Softball enters final series against 'Nova'

The softball team, who has lost eight straight games, hits the road this weekend for their final series of the season against the Villanova Wildcats.

The Pirates, who are in the basement of the Big East standing with a record of 20-30 and 2-17 in conference, enter the series after being swept by DePaul.

Head coach Ray Vander May said although it was unfortunate the team could not win for the se­niors, he is focused more on the team's effort eventually translat­ing into wins.

"Your goal is to win; you're trying to win," Vander May said. "The thing about our season, go­ing back to Syracuse, is we've faced good competition and for the most part, we've played very tough. We've been right there, with a shot to win, but have noth­ing to show for it. So, this week­end you want to show for it."

Since the Syracuse series on April 6-7, the team has only won two games, both against Provi­dence. The other teams the Hall has faced are all in the top five in the conference standings.

"We're stepping down this weekend," Vander May said. "Hopefully, we'll come out just as hard as we've been fighting all along and we'll be able to take games from them."

Despite losing eight straight games, Vander May said his team has not given up on the season and still plans to work hard.

"It always hurts to lose, espe­cially when you're trying so hard to win," Vander May said. "They keep fighting through this. Ulti­mately, you work hard, but results are what you want to see."

Vander May said the lack of run production has really hurt the team during the season and has covered the success of the pitch­ing.

"For everybody we play, we have a scouting report, that's the reason we've pitched so well," Vander May said. "We'll go into Villanova with a good scouting report, as well. We know our opponent. It's one of the reason we're staying in games."

Freshman pitcher/outfielder Danielle DeStaso has been a bright spot for the Pirates this season, both on the mound and the field.

DeStaso has struck out 100 batters, tying her for No. 14 in Seton Hall's single-season history.

In addition to being the ace of the rotation, DeStaso is fifth on the team with a .234 average, in­cluding six home runs.

"Danielle DeStaso would be our rookie of the year," Vander May said. "She's the hard-luck loser of some of these losses that we've had where we haven't giv­en her enough run support. She has the mentality to be a big-time pitcher."

The Wildcats have lost five of their last seven games and have a record of 30-23, with a 4-15 re­cord in the Big East.

In the Pirates' last five meet­ings against Villanova, the Wild­cats hold a 3-2 advantage.

The series begins with a Sat­urday doubleheader and the first-pitch of the series set for 12 p.m. The series finale is set for Sunday at 12 p.m.

T.J. Brennan can be reached at thomas.brennan@student.shu.edu.