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08/16/2023 06:16 AMIn more ways than one, it’s been an unforgettable summer for the Guilford softball 10u All-Stars. Not only did they claim the first state title in Guilford Little League softball history, but they also made a mark on an even bigger stage.
As if competing against some of Connecticut’s best competition wasn’t impressive enough, the team took it a step further by reaching the regional tournament after a season full of hard work and dedication to the game.
“These kids are going to remember this for the rest of their lives,” Head Coach Andrea Klein said. “It’s not just about the game or the score, it’s about the experience.”
The team, comprised of a dozen players from the Guilford Parks and Recreation League, had 11 representatives at the regional tournament in Mountain Top, Pa. Guilford put forth a strong showing, reaching the tournament semifinals.
Pitcher Maeve Eagleson was one of the standouts for Guilford, throwing a no-hitter to propel her team into the Final Four. Guilford’s storybook run ultimately ended in that round, when the team took a 5-4 loss to New York.
“It took us only a few games into the Districts to realize that these guys know how to play together and were going to gel and be a solid team,” Klein said. “It didn’t take us very long. Even with an age gap, these kids just acted like they’ve played together their whole lives.”
Again, Eagleson was a big part of Guilford’s success, with Klein calling her “one of the top two strongest pitchers” in the tournament. But there was also catcher Leah Michalowski, who batted almost .600 out of the clean-up spot, first baseman Reagan Klein, who reached base at a .500 clip and led the team in runs scored, and middle infielder and leadoff hitter Olivia Mahon, who swiped a team-high 14 bases. Standout outfielder Michaela Mascari, one of the team’s youngest players, also made an impact on the field.
“The kid is on fire when it comes to laying down a bunt and beating it out,” Klein said of Mascari, a fourth grader. “She’s the best I’ve ever seen (at that). She has an .800 OPS and 12 stolen bases.”
While many of the opposing teams were older and more experienced, according to Klein, it didn’t slow Guilford down. Instead, with each passing game, Guilford proved it belonged. And it did so in its own way.
“The unique thing about us is we are a younger team,” Klein said. “A lot of the teams we’re facing, because they’re from the bigger towns and cities, they’re older teams. They’re a lot of fifth graders. But we’re very scrappy. We know how to lay down a bunt, we know how to be aggressive. We’re real aggressive on the bases. Pitching has been key, too.”
Guilford went on quite the run to reach the regional semis. After beating Middletown twice to secure the district championship, the first for an All-Guilford team, the All-Stars routed Glastonbury 11-0 to win sectionals. From there, Guilford moved on to the state tournament, where it beat South Windsor 13-3 and knocked off Amity twice to be crowned the champions.
The regional tournament came with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a big-time event.
“The all-around experience, walking into a banquet of hundreds of people carrying the state of Connecticut banner is unbelievable,” Klein said. “How the games are being live streamed and announced professionally, we know we have people watching. It’s those things that are just memories you’ll never forget. For us, it’s more than just a game.”
The All-Stars enjoyed themselves this summer not only on the field, but off it, as well. They participated in several team-bonding activities, including a trip to a nearby water park and games near the pool.
“They’re having an absolute blast,” Klein said prior to the conclusion of the tournament. “For these guys, it’s icing on the cake to win. The fun of it is something I never would’ve imagined. I know it’s something these kids will never forget, and it’s something these families will never forget.”
Guilford was shut out by Maine in its regional opener, 3-0. Facing elimination, Guilford then responded with a 4-0 victory over Maryland in which Eagleson recorded 16 strikeouts and homered. That set up a matchup with Rhode Island, which was again dominated by Eagleson. This time, Eagleson struck out 13 and did not allow a hit, highlighting a 7-0 victory.
In the final game, Michalowski went 2-for-2 with a double, while Eagleson tripled. With Guilford facing innings limit restrictions, Eagleson and Reagan Klein combined to strike out 11 batters in five innings.
While the team fell short of its ultimate goal of winning Regionals, the experience is one they’ll continue to cherish. They earned it.
“It was an amazing experience,” Klein said.
In addition to Eagleson, Michalowski, Klein, Mahon and Mascari, Guilford’s All-Star team also included Noelle Mularski, Lilah England, Adelina Pradith, Abigail Volpe, Daisy Reynolds, Cayden Ketchum and Maeve McGowan.