Posted: Mar 02, 2018

Hickey and Riley named softball captains for 2018

Salve Regina softball captains: Kristen Hickey and Amanda Riley

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University second-year softball head coach Jannelle Iaquinto announces her choices for team captains in 2018 - senior Kristen Hickey (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) and junior Amanda Riley (Barrington, N.H.).

"I was eager and excited to announce our captains for the 2018 season. Both captains bring experience, composure and a competitive edge to our program."

"Kristen is one of the most reliable and consistent players on our team. She leads with quiet confidence and truly brings out the best in her teammates. She has taken an active role in player development, especially with our younger players. Her character, strength, and power will be essential to team chemistry and success. I am excited to see what she accomplishes in her senior season."

"Amanda embodies the winning attitude we need our younger players to embrace. She 'knows how to win' and that is evident in her style of play. As a junior captain, she is learning how to be both a leader and motivator while continuing to elevate her own game. She is mentally tough, has incredible drive and truly leads by example."

Iaquinto was named the 2017 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Coach of the Year for softball after leading the Seahawks to a first-place finish in the league's regular-season play (16-2 conference record). Salve Regina swept three games in the CCC postseason and won its second straight conference championship to earn another automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championships.

Hickey, a nursing major, plays first base and had a career-high 38 games played in 2017 while ranking fourth in slugging percentage (.423), third in RBI (21), second in homeruns (3), first in walks (15), and fifth in total bases (44).

Riley, a psychology major, primarily plays shortstop and had more basehits (30-27) in fewer games (28-35) in her sophomore season than her freshman campaign. She ranked second on the team in homeruns (3), third in total bases (46), doubles (7), and runs scored (23), while batting .390 in 2017.

The Seahawks, who set a single-season mark with 26 wins in 2017, will open next week hosting Johnson & Wales University at newly refurbished Toppa Field.