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04/22/2024 02:32 AMThe Branford girls’ lacrosse team certainly had a deep run in states last year that served as a shock to probably everyone but the Hornets themselves. This year, the squad returns a bountiful cast from that club who is much wiser and more determined to push even further towards the next postseason pedestal.
Head Coach Caitlin O’Brien and the Hornets came to a conclusive record of 8-10 for their entire body of work for the 2023 campaign. While Branford missed out on the SCC Tournament following a 7-9 regular season, O’Brien and her determined bunch qualified for the Class M State Tournament as the 11th seed–where they pulled off a 10-9 first-round road upset over No. 6 Joel Barlow before bowing out in the quarterfinals to third-ranked and eventual champion Guilford, 15-4.
This spring, the Hornets are currently 5-4. O’Brien explained that the girls and the program have taken some licks the last few campaigns. Yet through those hurdles, they have only strengthened their durability while making each piece of a smaller roster that much better.
“Our goals for the team are to make the SCC and state tournaments while working together as a unit and team,” said O’ Brien. “Branford has had a couple of tough seasons the past few years. We had been working on rebuilding our team. Our team is small but mighty. With an only 18-girl roster, each one of them is extremely important and has a purpose on the team.”
Four seniors will anchor the club as captains for the Hornets this spring. Kaylee Tracy, a two-year captain, is back on defense. Joining her on the same end of the turf will be another defender in Stella DiMassa. Neither girl never rests and truly wears their pride and passion for their teammates and school on their sleeves.
“Kaylee Tracy has an undeniable passion for the game, for competing, and cares for every single one of her teammates and their successes,” said O’Brien. “Stella DiMassa is a workhorse and leads by example; her attitude and actions set the tone for the rest of the defense and team on and off the field.”
Moving up the field, Raiyn Fries has showcased herself as a relentless worker in the midfield, per O’Brien, and Ally Colburn will look to spark the offense as an attacker with her heart and hustle towards the ball to make the pivotal moves towards points.
“Raiyn Fries is a consistent captain that holds herself to a standard of giving 100% effort in every game and/or practice. Raiyn leads her team by her actions, whereas some of the other captains are more vocal,” said O’Brien. “Ally invests the necessary time and energy to maximize the team’s chances of winning. She makes hustle plays, wins 50-50 balls, challenges the teammates to step up, and makes the opponents bring their absolute best rather than giving an inch. Her competitiveness sets a tone for the rest of the team.”
The underclassmen also maintain some standouts. Junior Riley O’Brien will accompany Tracy and DiMassa on the defensive unit. Sophomore Clara d’Amuri will facilitate the ball in the midfield, and then classmate Aliza Giordano is part of the attack corps. Defending the net will be a freshman netminder in Lily Panuccio.
Following the non-conference clash with Staples on April 20, the Hornets will also entertain a pair of SCC rivals in crucial contests when they host Sacred Heart Academy at home on Monday, April 29 prior to traveling to Amity on Thursday, May 9.
Finally, O’Brien commended her girls for the peak physical condition they arrived in for preseason camp. She explained that just displays the larger story when it comes to how truly dedicated they are to succeeding and traveling deep into the postseason.
“In the past, I've had to worry about conditioning my girls coming into the season. I can gladly say that this team is stacked with some of the best high school girls’ athletes in town,” said O’Brien. “Their determination, athleticism, passion, grit, confidence, and undeniable wanting to win is what is going to take this Branford girls’ lacrosse team far this season.”
The 2024 Branford roster is comprised of seniors Brenna Murphy, Raiyn Fries, DiMassa, Colburn, Tracy; juniors Skylar Dunn, O'Brien, Sophie Santos; plus sophomores Giordano, Summer Sabatino, Saige Fries, Dylan Hall, Giuliana Barros, Siara Humphries, d'Amuri; plus freshman Panuccio.
O’Brien is back for her third year with the Hornets at the helm. She is assisted by Joe Alessi, a 12-year veteran of the squad, and newcomer Jim O’Connor.
2024 Branford Girls’ Lacrosse Team Regular Season Schedule and Results
March 30: Branford 11, Sacred Heart Academy 7
April 1: Branford 14, Lyman Hall 3
April 4: Guilford 8, Branford 5
April 6: Branford 10, Bethel 6
April 8: Branford 9, Sheehan 6
April 10: Hand 17, Branford 8
April 13: Pomperaug 13, Branford 11
April 15: Cheshire 11, Branford 9
April 17: Branford 13, Mercy 3
Monday, April 22: at Lauralton Hall at 5:15 p.m.
Monday, April 29: vs. Sacred Heart Academy at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 9: at Amity at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 11: vs. North Branford at 11 a.m.
Monday, May 13: vs. Shelton at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 17: at Waterford at 7 p.m.