Softball 2016

Season Over
Westies fall to Newtown in Class LL 2nd round
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(June 1, 2016) - Advancing to the second round of the CIAC Class LL second round, the West Haven softball team hoped to ride the momentum of an opening round victory. With less than two innings to go, that momentum seemed to be apparent.
All that came to a crashing end in the bottom of the sixth when fourth-seeded Newtown used a bases-clearing triple to score three times in a 6-4 victory over 13th-seeded West Haven Wednesday afternoon in Newtown. The loss concludes West Haven's season at 14-9.
"We played a great game," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "We just came up a little short. I am proud to have coached these girls."

Veronica Lynn and the Westies fell to Newtown in a CIAC Class LL second round contest, June 1 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After scoring twice in the top of the sixth to take a 4-3 lead, West Haven watched as Newtown loaded the bases with a two-out rally. With one on and two outs in the bottom of the inning, Newtown used a single and a hit batter to load the bases before Katie Laaksonen tripled to score three runs for a 6-4 lead.
The Westies went down in order in the seventh, ending what was a stellar season on the softball diamond.

Madison Watts and the Westies fell to Newtown in a CIAC Class LL second round contest, June 1 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After two scoreless innings, Newtown took a 1-0 lead in the third when Haley Ryan homered to lead off the third. The Westies took a 2-1 lead in the fifth as Kailey Carrano led off with a single, Madison Watts walked with two outs and both scored following a single by Julia Bothwell.
Newtown answered with a pair in the bottom of the inning, before West Haven took a 4-3 lead in the sixth.

Alissa Tonucci and the Westies fell to Newtown in a CIAC Class LL second round contest, June 1 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Sadie Roberts opened the sixth with a single, and Carrano reached on an error two outs later. After Ally Marron walked, Alissa Tonucci singled to left to score Roberts. When Carrano scored, West Haven held a 4-3 advantage.
Tonucci and Bothwell each drove in a pair, while Carrano scored twice.

Westies top Glastonbury
Lynn, Watts lead WH to second round
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 31, 2016) - The West Haven softball team wanted to start the CIAC Class LL postseason with a solid outing when the 13th-seeded Westies faced No. 20 Glastonbury.
Behind the hitting of Veronica Lynn, Makenna White and Madison Watts, the Westies did just that with a 5-1 victory over the Tomahawks at Biondi Field Tuesday afternoon. West Haven advances to second round action as the Westies play at Newtown Wednesday afternoon.

West Haven coach Joe Morrell reacts during West Haven's Class LL first round win against Glastonbury, May 31, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Julia Bothwell went the distance for West Haven in the circle, allowing one run on four hits, while walking two and striking out five.
The Tomahawks were never retired in order in the contest, but failed to capitalize until the seventh when they scored their lone run of the game.
By that time, the Westies already had a 5-0 lead with single runs in the second and fourth innings, and three more in the sixth.
West Haven took a 1-0 lead in the second as Bothwell singled, Sara Duprey reached on an error to put a pair of runners in scoring position, and Lynn grounded to short to score the first run of the game.
The Westies increased the lead to a pair of runs in the fourth as Watts led off with a homer to right. West Haven loaded the bases with two outs on a walk by Sadie Robertx and singles by Lynn and White, but were unable to score.

Madison Watts homers against Glastonbury, May 31, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
With a 2-0 lead, the Westies put the game away with three more runs in the sixth. After two were out, Roberts and Lynn doubled for a 3-0 lead, White singled to score Lynn, and Kailey Carrano doubled to score White for a 5-0 advantage.

Veronica Lynn scores against Glastonbury, May 31, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Lauralton tops Westies
Crusaders shut out Westies 5-0 in SCC quarterfinals
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 25, 2016) - The West Haven softball team was looking to defeat Lauralton Hall for the first time in three tries this season. To do so, the Westies needed to solve Lauralton pitcher Ireland Miessau.
Unfortunately for West Haven, solving Miessau never occurred. Lauralton defeated West Haven 5-0 in Milford to advance to the Southern Connecticut Conference semifinals Thursday afternoon.

West Haven fell to Lauralton Hall, May 25, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Miessau tossed a complete-game seven-hitter, walking two and striking out eight in the victory for the Crusaders.
Ally Marron led the West Haven offense with three hits, while Sadie Roberts had a pair of hits. Veronica Lynn and Kailey Carrano also had hits in the loss for West Haven.
Julia Bothwell went the distance for the Westies, allowing nine hits and two earned runs, while striking out four.
Lauralton took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, scoring on a wild pitch and a run-scoring single by Emily Bump. Ahead 3-0, the Crusaders put the game away with a pair of runs in the sixth.
The Westies had an opportunity to get on the board in the second when Sara Duprey walked with one out, Roberts doubled and Lynn reached on an infield single to load the bases. Miessau escaped by striking out Makenna White and Carrano to end the frame.
Marron singled to lead off the third, moved to second on a sacrifice by Alissa Tonucci and third on a grounder to second by Madison Watts, but did not score as Bothwell grounded to short to end the threat.
The Westies had another scoring opportunity in the fifth when Carrano doubled with one out and Marron reached on an infield single. Neither scored as Tonucci and Watts were retired to end the inning.
Marron gave West Haven one final chance to get on the scoreboard with a two-out double in the seventh, but Miessau retired Tonucci to end the game.

