JWU Softball Draws Williams in First Round of NCAA Tournament
After going unbeaten through the GNAC Tournament, Johnson & Wales is on its way to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
INDIANAPOLIS – After going undefeated through the conference tournament, the Johnson & Wales University softball team is on its way to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. The championship bracket was announced on Monday with the Wildcat drawing Williams in the opening game.
The opening contest is set for Friday, May 13. Game times have not been announced.
This will be the Wildcats' first meeting with Williams and just the second time Johnson & Wales has played a NESCAC school. The Wildcats swept a doubleheader from Connecticut College on March 1, 1995 during the program's first year of play.
The Ephs will host the regional, which includes MIT and Western Connecticut State in the other opening round game. Williams won the NESCAC with a 32-9 record.
The Wildcats earned the GNAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament after beating Emmanuel, 12-3, in five innings on Saturday. Johnson & Wales comes into the tournament with a 31-10 record, which are the most wins in school history.
Last season in her first year as head coach of the Wildcats, Kim Camera-Harvey led the Wildcats to their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Johnson & Wales defeated Eastern Connecticut State, 6-3, for the first NCAA Tournament victory by a JWU women's program.
Johnson & Wales is one of the best offensive teams in the country, ranking fifth in the NCAA with a .386 team batting average. Eleven players are hitting .350 or better, top by Emily Gorecki's (Bremerton, Wash.).508 batting average, which is 14th in the country. Pitcher Jennifer Corona (Middle Island, NY) leads the GNAC with 20 wins and a 1.05 ERA.