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.”