Westies top Hillhouse
WH posts 18-2 win on Senior Day
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 21, 2016) - The West Haven softball team wanted to end the regular season ready to roll in the postseason. Concluding the season with four straight wins, the Westies have done so.
Pounding around 16 hits, the Westies defeated Hillhouse 18-2 on Senior Day at Biondi Field Saturday afternoon in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule. By outscoring their last two employees 34-2 in their final two games, the Westies improved to 13-7 on the year.

Madison Watts (11) and the Westies defeated Hillhouse on Senior Day, May 21, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Madison Watts led the offensive attack with four hits, four runs batted in and four runs scored. Jane Borrero had three hits, drove in two runs and scored once, while Taylor Frissora, Sara Duprey and Julia Bothwell each finished with a pair of hits. Bothwell and Duprey each drove in three runs, with Duprey scoring twice, and Frissora drove in a pair and scored once.
Bothwell picked up the win in the pitching circle, striking out seven and not allowing a hit. Duprey pitched the final two innings, allowing two runs on one hit.
West Haven took a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Bothwell tripled to score Ally Marron and Watts, and Duprey added a run-scoring single.

Alissa Tonucci (4) and the Westies defeated Hillhouse on Senior Day, May 21, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The lead grew to 7-0 in the second as Alissa Tonucci singled to score Sophia Chavez and Watts doubled to score Marron and Tonucci. Bothwell's single to center brought in Watts for a 7-0 advantage.
Watts tripled to score two more in the third. Duprey singled to score a pair and Frissora drove in Duprey with a single for a 12-0 lead.

Long Ball
Westies hit 3 homers in 16-0 win over Old Saybrook
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 19, 2016) - With two games remaining in the regular season, the West Haven softball team is playing for seeding in the state tournament. Hitting home runs can only help.
Getting homers from Ally Marron, Madison Watts and Julia Bothwell, West Haven cruised to a 16-0 road win over Old Saybrook Thursday afternoon in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule. West Haven's third win in a row helped the team improve to 12-7 on the year with only a contest against Hillhouse remaining Saturday afternoon.
The West Haven offense had 12 hits with Marron leading the way with three hits, four runs scored and four runs batted in. Bothwell also added three hits, scored once and drove in two, and Watts and Sara Duprey each had a pair of hits. Watts drove in three runs and scored three more, while Duprey scored twice and drove in a run.
West Haven put the game away with nine runs in the fourth inning, using a two-run homer by Bothwell and a three-run shot by Watts as the big blows in the frame. Marron and Alissa Tonucci also had run-scoring singles in the inning.
West Haven took a 2-0 lead in the first on Duprey's single to score Marron. Makenna White was hit by a pitch to score Watts for the second run.
In the second, Watts reached on an error to score Marron for a 3-0 advantage. The Westies pushed across four more runs in the third. Marron's three-run shot in the frame was the biggest hit, extending the margin to 7-0.

Rally Time
Westies defeat Lyman Hall with late rally
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 17, 2016) - The West Haven softball team rallied to defeat Lyman Hall 9-8 Tuesday evening at Biondi Field. The second straight win helped the Westies improve to 11-7 on the year.
With the game even at five in the bottom of the sixth, West Haven scored four times, highlighted by Ally Marron's homer, to defeat the Trojans.
Sadie Roberts started the game-winning rally with a single to left, moved to second on Veronica Lynn's sacrifice, and scored on Makenna White's single to right for a 6-5 lead. Kailey Carrano then reached on an error to put two runners on before Marron launched a three-run homer to left for a 9-5 lead.
Lyman Hall made things interesting in the seventh, scoring three times with two outs, before Sara Duprey got the final out for the Westies.
West Haven had to rally to win the game as the Trojans jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning against West Haven starter Julia Bothwell. Lyman Hall increased the lead to 5-0 in the second, and Duprey came on to relieve Bothwell, firing four scoreless innings until the Trojans rallied in the seventh.
Duprey's work helped the Westies get back in the game as West Haven cut the deficit to 5-3 in the bottom of the second.
Bothwell led off the second with a single to right and Duprey followed with a single to left. After two West Haven outs, White homered to center to get the Wesies within 5-3.
West Haven tied the game with a pair of runs in the third. Marron was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and Alissa Tonucci reached on a fielder's choice with Marron scoring on an error on the play to cut the deficit to 5-4. When Madison Watts reached on another Lyman Hall error, Tonucci scored to even the game at five.
Duprey pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief to pick up the win, allowing three runs, one earned, on three hits, while walking two.
Bothwell and White each led the Westes with two hits apiece. White drove in four runs and Marron delivered three. White and Marron each scored twice in the win.

Westies trounce Cross
WH wins 18-3 to improve to 10-7
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 16, 2016) - The West Haven softball team inched closer to a Southern Connecticut Conference bid with a win and some help Monday afternoon. The Westies traveled to Blake Field and defeated Wilbur Cross 18-3 in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule to improve to 10-7 on the year.

