MONROE, CT — Masuk High’s softball team scored more runs in two days than some teams get in two weeks. The Panthers followed up a 31-5 win at Stratford on Wednesday with a 20-1 triumph over visiting New Fairfield the next afternoon.
Coach Leigh Barone’s squad improved to 6-1 this spring. It has not always been easy. The Panthers lost 3-1 to Brookfield, edged Norwich Free Academy 3-2, beat Fairfield Warde 6-0, Southington 6-2 and New Milford 7-2.
“We have really good team chemistry and a lot of young, new faces as well learning the culture of the team,” Barone said.
That of course is contending for, and often winning, conference and state championships. Those remain the goals as always and Masuk scheduled some tough nonconference matchups to help prepare for playoff runs. North Branford and Cheshire, as well as Amity and Waterford, await.
Barone said an objective has been to score early and put the pressure on opposing teams, and that her Panthers have done that.
Make that scoring early and often.
In the most recent blowout, Masuk fell behind 1-0 to New Fairfield before pitcher Grace Ely settled in and the offense took over. Masuk scored three runs in the opening inning and continued to pour it on.
Beginning with the leadoff spot, Sofia Lieto drove in two runs before Mary Saunders subbed in as the first batter in the order and drove in a run of her own.
Julia Bacoulis had two hits, an RBI and two runs scored. Ely helped her own cause with a two-run double and a pair of walks and three runs scored.
Maddie Aguirre and Juliana Falcone each had a hit and RBI out of the No. 4 spot in the order. Alyssa Castillo drove in five runs with a three-run double and a two-RBI single. Josie Lieto had a triple and double and knocked in a pair of runs.
Ciena Perpetuo had a pair of hits and two runs scored, Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos had a triple, walk and two runs scored. Gianna Moretti knocked in a run. Ava Moretti and Peyton Webb combined for three hits an RBI and three runs scored of the No. 9 spot in the order.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
