This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/08/2022 12:05 PMNorth Branford field hockey took home the Shoreline Conference title for the sixth-consecutive year on Nov. 3 with a 1-0 shutout over Old Saybrook at the Indian River Complex in Clinton. The lone goal was netted by sophomore Riley Cole, coming off the bench to spark the Thunderbirds. The winning goal was assisted by junior Keana Criscuolo.
One goal proved to be more than enough for the North Branford defense. The strong backline led by senior and Shoreline All Conference honorable mention Gianna Palma, junior and Shoreline All Conference honoree Gianna Gamble, and Junior Morgan Lucibello allowed Old Saybrook just 1 shot in the shutout effort. North Branford reached the final after topping Westbrook in the semi-finals on Nov. 1, again by a score of 1-0. The contest remained scoreless into the 4th quarter. Junior Sophia Toto broke the tie with a goal assisted by fellow junior Keana Criscuolo – her second assist in as many games. The North Branford defense did not allow a shot on goal.
Defense has been a staple all season long for the Thunderbirds, who have surrendered fewer than 3 shots on goal per game. Behind that strong defense North Branford has relied on two freshman goalkeepers, Madi DiStefano and Ashlyn O’Rourke. The two have shared time in goal all season and are key pieces to a North Branford team that has not allowed more than 2 goals in a game all year. Head Coach Babby Nuhn knows that defense at this caliber requires effort from every position on the field.
“They’re both very talented,” Coach Nuhn said.” “They’re both learning and they’re coming on in. They know how to defend, they know how to improve, and every day they’re working on it. And that’s all I can ask for them.”
However, there are also challenges and adjustments for freshmen on a varsity squad. North Branford’s trio of stalwart defenders understand this and have worked hard all season to ensure the freshman goalkeepers see as few shots as possible. Coach Nuhn appreciates the effort they bring day in and day out.
“It’s hard being a freshman on a solid varsity team,” Nuhn said. “So our three defensive players have been extra focused to deny any of the balls and to work with our offense, work with our goalies. They’re just doing a great job of controlling the ball.”
“That starts with our senior Gianna Palma, on the left side. She leads by example. She’s one of the hardest working players out there. Gianna Gamble, she’s our center-back, a junior. She understands how important it is to protect her goalies and to bring the ball up field to score. She’s got that offense/defense mentality. Our other third defensive back is Morgan Luella, and Morgan, every game she got stronger and stronger.”
On offense the Thunderbirds are led by junior forwards Sophia Toto and Keana Criscuolo, and junior captain midfielder Lindsey Onofrio. All three received Shoreline All Conference 1st team honors this season.
Lindsey is also joined as a captain by senior Payton Kamienski – a do-it-all player for Coach Nuhn who has seen time at a number of positions this season.
“She used to play forward. She played midfield, she played back, she has been in goal,” Nuhn said of Payton. “She’s been on the right side. She’s been on the left side. Peyton looks at you and says anything you want, I’ll do. She’s just been a great player and a great leader.”
Coach Nuhn’s team prides themselves on playing together as a unit. From all 11 players on the field to the bench affectionately known as the “12th team player.” This attitude has helped the Thunderbirds in their success this season.
“It was genuinely a full team effort,” Nuhn said. “We pride ourselves with our ‘12th team player’ — our supportive players from the bench area. They are always so focused and enthusiastic. They give our team an extra level of energy.”
On the sidelines Nuhn is joined by a coaching staff made up of North Branford field hockey alumni: Kathy Galdenzi, Sabrina LeMere, Cheryl Canada, Evaun Boatman, and Lori Connelly. While Coach Nuhn is looking for her sixth Connecticut State Championship, she is quick to shift the credit to her coaching staff.
“I’m 10 percent,” Coach Nuhn said. “These other coaches are the ones who bring their expertise and their credibility and their passion. So all the credit to our program is based on the coaches and the willingness of these young 20 student athletes.”
“It’s not just the players on the field, it’s our support team and our parents’ group and everybody else. [Conference titles] don’t come easy, even though we had a couple of them back-to-back. But every year is a brand-new year.”
This year, North Branford rolls into the Class S State tournament with an impressive 18-1-0 overall record, earning the number one overall seed, but before they look ahead Coach Nuhn was insistent they recognize what they had accomplished.
“We celebrated like there was no tomorrow Thursday night. But today was all about States.” Nuhn said.”The Shore was beautiful and hard. It wasn’t easy. We had two very strong competitors with Westbrook and Old Saybrook; they were very talented. But now it’s a clean slate. Throw out the records. I don’t care if you rank 1st or 16th, everyone is out to get you.”