The CT Softball Blog

By the time SFC/Preston reached the District 11 championship, the girls wearing maroon didn’t need introductions.

They already knew each other’s tendencies.

They already knew who would pick them up after an error, who would make the diving play, who would deliver the big hit.

After all, most of them have been doing it together since coach pitch.

Now they’re discovering just how far that chemistry can take them.

Fresh off another District 11 championship, SFC/Preston opened Section 2 play with a statement, rolling past Manchester, 19-0, after earning a first-round bye. It was another eye-popping performance for a team that has now allowed just two runs over its last six tournament games while piling up nearly 100 of its own.

Even manager Mike Weckwerth admitted the margin surprised him.

“I was a little shocked,” he said after the sectional opener. “Their coach said they were missing their best pitcher, but they still had a couple good ones. Once our girls get rolling, though, the whole team can hit from top to bottom.”

That offensive explosion is only part of the story.

The foundation begins in the circle.

Kensie Farland has been nearly untouchable throughout the tournament, pitching virtually every inning while stringing together no-hitters and even a perfect game during district play.

“She’s been lights out,” Weckwerth said. “She’s pitched every game. She just keeps throwing strikes and attacking hitters.”

Behind the plate, Hallie Gorra has caught every inning, forming a battery that has controlled games from the very first pitch.

The infield has been equally impressive.

At first base, Roslynn Constant anchors the defense, while Adilyn Weckwerth handles second base. Ahna Nazarian has become one of the team’s defensive stars at shortstop, making highlight-reel plays that have left even her own coach shaking his head.

“She’s made a couple incredible plays,” Weckwerth said. “Twice she’s made a backhand play deep in the hole and thrown the runner out from her knees.”

At third base, Bridgette LePage completes an infield that rarely gives opponents a second chance.

The outfield has been just as dependable.

Lillee Hillyer patrols left field, Shelby Zajac covers center and Andrea Davis handles right, with Madison Daniels and Kalie Anna Volle providing valuable innings throughout the tournament.

The roster also includes Ashlyn Winton, who started throughout district play before leaving for a previously scheduled trip during sectionals.

While the names on the lineup card matter, Weckwerth believes the biggest advantage can’t be found in a scorebook.

Continuity.

“I’ve coached most of these girls since they were seven or eight years old,” he said. “For the most part they’ve all stayed together since coach pitch. It’s a really good group and they work well together.”

That familiarity has translated into success at every level.

The core of this roster captured district championships at the 8-10 level and again at the 9-11 level, advancing to state tournaments both years. This season marks their first trip through the 12-year-old tournament, and despite carrying just five league-age 12-year-olds and seven 11-year-olds, they haven’t looked intimidated.

Only one of the team’s 12-year-olds had previous Little League All-Star experience entering the summer.

That hasn’t mattered.

Neither has geography.

Representing the small communities of Sprague, Franklin, Canterbury and Preston, SFC fields just one majors softball team. There simply aren’t enough players to build multiple teams.

“We’re a very small program,” Weckwerth said. “We’ve only got one majors team.”

Instead of relying on numbers, they’ve relied on familiarity, development and patience.

Now those years together are paying dividends.

Next up is one of the biggest challenges the program has faced.

SFC/Preston meets perennial power East Lyme in what figures to be one of the marquee games of the Section 2 tournament.

“We’ve watched East Lyme a couple times,” Weckwerth said. “They’re considered one of the best teams in the state. It’ll be a really good test.”

It’s exactly the type of challenge this group has been building toward.

Winning District 11 was always one goal.

Now?

“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Weckwerth said. “The girls’ confidence is sky high right now. We’re just riding the wave. It’s up to them now to see how far they can take us.”

Considering where that wave has already carried them, nobody around SFC/Preston seems eager to see it end.

Love Stories Like This?

Get Connecticut’s best softball features, breaking news, recruiting updates and exclusive interviews delivered to your inbox every Friday morning. Subscribe to the CT Softball Blog Weekly.