Softball Set for BIG EAST Tournament Battle Against Butler on Wednesday

BIG EAST Tournament Game #54: Butler Bulldogs (21-21-1, 10-11) at Creighton Bluejays (31-19, 14-7)
Wednesday, May 8 • 2 p.m. CT • Providence, R.I. • Glay Field
LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATS | CU NOTES

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Creighton (33-20, 16-8 BE) enters the BIG EAST Conference Tournament Presented by JEEP as the No. 3 seed, looking to claim its first BIG EAST Tournament title in program history as well as its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2010.

The Bluejays start play in the double elimination tournament on Wednesday, May 8 at 2 p.m. CT against No. 6 seed Butler (22-27, 11-13 BE).

The loser of the CU/BU game would play in an elimination game at 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday against the loser of Seton Hall and St. John's, while the winner would play No. 2 seed UConn on Thursday at 2 p.m. CT.

Follow The Games

The Jays' first round game against Butler will be broadcasted live on BEDN/FloSports while live stats will be available via SidearmStats.

Live stats and live video links for this week's BIG EAST Tournament can be found on the Creighton Softball schedule page on GoCreighton.com.

Scoring updates and infographics will be provided via Twitter at @BluejaySoftball.

Scouting Creighton (33-20, 16-8 BE)

Creighton heads to the BIG EAST Championships for the first time since 2018 and for just the third time since joining the conference prior to the 2014 season.

The Bluejays closed the regular season on a tear, winning eight of their last nine contests. Sitting at 16-8 in the BIG EAST, Creighton earned the No. 3 seed heading into this week's postseason tournament.

Offensively, Creighton leads the BIG EAST in batting average (.279), hits (379) and sacrifice flies (20), while ranking second in runs scored (229), RBI (209) and doubles (70).

Fifth-year senior Madeline Vejvoda paces the Bluejays in batting average (.350 -- 6th in BE), while ranking second on the team in hits (55), doubles (12), RBI (29), walks (16) and runs scored (30). Fellow senior Cayla Nielsen follows closely behind with a .348 batting average on a team-best 62 hits (2nd in BE), including a BIG EAST-leading 16 doubles. She also paces the team in RBI (30) and ranks third on the team in runs scored (29).

Junior Sydra Seville has also provided a .347 batting average on 26 hits and carries a 10-game hitting streak into this week's tournament. Sophomore Lily West owns a .325 batting average and ranks tied for second on the team with 55 hits. She has contributed 10 doubles and a team-high 31 runs scored, while classmate Ella Dalton holds a .331 batting average at the plate on 43 total hits, with a team-best seven stolen bases.

Senior Emma Rosonke hits at a .240 clip on 31 base hits, including three doubles and two home runs. The Omaha native also paces the team with 23 walks and ranks third with 28 RBI.

In the circle, the Bluejays own a 3.39 team-ERA with 270 strikeouts in 344.2 innings of work.

Sophomore Natalia Puchino has been incredible in the circle this season, owning a BIG EAST-best 24-5 overall record. The Colo. native has thrown a league-high 179.2 innings while recording a BIG EAST-best 158 strikeouts and a league-leading 1.75 ERA in the circle.

Meanwhile, junior Kenzie Schopfer has logged a respectable 4.14 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 86.1 innings pitched this season. Senior Jena Lawrence has also posted a 2-4 record with a 4.91 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched, while freshman Brooklyn Patchen holds an 8.11 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 29.1 innings of work.

Head coach Krista Wood is in her second season with the Bluejays and holds a 563-370 career record, including a 55-51 mark at Creighton.

Scouting No.6 Seed Butler (22-27, 11-13 BE)

Butler secured the No. 6 seed in the BIG EAST Tournament this week after taking two of three from Villanova during the final weekend of the regular season.

Holding a 22-27 overall record and an 11-13 mark in the BIG EAST, the Bulldogs will be making their sixth BIG EAST Tournament appearance since the reconfiguration of the league in 2014.

Butler is led offensively by junior Ella White and her .343 batting average on 49 hits. She paces the team with 12 doubles, 42 RBI, 34 runs scored and 29 walks, while ranking second on the team in home runs with 10.

Sophomore Cate Lehner is right behind White with a .341 batting average on a team-high 58 hits. Lehner also ranks second on the team with 33 runs scored but does rank second in the BIG EAST with 24 stolen bases.

Junior Paige Dorsett is also hitting better than .300, holding a .333 average on 51 hits, including nine doubles and five home runs.

As a team, the Bulldogs are hitting .273 with 52 doubles, five triples and 36 home runs, while the pitching staff owns a 5.28 ERA with 159 strikeouts in 336.0 innings pitched this season.

Freshman Katie Petran paces the staff with a 4.49 ERA, recording a team-high 90 strikeouts during 164.1 innings of work. Sophomore Rylyn Dyer has also provided a 5.67 ERA with 24 K's in 60.1 innings, while graduate student Sydney Cammon has struck out 28 and owns a 7.73 ERA in 68.2 innings or work this season.

Butler was picked to finish fifth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll as head coach Scott Hall is in his 14th season with the Bulldogs.

Series History Against Bulldogs

Creighton and Butler have met 27 times previously with Creighton holding a slim 14-13 lead in the overall series.

