild pitch before the Spartans closed the door with the final two outs of the frame.

The ECC Player of the Year Giovanni Dingcong put a stamp on the game in the bottom of the eighth, hitting his second solo home run of the game to left to close out the scoring.

Starter Brad Scull battled through 5.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits, striking out three batters. He fell to 9-3 on the year with the loss. Brooks Ryan led the offense by going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

The Wildcats will now play sixth seeded Merrimack in an elimination game on Friday at Finnerty Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

 

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DATE: May 19, 2018
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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - - The Wilmington University baseball season came to a close on Sunday, dropping a 1-0 decision to top seed, host, and nationally ranked No. 8 New Haven in an elimination game in the 2018 NCAA Division II East Regional Tournament at Finnerty Field on the campus of Pace University.

With the loss, the Wildcats finished the 2018 season with a 35-21 record, winning the 2018 Bill Giles Invitational, the 2018 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament, and returned to the NCAA Division II East Regional Tournament for the first time since 2015. The Wildcats went 1-2 in the Regional Tournament.

Senior starter Chuck Delagol battled through six innings, allowing one run on an infield hit with two outs, seven hits, and two walks while striking out five batters. Reliever Zach Frederick stepped in and threw two scoreless innings with two punch-outs while Justin Mears tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

The Wildcats had their chances throughout the game, including leaving runners in scoring position in the first, third, and fourth innings. The Wildcats had a run taken off the board in the fourth inning, as they put their first two batters on with singles. Brooks Ryan ground one to short and the throw from the second base bag was wide of the first baseman, going all the way to the wall to allow Kendall Small to score. But Nick Grant was called for interference on the play for not sliding, resulting in the double play and Small having to go back to second base.

The Chargers (38-11) capitalized in the top of the fifth inning, as a chopper off the plate proved to be just out of the reach of Delagol off the back of the mound, scoring the runner from third with two outs in the inning.

The Wildcats threatened again in the sixth, as Christian Adorno singled to left to lead off the inning. Max Carney sacrificed Adorno to second base and Nick Grant hit an infield single to third. There was no throw to first on the plate, and Adorno rounded third and slipped on the wet turf, allowing the third baseman to catch Adorno in a rundown for the final out of the inning.

Kyle Fries hit a one out double to the wall in left to spark an eighth inning rally, but Fries was left at third base as the Wildcats couldn’t come up with the much needed two out hit.

Kendall Small went 2-for-4 in the game, totaling 77 hits on the season. He surpassed three former Wildcats to break the program’s single season hit record, passing Cody Holliday (2009), Josh Hampton (2013), and Brandon Payne (2013) who all finished their seasons with 76 hits.

Senior Nick Grant also went 2-for-4 in the game while seniors Christian Adorno and Kyle Fries rounded out the Wildcat hits on the day with one each.

 

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SUBJECT: Wilmington Volleyball Opens Registration for 2018 Wildcats in Training TEAM CAMP on July 30-31

DATE: May 21, 2018
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NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women’s volleyball team will host a high school team camp July 30 and 31 at the WU Athletics Complex for teams looking to prepare for the upcoming 2018 season.

The Wildcats in Training: 2018 Wilmington Volleyball Team Camp is a two-day, all-day event hosted by 14-year head coach Kim Huggins-Habbert. The focus of the camp will first be on individual skills, followed by team skills, and team building. As per DIAA regulations, the coach of the high school team can attend and work with their teams alongside the WilmU staff.

The camp is available to the first four teams that make the appropriate deposit amount. The cost of the camp is $1,000 per team for up to 12 players. Each additional player will cost $50. A $500.00 deposit is required to secure your team’s spot in the camp. The remainder of the fee is due by July 1.

Registration will be by completing one registration per team. Please email head coach Kim Huggins-Habbert with a list of team members attending the camp. Each camper will have to complete and turn in a waiver form to participate in the Wildcats in Training Team Camp. Link to waiver form: http://athletics.wilmu.edu/information/WU_Camp_and_Clinic_Waiver.pdf

To register your team for the camp, please click here: http://athletics.wilmu.edu/camps/camps-list.

 

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SUBJECT: Ryan Rucinski Tees Off From the NCAA DII National Championship with a First Round 82

DATE: May 21, 2018
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MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. - - Two holes tripped Ryan Rucinski up in the first round of the NCAA Division II National Championship, shooting an 82 on Monday to sit in a tie for 101st on the Fighting Joe Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

Earning one of two individual spots from the Atlantic/East Super Regional, Rucinski shot an 82 (+10) on the Par 72, 7407-yard course.