Joe Morrell and the Westies posted a win against Wilbur Cross, May 16, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We are a step closer to our goal of playing in the SCC tournament and getting a home game for the state tournament," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said.
The Westies pounded out 17 hits in the game and were led by three hits apiece from Alissa Tonucci, Sara Duprey and Sadie Roberts. Veronica Lynn added two hits in the win.
Roberts also drove in four runs and scored twice, Duprey drove in three and scored four times, and Tonucci and Makenna White each drove in a pair.
Kasey Marron went the distance for the Westies, allowing two hits, while walking three and striking out three.

Kasey Marron and the Westies posted a win against Wilbur Cross, May 16, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies led 4-0 after one inning and 11-0 after two in the win. Madison Watts delivered the first run with a sacrifice fly to score Ally Marron, Julia Bothwell tripled to score Tonucci and Roberts doubled to plate Bothwell. Duprey also scored on the play to increase the lead to 4-0.
Duprey doubled to score Tonucci and Watts in the second, and Roberts doubled to score Duprey. Roberts scored on a wild pitch and White homered for an 11-0 lead.
Tonucci singled to score a pair in the third, increasing the lead to 14-0.

Pacers rally past Westies
SHA posts 6-3 win in seven
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 11, 2016) - The West Haven softball team has plenty to play for. The Westies are looking to clinch a spot n the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament and get a higher seed in the state tournament.
Neither of those were helped Wednesday evening. Scoring three times in the seventh inning, Sacred Heart Academy defeated West Haven 6-3 at Biondi Field. With the loss, West Haven fell to 9-7 on the year.

Julia Bothwell homers against Sacred Heart Academy, May 11, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Glory Villano's two-run double in the seventh was the key in the inning as the Pacers scored three times to break a 3-3 tie.
Trailing 1-0 in the first inning, West Haven took a 3-1 lead. With one out, Alissa Tonucci singled and scored on a triple to right by Madison Watts. Julia Bothwell then followed with a homer to center to give West Haven a 3-1 advantage.
That would be all the scoring in the game for West Haven. Scared Heart tied the game with two runs in the third and West Haven never responded.
Veronica Lynn walked with one out in the fourth, but was doubled up on a fly ball by Sadie Roberts. Bothwell reached on an error in the sixth with two outs, but never advanced.
Trailing 6-3 in the seventh, West Haven tried to rally. Roberts walked with one out and Kailey Carrano singled with two outs, but neither came around to score in the loss.
Bothwell allowed 13 hits, six earned runs and struck out six in the loss.

Westies top Hillhouse
WH improves to 9-6 with win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 10, 2016) - Coming off a disappointing loss to Lauralton Hall less than 24 hours earlier, the West Haven softball team needed a solid contest. The Westies received that Tuesday afternoon, defeating Hillhouse 21-2 in New Haven in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule to improve to 9-6 on the season.
The West Haven offense pounded 24 hits and drove in 17 runs, led by Alissa Tonucci, Madison Watts, Julia Bothwell and Sadie Roberts with three hits apiece. Roberts drove in four runs and scored twice, Watts drove in three and scored twice, and Veronica Lynn, Sara Duprey, Makenna White and Kailey Carrano each drove in a pair.
Bothwell scored four runs, White and Lynn each scored three, and Ally Marron, Tonucci, and Carrano each scored twice.
Duprey picked up the win, tossing no-hit ball for the first three innings, striking out seven. Kasey Marron pitched the final two innings, allowing two runs on two hits, striking out four.
West Haven put the game away early with seven runs in the first inning. Ally Marron singled to center, Tonucci singled to right and Watts singled to left to score Marron. With one out, Lynn reached on an error to score Tonucci, and White singled to score Lynn. White scored on a fielder's choice by Carrano, Roberts tripled to score Carrano and Marron reached on an error to score Roberts.

Too much Miessau
Pitcher 3-hits Westies in 5-0 LH win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 9, 2016) - As the innings passed with neither team scoring, Lauralton Hall pitcher Ireland Miessau knew she had to pick up her team. The senior answered the call in a big way.
Allowing just four hits and striking out 11, the senior held the Westies at bay long enough until the offense responded in the final two innings as Lauralton Hall posted a 5-0 victory over West Haven in a Southern Connecticut Conference contest at Biondi Field Monday evening.

Julia Bothwell pitched well against Lauralton Hall, May 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Lauralton Hall, the ninth-ranked team in the Register/GameTimeCt top 10 poll, improved to 12-3 with its eight straight win. The streak, ironically enough, started with another win over the Westies.
"This win is very important for us," Miessau said. "It sets the tone for the rest of the week."
Miessau set the tone of the game as she worked the edges, stifling the West Haven hitters throughout. Once she started getting the call on the outside corner, the veteran pitcher continued to work that way.
"In the beginning of the game, I was not getting the inside corner," Miessau said. "That is hard for me because I try to jam hitters. I started working the outside and the more I got it, I worked it a little more."
Miessau had only one potential jam to work out of as she struck out a pair of Westies with two on in the second to end the frame. With runners on the corners and one out after Sara Duprey walked and Makenna White singled to right, Miessau got out of further trouble by sitting down Kailey Carrano and Kasey Marron.

