Laaksonen’s Hit Wins It For Seahawks

Megan Goyda and Katie Laaksonen brought home their ninth championship trophy in their final local appearance of the summer season. Their Connecticut Seahawks fast-pitch softball team won the Support Our Heroes Tournament in New Windsor, NY by outscoring their opponents 66-16.

The Seahawks swept their pool on Saturday with wins over the Orange County Velocity, Lady Diamond Pro, and Connetquot Chiefs, earning the top seed for Sunday’s single elimination where they faced the Chiefs again, then beat the Frozen Ropes Force to earn a spot in the championship game against the Empire State Huskies.

Although they fell behind early, the Seahawks didn’t give up and battled back with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the bottom of the seventh inning.

With the team trailing by two runs with the bases loaded, and two outs, and down to their final strike, Laaksonen delivered a bases-clearing line drive double, on an 0-2 pitch, to win the game 12-11. Laaksonen batted .800 throughout the weekend with 11 RBI and, as catcher, was a perfect 6-for-6 in throwing out runners attempting to steal bases.

Goyda has become the team’s bench coach as she recovers from season ending knee surgery.

The team departs for Orlando, Fla on Saturday to participate in the USSSA National Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports.