Third-inning Rally Lifts BK Baseball Past Berlin for 6th Straight Win

Sawyer Trudeau on the mound ANTHONY ANGELILLO PHOTO

The Blue Knights found themselves in an unfamiliar spot Sunday afternoon. Down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning against Berlin, a Southington lineup that had scored 10 or more runs three times in the last two weeks looked lifeless after going down in order through the first two frames. That changed in a hurry.

Southington erupted for three runs and added an insurance run in the sixth to pull away for a 4-2 win over Berlin at home, extending the Blue Knights’ winning streak to six games and improving their record to 16-2 overall and 8-1 in Central Connecticut Conference play.

The result marked the second time Southington took down the Redcoats this season after beating them 5-2 at Dunkin’ Park on April 24. In both meetings, the Blue Knights overcame early deficits by leaning on the same formula that has carried them all spring: pitching depth and aggressive baserunning.

Sophomore right-hander Sawyer Trudeau drew the start and worked through the first two innings with relative ease, striking out the side in the first after surrendering back-to-back leadoff walks.

The third inning was a different story. A leadoff walk and a stolen base put a Berlin runner in scoring position before the Redcoats’ shortstop Jack Swanson lined a shot down the right-field line to make it 1-0. Head coach Stan Switala went to the bullpen and called on freshman left-hander Bryce Zielinski.

A sacrifice bunt by moved the runner to third and a deep sacrifice fly to left brought him home to put Berlin ahead 2-0.

Zielinski then tossed 3.1 innings of one-hit, scoreless ball to earn the win. He also started the April 24 matchup at Dunkin’ Park and has become one of the most reliable arms in a rotation that has allowed just 3.6 runs per game on the season.

The bottom of the third flipped the game on its head. Freshman first baseman SJ Switala drew a leadoff walk and stole second base to put himself in scoring position. After a strikeout, senior right fielder Connor Lentini laced a line drive to center field that scored Switala and then advanced to third after the relay throw sailed past the catcher and hit the backstop. Lentini, who leads the CCC West with 23 runs scored and 12 stolen bases on the season, once again made things happen on the basepaths when the team needed a spark.

Junior center fielder Drew Kelly kept the rally alive by beating out a soft liner toward third for an infield hit. A throwing error behind the bag at first allowed Lentini to race home and tie the game at 2-2.

Junior second baseman Mason Lefort, who carries a league-leading .627 on-base percentage, followed by putting the ball in play as Kelly broke for third. Lefort beat the throw to first while Kelly slid home safely to give Southington a 3-2 lead.

The Blue Knights tacked on an insurance run in the sixth after two quick strikeouts. Junior designated hitter Tyler Guerrette reached base and sophomore third baseman Ethan Herens roped a liner into right field to bring him around and push the lead to 4-2.

Junior right-hander Cole Kosko worked 1.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen before junior shortstop Domenic Zigmont, the CCC West leader in batting average at .432, came in from the field to record the final out and close the door.

The win keeps Southington firmly atop the CCC West and in a strong position for a high seed in the conference tournament, which begins with quarterfinals on May 22. The Blue Knights also sit at No. 6 in CIAC Class LL with the state tournament qualifying round set for May 30.

The program has not won a Class LL title since 1999 and after semifinal and quarterfinal exits the past two postseasons, the combination of a deep pitching staff and balanced lineup gives this group its best chance to break through in years.

Berlin, led by head coach Leo Veleas in his 39th year at the helm, dropped to 7-5 but remains in the Class L playoff picture at No. 7. The Redcoats host New Britain on Monday.

Southington returns to action Monday against Plainville for their senior day celebration before wrapping up the regular season at home against the Cheshire Rams on Tuesday. Both games are slated for a 6:30 first pitch.

“Pressure Is A Privilege”: Southington Softball Crafts Their Own Legacy During 2026 Season

The Blue Knights Softball team's seven seniors PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHS BLUE KNIGHTS SOFTBALL INSTAGRAM

The Southington High School softball team is one of the most respected in Connecticut. Any athlete who joins their ranks soon comes to understand the pride – and responsibility – that comes with donning the Blue Knights jersey.

This year’s squad is no different from the others, in that it seeks to live up to the standards set by previous teams. But it’s the way the Blue Knights have attacked that challenge that has distinguished them from their predecessors.

“Although the expectations are always there, this is your team,” head coach Michelle Boisvert said. “You’re going to go as far as you as a team decide to go. It’s going to take all of you to work together, to play together. We can’t do it for you. You have to want it. You should hate losing more than you love winning.”

