New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Unbeaten Masuk finishes No. 1 in final Top 10 poll
It’s only fitting that the lone team to post an undefeated record would finish atop the final edition of the GameTimeCT/Register Top 10 poll.
Masuk finished off its season in style, rolling through the Class L tournament en route to its fourth state championship in school history and first under coach Leigh Barone. Masuk completed its 27-0 season with a 10-0 rout of Brookfield in the final Friday night.
“This is really special because this is the first team that’s I’m seeing in and seeing out,” Barone said. “I’ve been able to see all my freshman grow from freshman year to senior year as starters. I wouldn’t want it for anybody else, they deserve it.”
The Panthers put it all together during their run through the postseason. The bats quickly heated up, averaging 11 runs per game. Combine that with the dynamic pitching duo of Sam Schiebe and Maddie Procyk — both of whom return next season — and Masuk cruised.
Schiebe starred in the final win over the Bobcats, striking out the first nine batters she faced. Masuk allowed just 14 runs in its 27 wins, nine of which came in two games.
“It was a very cool experience coming out here and watching her have 14 strikeouts, that’s pretty insane,” said junior outfielder Meg McFarland.
Masuk earned every first place vote, claiming top spot against Class LL champ Amity and Class M winner St. Joseph. Class S champion Stafford gets into the top 10 for the first time at No. 10.