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06/16/2019 12:00 AMEven though the Guilford softball squad came up one win shy of making the playoffs this spring, the Indians proved that they were a persistent team that was going to show up at the ballpark ready to play every game. The Indians battled all the way through the final days of the campaign and gave everything they had until the last out was recorded.
In 2019, Guilford was led by first-year Head Coach Meghan Wiese, who had previously been an assistant coach with the program. Guilford lost its first five games of the year, before turning things around by winning five of the next six. The Indians hit another rough patch, but then scored a big 9-0 victory over Lyman Hall to give themselves a chance to make states entering the home stretch of the regular season. Guilford lost two of its three games during the final week to finish with an overall record of 7-13.
Coach Wiese felt proud about how Guilford stood tall against all challengers and displayed tremendous grit while dealing with a difficult schedule this year.
“We had a tough schedule because of our success the last two years, but despite that, we played hard each day. They got better and played harder as the year went on. They picked each other up and didn’t give up,” said Wiese. “I felt like we progressed very well mentally and physically as the year went on. From day one until the last pitch, I was happy with how we came together.”
Guilford featured a five-athlete senior class that ignited the Indians’ fire on the field. Shortstop Ava Gladwin led the team as a senior captain this spring. Guilford’s other seniors were catcher/infielder Leah Kornguth, who finished as the team leader in hits and RBI; first baseman Emily Torre, who concluded her career on a 13-game hitting streak; third baseman Jordyn Goldstein, who led the team with three home runs and finished with a .339 career batting average; and Jess Smith, who was a pitcher for the Indians.
“All five of the seniors also had varsity experience as freshmen,” Coach Wiese said. “Ava did a phenomenal job of leading the team and getting everyone involved. Emily had a great finish to her career with the hitting streak. Throughout Jordyn’s career, she came through with the bat. Jess saw time in the circle, and it was phenomenal to see her put the effort through.”
Kornguth and sophomore outfielder Jill Batick were selected to the All-SCC Team for Guilford this season. Gladwin was the recipient of the Indians’ Sportsmanship Award.
The Indians saw several highlight moments that defined their character as a club throughout the season. Guilford defeated a longtime rival for the first time in several years and then made a little noise against some stiff non-conference competition.
“One thing that sticks out was beating Hand, because Mike Niekrash does a great job coaching that team, and I was told it was the first time we beat them in a few years,” said Wiese. “We also faced Ellington, who was getting some top 10 poll votes, and we lost 3-2 in the seventh. Everything about that game was fun to be a part of. We finished the year by getting a walk-off win against Coginchaug, who ended up making the Class S state final. It was a great way for the seniors end their careers like that.”
Looking ahead to next year, Coach Wiese feels confident that Guilford is bringing back solid core of players who will be eager to help the Indians return to the postseason.
“I’m optimistic. The future looks bright,” Wiese said. “We have returning girls that will be ready to play. We will also have our division and schedule realigned in the SCC, so we are excited to see what that brings.”
From the Sidelines
First-year Head Coach Meghan Wiese had previously served as a varsity assistant coach for the Guilford softball team during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. She’s also coached softball at Adams Middle School.
Kelli Connors was the Indians’ assistant coach this year.
In the 2019 season, Guilford earned two wins versus Hamden (14-8 and 13-1) and Cross (20-2 and 17-1) to go with one win apiece against Hand (5-2), Lyman Hall (9-0), and Coginchaug (3-2).