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05/14/2018 12:00 AMBaseball
The Valley Regional baseball team claimed victory in two of its three matchups last week to run its record to 12-6 for the 2018 campaign. After losing to Cromwell in their first game of the slate, the Warriors posted one-run wins over North Branford and Coginchaug later in the week. Valley, which had already clinched a spot in the playoffs, has won six of its last eight games as it enters the home stretch of the regular season.
On May 9, Valley scored a 5-4 win at North Branford. Sam Swap was on the bump and picked up his seventh win of the season for the Warriors. Head Coach Brian Drinkard has seen Swap steadily improve as a senior. Swap is anchoring a rotation that has been without last year’s ace Colin Sparaco, who is trying to work his way back from an injury.
“He just been dominant all year. It’s no secret. He just throws strikes and gets strikeouts,” said Drinkard of Swap. “Considering the injury to Colin and the way Sam had step up this year, it’s been an unbelievable season from a great kid.”
Senior outfielder Blair Allen continues to provide offense for Valley as he had two hits to go with two RBI in the North Branford victory. Fellow senior Jacob Yeager supplied a pair of hits for the Warriors, as well.
Two days later, Valley was back home to face Coginchaug and earned a 3-2 win versus the Blue Devils. The game was tied 2-2 heading into the seventh inning. After Valley got a runner to third base, Chase Morris drove in the game-winning run with a walk-off sacrifice fly. Morris also had a pair of hits for the Warriors, who saw Jacob Robertson get the win on the mound.
Earlier in the week, Valley hosted Cromwell and lost a 14-2 contest against the Panthers on May 7.
Softball
Valley Regional took two defeats versus Coginchaug and Woodstock Academy last week to move to 9-6 on the spring.
The Warriors lost a 6-1 contest against Coginchaug on May 9. Abby Cunningham went 2-for-3 at the plate, while and Lexi Ross walked and scored a run for Valley in the loss.
Two days later, the Warriors came back home to host Woodstock Academy and lost a close game by the final score of 2-0.
Girls’ Lacrosse
The Valley Regional girls’ lacrosse team had a busy slate last week as the Warriors were on the field for four contests. The Warriors picked up two wins to boost their record to 7-6 on the season with a Class S State Tournament berth in the bag. This marks the first time the Warriors have reached the postseason since 2010.
On May 7, the Warriors were at home to face off against Avon and claimed an 18-7 win against the Falcons. The next day, Valley won a 16-8 contest on the road against Suffield to secure its postseason bid.
Two days after that, the Warriors lost a 12-10 game at home versus Old Lyme. Then on May 11, the Warriors took a 14-3 loss at North Branford. Tory Ryder had a pair of goals, while Allie Ruel added a goal for Valley in the loss.
Boys’ Lacrosse
The Warriors’ came away with a pair of victories last week to move to 7-6 on the season, while clinching a berth into the Class S State Tournament in the process.
On May 8, the Warriors scored a lopsided 19-4 win at Cromwell. Two days later, Valley hit the road to face Old Lyme, where the club picked up a 13-9 win to qualify for states.
Girls’ Tennis
The Warriors earned a pair of wins last week to improve to 11-5 on the year and secure a spot in the Class S State Tournament. Valley Regional lost to Cromwell, but then bounced back to net victories versus Old Saybrook and Portland.
On May 7, Valley lost a 4-3 match at Cromwell. Emma Hunt-Bauman grabbed a 7-5, 6-2 win at the No. 1 singles position for the Warriors. Ellie Flynn and Caroline Baldwin took a 7-5, 6-4 victory at the No. 1 doubles spot. Allie Champion and Ada Ramos won 6-3, 6-2 in the No. 2 doubles match.
Three days later, the Warriors punched their playoff ticket by posting a 5-2 win on the road against Old Saybrook. Then on May 11, Valley claimed a 6-1 victory against Portland at home.
Boys’ Tennis
The Valley boys’ tennis team lost two matches last week to drop to 8-6 for the season.
The Warriors hosted Cromwell on May 7 and lost a 5-2 match against the Panthers. Three days later, Valley was home for Old Saybrook and dropped a 6-1 decision.
Crew
The Valley Regional crew competed against Lyme-Old Lyme-East Lyme-Avon in a regatta at Rogers Lake on May 9.
The Warriors earned second-place finishes in the girls’ first and second boats of four. The girls’ novice boat of eight also came away with second place, as did the boys’ novice boat of four. The rowers of the girls’ third boat of four earned fourth place in their race.
Golf
The Warriors lost three matches last week and now have a record of 2-5 on the year.
On May 8, Valley lost a 203-227 match against North Branford at Indian Springs Golf Club in Middlefield. The next day, the Warriors headed to the Black Birch Golf Course in Moodus to face Haddam-Killingworth and lost a 186-202 decision versus the Cougars.
On May 11, Valley hosted Portland at the par-36 Fox Hopyard Golf Club in East Haddam and lost a 171-232 contest. Sam Paulson and Kevin Fasulo both shot a 57 on the day for the Warriors. Kevin Michel turned in a 58, and Logan Bellos tallied a score of 60.