Wilmington, Del. - Behind Delani Sheehan's two-hit pitching, Wilmington University opened defense of its NCAA East Regionchampionship with a 10-0 win today over St. Thomas Aquinas College at Asbury Field.

The top-seeded and nationally ranked Wildcats (41-14) advanced to the second round to meet fourth-seeded Assumption University (24-14), which clipped St. Anselm College, 4-3, in today's other opening round matchup. Tomorrow's Wilmington-Assumption game is scheduled at 10 a.m. with the STAC-St. Anselm (25-23) game slated to start at 12:30 pm. STAC will need to defeat St. Anselm and then win the 4 p.m. game to advance to Saturday's championship round of the four-team, double-elimination tourney.

The Wildcats, currently ranked 17th nationally and seeking to compete in the NCAA Division II National Championship tourney for the second straight year, scored in each of the first three innings and then rode Sheehan's pitching to victory.

Taylor Gillis' three-run homer and Sam Freeland's two hits, two RBI and a stolen base led the winning attack.

STAC, which fell to 33-23, got hits from freshmen Jessica Feerick and Olivia Leon.

2024 NCAA Division II Softball Tournament - East Regional 1

Day 1 - Thursday, May 9, 2024

Game 1: No. 1 Wilmington University (Del.) 10 vs. No. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas College 0

Game 2: No. 4 Assumption University 4 vs. No. 5 Saint Anselm Colllege 3

Day 2 - Friday, May 10, 2024

Game 3: No. 1 Wilmington University (Del.) vs. No. 4 Assumption University - 10 a.m.

Game 4: No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas College vs. No. 5 Saint Anselm College - 12:30 p.m.

Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3 - 3 p.m.

Day 3 - Saturday, May 11, 2024

Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 - 12 p.m.

Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6 (If Necessary) - 2:30 p.m.