Printer Friendly Version - Softball Went All Out, Grew Daily Despite Missing States

Senior catcher and tri-captain Morgan King threw out 50 percent of runners that attempted to steal a base on her this season for Guilford softball which, despite falling short of the postseason at 6-14, gave tremendous effort and grew day-in and day-out.

The Guilford softball team may have come up two wins short of the state tournament, but it went undefeated in scoring many daily triumphs both on and off the diamond.

The Indians finished with a 6-14 mark, yet they were still alive for a Class L State Tournament bid until their 19th contest of the campaign when they fell at Sacred Heart Academy. Even with the missed postseason berth, skipper Steve Zajac couldn't be more proud of the fight put forth by his club.

"We lost some close games during the season and unfortunately finished just short of our goal to make the state tournament," said Zajac. "Although we didn't win as many games as I hoped, I was very happy with the progress the individual players made with their skills. This was one of the hardest working teams I've had, and if the returning players continue to progress, we will have a successful season next year. We will have some big holes to fill with our graduating seniors. Along with their play on the field, we will miss their leadership in the dugout."

Guilford (2-6; 4th in SCC Hammonasset Division) was led by a powerful trio in the infield comprised of senior catcher Morgan King (throwing out 50 percent of attempted base stealers), senior A.J. Jonathan at second, and junior Olivia Boudreau (.365 batting average, 11 RBIs) manning short.

"Morgan was one of the best catchers in the league," said Zajac. "AJ Jonathan was an excellent team leader for us. After playing six different positions for us last year, she became the starting second baseman this year."

Rounding out the senior class were third baseman Aimee Munck (hit for team-leading .414 with 12 hits in her final 22 at-bats), plus Kristen Urban and Maya Morduch-Toubman in the outfield.

"Kristen was an outstanding outfielder, and she made the best catch of the year for us in our first game versus Sheehan," said Zajac. "Maya was playing softball for the first time and did a great job learning the game. Maya did some pinch running for the varsity team and was a starting outfielder for the JV team."

For postseason award winners, Boudreau was named to the SCC All-Hammonasset Team and selected to play in Connecticut State Coaches' Association Junior Select All-Star Game, in which the top 40 juniors from Class LL and L will play. Jonathan was also named to play in the Scholar Athlete Classic, as players are selected based on both softball ability and excellence in the classroom for that exhibition contest.

Finally for team award honors, Boudreau was named team MVP, while junior right fielder Mackenzie Iasparra was selected as Most Improved Player; Munck won the Sportsmanship Award; and Jonathan was the Coaches' Award recipient.

"Mackenzie rose to the challenge of playing a brand new position this year. She also worked hard to become an excellent bunter," said Zajac. "Amiee was a constant source of energy for our team. AJ did a great job, beginning with the offseason and carried right through the last game. Her leadership skills will be missed. AJ is the type of player who will put the team's needs above her own."

For next spring, Boudreau will return beside four other full time starters that include junior outfielder Allie Stephens (hit .353 with team-tops 13 RBIs and 15 runs scored); sophomore Ashley Ignatowski (pitching every inning for the Indians this year; also had a .313 average with a team-leading 13 RBIs); in addition to freshman first baseman Lilly Young, and Iasparra. Junior pitcher/infielder Rachel Catapano, Sammy Carlson, freshman catcher/outfielder Megan Zampano, junior outfielder/first baseman Megan Carey, and freshman Jillian Wirth at the hot corner will also be eyeing some action next season.