Delaware Tech Softball Aims for A Three-Peat

For the past two years, Delaware Technical Community College's softball team has pulled off the rare feat of winning both the region and district championships. If this year's team can match that success, they will do something that's not just rare, but unprecedented in program history.

While the Delaware Tech softball program has qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Softball Tournament nine times over the past 20 seasons, it has never qualified three years in a row.

Last year, the team finished 32-5, en route to winning the region and district titles. Then they won a game in the national tournament for the second year in a row. This year, the team enters the season ranked 12th in the national NJCAA Division II softball preseason rankings.

"We are taking it just like another season," Head Coach Guy Wilkins said. "We've been fortunate the past two years and the players have all done super, but this is a new year and we are crossing our fingers that everyone stays healthy and does their part."

Adding to the favorable odds of this year's team making history is the fact that eight of the 10 players who were named NJCAA Region 19 All-Region last year are back this season. That includes Macey Myers, who was the program's first NJCAA All-American in over 10 seasons, and Kylie Kruger, who was named the team's most valuable player in 2022. Last year, Kruger had a perfect fielding percentage while playing first base, second base, third base, and shortstop at various times throughout the season.

Myers is among a group of six returning players who are playing for a third season, which does not typically happen in the NJCAA. This group gained a third season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Myers is pitcher Carly Collins, who had a 12-1 record and a 1.84 ERA in 2022, second baseman Logan Walls, a two-time all-region selection, starting centerfielder Kaniah James, reserve pitcher Victoria Henry, and reserve outfielder Camryn Quirk.

Also returning are second-year players Kandice Schlabach, a starting outfielder who led the region in home runs last season, starting shortstop Carlin Quinn, starting first baseman Jada Courtney, and starting catcher Jenna Donovan.

"This group has all of the experience in the world together, so chemistry shouldn't be a problem," Wilkins said. "They are a group that's going to stay hungry on their own. They are super students and softball players, and you never have to worry about them being ready."

Joining those returning players is a solid stable of first-year athletes. That includes Alexis Dowdy (Dover High School), Kinley Elliott (North Dorchester High School), Jacquelyn Hackett (Middletown High School), Ally Marley (Delmar High School), Caitlin McCutchan (Polytech High School), Hannah Moore (Seaford High School), Megan Sterling (Sussex Tech High School), and Camryn Wingate (Delmar High School).

Delaware Tech's first home game is Sunday, March 5, against the Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville at the Owens Campus in Georgetown. The team also will travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a series of games against some of the toughest competition in the country.

"Ultimately we just need our pitchers to throw strikes, our defense to make plays, and get some timely hitting," Wilkins said. "If we put those three together, things should fall into place."

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PHOTO:
The 2023 Delaware Tech softball team. From left, back row, Assistant Coach Eric Swanson, Kandice Schlabach, Ally Marly, Jada Courtney, Carlin Quinn, Megan Sterling, Macey Myers, Alexis Dowdy, Head Coach Guy Wilkins, and Assistant Coach Stephany Courtney. Middle row, Camryn Quirk, Kylie Kruger, Caitlin McCutchan, Kaniah James, Logan Walls, and Hannah Moore. Front row, Carly Collins, Jenna Donovan, Victoria Henry, Camryn Wingate, Kinley Elliott, and Jacquelyn Hackett.