By Michael Letendre
As the Class LL state championship game approaches between the Bristol Central and Southington softball programs, the excitement continues to build.
The second ranked Knights and fifth rated Rams have all the tools to be a worthy state champion.
But in the end, there can only be one winner and here’s a quick rundown of both teams:
A quick look at the Knights…Southington has taken on all comers this year, losing to just once (6-0 loss to Masuk in non-conference play on May 10) and that squad could be the number one team in the state.
So could the Knights for that matter.
Like Central, Southington is armed with multiple pitchers who could throw several innings of shutout ball and head coach Davina Hernandez will slot those arms into the circle when needed.
Sam Sullivan knows how to chuck the ball – helping her squad spin Fairfield Ludlowe (7-3) to advance to the title round.
Maddie Furniss and Stella Blanchard will pitch out of the bullpen and that spells trouble for opponents when those chuckers approach the circle.
Pick a position and Southington boasts talented athletes defensively.
Centerfielder Ashlyn Desaulniers (CHSCA Class LL All-State), shortstop Sam Rogers (CHSCA Class LL All-State), and catcher Kaitlynn Griffin have gotten the job done on both sides of the ball all season long for the Knights.
Southington hasn’t encountered any problems in scoring runs during postseason play, notching 45 over four tournament games (11.3 runs-per-game).
And that pitching staff has just allowed over one run a game, looking to keep that average in check versus the Rams.
In over half of its games this season, Southington has been able to tally double-figures in runs and can put those on the scoreboard in a flash.
Can the Knights put this one away quickly against the resilient Rams?
A quick look at the Rams…Pick a pitcher, any pitcher for the Rams and you’ll never go wrong.
Central could turn to Sophia Torreso (CHSCA Class LL All-State) or Alex Sciarretto against the Knights and the Rams would be in great shape.
The junior duo carries ERA’s not worth mentioning and have a tremendous batterymate behind the plate in Lorelei Stancavage.
Torreso allowed top-rated Danbury just two hits on Monday and when she’s dealing, opponents start chasing right off the bat.
She scooped up 12 strikeouts to help the Rams advance over the Hatters.
Defense is always played at its highest level when Central takes the field as mistakes are few and far between for the program.
And the top of the batting order is a tough hitting crew as leadoff hitter Kaley Laird, Sam Sklenka, Stancavage, and Leah Sklenka are an imposing grouping.
But truly, batters 1-9 can generates hits – including that slick pitching combo along with Sam Romano, Adrianna Lubrico and Mya Porrini.
The Rams would love to play some small ball, putting down bunts, advancing runners and stealing bases – watching opponents fumble and throw the ball away in the process.
It won’t be that easy as Southington’s tough infield plays a top-notch brand of defense.
But opponents’ mistakes have fueled several of Central’s close wins this season and that’s the plan for Friday.
And maybe there’s a little more to it, frankly.
After dropping two games to the Knights this season, being outscored handily by Southington, isn’t time for a little payback?
The Rams know that this will be warfare on the diamond and there’s an awful lot of pride from the softball program over at BCHS.
Central head coach Monica Hayes and her troops are certainly looking forward to the championship tilt.
“It feels rewarding to play for a title and I expect my girls to give maximum effort, accompanied by our fantastic support system we like to call our “ramily” at Bristol Central,” said Hayes. “What a fun way to end such a fantastic scholastic and athletic year at Central!”
Final Thoughts: Will the third time be the charm for the Bristol Central softball program against Southington?
The Rams have only been beaten by three different teams all season long and in two of those games, Central was one hit away from seizing victory from its opponent.
However, that third team defeated Central twice – to the tune of a combined 22-1 score over two games – and they will be in the opposing dugout.
But Southington can’t be too confident because the Rams have been rolling through the postseason and now are on the cusp of something very big.
What’s the final thought here?
Take the drive down to DeLuca Field in Stratford and find out on Friday at 7 p.m.
You can smell a little sea air, watch a great game, and maybe see the Rams win its first championship since 1985.
Frankly, anything is possible…
Bristol Central 2022 Roster
No. Name Grade
1 Gabriella Buonafede Senior
2 Alex Sciarretto Junior
3 Sierra Messier Sophomore
6 Mya Porrini Freshman
7 Lorelei Stancavage Junior
8 Sam Sklenka Junior
9 Kaley Laird Junior
10 Leah Sklenka Sophomore
11 Morgyn Perkins Senior
12 Sarah Romano Senior
13 Ryleigh Hall Senior
14 Adrianna Lubrico Junior
16 Jaznell Rosado Sophomore
18 Sophia Torreso Junior
25 Victoria Moquin Sophomore
CIAC SOFTBALL, CLASS LL – Road to the Finals: Bristol Central and Southington
FIRST ROUND
No. 5 Bristol Central 6, No. 28 Wilton 0
No 2 Southington 22, No. 31 Wilbur Cross 0
SECOND ROUND
No. 5 Bristol Central 3, No. 12 Cheshire 1
No. 2 Southington 10, No. 18 Norwalk 0
QUARTERFINALS
No. 5 Bristol Central 6, No. 13 Trumbull 2
No. 2 Southington 6, No. 10 Maloney 2
SEMIFINALS
No. 5 Bristol Central 4, No. 1 Danbury 1
No. 2 Southington 7, No. 3 Fairfield Ludlowe 3
FINALS
No. 5 Bristol Central (22-4) vs. No. 2 Southington (26-1) at DeLuca Field, June 10, 7 p.m.
