The Masuk High School Panthers of Monroe defeated Waterford High School to win the CIAC Class L state title game.
It was the same old song and dance for Masuk High School senior Julia Bacoulis on Sunday, as she pitched her team to its seventh straight Class L title and seventh straight shutout.
The fireballing senior easily defeated Waterford High School to win another title, 3-0. It was Bacoulis' third straight pitching win in the championship game.
After the game, which ended a four-year run of titles, Bacoulis had tears in her eyes.
"I grew up with most of this team, and it is really emotional for all of us," she said, her fourth championship medal around her neck. "I'm going to miss this team so much."
Next year, Bacoulis will be playing softball at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she hopes to make her mark the same way she did in Monroe.
While Bacoulis pitched her way to her third title, the most valuable player was senior Sofia Lieto, who drove in two runs in the title game.
"It's amazing," an elated Lieto said. "I mean, four state championships? It's insane. Seven straight for the program? It's truly a dynasty."
Lieto also reflected on Bacoulis' impact.
"She's absolutely amazing, said Lieto. "She works every day to be an amazing pitcher."
It was a battle of Class L powerhouses, with the top-seed Masuk, coached by Leigh Barone, carrying a 22-1 total record going into Sunday's game.
The second-seed Waterford High School Lancers, coached by Andrew Walker, were nearly as good, 20-3.
Both had won titles before, with Masuk winning 10, the last one a year ago, and the prior seven, while Waterford had won five, the last one in 2019.
The Class LL game was the second of four taking place on a cloudy Father's Day at the Burrill Family Field Softball Complex at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Originally slated for Saturday, June 14, the slate of softball championships was moved to Sunday and a more promising weather forecast.
Both pitchers started the game strong, with Bacoulis, a championship veteran, quickly retiring the Lancers, and Waterford senior Brielle Kenney doing likewise.
In the bottom of the second, Masuk senior Alyssa Castillo singled past third for the game's first hit.
With one out, freshman Josie Lieto (the MVP's younger sister) tripled to right, scoring Castillo for the first run of the game, putting Masuk up 1-0.
Then, senior Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos walked, stole second, putting runners on second and third with one out.
But Kenney settled down.
With two out and runners on second nd third, Sofia Lieto walked, loading the bases. But Bacoulis, who struck out with the bases loaded, ended the threat.
Bacoulis, however, bounced back and pitched out of trouble by striking out sophomore Gabriella Fontain of Waterford with a runner on second.
In the bottom of the fourth, Josie Lieto led off with a walk for Masuk, which was followed by a single to senior Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos, who advanced to second on the throw.
With runners on second and third with one out, Sofia Lieto plated two (including her little sister) with a double to the gap in right-center field, giving Masuk a 3-0 lead
For Bacoulis, having already pitched the Panthers to state championships in 2023 and 2024, it was essentially game over.
With an out in the bottom of the fifth, Waterford freshman Isabella Rush lined a sharp single in the hole to left field.
Kenney then looked to help her cause and did, lacing a single to right field.
She advanced to second when freshman courtesy runner Aubrie Willis was thrown out at third for the inning's second out.
The inning ended without a run when Bacoulis struck out Waterford senior Ava Majeski to end the threat, which was Waterford's biggest at the time.
Bacoulis continued to cruise, buoyed by solid, error-free defense, with the veteran easily disposing of the Lancers for the title, striking out 12 in a complete-game two-hitter.
"It means a lot. The girls just worked really hard every day, and I just couldn't be more proud of them," said Barrone, Masuk's coach.
As for the seniors, including Sofia Lieto and especially Bacoulis, Barrone said they left quite a legacy.
"Julia has just left a huge mark on Masuk softball in general," she said.