The reality when it comes to sports is that every team faces challenges. It’s an inevitable part of being involved in competition that is out of our control. What can be controlled, though, is the way a team overcomes those challenges, and the Guilford girls’ soccer team is doing that with the most positive mindsets this fall.

Currently 5-3-1, Head Coach Regina Sullivan and the Grizzlies have worked in cohesion to put themselves into a respectable conversation heading into the second half of the season. Within the results is a group of girls hungry to succeed.

“We just hit the halfway mark in our season; we are 5-3-1. We wish there were a few more wins in there but in the losses that we had,” said Sullivan. “They are playing really good soccer. They are playing and working well together; they are excited for the second half of the season.”

At the forefront of a squad looking to make its mark in the postseason are three senior captains in Abigail Burkle (goalkeeper), Addison Israel (goalkeeper), and Téa Gambardella (center midfielder). All three athletes have personalities that naturally make everyone around them feel comfortable, and their energy radiates on and off the field.

“They lead by example, on and off the field. They are super, kind, empathetic girls that have done a great job reaching out to the underclassmen, making everyone feel welcome,” said Sullivan. “Their worth ethic on the field and during practice sessions is also noteworthy.”

The Grizzlies varsity roster is primarily full of returning players, with the exception of two freshmen in Elly Rini (right midfielder/center midfielder), and Bailey Hopkins (forward). The newbies are gaining familiarity with the culture that’s been established for years within the Guilford soccer community.

“There was an immediate chemistry with Elly on the field, and we just brought up Bailey. They were able to step right in, meet our expectations, and play at the varsity level,” said Sullivan. “At this point, it is nice to be with the returning players for five years. Everyone has an understanding of our culture and goals of working together as a group. I think they all enjoy a high level of competition, and they all lead by example, pushing one another to play hard and compete for playing time.”

Guilford’s losses so far have been to Sacred Heart Academy (SHA), Mercy (6-3), and Cheshire (1-0). The Grizzlies have collected wins against Lyman Hall, Cromwell (1-0), Lauralton Hall (2-0), and Hamden (7-0), with a 0-0 tie against Daniel Hand.

“We are finding different combinations and finding success. We found the back of the net against Hamden a couple of different times,” said Sullivan. “Regardless of the few losses, they really are playing good soccer, asking questions, and exploring different options on the field.”

On Sept. 28, the Grizzlies faced SHA for the second time this season in what they hoped would be a redemption game. In a contest that ended with a 2-0 Grizzlies win, Sullivan was proud to see some growth from her squad, which is a promising sign for the second half of the campaign.

“I am very optimistic about the second half of the season. The girls are looking forward to a second rematch against Sacred Heart, as it was the first game on a grass field, with the goal in the first two minutes of the game. They played an excellent game against them on a grass field. I think that playing at home with several more games under our belt, I am anticipating a better result.”

Gambardella scored the first goal of the contest, and it was assisted by Hopkins. Emmi Vatto (sophomore, center midfielder/attack) scored the second goal, assisted by Kaylee Geballe (senior, outside midfielder) on a corner kick.

With the Grizzlies competing in the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Quinnipiac division, Sullivan and the team anticipate some tough matchups throughout the month of October, but they have overcome several early-season obstacles, making them hopeful for what’s to come.

“There have been several illnesses going around; one player has a sprained ankle,” Sullivan said. “I think we are trying to emphasize and focus on supporting one another, communicating positively, and supporting one another on and off the field, understanding that these challenges are in the bigger picture.”

Last year, the Grizzlies competed in the SCC semifinals and lost to Cheshire in overtime 2-1. They then went on to compete in the Class L State Tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to Brookfield 4-1.

This year, Sullivan and her squad hope to grow from those postseason performances and dive even deeper into the playoffs.

“We are optimistic and hopeful to make it to the postseason, both in the SCC and CIAC Tournament. The program has generally been lucky that we do make appearances,” said Sullivan. “We always strive to go further every year, and these girls, this group, is no different. They are absolutely looking to be a contender in postseason play.”

Sullivan is assisted by Jessica Matthias and Lou Monaco, both of which have been with Sullivan for the past five years.

The Grizzlies team roster includes Burkle, (senior, forward), Gambardella, Geballe, Sydney Hahn (senior, forward), Ella Heckler (senior, forward), Riley Hickey (senior, outside midfielder), Israel, Elizabeth Johnson (senior, center midfielder), Leahn Mendoza (senior, forward), Claire Tuttle (senior, center midfielder/attack/defense), Sophie Pascarella (senior, center defender), Ava Hesse (junior, right defender), Maya Kas-Graham (junior, outside/center defender), Paige Ponzio (junior, outside midfielder/forward), Grace DellaVentura (sophomore, forward/midfielder), Harper Gill (sophomore, right midfielder), Allison Michna (sophomore, center midfielder/defender), Vatto, Hopkins, and Rini.

Guilford Girls’ Soccer 2024 Regular Season Results and Schedule

Sept. 3: SHA 1, Guilford 0

Sept. 5: Guilford 6, Lyman Hall 0

Sept. 12: Mercy 6, Guilford 3

Sept. 14: Guilford 1, Cromwell 0

Sept. 16: Guilford 2, Lauralton Hall 0

Sept. 19: Guilford 0, Daniel Hand 0

Sept. 23: Cheshire 1, Guilford 0

Sept. 25: Guilford 7, Hamden 0

Sept. 28: Guilford 2, SHA 0

Monday, Sept. 30: vs Lyman Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 7: vs Mercy at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 9: vs Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 14: vs Daniel Hand at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: vs Cheshire at 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18: vs Hamden at 6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 21: vs Morgan at 6 p.m.