Through three games, Career is almost half way to last season's win total, when the Panthers finished 5-14.

The Panthers (2-1) opened the season with a 9-0 loss to Foran, but then earned a 9-0 victory over non-league opponent Platt Tech and defeated SCC foe Hamden 11-7.

With a roster filled with several returning veterans and promising underclassmen, Career is hoping to make a push for its first state tournament berth since 2005. The Panthers also want to change some people's perceptions of a city softball program: that it could be more than just a basketball school. The Career girls' basketball team won the Class LL state title this past winter.

"I think we just need to not listen to what everyone says about us," Career senior captain Nikki Perugini said, "the stereotype being that we're not a good team. If we let it get to our heads then we're not going to be a good team.

"It's hard because we don't have a home field at our school. We don't really get as much people (to watch) like the basketball or volleyball teams, the winter sports, do. A lot of teachers and the students try to make it out to East Shore (Park, where Career plays home games), but it's difficult with ride situations for (the students) to get there."

Bria Moore (first base), Alivia Roseboro (infield), Nicole Anderson (utility) and Ashley Franklin (outfield) all played basketball for Career this past season. Their success on the court, though, limited the time they spent preparing for softball.

"Our three better players all play travel ball," Career coach Ron Rosarbo said. "The rest of the girls put down their gloves in October after fall ball is over and don't pick them up again until March. You get an athlete like Bria Moore, who hit .461 and was an all-(SCC) Oronoque Division selection (last year), who really doesn't pick up a bat until the season starts."

Rosarbo, who coaches the Connecticut Raiders summer travel league team, says sophomore pitcher Brianna Longley and junior catcher Isabel Lopez compete during the summer and that Roseboro, a sophomore, is expected to do so as well this summer. Playing multiple sports, and being successful in it, has its benefits, though.

"I am blessed with (players who are) athletes," Rosarbo said. "Girls that come and listen and are used to that; girls who come from state championship teams. They're bringing that tradition to softball."

For more on Career, check out the Register print edition later in the week for a feature story and video.