Vernon-Rockville Takes Game 1 in State 9/10 Softball Tourney

VERNON, CT - Lexi Real pitched a two-hit, nine strikeout gem for Vernon-Rockville as the team defeated Waterford 2-0 on Wednesday in the first game of the State 9/10 championship softball tournament in Trumbull.

Vernon-Rockville scored its runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

With one out, Lila Ward walked, and stole second. Madison Johanson then walked and Ward sped home on Real's single to right field.

Caitlin Chatterton followed with a bunt single and advanced the runners to second and third. Waterford's shortstop, Lucy D'Amico made an excellent throw to home on Chloe Keane's sharp grounder to short for the second out as the runners advanced and bases remained loaded.

A passed ball allowed Real to score Vernon-Rockville's second run as Chatterton and Keane advanced. Anna Dziecinny, Waterford's pitcher, then forced Morgan Geisinger to ground out to first to end the threat.

After walking the first batter in the top of the sixth inning, Real struck out three hitters to earn Vernon-Rockville the victory.

Real and Chatterton had hits for Vernon-Rockville and Morgan Geisinger and Lila Ward has strong games in the field. Ward started a big double play in the 4th inning with a nice catch at second who then threw quickly to Chatterton at first to pick off the runner and complete the double play.

Anna Dziecinny had 11 strikeouts for Waterford along with a single. Ava Burrows had Waterford's second hit.

Up next for Vernon-Rockville in the four-team tourney is Westport on Thurday night. Westport defeated Seymour 4-0 Wednesday.