The Gullford softball team has had a spring full of focus and success. As the Grizzlies find themselves on the winning side of the results more often than not, they are locked in and ready to make a deep postseason push this spring.

The Grizzlies, who are currently 12-6 on the campaign with two more games remaining in the regular season, are rounding the bases and approaching the home stretch of what’s been a challenging slate of contests. Second-year Head Coach Kelliann Connors has been impressed by her squad’s ability to continue to pile up wins even when put to the test.

“This season has been a good one so far,” Connors said. “We are 12-5 and have been battling through a very tough schedule all season, playing many of the top teams in the state.”

On April 26, the Grizzlies traveleled to West Haven and won by a final score of 12-2. Ella Munson (junior, first base) had three hits and five runs batted in (RBI). Sarah O’Brien (freshman) had three hits and one RBI. On the defensive side, Sophia Meade (senior, captain, pitcher) recorded 14 strikeouts while giving up only two runs and four hits.

Meade and Addie Smith (senior, captain, catcher) have been a deadly pitcher-catcher tandem that have kept opposing hitters on their toes, and they have both served as strong leaders on the diamond.

“Both of them have been doing a great job working together to lead the team,” said Connors. “Sophia has been doing great on the mound with Addie behind home plate.”

Last season, the Grizzlies were seeded at No. 12 for the Class L State tournament, and they found themselves as the No. 4 seed in the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) in the Housatonic Division. They are currently seeded at No. 2 in the conference, as they inch closer to the postseason.

“We hope to make a good run in both of the SCC and CIAC state tournaments,” said Connors.

On May 6, the Grizzlies hit the road to face Law and won 6-1. Meade pitched a full seven-inning game, striking out 11 and claiming a win. Smith had three hits and one RBI. In the victory, the team walked off the field totaling 11 hits from Smith (three), Tansey (sophomore, shortstop, two), Peyton LeMay (freshman, two), Adrianna Piascik (senior, infielder, two), and Meade and Munson (one each).

“Sophia Meade is 11-4 with 164 strikeouts (including her 500th career strikeout) and an ERA of 1.409. Addie Smith is batting .480 with 24 hits, including four home runs, and she has given the team 17 RBI,” said Connors. “Ella Munson has 19 hits on the season with two homers and 17 RBI.”

Racking up the stats this spring, Smith is leading her team with a batting average of 0.479, four home runs, and 18 runs scored. Munson is not far behind Smith, as she has a batting average of 0.385 with two home runs. Smith, Munson, and Meade have all hit five doubles.

On May 8, the Grizzlies played on the road against Cheshire and fell 5-0. O’Brien was the only player to have a hit during this game, and she also pitched one inning. Meade also pitched, striking out three batters and giving up four runs.

On May 11, Guilford played host to East Lyme and took a narrow 1-0 loss. Piascik and Munson were the only two players to record a hit. Meade pitched all seven innings, giving up one run and four hits but striking out 13 batters.

With two games left in the regular season, Connors has high hopes for her team this postseason and the athletes’ ability to compete with the top tier teams across Connecticut. She feels that with persistence and maintaining their identity, they can compete with any team that gets thrown their way.

“I am excited to see how we match up with the best teams in the state, and I am eager to see this team "bear down" and get the job done when it comes to playoff time,” said Connors. “This is a very talented team, so we have a chance to beat anyone, as long as we show up and play our best. It is a long season, so we have been working on our stamina and focus as the end of the school year quickly approaches.”

Connors is assisted this spring by Don Connors.

The Grizzlies full team roster is comprised of Marley Falcon (senior, third base), Sadie Iozia (senior, second base/outfielder), Meade, Smith, Munson, Piascik, Leanna Petonito (junior, second base), Mallory Sedorra (sophomore, pitcher), Tansey, Katherine Eaton (freshman), LeMay, O’Brien, and Claire Ryan (freshman).

2024 Grizzlies Girls’ Softball Regular Season Schedule and Results:

March 30: St. Joseph 8, Guilford 3

April 1: Guilford 8, Hand 2

April 5: Guilford 9, Norwich Free Academy 4

April 6: Guilford 24, Hamden 6

April 10: Guilford 3, West Haven 2

April 12: Guilford 4, Foran 0

April 15: Law 11, Guilford 2

April 17: Cheshire 2, Guilford 0 (10 innings)

April 19: Amity Regional 1, Guilford 0 (eight innings)

April 22: Guilford 2, Hand 1

April 24: Guilford 6, Hamden 1

April 25: Guilford 4, Lyman Hall 3 (eight innings)

April 29: Guilford 12, West Haven 2

May 1: Guilford 1, Foran 0

May 6: Guilford 6, Law 1

May 8: Cheshire 5, Guilford 6

May 11: East Lyme 1, Guilford 0

Monday, May 13: vs Amity at 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 18: vs Waterford at 12 p.m.