Spring Season
Westies look to improve on last season
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(March 27, 2018) - Nine months have passed since the West Haven softball team last took the field. While the season ended in disappointment with a second-round loss to Norwich Free Academy in the Class LL state tournament, there were major steps taken in 2017.
The Westies advanced to the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament before losing in heart-breaking fashion to North Haven. West Haven then upset Norwalk in the opening round of the state tournament, before the loss to NFA ended the season with a 15-8 record.
West Haven will not be resting on its laurels. Instead, head coach Joe Morrell and his squad are looking to take everything one step further in 2018, looking to better all the accomplishments of a year ago.
“We want to qualify for the state tournament and the SCC tournament,” Morrell said as he enters his fourth year at the helm of the Westies. “We want to get to the second round of the SCC tournament and the third round of the state tournament. We want to be better than last year. We want that every year.”
If the Westies are to improve over last year, they have plenty of familiar faces in place to do so. Any team which wants to go deep in the postseason needs to be solid up the middle and the Westies are.
Softball is a game of pitching and West Haven has two players with experience, including junior Kasey Marron and sophomore Ivy Santos. Both Marron and Santos saw plenty of action last year and each will do the same in 2018.
Behind the plate is senior captain and power hitting Makenna White, who has been a main stay behind the plate since Morrell came aboard. With the battery sporting a solid group, the middle of the field also looks to be solid with junior Ashlynn O’Keefe anchoring the outfield in center, and junior Veronica Lynn leading the infield at short.
With just a week before the regular season is set to begin, the lone middle spot in the field Morrell has to decide on is at second base where sophomore Brianna Sebastian and senior Cassandra Thibodeau will compete for the spot.
“We have to make all the plays we are supposed to make especially when you are facing good pitching,” Morrell said. “We can’t give away outs. We need to have good pitching, make the plays, and get timely hitting. Defense is our number one goal. We are asking the girls to be perfect out there. We can’t settle for anything but that. We will get better as we go on.”
Morrell’s squad looks to be solid defensively with either Marron or Santos at first base when not pitching, junior Kailey Carrano at third, sophomore Dianesse Rodriguez in left, and a solid transfer from Arizona, junior Morgan Peryer in right.
While the defense looks to be solid, Morrell is also looking to have an offense which can put some runs on the board any way possible, including the use of small ball.
“I like the way we have been hitting the ball,” Morrell said. “We have hit the ball well so far in our scrimmages.”
Kasey Marron will look to lead the offense from the top of the order, with Lynn, Kailey Carrano, White and Santos to follow in what looks to be a strong part of the order. Peryer is a lefty slap hitter, and O’Keefe is also quick, giving the Westies another dimension on offense.
West Haven opens the season at home against O’Brien Tech, Monday April 2 at 3:45 p.m. Heading into the regular season, the Westies and all teams had to contend with the cold weather to get scrimmages in, which the Westies have done thus far.
“It is hard with the weather,” Morrell said. “We had to cancel the other day. It was too cold. It makes it tough in the gym, especially the outfielders not seeing the ball off the bat. We have been fortunate to get outside three times already in scrimmages.”
Morrell will also have depth to utilize. Freshmen Giavanna Perkins and Neve Krajcir will add to the team with Perkins having catching experience, and Krajcir pitching and playing first base. Senior Michelle Madar can also play the outfield.
Heartbreaker
SHA tops Westies 1-0 in final at bat
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 7, 2018) - The wait is finally over, but the West Haven softball team hoped for better results to open the season. With inclement weather delaying the start of the campaign, the Westies finally got started Saturday afternoon against Sacred Heart Academy.
Despite playing well, the Westies fell to Sacred Heart Academy 1-0 as the Sharks scored in their final at bat at Albertus Magnus College.
"It was a pitching duel," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "Both pitchers pitched very well. They were able to squeak out a run in the bottom of the seventh. It is a tough opening game loss."
Abby McDonald’s walk-off run-scoring single to score Kyleen Crowe in the bottom of the seventh inning was all Sacred Heart Academy needed to top the Westies.
In a game matching stellar pitchers, Bernadette Kingsbury struck out 10 for the Sharks, while West Haven's Ivy Santos struck out six.
West Haven managed just three hits in the games, singles by Veronica Lynn and Ivy Santos, and a double by Makenna White.
