Softball names three captains for 2016

Softball head coach Jessica DePolito has announced that three seniors will serve as team captains for the 2016 season: Genevieve Benoit, Melissa Figueiredo and Nicole Parry.

“I think the dynamic of the three will be a great collaboration of ideas, personalities and experience,” DePolito said. “They have done a tremendous job already in helping to create the culture that we want in this program – an exemplary work ethic, discipline and positive communication – as they lead by the example every day.”

Benoit earned Commonwealth Coast Conference player of the year honors in 2015 after leading the Seahawks to a No. 2 seed in the conference tournament. She led Salve Regina in doubles (12), home runs (6) and base hits (55) while scoring 30 runs and driving in 34 runs in 40 games played.

Figueiredo led the nation in sacrifice hits per game (22 sacrifice hits in 38 games; 0.58 per game) among all NCAA Division III players. She also led the team in stolen bases (9) while scoring 18 runs and driving in 11 runs in 38 games played.

Parry has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. In 2015, she posted 24 appearances (1st), four shutouts (2nd), 6.61 strikeouts per game (2nd) and 123 strikeouts (2nd). The previous season Parry led the league in shutouts (5) while her strikeout-to-walk ratio was 129:16 in 122 innings pitched.

The Seahawks open their season Saturday, March 19 in Florida against Amherst College.