Coginchaug senior Kayla Votto went 3-for-4, including a double, a run and three RBIs in the Blue Devils 5-2 win over East Hampton on Monday.

Votto collected her 125th career hit and 100th run in the win.

In other games,

Sacred Heart Academy 3, No. 8 Foran 2: Molly Flowers allowed just four hits and struck out nine for Sacred Heart Academy won this SCC interdivision game at Hamden.

Sierra Gallagi hit a two-run home run in the fifth to put the Pacers ahead. Amanda Beecher added two hits and an RBI for the Pacers (8-4). Fallon Bevino and Jenna Zacarelli each had triples for Foran (9-3).

Lauralton Hall 5, Bunnell 0: Alex Moleski went 2-for-3, including a triple, with two RBIs for Lauralton Hall in an South-West Conference win at Milford.

Jackie Brewster went 3-for-4 for the Crusaders (9-2, 8-0). Kyla Pataki went 2-for-3 for the Bulldogs (6-7).
Law 12, Hamden 4: Amanda Leone was 3-for-4 with a double and a triple as the Eagles topped the Green Dragons in Hamden.

Mercy 17, Guilford 1 (5): Astin Donovan went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs in the Tigers’ SCC interdivision win at Middletown.

Stephanie Mangiamelli went 3-for-4 with three runs for Mercy (10-2). Guilford falls to 3-10.

Sheehan 20, Wilbur Cross 3 (6): Missy Pereira went 4-for-5 with a home run in the Titans SCC interdivision win at New Haven.

Pereira also got the win for Sheehan (6-4). Gabby Fargeorge homered for Wilbur Cross (0-11).

Cheshire 8, North Haven 3: BryAnna McIntosh went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and four runs as the Rams beat the Indians in SCC interdivision action at North Haven.

Nicole D’Amato earned the win and also homered, and Kate Bourdeau had a two-run home run for the Rams (8-4). Haley Arnoutis had a three-run home run for North Haven (8-5).

BOXSCORES

The first four games of this season were a learning experience for Mercy coach Tony Calcagni and the Tigers.

Calcagni, a veteran coach in his first year at Mercy, took over a program that lost a slew of seniors to graduation.

The Tigers split those four games, losing twice by one run.

“The kids had a meeting about getting on the same page,” Calcagni said. “They talked about the fundamentals of the game. They talked about putting in a little extra, whether in practice or in a game, and getting more focused.”

Since, Mercy (9-2) has won seven in a row, including victories over Southern Connecticut Conference powers Amity, West Haven and North Haven.

“I thought we would be OK (entering the season),” Calcagni said. “But we lost so many seniors and we have a lot of untested kids. But we’ve exceeded what I thought and what I hoped we could be so far.”

After scoring just 10 runs during its first four games, Mercy is averaging close to nine during its current winning streak.

Senior catcher Tyler Keegan, the team’s No. 3 hitter, leads the team in runs batted in.

“She’s the leader of the young group of kids,” Calcagni said. “She works with the pitchers and she has a real positive attitude.”

Calcagni calls junior shortstop Astin Donovan, who has already orally committed to play at South Florida, the fastest player he has ever coached.

“She’s the table setter at the top,” Calcagni said of his leadoff batter.

Stephanie Mangiameli, a sophomore third baseman, and sister Tiffany, a freshman second baseman, have contributed in the infield, while sophomore Stephanie Dean has excelled in left field.

Sophomore center fielder Madison DeRita bats cleanup and has also been impressive in the field.

“She has all the tools to be a great outfielder,” Calcagni said. “She has a great jump on the ball, she has a great arm. I think she has three or four outfield assists.”

Junior Mary Adametz, who Calcagni calls a “power pitcher”, has done well in the circle.

“She’s a great kid who works hard,” Calcagni said. “We’ve tried to expand what she does as far as pitch selection and placement. She’s responded very well. There’s some areas where she has to grow in, but she’s a pretty strong kid and a pleasure to coach.”

Freshman Brianna Sawicki has also seen time in the circle.

“We think she’s going to be dynamite,” Calcagni added.

Morgan’s Emily Popp has yet to lose a game she’s pitched in.  

The freshman is 7-0 and has compiled a 1.47 earned run average.

Morgan lost its season opener to North Branford 11-9, a game in which Morgan committed eight errors.

Popp took over the pitching duties the next game, a 12-6 non-conference win over Griswold. Including that game, the Huskies (7-1) have won seven in a row. Morgan has made just one error during the winning streak.

“We needed her to step in as a freshman, and she’s been outstanding,” Morgan coach Sal Fiorillo said. “She doesn’t throw too hard, but her ball moves all over the place.”

Fiorillo said a challenging preseason that included scrimmages against East Haven and Sacred Heart Academy, has helped prepare Popp for the varsity level.

“She competed with two real good teams,” Fiorillo said. “I’m not trying to put any pressure on her, but she can compete with anyone with the Shoreline Conference.”

Morgan hosts Valley Regional on Wednesday and then Old Saybrook (9-1) on Friday.

“I have a lot of respect for their (Old Saybrook) lineup,” Fiorillo said. “They’re a good hitting team. They are certainly one of the top teams in the Shoreline Conference.”

A recap of some of last week's top performances.

HIT PARADE

♦Caroline Fortuna, Haddam-Killingworth: Went 4-for-4 with four RBIs in a 10-3 win over East Hampton on Monday and then had two hits, a run and an RBI in a 6-5 win over North Branford on Wednesday.
♦Sierra Gallagi, Sacred Heart Academy: Had three hits, including a double, and an RBI in a 6-2 win over Amity on Friday.
♦Stephanie Peloso, Law: Had two hits and two RBIs in a 6-1 win over Amity on Monday.

ACES
♦Jenna Bernard, Law: Junior tossed a four-hitter and drove in two runs in a 6-1 win over Amity, allowed three hits and had an RBI in a 2-0 win over Cheshire and struck out 11 and had two hits in a 13-0 win over Wilbur Cross. Bernard has pitched 20 consecutive scoreless innings.
♦Jess Harkness, Foran: Allowed three hits and struck out 15 in a 4-1 win over Amity on Wednesday.
♦Molly Flowers, Sacred Heart Academy: Surrendered five hits and struck out 15 in a 4-1 win over Lyman Hall on Wednesday.

TEAM EFFORT

♦Law: Defeated Amity 6-1, Cheshire 2-0 and Wilbur Cross 13-0 to move to 7-4

♦Haddam-Killingworth: Defeated East Hampton 10-3, North Branford 6-5 and Hale-Ray 3-2 to move to 8-2.
♦Waterford: Defeated previously unbeaten East Lyme 6-5, shut out St. Bernard 5-0 and handed Stonington its first loss with a 1-0 victory.

ON THE WEB

♦East Haven at Career, Friday, 7 p.m.: ESPNradio1300.com.

WATCH THIS

♦Career (2-8) at Platt Tech (9-3), today, 4 p.m.: Platt Tech has won six games in a row.
♦West Haven (7-4) at Sacred Heart Academy (7-4), Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.: This Southern Connecticut Conference Quinnipiac Division contest features two of the league’s best pitchers in West Haven senior Camdyn Morgillo and the Pacers Molly Flowers, a junior.
♦Old Saybrook (9-1) at Morgan (7-1), Friday, 6:30 p.m. at the Peters’ Complex, Clinton: Two of the top teams in the Shoreline Conference square off under the lights.

