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The quarterfinals of the FCIAC softball playoffs were full of surprises Tuesday, with three of the four lower-seeded teams coming out on top. The results reflected the parity that has reigned in the league this season.
#8 Fairifield Ludlowe 1, #1 Westhill 0
It's been quite a week for Ludlowe. Just a few days ago the Falcons were dead in the water and sure to miss the FCIAC playoffs. Then Wilton collapsed and Ludlowe snuck in, only to hand 20-0 Westhill its first loss of the season.
Ludlowe's Emily Nelson drove in the only run of the game in the top of the first. From there, starting pitcher Aliza Guerrero gave up just four hits to a Westhill offense that has averaged more than eight runs a game. This is the second year in a row the Vikings were undefeated during the regular season, but failed to take the FCIAC title.
#6 Stamford 9, #3 St. Joseph 2
Stamford's powerful offense lived up to its billing against the Cadets, avenging a 2-1 regular season loss. The Black Knights scored two runs on consecutive suicide squeeze plays in the fifth inning to pull away. Taylor Zito got out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth and Stamford added five runs in the seventh to upset St. Joe's.
#5 Danbury 4, #4 New Canaan 1
Danbury won its first FCIAC softball playoff game since 1994 as Rams starter Cydney Ventura had a tough day, giving up 10 hits to the Hatters. Danbury pitcher Marisa Ferguson struck out three and held New Canaan to five hits in a complete game effort.
#2 Darien 5, #7 Fairfield Warde 4 (8 inn.)
Darien was the only favorite to win on Tuesday. Click the links for game details.
The FCIAC softball semifinals will be held at Fairfield University on Thursday. Ludlowe will take on Danbury at 3 p.m. and Darien will battle Stamford at 5 p.m. or 30 minutes after the completion of the early game.
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