8:31 a.m., April 24, 2008--The University of Delaware softball team swept a doubleheader 5-4 and 6-2 over the U.S. Military Academy on Wednesday afternoon in West Point, N.Y. The Fightin' Blue Hens were powered by Marianne Marinella, who hit a three-run home run in the first game, and Michelle Grap, who hit a grand slam in the second game.

UD starting pitcher Samantha Shawn (9-10) went the distance in the first game, holding Army at bay until the bottom of the seventh when they made the game close with three runs.

The Blue Hens scored four runs in the second inning on Marinella's home run and a run-scoring single by Quinn Megargel. Also, Katie Lee had two hits for the Hens.

Freshman pitcher Anne Marie Pagano (12-8) went the distance for the win in the second game, allowing just three hits.

The Blue Hens scored twice in the first inning, with Megargel driving home Lee on a double. They added four runs in the fifth on Grap's grand slam.

With the doubleheader sweep, UD improved to 21-19. The Blue Hens will return to action with a three-game Colonial Athletic Association weekend series against Hofstra University at Delaware Field. The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at noon Saturday and a single game beginning at noon Sunday.

The Blue Hens are 4-11 in the conference. Hofstra leads the CAA with a conference record of 12-3, and is 32-10 overall.

For more information on UD athletics, see [www.udel.edu/sportsinfo].