Waterford pitcher Kelli Connors named Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year

Waterford — A day after her ending her career with a disappointing state semifinal loss to Granby Memorial, Waterford High School pitcher Kelli Connors got some good news.

Connors, the Lancers’ senior right-hander who finished her career with a record of 69-5 and two state championships, was named Wednesday as the Connecticut Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.

Connors will pitch next season at Division II Florida Southern.

“After a record-breaking career and winning two state championships, it seems only fitting that one of the best players to ever wear a Waterford uniform is the first softball player to receive this incredible award,” Waterford coach Liz Sutman said.

“I am so proud of her. It is hard to imagine there ever being another competitor who loves the game more than her.”

The Lancers, ranked third in the state, finished the season 24-2 with Tuesday’s 6-2 loss to Granby in the Class M semifinals at West Haven High School. Connors finished 20-2. Prior to the semifinals she had a 0.87 earned run average with 151 strikeouts in 137 innings, while batting .379 with one home run and 19 RBI.

Connors is The Day’s 2011 All-Area Softball Player of the Year.