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CCSU Softball's 2025 NEC Tournament Run: 5 Key Players Who Powered The Blue Devils' Deep Push

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The Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Blue Devils softball program delivered one of its most compelling seasons in recent memory during the 2025 campaign, culminating in a dramatic run deep into the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament. This performance showcased the team's resilience and competitive spirit under Head Coach Breanne Gleason, solidifying their status as a perennial contender in the NEC.

As of late 2025, the team finished with a commendable 20-30 overall record, but their true strength was evident in conference play, where they posted an impressive 13-8 mark. The Blue Devils' aggressive style of play, anchored by a mix of veteran leadership and breakout sophomore talent, made them a difficult opponent for everyone in the NEC, setting a high bar for the program's future.

The 2025 CCSU Softball Leadership and Season Overview

The foundation of the Blue Devils' success in 2025 was a blend of experienced coaching and standout individual performances. The NEC Tournament became the ultimate proving ground for a team that had battled through a rigorous non-conference schedule.

Breanne Gleason: Head Coach Biography and Program History

  • Name: Breanne Gleason
  • Title: Head Softball Coach
  • Tenure: Began her 12th season at the helm of the Central Connecticut program in 2025.
  • Alma Mater: University of New Haven ('10).
  • CCSU History: Has been a part of both of the Blue Devils' NEC Championship teams, first as an assistant and then as the head coach.
  • Coaching Staff: Assisted by Pat Holden.

2025 Season Snapshot

The 2025 season was defined by strong conference play and a powerful offensive core. The team demonstrated significant growth throughout the year, peaking just in time for the NEC Championship.

  • Overall Record: 20-30 (.400)
  • Conference Record (NEC): 13-8 (.619)
  • Team Batting Average: .238
  • Team On-Base Percentage (OBP): .319
  • Team Slugging Percentage (SLG): .382
  • Home Schedule: The Blue Devils hosted 25 home contests at the CCSU Softball Field.

The Electric Run to the NEC Championship Bracket Final

The true highlight of the 2025 season was Central Connecticut’s impressive performance in the NEC Tournament, hosted by LIU in Brooklyn, NY. Despite the NEC Regular Season Championship going to LIU, the Blue Devils proved they were capable of beating any team in the conference when it mattered most.

The Blue Devils advanced deep into the winner's bracket, showcasing their clutch hitting and dominant pitching. A pivotal moment came on May 8, 2025, when CCSU secured a run-rule victory over FDU, powered by two home runs and seven RBI from KC Machado, demonstrating their explosive offensive potential.

The season ultimately concluded on May 10, 2025, with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to LIU, ending the Blue Devils' deep run in the NEC Championship bracket. Despite falling short of the title, the tournament performance underscored the program's upward trajectory and competitive fire.

5 Blue Devils Who Earned All-Conference Honors and Defined the 2025 Season

The team's success was heavily reliant on several key student-athletes who received well-deserved recognition for their performance, including multiple selections to the NEC All-Conference teams. These players are the core entities that will drive the program forward.

1. Allie Braly: The All-NEC Ace Pitcher

Allie Braly, a sophomore pitcher, emerged as the undisputed ace of the Blue Devils' rotation in 2025. She was recognized as an All-NEC selection for her stellar work in the circle.

  • Key Stat: Braly earned a 13-11 record, including a crucial win in the NEC Tournament.
  • Performance: She recorded a 3.28 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 57.2 innings pitched early in the season, proving to be a consistent force.
  • Career High: Braly set a new career high with seven strikeouts in a single game during the season.

2. Olivia Ulam: NEC Gold Glove Winner and All-NEC Powerhouse

Olivia Ulam was a defensive and offensive standout, earning two major honors. She was named the NEC Gold Glove winner for her exceptional fielding skills, in addition to being selected as an All-NEC player.

  • Impact: Ulam's presence provided critical defensive stability and leadership, making her a cornerstone of the team's success.

3. Annabelle Farmer: Second Team All-NEC Catcher

As a junior catcher, Annabelle Farmer was the defensive general behind the plate and a key contributor to the offense, earning Second Team All-NEC honors.

  • Position: Catcher
  • Role: Her ability to manage the pitching staff and shut down opposing running games was invaluable during the high-stakes NEC Tournament.

4. Grace Lawton: Offensive Firepower

Grace Lawton provided significant offensive sparks for the Blue Devils, showcasing her power at the plate. Her ability to drive in runs was essential in tight conference matchups.

  • Highlight: Lawton had a memorable 2-for-2 game in 2025 that included a crucial home run.

5. Ava Cino: Academic and Athletic Excellence

Ava Cino, a standout player from the 2023 NEC All-Rookie Team, continued to excel both on and off the field in 2025.

  • Recognition: She was named to the Northeast Conference Academic Honor Roll in 2025, embodying the student-athlete ideal at CCSU.
  • Experience: Cino's veteran presence and experience in high-pressure games were critical to the team's tournament success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of CCSU Softball

The 2025 campaign, with its 13-8 conference record and deep NEC Tournament run, has firmly established the Central Connecticut State Softball program as a top-tier competitor in the Northeast Conference. The return of key All-NEC players like Allie Braly and the leadership of Coach Breanne Gleason (entering her 13th season) suggest that the Blue Devils are poised for another championship push.

With a strong core of talent, including Morgan Goodspeed (Utility), Joslyn Teal (First Base), and Jazmin Lasane (Outfield), the team has the necessary depth and experience to contend for the NEC title and a bid to the NCAA Division I Softball Tournament in the upcoming seasons. The program is clearly trending upward, building on the momentum of their successful 2025 campaign.

CCSU Softball's 2025 NEC Tournament Run: 5 Key Players Who Powered the Blue Devils' Deep Push
central connecticut state softball
central connecticut state softball

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