The Girl’s Varsity Softball team has proven to be, yet again, one of the most dominant teams on campus, capping off an amazing year with a Western New England Championships. The girls finished off yet another season with an impressive 14-3 record. It was one of the best seasons of all the coach’s team’s in recent memory.

Two Saturdays ago was a momentous day for the squad as they captured the Western New England Title with a 16-1 thrashing of Williston Northampton in a game that was much closer than the score suggests. The girls were holding a slim lead of 4-1 heading into the bottom of the 6th inning when they gained an insurmountable lead by scoring 12 runs. The performance of the team was reflective of the entire season as each member contributed with impressive hitting. To name a few, Emily Vitale ’08, Christine Valente ’11, and Josephine Pucci ’09 all contributed multi-hit games. In addition to that the pitching provided by Carly Evans ’09 and Katie Rogers ’10 helped stop Williston’s offensive attack. Overall, the game ended what was a great season and a happy ending for Coach Irzyk in his final season. One couldn’t have scripted a better ending in a fairy tale.

There is a sad conclusion to this story, as Choate loses four key seniors who were all vital parts of the team. Emily Vitale, Jackie Salzillo, Bridget Vaughn and Caitlin Fitzpatrick all provided leadership along with their excellent softball skill to the field every day. They will all be sorely missed, just as much as they will miss Choate Softball. “Without a doubt, what I will miss most are the girls from the team,” commented Vitale. Jackie Salzillo echoed similar sentiments, “I was lucky enough to be a part of the Choate softball team for 4 years, and I’m really going to miss it next year. I’ll especially miss the girls. We’ve all had so many good times together and softball just won’t be the same without them.” Each senior brought their own skill set to the field. Vitale was an excellent catcher who Coach Irzyk said “threw out each runner that tried to steal second this season.” Jackie Salzillo commanded the hot corner with an undeniable presence both at 3rd and with the bat in her hands. Bridget Vaughn had many key hits throughout the season and Caitlin Fitzpatrick, as Josephine Pucci put it, “always made the plays in the outfield.” Pucci couldn’t have summed it up more succinctly, “Emily, Jackie, Bridget, and Caitlin are all great seniors that will definitely be missed next year. They have led the team well both on and off the field.”

This championship marks the end of an era in Choate Softball. Coach James Irzyk will be leaving Choate to become head of Iona Prep next year after 16 years at the helm. During his tenure, Irzyk lead the team to 5 Western New England Championships since 1999 when the tournament began. “It is bittersweet to leave Choate. This is my 16th season a Head Varsity Softball Coach so softball has become very special to me.” Taking his place will be assistant coaches Ms. Grunwald and Ms. Shea. “Coach Grunwald and Coach Shea will keep the team competitive and focused in the years ahead,” said Irzyk. Even with the tough loss of Coach Irzyk and the 4 seniors, things are looking up for next year. “I have been blessed with great softball players and coaches during my tenure. A strong nucleus of players returns and their potential to capture a third championship is within their reach,” said Irzyk.