NEWTOWN, CT — Masuk High’s softball team, sparked by an early start at the plate, defeated host Newtown 7-1 on Friday. With the win the Panthers improved to 15-0.
Masuk scored twice in the first inning and three more times in the second before capping its scoring with a pair of runs in the fourth.
Julia Bacoulis was a force both in the pitcher’s circle and at the plate. She allowed just two hits and struck out 12 batters, while helping her own cause with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Bacoulis singled, doubled and homered and drove in three runs.
Sofia Lieto legged out a two-run triple as part of her two-hit effort and knocked in three runs in the game.
Natalie Lieto, Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos, Ava Moretti and Ciena Perpetuo all had hits.
“It’s a great win for us,” said Masuk Coach Leigh Barone, adding the early offense was key in getting the Panthers going.
The first inning scoring began with patience as Natalie Lieto led off with a walk and scored on a Bacoulis double. Sofia Lieto followed with a run-scoring single.
Bacoulis used a mix of pitches, relying heavily on off-speed offerings to keep opposing hitters off balance.
Barone noted that her pitcher kept batters guessing whether to stay back and swing late or be aggressive in the event of a fast ball.
“She’s grown tremendously over the years and is really working on her craft,” Barone said.
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