Boisvert, now in her second year as head coach, is leading a roster that features mainly senior starters. At this stage of their Blue Knights career, they understand the program’s expectations at a deep level. As Southington goes through their season, they’ll be relying on those seniors to lead the way toward continued success.

“They know what the expectations are. They know what they need to do, how to do it. They have the experience of being in our conference,” Boisvert said. “They know a lot of kids on these better teams, and they know through them what the expectations are.”

“We have such a storied history that it would be hard for a player not to think, ‘oh we’re supposed to win.’ Yea, you’re supposed to win a lot,” she continued. “Not that that’s my philosophy, win at all costs, I don’t really believe that. But the expectations, as long as you’re in Southington, will be there.”

Now 16-1 on the year, Southington has lived up to its billing on the diamond. But the Blue Knights’ journey has come with more hurdles than their record would imply.

Southington Surging Through Regular Season

As the Blue Knights entered the regular season, Boisvert kept the plan simple. She wanted Southington to take care of business in the games where they knew they were favored. The head coach saw that the roster was once again packed with talent. If they stuck to the plan and played as a team, she believed, the wins would come.

“Win the games you can, win together, be a team and have each other’s back. Keep everything clean and neat, do all the little things. Our defense will win us games. Just support each other,” Boisvert said. “When you’re up at the plate, I trust each and every one of you. You wouldn’t be starting if I didn’t trust you. So trust yourself and each other. If we play together, we’ll get the wins we should get.”

At the time of Boisvert’s interview with the Outsider, Southington was 9-1 on the season. The head coach was impressed with their overall play, but noticed a trend. If the Blue Knights started off hot, their game would take off from there. But if they sputtered out of the gates, they could struggle to get into their groove.

Southington had an especially bad case of the sputters on April 17 against Masuk, suffering their only loss of the season, 8-0. While no loss is welcome, Boisvert used it as a learning moment. The Blue Knights saw exactly where they stood against one of the better teams in Connecticut. They also knew improvement was necessary.

With a 16-1 win over Tolland in their very next game, Southington was able to walk the walk and reestablish a winning tone. Looking at her veteran team, Boisvert didn’t expect any player to throw in the towel after one loss. This year’s Blue Knights know how to battle through adversity.

“They know each other, they know what they can do based on the last few years. They know not to give up, not to quit,” the head coach said. “It was a tough game. I used it as an eye opener: look where we are now and look where we have to be. I think it was for them too. They showed that in the next game. Let that game go and move forward to the next one. Just get better every practice, every game.”

The challenges won’t end as Southington finishes out their season. Their final three games include a matchup with defending Class LL champion Cheshire and Berlin, whom the Blue Knights beat just 3-2 earlier in the year.

At this point in their campaign, the team’s identity is clearly established. Southington has had plenty of time to work out the kinks and find the best configuration possible. The squad is well aware of the difficult task in front of them. But no one said extending their win streak, now at 11 games, would be easy.

“Good teams are going to hit,” Boisvert said. “When we play these better teams with good pitching, it’s important for us to make contact in the beginning of the game so that by the second time around, they have to make adjustments. Communication between each of the hitters is important; they tell the next hitter, ‘this is what I saw, this is what she’s throwing.’ In order for them to battle better teams, they have to be able to make contact, even just putting the ball in play. Force the other team to make plays.”

Seniors Embrace Leadership Role, Battle Through Injuries

As Southington goes through their 2026 season, they are led by a pair of senior captains in Angie Insogna and Aubrey Perugini. 

Insogna became the Blue Knights’ starting pitcher as a senior after serving previously as backup. It’s a role she was eager to take on. Boisvert says she often hears, “I’m good Coach, I got this,” during mound visits. Perugini is coming off of an All-Conference and All-State season and has been the team’s starter at third base since her sophomore year. Boisvert notes she is “exceptional” at the hot corner and can make every throw.

Alongside their work on the field, both seniors have taken the role of captain seriously. They’re in charge of leading the team’s pre-practice runs and stretches. Beyond that, they do everything in their power to ensure Southington stays on track.

“They’ve formed a really strong bond. They take ownership of being captains,” Boisvert said. “They talk to me a lot, they talk to the players. They set the tone by the way they do things, their preparation. They got out with a really positive attitude. If a player may have made a mistake, they’ll be the first ones to go over and say it’s okay, just keep working hard, you’re doing great. That’s really important to be a positive affirmation for these players.”

