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05/15/2022 12:00 AMThe Guilford softball team continued its red-hot play by recording shutout victories in all three of its ballgames last week. The Grizzlies have now won 12 games in a row and are sporting an overall record of 14-2 for the season.
Guilford posted shutouts over Branford, Morgan, and Hand in last week’s action. Head Coach Meghan Wiese said that two factors have been the key to her team’s success this spring.
“We have shown resilience and composure in some key matchups. We were down by four in the top of seventh against East Lyme [on April 27], and to come back to win the game in the eighth shows that these girls will not give up and that they believe in themselves and each other,” Coach Wiese said. “Beating Cheshire [the next day] continued our momentum. To beat a program like Cheshire gives you a boost of confidence.”
Guilford started off last week by notching a 3-0 home victory against Branford on May 9. Sophomore Adrianna Piascik pitched a complete game shutout with a season-high 10 strikeouts to earn her third win of the year for the Grizzlies.
“We played Branford the other day, and their pitcher pitched a great game. After our first time through the lineup, we made certain adjustments at the plate and were able to make things happen,” said Wiese. “We need to play solid defense behind our pitchers and put the ball in play at the plate. Getting our runners in scoring position puts pressure on the defense and, if we can make something happen, then we can get momentum going.
“Just like most teams we feed off momentum, but we need to keep our energy up despite how the game is going, making adjustments where and when we need to in a game situation,” Wiese continued.
Two days later, the Grizzlies hosted non-conference opponent Morgan and blanked the Huskies by a 15-0 score in 5 innings. Sophomore Sophia Meade allowed just 1 hit and struck out 6 hitters in 4 innings pitched to get the win. Piasick pitched the final inning to finish off the victory.
Junior Charlotte Martocci went 2-for-3 with a double, 4 runs scored, and 4 RBI; while freshman Ella Munson was 2-for-2 with a double, 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI to lead the Grizzlies’ offense. Senior captain Allie Petonito and sophomore Addie Smith both hit home runs in the contest. Junior Sam Green scored 3 runs for Coach Wiese’s squad.
“There isn’t one game where someone doesn’t step up. If someone is struggling at the plate, then someone else is there. It’s been a solid team effort,” Wiese said. “Senior captain Allie Petonito continues to lead the team on and off the field. Our battery of Sophia Meade and Addison Smith mesh well together. Meade has been impressive in the circle, accumulating 130 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched. Addison Smith is a threat behind and at the plate. She has six home runs on the year, and I don’t see her slowing down any time soon.”
Then on May 13, Guilford played a road game versus Hand and posted a 6-0 shutout to close out the week. Meade threw a complete-game 1-hitter with 13 strikeouts to lead the Grizzlies to the win. Meade and Addie Smith each had 2 hits to pace the Guilford offense. One of Smith’s hits was a solo homer in the sixth. Senior Maddy Smith added a double to the Grizzlies’ box score.
“To win three games by shutout this week was incredible. Our win streak now sits at 12 games, and we’re looking forward to closing out the season on a high note,” said Wiese. “We want to continue to take each game one at a time. We can’t focus a week in advance. We need to play in the moment. It’s exciting what we have accomplished and what awaits this team.”
Guilford’s roster for the 2022 season includes senior captain Allie Petonito; seniors Maddy Smith and Ava Singelton; juniors Charlotte Martocci, Sami Green, Sophia Stanger, Eva Riga, and Sophia Verme; sophomores Olivia Pionke, Marley Falcone, Sadie Iozzia, Adrianna Piascik, Sophia Meade, Sofia Cuozzo, and Addie Smith; and freshmen Shay Hendrickson, Ella Munson and Leanne Petonito.
“This group of girls have been nothing but a joy to be around. They respect and support one another,” Coach Wiese said. “They deserve all the credit this season, and their hard work is paying off. This team is one that I will always look back on and simply just smile.”