As recently as a couple weeks ago, Waveny’s Orchard Field was covered by snow. In just a few days it will be covered by the New Canaan Rams softball team.
2014 was seen by most outsiders as a rebuilding year as New Canaan lost seven starters to graduation. Even so, Rams head coach Danielle Simoneau saw it as an opportunity to both develop talent and win at the same time. The Rams made both the conference and state tournaments in 2014, finishing with an FCIAC record of 11-7 (11-11 overall).
The 2015 squad is looking to take that experience and continue to grow in order to get back to both tournaments and possibly go even further into the postseason. This will be a tall task for New Canaan, which lost pitcher Ali Reilly and center fielder Colette Pellegrini to graduation last spring. Reilly, now playing college softball at Babson, is New Canaan’s all-time career strikeout leader (362) and Pellegrini was one of the best defensive outfielders in the program’s history.
Claire Conley heads for first. Credit: Terry Dinan
New Canaan’s main strength in 2015 will lie with their infield, as the Rams will return most of their starters from last season, led by junior co-captain and third baseman Claire Conley. Sophomore Rachel Keshin will again be at shortstop pairing with classmate Molly Rochlin at second for a youthful and talented duo up the middle. Sophomore Sophia Welch will be one of as many as three players getting time at first base.
Eliza Haney returns to the New Canaan outfield and will be joined by a number of Rams players vying for playing time, including sophomores Gabriella Sulpizi and Allary Landeck as well as senior Grace Wagner and juniors Regina Rivera and Rhian Ball. Sophomores Maggie Tensen, Casey Gallup and Bella Marciano are extremely fast runners and will provide New Canaan with added depth and athleticism, as will hard-hitting freshman Clare Wagner and sophomore Hazel Montano.
Jamie Schlim fires in a pitch. Credit: Terry Dinan
Senior co-captain Jamie Schlim will take over as New Canaan’s primary pitcher with freshman Gillian Kane also figuring to get time in the circle. Schlim—who led New Canaan with 6 wins last season— is one of the hardest throwers in the FCIAC and should be complemented nicely by Kane, who—despite her youth—has had significant experience and success playing against high school-age girls in the travel softball circuit.
Molly Keshin connects. Credit: Terry Dinan
Last but certainly not least is the other half of the Keshin duo, Rachel’s twin sister Molly, who will be handling the catching duties as well as anchoring a batting lineup that shouldn’t have too much trouble putting up runs. Keshin led the 2014 Rams in home runs (3) and RBI (17) and will again hold down the No.-3 spot in the lineup with Schlim (.351 AVG, 16 RBI in 2014) protecting her from the cleanup spot.
Another strength for New Canaan is an intangible one.
“There’s no hierarchy, everyone is equal,” Conley told NewCanaanite.com. “It’s one varsity team and we’re all varsity players.”
Competition from the rest of FCIAC will be fierce. St. Joe’s, Trumbull, and arch-rival Darien are all perennial powerhouses primed for big years in their own right. That said, Simoneau is confident the young Rams can be part of the conference conversation.
“If we can get back in the top eight [in the FCIAC], that would be successful,” Simoneau said. “If we can make it past the first round in states, that will be successful. I think that if they just continue their communication, staying together as a team and working on each other’s strengths and weaknesses, that would be a plus for this year.”
The first pitch of the season is slated for this Thursday, April 9 against Stamford at Stamford High School at 4:30 p.m. The first home game is the following day, April 10, versus the aforementioned Trumbull at Orchard Field at Waveny Park at 4:00 p.m.
Head Coach: Danielle Simoneau (5th year)
2013 Record: 11-11 (11-7 FCIAC); Made FCIAC and CIAC Class LL Playoffs
Returnees to watch: Jamie Schlim (Sr.–P); Claire Conley (Jr.–3B); Molly Keshin (So.–C); Rachel Keshin (So.–SS)
Key newcomers: Gillian Kane (Fr.–P), Bella Marciano (So.–OF), Maggie Tensen (So.–OF)
Big Game: Monday, May 18th @ Darien–The Blue Wave have the FCIAC’s top pitcher Erika Osherow and will be looking to avenge last season’s stunning 2-1 defeat against New Canaan. The Rams will hope to upset the Wave again and solidify their FCIAC standing in this late-season showdown.