Mystic Softball Stars Seek Different Ending In States

It was understandable if Mystic Little League's 9-10 All-Star Softball Team was a little star struck in the State Championship series last year.

When Fairfield American pitcher Brittany Romero mowed down Mystic in the Little League 9-10 State Finals last year in Waterford, she looked as formidable as most high school fast-pitch hurlers. Most in attendance were stunned to see a 10-year-old throw so fast and so accurately. Romero's typical game was a no-hitter or one-hitter with 14 to 18 strikeouts.

In contrast, Mystic's pitching staff illustrated the expected inconsistency of young hurlers, walking numerous Fairfield batters.The result was a two-game final sweep (12-6 and 16-0) for Fairfield, which rode the back of Romero to go 10-0 in state play with eight shutouts. They won the East Regional and finished third in the first-ever Little League 9-10 World Series.

The state finals loss did not detract from Mystic's spectacular return to Little League softball's elite. It was the first taste of state play for the league since 2004 when a collection of players, who went on to win Fitch's first softball state title (2009), lost in the 11-12 state final after winning it in 2003.

Eight of Mystic's 9-10 Stars moved on to the Majors (11-12) this summer, again coached by Tom Vignato. They proved they were not a one-hit wonder, winning District 10 against traditionally power Waterford South (six straight titles) and the state sectionals, avenging a loss to Rocky Hill on pitcher Caroline Taber's no-hitter in the finals earlier this week.

Mystic is back in the state finals, but so is Fairfield and Romero.  Vignato, however, feels this time could be different when Mystic and Fairfield begin their three-game final series 7 p.m. today at Danbury's Hatter Park. The series resumes 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the same place and time if necessary.

"Last year's experience will help us because we know what to expect," Vignato said. "As we advanced through the tournament, there was more pomp and circumstance at games, more fans, media and the like. The girls quickly discovered this was quite important. Having done it last year, there is definitely more comfort now."

Perhaps the biggest reason Vignato feels Mystic will be better off this year is his team's pitching. Mystic feels Taber can match Romero. Number two pitcher Jayden Delaporta, Mystic's 9-10's top pitcher last year, is much improved as a No. 2 hurler now.

"We couldn't throw strikes in the finals last year," Vignato said. "Taber has walked only five in the entire tournament and is a legitimate ace. Jayden worked a lot on her pitching last year and is locked in."

And after dominating the Sectionals as 9-10s last year, Mystic was severely tested in the 11-12 Sectionals, losing its opener to Rocky Hill and rallying to top Simsbury, 7-5, along the title trail.

"I think losing to Rocky Hill was the best thing for us because it prepared us to play harder," Vignato said. "We cruised so easily last year in the Sectionals, it gave us a sense of security you can't have."

Vignato expects the nucleus of the past two Mystic all-star teams to produce the same type of All-State athletic exploits at high school that the 2002-2004 past Mystic stars such as Aubrey Latham, Arielle Cooper, Stacy Pouliot, Brittany Duclos and Sarah Emery did.

"It's an amazing group that is characterized by its playful nature, giggling and having fun at practice, but at the same time being super competitivge," Vignato said. "When you add the fact they are all best friends, a very tight group, I think this group is going to be around for a while and make some noise."

Taber, Delaporta and Susanna Mewha have handled most of the pitching with Olivia Knotts performing admirably behind the plate. Shortstop Mackenzie Aldridge, one of the top hitters, and second baseman Nicole Vignato have starred in the infield.

Other key contributors include Janeen Porter, Natalie Labasi, Cassie Woods, Taylor Kenyon and Rylee MacMillian.

Perhaps the only negative surrounding the state finals is the Danbury site, a good two-hour trip from Mystic but only 25 minutes from Fairfield.

Vignato, though, has even answered that challenge.

"We're staying overnight Saturday," he said. "The cost of gas to drive back and forth is the same as we're paying for the motel."