Freshman was catalyst for Warriors

Centerfielder Stephanie Gauthier grabs a fly ball in front of teammate Liz Mutch.

CANTON, June 14 –  Junior pitcher Mo Gauthier brought home the tournament MVP trophy. But it could have just as easily gone to her little sister, freshman leadoff hitter Stephanie Gauthier.

Stephanie broke into the starting lineup midway through the season and was a catalyst all year, including the tournament. She had six hits in 20 at-bats in five games and reached base 10 times.

Her RBI single gave Canton a two-run cushion in a 3-1 win over No. 2 Terryville in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals against Derby, she set the tone in the first at-bat of the game, ripping a triple off a pitcher that the Red Raiders expected to dominate the Warriors.

In the championship game against Coginchaug, Stephanie had a leadoff single to open the contest. She also threw out a key runner at home in the sixth inning that would have been the go-ahead run.

“She set the tone for us and made a statement,” Clement said.