The Branford Sting girls’ lacrosse team kicked off play in the Dream League by splitting its first two games of the season last week. Branford took a loss to Madison in its season opener and then came back to beat West Haven for a 1-1 start to the year.

Branford dropped a 16-8 road game against the Madison Mavericks in its first game of the campaign on July 7. Brianna Shaw scored four goals to go with one assist for the Sting. Isla Lionetti scored two goals, Karly King handed out a pair of assists, Issy Mannle had a goal with an assist, and McClain Cassello added a goal for Head Coach Billy Alessi’s squad. Brooke O’Leary and Ellie Galdenzi shared the goalkeeping duties with both players making five saves in net.

The very next day, Branford recorded its first win of the year with a 17-4 victory versus the West Haven Bulldogs. Shaw had another big game by posting five goals with an assist in the win. Lionetti had four goals and two assists, while King scored two goals and had two assists for the Sting. Mannle had a two goals and an assist, Ava Ferrie scored a pair of goals, and Cassello and Jen Antell netted one goal apiece. O’Leary made five saves in goal, and Galdenzi had three saves for Branford.

—Chris Piccirillo