NEWINGTON — Since losing their season opener against No. 8 ranked North Branford, the Berlin Redcoats softball team has been on a roll.
The Lady Redcoats most recently defeated the Newington Nor’Easters, with a 6-2 win on Wednesday, at Newington High school. The Redcoats improved to 5-2 with the win, as Newington dropped to 2-4 on the season.
The Redcoats got up 3-0 after scoring a run in each of the first three innings. In the fourth inning, Newington did interesting things, scoring two runs and cutting their deficit down to a run.
Newington head coach Steve Markie liked the resilience his team showed after trailing 3-0 early, by adding a pair of runs. With the team struggling to bring runs in, Markie thinks it will help their confidence and let them know that they can compete while being down.
“I think scoring after they had a 3-0 lead was very important for us to keep it a game,” Markie said. “Scoring runs for us this year has been a struggle at times, so to answer with two runs was important for our confidence.”
After a scoreless fourth inning, the Redcoats responded with two runs in the fifth and another run in the sixth, to close out the game.
Berlin pitcher Maddie Mota picked up another win for the Redcoats on the mound. She allowed six hits, two earned runs, gave up two walks, and struck out nine in the win. Her record this season is now 5-2. Mota has been carrying the Redcoats defense this season. This week, she’s pitched all 22 innings that the team has played and has earned a pair of wins.
Berlin head coach Jason Pires says the combination of Mota on the mound and Jess Petit as the team’s catcher has resulted in great pitching and great defense this season.
“Maddie has been absolutely amazing this year as our rock on the mound,” said Pires. “I asked Maddie to be all in this year in terms of our communication and strategy and she has more than met my expectations.”
At the plate, the Redcoats had big games from Julia Matan, Mia Beatty, and Peyton Nadeau.
Matan recorded three hits and added four RBI’s. Beatty scored two runs and recorded a hit as Nadeau scored two runs and added a hit.
Pires has been impressed by the trio of Matan, Beatty, and Nadeau this season. Matan has yet to strike out this season and has embraced her leadership role this season. Beatty has had an impactful season thus far as a freshman. With only 14 players on the roster, Beatty has quickly taken on having a big role on the team and Pires thinks she’s going to get better and better with each game. Nadeau has been a great captain on the team and has turned into a better-rounded player this season.
For Newington, Maiya Simpson and Ella Stair scored their two runs.
Markie has said that he’s been impressed by the hitting of Simpson, Carly Leonard, and Ava Johnson this season, who is currently out with an injury. Markie is hoping Johnson, who is batting .500 this season, returns soon.
