NFA Eyeing ECC Div. I Softball Title After Beating Fitch

Wildcats rally from early deficit to defeat Falcons 8-5 and move to 2-0 in conference play.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:30am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a high school softball game, with sharp geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the dynamic action on the field.NFA's resilient softball team battles back from an early deficit, showcasing the team's grit and determination to capture the ECC Division I title.Norwich Today

Norwich Free Academy's softball team is off to a strong 5-1 start this season, including a 2-0 record in Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I play after rallying to beat Fitch 8-5 on Wednesday. The Wildcats trailed 3-0 early but scored five runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good, led by big games from seniors Sophie Miner and Amelia Driscoll.

Why it matters

NFA is aiming to win the ECC Division I regular season title this year after claiming the conference tournament championship the past two seasons. The Wildcats are determined to accomplish both feats, with their only loss so far coming against powerhouse Masuk in non-conference play.

The details

NFA trailed Fitch 3-0 before scoring one run in the third inning and five in the fourth to take the lead. Miner delivered the decisive hit with a bases-loaded single that scored three runs, while Driscoll hit a solo home run and added an RBI single. The Wildcats finished with 12 hits, getting contributions up and down the lineup.

  • NFA rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat Fitch 8-5 on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 at DePina Field.
  • NFA's only loss this season came against powerhouse Masuk on April 6, 2026.

The players

Sophie Miner

A senior at NFA who went 3-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and two stolen bases in the win over Fitch.

Amelia Driscoll

A senior at NFA who went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win over Fitch.

Aubrey Martin

One of three NFA seniors who play a vital leadership role for the Wildcats.

Dakota Bourdon

An NFA junior who started and pitched 5.1 innings in the win over Fitch.

Olivia Bourdon

An NFA junior who finished the game in relief and had a sacrifice fly at the plate.

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What they’re saying

“They're grinders. There's no panic. They're supportive of each other. They are knowledgeable about the game. There's a lot of confidence. We don't have a lot of people who are out there in their own heads, worrying about what's going to happen next.”

— Tim Walsh, NFA Head Coach

“I actually really do [feel comfortable batting with runners on base]. I typically take pride that I can help my team. I'm a senior, so I've really been looking forward to these moments, where we can really take over the conference. So the fact that I was able to have that hit to really put us ahead and seal the deal for us meant a lot to me.”

— Sophie Miner, NFA Senior

“She's not only hitting the ball well, she's leading, she's playing in the field and her mindset is great this year. She's really taking the younger kids in and helping them in new roles. I can't say enough about how proud I am of where she's been from her freshman year to now.”

— Jackie Lewis, Fitch Head Coach

What’s next

NFA will visit Waterford, the defending ECC Division I regular season champion, in a pivotal conference matchup on Friday.

The takeaway

NFA's strong start, led by its experienced senior class, has the Wildcats eyeing both the ECC Division I regular season title and another conference tournament championship this season. The team's confidence and ability to rally from early deficits have them poised for a successful campaign.