Printer Friendly Version - NB Softball Looking to Stay Golden as Reigning Shoreline Title Holder

Senior pitcher Kiley Mullins returns to the circle this year for North Branford softball as a captain for the eight-time reigning Shoreline Conference champion. Photo courtesy of Dina Falcioni and Roxanne Senerchia

Natalia Lucibello will look to bolster the infield for the T-Birds’ softball team while positioned at third base and serving as a senior captain away from the field. Photo courtesy of Dina Falcioni and Roxanne Senerchia

The North Branford softball team has carved out quite a dynastic run for itself within the Shoreline Conference. Yet as the girls pine for nine straight conference crowns and potentially add a state title, they are not lost in their success and are focused on harnessing the true assets of teamwork every day.

Following a 19-1 regular season record for 2023 and then scoring quarterfinal and semifinal round wins over No. 8 Valley Regional and No. 4 Cromwell, respectively, the top-ranked T-Birds entered the Shoreline Conference Tournament final on May 25 as the seven-time reigning title holders and faced off against No. 3 seed Haddam-Killingworth. In that title tilt, North Branford kept its place at the throne by defeating the Cougars 10-3 on May 25 at Lyme-Old Lyme High School to yield the T-Birds their eighth straight Shoreline Conference championship.

North Branford next ventured into the Class S State Tournament. As the No. 2 seed, the T-Birds earned a first-round bye before hosting No. 18 Coginchaug in the second round and prevailing by a 5-2 score. North Branford next hosted No. 23 seed Housatonic (11-9) in the quarterfinals on June 2 and dominated with a 12-0 win that was ended after six innings due to the mercy rule. The Thunderbirds then fell in the semifinals by a 9-0 final versus No. 11 Cromwell to finish the year a still impressive 24-2 overall.

Head Coach Nick DeLizio detailed that a team with the championship pedigree of North Branford may feel immense pressure with the target on its back, but the T-Birds will look to alleviate it by taking responsibility for their actions and encouraging the growth of the girl next to them.

“The goals for this year are to maintain a ‘Golden Mindset,’” said DeLizio. “That is one where everyone holds each other accountable, is there for one another, and provides an environment in which to grow as a player and a person.”

The infield will anchor the leadership lounge for the squad this spring with a quadruple header of senior captains. In the pitcher’s circle is Kiley Mullins, plus at opposite corners of the diamond are Natalia Lucibello at the hot corner of third, and Gabi Senerchia at first. Lastly, at shortstop is Lindsey Onofrio to complete a quartet of captains who know what it means to raise their games when the stakes are at their highest.

“Each of the seniors brings leadership qualities, varsity experience, and playoff experience playing in high-leverage games,” said DeLizio. “They have been part of three Shoreline Conference championships, two state finals, and a state semifinal appearance.”

The junior class also showcases a great depth of talent. Lexi Falcioni will join Onofrio in the middle infield as a second baseman. Adriana Hills serves as a battery mate for Mullins behind the dish at catcher, and Gabby Bigio will cover great ground on the grass in the outfield.

Additionally, underclassmen that will look to figure into the mix this campaign will be a sophomore tandem in Lauren Vitarisi and Madi DiStefano, along with freshman Alia Martone.

When looking at the Shoreline Conference pool of squads, North Branford will look to defend its crown against fierce rivals in reigning runner-up Haddam-Killingworth looking to avenge its title game loss, alongside other strong programs in Old Lyme, Cromwell, Coginchaug, and Hale-Ray.

Away from the league, the Thunderbirds will test their state-title mettle and aspirations against the likes of defending Class L state champ Masuk-Monroe, Class L semifinalist Ellington, and 2023 Class LL quarterfinal participant Norwich Free Academy–the infamous club that dealt North Branford its lone regular season defeat. They will also take on the likes of close by SCC opponent East Haven, along with Berlin.

The Thunderbirds opened up the campaign on March 30 with a 5-0 shutout of Berlin, prior to really firing up the bats in a 24-8 rout of Morgan two days later.

Positivity is becoming paramount as the identity of this 2024 edition of the team and its season begins to develop. The girls will look to develop close camaraderie to help encourage and motivate each other through the eventual hurdles that will arise.

“We are focused on creating new and building upon current relationships with one another so that our team bond is as strong as ever,” said DeLizio. “If we do that, we will be successful this season, no matter what the competition is. The team has 17 girls in the program and lean on each other to create a positive environment to be a part of.”

The 2024 North Branford softball team roster is comprised of seniors Mullins, Onofrio, Lucibello, Gianna Fico, Senerchia; juniors Hills, Mary Brown, Christina Aneiro, Bigio, Emilyn Nay, Falcioni, Lily Ardito; sophomores of Vitarisi, DiStefano, Ava Ryszczyk, Alexa Snedeker, Sofia Ludington,Skylar Gage, Ashley Berardesca; and freshmen Martone and Samantha Johnson.

DeLizio is assisted in the dugout this year by four-year staff veterans in Morgan Onofrio and Sabrina LeMere, plus Chris Drexler back for his second season.