Coventry reaches Class S softball semis behind Mitchell

Jun. 4—COVENTRY — Elizabeth Mitchell is the Coventry High softball team's ace pitcher, one of its best hitters, and gives her all at being its No. 1 cheerleader.

"I've always played with enthusiasm," Mitchell said. "I love this team. I want to help them to the championship. The more energy I bring, the better off we are."

The sophomore was on top of her game in all three phases on Friday.

Mitchell fired a four-hitter, striking out 17, and her two-run homer in the third inning broke the final tie as the third-ranked Patriots advanced to the Class S state tournament semifinals by defeating NCCC rival and No. 6 Somers 6-1 in quarterfinal-round play at Coventry High.

"We all wanted to do this so we put in the work to do it," Mitchell said. "Practice, practice, practice makes perfect."

Coventry (19-4) will take on No. 15 North Branford either Monday or Tuesday at a site and time to be determined. The Shoreline Conference champion Thunderbirds (19-7), a 2021 Class M tournament finalist, defeated seventh-ranked Shepaug Valley 9-2 Friday. The other semifinal will feature two Shoreline Conference teams — top-ranked Cromwell and No. 5 Old Lyme.

Mitchell captured a duel of All-State pitchers as she got the better of Somers senior Madison Hinkley in their fourth matchup of the year. Mitchell had a four-hit shutout in the first meeting on April 8 here but lost to the Spartans 5-4 on May 6 and 2-0 on May 26 as Hinkley tossed a no-hitter.

The Spartans got a first-inning run Friday as Kiana Kalman led off with a double and scored on Mackenzie Mike's two-out single. From there Mitchell was dominant. She recorded her 200th strikeout of the season when she fanned Bianca Green in the fourth and had at least two strikeouts in every inning. She retired 17 of the last 19 batters.

"I threw the ball too much over the plate against them so today I was able to stay on the corners," Mitchell said. "I didn't give them much to hit because they'll hit it if I don't make my best pitches."

Caroline Wesoloskie got Coventry's first hit with a double in the third and scored the tying run when Julia Boya reached on a fielder's choice. One batter later, Mitchell hit her first home run over the left-field fence to put the Patriots in front to stay at 3-1.

It would be the only time her youth and inexperience showed all game. Instead of taking a jog and enjoying the moment, Mitchell sprinted around the bases.

"When I hit a home run I just get so excited and I keep on going." Mitchell said with a smile.

The moment was not too big, though.

After her blast, she returned to the dugout and calmly grabbed her glove and mask from her equipment bag. She returned to the circle and struck out the next seven she faced.

"She understands the game," Coventry coach Jeff LaHouse said. "After the homer, she didn't keep celebrating. She was focused and got right back in it."

Coventry put the game away in the sixth. With the bases loaded and two outs, Amy Prior, the Patriots' lone senior, beat out an infield single and an ensuing throwing error allowed all three runners to score.

Somers' hopes of a third straight trip to the Class S final and a second consecutive quarterfinal win over Coventry were dashed.

"It just didn't go our way today," Somers coach Melanie Zamorski said. "We had a couple mistakes in the field. It happens. We had three kids playing with us this year with varsity experience prior to this year. We're still building and learning. We've had a really strong run. Some of our young-ness showed today a little bit and that's OK.

"Mitchell was completely on point. We didn't hit her as well as we hoped today."

Kalman had two hits for the Spartans (18-7). Hinkley, pitching her third game in four days, allowed six hits and six unearned runs with five strikeouts.

Six of Somers' nine starters will return.

"I want them to take the energy and excitement of being here," Zamorski said. "A couple of them were here last year but for the most part they didn't have a chance to compete in some of those bigger games. I hope they have that drive and want to get back here next year."

Mitchell and Sarah Miller had two hits each for the Patriots, who will be seeking their second state final appearance. They are 0-9 in semifinals, including four losses from 2013 to 2018, since beating Griswold 4-0 to reach the 1985 Class S championship game.

"I haven't seen all the teams but I don't know if there's a better defense than what we have," LaHouse said. "If we're scoring runs, there's nobody we can't beat."

For coverage of all sports in the JI's 18-town coverage area, plus updates on the UConn women's basketball team and head coach Geno Auriemma, follow Carl Adamec on Twitter: @CarlAdamec, Facebook: Carl Adamec, and Instagram: @CarlAdamec.