Register Top 10
Softball Poll
Team	Points	Last	Class
1. Rockville (12) (10-0)	526	1	L
Last week’s results: Def. Tolland 5-4, RHAM 22-0 (5) and Hartford Public 18-0 (5).
Bottom line: The Rams travel to Bristol Central (8-2) on Wednesday in the teams’ only meeting during the regular season.
2. Masuk (6) (11-0)	516	2	L
Last week’s results: Def. New Fairfield 19-0 (5), Barlow 17-0 (5) and Bunnell 6-0.
Bottom line: Tatum Buckley allowed three hits and struck out 15 against Bunnell. The Panthers have recorded four straight shutouts.
3. Maloney (11-0)	468	3	L
Last week’s results: Def. Bulkeley 20-0, Middletown 8-0 and Bristol Eastern 9-0.
Bottom line: The Spartans have also shutout their last four opponents.
4. Southington (9-1)	410	4	LL
Last week’s results: Def. Northwest Catholic 25-0 (5), Farmington 15-0 (5) and Hall 10-1.
Bottom line: The Blue Knights have won seven in a row since losing to Bristol Central 4-3 on April 8.
5. Torrington (13-0)	381	6	L
Last week’s results: Def. Watertown 6-0, Ansonia 15-0 (5) and St. Paul 8-0.
Bottom line: Speaking of shutouts, the Red Raiders have not allowed a run in nine of their games.
6. Oxford (9-1)	347	7	S
Last week’s results: Def. Brookfield 5-2, Stratford 9-0, Notre Dame-Fairfield 12-0 and New Milford 4-0.
Bottom line: The Wolverines travel to Lauralton Hall (8-2), which has won seven straight games, on Friday.
7. East Haven (10-1)	265	9	M
Last week’s results: Def. Guilford 13-1.
Bottom line: The Easties have the best record in a very balanced Southern Connecticut Conference.
8. Foran (9-2)	248	8	L
Last week’s results: Def. Sheehan 6-1, Amity 4-1 and Career 16-1.
Bottom line: The Lions, behind junior pitcher Jess Harkness, have won four straight and appear to be playing their best ball of the season right now.
9. Berlin (9-0)	221	NR	L
Last week’s results: Def. Bristol Eastern 3-1, Platt 21-3 (5) and Bulkeley 11-0.
Bottom line: The Red Coats enter the Top 10 for the first time this season.
10. Waterford (8-2)	205	NR	M
Last week’s results: Def. East Lyme 6-5, St. Bernard 5-0 and Stonington 1-0.
Bottom line: The Lancers knocked off two previously unbeaten teams last week (East Lyme and Stonington).
Dropped out: Amity (5), Stonington (10).
First-place votes in parentheses and points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis.
Others receiving votes: Stonington (8-1), 197; Hand (10-1), 191; Danbury (10-1), 87; East Lyme (9-1), 85; Seymour (9-2), 83; Mercy (9-2), 81; Westhill (9-2), 76; Amity (7-4), 57; Bristol Central (8-2), 36; Brookfield (9-2) and Granby (7-1), 34; Suffield (8-0), 20; Old Saybrook (9-1), 8; Haddam-Killingworth (8-2) and Morgan (7-1), 7.
The following voted: Mary Albl, Fairfield Minuteman; Marc Allard, Norwich Bulletin; Scott Aresco, Maloney; Tony Calcagni, Mercy; Mike Cardillo, Connecticut Post; George DeMaio, WELI; Vickie Fulkerson, The Day of New London; Kathleen Hoag, Cheshire; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Suzy Miner, Hale-Ray; Theresa Napolitano, Lauralton Hall; Ken Pereiras, Seymour; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Lori Riley, Hartford Courant; Mike Suppe, Hersam-Acorn; Liz Sutman, Waterford; Peter Vander Veer, Hersam-Acorn; Jimmy Zanor, Middletown Press.
Poll compiled by Mike Pucci.

Here's how I voted for the Register's Top 10 Softball Poll.

The poll will be released later today on our website http://www.nhregister.com/ and it will appear in Tuesday's print editions. 



1. Rockville
2. Masuk
3. Maloney
4. Torrington
5. Oxford
6. East Haven
7. Southington
8. Berlin
9. Hand
10. Foran
11. Granby
12. Waterford
13. Mercy
14. Stonington
15. Seymour

No. 9 East Haven 13, Guilford 1: Allison Luzzi had two hits including a homer and four RBIs to lead the Easties to their SCC interdivision win in Guilford.

Mackenzie Miessau added two hits with a double, three runs scored and two RBIs for the Easties (10-1).

Platt Tech 17, Whitney Tech 0 (5): Brooke Pawlak tossed a no-hitter for Platt Tech in a Constitution State Conference win at Hamden.

Yasmin Hernandez went 2-for-2, including a home run for the Panthers (9-3). Whitney Tech dropped to 1-10.

Lauralton Hall 13, Kolbe Cathedral 1 (5): Jackie Brewster went 3-for-4, including s triple, with three runs and an RBI for Lauralton Hall in a South-West Conference win at Bridgeport.

Alex Moleski and Lindsey Spitz both went 2-for-4 and combined for seven RBIs for the Crusaders (8-2, 7-0), who clinched a state tournament berth.

Jocelyn Boursiquot singled and scored for the Cougars (5-6, 4-3).

Morgan 5, Westbrook 1: Jaime Fitzgerald and Jen Dawson each homered to lead the Huskies to a Shoreline Conference victory in Clinton.

Emily Popp twirled a four-hitter for Morgan, which improved to 6-1. Kaitlin MacMillan tripled for Westbrook (4-5).

Oxford 12, Notre Dame-Fairfield 0: Ashley Guillette tossed a no-hitter, striking out 11, to lead the Wolverines to victory in Fairfield.

Megan Sastram hit a three-run homer and Katelyn Wentz added a two-run blast for Oxford (8-1).

BOXSCORES

SOFTBALL: Haddam-Killingworth outlasts North Branford in key Shoreline Conference contest

NORTH BRANFORD — Haddam-Killingworth and North Branford both entered Wednesday’s contest unbeaten in the Shoreline Conference Large Division.

So it was rather fitting that the game wasn’t decided until the final out.

The host Thunderbirds scored once in the bottom of the seventh inning on a passed ball, but left the bases loaded when shortstop Lauren McCann snared a line drive to record the final out.

The Cougars survived with a thrilling 6-5 victory at Totoket Park.

H-K catcher Casey Jackson’s RBI single broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the seventh, and then Caroline Fortuna drove in pinch runner Julia Gabbitt with the eventual winning run.

WEDNESDAY'S ROUNDUP

Pitcher Jess Harkness had 15 strikeouts and allowed three hits and three walks to lead eighth-ranked Foran to a 4-1 win over No. 5 Amity in this Southern Connecticut Conference interdivision win at Woodbridge.

Rebekah DeRosa went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and two RBIs, Gina Georgetti had two RBIs and Fallon Bevino had two hits for the Lions (7-2). Teresa Marchitto had two hits and an RBI for the Spartans (7-2).

Law 2, Cheshire 0: Jenna Bernard went the distance for Law (6-4) to earn the SCC interdivision win.

Sam Murphy contributed with a double for the Eagles. Sarah Como had a double for the Rams (7-4).
Sacred Heart Academy 4, Lyman Hall 1: Molly Flowers allowed five hits and struck out 15 for Sacred Heart Academy in an SCC interdivision win at Hamden.

Becca Marks had three hits and two RBIs and Cameron Maselli had two hits and a run for the Pacers (6-4). Avery Doyle had a hit and a run for Lyman Hall (3-7).

Sheehan 3, Guilford 2: Kayla Humphrey went the distance for the Titans (5-4), surrendering eight hits while striking out three to earn her third win of the season. She also was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Guilford dropped to 3-8.

Lauralton Hall 12, Pomperaug 1: Jessica Napolitano had two triples, a home run, four runs and four RBIs for the host Crusaders in this SWC win at Milford.

Jackie Brewster had two singles, a home run, three runs and an RBI and Alex Moleski had a hit, two runs and two RBIs for Lauralton Hall (7-2).

BOXSCORES 

Casey Jackson's RBI single broke a 4-4 tie and then Caroline Fortuna drove home the eventual winning run in the top of the seventh inning as Haddam-Killingworth emerged with a 6-5 win over rival North Branford to remain unbeaten in the Shoreline Conference Large Division with this victory Wednesday at Totoket Park.

