Haddam-Killingworth and Hale Ray are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Cougars will venture away from home to challenge the Noises at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Haddam-Killingworth is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last three games.
While Haddam-Killingworth's win against Westbrook wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Cougars narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Knights 9-8. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Cougars have posted since April 19, 2024.
Emma Giaccone spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and three unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 15 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
Caley Napoletano
| 04/21/25 vs Westbrook | 3 |
| 04/10/25 @ Portland | 2 |
| 05/17/24 vs Hale Ray | 1 |
| 05/07/24 vs East Hampton | 2 |
| 05/06/24 vs Valley Regional | 1 |
| + 6 more games |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Caley Napoletano, who went 3-for-4 with two triples, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kacey Coon, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Haddam-Killingworth kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Hale Ray got themselves on the board against Cromwell on Monday, but Cromwell never followed suit. They put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 21-0 victory. Considering the Noises have won six games by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Lily Jahne made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. Jahne was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Maggie Janecek was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with six RBI, two triples, and two runs. Autumn Landry also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Hale Ray pushed their record up to 7-1 with the win, which was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average this season. As for Haddam-Killingworth, their record now sits at 3-0.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Haddam-Killingworth has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .568. However, it's not like Hale Ray struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
