You don't get to the state championship game without being on a roll. In this case, the Norwich Free Academy and Waterford softball teams have that completely covered.

NFA got a lights-out, three-inning relief appearance from backup pitcher Sophia DiCocco — after an injury to all-state pitcher Bailey Comeau necessitated that she leave the game — on Monday night to beat Cheshire 4-2 and reach the Class LL state championship at 4 p.m. Saturday vs. 17-time champion Southington at DeLuca Field in Stratford.

Waterford followed the next day with a 14-hit romp over Granby, an 11-2 triumph which pushed the Lancers' run differential to 53-2 in four Class M state tournament games. No. 3 Waterford (21-4) will try to outslug No. 8 Seymour (22-5) in the title game at 1 p.m. Saturday at West Haven High School.

Along the way to the championship game, the Eastern Connecticut Conference rivals have picked up a vibe, too, almost making them forget they're the underdogs.

"It's hard to explain the vibe that exists," Waterford coach Andy Walker said. "Everything is clicking. I just think they believe in themselves right now. I don't think they believed that during the season. They believe now. We have an opportunity. We've got to cherish every moment of it."

"There's such, like, a happy vibe," NFA senior third baseman Julie Vincent said. "We're so close and so confident in each other. We have such a drive. ... I think for me, (the semifinal win) has sunk in. I've always wanted to get this far."

Both teams will have to avenge losses from earlier this season in order to win the title.

NFA, the No. 8 seed (21-4), has already gotten redemption in the Class LL tournament by beating No. 1 South Windsor, which beat the Wildcats during the regular season, and No. 4 Cheshire, which knocked NFA out of the Class LL tournament three of the last four seasons.

No. 6 Southington (21-3) also defeated NFA during the regular season, winning 5-3 on April 25.

NFA lost three regular-season games during a week's time, falling to East Haven (5-1) and Southington on back-to-back days, what were the Wildcats' first two losses of the season.

Since beating Griswold for the ECC tournament title, however, a first for this group of accomplished NFA seniors, the Wildcats have had almost a celebratory feel, determined to end their careers on the right note.

NFA is looking for its first title in program history.

"This group ... the uptight me is still there," NFA coach Bryan Burdick said with a laugh. "But I have to let certain things go. They're playing well. They're focused.

"I think they realize that win or lose, they've gotten to a point that so few players who play the game have ever gotten the chance to play. This is an important game, but we can't look at it as any more than another game."

Burdick was unsure whether Comeau would be able to return to face Southington. She took a line drive off her (right) pitching hand to start the fifth inning Monday. She took three warmup tosses after that, but was unable to continue, resulting in DiCocco jogging in from left field. DiCocco, a left-handed junior, was impressive though. Vincent said the team had complete confidence in her.

"We knew she could do it," Vincent said. "... Next year, she's definitely going to lead the team."

Waterford, meanwhile, which has four state championships to its credit, the last in 2013, got shut out by Griswold in the ECC tournament semifinals 3-0, ending a 13-game winning streak. Their bats have not been silent since.

Walker threw out a few batting averages Friday: pitcher Rachel Miller, .515; shortstop Gina McKittrick, .470 with 29 RBI; center fielder Ciana Chiappone, .440.

Seymour beat Waterford 10-1 on April 4, scoring all its runs early against Miller.

"Rachel has a softness about her (personality), but she also has a fire that burns within her," Walker said. "She's a competitor. She was hit by Griswold one time and she wanted the ball the next game (against them) and she pitched a shutout.

"Griswold, NFA, Seymour, our competition was great. That served us well. We got on a roll we're on. We just have to keep it going for 21 more outs."

v.fulkerson@theday.com