NHS Softball Team Rolls Into LL Quarters

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School’s softball team, behind the strong pitching of Jenna Legros, timely hits and clutch plays in the field, won its first two Class LL State Tournament games to set up a quarterfinal round match-up at Fitch on Friday.

The Nighthawks, the tournament’s 10th seed, edged No. 23 Ridgefield 1-0 at home in the first round on Monday and hosted and defeated No. 26 New Britain 5-3 in the second round on Tuesday.

In the win over New Britain, Legros allowed two hits and fanned 14 batters. Megan Gibbons delivered a two-run single and Nora Lynn Shimko forced in a run with a bases loaded walk in a four-run fourth inning. NHS built a commanding 5-0 lead before holding on.

There would not have a chance for win in the second round if not for Christine Beck’s sixth-inning RBI single which drove home Shimko. Legros struck out nine batters and allowed only a hit. Newtown thwarted a possible Ridgfield scoring chance when catcher Ashley Kuligowski threw out a would-be base stealer. Shimko, the shortstop, applied the tag.

It was an exciting game for the fans that surrounded Newtown’s field, but this one was a little too tense for Newtown Coach Bob Guererra’s liking.

“The only thing that makes it at least a little bit fun is that I’m home — I’m going to get my last licks,” Guererra said lightheartedly.

Fitch went unbeaten this year and earned the tourney’s second seed. With a win, Newtown would take on the Mercy/Norwich Free Academy winner in the semifinals.