https://www.newstimes.com/highschool/article/Softball-McCann-Colangelo-give-Barlow-1-2-punch-12865167.php
Softball: McCann, Colangelo give Barlow 1-2 punch
Updated 8:13 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2018
REDDING — Most softball teams traditionally lean on one dominating pitcher to carry the load in the circle, and teams that platoon tend to lean toward one in high-pressure situations.
But at Barlow — the team that’s coming off its first Class L championship — it’s truly an equal-opportunity split between two standouts who have helped lift the program to new heights in a hurry.
Senior Catie Colangelo and sophomore Claire McCann have split time in the circle almost evenly, posting identical stats for a Falcons squad that sits at 8-2 through 10 games. Colangelo is 5-1 with a 2.22 ERA while McCann is 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA and 56 strikeouts.
Second-year coach Craig Sears has seen the benefits of keeping both of his arms fresh while throwing a curve at the opposition.
“I totally understand the mindset of sticking a girl out there, having her go seven innings and pitching 20 games,” Sears said. “But I feel like sometimes somebody might not have it that day; we’ve played a pretty tough schedule and there’s a possibility a team gets on Claire or Catie, and to be able to make that switch and for them to adapt to that has helped us.”
Both also stepped into the circle as the Falcons claimed a 4-2 upset win over Torrington in the state final last June — McCann the first five innings, Colangelo the last two. Last season Colangelo pitched 95 innings for the Falcons while McCann threw 85.
“It’s even on our arms,” McCann said. “If somebody is sore, it’s easier, or if somebody has an off day. You’re not as tired when it’s split half and half. We know we have each other’s backs.”
McCann is a strikeout pitcher while Colangelo changes speeds effectively. Each had their moments in last year’s run to the title; Colangelo tossed a shutout in a 1-0 win over Windsor in the second round.
“(Colangelo) keeps people off balance and doesn’t walk a ton of people,” Sears said. “She attacks; people are going to make more contact with her pitches, but if she hits her spots and pitches to her defense they will make plays.”
The pair have provided a foundation for Barlow, which once again brings an inexperienced group to battle. With just two seniors on the roster, Sears expected some ups and downs this term — a walk-off loss to Danbury and a 3-1 defeat at home to Pomperaug are the lone two blemishes in what’s becoming another promising season.
“Joel Barlow softball a couple of years ago wasn’t what it was last year,” Colangelo said. “It’s been constant improvement and it’s been really cool to be a part of. Even though we are a young team this year we have a lot of talent.”
Underclassmen are all over the field, including freshman Abby Ota. The All-American at the middle school level is batting a team-leading .528 with 17 runs scored at the time top of the lineup and is a top recruit for the next level.
“Speed kills and she has a ton of it,” Sears said. “Having her at the top of the lineup gives us a different dynamic than we did last year. She can bunt, slap, has a good eye and can hit as well. She’s havoc when she gets on base.”
Elsewhere, Scotland Davis, Rebecca Mauro, Taylor Macchia and McCann provide the offensive spark for the Falcons.
The Falcons claimed their biggest win to date on Tuesday when McCann fired a complete-game two-hitter against Trumbull, the defending Class LL champion and No. 3-ranked team in the GameTimeCT/Register Top 10 Poll.
“Trumbull is a really good team and it was a good confidence booster in showing us our potential to go far this year,” McCann said. “Everything was working, it was one of those games you went into with a different mentality.”
Barlow’s early-season schedule has been filled with quality opponents; the Falcons also own wins over defending Class S champion Holy Cross and Newtown. All of the SWC heavy hitters will see Barlow down the stretch.
And as the Falcons reload with young talent, the possibility of another run toward a championship remains a realistic goal. Barlow reached the SWC semifinals before making its run to the Class L crown.
“I don’t know if this team is of the caliber of the one we had last year because offensively we have our struggles at times, but we have pitching,” Sears said. “I think our pitching is going keep us in a lot of ball games.”
rlacey@bcnnew.com, twitter.com/ryanlacey11
