Softball Eyes Return to SCC Tourney

The softball team broke its Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) jinx last spring and is ready to show last season's success was no fluke.

The Gaelettes posted a 13-10 record in last spring, earning them a spot in the SCC tournament for the first time since the conference was created.

“Last season was a great season for us,” said coach Joann Desrochers. “We made the SCC tournament and we beat Amity High School to qualify for the tournament -- a team that we have not beaten since 1992.”

As the Gaelettes set out to build on that landmark season, they are led by senior captains Melissa Brouillette, Samantha Rossetti and Rebecca Sheehy. The tri-captains bolster the Shelton defense, bringing leadership and experience to the infield.

Rossetti heads a solid pitching staff as she builds on last year's 10-8 season that featured a strong 2.02 ERA and 128 strikeouts. Supporting Rossetti will be junior Emily Kormornik, who notched a varsity win last year, and classmate Amanda Greene. The hurlers will work with juniors Jennifer Sicinski and Allie Haley behind the plate.

Brouillette and Sheehy will cover the right side of the infield at first and second base, respectively. Sophomore Rachel Cataudella is the leading candidate for shortstop and junior Danielle Perrson will control the hot corner at third base.

The Gaelette outfield will feature junior Emily DeAngelis in left field, junior Brittany Lampert patrolling center and senior Jessica Solotruk and Kormornik platooning in right.

Senior Katie White will bring experience to the Shelton defense as the team's utility fielder.

Besides being the team's ace, Rossetti figures to be the team's best bat after last season's astounding .487 batting average and 22 RBIs. She will be supported by the power-hitting Lampert (.405 average, 10 RBIs, three home runs) and Perrson (.282 average, 10 RBIs).

“Our strengths are pitching and offense,” Desrochers said. “Our goals are to earn a berth in both the SCC and state tournaments.”