The Bluejays have won three out of the last four meetings, including taking two of three from the Bulldogs earlier this season in Indianapolis. Creighton and Butler have never met in the BIG EAST Tournament, but Creighton is 1-0 all-time in neutral site contests.

Head coach Krista Wood is 6-3 all-time against Butler as a head coach.

Scouting No.4 Seed Seton Hall (27-21, 14-10 BE)

Seton Hall enters the tournament as the No. 4 seed and will open play in game one against No. 5 seed St. John's.

The Pirates finished the regular season with a 27-21 overall record and in fourth-place in the league with a 14-10 BIG EAST record.

Offensively, Seton Hall is tied for the BIG EAST lead with a .279 batting average, while they rank second in slugging (.421) and on-base percentage (.375).

Five of the Pirates' regular starters are hitting .300 or better at the plate in 2024, led by freshman Katey Brennan (.326). Junior Olivia Gilbert owns a .324 batting average on 45 hits and a team-high 37 doubles, while Taylor Hill has recorded a team-best 50 hits, including 13 doubles and nine home runs for a .315 average.

Senior Kelsey Carr has been a two-way player for the Pirates, recording a .304 batting average at the plate while also firing a team-high 139.1innings of work in the circle. Carr owns a team-best 118 strikeouts but does own a 4.39 ERA.

Seton Hall has also seen senior Sydney Babik and sophomore Kyra Kreuscher toss significant innings in the circle for the Pirates this season. Kreuscher owns a 2.89 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 90.1 innings of work, while Babik has recorded a 5.87 ERA with 45 punchouts in 92.0 innings this season.

As a pitching staff, the Pirates own a 4.42 ERA with 207 strikeouts in 327.2 innings pitched this season.

Seton Hall was picked to finish third in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll as head coach Angie Churchill is in her third season with the Pirates.

Series History Against Pirates

Creighton leads the all-time series against Seton Hall, 15-14.

The Pirates have taken seven of the last nine meetings with the Bluejays, including two of three in South Orange earlier this spring. Creighton and Seton Hall have never met in the BIG EAST Tournament or on a neutral field.

Head Coach Krista Wood is 2-5 all-time against Seton Hall.

Scouting No. 5 Seed St. John's (29-25, 13-11 BE)

St. John's enters the BIG EAST Tournament as the No. 5 seed with a four-game winning streak, having finished the regular season with a 29-25 overall record and a fifth-place finish in the league with a 13-11 record.

The Red Storm offensively is hitting .246, with 63 doubles, 30 home runs and 198 runs scored, while the pitching staff owns a BIG EAST-leading 2.85 ERA with 374 strikeouts in the circle this season.

Junior London Jarrard (.324) is the only player hitting better than .300, while also leading the team with 56 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 50 RBI and 34 runs scored. She is followed by sophomore Cassidy Stouffer, who owns a .279 batting average with 39 hits, including 12 doubles and 23 RBI.

In the circle, the Red Storm have turned to sophomore's Loreley Francia (13-8) and Ana Serafinko (11-7) to handle a majority of the pitching duties this season. Serafinko paces St. John's with a 2.28 ERA with 157 strikeouts in 128.2 innings of work, while Francia has also provided 133.0 innings and 145 strikeouts for a 2.74 ERA.

Head coach Michelle DePolo is in her first season at the helm of St. John's.

Series History Against the Red Storm

Creighton and St. John's have met 29 times in program history, with 27 meetings happening since the Bluejays joined the BIG EAST in 2014.

St. John's holds an 19-10 lead in the all-time series after Creighton took two of three from the Red Storm in Queens earlier this season. Additionally, the Bluejays are 2-1 all-time against St. John's in neutral site games, which includes an 8-1 win in the first round of the 2018 BIG EAST Tournament.

Head coach Krista Wood owns an 4-3 record as a head coach against St. John's.

Milestone Watch

- Cayla Nielsen owns 204 career hits and is five base hits shy of moving into fifth on Creighton's all-time career hits list.

- Cayla Nielsen is three doubles shy of tying Syacey Rybar (43) for third on Creighton's all-time career doubles list.

- Cayla Nielsen has recorded a BIG EAST-leading 16 doubles this season and is one shy of moving moving into a tie for third on Creighton's single season doubles list.

- Cayla Nielsen needs just four walks to tie Karla Hughes (69) for 10th on Creighton's all-time career walks list.

- Alyssa Gappa owns 22 career hit-by-pitches, three shy of moving into a tie with Michelle Koch and Lauren Cisneros(25) for fifth all-time for hit-by-pitches in a career.

- Alyssa Gappa needs just three more hits to record the 100th hit of her Bluejay career.

- Emma Rosonke has driven in 106 runs over the course of her Bluejays career. She is just one RBI shy of tying Lauren Cisneros (107) for 10th on Creighton's all-time career Runs Batted In list.

- Natalia Puchino owns 271 career strikeouts as a sophomore. She is just 11 strikeouts away from moving into a tie with Sydnee Eck for tenth on Creighton's career strikeout record board.

- Natalia Puchino's currently ranks tied for third in the NCAA this season with 23 wins. With two more wins, Puchino will moved into a tie with Bluejay Hall of Famer Tara Oltman (26) for sixth on Creighton's single season wins list.

