04/11/2008
Softball Ranked 10th in Latest NEISCA Poll

WORCESTER, MASS. 4/10/08 - It has been a banner week for the Clark University softball team. The Cougars not only had a historic week on the field, but also cracked the top-10 in the latest New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association (NEISCA) Division III poll for the first time since 2002. The teams recent achievements come right on the heels of its 30th anniversary celebration this Saturday.

"We have a great tradition of Clark softball," said long-time coach Linda Wage, "And for the last couple of years, we have been making strides to get back to that place. We are headed in that direction."

That storied tradition includes first-year pitcher Sarah Carter's perfect game performance and a new team mark for homeruns in a season (23), both coming in wins over Worcester State College on Tuesday. It was the program's first-ever perfect game, not to mention, the team is currently ranked ninth in homers per game in Division III.

Ranked 10th in New England, Clark (16-6) has won seven of its last eight games, including New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) sweeps of Springfield College and WPI. With four conference games remaining, Clark finds itself in a three-way tie for first in the league.

"We would like to finish strong, be competitive and hopefully put ourselves in a position to play well in the tournament."

Clark will travel to Smith College on Friday (3:30 p.m.) and host Wheaton College on Saturday (Noon).

The 30th Anniversary Celebration of Field Hockey and Softball will be held at the University Center, Tilton Hall on Saturday at 6 p.m.