Starting on the back nine, Rucinski rank into trouble on the par five 17th, finishing with a triple bogey and making the turn with a 41 (+5). Another eight hindered Rucinski on the front nine, as he carded a quad on the par four sixth to move to 11-over par. The junior recovered with a birdie on the par five seventh, his only of the day.

Florida Southern’s John VanDerLaan, the number player in Division II according to GolfStat.com, leads the tournament, shooting a 66 (-6) on Monday. Five individuals are tied for second after the opening round, all shooting a 68 (-4), including two players from West Florida.

West Florida leads the tournament by a stroke after the first round, shooting a 279 (-9) as a team on Monday. Indianapolis is second after shooting a 280 (-8).

Rucinski will start from the first hole on Tuesday, and will tee off with fellow individuals from Central Missouri and Concordia. The trio will tee off at 1:06 pm.

 

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SUBJECT: Wilmington Volleyball Announces Instructional Camp For High School Students in August

DATE: May 22, 2018
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NEWARK, Del. - - Led by 14-year coaching veteran Kim Huggins-Habbert, the Wilmington University volleyball team will be conduction a three-day Wildcats in Training: 2018 Volleyball Camp in August for high school students in preparation for the upcoming season.

The clinic will run from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on August 1-3 to prepare students entering grades 8-12 for the upcoming high school season. The clinic will focus on all aspects of the volleyball game at both an individual skill set and team instruction.

The cost of the clinic is $250 dollars if you register prior to the June 1 deadline and $275 dollars for registration after June 1.

All students attending the three-day clinic are responsible for bringing kneepads, court shoes, bagged lunch, and extra clothes.

In order to preserve a spot in the camp, log onto athletics.wilmu.edu/camps/camps-list to register and pay online. An online brochure and the University Camps and Clinics Waiver forms can also be found on the camps site. Registration and payment are done exclusively online.

For questions and more information, please contact Coach Huggins-Habbert at 302-356-6750, or by email at Kimberly.h.habbert@wilmu.edu.

 

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UBJECT: A Second Round 70 Moves Ryan Rucinski Up 31 Spots at DII National Tournament

DATE: May 22, 2018
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MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. - - Wilmington University junior golfer Ryan Rucinski moved up 31 positions on the leaderboard in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Division II National Tournament on Tuesday, shooting a 70 (-2) on the Fighting Joe course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

Rucinski bookended his second round with a pair of birdie flurries, starting the day hot and finishing even hotter for one of the best 20 rounds of the day. He has a two-day total of 152 (+8) and in a tie for 70th overall. He was in a tie for 101st after the first round.

The junior was as low as three under par on the day, birdieing each of the first three holes on Tuesday. Starting from the first hole, Rucinski birdied the par five first, the par four second, and the par four third to get to three under through three holes. But he ran into trouble on the par three fifth, finishing with a double bogey before also double bogeying the par five seventh to make the turn with a 37 (+1).

A bogey on the par five12th set him back to two-over par on the day, but Rucinski finished with a flurry. He answered with a birdie on the par three 13th, a birdie on the par four 14th, and another birdie on the par four 15th to turn his round into one-under with three holes left.

After a par on 16, he put a birdie in on the par five 17th before finishing with a par on the par three 18th. After being two-over par through 12 holes, Rucinski finished four under in the final six holes to shoot a 70 (-2).

Barry’s Jorge Garcia shot a tournament course record 63 (-9) on Tuesday to jump into first place at -11 for the tournament, one stroke ahead of the nation’s number one player from Florida Southern, John VanDerLaan, who shot a 68 (-4).

Garcia helped lead Barry into the top spot on the leaderboard with a team score of 272, jumping West Florida with being -18 after two rounds. West Florida is in second at -15 following two rounds.

Rucinski will finish the National Tournament with the third round on Wednesday. He will tee off from the 10th tee box starting at 8:04 a.m.

 

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SUBJECT: Rosa’Lynn Burton Named D2CCA Softball All-American Honorable Mention

DATE: May 23, 2018
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NEWARK, Del. - - In adding to her student-athlete resume, Wilmington University softball standout Rosa’Lynn Burton has been named an Honorable Mention on the 2018 Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-American Teams, in a vote of the nation’s Division II sports information directors.

