Darien Softball Suffers Tough Luck In Sectional

DARIEN, Conn. – The final record for Darien’s softball team in the Section 1 Little League tournament was 1-3.

The record, however, does not reflect the quality of the 12-and-under squad's play.

Darien got no-hit and lost its final pool play game Monday to Seymour, 6-0. Darien’s tournament, however, effectively ended Sunday with a 6-5 loss to North Branford. North Branford rallied from a 5-1 deficit with two runs in the fifth and three in the bottom of the sixth to steal the victory.

Darien also lost to Fairfield, 2-0, in its first game, before following up with its lone win, a 15-1 rout of Wallingford. Fairfield and North Branford will play for the Section 1 title Wednesday. Darien played both teams tough, and the outcome of each game was not decided until the final inning.

“It was a hard-luck 1-3,’’ Darien manager Perry Pierce said. “There was definitely a chance we could've played for the championship. We played everybody tough.”

The North Branford game will be replayed most of the winter. The winning run scored with two outs and Darien squandered some scoring opportunities that could have broken the game open.

“We just couldn’t get the one hit that we needed,’’ Pierce said. “It’s kind of like the football analogy. We settled for field goals instead of getting touchdowns.”

The hangover from the North Branford loss cost Darien against Seymour. All of Seymour’s runs were unearned.

“It’s just so emotionally taxing to be that close,’’ Pierce said. “It’s hard to get back on the horse that quick.”

Darien will switch its attention to the Fairfield County Fastpitch Softball League season, where it figures to be one of the contenders for the 12-and-under championship later this month.

“When these girls were ten year old, the better teams run-ruled us,’’ Pierce said. “This time we were in every game. I told the girls they are a very talented team. It’s a testament to the work ethic of the kids, the coaches and the program. The strength of the program is keeping the kids together.”

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