Fitch Softball Seniors: Small But Special Group

Griswold's softball coaching staff scouted the Fitch-Ledyard game Friday at Washington Park and the Falcons' senior night ceremonies honoring Brianna Turgeon, Taylor Noel and Avery Clark.

"Just wanted to make this is her last game," the coach quipped about Turgeon, the state's Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. "Seems like she's been here for 10 years."

It is special any time a group of seniors player their final home game. But with Turgeon, known simply around the Falcons as 'B,' headlining the small but distinguished class of three Falcons, this was a "one-of-a-kind" night for Fitch coach Kate Peruzzotti.

"B is one of a kind, there is no one out there like her," Peruzzotti said. "She can do anything: second base, shortstop, hit for power or average, hustles, completely motivated, hard-working and as humble as they come."

A starter since her freshman season, Turgeon is the major link between the present (Fitch is 15-4) and Fitch's Class LL state championship in 2009 - Peruzzotti's first season as coach. Winning a state championship, earning Player of the Year after batting .500 as a junior last year, accepting a scholarship to Division I Fordham this spring, what's left for Turgeon to accomplish?

"Just playing and having some fun," Turgeon said. "I just love the game."

Peruzzotti paid tribute to Noel and Clark after Fitch downed Ledyard, 11-2, in pitcher Alana Luzzio's second straight no-hitter. The two play left field and center field, respectively.

"B is special but I feel that way about all of my seniors," the coach said. "They've been with me all three years - the last group from that state championship team. T is great was the only non-senior other that B on the state title team and managed to hang with them. She's fast, she bunts, she hits. Avery is all guts in the outfield, dives for everyting and is our team mom, making sure everything is clean in the dugout. She is our vocal leader."

Fitch awaits the ECC and Class LL state tournaments later this month. With a recent win over then No. 1 ranked and undefeated Waterford, Fitch feels confident going into post-season.

"It lets us know that we can hang with the best and when we're on we can beat the best," Peruzzotti said. "Beating Waterford was great for morale."

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