CU in the BIG EAST Tourney

Creighton will be making just their third appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament since joining the league in 2014.

The only other times the Bluejays qualified for the BIG EAST Tournament was in 2014 and most recently in 2018.

Creighton is 1-2 all-time in the BIG EAST Tournament, suffering a 9-1 loss to DePaul in 2014 and a 6-2 loss to DePaul in 2018. The Bluejays lone win in the BIG EAST Tournament was an 8-1 win over St. John's in the opening round of the 2018 championships.

Complete results and Creighton BIG EAST Tournament records can be found on page 13 through 16 of the notes packet.

Conference Tournament History

Creighton will be making their 30th conference tournament appearance in program history on Wednesday against Butler.

The Bluejays are a combined 60-35 in the previous 29 conference tournament appearances, claiming nine league tournament titles.

Seeking the first BIG EAST Tournament Title in program history, the last time the Bluejays punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament was in 2010 when the Jays claimed their sixth Missouri Valley Conference Championship.

Below is a breakdown of Creighton's postseason appearances and record by conference.

Conf. App. Record Titles

HCAC 5 16-6 3

WAC 2 6-4 -

MVC 20 37-23 6

BE 2 1-2 -

The Big Dance

A storied program, Creighton has appeared in 12 NCAA Tournament in program history and is seeking it first automatic bid into the postseason tournament since 2010.

The Bluejays appeared in the 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010 NCAA Tournament. CU played in the Women's College World Series twice (1982 and 1986) and the AIAW World Series twice (1980 and 1981). The Bluejays are 12-24 all-time in the NCAA postseason.

Put it in Neutral

Creighton is 9-3 (.750) this season in neutral site games. The Bluejays are hitting .269 at neutral sites this season, with 82 hits, including 13 doubles, one triple and five home runs, while averaging 4.67 runs per game. CU also fielded at a .991 clip and owned a 3.71 ERA.

Senior Cayla Nielsen hit .372 in those 12 games, leading the team with 16 hits, three doubles and eight runs scored, while owning a .413 on-base percentage. Not far behind was Madeline Vejvoda, who hit .313 with 10 hits in 32 at-bats. Sophomore Lily West also hit .300 with 12 hits and three doubles, while freshman Sydney Potter owned a team-high three home runs and 12 RBI on seven hits (.280 BA).

In the circle, sophomore Natalia Puchino went 6-1 with a team-low 1.99 ERA in 38.2 innings of work. Senior Jena Lawrence also went 2-0 with a 2.10 ERA in 13.1 frames.

Happy Anniversary

Saturday marks the 21st anniversary of two of the three longest games in NCAA history, both of which involved Creighton. On May 11, 1991, Creighton faced Utah in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Omaha.

In an era when pitching dominated, it's not surprising that Creighton won a 1-0 pitcher's duel. What makes that night so special is that it took 31 innings!

Star Creighton pitcher Kelly Brookhart, who had thrown a complete-game shutout earlier in the day, threw all 31 innings in the longest game in NCAA history. She threw the shutout despite allowing 25 hits and walking eight Utes (all intentional) while stranding an NCAA record 31. Brookhart was no slouch at the plate in that game either, going 6-for-11.

The 31 inning game took 6:24 to complete, and finished at 12:24 a.m. on May 12th.

Making the day even crazier was that the Bluejay win forced the "if necessary" game to be played, and that started just 21 minutes later at 12:45 a.m.

Game two turned out to be the third-longest game in NCAA history, as Utah won a 4-3 game in 25 innings after the teams agreed to go to the international tiebreaker rule and place a runner on second base to start the 25th inning.

Brookhart came on in relief in the nightcap and finished off the final 20.1 innings, part of her 58.1 innings of work in an 18-hour span.

Nielsen Breaks Career Runs Scored Record

Senior Cayla Nielsen not only solidified her name as one of the greatest Bluejays to wear a Creighton uniform, but she also created history breaking the all-time career runs scored record.

Nielsen, a Blair, Neb. native, scored three runs during the Bluejays series sweep of DePaul, breaking the all-time runs scored record with 133 career runs scored.

Throughout this season, Nielsen climbed the record board, surpassing the greats of Liz Dike, Bailey Dawson, RenaeSinkler-O'Gorman, Christy Lunceford, Sue Frederick, Heidi Geier, Ashley Cantu, Jean Tierney and Stacey Rybar on the way to making school history.

RUNS SCORED

No. Name R Years

1. Cayla Nielsen 135 2020-pr.

2. Stacey Rybar 132 2001-04

3. Jean Tierney 130 1980-83

4. Heidi Geier 129 1996-99

Ashley Cantu 129 2017-21

6. Sue Frederick 128 1986-89

7. Christy Lunceford 122 1994-97

8. Renae Sinkler 120 2007-10

9. Bailey Dawson 119 2006-09

10. Liz Dike 118 2012-15

Seville Carries 10-Game Hit Streak in Postseason

Junior Sydra Seville is one of the hottest hitters, carrying a 10-game hit streak into the BIG EAST Tournament.

During her 10-game hitting streak, the New Lenox, Ill. native is hitting a team-best .516 with 16 hits, five RBI, five runs scored and three stolen bases. She has since risen her batting average to .347, which is the third best mark on the team.

