Derby is 0-10 against Woodland Regional since May of 2018 but things could change on Friday. The Red Raiders will square off against the Hawks at 3:45 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Derby turned things around against Harding on Wednesday. They blew past the Presidents 26-10. The Red Raiders' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Kaelyn DiMartino was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and seven unearned) runs off only one hit. DiMartino was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her six plate appearances with two RBI and one double.
Emma DeSanty
| 04/23/25 @ Harding | 3 |
| 04/22/25 vs Waterbury Career Academy | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Holy Cross | 0 |
In other batting news, Ari McNeill and Emma DeSanty did most of the damage at the plate: McNeill got on base in five of her six plate appearances with six runs, three stolen bases, and two RBI, while DeSanty went 4-for-7 with three stolen bases, five RBI, and three runs. With that strong performance, DeSanty is now averaging an impressive 1.3 stolen bases per game. Alyssa Wellington also deserves some recognition as she got her first hits of the season.
Derby was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .413. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Woodland Regional faced Seymour in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Wednesday. The Hawks never let the Wildcats get on the board and left with a 12-0 win. The victory was just business as usual for the Hawks, who after nine games remain undefeated this season.
Like Derby, Woodland Regional also got a great game from a two-way player: Ella VanAlstyne. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 17 over seven innings pitched. VanAlstyne has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three doubles, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Caitlyn Braun was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Gabriella Capobianco, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Woodland Regional's win was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-0. The team's perfect season has a lot to do with their hitting performance: the team's won by an average of 14.1 runs thus far. As for Derby, their record now sits at 3-5.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Derby has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .485. However, it's not like Woodland Regional struggles in that department as they've averaged .564. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Derby suffered a grim 23-0 defeat to Woodland Regional when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Red Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
