Local Players Shine In 28th Annual CHSCA Senior All-Star Game

Following a season of hard work and excellent play, senior softball players were rewarded with the honor of being selected to play in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-Star Game.  After competing against each other all season, the states best players were brought together to put on a show for the crowd that turned out at the North Haven Sports Complex. 

On a night that was as much a celebration of successful high school softball careers for the seniors who dazzled their fans for four years, as it was a competitive event, the players and fans were blessed with spectacular weather to make the evening even more enjoyable.

"It was really cool meeting people we have been playing against all season," said Newtown's Katie Bowen who pitched the final three innings of the Class L/LL West's 7-5 win over the East squad.  "Everybody jelled together, we were laughing and having a great time."

Bowen was joined by her fellow Newtown Lady Nighthawk battery mate Ashley Kuligowski in the game.  The two led Newtown to an SWC Championship, a trip to the Class LL State Championship game and an incredible 26-1 record.  Newtown head coach Bob Guererra led the West squad and was joined by Brookfield High School's head coach Frank Bonacci.

"I told the girls it's their night, 'rip and tear, do the best you can'," Guererra said of his pregame message.  "Some of these girls are going to college and may never play softball again."

Kuligowski entered the game in the fourth inning and worked well with Fairfield Warde pitcher Gina Treglia before joining forces with the familiar Bowen.

"She's a fabulous catcher, I'm so happy I was able to pitch with her," Treglia said of the experience.  Treglia gave up one run on two hits in the 5^th inning but came back to retire the side in order in the 6^th to hold onto a 5-1 lead.  "The game was exciting, we had an all-star team behind us."

Bowen entered the game in the 7^th inning of the nine-inning game with a 5-1 lead.  The usually untouchable Bowen had to work out of a first and third jam, receiving some strong defensive play from New Britain shortstop Briana Kinserg. 

Then in the eighth inning Bowen was greeted with a leadoff inside-the-park home run that was hit to deep left field by Glastonbury's Johanna Clair.  The strong defense behind Bowen in the 7^th wasn't there for her in the 8^th, as two errors put two runners on.  West Haven's Elaine Maio made her pay with a two-run triple that cut the lead to 5-4.  With the tying runner on third base and only one out, Bowen showed off her prowess by getting back-to-back strikeouts to preserve the lead.

"It was really cool playing with players we've been playing against all year," Kuligowski said.  The Newtown catcher made the most of her experience, calling pitches for the final six innings and getting a hit and a walk in her two at-bats.  "Everyone is so talented."

Brookfield's Stephanie Moss started the game at first base and handled the first five put outs of the game for the West as Westhill pitcher Jen Joseph induced five ground outs by the East in her two innings of work.

"It was an awesome experience playing with a group of talented players," Moss said of the honor of making the All-Star team.  "It was a great game, the pitchers and the infielders all did their thing."

Moss was joined by fellow Lady Bobcat Kayla Berardi on the squad.  Berardi pitched the 2^nd and 3^rd innings allowing no runs and giving up only one hit.  She later joined Treglia in the outfield as the coaches made substitutions to get players more at-bats.

"We knew it was going to be fun playing together," said Berardi of teaming up with some of her rivals.  "We wanted to beat the East, have fun and enjoy the game."

The West produced the winning runs in the 8^th inning when Treglia drew a walk and Bowen followed with a single.  Amity's Allison Baker drove them both in with a two-out, two-run double.

"I'm not the fastest girl," Treglia said of scoring on the hit.  "It was just really fun, a great experience." 

Download the movie