Seville's 10-game hitting streak is the teams first hitting of 10-or-more games since Cayla Nielsen recorded a hit in ten straight from March 8 to March 25, 2023.

Dirty Thirty

Completing a series sweep over DePaul on April 28, Creighton recorded its 30th win of the season, capturing the Bluejays 24th 30-win season in program history.

Prior to this season, the last time the Bluejays collected 30-wins in a season was 2010, when the Jays captured their fifth MVC Tournament title, finishing the year in the NCAA Tournament with a 37-23 record.

Creighton's 30 Win Seasons

Total Wins How Often Last Time

51 1 time 1981

49 1 time 1989

46 1 time 1980

44 2 times 2005

43 2 time 2008

40 1 time 2007

39 2 times 1990

38 2 times 1991

37 1 time 2010

36 1 time 1986

35 1 time 2009

34 2 times 2000

33 2 time 2024

32 3 times 1997

31 1 times 1999

30 1 time 2001

Most 30-Win SB Seasons at Creighton, Coaches

How Often Head Coach

12 Brent Vigness

11 Mary Higgins

1 Krista Wood

Bluejays Winnings Snapped at Eight

Creighton had its season-long eight-game winnings streak snapped this past weekend, falling to Providence, 2-0, in the regular season finale on May 5.

The Bluejays eight-game winning streak was the teams longest since CU won nine straight during the 2015 season.

On The Double

In 53 games this season, Creighton has hit 70 total doubles. That figure currently ranks second in the BIG EAST and sixth all-time on Creighton's single-season double list.

In head coach Krista Wood's first two seasons with Creighton, the Bluejays have recorded 147 doubles, including 77, the second most in a single season in program history, last season.

Doubles

1. 79 1993

2. 77 2023

3. 74 2001

4. 73 1999

5. 71 2004

6. 70 2024

7. 65 1997

65 1989

9. 64 2005

10. 63 1994

50/50/50

Seniors Cayla Nielsen (62) and Madeline Vejvoda (55) as well as sophomore Lily West (55) have each recorded 50+ hits this season.

They are just the 12th Bluejay trio in program history and the first since 2012 to each record 50 or more hits in a single season.

Should the trio reach at least 60 hits each, they will join Jody Ream, Sue Frederick and Karyn Rice (1989) as the only groups to collect 60 or more hits in a single season.

Home Sweet Home

Creighton finished the 2024 season with a 16-3 record at the Creighton Sports Complex.

The Bluejays 16 home wins this season were the most wins in the CU Sports Complex since the 2008 Bluejays finished the home schedule with a 19-2 home record.

In addition, this is just the second time this century that Creighton has recorded 16 or more home wins in a single season

Overall, Creighton owns a 499-276-1 record at home, including a 374-230-1 record since moving into the CU Sports Complex in 1988.

Most Home Wins at CU Sports Complex

Record Year

24-4 1989

19-7 1988

19-2 2008

16-3 2024

16-7 1991

Bring the BIG EAST Broom

Creighton completed a pair of BIG EAST series sweeps this season against Georgetown and DePaul, posting a trio of run-rule victories over the Hoyas while securing a spot in the BIG EAST Conference Tournament in a trio of win over the Blue Demons.

Prior to this season, the last time Creighton swept a BIG EAST series was against Seton Hall on April 2-3, 2021. In fact, the series sweep against DePaul was just the ninth time since joining the BIG EAST in 2014 and the eighth time at home that CU had swept a three-game BIG EAST series.

Below is a list of all the series sweeps Creighton has had since joining the BIG EAST in 2014.

BIG EAST Series Sweeps

Opponents Date

DePaul April 27-28, 2024

Georgetown March 28-30, 2024

Seton Hall April 2-3, 2021

Villanova May 5-6, 2018

at Seton Hall April 21-22, 2018

Seton Hall April 14-15, 2017

Georgetown April 9-10, 2016

Providence May 3-4, 2014

Villanova April 5-6, 2014

Krista vs. The BIG EAST

Throughout her career, head coach Krista Wood's teams played some of their bast softball against BIG EAST competition.

In her eight seasons with the South Dakota State, Wood's compiled a 21-5 overall record against the BIG EAST, including a 17-1 mark in her final six seasons that featured 11 straight victories.

In her second season with the Bluejays, Wood's currently owns a 22-26 record in the BIG EAST with at least one victory over every team in the league.

Below is a breakdown of Wood's record against every BIG EAST team.

Opponent SDSU CU

Butler 3-0 3-3

Creighton 10-4 0-0

DePaul 2-0 5-1

Georgetown 0-0 4-2

Providence 2-1 3-3

Seton Hall 1-0 1-5

St. John's 1-0 3-3

UConn 0-0 1-5

Villanova 2-0 2-4

Totals 21-5 22-26

Nielsen Enters Single Season Top-10 for Doubles

Recording her 16th double of the season in the Bluejays' 8-2 win over Providence on May 4, senior Cayla Nielsen moved into a tie for fourth on Creighton single season doubles list.

Her 16 doubles this season are the most by a Bluejay since joining the BIG EAST in 2014. She is just one double shy of moving into third for single season doubles, while her 40 career doubles currently ranks tied for fourth all-time in school history.

