Field Hockey

Branford field hockey opened the season on Sept. 7 at home vs. Wilton and fell 4-1. Ellie Meyran scored for the Hornets, and goalkeeper Lilly Panuccio recorded seven saves, while defender Laila Kezik recorded one.

“Hard-fought game against a top team,” said Head Coach Peter Frye. “Branford scored first, but Wilton capitalized on a few defensive mistakes and took the victory. Tate Jones, Jess Radziunas, Randee Chobian, Hana Omeragic, Laila Kezik, and Savannah Johnson were standouts.”

The Hornets then traveled to Shelton on Sept. 10 and won 6-0. Goals were scored by Johnson (two), Meyran (two), Eliza Burgess, and Aliza Giordano. Assists were recorded by Meyran (two), Radziunas (two), and Addy Guandalini. Panuccio recorded one save in net.

“Branford played a strong game throughout,” Frye said. “Outstanding performances from Hana Omeragic, Tate Jones, Sydney Dahl, Caitlin Reilley.”

On Sept. 13, Branford hosted Mercy and grabbed an 8-0 win. The Hornets goal scorers were Radziunas (three), Johnson, Giordano, Meyran, Sydney Dahl, and Guandalini. Assists came from Jones (three), Chobian, and Skylar Dunn. Panuccio recorded one save.

“Strong offensive performance from Branford,” Frye said. “Outstanding game from Hana Omeragic.”

Football

Branford football hosted Berlin in its season opener on Sept. 13 and took a 42-7 loss.

Boys’ Soccer

The Branford boys’ soccer team hosted Hamden on Sept. 9 and won 6-3.

On Sept. 12, the Hornets traveled to Amity and took a 3-1 loss.

Girls’ Soccer

Branford girls’ soccer played host to Amity on Sept. 10 and fell 6-1.

Two days later, the Hornets hosted Sheehan and ended in a 0-0 tie.

Volleyball

On Sept. 9, Branford volleyball hosted Lauralton Hall and took a 3-0 loss. Lea Sekerovic recorded six kills, while Olivia May had three. Erin Murphy and Sophie Santos had two kills each, and Sailor Plourde and Madison McClain each had one. Julianne Henkel had 13 digs, and Riley O’Brien had 12. May followed with six digs, and Plourde had five. Henkel also had 14 assists.

Two days later, the team hosted Jonathan Law and won 3-0. Santos’s eight kills led the way for the Hornets, and Julia Burton and Sekerovic each had seven. Henkel added four kills, while Plourde and McClain had two each. Plourde had six aces and Henkel had five, and Henkel picked up 25 assists.

Branford ended the week at Cheshire on Sept. 13 and fell 3-0.

Cross Country

On Sept. 11, the Branford boys’ and girls’ cross country teams hosted Daniel Hand, Hamden, and Shelton at Branford Supply Pond. Both teams placed fourth, and the boys scored 102 points in the race.

For the boys, David Regan placed eighth (15:25), Sawyer Gaudreau took 31st (17:37), and Cooper Ranton placed 32nd (17:47). In 33rd place was Cormac Fichtenholtz (17:48), while Paul Lesyk took 35th (18:03). Supremee Shrestha took 37th (18:20), and Vincent Gustavson placed 56th (24:01).

For the girls, Charlotte Kenney won the race (17:07), and Caitlyn Lentner placed seventh (18:36).

“Charlotte Kenney really took control of the race from the start and ran to her first high school victory,” said Head Coach Kevin Connell. “She has been an outstanding addition to the program. She trains hard, and it is showing so far in her racing. David continues to make solid efforts and big gains in self-confidence.”