Lynn singled in the first, but was erased on a ground out, before West Haven threatened in the second.
Santos lined a single to right with one out, Dianesse Rodriguez walked, and each advanced on a sacrifice by Cassandra Thibodeau. The Westies did not score as Ashlynn O'Keefe struck out to end the frame.
West Haven's best opportunity came in the fourth as White led off with a double, but Kingsbury struck out the next three batters to end the threat.
After the Westies threw a Sacred Heart Academy runner out at the plate to end a fifth inning threat, White walked with two outs in the sixth but was left stranded.
The Westies went quietly in the seventh, before Crowe singled with one out in the bottom of the seventh for the Sharks. With two outs and Crowe on third, McDonald singled to drive in the winning run for the Sharks.
Westies crush Oxford
WH cruises to 15-1 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 9, 2018) - The West Haven softball team did not have much time to ponder a season-opening loss to sacred Heart Academy. Just 48 hours later, the Westies were back on the field with a road contest against Oxford.
Behind an 18-hit attack, and taking advantage of four Oxford errors, West Haven rolled to a 15-1 victory Monday afternoon in Oxford.
Makenna White and the Westies rolled to a 15-1 victory over Oxford, April 9, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We came out swinging," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "That is something we have been working on all preseason. We want to get the bats going early and we did. Ivy (Santos) pitched another great game. We gave her some early run support and we only committed one error in the game."
The Westies took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, adding two more runs in each of the third and fourth innings, before blowing the game open with six more in the sixth.
Kailey Carrano led the offense with four hits and three runs scored, while Ivy Santos had three hits, three runs batted in, and four runs scored. Ashlynn O'Keefe also had four hits in the win.
Santos was equally impressive in the pitching circle as she tossed a complete game, allowing eight hits and one run, while striking out seven and walking two.
Ivy Santos and the Westies topped Oxford, April 9, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Veronica Lynn started the first inning rally with a one-out single to center, Makenna White hit a two-out single to left, and Santos delivered both with a single to right.
West Haven increased its lead to 4-0 with two more runs in the third inning. With one out, Carrano singled to left, Santos hit a two-out single to left, and Morgan Peryer's single, coupled with an Oxford error scored Carrano and Santos.
After Oxford stranded two in the third, West Haven increased its lead to 6-0 in the fourth. O'Keefe opened with a single and she would score later in the inning with Kasey Marron.
Cassandra Thibodeau singled to score Santos in the fifth, before West Haven increased the margin to 13-0 with six runs in the sixth.
With one out, Kailey Carrano doubled to left, White singled, and Santos reached on an error to score Carrano. Peryer walked to load the bases, Dianesse Rodriguez reached on an error to score White and Santos, before Thibodeau doubled to score Peryer and Rodriguez for a 12-0 lead. Thibodeau scored later in the inning on a ground out by Kasey Marron.
Thibodeau and Peryer also finished with three runs batted in apiece, and White scored twice.
Westies hold off Law
WH improves to 2-1 with 9-7 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 11, 2018) - After opening the season with a gut-wrenching loss to Sacred Heart Academy, the West Haven softball team could have gone one of two ways despite how early the season is.
The Westies have chosen to move forward.
Jumping out to a seven-run lead, West Haven held on to defeat Jonathan Law 9-7 in Milford Wednesday afternoon. With its second straight win, West Haven improved to 2-1 on the year.
West Haven topped Law, April 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Dianesse Rodriguez led West Haven with three hits, two runs batted in,and two runs scored. Ashlynn O'Keefe added three bunt singles and scored three times, while Makenna White added two hits and drove in a run, and Kasey Marron singled and drove in a pair.
Cali Jolley led Law with three hits.
Cassandra Thibodeau makes a play as West Haven topped Law, April 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies scored in every inning and took a 7-0 lead after scoring twice in the top of the fifth. Law did not go away, scoring six times in the bottom half of the inning to get within a run, but West Haven used single tallies in the sixth and seventh innings to hold on for the win.
Hamden rallies past Westies
Green Dragons post walk-off in win over WH
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 14, 2018) - After winning two straight games to erase a tough loss to open the season, the West Haven softball team was on the verge of feeling good with its third straight victory. Hamden had other ideas.
