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.”