It is the first D2CCA All-American distinction for the sophomore, as she was named a Second Team NFCA All-American as a freshman last season. She is a two-time D2CCA All-East Region First Team member as well.

Burton (Dover, Del./Caesar Rodney) led the Wildcats and finished second in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference with a .470 batting average. Burton led the CACC with 87 hits, 56 runs, and 42 stolen bases while finishing second in the league with seven triples, and a .527 on-base percentage. She was also a First Team All-CACC honoree.

The outfielder was one hit off her own single season program record with her 87 hits, and was one run scored off her own single season program record with 56. Burton’s .470 batting average is a new single season program record, beating out last season’s .463 average as a freshman. Her 42 stolen bases are second best in a program’s season, second only to her 45 as a freshman. Her seven triples tied her own record for most in a season as a Wildcat.

North Georgia’s ace Kylee Smith was named the Ron Lenz National Pitcher of the Year after going 35-1 with a 0.83 ERA and 320 strikeouts on the season. Texas A&M-Commerce’s Mariah Jameyson was named the Ron Lenz National Player of the Year after hitting .510 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI, finishing with a slugging percentage of 1.046.

 

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SUBJECT: Baseball’s Max Carney, Justin Mears, and Brad Scull Named All-East Region

DATE: May 24, 2018
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NEWARK, Del. - - Junior second baseman Max Carney leads a trio of Wilmington University baseball student-athletes on the three All-Region Teams, being named on all three while Justin Mears and Brad Scull were also honored for their outstanding junior seasons.

Carney (Wilmington, Del./Concord) was named to the First Team on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-East Region Teams while also earning Second Team on the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-East Region Team.

Carney finished second in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) with 55 RBI on the season, ranking sixth in the league with 68 base hits. He finished third on the team with a .342 batting average, collecting nine doubles, a triple, and three home runs. His 38 runs scored are third most on the team as well. Carney had a season high six RBI at Concordia on April 14, hitting a three-run home run, and a two-run single.

Mears (Georgetown, Del./Sussex Central) was voted First Team ABCA All-East region by the head coaches while also earning a spot on the NCBWA Honorable Mention as voted on by the region’s writers.

Mears led all the East Region with 11 saves on the season, making 23 appearances while going 1-1 with a 2.02 ERA. In 26.3 innings on the season, he struck out 23 batters while allowing 18 hits, only allowing opponents to hit .188. Seven of his saves came in CACC play while he also earned a save and picked up a win in the CACC Tournament.

Scull (Aston, Pa./Monsignor Bonner) earned a spot on the ABCA All-East Region Second Team while joining Mears as a NCBWA All-East Region Honorable Mention.

Scull led the CACC and was third in the East Region with nine wins on the year, going 9-3 in 14 appearances with 13 starts. In 78.1 innings, Scull struck out 83 batters with only 12 walks. Scull led the team and finished second in the CACC with 9.54 strikeouts per nine innings. His 2.87 ERA was fourth best in the CACC. Scull collected a season high 11 strikeouts twice, in back-to-back starts, at Goldey-Beacom and at Felician. He also threw a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts against Post in the CACC Tournament.

Felician’s Matt Diesel was the consensus 2018 East Region Player of the Year while hitting .435 with a East Region best 65 RBI on the year. Le Moyne’s Josiah Gray was the consensus 2018 East Region Pitcher of the Year while leading the Region with 11 wins, going 11-0 with 105 strikeouts and a 1.25 ERA.

Click here for a full list of all three All-East Region Teams.

 

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SUBJECT: Ryan Rucinski Concludes NCAA DII National Championship with Even Par 72 in Third Round

DATE: May 23, 2018
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MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. - - Wilmington University golfer Ryan Rucinski finished off his junior season with the third round of the NCAA Division II National Championship on Wednesday, shooting an even par 72 to close out his three-day total of 224 (+8) to finish in a tie for 63rd overall on the Fighting Joe Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

Rucinski rebounded nicely from his opening round, posting scores of 82-70-72 for his 224 (+8). He finished in a seven-way tie for 63rd overall.

Starting on the back nine, Rucinski got off to a hot start, sinking par putts on the first three he played. He came away with a birdie on the par three 13th and followed it up with another birdie on the par four 14th. Four more pars rounded out his back nine, making the turn with a 34 (-2).

