Despite Delays, Softball Has Soared Through the Spring

By: Simone Walker

Adelphi’s softball team finished 26-4 in regular season competition and resides on top of the Northeast-10 Southwestern Division.

Despite major uncertainty for months leading up to the 2020-’21 season, the Adelphi softball team made sure they were prepared for any season they would be granted. And when spring sports were allowed to commence in March, all their hard work paid off.

Senior catcher Hannah Pineda expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play the game she’s always loved. “The 2021 season has been great. Being able to get back on the field with my teammates for the last time has been so surreal considering the circumstances we have all faced due to the COVID-19 restrictions,” she said. “Even though my teammates and I have alway been appreciative of the game, the restrictions made us even more grateful for any opportunity we have on the diamond.”

Her teammate, Nicole Mengel, a senior, also appreciated the opportunity to pitch for the Panthers. “[My] favorite moment of this year so far would be having the chance to play this season,” she said. “It was always our hope that we would get the chance, but now that we’re halfway through the season, I am just so thankful.”

Nicole Mengel throwing a pitch during a 2021 Adelphi softball game.

Her teammate, Nicole Mengel, a senior, also appreciated the opportunity to pitch for the Panthers. “[My] favorite moment of this year so far would be having the chance to play this season,” she said. “It was always our hope that we would get the chance, but now that we’re halfway through the season, I am just so thankful.”

It was not always smooth sailing for this talented squad.

Head Coach Carla Campagna acknowledged some bumps in the road the team had to overcome. Such as the 10-day pause at the beginning of the season, the numerous Covid-19 tests taken every week, and following all of the University’s health protocols in order to keep the student athletes safe.

Despite the chaos and what is now considered the “new normal,” Coach Campagna had high praise for the university and athletic department for all the hard work they have done.

Hannah Pineda posing for the 2020-’21 media day.