Makenna White singles to right against Lauralton Hall, May 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We had not played and we knew we were going to need our pitching and defense tonight," Lauralton coach Amanda Acampora said. "Tonight she (Miessau) stepped up and put the team on her back."
While Miessau was setting down the Westies, West Haven pitcher Julia Bothwell more than held her own, blanking the Crusaders for five innings.
It was the sixth inning in which Lauralton finally got on the scoreboard. Christiana Cottrell led off with an infield single, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored when an errant throw on another steal went into the outfield.
Emma Larke followed with a walk, stole second and scored on Kaitlyn Mingione's single to right.
"We were perfect through five innings," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 8-6 with its third loss in four games. "But, one little glitch and they get a couple of runs. I thought Julia (Bothwell) pitched an unbelievable game. That is what we have been asking of her all year long. Their pitcher is a great pitcher and she worked out of a jam when she had to. She came up big for them."

Alissa Tonucci against Lauralton Hall, May 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Crusaders added three insurance runs in the seventh as West Haven made a pair of errors. Alexa Furnari scored on an error with one out, Larke singled to score Maura Keary and a wild pitch scored the third run of the inning for the Crusaders.
Bothwell went the distance for the Westies, allowing five runs on six hits, while walking three and striking out six.
Larke led the Lauralton offense with a pair of hits and a run batted in.

Pair of Wins
WH victorious as Press Box is named for Tinker Blake
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 5, 2016) - With a larger than normal crowd, the West Haven softball team felt the significance of Thursday evening's game against rival Hamden at Frank Biondi Field. For the Westies, two important factors were to take place - one which the team could thank a long-time friend of the program and the other which the Westies could reach a goal set at the beginning of the season.
With a thorough offensive display and the pitching of Julia Bothwell, West Haven defeated Hamden 13-2 in a Southern Connecticut Conference Quinnipiac Division contest to improve to 8-5 on the season. The win not only snapped a two-game losing streak, but it also qualified the Westies for the state tournament.

Tinker Blake Press Box. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Obviously, that is our number one goal," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said of clinching a postseason bid. "We wanted to get in as quickly as we could. Last year. it took us until the last game. Now, we have a little breathing room. We want to get as many wins as we can and get a good seed. We want to make the SCC tournament."
The clinching of the postseason bid rounded out what was a joyous night at Biondi Field as long-time friend of the program, Thomas "Tinker" Blake, watched as the press box at Biondi Field was named for him in a ceremony prior to the game.
"To have my name included at the complex with the names Frank Fitzgerald, Ken Strong, Whitey Piurek, Frank Biondi and Joe McHugh is a great thrill," Blake said. "They are all great Westie icons. This is something I would have never imagined. It is a huge honor. I am totally humbled by it."
With Biondi, who coached the team for over 30 years, and a host of family and friends of Blake's in attendance, including superintendent of schools Neil Cavallaro, the name outside of the press box was revealed.

Tinker Blake Press Box. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"I think this is fitting," Cavallaro said. "When I grew up, everyone knew who Tinker Blake and Maureen Smullen (Blake) were. They are the epitome of West Haven. As I grew up, they always seemed to be around when doing something for a great cause. They were always there. You watch them and you understand what it means to give back. This is well deserved."
Blake, who was the longtime announcer of West Haven softball games as well as Southern Connecticut Conference and postseason games at Biondi Field, was diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy in 2013.
"I can't put into words what it means to have the support I have been getting from so many people," Blake said of the honor. "I will never forget what everyone has done for my family and me. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I am so grateful."
Blake's daughter, Erin, who played softball at West Haven and now also coaches the West Haven girls hockey team, could not hide the thrill of seeing her dad receiving this honor prior to the game.

From left to right: Kevin Blake, Thomas "Tinker" Blake, Maureen Blake, Erin Blake, Mike Bova and Brittany Bova at the ceremony to dedicate the Press Box in Tinker Blake's name against Hamden, May 5, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"I am extremely proud of him," Erin Blake said."I am overwhelmed with how great West Haven has been to my family. West Haven has always been there for us. It is huge because my sister (Brittany) and I played on this field and I played here at Albertus (Magnus) where he was my coach. He announced here. We live up the street and we could always hear his voice at our house. It means a lot to him and us."
As for the game and the postseason bid, West Haven made sure it took care of business quickly following the pregame festivities.
Trailing 1-0, West Haven scored three times in the first, twice in the second and three more times in the third to take an 8-1 lead. Bothwell did the rest, scattering five hits and striking out eight to pick up her sixth victory of the year.
"Tinker Blake has done a lot for this city," Morrell said. "It means a lot. It is great to be a part of it. Not many people do as much for the city as he did. It was great to be a part of this tonight."

Veronica Lynn (l.), Julia Bothwell (c.) and Madison Watts (11) celebrate a win against Hamden, May 5, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies had nine hits in the game as Ally Marron led the way with two hits, two runs scored and two runs batted in. Kailey Carrano also had two hits, scored once and drove in a run, while Bothwell and Sadie Roberts each drove in a pair.
In the first inning, Marron scored on a wild pitch to even the game, Madison Watts doubled to center to score Alissa Tonucci and Bothwell grounded to third to score Watts.
West Haven extended the lead to 5-1 in the second as Veronica Lynn scored on an error and Bothwell walked to force in a run. The Westies extended the lead to 8-1 in the third as Marron came up with a big hit to score Veronica Lynn.
Dina Alissi led Hamden with three of the team's five hits, scoring once.

