Girls Lacrosse Beats West Haven 16 – 5

The Branford girls’ lacrosse team is having a special year. After losing their opening game to Old Lyme 10 – 8 on April 5 the Hornets have rattled off 11 straight victories.

Last week the Lady Hornets played West Haven at Home and defeated the Blue Devils by a score of 16 – 5. Five sophomores, led by Autumn McHenry (see top photo above)with four goals, scored 14 of the 16 goals for Branford. She also had four assists.

“We have a some very good young players and they played very well tonight,” said coach Jackie Ceccolini.

The young Hornets jumped out early and led 7 – 1 at the half. Goals were scored early by juniors Ashlee Smestad and McHenry. At one point Smestad is caught between two West Haven players, and gets accidently hit on her head. She was all right.

Other sophomores with multiple goals included LanLe Crotty and Sophie Spencer with three each and Erin O’Brien with two.

Here O’Brien looks to make a move on goalie Nicole Gatson.

Spencer, a sophomore, bringing the ball up field for the Hornets. She had three goals.

The other soph that scored was Sabrina Torcinelli who had one goal. Branford outshot the Blue Devils 35 – 16.

Junior Kaitlin Parker (pictured) and senior co-captain Carolyn Caminear each scored a goal as well.

During the streak the Hornets defeated other SCC schools including Mercy, Cheshire, Guilford, and Amity as well as non conference opponents Haddam-Killingworth, Masuk and Old Saybrook.

Since the win over West Haven the Hornets also defeated Pomperaug 16 – 11 and Lauralton Hall 15 – 7.

“Two of our goals this years was to get to the SCC and state tournament,” Ceccolini said.

Mission accomplished, coach.

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