Bill O’Brien Photo
Coach Jackie Ceccolini stands in the middle with her seniors (L-R): Daly Hynes, Sabrina Torcellini, Caroline Erickson, LanLe Crotty, Erin O’Brien, Haley Maercklein, Hailey Manware, Sophia Spencer, Emma Pierson, and Autumn McHenry.
For the first time in history, the defending Class L Champion Branford Hornets girls lacrosse team hosted perennial FCIAC power Staples at the James L MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The senior-laden Hornets played their last home game of the regular season on Senior Night and won a hard fought battle, 15 – 11. Here Sophia Spencer gets one of her seven goals in the game
Bill O’Brien Photo
Prior to the start of the game Branford’s 10 senior players and their family members were introduced, presented with flowers, and brought out on the field to be recognized and have pictures taken. Here Senior Erin O’Brien and her family were introduced on Senior Night.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The Branford and Staples coaches gather for a photo after the game. Both Staples coaches played for Branford. They include (L-R) Billy Alessi, Joe Alessi, Jackie Ceccolini, Caitlin O’Brien from Branford and, Alicia Mortali and Nicole Gerosa from Staples. They are joined by Jackie Cecciolini’s 2-year-old son Chase.
Another special aspect of the game was that the Staples Wreckers are coached by two Branford lacrosse alumni, head coach Nicole Gerosa and her assistant Alicia Mortali.
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The Branford crowd came to cheer for their team.
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Here Sabrina Torcellini pivots and changes direction on her way up field.
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And here Emma Pierson looks for the defenders on her way to the goal.
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The game was close all the way. Here Karly King runs past a Staples defender.
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It was tied at the half 7 – 7 and both teams traded goals in the second half until the Hornets scored three unanswered goal late in the period to pull away and secure the victory. They are now 13 – 1 including a 7 – 2 win over Old Saybrook on Thursday. Here Erin O’Brien fires one past the Staples goalie to score a goal.
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Branford’s All Area MVP Sophia Spencer led the Hornets with seven goals and an assist. She was followed by LanLe Crotty with three goals and an assist, and by Sabrina Torcellini with three goals. Here Crotty chases Staples goalie Alexa Moro running up field after she made a save.
“It was a nice win for us,” said coach Jackie Cecciolini. “Staples plays in a very good conference (Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference) and to beat them is pretty big.”
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Here Goalkeeper Daly Hynes knocks down a shot with her stick as Autumn McHenry (43) turns to assist.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Scoring also for Branford were Autumn McHenry (pictured) with a goal and assist and Erin O’Brien with a goal. Haley Maerecklein chipped in with an assist.Here McHenry gets past Staples Caitlin Hoberman no. 9.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The Hornets have a big game today with SCC rival Daniel Hand at the Surf Club in Madison at 6 p.m. Here Maercklein looks to pass to a teammate.
They close the regular season with a game at Amity on Thursday at 3:45 p.m.
The SCC playoffs begin next Saturday and the Hornets will host a home game based on their record against a yet-to-be determined opponent.
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