MILFORD — Around Milford Little League, success has a way of becoming tradition.
State championships.
Regional appearances.
Even a trip to the Little League Softball World Series.
The banners and memories belong to different teams and different players, but every summer another group gets its chance to add to the story.
This year’s team has already checked off its first goal.
District champions.
Now the focus shifts to what comes next.
“Our goal was to win districts and move on to sectionals,” Milford manager Jeff Jaques said. “Now we’re focused on what’s right in front of us.”
The road to districts wasn’t easy.
Like most Little League All-Star teams, this season especially, Milford had only a short window to come together after the conclusion of its regular season and in-house playoffs. Evaluations were held, the roster was selected and practices immediately shifted into high gear.
Fortunately, many of the players were already familiar with pressure situations.
Whether through Milford Little League or travel softball, the roster entered the tournament battle-tested.
“They’re used to adversity,” Jaques said. “They’re used to pressure situations.”
Milford’s strength begins in the circle.
Avery Caprio and Ali Tworkowski form a formidable one-two pitching combination that gives the team flexibility throughout tournament play. Rather than relying on a single ace, Milford has rotated the two throughout the postseason.
Avery started the opening game of districts. Ali handled the next. Avery returned for Game 3 before Ali got the ball again in the fourth game. When the district championship was on the line, Caprio came back into the circle to close things out.
That balance gives Milford the ability to match up with opponents while keeping both pitchers fresh.
When one isn’t pitching, she simply slides over to first base, giving Milford continuity throughout the defense.
Behind the plate is Addy Iannaccone, who handles the pitching staff and serves as one of the defensive leaders on the field. Jaques also pointed to Leigha Whelan and his daughter, Zoe Jaques, as players capable of helping behind the plate when needed.
The infield is built around athleticism and consistency.
Caprio and Tworkowski split time between the circle and first base, while Chloe Trice anchors second base and Kaylee Phelan handles shortstop duties.
At third base is Eliana Coladarci, giving Milford a strong defensive unit capable of making routine plays and limiting opponents’ opportunities.
For Jaques, defense isn’t simply important. It’s the foundation of everything.
“Defense wins championships,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that influences every practice.
Milford’s coaching staff spends countless hours focusing on footwork, throwing mechanics, positioning and game situations. The goal isn’t simply to create good players, but smart players.
“The fundamentals are huge for me,” Jaques said. “Everything starts with the feet and works its way up from there.”
The outfield features another group of talented players.
Ashlynn Seaberg patrols left field, while Molly Maziarz covers center field. Zoe Jaques rounds out the starting alignment in right field.
Off the bench, Milford boasts impressive depth with Cayla Doyle, Jenna Foust and Leigha Whelan all capable of contributing in a variety of roles.
Doyle, younger sister of former Jonathan Law standout Charlotte Doyle, also gives the team another pitching option when healthy. Though she’s currently managing an ankle injury, Jaques said she remains an important offensive weapon and can also play third base when needed.
What separates this Milford team, however, may be its balance.
The lineup can manufacture runs with bunts and aggressive baserunning. It can put pressure on defenses with speed. It can also drive the ball and hit for power.
“We can definitely play small ball if we need to,” Jaques said. “But these girls can hit too, and they can hit for power.”
That versatility has helped create a lineup Jaques believes is strong from top to bottom.
“I think we’re a well-balanced team all the way through one through 12 offensively and defensively,” he said.
Together, these players represent the latest chapter in Milford’s rich Little League softball tradition.
But Jaques has been careful not to let his players spend too much time thinking about the past.
Yes, they know about the teams that came before them.
Yes, they know about the state championships and World Series runs.
But that’s history.
Milford’s focus remains on the present.
The day after winning districts, Jaques gathered the team and delivered a simple message.
Celebrate the accomplishment.
Then move on.
“We’re now focused on sectionals,” Jaques said. “That district championship is in the past.”
It’s a mindset that will be tested immediately.
Milford enters what many consider the stronger of the two sectional brackets, one that includes champions from Fairfield, Shelton, Bristol and West Hartford. Every team remaining believes it has a chance to reach the state tournament.
Milford believes that, too.
And if the district champions continue to pitch, defend and execute the fundamentals the way Jaques demands, they’ll give themselves a chance to keep playing long after many teams have packed away their gloves for the summer.
As Jaques tells his players, the formula isn’t complicated: “Effort, communication and executing the fundamentals.”
For Milford, that’s the next challenge.
And it’s the only one that matters.
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