Bulldogs host Boston College, Thursday (4 p.m.) at Conaty Park

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After multiple delays due to inclement weather conditions, the Bryant University softball team will play its home opener on Thursday vs. Boston College in a 4 p.m. showdown at Conaty Park.

The Bulldogs, who have won five of their last six, enter Thursday's action after a strong showing at the Yale Invitational over the weekend. Senior catcher Kendall Corder (Carmichael, Calif.) leads the Bulldogs through 21 games with a .357 average on 20 hits to go along with five RBI and six runs scored. Reigning Northeast Conference Player of the Week Aubrey Mable (Aurora, Colo.) ranks second on the squad hitting .345 and is still perfect in the field from the shortstop position. Junior outfielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) currently leads the team with six doubles and seven multi-hit games.

However, sophomore Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) is arguably off to the best start of all, hitting .333 with an NEC-leading six homeruns to go along with 16 RBI (fourth in NEC). Entering Thursday riding a nine-game hitting streak, Madsen has been equally impressive in the pitching circle compiling seven wins, 50 strikeouts (fifth in NEC) and a 3.50 ERA.

Boston College comes to Smithfield with a 14-10 overall record, 2-4 through six games in the ACC. Sophomore outfielder Megan Cooley leads the Eagles with a .462 average with a team-best 36 hits and a. 543 on-base percentage. Senior outfielder Tory Speer ranks second on the team with a .328 average to go along with six homeruns and 21 RBI, while freshman infielder Tatiana Cortez leads the team in power numbers with six dingers and 23 RBI. In the circle, grad student Nicole D'Argento and freshman Jordan Weed handle most of the pitching duties with D'Argento posting a team-leading eight wins and 2.46 ERA. Last season, BC swept the Bulldogs in both of their regular season meeting, squeaking out a 4-3 March victory in Smithfield, before mercy-ruling the Black and Gold in five innings in Chestnut Hill, 11-2.

For links to live stats and streaming video of Thursday's contest and all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.