DELHI, N.Y. (May 30, 2019) – Four SUNY Delhi softball student-athletes earned academic recognition between the USCAA and ACAA. Sophomore catcher/infielder Dakota Baker (Bogota, NJ / Bergen County Technical) and sophomore outfielder Jaylynn Sheppard (Bronx, NY / HS for Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture) were awarded spots on both the USCAA National All-Academic Team and the ACAA All-Academic Team. Sheppard possesses a 3.81 GPA majoring in Mechatronics, while Baker currently holds a 3.55 GPA majoring in Culinary Arts.
Junior pitcher/outfielder Molly Greene (Glenford, NY / Onteora) and sophomore catcher Samantha Mendelsohn (Brooklyn, NY / James Madison) were recognized to the ACAA Honor Roll. Both major in Recreation and Sports Management, where Mendelsohn averages a 3.37 GPA and Greene a 3.29 GPA.
The Broncos recently wrapped up a landmark 2019 season. Under first-year head coach Meagan Hillard, Delhi rebounded from an 0-27 season in 2018 to an 11-15 mark for their first double-digit win season in three years. After starting the year at 1-5, the Broncos went on to win nine of their next 12 games, which included doubleheader sweeps over fellow SUNY school Morrisville State and ACAA foes Pine Manor and Valley Forge. Delhi qualified for the ACAA Tournament, where the Broncos came up short in competitive contests versus Thomas More and host Alfred State.
Baker finished third on the team with a .392 batting average (20-for-51), raking in 13 RBIs, while totaling three doubles and one triple. She also ranked first on the team with a .987 fielding percentage, splitting time between catcher and first base.
Sheppard, a slap hitter, posted a .317 batting average (13-for-41), while completing her second year competing in both softball and outdoor track and field during the spring season. A formidable sprinter on the track, she used her speed on the base paths to rank second on the squad with eight stolen bases, as well as delivering a pair of doubles.
Mendelsohn turned in a great season behind the plate, as the Broncos caught five runners attempting to steal base. She finished second on the team with a .968 fielding percentage and batted .261 (18-for-69) with five doubles and nine RBIs. Mendelsohn made her mark the plate in crucial moments, including one in Delhi's home meeting with Cazenovia on April 23. Trailing, 7-6, after rallying from a 6-0 deficit, Mendelsohn provided a go-ahead two-RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to give the Broncos an 8-7 lead.
Greene posted a team-best 7-6 record on the mound, pitching 73.2 innings with 30 strikeouts and a 4.97 ERA. She hurled nine complete games, winning six of them, as well as recording two complete-game shutouts. Her fielding was also on-point with a .895 fielding percentage and 11 putouts. At the plate, Greene held a .258 batting average (8-for-31), producing seven RBIs and stealing a pair of bases.