Scoring four times in the sixth to even the game and another in the seventh, Hamden rallied to defeat West Haven 6-5 Saturday morning in Hamden.
Veronica Lynn led the offense with three hits and one run scored, while Kasey Marron and Ashlynn O'Keefe each had a pair of hits. Makenna White added one hit and scored a run in the loss.
Ivy Santos went the distance for West Haven, tossing 6 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs, striking out 11 and walking five.
West Haven (2-2) looked to be on its way to a third consecutive victory, scoring twice in each of the first and fifth innings, and another in the sixth for a 5-1 lead.
Lynn started the first inning rally with a single to center and scored on a double by Kailey Carrano. After White walked, Morgan Peryer singled to third, scoring Carrano for a 2-0 lead.
Lynn singled, but was left stranded in the second, Santos doubled with one out in the third, but was stranded, and Marron doubled and Lynn singled in the fourth to put runners on the corners, but West Haven could not score.
White started the fifth inning rally by reaching on an error, Santos and Peryer walked to load the bases, before Dianesse Rodriguez walked for a 3-1 lead. O'Keefe's bunt single scored Peryer for a 4-1 advantage.
West Haven looked as if it tacked on an insurance run in the sixth when White homered to left, but Hamden rallied in the bottom of the inning to even the contest.
With twp outs, Hamden used a two-run double, and two more two-out hits to even the game at five.
After West Haven stranded a runner in the seventh, Hamden used another two-out hit to deliver the winning run.
White leads Westies past O'Brien
WH posts 17-1 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 14, 2018) - The West Haven softball team needed to wait three days since suffering a gut-wrenching defeat against Hamden. The wait was worth it.
Scoring nine times in the first inning, West Haven rolled to a 17-1 victory over O'Brien Tech Tuesday afternoon at Biondi Field in West Haven. With the win, West Haven improved to 3-2 on the year.
Makenna White against O'Brien Tech, April 17, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Makenna White led the Westies' 17-hit attack with three hits, five runs batted in, and a run scored. Kasey Marron, Brianna Sebastian, Kailey Carrano, Ivy Santos, and Cassandra Thibodeau each added a pair of hits. Santos drove in three runs and Thibodeau knocked in a pair.
Marron pitched three innings to pick up the win, allowing one hit and striking out five.
West Haven scored all the runs it needed in the first inning. Marron led off with a single to short, Carrano hit a one-out single to third, and White doubled to left for a 2-0 lead.
West Haven received stellar pitching against O'Brien Tech, April 17, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After Ivy Santos and Morgan Peryer walked to load the bases, Dianesse Rodriguez walked to force in White. Thibodeau followed with a double to center, scoring Santos and Peryer for a 5-0 advantage, and Michelle Madar walked to load the bases. After Marron hit into a fielder's choice to score Rodriguerz, Lynn singled, and Thibodeau scored on an error on the play. Carrano walked to load the bases, before White singled, scoring Marron and Lynn for a 9-0 lead.
The Westies increased the lead to 10-0 in the second as Santos led off with a double and scored on a single to center by Madar.
The lead increased to 12-0 in the third as Sebastian doubled to right and scored on Carrano's double to center. After White singled to put runners on the corners, Santos delivered Carrano with a sacrifice fly to center.
Westies fall to North Haven
North Haven wins 6-3
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 18, 2018) - After a thorough thumping for a win on Tuesday, the West Haven softball team had to like its chances a day later.
Held to just six hits in the game, West Haven fell to North Haven 6-3 in North Haven.
The Westies (3-3) scored all three of their runs in the seventh.
Ashlynn O'Keefe reached on an error and Kasey Marron reached on a one -out error. With two outs, and Veronica Lynn reaching on a fielder' s choice to score O'Keefe, West Haven had life. Carrano followed with a homer, but West Haven could not get closer.
North Haven scored twice in the second, and two more times in each of the fourth and fifth innings for a 6-0 lead.
The Westies had an opportunity to score in the second when Morgan Peryer singled with one out to put a pair of runners on, and Dianesse Rodriguez walked one batter later to load the bases. All were left stranded as a pair of strikeouts ended the inning.
Marron led off the third with a single, but was left stranded, and Rodriguez had a two-out single in the fourth but could not advance as well. West Haven put a pair of runners on in the sixth with two outs, but again could not get the clutch hit.
