Even though the Branford High School girls’ lacrosse team was unable to compete this year due to COVID-19, many of Hornets’ athletes now have the chance to get together again and continue improving their skills by participating in the Dream League. The free statewide league was created by the James Vick Foundation and is starting up its season this week.

The Branford Sting is one of 10 clubs that is playing in the Dream League. The head coach of the team is Billy Alessi, who is an assistant coach for the girls’ lacrosse squad at the high school. The Sting features 26 athletes who would have played on the high school circuit this spring.

“Our high school team is competing, and I’m glad we can give the girls back the season they lost,” Coach Alessi said. “Whether it’s the seniors who lost their final season or the underclassmen getting to continue developing, it’s so crucial. Whether they’re trying to eventually play in college or be the best high school athlete they can be, taking a year off doesn’t help anyone.”

The Sting will begin their season by playing an away game against the Madison Mavericks at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7. Branford’s captains are midfielders Karly King and Brianna Shaw, attacker Isabel Mannle, and goalkeeper Brooke O’Leary. All four athletes were named the senior captains for the Hornets this year and will carry on in that role with the Sting.

“Most of them have been with us since their freshman year. At the varsity level, they have all played a huge role,” Alessi said of his captains. “They’ve had quality time in our two state championship victories. They’ve been through it all.”

In addition to the quartet of captains, the Sting’s roster also includes recent Branford graduates Ainsley Betzig, Mikayla Brown, Hailey Brunner, Camdyn Dunn, Gabrielle Gillis, and Olivia Vitale.

The Sting will also feature defender Jocelyn Smestad, a rising senior who Coach Alessi referred to as the team’s leader on defense. Alessi also pointed out soon-to-be-junior Isla Lionetti, who he feels was primed to have a big sophomore season with the high school team this spring.

Coach Alessi said that the Dream League provides a great opportunity to evaluate Branford’s players and see if any athletes can step up and earn a bigger role going forward. Some of the players that Alessi is looking forward to watching include Jennifer Antell, McClain Cassello, Nicola Colossale, and Alexandra Pombo, who are all entering their senior years of high school.

Along with Lionetti, Ava Brunner and Julia Duffy are two rising juniors on the Sting’s roster. Ava Ferrie, Elena Galdenzi, Aurelia Keberle, Molly Pombo, Jenny Spencer, and Nina Shamas are also members of the Sting. All six of those players are heading into their sophomore years.

The Sting have practiced twice a week since the Dream League opened sessions on June 22. Players, coaches, and volunteers involved in the league have been tested for COVID-19 and will have their temperatures checked before practices and games. The league has multiple prevention protocol volunteers, as well as doctors and registered nurses, who will help ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.

Coach Alessi believes that the Dream League offers his players more than an opportunity to simply win a game. While Alessi wants the Sting to notch as many victories as possible, he also wants his athletes to develop a deeper appreciation for lacrosse as a result of the experience.

“Honestly, I just want them to have fun. Just play lacrosse. Some of them had taken it for granted, and they learned how much they enjoyed the sport and playing with their friends,” said Alessi. “By having something taken away from them, they realized that they really enjoy the game of lacrosse. With everything bigger going on out there, it’s important to just get out, be together, and have fun.”

The Sting are competing in the Dream League’s North Division with the Guilford Seahawks, North Haven Warriors, Madison Mavericks, and Wallingford West Side. The South Division features the Amity Vikings, Stratford Devil Dogs, Monroe Panthers, Shelton Stags, and West Haven Bulldogs.

Branford will play 10 regular-season games, including its Senior Night matchup against West Haven on Saturday, Aug. 8. Following the regular season, there will be a postseason tournament for both divisions. The winners of each division will then face off to crown the first Dream League champion.

No matter how the season pans out, Coach Alessi feels happy that his athletes are hitting the lacrosse field this summer. Alessi hopes that competing in the Dream League will help them understand that playing sports is something to be cherished.

“I’m very grateful that the girls will have this opportunity. These girls just want to play lacrosse,” Alessi said. “Whether they win or lose the game, they have the opportunity to go out and play. Being stuck at home for so long and being limited in resources, this gives them that outlet and sense of normalcy. You just appreciate it a little bit more right now.”

Branford Sting Girls’ Lacrosse Schedule

All games at 7 p.m.

July 7: at Madison

Tuesday, July 14: at Monroe

Friday, July 17: vs. West Haven

Tuesday, July 21: at Guilford

Friday, July 24: at Wallingford

Monday, July 27: vs. Madison

Wednesday, July 29: at North Haven

Tuesday, Aug. 4: vs. Guilford

Saturday, Aug. 8: vs. North Haven