Cromwell and Newington softball Overachieve in Tournament

​Rocky Hill has deservingly received most of the attention this season in the local softball world. However, Cromwell and Newington showed this season why they’ll be forces to reckon with for years to come.
 
Cromwell finished with an inconsistent 9-11 regular season, before rebounding by winning their first two Shoreline Conference (SLC) tournament games, earning the 24th seed in the Class S state tourney. The Panthers then upset ninth seeded Abbot Tech 8-0, before eventually losing to eighth seed Old Saybrook.
 
Coach Angelo Morrello had a very young team this season, with only three seniors on the roster. The three seniors, Malorie Leone, Taylor Polizonis, and Nicole Poole, were all captains and played exceptional throughout the season. Leone led the team in hits and runs, as well as excelling as a pitcher. Polizonis and Poole both finished their senior season with double-digits in hits.
 
The trio of seniors will be missed, but the team returns Kate Pietraszek and Alyssa Poole following phenomenal freshman campaigns. The two first-year players finished first and second on the team in RBIs. The team will also have captain and versatile shortstop Megan Fazekas returning as a senior.
 
Newington also bounced back from a slow start this season, winning seven of their final eight regular season games. The late-season run earned the team an 18th seed in the Class LL tourney.  The surging Indians then pasted higher-seeded Manchester, 11-1, before eventually falling to second seed Darien in the second round of the tournament.
 
The team will lose a handful of seniors to graduation, including captains Alyssa Frohock and Dana Gionfriddo. Multipurpose third basewoman Briana Woods, as well as Brianna Biloudeau and Julia Delgado will also be graduating.
 
Pitcher sensation Olivia Burgos will be returning for her senior season. She dominated at a junior, excelling from the mound as well as leading the team in batting average, hits, doubles, triples, and RBIs. Catcher Katrina Peck will also be back for her final season. She was a vital part to Burgos’ pitching success and she also hit two of the team’s four homeruns in 2014.