MEDFORD, MA (May 21, 2026) – With a single down the left-field line in the top of the fourth inning against Alfred University on May 14,
Kaitlyn Perucci became the Tufts University softball team's all-time leader in hits.
The single, which came during Game 1 of the NCAA Regional at Spicer Field, was the 241st hit of Perucci's four-year career at Tufts. She surpassed the previous mark of 240 hits by Jo Clair (2011-14), which stood as the school record for 12 years. Perucci finished her career with 242 hits in 183 games.
"I'm so grateful for the four years that I've had here," Perucci said at the post-game press conference. "All my teammates have pushed me to get to where I am today. Obviously, my parents, all the coaches, the weird machines that (head coach
Lauren Ebstein) provides, I'm grateful for all of it. I'm just really happy to be able to help the team out in the post-season."
Perucci had a hit in the first at-bat of her career for the Jumbos, delivering an rbi single to center field during the team's 2023 season opener against Farmingdale State in Clermont, Florida. She went on to hit .387 that season with 58 hits.
She followed that up with a career-high 69 hits as a sophomore, when she hit .431 as the team advanced to the Division III College World Series. Last year, as a junior, she had 59 hits and batted .381 when she helped Tufts win the NESCAC championship. She finished her senior season this spring at 56 hits with a .373 average as the Jumbos won 31 games, earned the #1 seed for the conference regular season, and hosted an NCAA Regional. Perucci finished her career with a .393 batting average, eighth in Tufts history.
"Kaitlyn worked tirelessly during her time here in the classroom, on the field, in the cage and in the weight room, and her success on the field is a testament to that," Coach Ebstein said. "She has wins, the stats and now the records to support her amazing career and I am so proud of her and excited to see what she accomplishes in the future."
Perucci is a four-time NFCA All-Region selection and was named an NFCA All-American in 2023. She is also a three-time NESCAC All-Conference honoree.
Tufts' career records for doubles (54) and at-bats (615) are also her's.
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