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05/21/2018 12:00 AMAfter totaling eight wins last year, the Old Saybrook softball team recently surpassed that mark and then picked up its 10th victory of the spring as its regular season drew to a close last week. The Rams posted an 8-7 win against Morgan and then dropped a 10-1 road contest to Old Lyme to finish the regular season with a record of 10-10. Old Saybrook’s win versus Morgan clinched the No. 8 seed for the Rams in the Shoreline Conference Tournament. After that, Old Saybrook will play in the Class S State Tournament.
On May 14, Old Saybrook battled Morgan under the lights at Indian River Complex in Clinton and pulled off an 8-7 win. The Rams had a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth and then scored five runs in the inning behind a surge that was started by freshman Christina Lombardi. The Huskies mounted a comeback in the seventh, but Old Saybrook pitcher Carly Michaud made a smooth grab on a comebacker and then threw to first to end the game.
Old Saybrook Head Coach Katelyn Livingston saw her offense come through with some timely hits, as has been the case all season. The success of the Rams’ offense is no accident, according to Livingston. They’ve spent plenty of time lining up the ball for solid contact at batting practice, and that hard work is paying off come game time.
“Huge credit to the offense to come out with the bats and getting hot in the sixth to grab the win. It wasn’t just the top of the order. It was one through nine, everyone putting the ball in play.” Livingston said. “Our offense has been very strong this year. We’ve had some crazy scores. We hit every day at practice. These girls take so many swings. I can’t even tell you how many swings they’ve taken. They’ve been focusing on quality at-bats, being patient, identifying their pitch, and getting those strong hits.”
Mostly known for her prowess in the circle, senior captain Michaud also provided a pair of RBI in the Morgan win to complement her nine strikeouts on the mound. Michaud recently received All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention for her strong showing this season.
Senior captain third baseman Chloe Root is also proving herself as one of the veteran anchors for the Rams. Against Morgan, she had a timely single in the sixth inning to keep the chain moving. Root was named to the All-Shoreline Conference First Team.
Junior Maeve Foley sustained the sixth-inning rally with a single. Several underclass athletes got into the mix for Old Saybrook in the victory. Taylor Cote provided a pair bunts for base hits, fellow sophomore Wendy Bowden went 2-for-4, and freshmen Lombardi and Emiley Wilson each had an RBI single.
The performance of Old Saybrook’s younger athletes paired with the solid leadership from its veterans has played an integral part in the Rams getting back to the postseason this spring. Old Saybrook saw several key seniors graduate from last year’s team, but the Rams’ youth movement ensured that they wouldn’t take any steps back.
“Honestly, I have been so thrilled with my underclassmen this year. They’ve filled huge spots in the varsity lineup. They’ve all contributed to the success we’ve seen this season,” said Livingston. “The underclassmen came in and completely exceeded expectations. We lost five seniors last year. We took a huge hit, and they earned their spots.”
Coach Livingston feels pleased with the improvements that she’s seen from each player this season, but more than anything, she’s most proud of the way the Rams have come together as a team.
“I think the biggest growth is that we’re competitive in every game. We’re holding ourselves to a higher standard. The girls are growing as individuals, but the team plays for each other,” said Livingston. “I think a lot of it is the buy-in. Every single girl wants to be there. They are playing as a team, and that’s contributed to our improvement and success.”
From the Sidelines
The Rams’ softball team’s varsity roster consists of senior captains Carly Michaud and Chloe Root, fellow senior Sarah Lombardi, juniors Maeve Foley and Sarah Howley, sophomores Rachel Baldi, Wendy Bowden, Taylor Cote, Lexie Root; and freshmen Tessa Dequilia, Kendall Kollmer, Christina Lombardi, Jenna Tully, and Emily Wilson.
Head Coach Katelyn Livingston is in her second season as Old Saybrook’s head coach. Her coaching staff includes assistant coach Sarah Thompson and Lauren MacDonald.
The Rams’ wins this season have come against Plainfield (22-18), Portland (20-2, 24-9), Morgan (5-2, 8-7), Westbrook (13-6, 16-4), New London (13-0), and East Hampton (11-3, 14-2).