Angie Insogna

Aubrey Perugini

The head coach was also quick to point out center fielder Alexa Poutouves, who she called the captain of the outfield. In the batter’s box, Poutouves serves as Southington’s No. 3 hitter and was praised for her strong pitch selection. In the outfield, her sound defense has been irreplaceable. Boisvert doesn’t break a sweat if the ball is hit her way. “If the ball is out there, Lex has got it,” she said.

Alexa Poutouves

Next to her, fellow senior Reece Archer played right field until an injured tendon in her foot forced her to undergo season-ending ankle surgery. Before the procedure, Archer gritted out the pain of the injury. As a two-year varsity starter, Boisvert felt that she deserved the opportunity. The outfielder competed to the best of her abilities before having to bow out.

Reese Archer

Southington hasn’t been strangers to injuries during their 2026 season. Perugini battled through a nagging knee injury earlier in the year while senior starting catcher Addison Lasek was forced to hit the shelf with a sprained joint in her thumb.

In Lasek’s absence, junior Addie Warner stepped in behind the plate. From her very first start, she was already calling each pitch. She developed a strong rapport with Insogna, showing off her ability to frame pitches and deliver when her name is called.

When Wanner entered the lineup, she joined a pair of underclassmen in sophomore shortstop Nerea Maule and freshman first baseman Abigail Lockwood. Both are also basketball players, bringing an athletic background to the diamond. Maule is the Blue Knights’ leadoff hitter and brings plenty of speed to the lineup. Lockwood has been a power bat for the team, as is evident from her two home runs and five RBIs in a 12-8 victory over E.O. Smith.

Southington’s senior class, which also includes second baseman Olivia Gombatz and left fielder Amber Ramey, have taken the underclassmen under their wing. Everyone understands the opportunity in front of them. The Blue Knights have become a cohesive unit whenever they step between the white lines.

“Our seniors have just embraced them and been really positive with them,” Boisvert said of the younger players. “We trust you. They prove it every time they’re on the field. They’re not afraid to go out there and dive. The seniors have really stayed positive with them and made them feel like they belong on this team. They’re starters, they’re members of this team and they needed to be treated that way. That’s how they treat them.”

For Southington’s roster as a whole, Boisvert is expecting defense to be this year’s defining factor. She would put the Blue Knights up against anybody in the state. This year’s team takes that challenge head on, daring opponents to hit the ball their way. 

“Defensively I think they’re as good as anybody in our conference or anybody in the state,” Boisvert said. “They really know how to get to the ball, they don’t wait for the ball to play them. They all have excellent throws. They know what the expectations are, they know where each other are going to be and they know what to expect. They’ve realized their strength is their defense. They make the plays.”

Southington softball’s 2026 roster features seniors: Addison Lasek, Alexa Poutoves, Amber Ramey, Angie Insogna, Aubrey Perugini, Olivia Gombotz and Reece Archer; juniors: Addie Wanner, Briana Miron, Carley Dudac, Gianna Mancini, Hannah Snow and Madelyn Riopelle; sophomore Nerea Maule and freshman Abigail Lockwood. Boisvert is joined by assistant coaches Rachel Dube and Alyssa Germano.

Blue Knights Ready For Postseason Challenge

It’s one thing for an individual to make a spectacular defensive play. It’s another for near perfection to become the standard for a program. Many of the players on this year’s team have been teammates long before 2026. They know exactly what to expect when a fellow Blue Knight is tracking a ball.

To Boisvert, that is what has helped set this year’s Southington team apart. They play for one another. Those web gem plays are celebrated collectively, as each player is expected to make them regularly.

“It’s their relationship with each other on the field,” Boisvert said. “The trust for one another. They know that if a ball goes to a certain player, they’re going to make the play. There’s no hesitation. When they make a play, bing, bang, boom, it’s done. They’ve all known each other since they were young. They’ve gotten to know each other, their strengths, weaknesses and what they expect from each other. They expect each other to always make the play.”

With the postseason fast approaching, Southington will need to keep their confidence levels up. They’ll also need to back that up with their play. The Blue Knights are the defending CCC champions and made a run to the Class LL state Tournament semifinals in 2025. Boisvert and the team know they’ll be expected to go on another deep run. But the head coach doesn’t want Southington to shy away from that pressure.

“It’s a one-time deal. If you lose, you’re done,” Boisvert said. “So you have to put your best foot forward; don’t give up, don’t quit. Believe in each other, because you’ve come this far. Some of you will not be here next year, so give it your best shot.”