Unveiling of Tinker Blake Press Box, May 5, 2016

SOFTBALL 2016

No Mercy
Tigers thumps Westies 11-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 2, 2016) - The West Haven softball team is finding out the clinching victory to get into the postseason won't be an easy one. In its second attempt to qualify for the state tournament, West Haven was no match for Mercy as the Tigers scored three times in the first inning and four more in the second, on their way to an 11-1 win over West Haven at Frank Biondi Field.
West Haven's second straight loss dropped the team to 7-5 on the year, still needing another victory to play in the postseason.

Veronica Lynn and the Westies fell to Mercy, May 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven managed only four hits against Mercy, two by Alissa Tonucci, and one each by Ally Marron and Makenna White.
The Tigers struck early, knocking starting pitcher Julia Bothwell from the pitching circle after just 1.2 innings of work. Bothwell allowed six runs on six hits, while walking one. Sara Duprey pitched 2.2 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits, walking two.

Julia Bothwell and the Westies fell to Mercy, May 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Trailing 10-0, West Haven scored its only run of the game in the fifth inning. White opened with a single, Kailey Carrano walked, and Tonucci hit a one-out single to left to score White.
The Westies could not add more in the inning. With a pair of runners in scoring position with one out, Madison Watts popped to short and Bothwell popped out to end the frame.
Ally Marron walked in the first and Sadie Roberts walked in the second, but both were left stranded. Marron and Tonucci singled with one out in the third and West Haven down 7-0, but neither advanced as Watts and Bothwell were retired to end the threat.

Westies fall to Indians
Guilford tops WH 5-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 28, 2016) - Needing one win to qualify for postseason play, the West Haven softball team was hoping to check that off the list quickly. Unfortunately for the Westies, Guilford sophomore pitcher Amanda King had other thoughts.
Scattering five hits and striking out eight, King led her team to a 5-0 victory over the Westies in a Southern Connecticut Conference contest Thursday evening at Frank Biondi Field.

West Haven against Guilford, April 28, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The win avenged an earlier season loss to the Westies as Guilford improved to 6-6 on the year.
"She was on fire today," Guilford coach Steve Zajac said of King. "She had all of her pitches working very well and she had plenty of pop. She also fielded her position well. She had five or six outs that were either bunts or grounders to her."
King made it look easy Thursday evening as she worked out of the minimal trouble she was in and kept the Westies off balance by mixing her pitches.
King worked around a two-out double by Ally Marron in the third by striking out Alissa Tonucci, then got out of a two on, two out jam in the fourth by striking out Makenna White.

Ally Marron (8) against Guilford, April 28, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We ran into a buzz saw tonight," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 7-4. "She threw very well and she mixed her pitches. She was able to throw that change which made her fastball look even faster."
Guilford scored the only run it would need in the first inning against West Haven starting pitcher Julia Bothwell. With two outs, Leah Kornguth singled to right, scoring King for a 1-0 lead.
The Indians increased the lead to 2-0 in the third when Ava Gladwin walked with one out and scored on a double to left by Sara Barreira.
King walked just one batter, Madison Watts with two outs in the first, and kept the Westies off the board in the middle three innings. King's efforts allowed Guilford to increase the lead in the sixth.
"We played very well in the field," King said of her defense. "We did not make any errors in the field. They had a lot of good at bats, so we needed to stay focused and not make any errors. We did a good job with that. I thought we played well tonight."
With the way King was pitching, Guilford iced the game with three more runs in the sixth inning. With two on and one out, Jordyn Goldstein singled to load the bases.
Emily Torre followed with a grounder to short. West Haven freshman Veronica Lynn made the play, but her throw home sailed wide, allowing Guilford to score a pair of runs. A wild pitch by Bothwell scored Goldstein for a 5-0 lead.

Kailey Carrano against Guilford, April 28, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We made some mental mistakes tonight," Morrell said. "You can't do that in games like this."
Marron led West Haven with two hits, while Bothwell allowed two earned runs on eight hits, while walking two and striking out five for the Westies.

Westies top Shelton
WH one win away from postseason
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 27, 2016) - The West Haven softball team is inching closer to the postseason. With goals of playing in both the Southern Connecticut Conference and state tournaments, the Westies are one win away from state tournament play after defeating Shelton 6-2 Wednesday evening.
With the win, West Haven improved to 7-3 on the season and can lock up a postseason spot with its next victory.
Julia Bothwell continued her stellar season, picking up her fifth win of the season in the circle. Bothwell allowed seven hits and two earned runs, while striking out nine. She did not walk a batter.

Julia Bothwell and the Westies defeated Shelton, April 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Bothwell also came up big at the plate as she had three hits, drove in two runs and scored a run. Ally Marron and Sadie Roberts each had a pair of hits, with Marron scoring twice.
Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the first, West Haven took the lead for good with three runs. Marron led off with a single, Madison Watts hit a one-out single, and Bothwell drove in Marron with a single to center.
An error on the play put both runners in scoring position, with Watts scoring on a grounder to short by Sara Duprey. Veronica Lynn followed with a single to center to give the Westies a 3-2 advantage.

Veronica Lynn and the Westies defeated Shelton, April 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven increased the lead to 6-2 in the second inning with three more runs. Roberts led off with a single to right, moved to second on a sacrifice by Kailey Carrano and scored on a single by Marron. After Marron went to second on the throw, Alissa Tonucci singled to right, scoring Marron for a 5-2 lead. Bothwell's single later in the inning scored Tonucci with West Haven's sixth run.