Rucinski got as low at three-under par on the round, sinking a birdie on the par five first hole. Two more pars kept him at three under before a hiccup on the par four fourth. HE finished with a triple bogey on the fourth, bringing his round back to even par. A bogey on the par four six had him at one over par, but Rucinski fought back with a birdie on the par four eighth to get back to even par on the day. He finished his round, and his season, with a par on the par three ninth, finishing the day at 72 even par.

Rucinski finished in a tie for 17th for the tournament with 12 birdies in three rounds.

Florida Southern’s John VanDerLaan, the number one player in the country, overcame Barry’s Jorge Garcia’s one stroke lead coming into the final round. VanDerLaan won the individual national championship with a 65 on Wednesday, finishing the tournament with rounds of 66-68-65 for a 199 (-17). Garcia was second with a 203 (-13) while Saint Leo’s Oliver Lilliedahl rounded out the top three with a 204 (-12).

The top eight teams after the three stroke play days advance to championship match play starting on Thursday. Florida Southern won the team title with an 840 (-24) while Barry finished second with an 846 (-18). Lynn finished third at 848 (-16). The other teams competing in match play are West Florida, Indianapolis, Arkansas Tech, Saint Leo, and Lincoln Memorial.

 

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SUBJECT: Christian Stamm Named Head Coach of Wilmington’s First Year Track and Field Program

DATE: June 6, 2018
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NEWARK, Del. - - Director of Athletics Dr. Stefanie Whitby is pleased to announce Christian Stamm as the head coach of the newly minted Wilmington University men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams, set to begin competition in spring 2019.

“We are excited to be able to add men’s and women’s track and field at Wilmington University,” Dr. Whitby, a former track and field student-athlete and coach, said. “Delaware, as well as the tri-state area, has been developing strong track and field programs for many years and now many of those student athletes can choose to continue their track careers here at WilmU.”

The Wildcats will become the 11th team on the men’s side and the 12th team on the women’s side inside the CACC and will be able to compete for a CACC Championship in its first season.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to add Christian Stamm to the WilmU coaching family,” Dr. Whitby continued. “Christian has been coaching in Pennsylvania and Delaware for a number of years and brings a passion for the sport, as well as an understanding of what it takes to build a successful program. His athletes have attained success at the conference, district, state, and national level and we are looking forward to building this new program and providing so many athletes with a chance to compete at the DII level.”

Stamm joins the Wildcat family following a successful run as a high school coach in Delaware and Pennsylvania. He most recently finished his first season as an assistant coach at Wilmington Friends, coaching the sprints, relays, and hurdles. The bulk of his coaching experience came at the helm of his alma mater Methacton High School starting in 2008.

He began coaching at Methacton as an assistant coach for the winter season of 2008-09. He took over the head coach position of the boys winter and spring teams starting in the fall of 2012 and has produced 30-6 Pioneer Athletic Conference record over the next four seasons. He helped lead the team to a second place finish at the PAC Championships in four different seasons.

Stamm earned his USATF Level I Coaching Certification and has an expertise in working with sprints and relays.

 

[dawrestling]

SUBJECT: Twelve Wildcats Named to CACC Spring All-Academic Teams

DATE: June 11, 2018
djl

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - - The Wilmington University spring athletic teams placed 12 student-athletes on the 2018 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference All-Academic Teams, as announced by Commissioner Dan Mara last week.

The Wilmington University baseball team led the Wildcats’ four spring sports up for All-Academic status with five student-athletes. Women’s lacrosse featured four student-athletes on the spring team while softball rounded out the Wildcats with three honorees. Being in their first year of competition, the men’s lacrosse team did not feature any Wildcats due to it being the first season the student-athletes have been on campus.

To be eligible for the All-Academic Team, a student-athletes must meet the following criteria: a) minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the end of the immediate preceding term; b) minimum of two semesters enrolled as full-time student at member institution; c) student-athlete must be second year student-athlete at member institution; and d) student-athlete must have been athletically eligible the season preceding the award and used a season of eligibility.

The baseball team was led by a third-time honoree in senior Zach Rumford (3.56 GPA) while two-time honorees Chuck Delagol (3.68 GPA) and Brad Scull (3.70 GPA) were also recognized. First-year honorees Max Carney (3.59 GPA) and Nick Grant (3.57 GPA) round out the Wildcats on the list of 46 CACC names. Delagol, Grant (MVP), and Scull were named to the CACC All-Tournament Team in leading the Wildcats to the CACC Tournament Championship while Carney, Rumford, and Scull were named All-CACC this season.

