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11/11/2024 01:02 AMBoys’ Cross Country
The Hand boys’ cross country team competed in the SCC Conference Championships on Oct. 16. The Tigers came into the meet as an up-and-coming team that competed well at the divisional championships and at a quad meet at Wharton Brook Park in the previous weeks.
“We have made major gains this year from top to bottom on this team, and now that it is championship time, we wanted to put together our best showing yet,” said Head Coach Christopher Pagliuco.
The Tigers were led by senior captain Jack Rickleman, who finished in 13th place in a time of 17:02. He earned Second Team All-Conference Honors.
“I am happy for Jack, earning All-Conference Honors is no easy task in this conference, and it was well-earned,” Pagliuco said. “The amount Jack has improved since this time last year is astronomical, and I think Jack will continue to see gains.”
Rickleman was followed by a solid showing from junior Max Milliard, the team's steady second runner, in 40th place (18:18). Sophomore JJ Funk finished in 57th place in a time of 18:35.
“Max and JJ ran solid races today. I think they each are ready to make a leap to that next level at the state meet next weekend before the season is out,” said Pagliuco. “But that leap won't come easily in these championship meets this time of year.”
Freshman Josh Glazer followed close behind Funk and finished in a time of 18:40 in 61st place overall.
“Josh is a tough young runner and held his own in a competitive race. He never shies from a challenge,” stated Pagliuco. “Next week, he'll have a good one.”
Senior captain Justin Li ran perhaps his best race of the season, closing out the scoring for the team in 69th overall in a time of 18:50 on the windy course with choppy footing.
“Justin is running at his best right now, which is great because the team has really needed him to step up,” said Pagliuco. “It is nice to see him rewarded for his hard work over the summer and throughout the season.”
Freshman newcomer Matheus Ferreira-Franca broke into the 18s for the first time this season.
“Matheus has put together a really impressive season. He has slowly chipped away at each race and is now running really tough in varsity races,” said Pagliuco. “His work ethic and training is showing up at the perfect time. I think he has probably exceeded his expectations this year, but he shouldn't stop just yet. I know he can go for more, and I think he knows it too.”
Junior Ted Giuliano rounded out the Hand finishers in a time of 19:02.
“Ted has been a little up and down lately, but, to his credit, he has gotten in some great training right up to this meet, so his best race of the season may still lie ahead,” Pagliuco said.
In total, the scoring totaled 232 points, good for a ninth place finish in the 17-team field.
“Considering our inexperience and the quality of the competition, that was in the lower end of the window we could have finished in. It doesn't quite feel representative of the gains this team has steadily made throughout this season,” said Pagliuco. “We have experienced growing pains at two races earlier in the year, and each time we responded beautifully. We have that opportunity again next weekend at the state meet. I believe in these guys and know they will surprise a few teams before this season is through.”
Girls’ Cross Country
Hand’s Annecy Vlieks was named Runner of the Year for the SCC Conference and earned First Team honors.
Girls’ Swimming and Diving
Hand girls’ swimming and diving Head Coach Scott Butler was named Division I Coach of the Year.
Field Hockey
On Oct. 21, Hand field hockey hosted North Haven for Senior Night and won 5-0. The team’s five seniors were honored, which included Nora Hughes, Bridget Waters, Morgan Mastrobattisto, Lucy White, and Hannah Rich. In the second period, Elli Flynn scored a goal with an assist from Maggie Lavin. In the third period, Mastrobattisto added a score. Other goals came from Peyton Bodner (assisted by Waters), Mastrobattisto again, and White (assisted by Lavin).
In the quarterfinals of the SCC Tournament on Oct. 24, Hand hosted Lauralton Hall and won 2-1. Both Tigers goals were scored by Millie Gobleck on corner kicks, and both were assisted by Mastrobattisto and Lavin. Hand goalie Brynn Poole had one save, and Avery Waters had one save.
In the semifinals on Oct. 26, the team hosted Guilford and took a 2-0 loss.
Hand entered the Class S State Tournament as the No. 1 seed. In the first round on Nov. 5, the team hosted Watertown and won 1-0. Hand’s goal was scored by White, assisted by Mastrobattisto and Lavin. Poole had one save, and Waters had one save.
In the quarterfinals on Nov. 7, the Tigers hosted No. 8 Northwest Catholic and earned a 3-1 victory.
Mastrobattisto earned a spot on the All-SCC First Team this fall and was named the conference’s Player of the Year. Claire Rickelman and Waters were also named to the First Team. Lavin and Rich were named to the Second Team.
Volleyball
Julia Gallo was named to the All-SCC Second Team for her efforts with Hand volleyball this fall.
Boys’ Soccer
For Hand boys’ soccer, Head Coach Mike Shirley was named Coach of the Year for the SCC Conference. Ernesto Barrosa, William McGuire, and Ethan Skonieczny earned spots on the All-Conference First Team.
Girls’ Soccer
Piper Lea and Keely Parri earned spots on the All-SCC First Team for Hand girls’ soccer.
Football
The Hand football team traveled to Cheshire on Oct. 25 and won 35-22. Paul Calandrelli led the way with 251 total yards, and he connected with Quinton O’Dea for a score. Calandrelli also had two rushing touchdowns, and Tyler Narracci had two.
On Nov. 1, the team hosted Hamden and won 15-7. Calandrelli threw a touchdown pass to Sam Markovitz, and Narracci had a rushing touchdown. Cole Preskar had two total tackles, and O’Dea had 48 receiving yards.
The Tigers traveled to Notre Dame-West Haven on Nov. 8 and earned a 25-0 shutout win. Calandrelli threw for one touchdown (hauled in by O’Dea) and ran in another one. Narracci and Lucca Boyce each had a rushing touchdown in the contest.