East blanks West
Yellowjackets top WH 2-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 21, 2018) - The West Haven softball team lost its second straight contest with a 2-0 decision at East Haven Friday afternoon. With the loss, West Haven fell to 3-4 on the year.
Despite getting nine hits, the Westies could not get on the scoreboard. Makenna White led the Westies with three hits, while Ivy Santos and Morgan Peryer each had two hits.
Kasey Marron went the distance for West Haven, allowing nine hits and one earned run.
West Haven had its chances to score, but could not capitalize. Kailey Carrano and White each singled in the first, but were left stranded.
In the second, Peryer singled, but was stranded, while Veronica Lynn walked, but was erased on a double play in the third.
White and Santos opened the fourth with singles and advanced on a passed ball, but a strikeout, fielder's choice and ground out ended the threat.
Lynn singled in the fifth, but went no further, before White and Santos opened the sixth with singles, but did not come around to score.
Skid Over
Westies blank Hornets
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 23, 2018) - The West Haven softball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 17-0 victory over Branford Monday afternoon in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule. The road victory improved West Haven's record to 4-4 on the season.
Veronica Lynn, Kailey Carrano, Makenna White, Morgan Peryer, and Ashlynn O'Keefe led a 12-hit attack with two hits apiece. Kasey Marron and O'Keefe each scored four times, while Carrano drove in five runs, Lynn knocked in three, and White and Peryer each drove in a pair.
Ivy Santos went the distance for West Haven, allowing three hits, walking one and striking out six.
The Westies jumped out to an early lead with four runs in the fourth, two more in the second, four in the third, and six in the fourth.
Marron led off the game with a walk and scored on a triple by Carrano. White singled to score Carrano, and a triple by Santos scored White. When Peryer grounded out to score Santos, West Haven led 4-0.
The Westies took a 6-0 lead in the second as O'Keefe walked with one out, Marron reached on an error, and O'Keefe scored on a wild pitch. White's singled to score Marron for the 6-0 advantage.
The Westies kept on rolling to take a 10-0 lead in the third. Dianesse Rodriguez led off with a walk, and later scored along with O'Keefe on a single by Lynn. Carrano reached on an error to score Marron and Lynn for the final runs of the inning.
Upper Hand
Tigers top Westies 5-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 24, 2018) - When reviewing the 2018 season thus far, one factor the West Haven softball team is still searching for is consistency. After snapping a two-game losing streak, the Westies were hoping to get on a roll.
The Westies could not continue their winning ways. Traveling to Madison, West Haven could not generate its offense and fell to the Hand-Madison 5-1. With the loss, West Haven fell to 4-5 on the season.
To beat any team, let alone a solid team like Hand, miscues have to be at a minimum. That was not the case Tuesday afternoon as the Westies made two errors and allowed four unearned runs.
Kasey Marron started and took the loss, allowing three hits and two runs, none of which were earned. Marron did not walk a batter and struck out five.
Ivy Santos finished the contest, allowing three runs, one of which was earned, on four hits, while walking one and striking out three.
The Westies were held to just four hits in the game, with Makenna White picking up two, and Veronica Lynn and Neve Krajcir each picking up one.
With Hand leading 2-0 after one inning, White led off the second with a single, but was left stranded as the next three batters struck out.
Lynn led off the fourth with a single and stole second, but was also left stranded. Down 3-0 in the fifth, Krajcir singled with two outs, but was erased on a ground out.
Lynn walked in the sixth, moved to second on a ground out by Kailey Carrano, and scored on White's single to center.
Sharks rally past Westies
WH loses second in row
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 26, 2018) - Looking to get back to the .500 mark, the West Haven softball team was in a good position to do so. Unfortunately for the Westies, they could not close the deal.
Scoring twice in each of the fifth and seventh innings, Sacred Heart Academy rallied to top West Haven 4-1 at Biondi Field in West Haven Thursday evening. With the loss, West Haven fell to 4-6 on the year.
Veronica Lynn and West Haven fell to Sacred Heart Academy, April 26, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After stranding a runner in scoring position in the second, West Haven took a 1-0 lead in the third. Morgan Peryer led off the inning by reaching on an error, moved to second on a sacrifice by Ashlynn O'Keefe, and scored when Kailey Carrano reached on an error.
