Plenty of positive signs were displayed by Greenwich High School’s varsity softball team in its home-opener against New Milford in a game featuring a classic pitcher’s duel.

The Cardinals received an exemplary performance on the pitcher’s mound from senior right-hander Sophia Blois and excellent fielding from their infielders and outfielders. New Milford freshman right-hander Lydia Rocky was also outstanding and on this April 14th day, the just one more key hit was the deciding factor for the Green Wave.

A run-scoring triple in the top of the sixth inning lifted visiting New Milford to a tight 2-1 win over Greenwich in a non-conference matchup. The Cardinals responded the next day (April 15) with a convincing 14-2 home victory over FCIAC opponent Bridgeport Central, as the bats got going for the hosts. Greenwich, which has an overall record of 2-2, is determined to improve upon its win total from its 2024 season, make its mark in the tough FCIAC and qualify for the CIAC Class LL state tournament.

“I think we’re looking great,” said Greenwich senior captain Gianna Toscano, who plays third base and bats third in the lineup. “We want to hit more and hopefully make it to states, which is definitely a goal and maybe FCIACs.”

Toscano, Cameron Clark and Casey Natale are the Cardinals’ senior captains. The trio are relied upon for leadership on and off the field, which they provide on a consistent basis.

“I feel really honored to be a captain,” said Clark, a center fielder, who like Toscano, is a four-season varsity athlete. “I’ve been on this team for the past four years and just being able to lead it and be someone to look up to is a great pleasure.”

Casey Natale is an infield, playing mostly second base. She is currently nursing a back injury and hopes to be back in action soon.

“I’m super excited, we’re looking good,” Natale noted. “I definitely think we can reach our goals. We’re looking really strong and I definitely think we have a lot of potential to make it to states.”

Alexyss Conley is in her second season as head coach of the Cardinals. Conley’s roster includes four seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and one freshman.

“We’re very young with a lot of sophomores this year, so I think doing the job more offensively will be one of the keys for us this year,” Conley said. “We came a long way from last year, we made a lot of big strides, so we’re ready to show up every game and ready to go.”

Against New Milford on April 14, the Cardinals scored their one run in the bottom of the second inning. Clark singled, advanced to second base on a passed ball and scored when freshman catcher Hailey Dreher reached base on an error.

With the score tied at 1-1, Blois and Rocky matched zeroes on the scoreboard for most of the game, exhibiting velocity and movement with their pitches. Blois struck out six batters, while allowing only four hits for GHS. She’s consistently given Greenwich quality starts during her varsity pitching career.

“She did great, that was one of the greatest games I’ve seen Sophia pitch since I’ve known her,” Toscano said. “I think she did amazing.”

“Obviously, Sophia did a great job and we need to help her hang in there by scoring those runs,” Clark added. “We got one run in the first inning, but that’s not enough we have to keep moving.”

Rocky registered 13 strikeouts and walked just one batter to earn the win for New Milford, which is 3-1 so far this season. Sophomore shortstop Jesse Natale, Casey’s cousin and Dreher each singled off Rocky and Clark delivered two hits.

“It’s been tough not playing many games so far this season with the rain, getting rained out and the cold weather,” Conley noted. “The way that our team showed up defensively was amazing. They executed on defense, made the plays. Just offensively, we didn’t get the job done. Their pitcher was strong, she worked well and got better as the game went along.”

The Green Wave scored the go-ahead run in the top of the sixth inning. After a walk, junior outfielder Regan O’Loughlin hit an RBI triple to deep left field, giving the Green Wave a 2-1 lead.

Sophomore Hayden Zinker started at first base, sophomore Lily Coyne played second, Jesse Natale was the shortstop, Toscano played third base and Dreher was behind the plate versus New Milford. In the outfield, Clark patrolled center field, while sophomore Sydney Coyne was positioned in left field and Leonor Perez Rosario played right field.

“We played an extremely competitive game,” Casey Natale said of the Cards’ effort against New Milford. “I definitely think we need to have more quality at-bats and swing at pitches we know are hittable. But I also think that we need to do a better job of hitting when someone is on base and getting them in, whether it’s putting it in play or just doing your job.”

Greenwich upended Bridgeport Central, 14-2, for its second win of the season on April 14. The Cardinals host Fairfield Ludlowe tomorrow (April 17) at 4:30 p.m., then visit for an 11 a.m. game on Saturday (April 19). Next week has Greenwich playing Norwalk, Trumbull and Ludlowe.

“Playing in the FCIAC, it’s very competitive, but it’s also very fun,” Toscano said.

Like her fellow captains, Clark is looking forward to leading the team and watching it improve and succeed as the season progresses.

“It’s been amazing, the girls are great,” Clark said of her varsity softball career at GHS. “It’s been great playing with the same girls over and over and make great connections. Its’ nice being able to be in the outfield and see everything and lead them out there.”