Whiz Kids Of The Week: Waterford High School’s Softball Team

Connecticut is no stranger to the astounding success of its female athletes.

After experiencing the 89-game winning streak of the UConn women’s basketball team, the Lady Lancers have made their own mark with 55 back-to-back wins.

’s softball team recently experienced a 55-game winning streak, until losing to Fitch last Saturday. Coach reflected that, “These wins have been great. Fifty-five games are incredible for a team on any level.”

On Tuesday, Patch was given access to observe a practice session. Hard work and determination are the keys to this team’s success. Despite the pouring rain keeping them from the outdoors, the girls were hard at work inside the gym.   

Sutman revealed that the team’s defense is the driving force behind their achievements. “We’re unique because every single player in the line up can play (defense). Plus we have two of the best pitchers in the state,” she said.

Fitch’s interruption in their winning streak has not slowed the team down.

“It was a tough game but we played hard,” said captian Erin Miller. Miller is a senior and will continue on to play for Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall.

Senior Tricia Haire explained that, “it was bound to happen, now we’re just so fired up.”

“Now the pressure for us to win is off. The weight has been lifted off our shoulders so it’s all about picking ourselves back up and playing,” said pitcher Kelli Connors.

Sutman explained that after their loss against Fitch there is less pressure from the community to keep winning. “However, we have expectations for ourselves,” she said. These expectations are living up to the two back-to-back state championships that Waterford currently holds.

In addition to their championship status, the Lancer softball team is working hard to give back to their community. The team recently raised money for cancer research in the Play For A Cure game against Stonington High School. The team also held a little league softball clinic in which all proceeds went to Relay For Life.

While reflecting on the little league clinic, Sutman explained that team sports are an essential part of an education. “Aside from fitness, athletes learn to work together, and experience team building and camaraderie. There is no place better to learn that than team sports.”

Sutman gushed that she not only coaches because it is fun, but “I love these girls,” she said.  

The Lancers will face off against Norwich Free Academy this Saturday for the class L conference division title. This game is their first step towards achieving their third straight state championship.

Saturday’s game against NFA is also Waterford’s Senior Night. Sage Bagwell, Kaylee Deer, Miller, Katelyn Sykora, Caitlyn O’ Loughlin, Jessica Ryder, Haire, and Shelby Patton are all seniors who will be recognized. The 1983, 2009 and 2010 State Championship teams will also be in attendance for the reveal of new banners.