“Play free, have joy on the field, because if you’re not, I don’t know why you’re here. I want them to enjoy the experience, but put your best foot forward and know you’re very lucky to be here,” she continued. “Some teams would die to be in the tournament. Some teams never get here. You’re here every year. The pressure is always going to be on you, but it’s a privilege to play with pressure. So go out and do the best job you can.”

“Pressure is a privilege,” has become a mantra for Boisvert. Pressure is what has defined Southington softball and led to plenty of trophies. It has kept alumni coming back to watch the team year after year. The head coach even gets greeted by players from 20 years ago wishing the Blue Knights success.

It comes with the legacy the softball team has fostered. A legacy the 2026 class is still continuing to write.

“It’s very hard. The expectations are always very high. All the former alumni are still following, they’re seeing how you do. I tell them pressure is a privilege,” Boisvert said.

“To play in this program, it is pressure. Teams are always going to come out and give you their A game. I hate to say 'not liked,' but we’re not really liked. That’s because we’ve won against so many teams. They’re thrilled if they get three runs on you. It means you have to step it up every game, the pressure is always on. You know teams are gunning for you. Take the pressure and just keep working hard."

Southington Boys Volleyball Build Towards Second Half Breakout

The Southington High School Boys Volleyball team MAX PREPS PHOTO, COURTESY OF LOU GIANACOPOULOS

For Southington High School boys volleyball head coach Lou Gianacopoulos, the key to success is managing the big and little rocks. The big rocks are your long-term overarching goals. The little rocks are the steps it takes to get there. Early in the season, the Blue Knights are focused on the latter.

Gianacopoulos knows he’ll have to be patient and that Southington’s growth will be a process. But if this year’s team can master their fundamentals - little rocks - success will follow.

“There are small rocks and there are big rocks,” Gianacopoulos said. “Big rocks are your season focal points of we’d really love to make the playoffs. These guys have to focus on so many small rocks right now that I don’t want them to get clouded with the big rocks.”

“Their small rocks are learning how to pass, arm swings for those guys that are big up at the net. Every day we focus on all those little rocks,” he continued. “I’m hoping by midseason, we can start peaking at the big rocks. Looking forward to something. Right now, it’s all about the small rocks.”

As the Blue Knights entered their regular season, Gianacopoulos was prepared to learn a lot about this year’s team. At the same time, he was planning to watch the seeds being planted for a strong Southington campaign.

“The beginning of the season is going to be our learning curve for a lot of these guys,” Gianacopoulos said. “But I am very optimistic for the second half of the season and into the playoffs. Because these guys will be developing.”

Southington’s 2026 Season Begins

Southington opened their year with a 3-0 victory over Platt, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20. But after that the Blue Knights had many of their athletes away on class trips. The boys volleyball roster featured just seven available players for their next two games.

Southington fell to Farmington 3-0, 25-11, 25-12, 25-13 and Enfield 3-0, 25-15, 25-21, 25-21. With their lack of depth – there are six players on the court at a time – the Blue Knights couldn’t play their desired brand of volleyball. 

“I’m sure it was fun for the seven that were there. Because they’re like ‘I’m playing this. Whatever we do we do,’” Gianacopoulos said. “We just fell a little bit short because we didn’t have the ability to control the ball.”

Once the players returned from their school trips, Southington split their next two games. They lost to Maloney 3-1, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26, 9-25 before defeating Xavier 3-0 and falling to Hall 3-0. Now 2-4 on the season, the Blue Knights will next face Windsor (April 22) at home before traveling to face New Britain (April 24).

Southington will be looking to improve their volleyball skills every game they play. But Gianacopoulos is looking for this year’s squad to grow mentally as well.

“We’ve got to develop our chemistry,” Gianacopoulos said. “The skill will come once the chemistry is there.”

Blue Knights Build Through Basketball Players

Gianacopoulos had a smaller returning group than usual for the 2026 season with only three seniors back. He also saw an increase in the number of basketball players joining the team. For all their athleticism, the head coach knew getting this team where they needed to be was going to take maximum effort from all parties. 

“You have to be very patient,” Gianacopoulos said. “These guys who come in as juniors only have the option to make the varsity team. They can’t develop at the JV level. You’ve got to change your coaching philosophy and plans for the season based upon your athletes. With these athletes, they need a lot of one-on-one training and going through the simple aspects of the skills as opposed to jumping right in and being dominant.”

Junior James Percival helped lead the charge for basketball players joining the volleyball team. After playing the previous season, and seeing how much the sport helped his vertical and dunking ability, he was keen to keep playing volleyball. He wasn’t alone in that pursuit.

