MONROE, CT — Masuk High’s softball team is ready to contend for South-West Conference and Class L State titles once again. In fact, the Panthers are seeking their fifth straight SWC championship and fourth consecutive state crown.
“We have six returning players from last year. We need to continue working hard to maximize our offense and solidify our defense,” Coach Leigh Barone said. “We are also playing a lot of tough non-conference teams to help us become more prepared for tournament play and put the team in some pressure situations.”
Within the SWC, Notre Dame has a standout pitcher, Newtown comes in with a lot of returnees, including in the pitcher’s circle and Immaculate has a strong pitcher/catcher duo, Barone notes.
The Panthers open up on the road in one of the many out of conference tilts, Saturday, April 2, when they visit Fairfield Ludlowe at Sturges Park at 1 p.m.
Masuk also plays St. Joseph, Southington, RHAM, Fitch, and Fairfield Warde out of conference.
“Ludlowe, St. Joe’s, and Southington were all teams that made it last year to either the Class L championship game or Class LL championship game and have solid programs every year,” Barone noted.
Senior captains are Kathryn Gallant (pitcher/first base) and Sarah Falcone and Emma West-Testo (both outfielders).
Other key players back in the lineup are junior Ella Bunovsky (first base and outfield), sophomore Natalie Lieto (outfield) and junior Isabel Viglione (catcher).
Masuk’s first home game is Wednesday, April 6, when Warde visits at 4:15.
