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Sports

Bowen Mows Down Bethel In Shutout

Newtown Remains Undefeated With 3-0 Win

The Newtown (6-0, 3-0) girl's softball team took a trip to Disney World during spring break.  They played exhibition games, had fun and returned ready for the business of defeating South-West Conference opponents.

Newtown were led by their battery mate of pitcher Katie Bowen and catcher Ashley Kuligowski in a supremely efficient 3-0 win over Bethel (2-5, 1-2) Thursday. 

Bowen scattered four hits over seven innings while striking out 13, and walking none in the complete game shutout.  She struck out the side twice and allowed only two runners to reach as far as second base.

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"I was feeling pretty good," Bowen said.  "I only pitched a few innings down in Disney so I was feeling good back up here."

Kuligowski, who also did damage at the plate, called a great game behind the plate and made three put-outs in the field, including a spectacular catch on a bunt attempt by Bethel in the sixth inning.  The diving catch in front of the plate came with one runner on and a possible rally on the horizon.

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"Awesome," coach Bob Guerrera said.  "We had a perfect defensive effort."

Ally Modzelewski and Monica Machiarolo put down two bunt hits in the third inning, setting up a second and third with a one out situation.  Kuligowski delivered a drive that brought home both runners for the 2-0 lead.

"We had a couple of drag bunts, and then the hit of the game," Guerrera said.  "We got the lead and never looked back.  One hit in the right spot can be so damaging."

Kuligowski drew a leadoff walk in the sixth inning.  Bowen delivered a single followed by another single by Meg Gibbons to load the bases.  Rachel Ruiz drove Kuligowski home with another single, giving Newtown an insurance run heading to the seventh.

"Ashley had the best game of the year for her," Bowen said.  "She had the diving catch, a timely hit.  It was a fantastic game."

Staked to the 3-0 lead, Bowen finished the game the way she started it.  She struck out the last two batters and stranded a runner at second base for the win.

"Katie is on her game," Guerrera said.  "Right where she has to be.  Throwing a lot of strikes, not walking anybody.  We had good defense behind her.  That's a positive combination."

Newtown heads to Brookfield (7-0, 3-0) to face another undefeated team on Friday.

"They're 7-0, we're 6-0," assistant coach Lindell Hertberg said.  "Something's got to give."

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