BOSTON – Ram Nation now has the chance to get a glimpse into Suffolk Athletics history though clippings and pictures from the Rams’ record books and archives.
On this date, March 30, 2017, Jaclyn Davis, the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Women’s Administrator, cemented her spot as the all-time winningest head softball coach in program history.
Two games after Davis scooped up her 100th victory on the Rams’ sideline, an 11-6 triumph at Salem State, her 101st came via an 8-0 shutout versus cross city rival Emerson behind the twirling of then-senior pitcher Taylor Holmes.
Davis was the second-ever coach to hit the centennial mark in wins, matching Elaine Schwagger’s 100 total, which she achieved from 2001-05.
The milestone started with an early 3-0 Suffolk lead in the top of the first. Ashley Zulla moved Karina Miranda, who led off with a single, into scoring position to third on a double to center field. The then-sophomore second baseman scored the first run of the day on a passed ball, before a sac fly from Devlin Frost quickly made it a 2-0 Suffolk score. A round tripper by Jill Pulek pushed the gap to three after the Rams first trip to the plate.
After 2.5 scoreless stanzas, Emerson made things interesting in the bottom of the fourth. The Lions loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a single, walk and Rams’ error. Holmes kept her composure and got out of the situation with a strikeout swinging to keep the three-run advantage for the Rams after four complete frames.
In the fifth, Pulek went yard for the second time in the outing and brought in Zulla with her to boost the cushion to 5-0.
Suffolk escaped another bases loaded, two out situation in the bottom of the sixth. Holmes sat down her eighth batter of the day as Micaela Dix went down swinging to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
Delaney Sylvester joined Pulek in the homerun club in the top of the seventh with a three RBI bomb over the left field fence, plating Frost and Pulek, who each singled, for the final 8-0 margin.
For a complete round-up and box score of the outing, click here. Pictures from the historic night can be seen below.
Since that night at Rotch Field, Davis has guided the blue-and-gold to 78 additional victories to boast a 59.1 winningest percentage with a 179-14 record while at Suffolk.
Davis’ tenure features multiple accolades and achievements. She led the winningest team in Suffolk softball history, the 2016 squad that went 33-9, and was recognized by her peers as GNAC Coach of the Year that campaign.
The eight-year head coach had chance to add more milestones in 2020, just 21 wins shy of 200 at Suffolk, however the Rams 36th season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be on the lookout for more historical days in Suffolk Athletics history and use the hashtag #RamsRewind to see them all.
If there is a day from your time at Suffolk that should be included, please complete this form or contact Sports Information Directory Amy Barry at abarry7@suffolk.edu.
Softball at Emerson