North Branford (7-3, 7-1) scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh inning but left the bases loaded and the Cougars (7-2, 7-0) hung on.


Lauren McCann had three hits, a run and two RBIs while Jackson and Fortuna each had two hits in the win.

Sam Monaco had three hits and three runs and Tori Ramada had three hits and two RBIs for the Thunderbirds.

 

MONDAY'S SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Platt Tech coach Sue Murphy wins 400th game 

Photos: Platt Tech’s coach Sue Murphy wins 400th

Winning pitcher Brooke Pawlak had two hits as Platt Tech defeated Goodwin Tech 8-6 in this Constitution State Conference win at Milford.

Panthers coach Sue Murphy earned her 400th career victory.

Veronica Buzelle, Amy Mulkern and Alyssa Lewandowski all had two hits for Platt Tech (7-3).

Hamden 4, Guilford 3: Hailey Trasacco’s RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning drove in Bria Reilly with the winning run for Hamden in an SCC interdivision home win.

Trasacco went 2-for-4 with a double for the Green Dragons (2-6). Gabby Lanouette went 2-for-3 with two runs and Olivia Boudreau had two hits and an RBI for the Indians (3-7).

Law 6, No. 5 Amity 1: Stephanie Peloso had two hits and two RBIs and Justine Bannon had two doubles for the visiting Eagles in this SCC interdivision win at Woodbridge.

Stephanie Cameron had three hits and Sam Murphy doubles for Law (5-4).

Jenna DiLorenzo had two hits and Krista Reynolds tripled and scored for the Spartans (7-2).

Haddam-Killingworth 10, East Hampton 3: Caroline Fortuna went 4-for-4 with four RBIs for the host Cougars in this Shoreline Conference win at Higganum.

Sammy Waskowitz had a home run, double and two RBIs for H-K (6-2, 6-0).

No. 8 Foran 6, Sheehan 1: Ashley Mendillo had two hits, a run and an RBI for the visiting Lions in this SCC interdivision win at Wallingford.

Jess Harkness allowed two hits and struck out seven for Foran (7-2).

Maddie Mizenko had a hit and an RBI for the Titans (4-4).

Mercy 9, North Haven 2: Olivia Fiasconaro hit a grand slam for the visiting Tigers in this SCC interdivision win.

Astin Donovan had two hits, including a home run, and three runs for Mercy (7-2).

North Branford 8, Valley Regional 4: Tori Ramada allowed three hits and struck out 11 for the host Thunderbirds in this Shoreline Conference win.

Sam Monaco had two hits, two RBIs and a run and Red Augur had two runs and two RBIs for North Branford (7-2, 7-0).

Sarah Curran had a two-run double for the Warriors (4-4).

Seymour 11, Holy Cross 1: Carissa Wasikowski had a single, double and two RBIs for the host Wildcats in this NVL win.

Sarah Molin had two hits and Raeanne Geffert had two hits and two RBIs for Seymour (7-2).

No. 7 Oxford 5, Brookfield 2: Allyson Sweeney had two hits and two runs for the host Wolverines in this South-West Conference win.

Ashley Guillette allowed three hits and struck out 14 for Oxford (6-1).

 

East Haven pushed then unbeaten Seymour to the brink of elimination before falling short, 3-2, in the second round of the Class M state tournament last season.

With the return of 13 letter winners and a talented freshman class, the expectations were certainly lofty for the Easties this season.

Those talented seniors and promising underclassmen have not disappointed. East Haven is 9-1, and ranked in the Register Top 10 Poll for the first time in school history according to Easties coach Ed Crisafi.

The fast start, though, is not completely unexpected. East Haven is unbeaten (4-0) in the Southern Connecticut Conference Oronoque Division.

“Honestly, we knew we were going to be good,” Crisafi said. “This good? No. But I knew we would have a shot at the division. I thought we would qualify for the SCC tournament and have a shot in the state tournament, all those goals that you set every year.”

The one area of slight concern was pitching but junior Talia Loda and freshman Ireland Miessau have both been effective.

“I don’t think we knew how good our pitching would be,” Crisafi said. “I knew Ireland would be good, and I knew Talia would be improved, but they have been outstanding. This is how we hoped it would be. I think pitching is the main reason why we are 9-1.”

Loda is 5-0 with 36 strikeouts in 37 innings and an earned run average of 0.38. She has allowed just two earned runs and 18 hits.

Miessau, meanwhile, is 2-1 with 19 strikeouts in 21 innings and an ERA of 1.33.

East Haven has also been sound defensively. The Easties have committed just two errors.  

As a team, East Haven is batting .404. Freshman third baseman Allison Luzzi, the team’s No. 2 batter, leads the Easties in average (.533) and runs batted in (15). Senior leadoff hitter Amanda Jessey is hitting .481 with a team-leading 11 runs and six stolen bases.

Senior catcher Brianna Spadacenta is hitting .355, senior shortstop Miranda Baldassare is batting .364 and senior center fielder Jenna Gaudioso is hitting .400.

Spadacenta recently surpassed 100 career hits. Baldassare is nine hits and Jessey 12 away from reaching that milestone.

The Easties have just one game this week, at Guilford on Thursday.

East Haven has the most wins of any team in the SCC and owns victories over North Haven (7-2), Foran (6-2) and North Branford (6-2).

“We’re stressing right now that they have to go out on the field like they’re the best team,” Crisafi said, “and that the other team has to play their best ball to beat you. We tell them all the time to act like you’re an elite team.”

At 6-1, Old Saybrook has the best record in the Shoreline Conference.

Part of the Rams’ success has been due to junior pitcher Effie Gianitsos, who has struck out 56 batters in 46 innings with an ERA of 1.98.

Gianitsos took over for Alexis Trabucchi, who graduated.  

“We knew a lot would depend on pitching,” Old Saybrook coach Laura Westner said. “I knew she was eager to come in and get the starting job. She’s worked hard in the offseason. She’s been pitching great.”

The left-handed Gianitsos saw spot action last season but has improved both her velocity and control this year.

“The biggest weapon, though, is the fact that she’s left handed,” Westner said. “She’s got this unique spin. If she hits her spots, if she puts it on the outside corner, she’s tough to hit.”

Westner says the entire lineup is capable of getting a clutch hit. Junior infielder Madison Eucalitto leads the team with a .474 average, while senior first baseman Kelsey Root is hitting .423.

Junior catcher Paige Trabucchi is hitting .385 with a team-leading nine RBIs, while sophomore Emily Rose Santamaria is batting .375 with nine runs.

Westner said that Santamaria has been a pleasant surprise. Santamaria was inserted into the starting lineup to fill a void in right field.

“She’s been completely clutch,” Westner said. “I thought we would use her as a filler, but she has shown she definitely belongs in the lineup.”

The Rams have split the season series with Hale-Ray. Westner can’t recall the last time Old Saybrook defeated the Noises, a perennial league power.

While the Rams’ second-half schedule is slightly more competitive, Westner has been pleased with her team’s effort thus far.

“I had very high hopes,” Westner said. “They’re playing together, we’re getting timely hits, and good pitching. This group is playing well together.”

The second Softball Saturday in honor of Erin Babineau will take place on May 11 at DeLuca Field in Stratford.

The day will feature a triple-header beginning at 3 p.m. when Darien faces Fairfield Warde.

Trumbull plays rival St. Joseph at 5 p.m. and Bunnell meets host Stratford at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students and will be sold at the gate. Children under eight will be allowed to enter for free. The price includes admission to all three games.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and the concession stand will be open for all games.

Erin, the daughter of St. Joseph coach Jeff Babineau, died at age 10 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while on vacation in 2005. All proceeds will go to the Erin Babineau Memorial Fund.

The Register presents Diamond Gems, a look back at some of last week's top performances from the softball diamond.

HIT PARADE

Maureen Connolly, Lauralton Hall: Junior had a grand slam in a win over Bethel on Wednesday and a three-run home run and an RBI single in a win over New Fairfield on Friday.

