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.”