The women’s lacrosse team placed four on the Spring All-Academic Team, led by senior and third-time honoree Christina Ziegler (3.57 GPA). Stephanie Jubb (3.66 GPA) and Nicole Strong (3.63 GPA) have been named All-Academic for a second straight season while Lisa Eller (3.86 GPA) joins her teammates as a first-year honoree. Ziegler was named an All-CACC selection for her efforts on the field this year as well.

The softball team rounds out the 2018 CACC Spring All-Academic Teams for the Wildcats, placing three student-athletes on the list. The softball team is led by junior Jazmeen Llamas (3.69 GPA) as a two-time honoree with sophomore newcomers Rosa’Lynn Burton (3.60 GPA) and Annie Davila (3.50 GPA). Burton and Davila were named All-CACC for their efforts on the field as well this year.

AGATE

2018 CACC Spring All-Academic Teams

Baseball (46):

Max Carney – Jr. – 3.59 GPA – Criminal Justice
Chuck Delagol* - Sr. – 3.68 GPA – Criminal Justice
Nick Grant – Sr. – 3.57 GPA – Business Management
Zach Rumford** - Sr. – 3.56 GPA – Criminal Justice
Brad Scull* - Jr. – 3.70 GPA – Business Management

Softball (50):

Rosa’Lynn Burton – So. – 3.60 – Environmental Science
Annie Davila – So. – 3.50 – Business Management
Jazmeen Llamas* - Jr. – 3.69 – Business Management

Women’s Lacrosse (40):

Lisa Eller – So. – 3.86 GPA – Psychology
Stephanie Jubb* - Jr. – 3.66 GPA – Mid-Level Education: 6-8
Nicole Strong* - Sr. – 3.63 GPA – Video & Motion Graphics
Christina Ziegler** - Sr. 3.57 – Business Management

* - Two-time honoree
** - Three-time honoree

 

[dawrestling]

SUBJECT: Twelve Wildcats Named to CACC Spring All-Academic Teams

DATE: June 11, 2018
djl

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - - The Wilmington University spring athletic teams placed 12 student-athletes on the 2018 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference All-Academic Teams, as announced by Commissioner Dan Mara last week.

The Wilmington University baseball team led the Wildcats’ four spring sports up for All-Academic status with five student-athletes. Women’s lacrosse featured four student-athletes on the spring team while softball rounded out the Wildcats with three honorees. Being in their first year of competition, the men’s lacrosse team did not feature any Wildcats due to it being the first season the student-athletes have been on campus.

To be eligible for the All-Academic Team, a student-athletes must meet the following criteria: a) minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the end of the immediate preceding term; b) minimum of two semesters enrolled as full-time student at member institution; c) student-athlete must be second year student-athlete at member institution; and d) student-athlete must have been athletically eligible the season preceding the award and used a season of eligibility.

The baseball team was led by a third-time honoree in senior Zach Rumford (3.56 GPA) while two-time honorees Chuck Delagol (3.68 GPA) and Brad Scull (3.70 GPA) were also recognized. First-year honorees Max Carney (3.59 GPA) and Nick Grant (3.57 GPA) round out the Wildcats on the list of 46 CACC names. Delagol, Grant (MVP), and Scull were named to the CACC All-Tournament Team in leading the Wildcats to the CACC Tournament Championship while Carney, Rumford, and Scull were named All-CACC this season.

The women’s lacrosse team placed four on the Spring All-Academic Team, led by senior and third-time honoree Christina Ziegler (3.57 GPA). Stephanie Jubb (3.66 GPA) and Nicole Strong (3.63 GPA) have been named All-Academic for a second straight season while Lisa Eller (3.86 GPA) joins her teammates as a first-year honoree. Ziegler was named an All-CACC selection for her efforts on the field this year as well.

The softball team rounds out the 2018 CACC Spring All-Academic Teams for the Wildcats, placing three student-athletes on the list. The softball team is led by junior Jazmeen Llamas (3.69 GPA) as a two-time honoree with sophomore newcomers Rosa’Lynn Burton (3.60 GPA) and Annie Davila (3.50 GPA). Burton and Davila were named All-CACC for their efforts on the field as well this year.

