Conard hosted Norwalk in West Hartford on May 28 in what would end up being the Red Wolves final game of the season.

Sadira Forcucci looks to advance to second base. Conard vs. Norwalk softball. May 28, 2024. Photo credit: Jack Fitzgerald

By Jack Fitzgerald

On Tuesday, May 28, Conard hosted the Norwalk Bears, losing 10-7 in the first round of the Class LL CIAC state softball tournament. The Red Wolves battled to the last whistle but could not overcome Norwalk’s early lead.

The Bears ripped off four runs to open the game. However, Conard didn’t take the early blows lying down.

Sadira Forcucci walked to load the bases, and an errant pitch allowed Noel Denault to slide home. Nina Ostafin hit a sac fly to right field for Conard’s second run. On the next at-bat, the Norwalk right fielder made another impressive catch on the sacrifice fly from Lucy Pincince. Arissa Hanners RBI tied the game at 4-all to end the first inning.

Despite a quiet second inning, Norwalk took over in the third, adding three more runs. Alexa Lacomis remained firm on the mound, keeping Conard’s best hitters at bay. Conversely, Conard struggled to find its rhythm, going three innings without a score. Alley Lonzaratto’s solo home run in the fourth inning further solidified Norwalk’s lead.

Tea Higgins’s RBI broke Conards scoring draught, closing the fifth inning at 9-5. Conard’s late effort, including Forcucci’s solo homer, brought the final score to 10-7 in Norwalk’s favor.

Elise Talbott winds up her pitch. Conard vs. Norwalk softball. May 28, 2024. Photo credit: Jack Fitzgerald

With the win, Norwalk advanced to the second round of the state tournament, where they lost 4-1 to Southington.

No. 4 seed Southington, which went on to defeat Darien, 1-0, will travel to top-ranked Cheshire on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the semifinal round.

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