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04/14/2024 11:44 PMThe Branford softball team is quite eager to improve upon its marks from last year. Luckily for the Hornets, they have a solid accumulation of talented, motivated, and dedicated athletes to complete their wish list for the spring.
Last season, the Hornets finished 2-18 overall. This spring, the Hornets return a small squad, though it is more filled with veterans. They are ready to impart their knowledge and expertise throughout the clubhouse in order to help Branford make a trek back to both the SCC and state tournaments this postseason. Head Coach Tori Ramada explained that no matter the result in each contest, progress is the name of the game every day.
“We have a young team this year with a lot of players in new positions.Our goal for the season is for each player to grow individually, as well as grow as a team,” said Ramada. “We are very big on camaraderie and building a family on the field. We want them to develop skills and attributes that can be used long after their time on the field.”
The determined squad will be led by a trio of senior captains. Madigan Lawler will split the corners of the infield by occupying both first and third base. Cheyenne Rose will be the heart of the outfield in center, and Veronica Holyst will accompany her in the right while also spending time behind the dish at catcher.
Each girl brings their talents to the field when it is game time. But perhaps more importantly, they know exactly how to take the reins away from action and give the group the collective support it needs to succeed.
“The captains work really well together to lead the team. Having a younger team this season, they have really dedicated the time to make the girls feel comfortable and welcome,” said Ramada. “Madigan is a force to be reckoned with at the plate.She is also a very versatile player who is willing to play wherever necessary. Cheyenne is our leader in the outfield. Playing center field, she helps the outfield communicate and work together so there’s a strong defense.Veronica does really well with guiding the girls on ways they could improve. Unfortunately, right now she is injured, but she makes up for it by making sure the dugout is energetic and positive during games.”
Further bolstering the veteran ranks for the club is a junior in Shelby Burnham, who is doling out her defensive time between the infield and the circle as a pitcher. Her battery mate will be a sophomore in catcher Chloe Pompano–back for her second stint as a starting backstop.
Ramada praised the young tandem for not only having a great chemistry and rapport when doing work in the dirt but also being diligent students of the game. They also bring a great contribution to the cohesion of the club.
“Both Shelby and Chloe have such dedication on and off the field. They are always asking for ways they can improve in their game. In addition to our captains, they have really stepped up and assisted in building that team community,” Ramada said. “Having Shelby as one of our pitchers is a great asset to the team, and she works really well with Chloe. She takes charge and helps motivate and direct the defense every play.”
The Hornets will tackle some key divisional opponents within the SCC with the likes of Career and Hillhouse for pivotal clashes this season. In addition, the girls got things off on the right foot with a close non-conference victory over Bunnell to start the campaign.
“We started off our season playing an out-of-conference game against Bunnell. We were very eager to see the work they put in during the first couple weeks of the season and apply it to a game,” said Ramada.”They really worked together and communicated well. We ended up taking the win, 6-5. It was a great start to our season. We are looking forward to having more successful games throughout.”
Ramda, whose club is 2-3 through five games, certainly wants her squad to garner a great number of wins beyond the Opening Day triumph for 2024. Yet she does not want them to get too caught up in the chase of a victory, to the point where they neglect to remember the true reason why they decided to take part in the sport in the first place.
“In addition, we want our girls to grow their knowledge of the game, as well as their love for the game.They choose to play softball because they love the sport,” Ramada said. “Before every game, the girls are reminded of their love for the sport, and the most important thing to do out there is to have fun.”
The 2024 Branford roster is comprised of seniors Rose, Veronica Holyst, Lawler; juniors Burnham, Ava Holyst, Tia Graziano, Italia Bruno, Grace D'Addio, Alyscia Solano; sophomore Peyton Paleski, Pompano; plus freshmen Elli Brown, Mikenna Leigh, Izabella Johnstone, Madelaine Aguilar, Tatum Lipka, Isabella Arnold, and Sophia Rasile.
This is Ramada’s sixth season as skipper for the Hornets. She is assisted by another six-year mainstay in Alexa Polverari and Megan Ferraro, who is back for her fifth campaign.
2024 Branford Softball Regular Season Results and Schedule
March 30: Branford 6, Bunnell 5
April 1: East Haven 10, Branford 3
April 6: Lyman Hall 23, Branford 3
April 8: Law 19, Branford 2
April 10: Branford 20, Career 6
Tuesday, April 16: at Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m.
Friday, April 19: vs. Mercy at 4:15 p.m.
Monday, April 22: vs. East Haven at 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24: at Lyman Hall at 4:!5 p.m.
Friday, April 26: vs. Law at 4:15 p.m.
Monday, April 29: vs. Career at 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1: vs. Lauralton Hall at 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 2: at Shelton at 4 p.m.
Monday, May 6: at North Haven at John Grover Wyman Park at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8: at Hillhouse at Blackmon Field at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 13: at Mercy at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14: vs. Stonington at 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15: vs. Hand at 4:15 p.m.