DOUBLES

No. Name 2B Year

1. Frenchy Nix 23 1999

2. Christy Lunceford 19 1997

3. Temple Windhorst 17 1999

4. Cayla Nielsen 16 2024

5. Renae Sinkler 15 2008

Julie Woodley 15 1993

Kelly Brookhart 15 1991

8. Stacey Rybar 14 2004

DeAnn Kaster 14 2002

Jody Ream 14 1989

11. Sam Dellinger 13 2017

Amy Baker 13 2010

Abby Johnson 13 2005

Sami Herbster 13 2001
Christy Lunceford 13 1996

Erin Fraser 13 1995

Karyn Rice 13 1990

-- Madeline Vejvoda 12 2024

Nielsen Cracks Career Hits Top-10 and Nears 200 Hit Plateau

In her fifth year with the Bluejay softball program, outfielder Cayla Nielsen has turned into one of the most prolific hitters to ever wear a Bluejay uniform.

Owning 204 career hits, the Blair, Neb. native ranks sixth all-time in career hits and is now just five hits shy of moving into the top-five in program history.

Collecting her 200th career hit in the series opener against Providence on Friday, May 3rd, Nielsen became just the 10th Bluejay in program history to collect 200 career hits.

CAREER HITS

No. Name H Years

1. Christy Lunceford 245 1994-97

2. Heidi Geier 243 1996-99

3. Kelly Brookhart 218 1988-91

Ashley Cantu 218 2017-21

5. Sue Frederick 209 1986-89

6. Cayla Nielsen 204 2020-Pr.

7. Ellen Homan 203 2011-14

Wendy Moon 203 1991-94

9. Renae Sinkler 201 2007-10

Jean Tierney 201 1980-83

All Puchino Does is Win, Win, Win

After guiding the Bluejays pitching staff to 13 wins in the circle last season, sophomore Natalia Puchino has been red hot for the Bluejays in 2024.

The Milliken, Colo. native is 24-5 with four saves in the circle for the Bluejays this season. She currently leads the BIG EAST with a 1.75 ERA and 158 strikeouts in a league-leading 179.2 innings of work this season.

Puchino's 24 victories in the circle this year are tied for the fifth most in the NCAA this season and are the seventh most by a Bluejay pitcher in a single season in program history.

Puchino sits just two wins shy of tying Tara Oltman for sixth on the all-time single-season wins list.

WINS

No. Name W Year

1. Tara Oltman 32 2010

2. Tara Oltman 31 2008

3. Tara Oltman 29 2009

4. Tammy Nielsen 28 2005

Tammy Nielsen 28 2004

6. Tara Oltman 26 2007

7. Natalia Puchino 24 2024

8. Kelly Brookhart 23 1990

9. Becca Changstrom 22 2013

10. Marcia Jacobsen 21 1981

Puchino Surpasses 250 Career Strikeouts

Recording a pair of strikeouts in the first inning against DePaul on April 27th, sophomore Natalia Puchino became just the eighth Bluejay in the last 25 years to record at least 250 career strikeouts.

Puchino is also the first Bluejay pitcher to record back-to-back 100 strikeout seasons since Sydnee Eck did so in the 2015-16 seasons.

Puchino's 271 career strikeouts are the most since Kiele Miller recorded 334 punchouts from 2018-2020. Last season, Puchino became just the fifth Bluejay to record 100 strikeouts in their freshman season.

Career Strikeouts Since 1999

Strikeouts Pitcher Year

1086 Tara Oltman 2007-10

914 Tammy Nielsen 2003-05

860 Becca Changstrom 2011-14

495 Shelli Mellegaard 1999-02

334 Kiele Miller 2018-20

282 Sydnee Eck 2015-16

278 Kristan Melton 2000-03

271 Natalia Puchino 2023-Pr.

249 Stephanie Cortese 2003-06

243 Abby Johnson 2002-05

234 Micaela Whitney 2015-16

211 Amanda Hess 2007-08

Saving the Day

Not only is sophomore Natalia Puchino a dominant starting pitcher, she also has been a force in relief for the Bluejay pitching staff this season.

On Friday, March 22, Puchino recorded her third save of the season, tossing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to becoming the first Bluejay to record at least three saves in a single season since Tara Oltamn in 2010.

The sophomore right hander then delivered 2.0 scoreless innings in the second game of a doubleheader against DePaul on April 27th, earning her fourth save of the year and moving into a tie with April Trupp for fifth on Creighton's single season saves record list.

Puchino's four saves are also tied for the 10th most by a Bluejay in a career in program history.

SAVES

No. Name SV Year

1. Candi Letts 9 1982

2. Tara Oltman 7 2008

3. Candi Letts 6 1981

Holly Hesse 6 1981

5. Natalia Puchino 4 2024

April Trupp 4 1987

7. 12 Times 3

last by Tara Oltman 2024

SAVES

No. Name SV Years

1. Candi Letts 16 1980-83

2. Tara Oltman 15 2007-10

3. Holly Hesse 10 1979-82

4. Kandy Foust 6 1983-86

5. Kiele Miller 5 2018-20

Becca Changstrom 5 2011-14

Tammy Nielsen 5 2003-05

Kelly Brookhart 5 1988-91

Jeni Ruzich 5 1988-91

10. Natalia Puchino 4 2023-Pr.

Marie Gieron 4 1997-01

Lauren Kennedy 4 1992-95

April Trupp 4 1986-87

Lily West Surpasses 100 Career Hits

Lining a double off the left field wall in an April 13 contest at UConn, sophomore Lily West recorded the 100th hit of her Bluejay career.

