Masuk has gone a perfect 8-0 against Bunnell recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Wednesday. The Panthers will square off against the Bulldogs at 4:15 p.m. One thing working in Masuk's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last three games.
Masuk is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Connecticut's top teams: North Branford, who was ranked eighth at the time (Masuk was ranked fourth). The Panthers blew past the Thunderbirds 11-1 on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won nine matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Julia Bacoulis
| 05/13/25 @ North Branford | 12 |
| 05/12/25 @ Weston | 9 |
| 05/08/25 vs Newtown | 6 |
| 05/07/25 @ Pomperaug | 8 |
| 04/30/25 @ Cheshire | 16 |
| + 6 more games |
Julia Bacoulis made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, Masuk let Grace Ely and Josie Lieto run wild. Ely went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double, while Lieto went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was Lieto's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Alyssa Castillo, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
Masuk kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 12 hits in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, after a string of five wins, Bunnell's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They took a 5-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of New Milford. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Bulldogs couldn't push the score so high this time.
Bunnell saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sydney Sedlock, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases.
Bunnell's defeat dropped their record down to 10-6. As for Masuk, their win was their 20th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-1-1.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Masuk has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .510. However, it's not like Bunnell struggles in that department as they've averaged .436. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Masuk took their victory against Bunnell in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 12-0 score. Will the Panthers repeat their success, or do the Bulldogs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
