Despite below-freezing temperatures outside, everyone was warm inside the Dome at Parkway Bank Sports Complex as the collegiate softball season started. Host team DePaul was hot, going 6–0 over the weekend.
The annual Dome Tournament featured seven teams: DePaul, Western Illinois, Green Bay, Valparaiso, Detroit Mercy, Oakland and Drake. There were 18 total games, although some were played at the same time.
DePaul’s 6–0 start is its best since starting 6–0 in 2019. The Blue Demons have never started 7–0. Second-year DePaul coach Liz Bouck-Jagielski led DePaul to a 16–32 record last season, a seven-win increase from the previous season.
DePaul started the weekend with an 8–2 win over Detroit Mercy. The win included eight stolen bases, an indication of coach Jagielski’s aggressive baserunning emphasis.
Over the weekend, I caught up with Coach Jagielski, DePaul assistant coach Abby Ramirez, DePaul athletic director DeWayne Peevy and Western Illinois coach Alisa Goler. I also met DePaul Hall of Fame former player Nicole Wondaal, mom of Blue Demons outfielder Maya.
Liz Bouck-Jagielski
Abby Ramirez
DeWayne Peevy
Alisa Goler
After games, I chatted with a few players and got their takes on the wins. There is a new level of excitement and optimism. As a longtime fan and alum, I can’t help but share the excitement.
Morgan Rogers
Lydia Ettema
Kali Blount
Kailey Selvage
Brooke Cwick
Madelyn Wilson
Over the weekend Tony and I reconnected with several softball friends. Having met years ago while attending Chicago Bandits games at the adjacent ballpark, we look forward to the new Bandits starting their season in June.
© DePaul University Athletics
Yesterday, when the BIG EAST announced its weekly awards, DePaul had another sweep. Sophomore outfielder Jolie Adams was Player of the Week after going 10–18 with six runs batted in and eight runs scored. After getting three wins and a save while giving up one earned run in 17.1 innings, sophomore right-hander Hannah Messer was Pitcher of the Week. Freshman of the Week went to outfielder Addy Poe, who went 8–18 with one homer, eight runs batted in and eight runs scored.
DePaul returns to action Friday facing Boston College in Tampa, where they will try to extend their season-opening win streak to a record-setting seven games. The Blue Demons true home opener is March 6. I’ll be at Cacciatore Stadium hoping they come home with a winning record.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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