Matt Gad – Special to the Southern News
While this year’s Southern softball team is trying to rebuild after losing six players to graduation last season, infielder Giuliana D’Arcangelo’s competitive fire remains one of the lady Owls’ key assets.
The team is less experienced after losing the six seniors who brought them to last year’s Women’s College World Series. However, the entire team is still extremely eager to achieve their best.
“We are full of youth and eagerness,” head softball coach Jillian Ortega said. “We are going to try to earn that [College World Series] spot.”
D’Arcangelo, a junior, had a very impressive season last spring, as she finished first on the team with 23 runs scored. She was also first in doubles (9) and total bases (50).
Additionally, the infielder was also second on the team with 33 hits, 19 RBI’s, a .459 slugging percentage and a .303 batting average. Starting all 36 games for the Owls at second base.
She described the Owls’ softball team as a family. She added that whenever they lose players, it’s always going to be hard to replace them, regardless of how many athletes are actually moving on.
“They were a huge part of our team, but every team has to rebuild no matter how many players are lost,” D’Arcangelo said.
Ortega has been pleased with the way everyone gets along with each other, and the interest of each individual is valued amongst all the teammates.
“Our program is full of players and coaches who are buying in. We all see the goal and have everyone’s best interest in mind,” Ortega said. “There’s a recipe for success and chemistry, and I could not be happier with the group that we have.”
D’Arcangelo described the ultimate goal for the lady Owls is claiming a title in the Northeast-10 Conference. She said that they have the “talent, heart and team” to do it.
“We are pushing everyone to where they are supposed to be,” D’Arcangelo said. “This team is closer than one I have ever had before and we all have one another’s backs. We are truly a family.”
So far this season, “G,” as her teammates and coaches call her, has developed into one of the best hitters in the conference. Her coach said that she is feared by most teams and creates a “surge” for the rest of their lineup.
“She is a spark plug,” Ortega said. “When she hits, we all hit. Her goal is to always put together solid at-bats.”
D’Arcangelo came into Southern Connecticut as a very accomplished softball player out of Brookfield High School, winning numerous awards and recognitions.
The lady Owls currently sit at 8-21 on the season. Key upcoming games for them include facing Southern New Hampshire and Franklin Pierce University.
The Owls are 4-8 at home but remain winless (0-8) in road games. In the conference, the team stands at 2-10.
Despite the rough season they are having, D’Arcangelo 2016 season has been one to remember.
D’Arcangelo has started and played in every of the Owls’ games this season. She has the second-best batting average on the team (.352) with 88 total at-bats.
Furthermore, D’Arcangelo leads all Southern players with most runs scored (19), most hits (31), tied for most doubles (5) and team-highs in triples (3) and a .750 slugging percentage. She also leads the Owls with the most RBI’s and home runs.
But what it more distinguished about the home runs and RBI’s is that she ranks among the best in the NE-10 Conference in those categories. D’Arcangelo is fifth in the conference with 24 RBI’s, and is second in the conference with eight home runs.
Come and get a glimpse of the star softball hitter in the lady Owls’ next home game against Pace University on April 13.
Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications
