9:04 a.m., March 26, 2008--The University of Delaware softball team defeated St. Joseph's University 4-2 in a game played Tuesday afternoon at Delaware Field. Freshman pitcher Anne Marie Pagano earned the victory and sophomore catcher Caitlin Smith hit a two-run home run for the Fightin' Blue Hens.

Pagano went the distance for the Blue Hens, giving up single runs in the first and seventh innings. She struck out six batters and is now 7-3 on the season.

Smith had the game's key hit, a two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth inning that scored senior Allison Borchers. Sophomore right fielder Cecile Egan had two hits for the Blue Hens.

With the victory, UD improved to 11-9 on the season. The Blue Hens will remain at home for a doubleheader against Delaware State University beginning at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 26.

They will then travel to the University of North Carolina Wilmington for a Colonial Athletic Association series Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30. Saturday's doubleheader will begin at noon, and will Sunday's single game.

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