West Haven stranded a runner on base in the fourth, could not advance Kasey Marron who singled n the sixth, and had two on in the seventh, but could not score.
O'Keefe reached on an error to start the seventh, Carrano singled with one out to put a pair of runners on, but the Westies could not bring in the tying run.
Carrano, Ivy Santos, Marron, and Dianesse Rodriguez picked up the West Haven hits.
Santos tossed a complete game, allowing six hits, two earned runs and two walks, while striking out three.
West Haven celebrates its win against Norwalk, May 29, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Ivy Santos pitches against Norwalk, May 29, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven against Norwalk, May 29, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Veronica Lynn against E.O. Smith, May 30, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven fell against E.O. Smith, May 30, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
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Westies thump Hillhouse
WH improves to 5-6 with 19-0 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 1, 2018) - The West Haven softball team snapped its brief two-game losing skid with a 19-0 victory over Hillhouse in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule at Hillhouse Tuesday afternoon.
The win allowed the Westies to improve to 5-6 on the year.
West Haven cruised to a 19-0 win over Hillhouse, May 1, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven put the game away early with four runs in the first, seven in the second, six more in the third and two in the fourth.
West Haven cruised to a 19-0 win over Hillhouse, May 1, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Veronica Lynn led the Westies with three hits, three runs scored and one run batted in, while Ashlynn O'Keefe, Kailey Carrano, Ivy Santos, and Kasey Marron each had a pair of hits. Carrano drove in three runs and scored twice, O'Keefe drove in two and scored once, Santos knocked in a pair and scored three times, while Makenna White had one hit and scored three runs.
West Haven took a 4-0 lead in the first inning as Lynn and Carrano walked with one out, and White reached on an error to score Lynn. Santos singled to score Carrano, White scored on a passed ball, and Santos scored on an error.
West Haven put the game away with seven runs in the second inning. Lynn singled with one out and Carrano followed with a homer to left. White singled and scored when Santos reached on a fielder's choice, Dianesse Rodriguez and Cassandra Thibodeau walked to load the bases, and Michelle Madar singled to score Rodriguez, after Santos had scored on a passed ball. Thibodeau scored on O'Keefe's single, and Madar scored on an error,
Law squeaks by Westies
WH falls to 5-7 with 6-3 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 2, 2018) - The West Haven softball team is looking to play in the postseason once again. Needing three more wins to qualify, West Haven was hoping to take a step in the right direction Wednesday evening.
Instead, the Westies could not capitalize and fell to Jonathan Law 6-3 in eight innings at Piurek Field in West Haven. With the loss, West Haven fell to 5-7 on the year.
West Haven fell to Jonathan Law, May 2, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven's defense committed five errors, leading to five unearned runs in the contest. Ivy Santos felt the affects as she went the distance, allowing six runs on seven hits, while walking four and striking out five.
The Westies also had seven hits, but Law did not commit an error in the contest. Morgan Peryer led the way with two hits and three runs batted in.
Trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning, West Haven rallied to even the game. With one out, Santos doubled to center, and Dianesse Rodriguez singled to put runners on the corners with two outs.
After Brianna Sebastian walked to load the bases, Peryer tripled to right to clear the bases and even the game at three.
West Haven fell to Jonathan Law, May 2, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies had opportunities, but could not cash in. Veronica Lynn singled to lead off the fifth, but was stranded at second.
Peryer led off the seventh with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice by Ashlynn O'Keefe and third on a fly out by Lynn, but did not score as Kailey Carrano popped out to end the threat.
Law scored three times in the eighth with two outs. A run-scoring double by Ally Stein, and a two-run triple by Erica Boehm were the big hits in the inning.
West Haven had runners on base in the first three innings, but could not capitalize as Law took a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning.
Westies blast Hamden
Lynn, Carrano lead way in 17-5 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 3, 2018) - The West Haven softball team won its second contest in three games with a 17-5 decision over Hamden Thursday evening at Piurek Field in West Haven. With the victory, West Haven improved to 6-7 on the year.
