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06/20/2021 12:00 AMThe Guilford softball team wasn’t quite able to make the playoffs this spring, but Head Coach Meghan Wiese still views the Grizzlies’ 2021 campaign as a major success.
Guilford came up one win shy of qualifying for the Class L State Tournament with its record of 7-11 on the season. Most important, everyone on the squad stayed healthy while competing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Overall, I felt we had a successful season, and I am very proud of this team,” Coach Wiese said. “Despite not qualifying for the postseason, we managed to play a full season. The team did a great job following COVID protocols, and I felt the whole time we had that sense of normalcy back. We played hard, supported one another, laughed, and made memories to last a lifetime.”
Guilford recorded two wins over Hand (11-3 and 7-6) and Hillhouse (21-1 and 22-0) to go with single victories against Branford (12-0), Hillhouse (21-1), Sacred Heart Academy (2-0), and Jonathan Law (3-1) this year. The Grizzlies were unable to secure a playoff berth after losing to West Haven and Cheshire in their last two games, but Coach Wiese felt proud to see her club battle right down to the final out.
“We were one game shy of qualifying for the postseason and finished 7-11. Despite losing a couple close games, we always kept our heads high and pushed forward,” said Wiese. “Season highlights included beating Hand twice—something Guilford has not done in years—and beating both Law and Sacred Heart at home. Those wins gave us the confidence we needed. It was exciting to see all three seniors step up and play key roles this season.”
Senior captain second baseman Jill Batick and fellow senior captain Ema Signore, a pitcher, led Guilford on the ballfield this season. Senior outfielder Carissa Ross was also a key contributor, while junior shortstop Allie Petonito and freshman catcher Addie Smith had big years for the Grizzlies.
Batick hit .377 with seven doubles and a .642 slugging percentage on her way to making the All-SCC First Team and earning a spot in the Connecticut Senior All-Star Game. Signore was the workhorse of the Grizzlies’ pitching staff by throwing nine complete games over her 93.2 innings of work. She also posted 79 strikeouts on the year.
Coach Wiese felt that Batick and Signore did an excellent job of leading the Grizzlies. It means a lot to Wiese and her assistant coach Kelli Connors that Guilford’s athletes had a good time on the diamond throughout the season.
“Both Kelli and I were proud to be a part of this team. Jill and Ema led the team effectively,” Wiese said. “In the end, it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves. The future looks bright for Guilford softball.”
Petonito earned All-SCC First Team honors and a spot in the state’s Junior All-Star Game after recording a .404 batting average, a .547 on-base-percentage, 22 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Smith made All-SCC Second Team with a .380 batting average, a .720 slugging percentage, three triples, and 12 RBI. Smith also made no errors in 103 fielding chances as the team’s catcher.
Guilford’s roster for the 2021 season also included junior outfielders Maddy Smith, Ava Singleton, and Schuylar Giwa. The athletes in the sophomore class were infielder Sophia Stanger, pitcher/infielder Sadie Huffman, and outfielder Sami Green, along with Kaili Rosa, Rubi Espejo, and Charlotte Martocci, who are all both infielders and outfielders.
The Grizzlies also had several freshmen on their roster this spring. Guilford’s freshman class included pitchers/infielders Sophia Meade, Anna Fagan, and Adrianna Piascik; infielder/outfielder Zamira Penner; infielders Marley Falcone, Elizabeth Barcello, Emma Getrost, and Sadie Iozzia; and outfielders Olivia Pionke, Eliza Chamberlain, and Saachi Mehta.
While Coach Wiese feels sad to say goodbye to her three seniors, she feels optimistic about the amount of experience that will be returning next season, when Guilford will be vying to punch its postseason ticket.
“For the 2022 season, we return several starters, and I expect players will step up where needed,” said Wiese. “As our numbers continue to rise, I am excited to see what next year has in store for Guilford softball. Qualifying for the postseason will be a top priority for us as a team.”
As she reflects upon the 2021 campaign, Coach Wiese said that one of her major takeaways was the Grizzlies’ ability to always stay motivated, regardless of any circumstance that came their way.
“We all get better and better each year and, when we are at our best, you feel unstoppable. Keeping that momentum is key,” Wiese said. “In my mind, we had the ultimate win against COVID. For our seniors, they were able to finish their careers on a positive note. And for our younger players, they got a taste of high school ball, and I hope that motivates them for the future.”