Sam Monaco, North Branford: Senior had a triple, home run, three runs and two RBIs in a 12-5 win over Cromwell on Monday.

Brianna Spadacenta, East Haven: Senior had the 100th hit of her career in a win over Wilbur Cross on Wednesday and had three hits, including a two-run homer, in a 7-3 win over North Haven on Friday.

ACES

Lauren Atkinson, Branford: Senior allowed three hits and struck out 11 in a 7-2 win over Wilbur Cross on Friday.

Camdyn Morgillo, West Haven: Senior allowed four hits, struck out seven and helped her cause with two hits and scored the winning run in the eighth inning in a 1-0 win over Sheehan on Monday.

Francesca Zuppardi, Guilford: Senior pitched a no-hitter and struck out 10 in an 11-0 win over Career on Friday.

TEAM EFFORT

Hand: Earned four victories, including a 2-1 win over Foran, to improve to 8-1.

Mercy: The Tigers defeated Sacred Heart Academy, previously unbeaten Amity and West Haven to improve to 6-2.

Suffield: Defeated Haddam-Killingworth 4-2 in eight innings and Enfield 17-2 to remain unbeaten.

ON THE WEB

North Haven at West Haven, Wednesday, 7 p.m.: ESPNradio1300.com.

WATCH THIS

Goodwin Tech (7-2) at Platt Tech (6-3), today, 3:30 p.m. at Foote Field, Milford: This is Platt Tech coach Sue Murphy’s first chance to win career victory No. 400.

Haddam-Killingworth (5-2) at North Branford (6-2), Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.: Both teams are unbeaten in the Shoreline Conference Large Division entering this week.

Foran (6-2) at Amity (7-1), Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.: This is the only meeting between these two teams during the regular season.

Register Top 10
Softball Poll
Team	Points	Last	Class
1. Rockville (12) (7-0)	526	1	L
Last week’s results: Def. Conard 10-7, Bloomfield 33-0 (5) and Waterford 5-0.
Bottom line: Senior pitcher Kaitlyn Lajoie allowed one hit in the victory over Waterford.
2. Masuk (6) (8-0)	514	2	L
Last week’s results: Def. Kolbe Cathedral 7-0, Immaculate 22-2 and Weston 14-0.
Bottom line: Tatum Buckley tossed a no-hitter and struck out 14 in the win over Weston.
3. Maloney (7-0)	458	4	L
Last week’s results: Def. New Milford 10-5, Plainville 10-4 and Glastonbury 3-2.
Bottom line: The Spartans host Bristol Eastern on Friday in what could be one of the more interesting Central Connecticut Conference contests this week.
4. Southington (6-1)	400	6	LL
Last week’s results: Def. Rocky Hill 15-0 (5), Conard 13-0 and Bristol Eastern 4-0.
Bottom line: The Blue Knights have shut out four opponents this season, including all three last week.
5. Amity (7-1)	372	3	LL
Last week’s results: Def. Cheshire 7-3, lost to Mercy 8-1 and def. Sheehan 7-1.
Bottom line: Mercy scored eight times in the top of the seventh inning to hand the Spartans their first loss.
6. Torrington (10-0)	359	8	L
Last week’s results: Def. Wilby 26-0 and 15-0, Sacred Heart 26-0, Naugatuck 5-1 and Woodland 6-1.
Bottom line: Torrington is clearly the class of the Naugatuck Valley League having shut out six of its 10 opponents.
7. Oxford (5-1)	302	7	S
Last week’s results: Def. Bunnell 5-0 and Newtown 5-1 (8).
Bottom line: The Wolverines have four games this week, including today at home against Brookfield (6-1).
8. Foran (6-2)	252	5	L
Last week’s results: Lost to Hand 2-1 and def. Hillhouse 29-0, North Haven 7-1 and Law 6-5.
Bottom line: The Lions earned a convincing win over previously unbeaten North Haven.
9. East Haven (9-1)	221	NR	M
Last week’s results: Def. Law 4-2, Career 16-0, Wilbur Cross 14-0, North Branford 7-0 and North Haven 7-3.
Bottom line: The Easties’ only loss is to No. 5 Amity, while East Haven defeated No. 8 Foran.
10. Stonington (6-0)	186	NR	M
Last week’s results: Def. Killingly 12-0 and Montville 13-1.
Bottom line: The Bears visit Waterford (5-2) on Friday.
Dropped out: Waterford (9), Westhill (10).
First-place votes in parentheses and points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis.
Others receiving votes: Waterford (5-2), 165; Berlin (6-0) and Hand (8-1), 153; East Lyme (6-0), 80; Westhill (5-2), 69; Brookfield (6-1), 64; Granby (5-0), 60; Seymour (6-2), 59; Fairfield Ludlowe (8-1), 39; Mercy (6-2), 37; Danbury (7-1), 29; West Haven (6-2), 28; Bristol Central (5-2), 16; Suffield (5-0) and Lauralton Hall (5-2), 9; North Branford (6-2) and North Haven (7-2), 8; Cheshire (6-3) and Haddam-Killingworth (5-2), 7.
The following voted: Mary Albl, Fairfield Minuteman; Marc Allard, Norwich Bulletin; Scott Aresco, Maloney; Tony Calcagni, Mercy; Mike Cardillo, Connecticut Post; George DeMaio, WELI; Vickie Fulkerson, The Day of New London; Kathleen Hoag, Cheshire; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Suzy Miner, Hale-Ray; Theresa Napolitano, Lauralton Hall; Ken Pereiras, Seymour; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Lori Riley, Hartford Courant; Mike Suppe, Hersam-Acorn; Liz Sutman, Waterford; Peter Vander Veer, Hersam-Acorn; Jimmy Zanor, Middletown Press.
Poll compiled by Mike Pucci.

Here's how I voted for the Register's Top 10 Softball Poll.

The poll will be released later today on our website http://www.nhregister.com/ and it will appear in Monday's print editions. 



1. Rockville
2. Masuk
3. Maloney
4. Torrington
5. Oxford
6. East Haven
7. Southington
8. Amity
9. Stonington
10. Berlin
11. Hand
12. Foran
13. East Lyme
14. Granby
15. Waterford

 TEAM OF THE WEEK: Hand softball stamps passport to postseason

NEW HAVEN — The math was pretty simple.

Entering this week, the Hand softball team stood at 4-1, halfway to the eight victories necessary to qualify for the state tournament.

With four games on the docket, the Tigers knew they controlled their own destiny.

 “We’ve been talking about it this past week and we knew we had the potential to qualify for the state tournament,” senior left fielder Kate Boudreau said. “It was discussed. We knew it was a possibility.”

The Tigers knocked off Foran, Branford, Guilford and then Hillhouse on Friday to clinch a return to the postseason after a one-year absence.

A week prior, Hand defeated Mercy and Law to earn Register Team of the Week honors.

Last season the Tigers finished at 7-13, falling just short of the playoffs.

“That was definitely something that was fueling us for this year,” Boudreau said. “It was one of the goals we set for ourselves, winning the eight games to qualify for the state tournament.”

Hand has started 8-1 with a team that has five freshmen on its roster, including three starters. 

Guilford 11, Career 0: Francesca Zuppardi pitched a no-hitter and struck out 10 for the Indians in this SCC interdivision home victory.

Allie Stephens had a single, double and three RBIs and Ashley Ignatowski drove in three runs for Guilford (3-7).

Old Saybrook 7, St. Bernard 0: Lauren Pascoe went 4-for-4, including a home run, with two runs and three RBIs for the visiting Rams in this non-conference win at Uncasville.

Emily Rose Santamaria and Laura MacLeod each drove in two runs for Old Saybrook (6-1).

Branford 7, Wilbur Cross 2: Lauren Atkinson allowed three hits and struck out 11 for the visiting Hornets in this SCC Oronoque Division win at New Haven.

East Haven 7, North Haven 3: Brianna Spadacenta had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Allison Luzzi added two hits and two RBIs to lead the Easties to their SCC Oronoque win in East Haven.

