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Rams Charging Toward Championship
The baseball team at was just plain mediocre during the regular season, finishing with a 10-10 record. The Rams didn't even qualify for their own conference tournament, but they found some magic in the state playoffs and ripped off four straight wins. On Saturday, they'll try to win the program's first state championship since 1950 when they take on Fitch in the Class L title game.
"The kids are thrilled and it's good for the town," said third-year head baseball coach, Mitch Hoffman. "I don't think my players have comprehended fully what they've done so done so far. It's a nice feather in their cap, but there is one more game to be played. I've asked them, 'How do you want this to end?'"
The Rams run to the state title game has been a magical one and almost Hoosiers-like. The team struggled to hit during the regular season, but caught fire since the pressure was turned up. In four games, New Canaan has banged out 49 hits.
"And we've had seven runs driven in with two outs," Hoffman said. "I think not making the FCIAC tournament actually helped us out a bit. We had a chance to get a breather and re-group."
Wolverines Clawing at Greatness
In just their fourth year of existence, the boys volleyball team at will play for the Class M state championship on Friday against Newington. The Wolverines got there in dramatic fashion, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to beat Ferni on Tuesday night.
"It was an incredible feeling," said Oxford coach Jeff Giovacchino. "The kids showed tremendous heart and character and just wouldn't quit. This is the best bunch of kids that I've ever coached. To come from behind like that was really a testament to their character."
The Wolverines have just one more hurdle to clear before they can truly call this a magical season. "Newington is a great team," Giovacchino said. "We're going to have to play our best game of the season to beat them."
Special Feeling for Foran Girls Baseball
Magical moments seem to get more attention when they happen in the post-season, and the one that occurred in front of Jeff Bevino, head coach of is one that is sure to last forever. His daughter, Fallon, ripped a walk-off single on Tuesday to give Foran a 2-1 victory over Brookfield and a berth in the Class L state championship game.
"I really can't put it into words, it's unbelievable," Bevino said. "I was walking on air when I got home. As a coach, it's a great win, but as a Dad, it really is a special feeling. There is nothing like it."
Foran battles Rockville on Saturday hoping to make it back-to-back state titles.
Cheshire Puts Perfection to the Test
The volleyball team at will also try to make it consecutive titles as they put perfection on the line againston Friday night. The Rams are 22-0 and dating back to last year, and they've won 44 straight matches. The only thing standing between Cheshire and a place in the annals of Connecticut volleyball are the Tigers, who sport an 18-2 record.
The only people that don't seem to be caught up in the Rams' amazing 44-game winning streak are the Rams themselves. "Is that what it is?" asked Ray Brumleve, one of the Rams' captains. "Someone kept asking me about the record ... I don't keep track. I just play," Brumleve told the Hartford Courant after Cheshire disposed off Glastonbury to reach the state title game.
Shelton Taking Shot at Title
The baseball team discovered the magic they could've used in their last two semifinal losses in the Class LL playoffs. They ousted East Hartford 7-1 on Tuesday, advancing to the state title game for the first time since 1990. Shelton takes on South Windsor to see who claims the title.
