HS softball: Waterford players happy with lofty ranking

Some of the Waterford players thought it was pretty cool.
“It’s a nice feeling, a little unexpected too and it gave us some extra motivation (Tuesday),” Waterford sophomore pitcher Kelli Connors said after the Lancers shut out Griswold, 1-0, for their fourth straight win.
Waterford coach Liz Sutman was not exactly in agreement with that statement about the latest New Haven Register poll which has Waterford ranked third in the state.
“I was joking with my Athletic Director (Dave Sousa) that when you see that in the paper, you get the target on your back,” Sutman said. “I kind of like the team flying under the radar and surprise teams with our good fundamental play.”
Forget it, the secret’s out.
Not that the Sutman and the Lancers didn’t expect it anyway. They’re off to a 4-0 start, have their No. 1 pitcher back and have beat some respected programs in Bacon Academy, Southington and Griswold.
“Surprised? I wouldn’t say that,” Waterford shortstop Katelyn Sykora said of the early respect. “It’s a good feeling, though, we’re playing strong, we’re playing well.”