The Canton Girls Varsity Softball took a quarter-final victory with a 9-4 win over Wheeler High School Friday afternoon.
Co-captain Stephanie Gauthier said it's been exciting getting to this point.
"We're definitely underestimated, seeing it's a rebuilding year," Gauthier said. "I think we've proven we don't give up."
Christina Cardwell, the team's other co-captain, said the team keeps that attitude even when they're ahead.
"Even when we're up, we stay in the game," she said.
Head coach Charles Batan said he was so proud of his team, both on and off the field. All have excelled academically, he said.
"These girls worked hard to get here," he said.
Batan said he could recognize everyone in the game but especially touted four players Friday.
Cardwell was exceptional on the mound, at third and hit a crucial double to rally the team ahead, he said.
Gauthier came up with key plays in center field to keep the team in the game, he added.
Morgan Scarfuri had a strong pitching finish for Canton.
In addition, Leigh FitzGerald did a great job at third and even when pulled out of the game, kept a great attitude as always, Batan said.
The girls went 14-5 in the regular season. On May 29, Canton defeated Old Saybrook in the first round of the playoffs. They took the second round with a 10-1 win over Windham Tech the next day.
Helping coach the team have been assistant coach Joe Bowman and Boys JV coach Mike Scott.
On Friday, the quarter-final win propelled them to the semifinal to be played early next week. They will take on St. Bernard at 4 p.m. on June 5 at DeLuca Field, Stratford.
