Derby varsity softball is coming into the season hot

~ theraiderpress

By Kaelyn DiMartino ’25

Derby varsity softball began their season on a high note with their home opener on Saturday, March 30, 2024 against Torrington. It wasn’t a game that Derby was predicted to win, but they came in with a positive attitude, ready to give their all and play the game. The game was intense, but Derby was just letting loose and having fun. It was tied 0-0 for five innings until Torrington managed to score one run in the sixth inning. The pitching was strong on both sides. Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25, the starting varsity pitcher for the Derby Red Raiders, surrendered four hits and one run (zero earned) over seven innings, striking out fourteen and walking one. Even when down one in the seventh inning, Derby never lost hope and they grabbed the victory in a walk-off fashion by Anastasia Stanis ‘24 scoring two, leaving the score 2-1 to end the game. What a great start to the season! 

Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: The Derby varsity softball team in a group huddle playing against Torrington.
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Both team’s captains and coaches meeting up with the umpires before the game to discuss the rules. The Derby Red Raider’s captains are Anastasia Stanis ‘24, Jamie Orazietti ‘24, and Sarah Damasceno ‘24.
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25 starting off the game pitching strikes.
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Sarah Damasceno ‘24 did an amazing job catching against Torrington.
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Anastasia Stanis ‘24 up to bat and ready to hit the ball.

After the Torrington game, which was their first win, the team moved on to play at Crosby on Monday, April 1, 2024. This was their second win of the season. They came into the game with the same positive attitude that they had against Torrington. It was intense as well, going back and forth, and at some points they were even tied. They had to play eight innings because of the tied game; a normal game is seven innings. Derby built a five run lead in the first inning, but Crosby soon caught up. It wasn’t the best pitching day for the Raiders, but it was a good hitting day for them. The Raiders collected 11 hits and 17 stolen bases in the game. Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25 went 4-for-4 at the plate, and Anastasia Stanis ‘24 went 2-for-5. Overall, the Raiders had patience at the plate and collected their well-deserved second win!

Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: The Derby Red Raiders huddled up right before the first pitch at Crosby. 
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25 pitching on dirt for the first time this season. 
Photo by Gianna Zilli ‘24: Sheahan Gray ‘27 is a first-year player and is killing it as the Raiders’ varsity starting shortstop. 

The Derby Red Raiders softball team has a current record of 4 – 6 and will continue to work hard to get those wins. They are halfway to making it to states with four wins. After winning against Crosby they went on to play Wilby, beating them 19 – 3. They were on a roll, but eventually had a hard two weeks with losing to Naugatuck 0 – 10, Wolcott 1 – 13, Watertown 4 – 16, WCA 5 – 19, Woodland 0 – 23, and Seymour 0 – 16. Things finally started looking up again when they beat Harding 23 – 2. They are ready to get some more wins and keep checking off the countdown to states! 

Quotes from the Captains:
Sarah Damasceno ‘24: “I think we started the season off great with being able to beat our home opener that was not expected to be a win for us, and set us on the right path and mindset for the start of the season. Our team is a very strong team batting and fielding with also having a young class coming in that also have a lot of potential as we are graduating eight seniors. Our goal for the season is trying to make a run for states which is possible the way we are going right now.”

Anastasia Stanis ‘24: “We started the season with a full team of around 25 players on March 16th. Ever since the first scrimmage we have been on the grind working to make the run for states. We need 8 wins and as it stands now, we have 4, with 6 more winnable games on our schedule. We had a very big unexpected win against Torrington, ending with a walk-off triple. We have key players such as Jamie Orazietti, bouncing between 2nd and 3rd, Shea Gray, our starting freshman shortstop, and Brianna Kling, our starting 3rd baseman. Our duo consistently working on the mound and behind the plate, Kaelyn Dimartino and Sarah Damasceno. Our outfield is always holding it down, Haven Clark, Ariana Mcneil, Atiana Reyes, and Faith Vaness on the consistent rotation to make sure we are performing at our best. This is the first year in a long time we have a full JV schedule and roster. Our JV team works just as hard as our varisty, popping in and out of varsity games when varsity needs the support. Overall, we have a very solid defense who can support our pitcher by making the outs when needed. Over the past few weeks, our bats have been on fire and we are hoping to continue that within the coming weeks.”

Jamie Orazietti ‘24: “This season so far has been such an incredible start. Starting off the season with three wins. Winning against Torrington really shed a light on what we can accomplish when we work as a team. Being one of the three captains on the team coming on my senior year truly made me feel breath taken and proud to be a part of something so important. I can’t wait to see all the surprises my team comes out with! Go Derby Red Raiders.”

Team Roster: Anastasia Stanis ’24, Jamie Orazietti ’24, Sarah Damasceno ’24, Adriana Mierzejewski ’24, Faith Van Ness ’24, Haven Clark ’24, Gianna Zilli ’24, Kaelyn DiMartino ’25, Brianna Kling ’25, Atiana Reyes ’26, Breanna Perez ’26, Adriana Duarte ’27, Alex Davis ’27, Alyssa Wellington ’27, Ari McNeil ’27, Kiera Boyles ’27, Janya Williams ’27, Jenaiya Lovelace ’27, Kailyn Kross ’27, Shea Gray ’27, and Skylar Anderson ’27.