The Branford field hockey team claimed a victory against Hand in the semifinals of the Class M State Tournament last week. On Nov. 15, the 9th-seeded Hornets faced off with No. 5 seed Hand in a Class M semifinal showdown at Guilford High School and edged out the Tigers by the final score of 1-0. Branford improved its overall record to 15-5-1-1 on the season as the team gets ready to face New Milford for the state championship.

Senior Gianna Bozzi scored the only goal of the game when Branford defeated Hand in the Class M semifinals. Bozzi’s goal came off an assist by senior Scout Engstrom on a penalty corner at the 5:40 mark of the second quarter. Junior goalie Julia Bozzi made 2 saves in net to get the shutout for the Hornets.

Head Coach Pete Frye noted that it was a typically intense defensive game between Branford and Hand when the two teams met up in the Class M semifinals. The Hornets and Tigers played through rain and sleet during the second half of the contest. Coach Frye noted that the Hornets received standout performances from senior Aryana Wilson, senior Lauren McCarthy, junior Mia d’Amuri, junior Ellie Wieland, junior Reanna Sachs, and sophomore Eliza Burgess in the victory.

Branford is playing No. 6 seed New Milford in the Class M state championship game at Wethersfield High School at noon on Saturday, Nov. 19. The Hornets last played in the state final in 2011 and most recently won the state title in 2005, marking the 10th state championship in program history. This will be Branford’s 15th overall appearance in a state final.

Branford posted a record of 10-4-1-1 during the regular season this year. The Hornets then entered the SCC Tournament as the No. 4 seed. Branford claimed a 1-0 win over No. 5 seed Amity in the SCC quarterfinals and then netted a 3-2 victory versus top-seeded, defending champion Guilford in the semifinal round. The Hornets then took a 2-1 loss to No. 2 seed Cheshire in the conference final.

After competing in SCCs, Branford opened play in the Class M State Tournament as the No. 9 seed and earned a 1-0 win against No. 8 Brookfield in the first round. The Hornets went on to notch a 1-0 victory at No. 1 seed and defending champion Guilford in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinal round of the tourney.

—Chris Piccirillo