Head Coach Janice Savage

Three high school standouts 
commit early to the Hornets

"This is a very exciting time for the Delaware State softball program," declares Head Coach Janice Savage.

It definitely is that -- and more!  The team is forecast to win the MEAC Northern Division championship. It is loaded with returning and new freshman talent. Plus, early signings promise great success for the future.

Meet three new Hornets for next year's 2014 season...

1. “EXTREMELY TALENTED”: Pitcher Tara Tursellino (Rancho Verde, Cal.), an ESPN All-America nominee, MVP of Inland Valley (Cal.) League and First Team All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) as a junior.

Tara Tursellino

Tara recorded 171 strikeouts in 14 league games and ranked ninth among California high school players with 278 strikeouts.

"Tara is an extremely talented pitcher who comes from tremendous high school and summer ball programs," Savage said.

2. “ OUTSTANDING COMPLEMENT”: Pitcher Vanessa Ciacatto (La Habra, Cal.) who helped lead La Habra to three Freeway League (Cal.) championships (2012-12).

In 2012, she led the league in every major pitching category, posting a 22-7 overall record with 142 strikeouts and 2.21 earned run average.

"Vanessa should be an outstanding complement to our pitching staff," said Savage. 

"She is a hard worker who continues to improve. I'm really excited to see the growth she makes this season."


3. “FIRE AND EXCITEMENT": Infielder/utility Danielle Velez (Ayala, Cal.), a four-year varsity letter winner, is a 2012 All-Sierra League (Cal.) Second Team selection.

In 2010, she helped lead her team to a CIF championship and fourth place finish in Premier Girls Fastpitch.

"Dani is a scrappy player who seems to always get on base. She has a tremendous work ethic and great heart. I can't wait for her to bring the fire and excitement she has about the game of softball to our team,” Savage said.

“Not only are these newcomers talented on the field, but solid in the classroom and very hard workers” Savage added.

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Rochelle Sablay

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Committed players to reunite with 
travel ball friends as 2014 Hornets

Hornet freshman #22 Rochelle Sablay (catcher, infielder/ undeclared) and Vanessa Ciacatto,  incoming pitcher for the 2014 season, played the game together last summer as SoCal Wicked 18 Gold teammates.

Wicked is a class "A" fastpitch softball organization, based out of La Habra, California. 

Chloe Oro (left) & Jordan Stamps (right)

Meanwhile, both Hornets' freshmen #15 Chloe Oro (utility/ sociology major) and #5 Jordan Stamps (utility/ movement science major) will teamed up next year with infielder/utility Danielle Velez. The trio have played together on the club ball circuit with the SoCal Strikkers 18 Gold.

Strikkers are a showcase fastpitch softball team, based out of Westminster, California.