For the past four seasons—or, over the stretch of life that every single varsity softball player’s career in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference has known—the Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons have been the cream of the league’s crop.
Four straight league titles have run through the Falcons’ Sturges Park.
This 2025 season could be vastly different.
Or, it may not be.
In other words, the FCIAC softball championship is up for grabs and there are plenty of arms in the circle that are ready to hoist a trophy come the FCIAC title tilt later in the season.
Who are the contenders? Certainly Ludlowe as the four-time defender champs are once again in the mix, but joining the fifth-ranked Falcons are two other teams ranked in the state: St. Joseph (4) and Trumbull (8). Norwalk and Ridgefield also received votes.
Toss in pitching heavy programs like Darien and New Canaan, both of which have two legit starting pitchers, and there is potential for one whale of a league race this season.
And who might sneak into the No. 8 slot this season? Warde? Staples? Westhill? Wilton?
Stay tuned.
Here is a capsulized look at each team as it heads into the 2025 FCIAC Softball Season:
BRIDGEPORT CENTRAL
Coach/Years: Eugene “Doc” Rodar, 4th year.
2024 Record/Playoffs: 2-18, no playoffs
Top Players Returning: Gabriella Gonzalez, Sr., IF-P; Kallani, Lopez, Sr., OF-IF; Maya Mesquita, Jr., C-IF; Sue Halley Torres, Jr., OF-P; Cece Belton, Jr., 3B; Zyanna Cruz, Jr., 1B-OF.
Key Newcomers: Isabell Alvarado, Soph., IF-OF
Outlook: The Hilltoppers play in the one of the best softball leagues in the state and it’s always a tough assignment in the league to play against some opponents. Rodar just wants to see his squad compete better every year, but as always the fourth year head coach has to deal with roster turnover and a lack of experience that most league coaches don’t have to deal with. Gonzalez is in her second year as a varsity pitcher, so experience will make her better, but Central has a long climb to the hilltop, if you will, in the FCIAC. Non-league games against Kolbe, Bullard Havens, Weston, Harding and Bassick will give the team a chance to compete.
• • •
BRIEN McMAHON
Coach/Years: Michael Lanuk, 1st
2024 Record/Playoffs: 2-18, no playoffs.
Top Players Returning: Sami Horton, Sr., SS; Alexa Smith, Sr., CF; Caroline Sattler, Sr., P; Isabella Spagnuolo, Soph, C.; Kaitlyn Kennedy, Sr.; Sarah Edwards, Sr.; Sitralys Nunez, Sr.;
Key Newcomers: Nadiya Urresta, Fr.; Julia Vahle, Fr. Juliana Bechervaise, Fr.
Outlook: Two years ago, the Senators were an up-and-coming squad with a bright future. Injuries and graduations, however, took its toll as McMahon only won two games last season. Lanuk comes in as a new coach to try and rebuild again. A healthy Sattler in the circle will be key to keeping the Senators in games.
• • •
DANBURY
Coach: Mark Anderson
2024 Record/Playoffs: 4-16, no playoffs.
Top Players Returning: Julia Lopez, Sr., 2B; Nataly Jiminez, Sr., OF; Chloe Trimandiilis, Sr., 3B-C; Abigal O’Dell, Jr., P-IF-OF; Payton Linsley, Jr., OF; Jacqueline Marks, Jr., P-OF; T’Aria Walters, Soph., IF-OF;
Key Newcomers: TBA
Outlook: The Hatters struggled through a four-win season a year ago but has a lot of young talent joining the program this season. Anderson just needs to wait and see where those younger players will find a home. He has two pitchers in the likes of Marks and O’Dell and the Hatters seem to be solid up the middle. As Danbury finds its way and fills its holes, the talented youth could make a big step in building toward a better future.
• • •
DARIEN
Coach/Years: Nick DeMaio
2024 Record/Playoffs: 16-8, lost to Fairfield Ludlowe 3-0 in FCIAC quarterfinals; lost to Southington 1-0 in Class LL quarterfinals.
Top Players Returning: Callie McCloskey, Sr., CF; Lauren Valji, Sr., SS; Claire Kissko, Sr, C; Emma Hamilton, Soph., 3B; Caroline Baldwin, Soph., C-OF; Vivian Knott, Soph, P; Claire Willing, Soph., P.
Key Newcomers: Sofia Medeiros, Fr.; Isabella McCarthy, Fr.; Siena Gird, Fr.; Anne Franzese, Fr.
Outlook: Last spring, pitcher Vivian Knott burst onto the scene and led the Blue Wave back to the FCIAC tournament and the state tournament. She’s back this year a year older and a year better and the hard-throwing lefty will be complimented by right-handed pitcher Claire Willing, another sophomore, giving the Wave two strong arms to mix and match against the competition. Darien is also strong defensively with Valji solid at shortstop and McCloskey one of the best outfielders in the league and state. If the Wave can give Knott and Willing some run support, expect another strong season out of them.
