Waterford Softball Eyes Three-Peat

Returning all but two starters from an undefeated No. 1 ranked team, the Waterford High softball team seemingly stands far ahead of all competition this season in search of its third straight state championship.

Miles ahead perhaps. But miles are not the distance that concerns Lancer coach Liz Sutman and every other state coach for that matter. The crucial dimension in 2011 softball is a yard.

National rules call for the pitcher’s mound rubber to be moved back from 40 feet to 43 feet. It’s an attempt to curtail dominant pitchers from hurling no-hitters every game. More offense, more action. Moving the mound back allows more players than only the pitcher to affect the game.

Waterford’s pitching rotation of ace Kelli Connors (18-0, 0.18 ERA) and captain Erin Miller (9-0) allowed just seven runs combined last season during the Lancers’ 27-0 run to the Class L title. Both are back. Connors, a junior, won all four state tournament games, but Sutman considers the senior Miller a No. 1 in her own right.

The mound change may not affect Waterford too much, since the Lancer pitchers did not record huge double-figure strikeout numbers, relying on solid overall defense to register about half of an opponent’s 21 outs a game. The move may actually make Waterford tougher to beat.

“With the move of the mound back, we are trying to keep our defense as solid as possible with the anticipation of more offense from other teams,” Sutman said. “Our pitchers are smart pitchers who don't typically overpower their opponents, but rather they induce ground ball outs.”

Waterford will need to replace graduated defensive leader Mattie Brett, an All-State second baseman recently named her conference Player of the Week at Endicott College . Alyssa Hancock, an All-ECC pick, could move from third to second, and Connors will play third when she does not pitch. Senior captain Katelyn Sykora returns as shortstop after an All-ECC season, and senior Jessica Ryder plays first base. Senior Kaylee Deer returns at catcher after making All-ECC.

Bailey Frankewicz is the big graduation loss in the outfield. Senior captain Tricia Haire and senior Sage Bagwell will start in right and center, respectively. Senior Caitlyn O’ Loughlin, junior Christine Hadfield and soph Talia Rickerson will also see time in the outfield.

Top newcomers include junior infielder Kassie Lankerd, sophomore outfielder Jaime Dahl and soph infielder Katelyn Haff and freshman catcher Elaine Sullivan.

With the abundance of senior talent and overall experience from state and summer all-star tournament play, Waterford, unanimous No. 1 pick in the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance poll, looks as strong as ever. Sutman stresses to the team, however, not to eye the prize too early.

"We decided that goal number one was to make sure we take each game 'one at a time,'"Sutman said. "We have been successful in the past at doing this; making the game at hand the most important one, and we hope to continue this mindset.  The girls cannot wait to play."

Waterford opened Friday with an 8-1 win against Rockville and played host to No. 3 ranked Southington at noon Saturday.

"We have high expectations for the season, but we are staying well-grounded and determined to play our best each game," Sutman said. "Where that leads us, we will see at the end of the season."