Recording her 100th hit, West became just the eighth Bluejay in program history to record 100 career hits during their sophomore season. The most recent Bluejay to accomplish this feat was Ashley Cantu when she recorded 101 hits in 81 games between her freshman and sophomore seasons.

West currently owns 113 career hits, ranking third for career hits during their sophomore campaign.

Hits Through Fr. & So. Seasons

No. Name H Years

1. Heidi Geier 120 1996-97

2. Christy Lunceford 117 1994-95

3. Lily West 113 2023-Pr.

4. Jody Jenison 111 1980-81

5. Ellen Homan 109 2011-12

6. Wendy Moon 107 1991-92

7. Ashley Cantu 101 2017-18

Jean Tierney 101 1980-81

Lily West Named BIG EAST Player of the Week

Sophomore Lily West was named the BIG EAST Player of the Week on April 30 after guiding the Bluejays to a perfect 4-0 record with a win over Omaha and a series sweep over DePaul.

West was the second Bluejay this season to earn BIG EAST Player of the Week honors, joining Madeline Vejvoda (April 8).

West, a Choctaw, Okla. native, started all four games behind the plate, recording a .538 batting average (7-of-13) and a .846 slugging percentage with a double and home run while collecting five RBI, two walks and four runs scored.

Nielsen Etches Name In CU Record Book

A staple in the Bluejays starting lineup since arriving on campus in 2020, senior Cayla Nielsen continues to etch her name in the Creighton record books.

Nielsen currently ranks seventh on Creighton's all-time career batting average list with a .335 average, is tied for fourth all-time in career doubles with 40 and is now ninth in career total bases with 307.

With just three more doubles, Nielsen will move into a tie with Stacey Rybar (43) for third in Creighton history for doubles.

BATTING AVERAGE (minimum 250 at-bats)

No. Avg. Name H-AB Years

1. .404 Anne Timmermann 116-287 1977-79

2. .382 Ashley Cantu 218-570 2017-21

3. .379 Christy Lunceford 245-646 1994-97

4. .358 Heidi Geier 243-678 1996-99

5. .353 Kailey Wilson 168-476 2019-23

6. .336 Renae Sinkler 201-599 2007-10

7. .335 Cayla Nielsen 204-609 2020-Pr.

8. .331 Kiara Mills 123-372 2019-22

9. .330 Lily West 113-342 2023-Pr.

10. .328 Melanie Dorsey 198-604 2002-05

11. .326 Christine Fukumoto 110-337 2004-05

12. .325 Mary Yori 176-542 1980-82

DOUBLES

No. Name 2B Years

1. Christy Lunceford 51 1994-97

2. Frenchy Nix 47 1998-01

3. Stacey Rybar 43 2001-04

4. Cayla Nielsen 40 2020-pr.
Kelly Brookhart 40 1988-91

6. Abby Johnson 36 2002-05

Jody Schwartz 36 1985-88

8. Kailey Wilson 35 2019-23

Bailey Dawson 35 2006-09

10. Erin Fraser 34 1995-98
Dede Pendleton 34 1991-95

TOTAL BASES

No. Name TB Years

1. Amy Baker 393 2010-13

2. Renae Sinkler 391 2007-10

3. Stacey Rybar 360 2001-04

4. Christy Lunceford 349 1994-97

5. Liz Dike 340 2012-15

6. Bailey Dawson 322 2006-09

7. Kailey Wilson 316 2019-23

8. Lauren Cisneros 312 2003-06

9. Cayla Nielsen 307 2020-pr.

10. Abby Johnson 304 2002-05

Emma's Keeping it 100

Senior Emma Rosonke recorded the 100th RBI of her Bluejay career delivering a walk-off RBI doubles in the Bluejays' 8-7 series opening win over Villanova on April 5 and collected her 100th career hit with a single to center in the Bluejays' 7-3 win over Omaha on April 23.

The Omaha native is just the 12th Bluejay in program history to ever record 100 hits and 100 RBI in their Creighton careers.

Rosonke is now just one RBI away from tying Lauren Cisneros for 10th on Creighton's all-time career Runs Batted In list.

RUNS BATTED IN

No. Name H RBI Years

1. Amy Baker 191 167 2010-13

2. Renae Sinkler 201 146 2007-10

3. Abby Johnson 172 144 2002-05

4. Kailey Wilson 168 125 2019-23

5. Bailey Dawson 183 121 2006-09

Stacey Rybar 194 121 2001-04

7. Liz Dike 180 119 2012-15

8. Jody Schwartz 179 113 1985-88

9. Christy Lunceford 245 110 1994-97

10. Lauren Cisneros 165 107 2003-06

11. Emma Rosonke 103 106 2021-Pr.

12. Dede Pendleton 184 103 1991-95

Magic Number 5

Since the turn of the century, Creighton has had tremendous success when scoring five or more runs. The Bluejays have continued that success this spring, improving to 22-0 when scoring at least five runs in a game. In those 22 games, Creighton has outscored their opponents, 182-60.

