WMS Pool-Play Continues Today and Tonight Elimination Round Begins

Day one of the four day 2024 Major Woman's Softball National Championships saw some exciting hits and plays on the field in addition to a party like atmosphere prior to the tournament's start.

Tradition for the start of the tournament has an opening game then all teams and coaches gather for a feast of "nourishment" in the outfield for some story telling and tournament bonding.

Then the teams line-up and march in towards home plate while being introduced to the crowd circling the infield and outfield cutout assembling team by team from the first base line to the third base line.

This year the Brakette Organization had a special team brought in to honor their accomplishment.

The fast pitch softball Milford Little League Girls team made their way down to DeLuca Hall of Fame Field to the rousing cheers and standing ovation of the faithful on hand.

This team continued the rich tradition of winning by the Milford Little League that has now won six straight State of Connecticut Championships.

The team also finished runner-up in the New England Regional tournament.

Each player was recognized during the parade around DeLuca Field.

Milford's Mayor Anthony Giannattasio also celebrated with the team in addition to speaking with the entire team during the pre-tournament feast. He is very proud of this team and the entire Milford Little League for how they presented themselves and continue in the winning ways of the league.

Milford Coach Joe Urban provided a summary and highlights of this year's efforts,

"This Milford team is the definition of resilience. They have fought back from elimination games in States and Regionals. Milford came from behind in the State tournament championship game down 0-1 to win 3-1 on a hit by Brynn “Big Game Brynn” Ayres.

At Regionals Milford lost the opening night and fought back to mercy three teams in a row from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts (a regionals little league record) to make it back to the regionals championship game.

Along the way Milford had a no hitter thrown by Marina Cosmas, played 5 games on ESPN, and even made SportsCenters top 10 plays on a grab by Paige Perry.

Team Connecticuts offense was lead in Bristol by Lilly Kalagher, Teagan Liphardth, Nia Richardson and Ella Urban, along with many others.

The pitchers for Milford were dominant along the way, with outstanding catching by Grace Dubin. Defensively Milford was a top team in regionals with excellent play by Dylan Gaglione, Kendall Upchurch, Sophia Capalbo, and Mya Corris."

Here is the official team roster

Manager - Joe Urban
Coaches - Seann Kalagher and Brock Dubin
Players
27 Ella Urban (7th grade)
13 Paige Perry (8th grade)
15 Grace Dubin (8th grade)
34 Lilly Kalagher (8th grade)
11 Kendall Upchurch (8th grade)
14 Marina Cosmas (8th grade)
12 Dylan Gaglione (8th grade)
1 Mya Corris (8th grade)
25 Teagan Liphardth (8th grade)
19 Brynn Ayres (8th grade)
5 Nia Richardson (7th grade)
4 Sophia Capalbo (7th grade)

Back to the diamond and prior to the opening ceremonies, the Junior Brakettes in come from behind fashion beat the Mid-Hudson Mustangs with two runs in the fourth and three more in fifth by a final of 5-4. Sydney Adolfson got the win in relief of starting pitcher Mackenzie Blair.

In the 7:00 tilt it was the Stratford Brakettes over the Ct Rebels by a 3-1 score with Sophia DiCocco getting the win with four pitchers combining (Anna Gedacht(1)(2)(7), Kat Gallant (5), and Jackie Pengel(7). Kylie Bulinski homered for the Brakettes.

The defending champion Central Jersey Lightning handled the Mid-Hudson Mustangs 11-1 as Karissa Dupuis, Kelsey Carr (4) combined to hold the Mustangs to only two hits. Haley Ahr homered for the Lightning.

In the nightcap, it was the Stripes and Strikes besting the Ct Rebels 16-0 with veteran Jenn Shellhammer whirling a one hitter for the win.

Today the final two games of pool-play will take place, first at 2:30 it will be the Junior Brakettes vs. Central Jersey Lightning. At 4:30 p.m. it is the Stratford Brakettes vs. Stripes and Strikes.

There will be more action starting at 7:00 tonight and once pool-play has been completed the teams and brackets will be announced.

Tickets can be purchased and below is the ticket guide. (double click)

https://brakettes.com/wms_tour...