At Memorial Tournament, Organizers Remember Founder of Southington Lacrosse

Barbara Vilar, Ryan Vilar, Aindrea McDowell, Shawn McDowell PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

For the thousands of young lacrosse players who traveled to Southington from across southern New England to participate in the KVMJ lacrosse tournament last Saturday, the focus was on getting a few urgent questions answered - where is the field my team is playing on? when do we start? where can I get water? – so they could compete and have fun.

NMR PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS

But for the tournament organizers who were making sure all their questions got answered, the event meant something more. The abbreviation KVMJ stands for ‘Ken Vilar Memorial Jamboree.’ Ken was the founder of Southington lacrosse, which was first recognized as a sport at the high school in 1989. The jamboree was renamed in his honor after his death in 2012. On Saturday, Aindrea and Shawn McDowell, Ken’s daughter and son-in-law, were busy running the event, just as they done for past several years, with the help of friends, family members, and the Southington Lacrosse Association.

On the grassy fields at the high school and DePaolo, 160 boys and girls teams were either playing lacrosse or getting ready to compete. While they watched the action and took questions from out-of-towners, Aindrea and Barbara Vilar, Ken’s wife, took some time to reflect on the history of lacrosse in Southington and the key role Ken played in popularizing it.

Barbara: “This was his dream, to expose the sport. He played on Long Island, where lacrosse is a big thing. Around here back then everything was baseball and football. He started with little sticks at the YMCA [a program for younger kids]; it was about building up those skills. Then he worked really hard to get a program at the high school.”

Aindrea: “He started fundraising for the equipment and the travel. He set up a booster club. Any kind of money we raised, all of it went to Southington lacrosse.”

Barbara: “We did so much fundraising! It’s an expensive sport, with the equipment – sticks, helmet, gloves, pads – and the fees. We sold everything – cheesecakes, you name it.”

Aindrea: “And there was Panthorn Park, too. He fought for Panthorn to be Southington’s lacrosse home.”

Barbara: “Do you remember Dr. Saloom, the Superintendent back then [in the 1980’s]? He was a tough one. We really had to fight to get a team recognized. Now the school system is more flexible, more open to new sports.”

Aindrea: “It’s been a long ride. We’ll keep doing this as long as we can. It’s important to us to preserve his legacy and keep his name out there, to let people know.”

At one point in the conversation the name Jeff Merrill came up. Merrill played lacrosse at the high school and graduated in the same class, 1989, as this reporter. Aindrea and Barbara’s faces lit up at the mention of his name. Merrill was the leader of the group of young lacrosse enthusiasts who turned to Ken for help advocating for the creation of a high school team. When I wrote to him to ask for his perspective, he was happy to share:

“When I approached Ken Vilar about putting a team together for SHS," Merrill replied, "he was very supportive. With his dedication and leadership he was willing to guide me on the next steps to make the team happen! I realized that Ken was the voice for us boys to have a Lacrosse team at SHS.”

“I remember being at the School Board meeting with Ken and the team members. Ken spoke for all of us and for future students who would someday be able to play Lacrosse in Southington at every grade level. Today I think about Ken Vilar and I know that the saying is true: you can do it, if put your mind to it. Ken did it for all of us!”

Another important figure in the history of Southington lacrosse is the current high school coach, Chris Kennedy. When Kennedy came over to the organizers’ booth, he introduced himself and explained how his own story intersects with that of the Vilars:

“This is my fourth year as head of the high school team,” he said. “I coached at St. Paul for eight years prior to that. I was on the first group of youth teams in Southington.”

“I played for Coach Vilar. He recruited me off the basketball courts from Central Elementary School. There was a group of us playing. He walked up to the whole group and asked if anyone had seen the game before. By a process of elimination I stayed in the conversation longer than the rest. I was interested, but at the time I knew my family didn’t have the money for sign-up or equipment or even rides for that matter. Coach didn’t take no for an answer; he said ‘I didn’t ask you for money; just commitment.”

“That’s how I got started in lacrosse. I played in the youth program and in high school. I kept playing baseball too.”

“Fast forward a few decades. My son decided he wanted to play lacrosse. The year I got involved again in SLA [Southington Lacrosse Association] was the year Coach came back and started to coach his grandson. So we kind of reunited. Unfortunately, that was also the year we lost him.”

“That lit a spark in me to coach lacrosse. I had been coaching high school football for 15 years at that point. I went hard into lacrosse then, coaching in SLA, coaching my own son. I had bigger aspirations. At St. Paul I think we took things to the next level. I thought I would stay there forever until the position at Southington became available. That was the only position I would leave St. Paul for. It became an obvious decision from there.”

“There is not a day that I don’t walk down this field and think of Coach and what he did for me. I had a great football mentor: I coached for Jude Kelly for 25 years. Usually, with me, people think of Jude, which makes sense, since he’s a father figure to me. But I first learned the impact that someone could have on young people from Ken Vilar. He was that person when I was a young kid.”

“I take that very seriously. I don’t cut kids. I think there’s a place for everybody. Everyone can get value from being a part of the game, as long as you’re willing to do the work. This is my 13^th year as a HS head coach and I’ve never cut a kid.”

Kennedy also shared some insights into the nature of lacrosse when asked to explain what it’s like: “A lot of people make the football-lacrosse connection, and that’s understandable because of the physicality of the game. But it’s actually basketball. Few people know this, but James Naismith, before he invented basketball, played four years of college lacrosse and coached college lacrosse. When he invented the game, the intent was an indoors, less-physical version of lacrosse.”

“From a deeper standpoint, the x’s and o’s, if you understand the rotations in basketball, if you understand the two-man and three-man game that’s commonly used in basketball – this is where it comes from.”

Kennedy then set off to spend some time with family, and do a little scouting: “I was here first thing this morning. My daughter is in eighth grade playing. I was watching the girls side this morning. My wife Melissa and I are coming back to watch the fourth and fifth and sixth grade and all the future Blue Knights, making sure they’re doing things the way Coach would have done them. There’s a very bright future from Southington Lacrosse based on what I’ve seen today.”

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."