COD women's softball team ranked first in nation

The College of DuPage softball team is enjoying a long winning streak, earning the team first place ranking in the NJCAA Division III.

The 16-member team, under Coach Ryan Connell, is enjoying a 41-6 season as of April 30. They faced several tough competitions in the last week, including a two-game sweep of Harper, followed by a double-header against second-place Kankakee. The Lady Chaparrals won the second of that two-game set.

“Kankakee is a scholarship school in Division II of the NJCAA and we lost to them twice earlier this season,” Connell said. “We've been trying to put the pressure on our players to do their best and we try to make sure they're doing all they can.”

This season's rainy weather has proven an obstacle for the team, he said. While the Lady Chaparrals played 11 games earl in the season in Florida, sloppy Midwest spring weather has postponed several games and cancelled practices.

“In softball, pitchers need to throw every day,” Connell said. “We have more than 40 games down, but when you're off the field for four days at a time, you can lose momentum.”

The team plays several playoff games this week before the District playoff game Tuesday, May 10. The Division III National Tournament is scheduled for May 19 to 21 in Rochester, Minn.

For more information on the team's season, including a schedule of upcoming games, visit: www.cod.edu/athletics.