The Newtown High School junior varsity softball team finished the season with a 6-9 record, playing with spirit and a positive attitude despite the unexpected injury to head coach Jay Edwards, who went down in the first week of practice with a broken leg.

In his absence, Candi Dietter took over, leading the squad for the remainder of the season.

Junior Rabiya Ansari was the team’s leadoff hitter, leading the team in hits and walks. She was also a standout defensively in centerfield.

Rachel Beal, slowed by injury, played well behind the plate and was one of Newtown’s biggest bats. She collected two hits and scored three runs against Immaculate. Laura Howard injured her thumb at the catching position early in the season but made it back to play in the final few games.

Sure-footed first baseman Brianna Limebrook ripped three hits against Weston and was an outspoken team leader. Right fielder Megan Randlov had three hits and a stolen base against Brookfield.

Sophomores Meghan Byrne was a standout at shortstop and was one of the team’s top situational hitters, while Stephanie Lewis was a solid utility player. Another sophomore, Casey Novak, was an effective pitcher and collected three hits against Immaculate. Janie Zingoni played well at second base and reached base in every game she played.

Freshman infielder Jessica Horvath had three hits and three walks against Joel Barlow, one of the team’s most talented players. Frosh Christina Klanica, also an infielder, finished with three hits and two walks against Weston. Liz Krohn pitched a few innings and has developed into a solid hitter. Christine Manfredonia excelled as a utility player.