Oh ‘K’! Kane, Keshin Lead Rams Softball over the Hilltoppers

After a cold and dreary home opener back on Friday, the New Canaan Rams softball team stepped back onto Orchard Field Wednesday, this time under the bright sunshine. And the sun wasn’t the only thing that shined on the field. Freshman pitcher Gillian Kane struck out 13 batters and allowed zero earned runs while sophomore shortstop Rachel Keshin went 5-for-5 at the plate, leading New Canaan (2-2; 2-1 FCIAC) to a 13-6 victory over Bridgeport Central (1-5, 0-3 FCIAC). After retiring the Central side in order in the top of the 1st, Kane helped herself early with some offense. With Keshin on base after a leadoff single, Kane ripped a pitch down the right field line for a home run and a quick 2-0 Rams lead.

O Captains!: Conley, Schlim Lead New Canaan Softball Past McMahon

After dropping its first two games by a combined 23 runs to Stamford and Trumbull, the New Canaan Rams softball team came into Monday’s game at Brien McMahon High School looking for a spark—something, anything to get the team jump started and turn the young 2015 season around. They didn’t have to look far or wait long. The Rams jumped all over the previously unbeaten Senators (2-1; 0-1 FCIAC) from the start, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding four more in the second en route to a 10-0 win, the first of the season for New Canaan (1-2; 1-1 FCIAC). Junior captain Claire Conley led the offensive attack for New Canaan with a perfect 4-4 performance at the plate. Sophomore Rachel Keshin added three hits and three runs.

Young and Hungry: 2015 New Canaan Rams Softball Preview

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.

Reilly Leads New Canaan Softball’s FCIAC Postseason Honors

In a fitting coda to a brilliant four-year varsity softball career with the Rams, New Canaan’s Ali Reilly was selected to the All-FCIAC First Team. Reilly – who also made the First Team last year – had another outstanding season in the circle for New Canaan, striking out 114 batters in 95 1/3 innings pitched with an ERA of 3.23. The Babson-bound Reilly also helped herself at the plate, leading the team with a .361 batting average with 3 doubles, 3 triples and 16 RBI. Her performance in New Canaan’s 2-1 win over rival Darien was the highlight of New Canaan’s 11-11 season. “Ali worked hard and it’s another great accomplishment to add to her high school career,” New Canaan head coach Danielle Simoneau told NewCanaanite.com.

Wild Wednesday: New Canaan Baseball, Softball Notch Dramatic Wins

Video by SportsFairfield, New Canaan High School junior Alex LaPolice walk off home run May 21, 2014
[Editor’s Note: The video above is courtesy of SportsFairfield—follow them here on Twitter, covering Fairfield, Trumbull Westport and Wilton.]

In one of the most dramatic days on the diamond in recent memory, the New Canaan Rams baseball and softball teams each pulled off improbable–and important–victories over Trumbull High School Wednesday night. Alex LaPolice’s walkoff grand slam capped off an amazing comeback for New Canaan, who entered the 7th and final inning down 4-0. The Rams seemingly had no answers for Trumbull starter Avery Santos, who went into the seventh inning looking to close out the game having given up just five runs through the first six innings. Santos, however, seemed to suddenly tire in the seventh and lose command of his pitches. Two New Canaan hits, a fielder’s choice, and a hit batter closed the gap to 4-1, loaded the bases and brought the potential winning run to the plate.