VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 7, 2021) – Softball newcomers Kitty Messina (Canandaigua, NY / Cnandaigua) and Mel Papuli (Marlboro, NY / Marlboro Central) received USCAA national weekly honors for their career debut performances in SUNY Delhi's sweep of Wells last Tuesday to open the season at 2-0.

In her career debut, Papuli, a sophomore transfer, retired her first nine batters and struck out 11 to begin the Broncos' season with a 12-4 win over the Express. She helped out her cause too with two hits, including a two-run triple in the seventh. Papuli opened the scoring in the latter game with a first-inning RBI single in what would be a 10-2 five-inning Delhi win.

Messina batted 3-for-4 in both contests, driving in the team's first three runs in the opening 12-4 victory. The freshman started with a two-RBI double in the first inning, then delivered an RBI single in the third, along with adding one stolen base. She matched her batting numbers in the nightcap, earning another double and a fifth-inning RBI single that pressed the eight-run rule for a 10-2 five-inning win.

Papuli, Messina, and the Broncos continue their season this weekend when they're slated to host SUNY Canton in two-day doubleheaders to begin NAC West competition.