The Branford Hornets’ fall ball softball team recently repeated as champions in the 2017 Shoreline Sting Fall Ball League. After last year’s squad won it all, this year’s team had thoughts of etching its place in Branford softball history, and did so with a few big victories at Coginchaug High School in Durham on Oct. 28.

Branford’s two starting pitchers, Jillian Cofrancesco and Marzia Johnson, both turned in incredible performances to help the Hornets take the league title. The two pitchers combined for eight innings of work, allowing no runs, three hits, and three walks to go with 11 strikeouts in their two victories. The Hornets’ defense was crisp, as well, by committing no errors between the two games. Branford’s offense received some major contributions and scored 28 runs in eight innings played. Adrianna Franceshi and Johnson combined for two doubles, one triple, and three home runs to spearhead the Hornets’ offensive flurry.

“Before the games started, both Jillian and Marzia were going through their warmups. At the end, I asked them what was working and what wasn’t working for them, and they both told me all their pitches were working. That has not been the norm this season, but I thought to myself, ‘OK, let’s see what happens when the games begin.’” Coach Tom Cofrancesco said. “Once they started pitching, I knew something good was going on. Jillian and Marzia were both throwing first-pitch strikes, then mixing in their drop, rise, and changeups after getting ahead in the count and, on top of that, they were both working the inside and outside part of the plate with consistency. It was amazing to watch.”

The Hornets’ roster consisted of Jade Bocciarelli, Ellie Burger, Jillian Cofrancesco, Assunta Colleta, Adrianna Franceshi, Caroline Johnson, Marzia Johnson, Paige Kelly, Adrianna Ramos, Hailey Seay, and Sophia Warfield. Head Coach Tom Cofrancesco was assisted b coaches Mark Johnson and Rick Kelly, as well as Danielle Folk, who served as the bench mom and bookkeeper. Kennedy House was Branford’s honorary team captain.

“The coaches and I are very proud of these kids,” said Coach Cofrancesco. “A lot of hard work and time went into this all summer long, and it certainly paid off for them [in the two victories].”

Information courtesy of Tom Cofranceso