AGATE

2018 CACC Spring All-Academic Teams

Baseball (46):

Max Carney – Jr. – 3.59 GPA – Criminal Justice
Chuck Delagol* - Sr. – 3.68 GPA – Criminal Justice
Nick Grant – Sr. – 3.57 GPA – Business Management
Zach Rumford** - Sr. – 3.56 GPA – Criminal Justice
Brad Scull* - Jr. – 3.70 GPA – Business Management

Softball (50):

Rosa’Lynn Burton – So. – 3.60 – Environmental Science
Annie Davila – So. – 3.50 – Business Management
Jazmeen Llamas* - Jr. – 3.69 – Business Management

Women’s Lacrosse (40):

Lisa Eller – So. – 3.86 GPA – Psychology
Stephanie Jubb* - Jr. – 3.66 GPA – Mid-Level Education: 6-8
Nicole Strong* - Sr. – 3.63 GPA – Video & Motion Graphics
Christina Ziegler** - Sr. 3.57 – Business Management

* - Two-time honoree
** - Three-time honoree

 

[dawrestling]

SUBJECT: Wilmington Men Claim Ninth Straight CACC Alfred R. Restaino Sr. Cup; Women Tie Best Mark in Third

DATE: June 12, 2018
djl

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - - It didn’t come quite as easily for the Wilmington University men’s athletic teams but the 2017-18 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Alfred R. Restaino Sr. Cup returns to Wilmington for the ninth straight year, with the women tying their overall best with a third place finish this past year.

The Georgian Court women’s programs captured the women’s cup, followed by Jefferson and the Wildcats. Bloomfield and Jefferson trailed the WilmU men’s programs to round out the top three.

The cups are awarded annually to the institution that performs at the highest level in all CACC-sponsored men's and women’s sports. The point system used for the award takes into account each athletic program’s finish in both the 2017-18 CACC regular season contests and conference tournaments. Each institution receives a combined point total and the sum is then divided by the number of sports the institution sponsors.

The men’s team needed to come from behind with their two spring sports this season, gaining much needed points from baseball’s second place finishin the regular season and winning the CACC Tournament Championship. The first year men’s lacrosse run to the CACC Tournament Semifinals garnered valuable points as well, helping the Wildcats jump from third to first following the winter season to capture their ninth straight Restaino Cup.

The Wildcats trailed Jefferson (11.8750 average) and Bloomfield (11.50) after winter sports with score of 11.3125 with baseball and men’s lacrosse to play. The Wildcats finished with an 11.67 average with Bloomfield finishing second overall with an 11.15 average.

When combined, the Wilmington University athletics department finished second of 14 institutions with an average score of 11.00 for its 13 programs. Georgian Court University topped the fictional combined list with an average score of 11.3125 for its 12 programs.

The men’s Restaino Cup was claimed with an 11.667 average over six sports, led by CACC Championships claimed by golf (14 points) and baseball (13 regular season points, 14 tournament points for a 13.5 average). Every sport averaged at least 10 points for the Wildcats, giving the department 70 total points for its six sports.

The Wildcat women tied its best finish from two years ago in third place, garnering 73 points throughout its seven sports. The women were led by a second place finish from cross country, tournament finalists women’s soccer, and a regular season second place finish from softball. They finished with a 10.43 average, up from 9.2143 from 2016-17.

AGATE

2017-18 CACC Restaino Cup Standings

Men’s Sports:

1. Wilmington – 11.67 average
2. Bloomfield – 11.15
3. Jefferson – 10.43
4. Georgian Court – 10.40
5. Post – 10.03
6. Dominican – 9.82
7. Goldey-Beacom – 9.80
8. Chestnut Hill – 9.75
9. Felician – 8.96
10. Nyack – 8.30
11. Concordia – 7.88
12. Caldwell – 7.35
13. USciences – 7.13
14. Holy Family – 5.94

Women’s Sports:

1. Georgian Court – 11.96 average
2. Jefferson – 11.25
3. Wilmington – 10.43
4. Caldwell – 10.00
5. Holy Family – 9.06
6. Bloomfield – 8.79
7. Post – 8.38
8. USciences – 8.21
9. Chestnut Hill – 8.03
10. Goldey-Beacom – 7.92
11. Dominican – 7.39
12. Felician – 6.75
13. Nyack – 6.46
14. Concordia – 5.46

 

[dawrestling]

SUBJECT: Softball Sophomore Adds 2018 Fastpitch News Second Team All-American to Resume

DATE: June 13, 2018
djl

NEWARK, Del. - - Sophomore sensation Rosa’Lynn Burton adds another All-American title to her name, as she was named to the 2018 Fastpitch News NCAA DII All-American Second Team.

