A fun-filled, competitive, hot weather-embracing, rain drop-dodging summer of Newtown Women's Softball action — the 29th in the history of the league — came to a close with top seed Dental Associates defeating No 3 Mediassociates 7-2 in the championship game at Treadwell Park on August 14.

"It's a long time coming — we've been doing this since 2018," Dental Associates captain Lisa Coates said. "I'm very, very happy — very excited."

"It was a lot of fun. We really came together," said Chelsea Jayson, another captain from the champs. "Everybody's bats were hot from the start of the season."

Dental Associates came out strong in the championship game by scoring in the first inning with hits by Cameron Powers and Rosie Jackman to plate a run. Dental Associates scored again in the second inning, and came up with four runs in the fourth inning sparked by hits off the bats of Kaylie Costa (triple), Diandra Mackey, Holly Benedetto (double), and Angie Catalano (two-run double). Pitcher Laura Huling was solid in the circle and had strong defense behind her; one of the highlights was third baseman Kristi Frawley's running catch against the fence in foul territory.

Mediassociates chipped away with hits by Alex Curry, Caryn Whalen, and Lisa Weed; Shelby Rotunda and Curry drove in runs, and Courtney Kowcheris and Whalen both scored. Mediassociates had excellent pitching by Rotunda and great defense by Christina Wolf, Rabiya Ansari-Johnston, and Shauna Tucker.

The Dental Associates roster comprises Holly Benedetto, Kayla Mesko, Kaylie Costa, Kristi Frawley, Laura Huling, Melissa Pfeiffer, Rose Jackman, Samantha Corrado, Shannon Jackman, Angie Catalano, Cameron Powers, Chelsea Jayson, Diandra Mackey, Eva Gugliemo, Trish Flores, and Lisa Coates.

The playoffs featured quarterfinal (August 6) and semifinal rounds, with the semis postponed by rain and ultimately played the day before the pinnacle battle. In the opening round, No 4 The Castle Hill Chocolate Chips gave themselves a sweet start to the playoffs as they outlasted the No 5 Rapadura Rebels 14-6. Solid pitching from Cassie Achenbach and hot bats led by Sienna Cummings helped Castle Hill Chocolate to advance to the semis against Dental Associates.

Mediassociates outslugged No 6 Burgerittoville 13-8 in the first round. Hits by Ansari-Johnston, Weed, and Shauna Tucker led to two runs in the first and eight more in the second to jump-start the offense. The 'Rittos answered back with an eight-run rally in the fourth to close the gap on Mediassociates, with hits by Kaila Aurelia and Paige Lombardo leading the charge. Thanks to flawless defense by Cara Lennon and Alyssa McGuigan, Mediassociates advanced to face No 2 Forest Construction.

The semifinal clash between Castle Hill and Dental Associates was a nail-biter for the first few innings before Dental Associates used patience at the plate to pull away for a 20-10 victory.

Mediassociates defeated Forest Construction 14-4 in the other semifinal. Both teams played perfect defense and there were amazing plays by Cara Lennon, Whalen, Wolf, and Weed. Lennon displayed her power with multiple extra base hits, including doubles and a triple. Curry and Alyssa McGuigan contributed with strong base hits to start rallies and score runs. Forest Construction put together some impressive defensive plays, with Katie Gillick and Chris Jannott making several great catches in the outfield. Mallory Knutson turned a double play assisted by second baseman Erin Wilkes. At bat Knutson came through with a double, driving in two runs in the first inning. Laura Nelson also hit a double and Gillick, Jannott, and JoAnn Jeche all contributed with hard-hit line drives.

Regardless of outcome, the summer season was a hit for each of these teams.

"It was very successful," said Mediassociates captain and League Director Nina Ricciardi, adding that there were strong relationships established on and off the field.

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Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.