EDISON, NJ – Niagara's Maddie Hickingbottom and Brianna Delaney have been named MAAC Pitcher and Rookie of the Week, respectively, the conference office announced Tuesday afternoon.
 
Hickingbottom posted a 1.12 ERA over four appearances, including three starts in the circle this past week. The righty struck out 27 batters in 18.2 innings while allowing 11 hits and three earned runs.
 
Hickingbottom was named Co-MAAC Pitcher of the Year earlier today as well as benig named to the All-MAAC Second Team.
 
Delaney went 6-for-14 at the plate with two home runs, six RBI, three walks, and four runs scored over five games. She connected on her eighth home run of the season, third most by a Purple Eagle freshman in program history, in Niagara's regular-season finale win over Mount St. Mary's.
 
Delaney was an All-MAAC Second Team and All-Rookie Team selection.
 
Niagara finished the regular season 27-19 overall and 16-7 in MAAC play earning the two-seed in the MAAC Softball Championship, its highest seeding since 2008. The teams 27 wins are the most since 2008 while its 16 league wins is a program record.
 
The Purple Eagles will take on the winner of No. 3 Rider and No. 6 Siena on Thursday, May 9 at 11 a.m. in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
 
Stay connected with Niagara Softball on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Follow Niagara Athletics all year long on X, Instagram, Facebook, and purpleeagles.com.