The Branford field hockey team may have come up one tally short of attaining the ultimate prize for its 2024 campaign. Yet the Hornets more than competed with the heart of a champion by showing a composure and prowess well beyond the years of many of its competitors.

After a 13-3 regular season and SCC Tournament berth, the Hornets found themselves as the top seed in the Class M State Tournament, seeking their second state crown in three campaigns. Branford first brushed aside No. 16 E.O. Smith 5-0 in the opening round before blanking No. 9 New Canaan 2-0 in the quarterfinals. The Hornets then returned to the state final after shutting out No. 5 Pomperaug by a 5-0 decision in the semis.

Then, in the state final on Nov. 16 at Wethersfield, Branford vied for the crown with SCC-champion and second-seeded Guilford. In an evenly-matched contest that needed not one but two extra sessions to be decided, it was Guilford that got the all-important goal with a 1-0 win.

Branford finished the 2024 campaign as an impressive state runner-up with an overall mark of 16-5. On the defensive end, the girls only allowed a single goal in their four-game state tournament stay and 13 goals overall prior to the finale. Even more impressive, the Hornets’ nest swarmed with a stingy defense despite key mid-year injuries.

“Our defense was led by our [sophomore] goalie Lilly Panuccio [making seven saves in the final], [senior] Randee Chobian, [sophomore] Jessica Radziunas, and [senior] Eliza Burgess. We had nine straight shutouts early in the season and a total of 13,” said Head Coach Pete Frye. “The first three, respectively, were first-year starters in their positions. We unfortunately had two significant injuries to both Burgess and [freshman] Laila Kezik around halfway through the season, so we also got huge contributions from [junior] Guiliana Barros and [sophomore] Caitlin Reilley, who really stepped up for us. Lilly had a standout season in goal with an elite 90 save percentage on the season.”

Frye explained that Branford was certainly battle-tested for the state tournament to take on a gauntlet of the best Connecticut had to offer, including a solid Opening Day showing in defeat. The early exit in SCCs turned out to be a blessing more than a detriment, as it allowed the girls time to recharge and refocus.

“Our team grew so much this year, both skill-wise and mentally. We had an idea that we would be relevant this year from our first game against Wilton. The game was competitive to the end and we knew if we could play with the third-best team in the state, we were going to be competitive with anyone,” said Frye. “We had a really difficult schedule at the end of the season, playing really good teams in a very short amount of time, and that affected us, but we got some much-needed rest entering the tournament.”

He went on to add that the quarterfinals victory really proved to be the signature win of the postseason for Branford. It may not have been the official game that vaulted them into the finals, though it cemented their status as title contenders while boosting their collective confidence.

“The New Canaan game in Round 2 was huge for us. They were one of the top 3 teams in the bracket, and we played a very close game with them earlier in the year,” said Frye. “That game vaulted us into the finals. Almost half our starting lineup is underclassmen, and we had a really good mix of experience and youth, which handled the immense pressure of the postseason very well. We fought to the very last second, which is a trademark of any really good team.”

Additionally, junior Tate Jones and Panuccio were named First Team All-State, plus freshman Ellie Meyran was Second Team All-State.

The Hornets’ feats this year were equally impressive by the notion that they did it with such a small roster, while compounded with the fact that it was a youthful group. Frye explained that while the Hornets did not secure a dynastic run of two state crowns in three years, more gold likely seems to be on the horizon for the program.

“I could not be more proud of our team. We ended the season with a team of 21 girls, and so most teams' JV programs were bigger than our whole team,” said Frye. “We had eight underclassmen play significant varsity minutes for us. Other than the Wilton game, our other losses were by one single goal. Our team secured the No. 1 seed in our class for the tournament for the first time in well over a decade. Throughout the whole journey, our girls truly competed every day at practice. The growth we made each week was really something to behold. Additionally, the team brought a fun-loving attitude every single day. We are losing some great leadership from our four seniors, but we are gaining some very talented players from our Walsh program. Branford field hockey’s best days are ahead of us. We are all excited to see what next year has in store for us!”

The 2024 Branford roster is comprised of seniors Skylar Dunn, Chobian, Sydney Dahl, and Burgess; juniors Jones, Haley Robison, Barros, Stacia Comen, Hana Omeragic, Siara Humphries, and Giordano; sophomores Panuccio, Calleigh Miller, Fairooz Islam, Reilley, and Radziunas; plus freshmen Natalie Shamas, Erica Chiechi, Meyran, Victoria Amarante, Adlee Guandalini, Kezik, and Savannah Johnson.

2024 Branford Field Hockey Regular Season Results and Schedule

Sept. 7: Wilton 4, Branford 1

Sept. 10: Branford 6, Shelton 0

Sept. 13: Branford 8, Mercy 0

Sept. 17: Branford 5, Cheshire 0

Sept. 21: Branford 5, Newtown 0

Sept. 24: Branford 2, Sacred Heart Academy 0

Sept. 27: Branford 5, Lauralton Hall 0

Oct. 1: Branford 8, North Haven 0

Oct. 4: Branford 7, Lyman Hall 0

Oct. 5: Branford 2, New Canaan 1 (overtime)

Oct. 8: Branford 3, Guilford 1

Oct. 10: Hand 1, Branford 0

Oct. 15: Hand 4, Amity 2

Oct. 17: Hand 2, Hamden 1

Oct. 21: Hand 3, Sheehan 0

Oct. 22: North Branford 2, Branford 1 (overtime)