Madison Watts (11) and the Westies defeated Shelton, April 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Neither team was able to score again as Bothwell worked out of a two-on, one-out jam in the sixth with a pair of ground outs to end the frame.

Duprey leads Westies
Three hits key in 6-3 win over SHA
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 25, 2016) - West Haven softball coach Joe Morrell wanted his team to have a balanced offense this season. Through nine games, Morrell must like what he sees. With the ability to mix small ball, timely hitting and power, the West Haven softball team picked up its sixth win of the season Monday afternoon with a 6-3 decision over Sacred Heart Academy.
"This is a big win for us," Morrell said after his team improved to 6-3. "We hit the ball well. Sara Duprey continues to hit well with another three hits."
Duprey added to her team lead, now with 17 hits, while also driving in a pair of runs in the win. Veronica Lynn added a pair of hits and a run scored, while Makenna White, finished with two hits, including a homer, two runs batted in and a run scored.
With the game scoreless through four innings as West Haven pitcher Julia Bothwell was not allowing anything to the Pacers, West Haven finally got on the scoreboard, scoring twice in each of the final three innings.

Makenna White, seen here earlier in the season, and the Westies defeated Sacred Heart Academy, April 25, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Julia pitched really well," Morrell said of Bothwell.
Makenna White led off the fifth with a single and pinch-runner Destiny Velez moved to second on a grounder by Sadie Roberts. Kailey Carrano gave West Haven a 1-0 lead with a single to center to score Velez, and Alissa Tonucci drove in Carrano later in the inning with another single.
The Westies increased the lead to 4-0 in the sixth as Lynn singled to left with one out and White followed with a homer to left.
After the Pacers got those two runs back in the bottom of the inning, West Haven padded the lead in the seventh. Tonucci reached on an error, stole second, moved to third on a grounder by Madison Watts and scored on a single by Duprey.
Bothwell went the distance, allowing nine hits and three runs, while walking three and striking out seven.

Westies fall to Crusaders
Larke leads Lauralton Hall over WH
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 22, 2016) - The West Haven softball team was looking to keep its hitting shoes on Friday morning when it traveled to play Lauralton Hall. Unfortunately for the Westies, they were held to just three hits and fell to the Crusaders 5-1.
With the loss, West Haven saw its two-game winning streak come to an end and fell to 5-3 on the season.

West Haven, seen here scoring against Hamden, fell to Lauralton Hall, April 22, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven did not have an answer for Lauralton sophomore Emma Larke as she had four hits, including a homer, triple and two doubles. Larke also drove in five of her team's six runs.
After Lauralton took a 1-0 lead in the first, West Haven tied the game in the second, only to see the Crusaders take the lead once again in the bottom of the inning with another run. Lauralton put the game away with three runs in the fourth inning.
In the West Haven second, Madison Watts led off with a single, moved to second on a passed ball, third on a single by Sara Duprey and home on an error on the play.
That was all the scoring on the day for the Westies as Tonucci was stranded in the third after a two-out single. West Haven never got another base runner as Lauralton pitcher Ireland Miessau retired the final 13 batters in order.

Hitting Spree
WH bangs out hits in 18-3 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 20, 2016) - After losing two of three contests, the West Haven softball team has found its stride at the plate. Knocking around 19 hits, the Westies won their second straight contest with an 18-3 decision over host Hamden Wednesday morning in a game stopped after six innings.
Sara Duprey led the offense with four hits, four runs batted in and two runs scored, while Alissa Tonucci added three hits and three runs batted in.
Veronica Lynn had three hits, two runs scored and two runs batted in, Madison Watts added three hits, three runs scored and three runs batted in, Julia Bothwell had two hits and three runs scored, and Ally Marron had two hits, including a homer, three runs scored and three runs batted in.

Ally Marron (8) and West Haven won against Hamden, April 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After a scoreless first inning, West Haven took the lead for good with three runs in the second inning. Duprey singled to score Bothwell and Tonucci, and Lynn singled to score Duprey.
With a 3-1 lead, Duprey scored on an error in the third and Marron hit a three-run homer to left for a 7-1 lead. Tonucci delivered a two-run single to score Watts and Makenna White in the fourth and the Westies put the game away with four more in the fifth.

Madison Watts (11) and West Haven won against Hamden, April 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Lynn tripled to score Marron, Watts singled to score Lynn, and Tonucci reached on an error to score Watts.

Makenna White and West Haven won against Hamden, April 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Duprey went the distance in the circle, allowing seven hits and two earned runs, while walking two and striking out six.

Hit Parade
Westies thump Cross 20-2 in 5 innings
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 19, 2016) - Having lost two of its last three contests, the West Haven softball team needed to feel good once again.
That feeling came back Tuesday afternoon when the Westies pounded 16 hits and drove in 17 runs in a 20-2 thumping of Wilbur Cross in the home opener at Frank Biondi Field.
"It was a nice day for opening day," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team improved to 4-2. "We hit the ball well and pitched well. We needed a day like this."

