CANTON, May 24 — The Canton girls softball team (10-6, 10-4 NCCC) is finding that they’ll have to execute in all phases of the game for an opportunity to defend their Class S state championship. Canton has struggled hitting against some of the better pitchers in the league in the final weeks of the season.
They had just two hits in a 9-0 loss to Suffield and managed just three in a 1-0 loss to Somers. “We’re not getting our bunts down against good pitching,” Canton coach Doug Clements said. “We haven’t had to bunt against some of the weaker teams in the league.” Bunting puts pressure on the defense to make a play and that can lead to run-scoring rallies.
Clement likes his defense. There have been games when the Warrriors have been unfocused but overall, they have had a nice campaign.
Sophomore Stephanie Gauthier is the starting catcher with freshman Lee Fitzgerald (first base), sophomore Christina Cardwell (second base), senior Melissa Parente (shortstop) and freshman Brittany King (third base) in the infield. The outfield is patrolled by senior Elise Minchiello (RF), senior Sarah Sepia (CF) and Deanna Nappi (LF).
Canton was 3-2 last week with a 10-0 win over Avon and a doubleheader sweep of East Windsor, 8-0 and 7-2. Against Avon, pitcher Mo Gauthier struck out nine and allowed just two hits. Canton pounded out 16 hits led by Nappi, who was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Parente was 3-for-5.
Against East Windsor, Mo Gauthier tossed her fourth no-hitter of the season, striking out six in a 8-0 win in five innings. Only one error kept her from a perfect game. In game two, Canton had 10 hits, led by King (3-for-3, triple), Nappi (2-2) and Parente (2-3).
Canton played well but dropped a 1-0 decision to Somers, who scored when Allie Dubanoski doubled and scored on a single from pitcher Jojo Meunier in the sixth inning. Mo Gauthier struck out eight and allowed just two hits. Meunier allowed three hits but struckout 13 Canton batters.
On Saturday at home, Canton managed 12 hits off Fitch hurler Cindy Mancini but gave up 13 hits in a 16-4 loss to defending Class LL champion Fitch. Canton lost to Fitch, 1-0, on opening day in April but Fitch (15-3) has improved. Brianna Turgeon went 3-for-4 with six RBIs, including a first-inning triple for her 100th career hit. King was 4-for-5 with a double for Canton.
Two teams have opportunities to earn a share of the NCCC championship this week. Granby concluded its league campaign at 14-2 to clinch a piece of the title. Ellington (15-3, 13-2 NCCC) can earned a share of the championship with a win over Canton on Tuesday, May 25. Suffield (14-4, 13-2) has its chance to grab a share with a win over Enfield on Monday, May 24.
Canton needs to beat East Granby (Monday, May 24) and Ellington to earn the fourth seed in the NCCC Tournament. Somers needs to beat Windsor Locks on Monday. If both teams finish 12-4 in the league, Canton will probably get in for scoring more runs. The top four teams in the league qualify for the NCCC softball tournament on Saturday, May 29 in Windsor Locks.
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