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Team members gather for a photo before the game. 1st row (L-R): Shannon Judd, Jackie DaRos, Jess Shanley (captain), Lily Moore-Markey, Julia Falcigno, and Lexi Falcigno. Middle row (L-R): Marissa Minore, Abby Spivey, Sophia Esposito, Katy Kaczor, Paige Richardson and Alycia Ferretti. Top row: coach Chuck Reale and assistant coach Alicia Loesche.
The Branford girls’ softball team opened the season with a 19 – 12 win over Wilbur Cross then lost six in row, including three to the SCC’s perennial softball contenders, Hand, East Haven and Guilford. On Friday, the Hornets earned a big win over Hillhouse with a 15 – 2 victory over the Academics at home.
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Junior Alexis Falcigno rips a three-run home run.
“We needed this win today,” said coach Chuck Reale. “Our team played well in all aspects of the game and we came away with the ‘W.’ I was happy with our performance.”
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A Hillhouse runner beats the throw to sophomore third baseman Abigale Spivey.
The coach explained the team’s reality. “Given the fact we have two new pitchers this year (Paige Richardson and Lexi Falcigno), it’s important that the offense produces and the defense prevents runs. It will take a total team effort on three fronts, pitching, offense, defense in order to be successful. If two out of three are working in any given game we’ll be OK.”
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On Friday, the Hornets put all three together. Led by Junior Lexi Falcigno, who was the designated hitter, they had six players with multiple hits. Falcigno had a career day with six hits, including a home run, double and four singles and knocked in five runs. Captain Jess Shanley followed with a triple and single, and Lily Moore-Mackey, Shannon Judd, Abby Spivey, and Alycia Ferretti all chipped in with two singles each. Here Shanley heads to third on her way to a bases clearing triple.
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“Hillhouse scored one run in the top of the first for their only lead in the game. The Hornets scored eight in the bottom half of the inning and never looked back. Branford scored at least one run in the next four innings and the game ended when the “Mercy Rule” was called when one team leads by 12 runs or more after five innings Here .Jess Shanley heads to third on her way to a bases clearing triple. Here Lily Moore-Markey lays down a sacrifice bunt to advance a runner.
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Here catcher Jackie DaRos grabs a fastball strike right down the middle of the plate.
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And here Captain Jess Shanley grabs a throw to nail a Hillhouse runner at first base.
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As she rounds second, Melissa Minore looks for the throw from the outfielder.
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Here shortstop Melissa Minore locks her eyes on a ground ball headed her way.
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Freshman Paige Richardson was the winning pitcher for the Hornets. She only gave up three hits and struck out six. She earned the victory for the Hornets.
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Here Captain Jess Shalley is flanked by assistant coach Alicia Loesche and coach Chuck Reale.
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And here Lily Moore-Markey slides under the tag as teammate Alycia Ferretti gives the safe call from the dugout.
The Hornets play at Shelton today (Wed) and Lyman Hall on Friday. The games start at 3:45 p.m.
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