Julia Bothwell (18) and West Haven defeated Wilbur Cross, April 19, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Julia Bothwell led the Westies with three hits, six runs batted in and a run scored. Sara Duprey also had three hits and scored three times, while Veronica Lynn, Madison Watts and Alissa Tonucci each had a pair of hits.
Lynn and Watts each drove in a pair, while Ally Marron and Lynn each scored three runs, and Tonucci and Sadie Roberts each scored twice.

Ally Marron (8) and West Haven defeated Wilbur Cross, April 19, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Bothwell picked up the win, throwing three innings and allowing two runs on two hits, while walking one and striking out five. Kasey Marron struck out five and did not allow a hit or a run in two innings of work.
The Westies scored all the runs they would need as 10 runners crossed the plate in the bottom of the first inning.
Ally Marron and Lynn opened with walks and Makenna White was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Bothwell drove all three home with a triple to left and scored on Tonucci's single. Tonucci advanced on a passed ball and scored to make it a 5-0 game when Duprey reached on an error.
Roberts also reached on an error to score Duprey, and another error on a ball hit by Kailey Carrano scored Roberts. Lynn singled to score Carrano for an 8-0 lead and Watts singled to score Ally Marron. When Lynn scored on White's single, West Haven had a 10-0 advantage.

Sara Duprey (2) and West Haven defeated Wilbur Cross, April 19, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies scored six more runs in the second for a 16-0 lead. A sacrifice fly by Roberts scored Tonucci, Duprey scored on a single by Ally Marron, and Carrano scored on a single by Lynn.
Watts helped increase the lead to 14-0 when her single scored Ally Marron. Bothwell capped the inning with a single to score Lynn and Watts.

Westies fall to Lyman Hall
Trojans use late rally to top WH 6-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 18, 2016) - After winning its first two games to start the season, the West Haven softball team is in a bit of a rut. Losing two of three, the Westies have dropped to 3-2 on the year.
Monday afternoon in Wallingford turned into West Haven's second loss of the season, a 6-1 decision against Lyman Hall. The game was tight throughout, but the Trojans sealed the win with five runs in their last two at bats.

Veronica Lynn and West Haven fell against Lyman Hall, April 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven could not get going offensively, managing only four hits, two by Ally Marron. Marron also drove in West Haven's lone run of the game.
Alissa Tonucci and Veronica Lynn had the other West Haven hits, while Makenna White reached on a walk, Madison Watts and Kailey Carrano reached on errors, and Carrano was hit by a pitch.

Madison Watts and West Haven fell against Lyman Hall, April 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Tonucci was left stranded after hitting a one-out single in the first, White was left on base after leading off the second with a walk and Marron singled with one out in the third, but also remained on base.
Lyman Hall took a 1-0 lead in the third, before the Westies rallied to tie the game in the fifth.

Alissa Tonucci and West Haven fell against Lyman Hall, April 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Carrano reached on an error to lead off the inning and was erased on a fielder's choice by Lynn. A double by Marron scored Lynn to even the game at one, but, with Marron on second, Tonucci grounded out to end the frame.
The tie would be a short one as Lyman Hall scored twice in the fifth and, after Watts was left stranded after reaching on an error in the sixth, Lyman Hall put the game away with three more in the bottom of the sixth.
Sara Duprey went the distance for the Westies, allowing eight hits and three earned runs. Duprey walked one and struck out two.

Westies top Trinity Catholic
Offense key to 13-11 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 15, 2016) - The West Haven softball team had plenty of offense Friday afternoon. The Westies picked the right day to have that offense.
Knocking around 11 hits and scoring three times in the seventh inning, West Haven rallied to defeat Trinity Catholic 13-11. With the win, West Haven improved to 2-2 on the year.
The Westies received plenty of offensive support as Ally Marron, Madison Watts, Sadie Roberts and Alissa Tonucci each had a pair of hits. Roberts knocked in six runs, and Watts, Julia Bothwell and Kailey Carrano each drove in two. Watts also scored three times on the day.
Trailing 11-10 entering the seventh inning, the Westies rallied to steal the victory. Roberts reached on an error to open the frame and scored one out later on Kailey Carrano's homer to left to give West Haven a 12-11 lead.
Tonucci followed with a single, Veronica Lynn was hit by a pitch and Watts singled with the bases loaded to score Tonucci for a 13-11 advantage.
In a game which went back and forth, West Haven scored three runs in the first, but trailed 5-3 after one. The Westies again rallied in the second to take a 7-5 lead, but Trinity Catholic scored two in the second and three more in the third for a 10-7 lead.
In the first, Lynn reached on an error, Marron doubled and Watts singled to score Lynn. Bothwell's single scored Marron and Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to score Watts.
Trailing 5-3 in the second, the Westies scored four times for a 7-5 lead. Tonucci started the rally with a homer to left, Marron and Watts walked with one out and Roberts doubled to center to score a pair for a 7-5 lead.
Trailing 10-7, West Haven evened the game at 10 with three runs in the fourth. Lynn started the rally by reaching on an error, Watts and Marron walked with one out, and Makenna White singled to score Lynn. Roberts then followed with a single to score Watts and Marron to even the game at 10.