Jenna Gaudioso had two hits and two runs and pitcher Talia Loda had eight strikeouts for the Easties (9-1, 4-0).

Jess Seaver had two hits including a solo homer for the Indians (7-2, 3-1).

No. 3 Amity 7, Sheehan 1: Jenna DiLorenzo had three hits, including a three-run home run, for the host Spartans in this SCC Housatonic Division win at Woodbridge.

Julie Luce had two hits, a run and an RBI to Amity (7-1). Maddie Mizenko had two hits for the Titans (4-3).   \

No. 5 Foran 6, Law 5: Susie Anthony had a solo home run and an RBI single to lead the visiting Lions to this SCC Hammonasset Division win at Milford.

Ashley Mendillo had two hits for Foran (6-2). Stephanie Cameron had two hits and two RBIs for the Eagles (4-4).

Derby 6, Sacred Heart 5: Lindsay Sampson had a game-winning two-run single in the bottom seventh with two outs to lead the Red Raiders to their NVL win in Derby. Pitcher Rachel Rizzo had eighth strikeouts and Shelby Mendillo had two hits including a solo homer for the Red Raiders (1-7).

Seymour 5, Naugatuck 1: Winning pitcher Raeanne Geffert allowed six hits and helped her cause with three hits of her own for the visiting Wildcats in this Naugatuck Valley League win.

Emma Crocamo had three hits and Amanda Harkins had two hits for Seymour (6-2). Sydney Cotto had three hits for the Greyhounds (7-3).

Platt Tech 7, Wilcox Tech 2: Brooke Pawlak had two hits for the visiting Panthers in this Constitution State Conference win at Meriden.

Platt Tech (6-3) coach Sue Murphy earned her 399th career victory.

Morgan 6, Hale-Ray 4: Jamie Fitzgerald had two hits, two runs and an RBI for the visiting Huskies in this Shoreline Conference win at Moodus.

Sarah Thompson had two hits and two runs for Morgan (6-1). Missy Martin had a triple, run and two RBIs for the Noises (3-5).

Haddam-Killingworth 15, Coginchaug 8: Casey Jackson had four hits and four RBIs for the host Cougars in this Shoreline Conference win at Higganum.  
 

Sam Waskowitz had three hits and three RBIs for H-K (5-2, 5-0). Jackie Benson had three hits for the Blue Devils (3-4, 3-2).
FRIDAY'S LINESCORES

Career 5, Branford 4: Winning pitcher Brianna Longley had two hits and an RBI for the visiting Panthers in this SCC Oronoque Division win at Branford. Career is 2-6. Megan Ferraro struck out 10 for the Hornets (0-8).

East Haven 14, Wilbur Cross 0: Brianna Spadacenta got her 100th career hit in a rout for the Yellow Jackets (7-1) over the Governors (0-8).

No. 5 Foran 7, North Haven 1: Jess Harkness had a perfect game going into the sixth inning and Rebekah DeRosa added two hits and three RBIs in the Lions’ SCC interdivision victory in Milford.

Fallon Bevino, Gina Georgetti, Ashley Mendillo and Jenna Zacarelli all had two hits for Foran (5-2) in the win over North Haven (7-1).

Mercy 8, No. 3 Amity 1: The visiting Tigers scored eight times in the top of the seventh inning in this SCC interdivision win at Woodbridge.

Tyler Keegan had three hits, Madison DeRita had a double and an RBI and winning pitcher Mary Adametz had a run-scoring double for Mercy (5-2).

Teresa Marchitto had two hits and scored and Haley Cologgi had a hit and an RBI for the Spartans (6-1).

Hand 13, Guilford 5: Kate Boudreau went 4-for-5, including three doubles, with two RBIs for Hand in an SCC Hammonasset Division win at Guilford.

Mel Rennie went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Anna Curcio hit a three-run home run for the Tigers (7-1). Aimee Munck went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Indians (2-6).

Sheehan 5, Lyman Hall 0: Meghan Gavin had three hits and two runs for the host Titans in this SCC Housatonic Division win at Wallingford.  

Winning pitcher Sara Pisenelli had two hits and two RBIs for Sheehan (4-2).

Westbrook 3, East Hampton 0: Kaitlin MacMillan allowed one hit and struck out 12 for the host Knights in this Shoreline Conference win.

MacMillan helped her cause with a triple for Westbrook (3-3).

Law 16, Hillhouse 1: Shea Lagonigro had three hits and three RBIs for the host Eagles in this SCC Hammonasset Division win at Milford.

Jill Thiel and Lena Arnold each had two hits for Law (4-2), while Aubrey Bepko allowed three hits and struck out 10 in the SCC Hammonasset Division win.

Ana Gomez had a run-scoring double for the Academics (1-7).

Old Saybrook 6, Hale-Ray 3 (8): Kelsey Root had a single, double and two RBIs for the visiting Rams in this Shoreline Conference win at Moodus.

Laura McLeod had a triple and RBI for Old Saybrook (5-1). Jess Dombroski hit a home run for the Noises (3-4).

Lauralton Hall 9, Bethel 0: Maureen Connolly had two hits, including a grand slam, and four RBIS for the visiting Crusaders in this South-West Conference win at Bethel.

Jackie Brewster had three hits, including a triple, a run and an RBI for Lauralton Hall (4-2).

WEDNESDAY'S LINESCORES

Sacred Heart Academy 5, Cheshire 3: Winning pitcher Molly Flowers allowed just six hits and helped her cause with a solo home run for the visiting Pacers in this SCC interdivision win at Cheshire. Both teams are now 4-3.

East Haven 16, Career 0: Amanda Jessey had three hits and two runs and Allison Luzzi had three hits, three runs and two RBIs for the host Easties in this SCC Oronoque Division win.

Giovanna Russo had three hits and two runs and Talia Loda allowed four hits and struck out nine for East Haven (6-1, 2-0). Alivia Roseboro had two hits for the Panthers (1-6, 1-2).

Hand 2, Branford 1: Sam Pavano had the go-ahead RBI single that scored Kate Boudreau in the bottom of the fifth inning to lift the Tigers over the Hornets in SCC interdivision action at Madison.
Hand (6-1) pitcher Annie Horton struck out six and only allowed three hits in the complete game victory over Branford (0-7).

Platt Tech 8, Vinal Tech 3: Winning pitcher Brooke Pawlak had a home run and a double to lead the Panthers to this CSC win. Platt Tech is 4-3.

West Haven 9, Hamden 0: Sierra Santana was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and Camdyn Morgillo got the win and had three RBIs of her own in a SCC Quinnipiac Division road victory for the Blue Devils (6-1) over the Green Dragons (1-5).

Lauralton Hall 9, Brookfield 2: Alex Moleski had two hits, including a triple, two runs and two RBIs for the visiting Crusaders in this South-West Conference win at Brookfield.

Jessica Napolitano had three hits, three runs and two RBIs and Lindsey Spitz had two hits and two RBIs for Lauralton Hall (3-2).


TUESDAY'S LINESCORES

 

SOFTBALL: Hand slips past Foran

MADISON — Hand turned a potential blunder into the winning run in its softball game with rival Foran Monday.

With the game tied at 1, Hand senior Kate Boudreau singled to lead off the sixth inning. Kate Omdahl then reached safely on a fielder’s choice followed by Mel Rennie’s sacrifice bunt, which put runners on second and third with one out.

A play later, on an infield ground out, Omdahl ran toward third base, which was still occupied by Boudreau.

Foran decided to try to get a retreating Omdahl out at second, but the throw wasn’t in time and Boudreau scored from third to give the Tigers a thrilling 2-1 Southern Connecticut Conference Hammonasset Division victory.

PHOTOS: Slideshow from Hand's win over Foran

MONDAY'S SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: West Haven scores in eighth inning to beat Sheehan

 

West Haven 1, Sheehan 0 (8): Camdyn Morgillo went 2-for-4 and scored the only run in the top of the eighth inning for West Haven in an SCC interdivision win at Wallingford.

