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12/30/2013 11:00 PMThe spring season heated up for Haddam-Killingworth athletics as the softball squad claimed its first Shoreline Conference title in 13 years and the girls' lacrosse squad three-peated as conference champions on its way to its first-ever state final.
Girls' Lacrosse
On their way to their first ever undefeated regular season at 16-0, the Cougars claimed their third straight Shoreline Conference title. Once in the Class S State Tournament, HK dismantled early round opponents in Housatonic and Stonington before disposing of Granby in the semifinal round-snapping the Cougars' losing streak of three consecutive semifinal round defeats-to reach its inaugural state championship game prior to falling versus Weston 13-8 on June 8 at Bunnell.
HK was led through the historical ride by four dynamic senior captains in Kaitlin Gillespie and Nicole Hausherr, along with Leah DiGregorio and Cailee Fairchild.
Deeper down the senior slate were Kristen Stolen, Logan Craffey, Nikki Roman, Amanda Pitruzello, Kasey Jacobs, and Anna Fetteroll.
Softball
The Cougars played to a 15-5 regular season mark (14-2 in conference action) to clinch the league tournament's top seed and defeated Morgan 3-2 in nine innings on May 26 to claim their first conference crown since 2000, while their 20-6 overall campaign concluded with a Class M State Tournament quarterfinal 3-1 loss to eventual champion Waterford.
HK boasted a trio of seniors with tri-captains in Taylor Burger, Samantha Waskowitz , and Kirsten Carlson.
Boys' Outdoor Track
Head Coach Matt Diglio's squad sprinted, leapt, and threw to another perfect 10-0 dual meet regular season-the Cougars' third consecutive year accomplishing that feat. Once the postseason began, the Cougars used stellar senior performances that included the triumphant 4x800 all-senior squad of Luke Gersz, Peter Brandon, Steve Bogdan, and Eric Davidson (8:17.07) to help spark their second straight Shoreline Conference Crown on May 22 with 109.5 points.
While HK had "senior leaders" rather than captains, it possessed its share of athletes that lived up to the billing in their final spring in runners Brandon, Gersz, Bogdan, Davidson, and Eric Dornfeld, along with thrower Pat Dougherty and jumper Colin O' Brien.
Within postseason competition, Dougherty led the Cougars as he claimed the Cougars' first state title in throwing since 2004 by capturing the javelin crown at the Class M State Championship on May 29 (162-10).
Girls' Outdoor Track
Head Coach Dick Dupuis' squad finished third at the Shoreline Conference Championship on May 22 with 109.5 points for its production before seeing 10th at the Class M State Championship seven days later.
Addiitonal senior leadership came thanks to Grace Colonia-Hughes, Ally Vegliante, Erin Buckley, Jenn Martin, Ally Buys, and Carly Clegg.
Baseball
Mark Brookes' Cougars finished 15-5 for the regular season before a loss to East Hampton in the quarterfinals of the Shoreline Conference Tournament. Yet HK would rebound in the Class M State Tournament with a 12-4 victory over Vinal Tech prior to its defeat to Montville, 3-1, in the second round.
HK was led in the field by senior co-captains in Jake Decarli and Cody Harlow, along with classmates of Joe Silvia, Nick Landell, and Liam Gallagher.
Girls' Tennis
Coached by Patty Earley, HK backhanded its path to a 13-5 regular season mark before a 5-2 loss to Old Lyme in first round action of the Class S State Tournament. Seniors on the squad were co-captains Jourdan Milardo and Jenn Venuti along with Jacque Garofalo.
Golf
The Cougars competed in the Shoreline Conference Championship Tournament on May 20 at Clinton Country Club with HK finishing fifth, accumulating a stroke total of 335, while HK shot a 352 to finish 14th at the Division III State Championship Tournament on June 3 at Timerblin Golf Club in Berlin.
Boys' Tennis
In his 13th season, Head Coach Rod Pakus's squad finished 1-19 and was led by senior captains Zach Carmichael and Thomas Irwin. The Cougars' lone victory came against East Hampton on April 19 by a 4-2 decision.
Boys' Lacrosse
Adjusting to its first varsity season, the Cougars saw themselves play to a 0-16 campaign with Head Coach Mark Richard. HK was guided by senior tri-captains Hunter Herrington, Seb Barbagello, and Eric Egri.