Iaquinto announces captains

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University first-year softball head coach Jannelle Iaquinto has announced a quartet of seniors as her captains for 2017 - Kelsey Boarman (No. Dighton, Mass.), Nikki Bukovsky (Westport, Conn.), Kara O'Riley (Acton, Mass.), and Lexi Soucie (No. Easton, Mass.).

All four players are entering their fourth season as Seahawks and were part of the 2016 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship squad that became the first softball team to compete in the NCAA postseason.

"This squad is extremely talented and will need to consistently execute and play with a purpose," Iaquinto commented. "Our goals have been set and we are working towards them every day in practice with strong leadership from our four senior captains. Although each has a distinct role, they bring valuable post-season experience, unique perspectives and will be instrumental in our return to the CCC championship."

Soucie has been a starting centerfielder since putting on a uniform three seasons ago, playing in 123 games with eight homeruns, 28 doubles, 67 runs batted in, and a .374 on-base percentage. Bukovsky and O'Riley work the infield, primarily the left side. Bukovsky is a two-time all-conference performer with 29 extra-base hits including seven triples, 11 stolen bases, and a .389 on-base percentage. O'Riley, All-CCC and all-tournament at the NCAA regional last May, has driven in 71 runs over 115 games played with 12 home runs the most of any Seahawk over the last three years.

Boarman, an exceptional fielding pitcher, had 100 total chances in the field last season and turned in 92 assists and six putouts (.980 fielding percentage). Selected to the all-conference team, she led the staff with 20 complete games and also performed in the closer role in the postseason.

The Seahawks open their 2017 season at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., next Wednesday, March 8 at 4 p.m.