Morgillo also tossed a four-hitter with seven strikeouts for the Westies (5-1), Makayla Ricci went 2-for-3 for Sheehan (3-2).

No. 3 Amity 7, Cheshire 3: Krista Reynolds had a two-run double and pitcher Heather Ferranti had six strikeouts to lead the Spartans (6-0) to their SCC Housatonic Division win in Cheshire.

Brianna McIntosh had a solo homer and two-run homer for the Rams (4-2).

East Haven 4, Law 2: Alyssa Apuzzo’s RBI single drove in Jenna Gaudioso with the winning run in the sixth inning for East Haven in an SCC interdivision win at Milford.

Gaudioso had two hits and Miranda Baldassare homered for the Yellow Jackets (5-1). Amanda leone had two hits, including a two-run home run, for the Eagles (3-3).

Platt Tech softball coach Sue Murphy is closing in on 400 career victories.

According to information provided to the Register via an e-mail, Murphy has 396 wins.

Murphy has coached the Panthers for 24 seasons. She previously had a four-year stint at O’Brien Tech and spent one year at Whitney Tech.

At Platt Tech, Murphy has guided the Panthers to 15 league titles and the team has finished as the runner-up on four occasions.

It’s likely that Murphy will reach the milestone sometime next week. The Panthers (3-3) have three games both this week and next week.

“It’s a tribute to the great kids that allowed me to teach the fundamentals,” Murphy said. “A lot of times we don’t get kids coming in who are the most successful players right away, so it’s nice to be able to teach the basics, the fundamentals.”

Murphy says she still keeps in contact with many former players.

About 15 years ago, Murphy, with a growing family, decided to conduct practices at 5:30 a.m. It’s a tradition that continues to this day.

“I don’t need to do it anymore (morning practice), but I think the (players) prefer it,” Murphy said.

This season has been one of Murphy’s most challenging. Platt Tech is young and inexperienced and starts five freshman, but Murphy says the team is responding.

“Last year we graduated probably the most talented class I’ve ever had in my 24 years,” Murphy said. “But we’re doing much better than I thought we would. The freshmen have been amazing. It’s been a pleasant surprise.”

The 3rd Breast Cancer Benefit Softball game, hosted by Derby, will take place on May 11 at 11 a.m. at Ryan Field in Derby when the Red Raiders host Naugatuck Valley League rival Ansonia.

All proceeds will go to the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

There will be a DJ, raffle prizes, food and a 50/50 raffle.

Seymour will host its first “pink” event on April 22 at 5 p.m. when the Wildcats host Holy Cross. Seymour Pink is a charity event to help raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

The organization, under the leadership of Seymour teacher Mary Deming, has raised over $250,000 during other events, with substantial donations going to local hospitals and to individuals to help defray some of the financial burden from being affected by the disease.

There will be food and raffle prizes, and Deming will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Kate Boudreau scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead host Hand to a 2-1 SCC Hammonasset Division win over Foran Monday.

Boudreau singled to lead off the inning. Kate Omdahl then bunted and reached safely when Foran decided to try to force Boudreau out at second. The throw wasn't in time and Hand had runners on first and second with no outs. Mel Rennie then laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved the runners over to second and third.

The next batter, Sam Pavano, then hit a slow roller to Foran pitcher Jess Harkness, whose throw to first was in time to get Pavano out at first. However, Omdahl took a big turn off second base and Foran tried to get Omdahl out at second but the throw wasn't in time and Boudreau scored from third.

Allie Buller tied the game at 1 with an RBI single in the fifth inning for the  Tigers (5-1, 2-0).

Dani Kemp scored on Fallon Bevino's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning for the Lions (3-2, 1-1).

Hand pitcher Annie Horton allowed just two hits and no walks. She struck out four.

Here's how I voted for the Register's Top 10 Softball Poll.

The poll will be released later today on our website http://www.nhregister.com/.




1. Rockville
2. Masuk
3. Amity
4. Maloney
5. Torrington
6. Oxford
7. East Haven
8. Foran
9. Bristol Central
10. Southington
11. Stonington
12. Berlin
13. Brookfield
14. Waterford
15. West Haven

As of Noon, Friday
 
CSC
Whitney Tech at Vinal Tech, ppd. to April 23, 4 p.m.
NVL
Woodland at Ansonia, ppd. to Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.
Derby at Holy Cross, ppd. to Tuesday, 4 p.m.
Shoreline
Westbrook at Old Saybrook, ppd. tp Thursday, 1 p.m.
North Branford at Coginchaug, ppd. to Saturday, 3 p.m.
Valley Regional at Portland
SCC Quinnipiac
West Haven at Hamden, ppd. to Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.
SCC Housatonic
Sheehan at Shelton, ppd. to Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.
SCC Hammonasset
Law at Guilford
Foran at Hillhouse (Blackmon), ppd. to Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.
SCC Oronoque
East Haven at Career (East Shore), ppd. to Tuesday at East Haven, 11 a.m.
SCC interdivision
Sacred Heart Academy at Cheshire, ppd. to Tuesday, 4 p.m.
Branford at Hand, ppd. to Tuesday, 11 a.m.
FCIAC
St. Joseph at Darien, ppd. to Saturday, 3 p.m.
Non-league
Haddam-Killingworth at Granby, ppd. to Saturday, TBA
SWC
Lauralton Hall at Brookfield, ppd., TBA

North Branford 2, Westbrook 1: Kayla Nowak had two doubles and scored for the host Thunderbirds in this Shoreline Conference win.

No. 2 Foran 15, Hamden 0 (6): Marissa Bruno went 4-for-5, including the 100th hit of her career, for Foran in an SCC interdivision win at Hamden.

No. 7 Amity 7, Branford 3: Winning pitcher Heather Ferranti went 4-for-4, including a triple, and drove in two runs for the visiting Spartans in this SCC interdivision win. Amity is 3-0.

Coginchaug 5, Hale-Ray 4 (8): Kayla Votto drove in the winning run for the host Blue Devils in this Shoreline Conference win at Durham.

West Haven 6, Guilford 4: Sierra Santana tripled and scored twice for the host Westies in this SCC interdivision win.


VIEW MORE ROUNDUP AND BOX SCORES

SOFTBALL: Foran's Marissa Bruno records 100th career hit in rout of Hamden

 

 

The Cheshire softball team has joined the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s “StrikeOut” Cancer initiative this season.

On April 6 (Saturday) Cheshire will host Mercy at 11 a.m. for theRoyal Blue Game. Team members will wear royal blue jerseys and blue ribbons to raise awareness for colon cancer, and help highlight the measures that can be taken to prevent the disease and catch it in earlier, more curable stages.

The Cheshire softball family will be handing out blue ribbon stickers to all who attend the game. In addition, they be selling baked good items throughout the game, giving all proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Donations are also very much appreciated.

Cheshire has several members of their extended softball family that are battling the disease. Cheshire will ask members of the families to throw out the first pitch.

Heather Ferranti pitched and hit Amity to victory over East Haven in the Spartans' season opener.

Ferranti, a junior, pitched all seven innings, allowing five hits, one walk and struck out 10. Ferranti also hit a two-run home run.

Ferranti's home run came in the fourth inning with East Haven clinging to a 1-0 lead. With one out, Jenna DiLorenzo singled and then Ferranti blasted a home run over the left field fence.

Teresa Marchitto scored on an error in the fifth inning for Amity (1-0).

East Haven (1-1), which defeated No. 2 Foran 2-1 in 11 innings on Wednesday, scored in the first inning on Miranda Baldassare's double, which scored Amanda Jessey.

Jenna Gaudioso doubled home Baldassare in the sixth inning. East Haven freshman Ireland Miessau pitched the complete game, allowing just four hits, one walk and only two earned runs.
 

FROM THE REGISTER CITIZEN

Torrington High School’s softball team swept aside everyone in the NVL’s Copper Division last year for its first-ever division title, then stopped only for fellow league powers Seymour and Woodland in an 18-2 regular season.

