Oxford Softball, Baseball Victorious in SWC

The Oxford High School softball team, ranked second in the South-West Conference tournament, defeated seventh-ranked New Milford 1-0 at home Wednesday behind a one-hitter by freshman hurler Ashley Guillette. She struck out 16 New Milford batters. 

Guillette helped herself at the plate, as well, driving in Oxford's only run in the fourth inning.

In that inning, Dallas Passerine got on first with a bunt. With two outs, Sarah Woolfrey drove a single, moving Passerine to scoring position. Sam Orner singled to load the bases, bringing Guillette to the plate. Guillette singled to score Passerine.

Oxford (19-2) will play Bethel (17-4) in the SWC semi­finals tonight at 7 at DeLuca Field in Stratford.

BASEBALL

Oxford's J.P. DeFrancesco had two hits and three RBI, including the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth when he walked with the bases loaded to score James Michaud, leading the Wolverines to a 7-6 victory over Bunnell of Stratford in the first round of the SWC championship Wednesday.

Michaud had two hits and scored two runs for Oxford, while Dale Keller scored two runs, had two hits and drove in two runs.

Dan Kudej and Alex Miller had two hits apiece, and Cathain Pratt had an RBI single and made a great catch in centerfield to end the game.

Kyle Chudoba threw 5 1/3 innings in relief, giving up just one run. Steven Mahoney threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win.

For Bunnell, Matt Nolting had two hits and scored two runs. Brandon Sheehan had an RBI single and a double, and Geo Gonzalez had a double and a single.

Oxford, the No. 7 team in the SWC tournament, will play in the SWC semifinals against No. 3 Newtown today at 4 p.m. at Bethel High School.

Records: #7 Oxford (8-13, 5-8 SWC), #2 Bunnell (12-9, 10-3 SWC) 

Line score:

Batteries

Oxford: Dan Kudej, Kyle Chudoba(2), Steven Mahoney (7, W, 3-6) and Jake Brown

Bunnell: Mike Brandon Sheehan, Justin Lasko (7, L) and Geovani Gonzalez

Strikeouts: Sheehan 7, Lasko 2, Chudoba 2, Mahoney 2