Over the last 24 seasons, Creighton is 374-54 when scoring five or more runs. In the same time span Creighton is 240-408-3 when scoring four runs or fever.

Creighton is also 158-36 when scoring five or more runs in a game since joining the BIG EAST in 2014.

During that same time frame the Bluejays are 92-4 when scoring eight or more runs, which included a perfect 14-0 record this season. Including the Jays 14 wins this season, Creighton has now won 24 consecutive games when scoring eight or more runs dating back to a 9-8 loss at St. John's on April 2, 2022.

Free Softball

Creighton has played six extra-inning games this season, a 5-1 record in those contests. The Bluejays recorded extra-inning wins over Pacific (5-4, 10 inn.), Villanova (8-7, 8 inn.), at UConn (2-1, 8 inn.) and twice at Butler last weekend (11-8, 9 inn.; 1-0, 9 inn.). The Bluejays lone extra-inning loss this season was a 3-2 setback in 8-innings to Kansas City on March 19.

Senior Cayla Nielsen lifted the Bluejays to the victory over Pacific, launching a two-run home run to straight away center in the top of the 10th innings to give Creighton a 5-3 lead.

The 10-inning game was the Bluejays longest game by innings since dropping a 3-2 10-inning contest to Omaha on April 21, 2021.

Overall, Creighton is 94-96-2 all-time in extra innings games, including a 18-14 mark since joining the BIG EAST in 2014. Amongst the extra-inning games is the Bluejays NCAA record 31-inning contests against Utah on May 11, 1991, as well as the third longest game in NCAA History in the 25-inning affair against Utah just 21-minutes later on May 12, 1991.

Creighton Puts Up Seven Runs in First

The Bluejays scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning during the Bluejays 7-3 victory over Omaha on April 23. The seven run first was the most runs scored in an inning by a Creighton team since the Bluejays scored 10 runs in the first inning against Purdue Fort Wayne on Feb. 28, 2020, in Carbondale, Ill.

It was the eighth time this season that the Bluejays had scored five or more runs in an inning and the first time that they have scored five or more runs in the first inning of a game.

Scoring BIG

Creighton has manufactured some big scoring innings to help secure victories this season and it once again provided to be the difference maker this past weekend in the series finale against DePaul.

The Bluejays have scored five or more runs in a single inning nine times this year, including five runs in the second inning of the Bluejays' 8-1 victory over the Blue Demon's on April 28.

Below is a list of BIG scoring innings for the Bluejays this season.

Date Opponents Runs Inn.

2/10 vs. UTSA 5 5th

3/2 vs. Loyola Chicago 6 7th

3/2 vs. St. Thomas 5 2nd

3/2 vs. St. Thomas 5 6th

3/8 at St. John's 7 5th

4/5 vs. Villanova 5 5th

4/6 vs. VIllanova 5 3rd

4/23 vs. Omaha 7 1st

4/28 vs. DePaul 5 2nd

Durable Vejvoda

Senior infielder Madeline Vejvoda continues to be a fixture in the Creighton starting lineup. Not only has she started every game this season, but she's reaching uncharted territory as she has now started in each of Creighton's last 168 consecutive games dating back to March 7, 2021.

Her 168 straight starts are the ninth longest active streak in the NCAA and the longest streak by a Bluejay since Kelsey Allender started 185 consecutive games from 2013-2016.

Over the course of her Bluejay career, Vejvoda has started 179 of the 192 games she has played in.

Lead Generally Safe

Creighton has done an excellent job protecting leads this season, recording a 24-4 record when scoring first. The Bluejays had won 13 straight games when scoring first before suffering a 9-3 loss at Seton Hall on March 24 in South Orange, N.J.

Creighton is 19-1 when leading after four innings, 21-1 when leading after five innings and 21-1 when leading after six innings this season.

Nielsen's On-Base Streak Ends at 18-Games

Junior Cayla Nielsen had reached base safely in 18 straight games between March 16 and April 19, which was Creighton's longest streak this season and the longest since Kailey Wilson reached base safely in 19 consecutive contests in 2022.

During Nielsen's 18-game on-base streak, she hit .414 (24-of-58) with five doubles, four walks, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored.

Player # of Games on Base (Year)

Amy Baker 37 (2013)

Alexis Cantu 28 (2012)

Ashley Cantu 21 (2019)

Anna O'Gorman 20 (2017)

Kelsey Allender 20 (2015)

Kailey Wilson 19 (2022)

Cayla Nielsen 18 (2024)

Cayla Nielsen 17 (2023)

Overall this season, the Nebraska native has started in all 50 games and has logged a .339 batting average (57-of-168) with a team-best 14 doubles and three home runs from the leadoff spot.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Senior Alyssa Gappa continued her climb up the Bluejay ranks when she was hit by a pitch in the Bluejays' 7-3 victory over Omaha on April 23.

Recording her 22nd career hit-by-pitched, Gappa moved pass Sami Herbster for sixth on Creighton's all-time career hit-by-pitch record list. She is now just three HBP shy of tying Michelle Koch and Lauren Cisneros for fifth on the Bluejays leaderboard.

