Printer Friendly Version - North Branford Field Hockey Caps Perfect Season with Third-Straight Class S State Crown

North Branford field hockey defeated Canton 4-1 to claim its third-straight Class S state title at Wethersfield High School on Nov 18. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Thunderbirds field hockey captains Sophia Toto, Lindsey Onofrio, and Keana Criscuolo celebrated together after they all contributed to North Branford’s dominant victory over Canton in the Class S State Championship game. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

After suffering only one loss in the last two campaigns and entering the Class S State Tournament as the reigning title-holder, the North Branford field hockey team was certainly a heavy favorite to hoist the gold again. Sure enough, thanks to the true mentality of a champion in not taking anything for granted, the Thunderbirds once again ascended to the throne.

After flying through the regular season with an unblemished 16-0 record, the Thunderbirds kept the perfection pumping by defeating Westbrook-Old Lyme and Old Saybrook to net the program its seventh-consecutive Shoreline Conference Title.

Then, In the Class S State Tournament, the two-time defending champion T-Birds took care of No. 17 New Fairfield (2-0), ninth-seeded Lauralton Hall (5-4), and No. 5 Immaculate (3-2) to return to the state final on Nov. 18 at Wethersfield.

There, North Branford met up against No. 2 Canton (also polishing off a perfect regular season at 16-0) and completed a three-peat with a 4-1 victory to net the program its seventh state title. On top of that, the team finished a terrific triple crown of an unbeaten fall that included a perfect regular season, a conference title, and, most paramount, a state championship, with a final overall record of 22-0.

“To say the least, this was a remarkable accomplishment! It is one thing when you have talent, but when it all comes together as a team is another story,” said Head Coach Babby Nuhn. “We went from 20 players in 2022 to 33 with a huge freshman group. We had many new strategies to implement, and each member had to find their new role. Each day we tried to improve on specific skills and strategies on the varsity and JV levels. We knew our goal was to continue to persevere, but we kept things in perspective. Honestly, we had our challenges like any other family, and we worked hard to come together as a team.”

In the opening half of the state title game, the T-Birds netted a crucial two-score cushion, thanks to a tandem of tallies from senior captain Keana Criscuolo. The first goal came with 9:59 remaining in the first quarter, prior to answering the call again on a penalty corner to conclude the first period with another goal as nine ticks remained. Senior captain Lindsey Onofrio was credited with the assist on the second score.

“Winning the state championship three years in a row and having a perfect undefeated season is extremely meaningful to me and to the rest of the seniors,” said Criscuolo. “We knew and understood how important this season would be for us and for the town. All year we have been saying there is a target on our backs, so each game we went into, we had to play our best game, especially during this state tournament run. We all just wanted it so bad, and I believe that showed in the end. I'm so proud of all the girls, what we accomplished, and the legacy we are leaving behind for North Branford!”

With 2:55 to play in the third, junior Alivia Schmidt got in on the offensive action with a snipe to put North Branford ahead by three. Following a goal from another senior captain in Sophia Toto with 9:45 to play, Canton cut its deficit to 4-1 with 8:35 left in the contest, but it was too little too late, as the Thunderbirds closed out the clock to lock up a remarkable run to the top.

“Winning states this season is truly a dream come true,” said Toto. “We've worked so hard for this one moment, and to be able to win it all not just once, but three times back-to-back-to-back is absolutely amazing. And to top it off, having a perfect undefeated season is remarkable, and a true reflection of how hard our team has worked.”

Representing North Branford for All-Shoreline First Team were seniors in Toto and Criscuolo, Onofrio, and Gianna Gamble. Schmidt and junior Lily Ardito, plus seniors Tea Ferrucci and Morgan Lucibello garnered Second Team recognition. Senior Gabi Senerchia was an Honorable Mention, as well. North Branford showed its mental fortitude, as well as its physical durability–seeing several of its competitors bouncing back from injury throughout the course of its entire immaculate run.

“During our Shoreline Conference Championship game, we had two players with facial/head injuries. Morgan Lucibello and [senior] Téa Ferrucci came back stronger than ever as a positive force for the team,” said Nuhn. “Then, Téa was reinjured in the Lauralton Hall game, again with a severe facial injury. She could not return until the finals. It was her driving mindset that motivated us. Gianna Gamble, our very strong center back defender, played all season with a hip injury. These players gave their all in all ways.”

Three T-Birds were recognized as All-State athletes this season. Criscuolo, Onofrio, and Toto made First Team All-State for the second consecutive year. They will play in the Senior All-Star Game on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Guilford. Schmidt was selected to play in the Junior Select Game, also at Guilford, on that same date. Additionally, Evaun Boatman was named Assistant Coach of the Year, and will be recognized at the All-State banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Nuhn added that North Branford was certainly battle-tested by the time the postseason rolled around, though the Thunderbirds stayed grounded, focused, and humble until the last second of the campaign and the championship chase was finalized.

“We were challenged during our regular season within the conference, and with non-league games with Branford, Stonington, Sacred Heart Academy, Watertown, and East Lyme,” said Nuhn. “The league finals versus Old Saybrook made us realize we were not done this season. So we entered the state tournament with a strong focus on one game at a time. We faced excellent teams with New Fairfield, Lauralton Hall, Immaculate, and Canton. It was not an easy trip to the final championship.”

The 2023 North Branford field hockey roster is comprised of seniors in Toto, Criscuolo, Onofrio, Gamble, Ferrucci, Lucibello, Senerchia; juniors of Schmidt, Ardito, Samantha Ferraro, Joanna Lamot, Daytona Kamienski, Riley Cole; sopohmores Isabella Warren, Leah Brustman, Madison DiStefano, O'Rourke; plus freshmen Mallory Harper, Juliana Stimpson, Autumn LeBeau, Mia Harper, Laila Delfino, Siena Podzikowski, Katheryn Zulawski, Taylor Dalip, Ava Angiollo, Eliza Pinette, Aubrey Weld, Alia Martone, Iris Troqe, Valentina Spinelli, Peyton Cameron, and Gabriela Famiglietti.

Assisting Nuhn this year were coaches Kathy Galdenzi, Sabrina LeMere, Cheryl Canada, Boatman, and Lori Connelly.

“We are surrounded by the ‘Fab 5’, better known as the awesome coaching staff,” said Nuhn. “Evaun Boatman brings a wealth of experience as a goalie and defense coach. Lori Connelly brings offense and a strong game sense. Kathy Galdenzi brings skills, drills, and a great sense of balance for the team. Sabrina LeMere brings her experience and energy as a player, as well as basketball and softball coach. Cheryl Canada brings a higher level of hockey IQ strategies to develop a stronger team. All in all, our goal is to provide the best experience for each player to grow mentally and socially, not just in skills and strategies with a stick and ball.”

Previously, North Branford made state final berths in 1980, 1981, 1987, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The Thunderbirds came away with state crowns in 1980 (Class M), 1981 (Class S co-champs with Pomperaug), 2006, 2017, 2021, and 2022 in Class S.

Oct. 30: Shoreline Conference Tournament semifinal: North Branford 6, Westbrook-Old Lyme 0