STONINGTON — There were several points in the Stonington softball team was facing a crossroad with most avenues heading downhill.

The Bears opened 0-3 and fell to 2-7 after a one-sided defeat to Westerly and first-ever loss to Wheeler. But instead of rambling down a dead-end road, Stonington refueled, regrouped and produced a season full of notable achievements.

Stonington responded with seven straight victories to secure its usual destination of making the state tournament. The Bears (9-12) were not a huge winner in their second year moving up to ECC Division II but they celebrated milestones along the way.

Senior Ari Scavello collected her 100th career hit in a win over Killingly. Scavello also repeated as an ECC Division II First team selection.

Sophomore pitcher Ainslie Zagol pitched a no-hiiter en route to making ECC Division II First team.

Sophomore No. 2 pitcher Sarah Previty pitched a five-inning perfect game in a rout over Morgan. Previty was promoted to varsity in mid-season to help spark the winning streak and take a load off of Zagol’s plate.

And to cap Stonington’s campaign, the long-time home of Stonington softball was given a name – Crowley Field – in memory of the 40-plus years of contributions of Michael Crowley, former commissioner of the Stonington Recreation Department. A dedication ceremony was scheduled for the Bears’ opener, but postponed when Crowley was hospitalized. Crowley,83, passed away in May but the dedication went on and was completed in June.

“We had a lot going on this season but everything turned out well,” Crowley said. “We handled adversity along the way.”

Scavello’s senior leadership was key component. Shifting back to her natural third base position after playing shortstop as a junior, Scavello was more comfortable on the field and it showed through her hitting. Scavello led Stonington in most offensive categories, batting .383 with 23 hits, 20 RBI and 21 runs scored to go with four doubles, a triple and two homers.

“She said playing third helped her re-focus even though she didn’t have to,” Houle said. “She had a great year defensively and a banner season overall.”

Scavello was one of four ECC Division II First team selections. Senior outfielder Melanie Verbridge repeated as an all-star after hitting .280 with 11 RBI and 11 runs scored. Zagol, a sophomore, made First team as a pitcher and was joined by sophomore sister Mason Zagol, who made it at second base.

“Melanie was such a silent leader for us and so rewarding to coach,” Houle said. “On the field, she was a great outfielder who threw runners out at bases.”

Verbridge also won a team award – the Roger Gwaltney Award.

“It’s a team award that emphasized team over individual,” Houle said. “Melanie was a steady presence for four years.”

The Zagols made their first apperance on the ECC All-Star team. Ainslie, the sophomore pitcher,

Mason, a senior, made the squad largely on her defensive accomplishments, moving from third to second base this season.

Ainslie struck out 66 in 84 innings while walking just 17 and pitching to a 4.12 earned run average. She also hit .308 with 12 RBI and a team-high eight doubles.

“Ainslie is an athlete who became super competitive as acclimated herself to the varsity level as the season went on,” Houle said. “What sets her apart as a pitcher is her offensive production. She was right behind Ari as an offensive leader.”

Mason Zagol moved from third base last season to second as a senior.

“She covered so much ground on pop ups and was excelled on the infield,” Houle said. “She had a breakout year and solidified our right side,”

Two former ECC First teamers: junior Michaela Miner and senior Janiya Aleman made ECC DII Honorable Mention. Playing at a talent-rich catcher position the ECC, Miner posted excellent offensive numbers with a team-tying best 23 hits to go with 20 runs scored, five doubles and .371 batting average. Aleman patrolled center field well and hit .250, serving a productive second-leadoff batter in the No. 9 slot in the order.

Two Stonington sophomores also performed well. Outfielder Reagan Palmer batted .333 with 18 hits and 16 RBI, and shortstop Hannah Lyon batted .277 with seven doubles among her 14 hits.

Junior Hannah Fyke was named Stonington’s scholar athlete, and junior Shelby Mayo made the ECC Sportsmanship list.