CREIGHTON CAREER HIT BY PITCH LIST

No. Name HBP Years

1. Jen Daro 39 2014-17

2. Michelle Graner 34 2007-10

3. Alexis Cantu 29 2012-14
4. Michelle Koch 25 2007-10

Lauren Cisneros 25 2003-06

6. Alyssa Gappa 22 2021-pr.

7. Sami Herbster 21 2000-03

8. Mileah McKelvy 19 2016-20

9. Liz McKewon 18 2008-11

10 Renae Sinkler 16 2007-10

Bluejays Keeping it Close

In 53 games this season Creighton has played 20 games decided by two or less runs, including 15 one-run contests.

The Bluejays are 13-7 overall during games decided by two runs or less this season. CU has posted one-run victories over Northwestern State (2-1), Kennesaw State (2-1), Colgate (3-2), Pacific (5-4), Northern Colorado (2-1), Seton Hall (3-2), Villanova (8-7), UConn (2-1), Butler (1-0) and DePaul (2-1).

Last season, Creighton played 20 games decided by two runs or less, posting a 7-13 overall record, while recording a 4-9 record in one-run contests.

CU Sports Complex Turns Into Launching Pad

Creighton has also produced some big hitters throughout its powerful lineup over the years and that trend continued this season for the Bluejays. CU had blasted 24 home runs this season, with 16 of those coming from within the confines of the CU Sports Complex.

Freshman Sydney Potter lead the way with six home runs this season at home, while Lily West recorded three and Cayla Nielsen and Emma Rosonke each recorded two homers at the CU Sports Complex this spring.

Since joining the BIG EAST in 2014, the most home runs a Creighton team has hit during a single season at home is 25 (2018).

Here's a look at the home runs totals at the CU Sports Complex since joining the BIG EAST.

HRs Hit At CU Sports Complex By Year

HRs (CU HRs) Number of Games Year

27 (16) 19 2024

41 (22) 16 2023

41 (19) 13 2022

34 (16) 11 2021

-- No home games 2020

33 (15) 11 2019

47 (25) 19 2018

29 (13) 12 2017

26 (9) 15 2016

41 (16) 13 2015

29 (17) 15 2014

Creighton At Home

Creighton finished the 2024 season with a 16-3 record at home, improving the Bluejays overall record to 74-67 since joining the BIG EAST prior to thr 2014 season.

This season the Bluejays claimed victories over Rider, Northern Colorado, North Dakota, Villanova, South Dakota, Omaha and Providence as well as BIG EAST series sweeps over Georgetown and DePaul.

In Creighton's 19 home games this season, Creighton hit .349 with 37 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 106 RBI, while the Bluejay pitching staff owned a 2.05 ERA with 102 strikeouts, holding opponents to a .178 batting average.

Senior Madeline Vejvoda paced the Bluejays this season with a .458 batting average on 27 hits and eight doubles, while sophomore Lily West owned a .421 average. Senior Cayla Nielsen also held a .406 average with a team--high 10 home doubles and 18 runs scored this season at the CU Sports Complex.

A total of 27 home runs (16 by CU, 11 by opponents) had been hit during 123.0 innings of action this season.

The Bluejays did not play a home game in 2020 because of the season ending on March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Creighton's 16 wins at home this season are the most in a single season since claiming 19 home victories in 2008.

Year-by-year home records since 2014:

2024: 16-2

2023: 5-11

2022: 3-10

2021: 8-3

2020: No home games

2019: 5-6

2018: 13-6

2017: 6-6

2016: 7-8

2015: 4-9

2014: 9-6

Leadoff Power

Senior Cayla Nielsen has batted leadoff for the Bluejays in 47-of-the-53 game this season, providing a big bat for the Bluejays at the top of the order.

The Blair, Neb. native leads the Bluejays and ranks second in the BIG EAST with 62 hits this season, which includes a team-high 16 doubles and three home runs.

In CU's home opener against Rider, Nielsen opened the bottom of the first with a solo shot to deep center, becoming the first Bluejay since Ashley Cantu in 2021 to lead off a game with a home run.

Just two days later, Nielsen did it again, launching a leadoff home run over the right center field wall in the Bluejays 2-1 win over Northern Colorado.

Sophomore Lily West took over the leadoff spot in the series against Georgetown. In her first plate appearance against the Hoyas, West blasted a leadoff home run to left center to put the Jays out in front 1-0.

It was the third time this season Creighton has led off a game with a home run.

Softball Set for BIG EAST Tournament Battle Against Butler on Wednesday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Ashley Cantu

Ella Dalton

Alyssa Gappa

Jena Lawrence

Kiara Mills

Cayla Nielsen

Brooklyn Patchen

Sydney Potter

Natalia Puchino

Emma Rosonke

Kenzie Schopfer

Sydra Seville

Madeline Vejvoda

Lily West

Kailey Wilson

Softball Set for BIG EAST Tournament Battle Against Butler on Wednesday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Ashley Cantu

Ella Dalton

Alyssa Gappa

Jena Lawrence

Kiara Mills

Cayla Nielsen

Brooklyn Patchen

Sydney Potter

Natalia Puchino

Emma Rosonke

Kenzie Schopfer

Sydra Seville

Madeline Vejvoda

Lily West

Kailey Wilson

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