The Morgan Huskies girls’ basketball team has faced many obstacles this season, between losing players to injury and their season not going the way they’ve hoped so far. Despite the early-season struggles they’ve had to overcome, Head Coach Caitlin Woods and the Huskies are keeping their feet on the gas pedal as they push toward the postseason.

The Huskies are comprised of 22 players and three senior captains: Caeley Ayer (guard), Sofie Passante (forward), and Katie Martin (forward/center). Woods admires the positivity the captains have shown this season, as well as their ability to lead.

“The captains can continue leading by example and working hard,” said Woods. “Their positivity and dedication to the team are so important; younger players learn from them daily.”

Not only do the captains lead the team by example, but they are also good role models on the basketball court.

“Katie’s (also a four-year starter) contributions to games have been tremendous; she is such a strong athlete and leader. Her toughness, athleticism, and basketball skill make an excellent combination for a player,” said Woods. “Sofie plays like she is six feet tall (she’s 5’5”), and her work ethic is exceptional. She not only pulls down huge rebounds, but she has developed an excellent outside shot.”

The Huskies compete in the Shoreline Conference, in which they face the East Hampton Bellringers, Valley Regional Warriors, Cromwell Panthers, Old Saybrook Rams, Haddam-Killingworth Cougars, North Branford Thunderbirds, Westbrook Knights, Hale Ray Noises, Old Lyme Wildcats, and Portland Highlanders. The Huskies currently sit in the seventh position out of the twelve teams in the conference. For states play, they are classified to compete in Class M.

The Shoreline Conference always proves to be a tough one, as there is always very competitive in-conference play. Woods believes that one thing that has held Morgan back this season is the lack of a key piece on the floor.

“One challenge that our team is currently facing is not having Katie Martin due to injury. She continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership and character from the sideline, but she is a critical component of our team on the court,” said Woods. “We are working hard to compensate for Katie’s strength and outstanding play. Additionally, we have challenging matchups at the end of the regular and postseasons.”

There are several athletes that have played a large part in the Huskies production so far this season, including Maeve Madura (junior, guard) and Ayer.

“Maeve has been so tough at the point guard position, and her defense has been exceptional. She is a driven athlete who works hard and is extremely coachable,” said Woods. “Caeley, a four-year starter, has demonstrated that she is an elite player in the Shoreline Conference. She’s our leading scorer, but she is also an outstanding passer and defender. She is quite the force on the court, with her speed and athleticism.”

Besides the versatility that Madura and Ayer provide, the Huskies find themselves finding success from beyond the arc, courtesy of junior Ava Johnson.

“Ava is an outstanding three-point shooter, who has become a versatile and dynamic player with a strong basketball IQ,” said Woods. “She frequently plays the strongest players in the league, and she’s done a great job.”

The Huskies went on a four-game winning streak between Jan. 17-27. They beat the Highlanders away (65-21), Wildcats at home (58-16), Knights at home (33-25), and Noises on the road (42-14).

The Huskies’ winning streak was broken on Jan. 28, when they faced Granby Memorial at home and fell by a score of 47-35.

Woods knows there is a lot of talent on the Huskies roster, as she credited a trio of juniors for their efforts this season. Those players are Victoria O’Neill (forward), Anastasia “AJ” Luke (guard), and Eva O’Sullivan (guard/forward).

“Victoria is a terrific inside presence, and she has had to do double duty with Martin out. She has worked to really become a complete player with solid post footwork, and her shot-blocking is such a force,” said Woods. “AJ and Eva have had enormous contributions off the bench. Eva has been tasked with knowing all five positions and has been effective in all aspects of the game. AJ is an outstanding defender, and she is becoming more aggressive on the offensive end of the court.”

There are still four remaining games left for the Huskies in the regular season portion of the campaign. They have a chance of qualifying for states if they win one more game. Woods is looking forward to the remainder of the schedule and has high hopes for what the team can do.

The Huskies full roster includes Ayer, Martin, O’Sullivan, Passante, Luke, Madura, Johnson, Liliana Torres (junior, guard/forward), Madelyn Sacta (junior, forward), Olivia Ruotolo (sophomore, guard), Nina Fishman (sophomore, guard), Liliana Luciani (sophomore, forward), Cora Dunham (guard/forward), Alana Zirlis (sophomore, forward), Addison Reed (freshman, guard), Mersades Passante (freshman, guard), Keyla Vasquez (freshman, guard), Amber Maikowski (freshman, guard/forward), Jacquelyn Ciarleglio (freshman, guard), Solange Morales-Toledo (freshman, guard), and Nikol Wajaral (freshman, forward).

The Huskies are coached by Woods and Assistant Coach Jess Lynch, both seven-year veterans with the team.