Groton — Kate Prpich, Fitch High School softball coach, watched from the sideline as the Falcons won the Class L state championship last season, having just given birth to her son Mason on May 4, 2014.

"I came to all the games except for the times where I was in the hospital," Prpich said. "I don't know if I was more nervous then or more nervous now.

"... They're just awesome kids. They are the reason I came back. Their personalities are contagious. They love the game. Who doesn't want to be a part of that?"

Fitch, with virtually the same lineup it had a year ago — the top-seeded and unbeaten Falcons lost no seniors from that team — will play for its second straight Class L title beginning at 7 Friday night at West Haven High School against No. 10 East Haven.

Fitch is 25-0 and returns all-state senior shortstop and captain Jackie Lewis, who missed the last four games due to emergency surgery. The Falcons also boast this year's Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year in right-handed pitcher Caroline Taber, who was 19-0 with a 0.12 earned run average, 210 strikeouts and eight walks during the regular season.

Fitch, under interim coach Arielle Cooper, the former Eastern Connecticut State All-America third baseman, won last year's title 3-1 over Sacred Heart Academy. Cooper remains on this year's staff and still coaches third base.

"Kate just became a part of the team again," Taber said of a coaching transition which Prpich said she tried to make as seamless as possible. "Like, 'it's our coach.' They're perfect co-coaches. They're a perfect match."

"That Arielle stayed I'm just ecstatic about," Prpich said earlier in the week. "She keeps the kids loose. I don't know what I would do without her."

Mostly things are the same as they ever were with the Fitch players, who form not just a softball team, but are lifelong friends, as well, having played together since Little League. Any awkward moments or jealousies among them are long past, Taber said.

A big part of the equation is Lewis, Fitch's only senior, who collapsed prior to the Eastern Connecticut Conference championship game in Griswold on May 29. Lewis, who will play at Eastern Connecticut State next season, hovered around the .600 mark for batting average much of the season.

"It's absolutely exciting," Prpich said. "It's something you want so badly. Having Jackie back is even better. She deserves to be a part of it."

The Falcons will be vying for their third title in program history, with Prpich winning the 2009 Class LL championship in 2009 as the underdog against top-ranked Masuk.

Fitch defeated No. 16 Law (3-0), No. 8 Sheehan (4-3, 8 innings) and No. 20 North Haven (2-1) to reach this year's final. East Haven topped No. 23 Bristol Eastern (2-0), No. 26 Platt (11-0), No. 2 Lauralton Hall (6-5, 9 innings) and No. 11 Nonnewaug (4-3).

East Haven (18-7) is playing in its second straight final, falling 2-0 in the Class M title game last year vs. Seymour. The Yellowjackets are led by junior shortstop Allie Luzzi (.551, 26 runs scored).

v.fulkerson@theday.com

Twitter: @vickieattheday