• • •
FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE
Coach/Years: Adam Laliberte, 2nd
2024 Record/Playoffs: 23-5; Won FCIAC Championship 5-2 over Ridgefield; Won second straight Class LL state championship 3-2 (10 innings) over Cheshire.
Key Players Returning: Allie Tournas, Sr., C; Alexa Mills, Sr., P-1B; Gina Solow, Sr., SS; Angie Tavella, Jr., P-1B; Lauren Santa Barbara, Jr., 3B; Bella Lombardi, Jr., OF; Ella Gremse, Soph., 2B; Kaitlyn Scotto, Soph., OF; Gia Patrone, Soph.;
Key Newcomers: Finley Dean, Fr., P-1B; Emma Collins, Fr. OF; Sophia Tartaglia, Fr., P; Faith Gough, Fr., IF-OF.
Outlook: If there is one thing Fairfield Ludlowe has proven over its run of four straight FCIAC championships and two straight state titles it is this: Never count the Falcons out. No matter how many players the program loses in any given season, Ludlowe seems to find a way to stay in the mix right to the very end, and once again that should be the case this season. The loss of pitching star Alex Lewey and last year’s senior class was once again huge, but plenty of talent returns to Sturges Park. How much respect does the Ludlowe program garner? The Falcons enter the season ranked No. 5 in the state, according to GametimeCT.
• • •
FAIRFIELD WARDE
Coach/Years: Kenya McVey
2024 Record/Playoffs: 11-11, Lost to Trumbull in FCIAC quarterfinals; lost to Maloney 8-3 in first round of Class L state tournament.
Top Players Returning: Emily Dowd, Sr., P; Griffin Paladino, Sr., C; Caitlin DeBernardis, Sr.; Patty Greene, Sr.; LJ Borsari, Jr.; Sadey Strauser, Soph.; Sherry McKenna, Soph.;
Key Newcomers: Martina Kozeracki, Fr.; Julia Fekete, Fr.; Ava Russo, Fr.
Outlook: Fairfield Warde softball has been on the cusp of something for the last handful of seasons and this season a few of the league’s coaches are eyeing the Mustangs as a contender. The senior captains of Dowd-Paladino-DeBernardis supply leadership. There is a lot of softball talent in the sophomore and freshmen class and if that talent can make the adjustment to the varsity level. If a healthy Dowd can have a year that caps her potential, great things could happen on Melville Ave. this spring.
• • •
GREENWICH
Coach/Years: Alexyss Conley
2024 Record/Playoffs: 5-15, no playoffs.
Top Players Returning: Cameron Clark, Sr., CF; Gianna Toscano, Sr., 3B; Casey Natale, Sr., 2B; Sophia Blois, Sr., P; Jesse Natale, Soph, SS; Hananh Winig, Soph, P; Hayden Zinker, Soph., 1B-C; Sydney Coyne, Soph, RF;
Top Newcomers: Hailey Dreher, Fr., 1B-C; Leonor Perez Rosario, Fr., LF.
Outlook: Four seniors are expected to play a key role for this year’s Greenwich team and a big group of sophomores are a year older and a year more experienced after taking some lumps in their first varsity season last spring. Clark—who had as many home runs last season as strikeouts (3)—returns with a big bat and some strong defensive prowess up the middle. If the returnees can raise their level of play and its pitchers keep their walks down, the Cardinals could find their way back to the state tournament this season.
• • •
NEW CANAAN
Co-Head Coaches/Years: Danielle Simoneau, Joel Geriak
2024 Record/Playoffs: 13-9, lost to Ridgefield in FCIAC quarterfinals; Lost to Cheshire 13-0 in Second Round of Class LL tournament.
Top Players Returning: Riley Fortmann, Sr.; Brianna Healey, Sr.; Lily Nicolette, Sr.; Darian DiMuzio, Sr.; Marissa Delcarmine, Jr.; Lauren Fico, Jr., P; Julia Fittipaldi, Jr.; Lisa Mallozzi, Jr.; Sadie Boroff, Soph.; Sam Schauffler, Soph.
Key Newcomers: Ella Panagrossi, Soph.; Sofia Malozzi, Fr.; Maggie Dayton, Soph.; Maya Aquino, Fr.; Emily Marciano, Fr.; Mackenzie Carriero, Fr.
Outlook: The Rams have become a consistent contender in both the hunt for FCIAC and state tournament and armed with two of the top players in the league, New Canaan should once again be in the mix for both. Delcarmine and Fico are two Rams nobody wants to play against, be it in the circle or in the batter’s box, and if New Canaan can replace last year’s leadership and some of the younger players raise their game, expect another solid season for the Rams.
