FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The Fredonia State softball team is headed to the SUNYAC Tournament for a second year in a row and third appearance in four years. Under the guidance of head coach
Tony Ciccarello, the Devils have posted a strong campaign and secured their spot in the postseason with a regular season record of 13-17 and a SUNYAC conference record of 10-6.
The Devils will travel to Cortland and will play the Oneonta Red Dragons in a first round single elimination game on Thursday, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Game coverage can be found here:
Live Stats
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Webcast
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Oneonta softball homepage
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SUNYAC Tournament Schedule
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SUNYAC Softball Home Page
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Leading the charge for Fredonia State is sophomore pitcher Kendall Philips, who has established herself as one of the premier arms in the SUNYAC. Philips enters the tournament with an impressive SUNYAC leading 0.94 ERA , while posting 116 strikeouts in 89 innings pitched. Her ability to dominate in the circle has kept the Devils in nearly every game, and she is third in the SUNYAC in strikeouts. Philips has also tossed three shutouts and boasts a .199 opponent batting average.
"Kendall is the anchor of our team," said Ciccarello. "Her composure and competitiveness set the tone for everyone else. We know that when she's on the field, we've got a chance to beat anyone."
Offensively, the Devils have leaned on a balanced lineup that features several consistent threats at the plate. Leading the way for the Devils is sophomore pitcher/outfielder
Madison Lowe posting a.361 batting average while junior catcher
Avery Hill has a team-best 23 RBIs while also posting a .577 slugging percentage. Hill also leads the teams in doubles and home runs.
Senior short stop
Allie Wandell's presence at the top of the lineup has been a catalyst all season long for the Devils as well, slugging .423 with a .337 average and 18 RBIs.
Ciccarello added, "This team has earned its spot in the SUNYACs, we've battled through some really tough games, and a tough conference. Now we're excited to show what we're made of on the big stage."