Sophomore Ben Richards was on the team with Percival a year prior while juniors Mason Lombardo and Lukas Narbutaitis are new additions. Gianacopoulos is expecting all of the basketball players to make an impact.

“The basketball boys have a very strong mindset. It’s different than your typical boys volleyball mindset,” Gianacopoulos said. “They’re used to being constantly drilled and being told what they’re doing wrong. We’ll find out whether I need to incorporate more of their strong mindset coaching or positive reinforcement. I’m learning with the new guys too.”

Alongside the basketball transplants, Gianacopoulos is expecting senior outside hitter Jeremy Parent and junior libero O’Connor Furey to play pivotal roles for the Blue Knights, as will junior setter Brian Bordiere. After their starting setter transferred to Maloney, Southington turned to Bordiere. While he was thrown in the fire, Gianacopoulos believes he is ready. The Blue Knights are counting on him to be just that.

“That was a big hurdle for us,” the head coach said of losing their starting setter. “You take a quarterback off of a football team and have to learn timing and offense and defense, we had to start over. So we started all over last year. This year we’re pretty confident. We feel we had our next setter in line. You don’t have that developing year, you’re going to jump right in. Everyone has to learn his style, timing and tempo.”

Gianacopoulos has yet to name captains for the 2026 season. He wanted everyone to be together as a team first since the first week came with multiple absences. Furthermore, he wants to make the right decision, with numerous players capable of leading. Once that decision is made, Gianacopoulos is hoping those captains can develop what he would like to be a stout defense.

“We’ve got some big guys who can hit the ball high,” Gianacopoulos said. “With boys volleyball, you’re never lacking the will to hit the ball. That’s what boys really want to do. I don’t have to teach that. What will be a highlight this season is if I can get the boys to buy into defense. A great defense builds on a stronger offense. Our goals are going to be having a more defensive mindset than offensive mindset.”

The 2026 Southington High School boys volleyball roster features seniors: Evan Lebo, Jeremy Parent and Garrett Thompson; juniors: O’Connor Furey, James Percival, Brian Bordiere, Mason Lombardo, Lukas Narbutaitis, Teo Jacome and Chase Smyecko; alongside sophomores: Hunter Strileckis, Carter Smith and Ben Richards. Gianacopoulos is joined by assistant coaches Timothy Casey and Adam Hunter.

Bracing For a Second Half Breakout

Early in the season, the Blue Knights are still setting the foundation of their 2026 campaign. The focus remains on simply learning everything about the sport of volleyball that they can. After each practice and game, Gianacopoulos is hopeful to see his team’s confidence level rise as well.

“First, they’re focusing so much on the skill. They’re learning, they’ve never played this before,” Gianacopoulos said. “Any elite athlete who has been playing basketball or baseball or any of the major sports their entire lives, when they come to this sport, their interest gets triggered. They really feel like they’re learning and they’re starting over. They know they’re struggling, but they’re elite enough to understand that once they get through the process, they’re going to be able to produce and participate when the postseason comes.”

“Right now, we’re just waiting for these new guys to feel the confidence going into the second half of the season,” he continued. “They won’t have it now, because they’re just so behind. But they’re growing and learning each day.”

He acknowledges that there are going to be hurdles along the way. Southington plays in the vaunted Central Connecticut Conference. Furthermore, many athletes aren’t competing year round like some of their competitors.

But Gianacopoulos, and the Blue Knights, are used to that hardship. He says that his teams always find themselves in a tricky situation at some point throughout the season. To get out of their predicament, Southington must be prepared to outwork any opponent in front of them.

“I’m always the team that’s going to struggle,” Gianacopoulos said, “whether I have the best players in the world or not. It’s hard for me to say we’re going to dominate on offense or defense. We’ve got to work harder, we’re not as good as everyone else. The kids know they have to work harder and harder.”

For this year’s team and the Blue Knights of the future, the head coach doesn’t want that hard work to be a deterrent. Especially at the beginning, everyone is on the same level when it comes to their volleyball skill. Trying something new can be an intimidating task. The Southington High School boys volleyball team is trying to prove why it’s worth a shot.

“We’re unlike anything else in this school,” the head coach said. “You should expect to be excited about learning something new. As a freshman, you should know that no one else has any experience playing the sport of volleyball in high school. Don’t be intimidated in regards to not knowing anything – everything is coached and taught. Don’t deter yourself from trying out because you think you may not know the sport or haven’t tried the sport before.”