• • •
NORWALK
Coach/Years: Cary Nadel, 2nd
2024 Record/Playoffs: 13-11, lost to Ridgefield in FCIAC semifinals, lost to Southington 4-1 in Second Round of Class LL state tournament.
Top Players Returning: Maddy Yusi, Sr., RF; Ally Lanzarotto, Sr., SS; Emily Restaino, Sr., 2B; Maddie Collins, Sr., P; Sofia Hanlon, Sr., C; Maddie O’Brien, Jr., 1B; Zoey Wilds, Jr., P-1B; Hailey Wilcox, Jr, 3B-C; Maggie Donahue, Jr., C; Christa Gasparino, Jr., OF; Mia Parmalee, Soph., OF; Julie Pruotto, Soph, OF
Key Newcomers: Audra Lacomis, Fr., LF-P; Morgan Bleakley, Fr., CF-3B.
Outlook: The Bears snuck into the final spot of the FCIAC playoffs last season and promptly shocked top-seeded St. Joseph with a 1-0 victory, showing how dangerous a team Norwalk can be behind a healthy Maddie Collins in the circle. One blow the Bears will have to overcome this spring is the loss of junior Alexis Lacomis, who was Norwalk’s top hitter last season. She is out for the season with a torn ACL. If the Bears play good defense behind Collins, they could certainly find themselves in the thick of the FCIAC race this season. One thing is for sure: Norwalk won’t be sneaking up on anybody this time around.
• • •
RIDGEFIELD
Coach/Years: Rita Jagodzinski, 1st
2024 Record/Playoffs: 20-6, lost to Fairfield Ludlowe 5-2 in FCIAC semifinals; Lost to Fairfield Ludlowe 3-0 in Class LL semifinals.
Key Players Returning: Riley Keane, Sr., CF; Summer Tammaro, Sr., RF; Grace Couch, Sr.; Maddie Muncy, Sr.; Charlotte Raissis, Sr.; Sonia Gaughran, Jr., 3B; Sophia Cappeillo, Jr., P; Caroline Coury, Jr., P; Piper Keane, Soph, OF-P;
Key Newcomers: Caitlin McGratty, Fr., P; Jada Metzger, Fr., P; Audrey Englert, Fr.; Emma Samoskevic, Fr..
Outlook: The Tigers took some big hits via graduation, including its two ace pitchers, and Ridgefield also lost its head coach, but plenty of talent returns. The circle is the biggest question mark for the Tigers coming into the new season. All-FCIAC standouts Maddie Pickett and Yael Everett both graduated, but Ridgefield is well-armed with four pitchers—none of whom are truly tested at the varsity level. Yet. Rita Jagodzinski, who was an assistant coach at Division 1 Iona University last spring, is a long time FCIAC assistant coach finally in charge of her own program. She will have the Tigers ready.
• • •
ST. JOSEPH
Coach/Years: Jeff Babineau
2024 Record/Playoffs: 20-4, Lost to Norwalk 2-0 in FCIAC quarterfinals and lost to Ellington 3-0 in Class L Semifinals.
Top Players Returning: Kelsea Flanagan, Sr., C; Sophia Rodriquez, Sr., 3B; MaKena Hawkins, Sr., CF; Olivia Petrocelli, Jr., 2B; McKenna Stratton, Jr., LF; Katie Dzialo, Jr., P; Olivia Petrocelli, Jr., 2B; McKenna Stratton, Jr., LF; Mackie Caouette, Soph., SS.
Key Newcomers: Gina Coppola, Soph., OF; Lucy Zaccagnino, Soph, 1B; Molly Kery, Soph, Utility; Adisyn Magliocco, Fr.; Nuala Matthews, Fr.
Outlook: If there is a front-running favorite in the FCIAC this season, it might be the St. Joseph Cadets, who are ranked No. 4 in the state by GametimeCT. The three senior starters—Flanagan, Rodriquez and Hawkins—are all committed to playing softball at the Division 1 level come fall, and Dzialo, an All-FCIAC first team choice, is a proven veteran arm who won 17 games last season with 199 strikeouts. The Cadets are once again loaded and having lost to Norwalk, 1-0, in last year’s league quarterfinals, this is a team that is hungry for a big postseason run.
• • •
STAMFORD
Coach/Years: Tori Cuscuna
2024 Record/Playoffs: 7-13, no playoffs
Top Players Returning: Kaitlyn Fox, Sr., P-SS; Aubrey Ortega, Sr., 3B; Rachel Stokes, Jr., OF; Marlie Noto, Soph., C-1B;
Key Newcomers: Olivia Manewal, Fr., SS-P.
