Greyhounds leave their mark

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Naugatuck senior Jackie Aronin (6), pictured after hitting a leadoff home run in the Greyhounds’ first home game of the season, led the team with 35 hits. Aronin is one of six seniors that set the example for the younger players this year. –FILE PHOTO
Naugatuck senior Jackie Aronin (6), pictured after hitting a leadoff home run in the Greyhounds’ first home game of the season, led the team with 35 hits. Aronin is one of six seniors that set the example for the younger players this year. –FILE PHOTO

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck softball team finished the regular season 11-9 before quick exits in the NVL and the Class L tournaments. That didn’t keep the Greyhounds from leaving a lasting impression.

Six seniors — team captains Jackie Aronin, Jenna Massicotte and Alyssa Barry along with Mckenzi Staples, Taya Diaz and Jess Conover — led by example showing their younger peers what it takes to play on the varsity team.

“The seniors made a point to take the underclass women and provide them with leadership skills by example,” Naugatuck head coach Kevin Wesche said. “They practiced and played with enthusiasm and excitement. They were able to make game day fun and practices productive, while demonstrating what it takes to be a success on and off the field.”

Wesche added, “Although we are sad to see these sensational six seniors graduate we wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Aronin was the team’s leadoff hitter and in the first home game of her final year she sent the first pitch out of the park for a home run. That set the tone, and she led Naugy with 35 hits, a .455 average and 24 runs scored.

Aronin was chosen as the Greater Waterbury Umpires Association Scholar-Athlete. The All-NVL and All-State outfielder will play in the Senior All-Star game Monday at the Dunn Sports Complex in Meriden.

Massicotte was the team’s number three hitter and turned into an RBI machine, driving in 30 runs on 30 hits to go with a .448 average. She was named to the All-Copper Division team and will play in the NVL Senior All-Star game Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury.

Conover led the Greyhounds in the pitcher’s circle. She picked up 11 wins while striking out 76 and only walking four batters all season.

Behind the plate was junior catcher Alexandra Langhans, who had with 30 hits and a .455 average and was named to the All-Copper Division team. She will appear in the Junior Select College Showcase game on Tuesday in Meriden.

Despite losing more than half the starting lineup to graduation, the Greyhounds will not be without leadership next year. Naugatuck will look Langhans along with fellow juniors Olivia Rotatori and Katie Jaronecyzk, and sophomore Molly Kennedy to lead the way.