East Lyme — She coached in her 1,000th career game Tuesday afternoon in her 49th season, what would have been 50 were it not for COVID-19.

And for East Lyme High School softball coach Judy Deeb, No. 49 has been a learning experience. For her. For East Lyme's 10 freshmen and sophomores who have never played a varsity game before this year. Deeb is Connecticut's all-time wins leader in the sport at 640-360 ... and has been the state record-holder since May 12, 2013, when she picked up her 553rd victory.

Tuesday's result: a 10-1 loss to Bacon Academy in an Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I game, bringing the Vikings to 0-5 overall and in the league.

"I love coaching this team," Deeb said afterward, noting there are seven freshmen and three sophomores and that freshman starting pitcher Abby Robinson is 14 years old. "They're very enthusiastic. They're always on time. They work hard in practice. I enjoy being around them. They're funny.

"Today wasn't a good day. Yesterday they were great in practice. That's what you have to deal with when you're dealing with such a young team. ... They'll have a great inning and everybody feels good, the confidence is there. Then one person will make a mistake and it gravitates toward other people; they're afraid to make a mistake too."

Deeb, the only coach in the history of the program dating back to 1972, has praised this 2021 team throughout the season, good days and not so good.

On April 20, for instance, the Vikings lost to Fitch 20-3. They came back the following day against league leader Waterford, which had scored 13 or more runs in its first three games. Waterford topped East Lyme just 5-0.

More than that, Deeb saw her team show a measure of poise against Waterford. When it began teeming rain during the national anthem, not one player flinched, she said. Throughout two separate rain delays, during which East Lyme waited on the bus, Deeb said there was not one complaint.

"She's really been a great coach, being positive and trying to bring the team together as one," East Lyme junior catcher and co-captain Sophia Gannoe said of Deeb. "She's seen the positive in things.

"... I think that's what's different about this team, each day is new. We're keeping our enthusiasm up. (This season) has it's new challenges, but every new game is a new opportunity. Each day we walk in with a new mindset."

Bacon took a 2-0 lead Tuesday in the third inning on a pair of bases-loaded walks, then added three runs in the fourth highlighted by a two-run double ripped to left field by freshman catcher Gracie Gladding. Bacon pitcher Avianna Ibrahim allowed East Lyme just three hits.

Robinson, East Lyme's freshman pitcher, struck out 13 over six innings, but walked seven and hit a batter, while the Vikings, juggling injuries and absences from the lineup, made five errors behind her.

Deeb said overall East Lyme needs repetition of the little things. Laying down a bunt. Knowing what to do in every situation defensively. Understanding the game better. She believes all that will happen.

"Sitting back and just not coaching (last year), I still did a lot of research," Deeb said. "You still learn every year. You never stop learning. There's so much stuff online, it made it exciting to add a few new drills to keep the kids from getting bored."

The field is still her classroom after 1,000 games.

"Developing players socially and emotionally is just as important as their athletic skills," Deeb said. "I want them to remember playing for this team, remember the fun times, remember the growing times, the good and bad and what they've learned."

v.fulkerson@theday.com