Outlook: The Black Knights are young this season, but don’t be fooled. There is some talent on the roster and if the younger players rise up to the level of varsity contributors, then Stamford is definitely a team that could qualify for the state tournament.
• • •
STAPLES
Coach/Years: Wally Hurd, 3rd year.
2024 Record/Playoffs: 9-12, lost to Newtown 13-10 in first round of Class LL state tournament.
Top Players Returning: Sadie Vincini, Sr., P; Mia Ferrigno, Sr., OF; Christina Kavanah, Sr., OF; Alexis Robinson, Jr., 1B-OF; Olivia Schwartz, Jr., P-OF; Maria Stiber, Jr., OF; Cora Barrett, Soph., C; Stella DiGeronimo, Jr., OF; Makayla Hein, Soph, P-1B-DP; Emilie Russell, Soph., SS-OF; Julia Simmelkjaer, Soph, 2B-P; Ellie Stauder, Soph., IF.
Key Newcomers: Amanda Lessing, Fr.; Nadia Stubbs, Fr.
Outlook: The Wreckers were tremendously young last season but still battled their way into the state tournament once again. While Staples has experience on the mound as Vincini returns for her second season as the starter, the Wreckers will have to improve defensively if it hopes to sneak into the one of the top eight slots in the FCIAC. Staples did lose some pop in its line-up when one of its top hitters Sarah Kalb opted not to return to the team.
• • •
TRUMBULL
Coach/Years: Jacqui Shefts, 10th year
2024 Record/Playoffs: 18-5, lost 5-0 to Fairfield Ludlowe in FCIAC Semifinals; Lost to Ridgefield 2-0 in Class LL quarterfinals.
Top Players Returning: Madison Pippa, Jr., P; Kylie Lucia, Jr., OF; Maren Jones, Jr., 1B; Ella Ferris, Jr., IF; Brianna Potok, Jr., Util.
Key Newcomers: Ashlyn Delaney, Fr.; Harper Delaney, Fr.; Julia Terry, Fr.;
Outlook: The first thing that jumps out about the Trumbull Eagles is the fact they don’t have a single senior on the entire roster. The second thing is that despite that the Eagles are ranked No. 8 in the state by GametimeCT.com. Many of the upperclassmen are proven veterans who know they can shine in the FCIAC and if some of the younger kids step and fill the gaps of those who have graduated, then the Eagles could see themselves at the top of the league standings once again.
• • •
WESTHILL
Coach/Years: Tom Pia
2024 Record: 12-9; lost to Middletown 5-1 in second round of Class LL state tournament.
Top Players Returning: Taylor Zapata, Sr., CF; Sadie Wilde, Jr., P; Angela Russell, Jr., SS; Abby D’Orta, Jr., 3B; Ella Schick, Soph, LF; Abby Ballard, Soph., RF; Leah Collandro, Soph, DH-DP;
Key Newcomers: Bella Curran, Fr., C; Karina Kumar, Fr., 1B; Francesca Galimi, Fr., SS; A Alexa Maldonado, Fr.
Outlook: It’s a young Westhill team but when it comes to a Tom Pia coached team in the FCIAC, opponents know they are going to be in a battle with the Vikings. With Brianna Cordona taking her right arm to Western New England University, the starting pitching role likely falls to Wilde, a junior. It’s a strong junior class at Westhill, who also hope an influx of younger players can help the purple and gold sneak into the postseason.
• • •
WILTON
Coach/Years: Brian Jacobs
2024 Record/Playoffs: 6-14, no playoffs.
Top Players Returning: Annie McMahon, Sr., C; Kaitlin Feldman, Sr., P-1B-OF; Sofia Samai, Sr., 3B; Kaitlyn Vallerie, Sr., OF; Carolina Bonita, Jr., 2B; Emma Roos, Jr., OF; Emma van Heyst, Jr., 1B; Ellie Smith, Jr., IF; Riley McMahon, Soph., C-IF;
Key Newcomers: Makayla Bailey, Soph, P-IF; Katerina Cross, Fr., OF; Leianna Cross, Fr., P-OF; Katie McKay, Fr., SS; Ruby Prior, P-IF, Sara Viggiano, Fr., IF; Lily Wang, Fr., P-IF-OF.
Outlook: Here is the first thing you need to know about Wilton High’s 2024 season: Five of their 14 losses came by one run, one came by two runs, and one came by just three runs. In other words, a total of 10 runs over seven games separated the Warriors from being a 13-7 team instead of the 6-14 squad. Now Wilton is back a year better with an influx of some younger talent that will help right away. Can the Warriors sneak into the FCIAC playoffs? Time will tell but expect Wilton to return to the state tournament this season.
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