NFA softball vaults into Top 10, and other thoughts | Zanor column

Just thought I’d empty out my reporter’s notebook while wondering if we’re watching the worst offensive team in Boston Red Sox history. Where have you gone, Ted Williams? NFA in Top 10 After nearly mercy ruling last year’s Class L finalist Waterford , a 12-0 shellacking for their fifth straight victory, the Norwich Free Academy softball team has made their first appearance in this season’s GameTimeCT Softball Top 10 poll.

A small group of media and coaches from around the state vote in the poll. Yes, I am a voter in both the softball and baseball polls. I had the surging Wildcats ranked pretty high on my ballot this week (we submit our ballot every Sunday).

When the votes were counted, NFA vaulted into the No 10 spot. The top three teams in the poll - Cheshire, Masuk, and Foran - are defending state champions. The Wildcats only loss was against Masuk.

The GameTimeCT Softball Top 10 Poll Cheshire (13) 7-0 Masuk 6-0 Foran 5-1 Brookfield 6-0 North Branford 6-0 Darien 4-1 Southington 5-1 St. Paul 6-0 New Milford 6-0 Norwich Free Academy 6-1 NFA’s fast start this season has been fueled by the standout pitching of junior twins Dakota and Olivia Bourdon, and terrific play and senior leadership from Aubrey Martin, Amelia Driscoll, and Sophie Miner . Guided by head coach Tim Walsh, the Wildcats are also getting big contributions from juniors Jayden Johnston, Bella Ruta, Reilly York, Vivienne Przekop, Bella Cleary, and Bella Trask, and sophomore Alivia Bialowas.