Ivy Santos and West Haven topped Hamden, May 3, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies pounded 18 hits n the victory, including four apiece from Veronica Lynn and Morgan Peryer, and three from Ivy Santos. Kailey Carrano had two hits, scored three times, and drove in five runs, while Lynn drove in four runs and scored three, and Peryer drove in three runs and scored four.
Ivy Santos finished with three hits, Makenna White and Kailey Carrano each had two, and Santos drove in a pair.
Kasey Marron went the distance for West Haven, allowing four earned runs and striking out five.
Trailing 1-0 in the first, West Haven answered with a pair as Ashlynn O'Keefe walked and scored on a triple by Lynn. Carrano gave the Westies a 2-1 lead when her sacrifice fly scored Lynn.
West Haven topped Hamden, May 3, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Peryer singled in the second to score Dianesse Rodriguez for a 3-1 lead, and Carrano's double gave West Haven a 5-1 lead
The Westies put the game away with seven runs in the third. Peryer had a run-scoring double, Lynn added a run-scoring single, and an error scored two more.
Lynn leads Westies
WH tops Hopkinton 9-2
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 5, 2018) - Since falling two games under .500, the West Haven bats have awakened. A thorough win over Hamden was followed with another impressive win Saturday afternoon.
Behind four hits and two runs batted in for Veronica Lynn, West Haven topped Hopkinton, Mass. 9-2 on the road. Kailey Carrano added three hits and drove in three runs, while Dianesse Rodriguez had a pair of hits and scored twice as well.
Kasey Marron tossed four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out five. Ivy Santos did not allow a hit in three innings of work, walking one and striking out five.
West Haven (7-7) jumped out of the gates quickly, taking a 3-0 lead after one, 5-0 after two, and 8-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth.
Ashlynn O'Keefe got things started for West Haven in the first wen she reached on an error, Lynn followed with a single, and Carrano doubled to score a pair. Rodriguez singled with two outs to score Carrano for a 3-0 lead.
O'Keefe again started the rally in the second with a one-out single, before Lynn homered to center for a 5-0 advantage.
Lynn opened the fourth with a single, and Santos hit a two-out homer to left to increase the margin to eight runs.
Upper Hand
Tigers cruise to 14-0 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 7, 2018) - The West Haven softball team knew it was in for a tough test against Hand-Madison Monday evening. The Westies had no answers for the Tigers.
Behind a 16-hit attack, and taking advantage of three West Haven errors, Hand easily defeated West Haven 14-0 at Biondi Field in West Haven.
West Haven fell to Hand, May 7, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies (7-8) only managed three hits in the game, coming from Ashlynn O'Keefe, Veronica Lynn and Makenna White.
The Tigers scored single runs in the first and second innings and never looked back. Hand added four more runs in the third, and put the game away with two more in the sixth.
West Haven fell to Hand, May 7, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After the first nine Westies went down in order, O'Keefe opened the fourth with a single, but was left stranded.
Lynn opened the seventh with a single, and White singled one out later, but the Westies could not push a run across.
Indians blank Westies
WH drops second straight
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 8, 2018) - The last two games have been anything but kind to the West Haven softball team. With the bats going silent, the Westies have been outscored by 19 runs in that span.
The latest contest came Tuesday evening when North Haven blanked the Westies 5-0 at Piurek Field in West Haven. The loss was West Haven's second straight and dropped the team to 7-9.
West Haven had only four hits in the game, with Makenna White leading the way with two, and Ashlynn O'Keefe and Morgan Peryer each having one apiece.
With the game scoreless, White singled to lead off the second, advanced to second on a sacrifice by Peryer, but a pair of strikeouts ended the inning.
North Haven took a 4-0 lead in the third, before O'Keefe singled with two outs in the bottom of the inning but was left stranded.
West Haven's best threat came in the fourth as White reached on an error, and Peryer singled, but a grounder and a strikeout ended the frame.
Brianna Sebastian walked with two outs in the fifth, White singled in the sixth, and Sebastian reached by way of walk in the seventh, but all were left stranded.
Postseason Bound
WH tops EH to qualify
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 10, 2018) - Having been shut out the last two games, the West Haven softball team was looking for a spark. That spark could not have come at a better time.
Scoring twice in the bottom of the seventh inning, West Haven rallied to top East Haven 5-4 at Biondi Field in West Haven Thursday evening. With the win, West Haven snapped a two-game losing streak, improved to 8-9 on the year, and qualified for the postseason.