Mercy
West Haven falls to Tigers 17-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 13, 2016) - The West Haven softball team has gotten off to a quick start to the 2016 season. Unfortunately for the Westies, that start did not translate into a victory Wednesday afternoon.
With the defense making six errors and the Mercy offense pounding around 18 hits, West Haven suffered its first loss of the season, 17-1, against Mercy Wednesday afternoon.
The Westies were in the game for more than half the contest as Mercy led 3-1 entering the fourth inning. The fourth is when the game slipped out of control as Mercy scored six times for a 9-1 lead and added three in the fifth and five more in the sixth for the 17-1 final.
"If we don't stay focused, it will be tough for us," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 2-1 with its first loss of the season. "We needed to stay focused every single pitch. We need to stay focused with everything. We can't have a time where we don't focus. We saw that today."
West Haven scored its only run of the game in the first inning as freshman Veronica Lynn led off with a double to left, went to third on a sacrifice by Alissa Tonucci, and scored on a single to center by Madison Watts.
The Westies did not have many scoring opportunities after the first inning. Sadie Roberts singled with two outs, but was left stranded in the second and Roberts walked with one out in the fifth, but was again left stranded. Tonucci singled in the sixth, but was also left stranded.

Hit Parade
Westies pound 21 hits in 17-7 win over Shelton
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 11, 2016) - Two games into the season, the West Haven softball team has shown it can put the ball in play. Pounding 21 hits, the Westies defeated Shelton 17-7 in Shelton Monday afternoon.
"I am thrilled with how we have hit the ball," West Have coach Joe Morrell said after his team improved to 2-0. "We have been able to put the ball in play and we have had some big hits."
The Westies scored at least one run in each of the first six innings and never trailed in the contest. Senior Julia Bothwell led the offense with five hits, four runs batted in and two runs scored, seniors Sara Duprey and Ally Marron each had four hits, and freshman Veronica Lynn had three hits, four runs batted in and three runs scored. Duprey also scored three runs and drove in a pair, while Marron scored twice and knocked in one.
"Everyone contributed," Morrell said. "We did a nice job. It is big going into Mercy 2-0."

Julia Bothwell, seen here last season, and the Westies defeated Shelton, April 11, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Bothwell and freshman Kasey Marron split duties in the pitching circle in the win. Bothwell tossed the first five innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, while walking walking four and striking out four. Kasey Marron allowed two runs on three hits in the final two innings.
West Haven took a 3-0 lead in the first inning as sophomore Makenna White singled to score Lynn and Duprey singled to score White and Bothwell.
The Westies increased the lead to 6-0 in the second as Lynn tripled to score Ally Marron, Alissa Tonucci singled to score Lynn, and White grounded out to score Tonucci. Leading 6-2, West Haven put the game away with four more runs in the third.
Lynn singled to score Duprey, White walked to score Ally Marron, and Bothwell singled to score Lynn and Madison Watts.
After Duprey tripled and scored on a grounder by junior Sadie Roberts in the fourth for an 11-3 lead, the Westes added five more runs in the fifth. Bothwell singled to score Watts, freshman Kailey Carrano delivered White with a sacrifice fly, Ally Marron singled in another run and Lynn's single plated two more.
Bothwell capped the scoring in the sixth with a single to score Watts.

Westies win Opener
Lynn, Duprey key to 6-5 victory over Guilford
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 8, 2016) - It is often said good things are worth the wait. Just ask the West Haven softball team.
After waiting an extra three days for the 2016 season to start, West Haven made the most of it as the Westies rallied for four runs in the sixth inning to defeat Guilford 6-5 on the road Friday afternoon.
"It is huge," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team opened the season with the win. "We could be 1-0 or 0-1. We talked about that on the bus before the game. It is a nice win for us."
Freshman Veronica Lynn led the way with two hits and a run batted in, while Sara Duprey had two hits and a run scored.
Trailing 2-0, West Haven evened the game in the third inning. With one out, Lynn singled, but was forced at second on a grounder by Alissa Tonucci. Madison Watts followed with a walk, and Tonucciand Watts scored on a wild pitch.
A two-out triple by Guilford's Amanda King put the Indians on top 3-2 in the fourth, before West Haven and pitcher Julia Bothwell got out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the fifth with a strike out and a double play.
"The turning point of the game was the double play," Morrell said. "That was a big play."
The Westies then took the lead with four runs in the sixth inning. Watts started the rally with a single, but was erased on a fielder's choice.
Bothwell reached on an error, scoring Makenna White and moving Bothwell to third, before Kailey Carrano singled to score Bothwell.
Duprey and Sadie Roberts followed with singles and Ally Marron singled to score Carrano for a 5-3 lead. Lynn capped the rally with a single to score Duprey for a 6-3 advantage.
Guilford scored single runs in the sixth and seventh, but Bothwell got a fly out to end the game with the tying run on base.
Bothwell went the distance, allowing 14 hits and four earned runs, while walking four and striking out five.

Ally Marron scores on wild pitch against Lauralton Hall, May 9, 2016

All-State Players - Stacey Dixon '93; Tammy Hackley '93; Kim DeMayo '94; Angelina Sousa '94; Shannon Curren '95; Laurie DelGrego '98; Liz Vaccino '98; Lindsay Connor '03; Vicci Duane '04; Krystle Denny '04; Shannon Connor '09, '10; Elaina Maio '10; Joanna Fekieta '11; Camdyn Morgillo '13; Kial Watts '15
Retired Numbers - Tammy Hackley (Class of 1993) #13

Ally Marron double against Guilford, April 28, 2016