Cheshire ready to make another run

With five seniors and a nice blend of underclassmen, Cheshire appears to have all of the tools to be where it always has been when tournament time arrives.

The Rams went 23-3 a year ago, reaching the Class LL semifinals after a surprise early exit from the SCC tournament. A lot of returnees have been key contributors since their freshmen years and could form something special in 2019.

“It’s gone pretty well,” said Rams coach Kristine Drust. “We had some unanswered questions going into the season, which is exciting; it leaves the opportunity for new players. We have players stepping up into their roles. The girls are excited.”

One of those is junior Ari Perlini, who has power to all fields and plays excellent defense. Lindsey Abramson missed last season with a knee injury but has added a component to the offense, Drust said.

Senior Mia Juodaitis was an All-SCC selection for both volleyball and basketball this season already, playing with several teammates on the softball diamond. Juodaitis — who scored her 1,000th career point in January — hit .452 a year ago. Many players have played two and three sports together from the youth levels.

“You can see it in their dynamic and camaraderie,” Drust said. “On the field it truly is just closeness; they really are sincerely the best group of the girls and I love being around them.”

The biggest change comes in the circle where Bri Pearson replaces Natalie Amato, who pitched to a 1.30 ERA with 175 strikeouts in a very competitive SCC. Pearson, a sophomore, displays a maturity beyond her years, Drust said.

“The best part of her game is her composure,” Drust said. “She doesn’t get too high or low. She’s a balance of a power pitcher who keeps you off balance; she’s a student of the game.”

“The best part of her game is her composure.”

— Cheshire coach Kristine Drust on pitcher Bri Pearson

EARLY DAYS

St. Joseph and Trumbull are each expected to have outstanding regular seasons with a possible collision course in the FCIAC playoffs. Both claimed solid out-of-league wins in the opening week as the Cadets toppled Newtown 6-4 while Trumbull rallied in the seventh to beat Seymour 5-4.

Weather has already played a factor. The showdown between No. 1 Masuk and No. 2 St. Joseph was pushed back to April 20. St. Joseph then had Saturday’s showdown with Cheshire postponed to a date TBA.

Masuk, Southington, and Norwich Free Academy breezed through early action while Amity, Seymour and Griswold suffered early losses.

The early winner was North Haven, which has gone 3-0 with each win coming over quality opposition in Norwalk, Coginchaug and Amity. Hartfordbound Lauren Card has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the state and is off to an electric start.