West Haven celebrates after its post-season clinching victory against East Haven, May 10, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Veronica Lynn led West Haven with four hits, one run scored and one run batted in, and Ashlynn O'Keefe had two hits and two runs scored. Both were part of the last inning rally.
West Haven trailed 4-3 before O'Keefe led off the seventh with a bunt single, and Lynn tripled to right to plate O'Keefe with the tying run. After Kailey Carrano and Makenna White were intentionally walked to load the bases, Morgan Peryer singled to center, scoring Lynn, and sending West Haven to the postseason.
Veronica Lynn delivers the game-tying triple in the seventh inning against East Haven, May 10, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when White led off with a double to center, Peryer grounded out to advance White to third, and Ivy Santos grounded to third to score White.
East Haven took a 2-1 lead in the third on Jessica Stettinger's two-run homer, but the Westies evened the game in the bottom of the inning with a two-out rally. O'Keefe, Lynn and Carrano singled with two outs to plate O'Keefe for a 2-2 tie.
East Haven took advantage of a West Haven error to score twice in the fifth for a 4-2 lead, but West Haven chipped away in the bottom of the inning. Brianna Sebastian led off with a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice, third on a single by Lynn, and scored on an error.
Santos went the distance, allowing two earned runs on nine hits, while walking two and striking out five.
Westies thump Branford
WH posts 10-1 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 14, 2018) - Less than a week after rallying to qualify for the postseason, the West Haven softball team is already looking to improve its state tournament seeding. Capitalizing on seven Branford errors, West Haven rolled to a 10-1 victory over Branford Monday evening at Biondi Field in West Haven.
The Westies (9-9) managed only five hits in the contests, but scored twice in each of the second, third, and sixth innings, along with four times in the fourth to post the lop-sided victory.
West Haven topped Branford, May 14, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Ivy Santos was stellar in the pitching circle, allowing one unearned run on three hits, while walking one and striking out seven in a complete game effort.
Santos also led the offense with two hits, two runs scored, and one run batted in. Kasy Marron drove in two runs, while Kailey Carrano, Makenna White, and Morgan Peryer each scored twice. The Westies also drew seven walks in the contest, with Veronica Lynn and Carrano gaining two free passes apiece.
West Haven took a 2-0 lead in the second as Peryer reached on an error to lead off the inning, Santos singled to center, and Marron walked to load the bases. Peryer scored the first run on a wild pitch, and Santos scored on a sacrifice fly by Ashlynn O'Keefe.
Makenna White (15) and West Haven topped Branford, May 14, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies increased the margin to 4-0 in the third inning with two more runs. Carrano walked, and Santos hit a two-out single to score Carrano. Marron singled later in the inning to score Santos for a 4-0 lead.
West Haven put the game away in the fourth inning with four more runs for an 8-0 advantage.
O'Keefe was hit by a pitch with one out, Lynn walked, Carrano walked to load the bases, and White singled to score O'Keefe. Lynn and Carrano scored on an error, and Peryer singled to score White for an 8-0 advantage.
Marron delivered White with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, before Peryer scored on Michelle Madar's grounder for a 10-0 advantage.
Westies sweep Doubleheader
WH tops Darien and Hillhouse
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 23, 2018) - West Haven coach Joe Morrell could not have drafted a better script. Looking to ride into the postseason with a little momentum, Morrell and his team did exactly that, sweeping a doubleheader over Darien and Hillhouse as part of "Pam Strong" contest against the Blue Wave and Senior Night against Hillhouse Wednesday evening at Biondi Field in West Haven.
The Westies opened the day in support of school principal Pam Gardner, who is battling stomach cancer, with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Darien, then blanked Hillhouse 16-0 on Senior Night. With the two victories, West Haven closed the regular season with four straight wins and an 11-9 record.
The West Haven softball team takes a photo with principal Pam Strong after its victory over Darien, May 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Trailing 5-3 against the Blue Wave, West Haven rallied, then won the contest with a run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
With one out, Morgan Peryer singled to center and Ivy Santos singled to short. After Peryer was caught stealing, Kasey Marron doubled to right to score Santos for the victory.
West Haven celebrates its victory over Darien, May 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven took an early lead in the first inning against Darien, scoring twice for a 2-0 advantage.