Best of all, the Red Raiders did it with an extremely young team.

The Raiders graduated just one starter, shortstop Mollie Bartles, and still end up young. Third baseman Baylee Vinisko is this year’s only starting senior in a field of experienced sophomores and juniors.

“We have high expectations — all of which we are sure we can do,” said Coach Maryann Musselman.
After last year, why not?

Against weaker teams, the young Torrington bats have plenty of pop throughout the starting lineup.

Vinisko is at third base.

The juniors are Sydney Matzko, pitcher; Nicole Jamieson, second base; Sam Pelow, shortstop; Alexa Potter, left field.

The sophomores are Marissa Morris, catcher; Sara Heath, first base; Brittany Anderson, center field; Brittany Young, right field.

Pelow is the only one on the list who didn’t start at her position last year. Nevertheless, she had plenty of playing time. She and everyone else proved that softball experience, not age, is the critical factor.

GAMES TO WATCH

Seymour at Torrington, Wednesday, April 10, 4 p.m.: The perennial state-power Wildcats are defending NVL champions and gave Torrington one of their two losses last season.

Torrington at Naugatuck, Thursday, April 18, 4 p.m.: The Greyhounds are traditional Torrington rivals and they lost by ony one run against Torrington last season.

Torrington at Woodland, Friday, April 19, 3:45 p.m.: Torrington has a chance to avenge their second regular-season loss from last season 18-2 record.

Watertown at Torrington, Monday, April 22, 3:30 p.m.: The final game in a wicked stretch, three games in five days against three tough opponent for the Red Raiders, the Indians lost just 2-1 last year.
Torrington at Holy Cross, Friday, May 3, 3:30 p.m.: This is another game against a traditional rival, another close game last year.

Naugatuck at Torrington, Thursday, May 16, 4 p.m.: This year’s final regular-season game for the Red Raiders.

FROM THE MIDDLETOWN PRESS

Coginchaug softball coach Ann Moscovics still gets a chill when thinking about last June’s Shoreline Conference championship game.

The instant classic between the Blue Devils and Haddam-Killingworth — both teams were one out away from capturing the title in the seventh inning — finally ended when Kayla Votto singled home her sister, Courtney, with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth to give Coginchaug its first SLC title since 2005.

“It was one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been involved with in my nine years coaching here,” said Moscovics.

The Blue Devils then rolled through the state tournament, claiming the school’s 11th Class S state title with a 6-0 final victory against St. Bernard.
“We were very fortunate and had a great year winning both the Shoreline and states,” said Moscovics.

The Blue Devils now have some big shoes to fill as pitchers Lauren Esposito (Stonehill) and Mari Handley (UMass-Lowell), as well as Marissa Puchalski (Brandeis), are all playing in college this season.

“Lauren and Mari carried us on the mound,” said Moscovics. “They dominated and that’s a big position to fill, especially at the level they performed. I hate to call it a rebuilding year because I did that once and we won the state title. But we’re going to really see how our defense does now.”

Junior co-captain Katelyn Williams will be the Blue Devils’ No. 1 pitcher. Senior co-captain Kayla Votto will help anchor the infield at second base, while sophomore Courtney Votto will play third. Junior Jackie Benson will handle the catching chores, while senior infielder Dina Canalia, who had two hits in the Class S championship game, also returns.

“We’ve got quite a few returning players so we’re pretty solid,” Moscovics said. “Our goals in the beginning will be simple.”

MILFORD — In 2011, the Law softball team won just five games.

On the other side of town, rival Foran completed one of the best seasons in school history. The Lions went 24-3, captured the Class L state championship and finished the year as the No. 1 team in the Register Top 10 Poll.

Law coach Melanie Paolini credited Foran’s success that year in helping to turn around her program.

After a two-year absence, the Eagles returned to the postseason last season, advancing to the Class M state quarterfinals.
“I owe a big part of our success last year to the success Foran had the year before,” Paolini said. “Our girls played with those girls growing up, and they don’t want to see them winning and us not win. It put a little fire in their step and brought their workouts to another level, which resulted in more wins.”

With several returning starters, including senior third baseman Stephanie Peloso, junior pitcher Jenna Bernard, and junior center fielder Stephanie Cameron, Law hopes to embark on a deeper postseason run this year.

Meanwhile, Foran has the depth and talent to reach its third straight Class L championship game. The Lions defeated Bacon Academy to win the title in 2011 and then lost 3-2 to Rockville in the state final last season.

Although both programs have been successful in the past, this year could be something special for both Milford schools.

“It’s just a good cycle,” Foran coach Jeff Bevino. “They’re good players, and their work ethic is phenomenal. They want to be successful. At both schools there is this competitive nature.

“Mel does a great job at Law, she really does. I don’t think she gets enough credit for the job she does over there. It’s a tribute to these girls on both teams. They work hard.”

♦East Haven at Foran, Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.: Foran, last year’s Class L state runner-up, hosts an East Haven team that has the talent to compete for the Class M title.

♦Mercy at Sheehan, Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.: The Tigers and Titans should both contend for the Southern Connecticut Conference title.

♦Seymour at Torrington, April 10, 4 p.m.: Seymour edged Torrington for the Naugatuck Valley League title last season, but the Red Raiders and junior pitcher Sydney Matzko just may be the league favorite this year.

♦Lauralton Hall at Brookfield, April 12, 4:15 p.m.: Both teams should figure prominently in South-West Conference race.
♦Masuk at Oxford, April 12, 4:15 p.m.: Sophomore Ashley Guillette, who guided Oxford to the SWC tournament title last season, squares off against Masuk junior Tatum Buckley.

♦Rockville at Waterford, April 20, noon: Rockville, the defending Class L champion, visits the Lancers, who won Class M titles in 2010 and 2009.

♦West Haven at Sacred Heart Academy, May 1, 3:45 p.m.: West Haven’s Camdyn Morgillo and the Pacers’ Molly Flowers are expected to be two of the top pitchers in the SCC.

♦Cheshire at Amity (Old Tavern Road), May 6, 7 p.m.: Defending Class LL champion Amity has a new coach, Loren Purcell. So does Cheshire (Kathleen Hoag).

♦Law at Foran, May 10, 3:45 p.m.: The battle of Milford, 2013 edition. The teams split their regular-season meetings last year.

♦Morgan at Haddam-Killingworth, May 17, 3:45 p.m.: Morgan advanced to the Class S semifinals last season, while the Cougars finished as the runner-up in the Shoreline Conference tournament.

1. Who will win the SCC title?

Defending league tournament Foran is the likely favorite since the Lions return much of its cast from last season, including junior pitcher Jess Harkness.

But defending Class LL champion Amity, perennial favorites like Cheshire and North Haven and upstarts East Haven, Law and Sheehan all have the talent to capture the league crown.

2. Who will win the other area conferences?
 
Seymour edged Torrington for the Naugatuck Valley League last season. But the Red Raiders might be considered the league favorite with the return of junior pitcher Sydney Matzko. Watertown and Woodland should also contend.

In the Shoreline Conference, Haddam-Killingworth, which lost to Coginchaug in last year’s league final, returns several talented starters. Coginchaug, Hale-Ray, Morgan and North Branford will also be in the mix.

Oxford, led by sophomore pitcher Ashley Guillette, is the defending champion in the South-West Conference. But Masuk, and junior pitcher Tatum Buckley, may have the most talent of any team in the league. Brookfield, Lauralton Hall and Newtown round out what should be an interesting race in this league.

Platt Tech and O’Brien Tech hope to compete with Abbott Tech, Goodwin Tech and Wilcox Tech in the Constitution State Conference race.

3. Can Coginchaug win the state title in Class M?

Coginchaug won the state championship in Class S last season and move up to Class M this year. Coginchaug has won 11 state titles — all in Class S.   

Masuk, a semifinalist in Class LL last year, moves down to L, while Hand moves up to LL from L. Oxford moves down from M and is now the likely favorite to win it all in S.