It is the second All-American Team that featured Burton’s name in 2018, as she was also named a D2CCA All-American Honorable Mention earlier this summer. She was an NFCA Second Team All-American as a freshman as well.

Burton (Dover, Del./Caesar Rodney) led the Wildcats and finished second in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference with a .470 batting average. Burton led the CACC with 87 hits, 56 runs, and 42 stolen bases while finishing second in the league with seven triples, and a .527 on-base percentage. She was also a First Team All-CACC honoree.

The outfielder was one hit off her own single season program record with her 87 hits, and was one run scored off her own single season program record with 56. Burton's .470 batting average is a new single season program record, beating out last season's .463 average as a freshman. Her 42 stolen bases are second best in a program's season, second only to her 45 as a freshman. Her seven triples tied her own record for most in a season as a Wildcat.

North Georgia's ace Kylee Smith was named the 2018 Pitcher of the Year after going 36-3 with a 0.59 ERA and 338 strikeouts on the season. Texas A&M-Commerce's Mariah Jameyson was named the 2018 Player of the Year after hitting .510 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI, finishing with a slugging percentage of 1.046.

To view the article on Fastpitch News, please click here.

AGATE

2018 Fastpitch News NCAA Division II All-American Team

First Team:

Mariah Jameyson – Sr. – Tex. A&M-Commerce
Shontel Linnette – Sr. – Virginia Union
Samantha Reilly – Jr. – Georgian Court
Marley Parker – Sr. – Saint Augustine’s
Brooke Hodgson – Sr. – Colorado Mesa
Lani Van Zyl – Jr. – Winona St.
Christa Reisinger – Jr. – Truman
Taylor Moran – So. – Lee
Jessica Mohl – Sr. – Valdosta State
Hannah Thieroff – Jr. – California Baptist
Kylee Smith – So. -North Georgia
Callie Nunes – Fr. – Concordia (CA)
Victoria Taylor – So. – Southern Ark.
Allison Lipovsky – Jr. – Grand Valley St.
Makaleigh Dooley – Jr. – Tampa

Second Team:

Jacqueline Pickering – Sr. – Bowie State
Starkeira Daniel – So. – Benedict
Brooke Goad – Sr. – Southern Ark.
Jenna Witt – So. – Concord
Maggie Manwarren – Sr. – Colorado Mesa
Makalya August – So. – Saint Augustine’s
Kelsey Vining – Sr. – Montevallo
Jamie Johnson – Sr. – UNC Pembroke
Erikka Burke – Sr. – Eastern N.M.
Rosa’Lynn Burton – So. – Wilmington (DE)
Haley Gilham – Sr. – Chico St.
Amanda Houck – Sr. – West Chester
Brooke Larsen – Fr. -Academy of Art
Megan Cook – Sr. – Merrimack
Jennifer Leonhardt – So. – Southern Ind.

Honorable Mention:

Clara Larson – So. – Colo. Sch. of Mines
Isis Cabral – Jr. – Minot St.
Maria Williamson – Jr. – Coker
Heather Tracy – Sr. – Mont. St. Billings
Katie Kish – Jr. – Hillsdale
Tori Zimmermann – Sr. – Minot St.
Kinsie Hebler – So. – Tex. A&M-Commerce
Hannah Schmoll – Sr. – Minn. Duluth
Morgan Atkinson – So. – Salem (WV)
Makray Odom – So. – Trevecca Nazarene
Tylia Sylestine – Sr. – Texas Woman’s
Brianna Billie – So. – Benedict
Carly Esselman – So. – Minnesota St.
Savannah Karako – Sr. – Lake Erie
Lindsey Stigler – So. – Chowan
Jordan Withrow – So. – Tarleton St.
Ilona Andringa – Sr. – Embry-Riddle (FL)
Brandy Marlett – Sr. – Angelo St.
Megan Garst – So. – North Ala.
Hannah Vet – Sr. – West Va. Wesleyan
Robyn Wampler – Fr. – UC San Diego
Morgan Perry – So. – St. Anselm
Ali Haesele – Sr. – Ill.-Springfield
Taylor Brandts – Sr. – UVa-Wise
Lacie Rinus – So. – Carson-Newman