Ashlynn O'Keefe led off with a single, moved to second on a ground out by Veronica Lynn, and scored on Kailey Carrano's double. Carrano scored when Peryer tripled to center.
The Westies increased the lead to 3-0 in the second as Brianna Sebastian was hit by a pitch with two outs, and scored on a double to right by O'Keefe.
Darien took a 5-3 lead in the third with a two-out rally. Trailing 6-3 in the fifth, West Haven started its comeback.
Lynn, Carrano and Makenna White singled to score one run, and a ground out by Santos got West Haven within 6-5. When Marron reached on an error, West Haven evened the game at six.
Carrano led the offense with four hits, two runs scored, and a run batted in. O'Keefe, Lynn, and Peryer each added a pair of hits.
The Westies capped the regular season with a thorough defeat over Hillhouse. Scoring ten times in the second inning, West Haven cruised to a 16-0 win in a game stopped after five innings due to the mercy rule.
Michelle Madar led the offense with two hits, five runs batted in, and a run scored, while Santos and Peryer each drove in two runs. Marron scored four times, and White and O'Keefe each scored twice.
Marron also pitched three shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight.
Leading 1-0, West Haven put the game away with ten runs in the second inning. Marron and Cassandra Thibodeau opened with walks, and both scored on a double by Michelle Madar.
After O'Keefe reached on an error, Lynn doubled for the third run of the inning. Carrano walked, White reached on an error to score Lynn, and Peryer singled to score Carrano.
A double to center by Santos plated White and Peryer for a 9-0 lead, and Madar singled later in the inning to score Santos.
Westies win State Opener
WH tops Norwalk 4-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 30, 2018) - With just about a week off since the last time it played, the West Haven softball team was ready for the postseason to begin. The Westies again traveled to Norwalk, and again the results were the same.
Read about West Haven's postseason victory over Norwalk at GameTimeCT.
Season Over
WH falls to E.O. Smith in Class LL second round
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 31, 2018) - The opportunities were there. The results were not.
Traveling to play fourth-seeded E.O. Smith, No. 20 West Haven could not capitalize on its opportunities and fell 5-3 in the second round of the Class LL state tournament Wednesday afternoon.
The Westies had six hits in the game, with Veronica Lynn and Makenna White leading the way with two hits apiece as West Haven finished the season 12-10.
Ivy Santos went 3 1/3 innings, allowing six hits, four runs, three earned, while walking five and striking out three. Kasey Marron finished the contest, throwing 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run, while walking one.
West Haven took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Lynn, who played valiantly in the postseason with a knee injury, singled with one out. Lynn scored the first run of the game on White's two-out single to center.
The Westies increased the lead to 2-0 in the second as Marron reached on a one-out error, moved to third when Dianesse Rodriguez bunted and reached on another error, and scored on a ground out by Brianna Sebastian.
West Haven could not hold on to the lead as E.O. Smith scored single runs in the second and third innings to tie the contest, before adding two more in the fourth for a 4-2 advantage.
The Westies went down in order the next two innings, before Lynn tripled with two outs in the fifth. Lynn went no further as Kailey Carrano grounded out to end the threat.
West Haven got within 4-3 in the sixth as White led off with a double, moved to third on Morgan Peryer's single, and scored when Marron singled. With two outs and Marron on, Rodriguez grounded out to end the frame.
E.O. Smith added a run in the sixth for a 5-3 lead, leaving West Haven three outs from the end of its season.
Neve Krajcir led off the seventh with a walk and Lynn drew a one-out walk to put a pair of runners on with one out. After Carrano popped out, White was intentionally walked to load the bases.
Peryer laced a shot to right but the ball was snared and the season ended for the Westies.
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SOFTBALL 2018
All-State Players - Stacey Dixon '93; Tammy Hackley '93; Kim DeMayo '94; Angelina Sousa '94; Shannon Curren '95; Laurie DelGrego '98; Liz Vaccino '98; Lindsay Connor '03; Vicci Duane '04; Krystle Denny '04; Shannon Connor '09, '10; Elaina Maio '10; Joanna Fekieta '11; Camdyn Morgillo '13; Kial Watts '15
Retired Numbers - Tammy Hackley (Class of 1993) #13