4. Is pitching really the equalizer?

In 2011, Connecticut adopted a National Federation of State High School Associations rule that moved the pitching mound from 40 feet to 43.

That year, two of the four state champions shut out their opponents and the eight finalists combined to score 21 runs in the four state final games.

Last year, the eight finalists combined for 33 runs with Rocky Hill (Class M) and Coginchaug (Class S) winning by shutout. Many coaches still feel that an elite pitcher can determine how far a team advances.

“You can have a team with a standout pitcher and a JV defense and you can win 16 games,” Law coach Melanie Paolini said. “With high school softball especially, if you have that stud pitcher that’s striking out 12-15 kids a game, and you have them for four years, you’re going to win.”

5. Who is the state’s best player?

Last year, Rocky Hill’s Megan Ruonavaara led the Terriers to the Class M state title and emerged as the Register’s State Player of the Year.

Who will be the best this year? Southington has a pair of candidates in senior catcher Rachel Harvey and junior shortstop Sydney Ferrante or will it be Foran’s Harkness, the reining Register All-Area MVP?

How about Masuk’s Buckley, Oxford’s Guillette or Torrington’s Matzko, a trio of non-seniors? 

Rockville’s Kaitlyn Lajoie, who led the Rams to the Class L title last year and Seymour’s Katie Petroski also make a case, as do Brookfield shortstop Felicia Lennon and Haddam-Killingworth outfielder Taylor Burger.

♦Sarah Beliveau (Bristol Eastern), P, Jr.: Will begin her third year as Lancers’ starting pitcher. Went 18-5 with a 1.29 earned run average last season.

♦Fallon Bevino (Foran), OF, Jr.: Three-year starter hit .450 with 44 hits and 22 RBIs as a sophomore.

♦Marissa Bruno (Foran), SS/3B, Sr.: Batted .413 with 25 RBIs last season for the Class L finalists.

♦Tatum Buckley (Masuk), P, Jr.: Buckley led the Panthers to the Class LL semifinals and was a Register All-State selection as a sophomore.
♦Taylor Burger (Haddam-Killingworth), OF, Sr.: Returning Register All-Area selection will play at Bryant College next year.

♦Sydney Ferrante (Southington), SS, Jr.: Hit .453 with 46 RBIs as a sophomore for the Class LL finalists.

♦Molly Flowers (Sacred Heart Academy), P, Jr.: Injury sidelined Flowers for much of last season. The Pacers are a threat if Flowers can remain healthy.

♦Hannah Ford (New Fairfield), C/3B, Jr.: Batted .525 with 25 runs and 21 RBIs as a sophomore.

♦Ashley Guillette (Oxford), P, So.: Led Wolverines to their first South-West Conference tournament title last season.

♦Katelyn Haff (Waterford), 2B, Sr.: Led team with .477 average last season, along with six triples, four home runs and 33 RBIs.  

♦Jess Harkness (Foran), P, Jr.: Went 23-2 with 270 strikeouts in 186 innings last season to earn Register All-Area MVP honors.

♦Rachel Harvey (Southington), C, Sr.: Captain batted .429 with 23 RBIs last season.

♦Kayla Humphrey (Sheehan), P/IF, Sr.: Humphrey can play several positions and her bat is another weapons for the Titans.

♦Kaitlyn Lajoie (Rockville), P, Sr.: Went 22-2 with a 0.76 earned run average to lead Rams to Class L title as a junior.

♦Felicia Lennon (Brookfield), SS, Sr.: With Lennon’s bat and defensive play, Bobcats should again be in the mix for the SWC title.

♦Erika Leonard (Rocky Hill), SS, Jr.: Batted .494 with 40 runs and 19 RBIs for the Class M champions in 2012.

♦Brianna Longley (Career), P/3B, Sr.: Has a career batting average of .397 and 51 RBIs.

♦Sydney Matzko (Torrington), P, Jr.: With Matzko in the circle, the Red Raiders just may be the team to beat in the Naugatuck Valley League.

♦Camdyn Morgillo (West Haven), P, Sr.: Injury-plagued season as a junior. When Morgillo is healthy, she’s one of the top pitchers in the state.

♦Stephanie Peloso (Law), 3B, Sr.: Batted .414 last season. Closing in on 100 career hits. 

♦Katie Petroski (Seymour), IF, Jr.: Hit .505 with 49 hits, 45 runs and 55 RBIs as a sophomore.

♦Brianna Spadacenta (East Haven), C, Sr.: Is seven hits shy of 100 for career. Hit .427 as a junior.

♦Jenn Vazquez (St. Joseph), C, Sr.: Hit .468 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs as a junior. Headed to Manahattan College.

♦Kayla Votto (Coginchaug), 2B, Sr.: Batted .500 and led team with 12 triples and 36 RBIs last season.

♦Corina Zdrowski (Amity), P/CF, Sr.: Zdrowski will be called upon to pitch, hit and play solid defense both in the circle and in the outfield.

New Haven Register Top 10 Softball Poll (1st-place votes in parentheses)
	Team	Record	Pts.	LAST
1	Southington (4)	22-3	430	6
2	Foran (4)	25-2	408	4
3	Rockville (5)	22-2	405	2
4	Seymour (1)	25-1	321	5
5	Masuk (1)	21-5	295	NR
6	Rocky Hill	22-1	263	1
7	Amity	23-5	261	3
8	Waterford	24-2	225	9
9	Oxford (1)	21-3	214	NR
10	Maloney	21-2	174	7
Dropped Out: Coginchaug (8), Granby 10.
Other teams receiving votes: Westhill (1) (23-4), 163; Coginchaug (22-4), 110; Brookfield (21-4), 108; Torrington (21-4), 87; East Haven (16-8), 85; Granby (23-2), 80; Bristol Eastern (18-5), 78; Darien (22-4), 76; Law (19-4) and St. Joseph (18-6), 62; Griswold (20-5), 58; Cheshire (13-9), 57; Fitch (19-5), 49; Lauralton Hall (14-6), 37; Stonington (21-5), 33; Suffield (17-5), 24; Newtown (10-12) and Stamford (14-9), 18; Danbury (16-8) and Haddam-Killingworth (18-5), 16; Mercy (18-7), 14; Sacred Heart Academy (7-13), 12; Hand (7-13) and Norwalk (15-9), 10; Bristol Central (13-8), St. Bernard (15-10) and Wethersfield (18-4), 9; Bacon Academy (15-8), 8; Berlin (14-7), Fairfield Ludlowe (14-8) and Morgan (19-7), 7.
The following voted: Marc Allard, Norwich Bulletin; Scott Aresco, Maloney; Tony Calcagni, Mercy; Mike Cardillo, Connecticut Post; George DeMaio, WELI; Vickie Fulkerson, The Day of New London; Kathleen Hoag, Cheshire; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Suzy Miner, Hale-Ray; Theresa Napolitano, Lauralton Hall; Ken Pereiras, Seymour; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Lori Riley, Hartford Courant; Mike Suppe, Hersam-Acorn; Liz Sutman, Waterford; Peter Vander Veer, Hersam-Acorn; Jimmy Zanor, Shoreline Newspapers.
Poll compiled by: Mike Pucci

Here's how I voted for the Register's Top 10 Preseason Softball Poll.

The poll will be released later today on our website http://www.nhregister.com/.

In addition to the poll, there will be a feature story on Foran and Law, who are both expected to have outstanding seasons this year.

There will be a list of the Top 25 players to watch, Top 10 games to watch and Top 5 story lines to follow in 2013.

The preview section should be up on-line later on Monday and most of it should run in Tuesday's print editions, depending on space.


My ballot

1. Southington
2. Rockville
3. Foran
4. Amity
5. Masuk
6. Rocky Hill
7. Seymour
8. Bristol Eastern
9. Waterford
10. Oxford
11. Brookfield
12. Law
13. Torrington
14. Cheshire
15. East Haven