H.S. FIELD HOCKEY / 2017 PREVIEW
East Lyme Coach: Key returnees:
Kristy Behbehani (2nd year) Jr. M Julie Bates, Sr. M Maddie Dow, Jr. M Katie Durkee, Sr. M Anna Fennell, Sr. F Caroline Healy, Sr. F Kaitlin Kluge.
Top newcomers:
Jr. M Morgan Crandall, Jr. F Saige Deveau, Jr. F Lily Moffett, Jr. M Daven Roberts, Jr. D Maya Rose, Jr. F Bella Rose Wild.
The Vikings went 11-3-2 during the regular season and reached the Class M quarterfinals in Behbehani's first season, but graduated a large senior class, including most of their defense. "We would like to build off that success," said Behbehani, who believes East Lyme's newcomers will step in and keep the Vikings rolling and a challenger in the ECC. Durkee, a member of The Day's All-Area team, returns to anchor a dangerous midfield.
Outlook:
Diane Kolnaski (7th year)
Jr. F Zoe Pearse, Sr. G Erin Ritter, Sr. D Pilarose Bailon, Sr. D Deniz Kayhan, Sr. F Molly Dunn.
The Falcons return seven starters from a team that went 4-8-3 a year and was hoping to challenge for a state tournament. That won't be possible because the CIAC dissolved the co-op program, but Fitch players voted to allow six current players from Ledyard to stay with the program until the graduate, making them ineligible for the postseason. The Falcons will miss senior captain Phoebe Seifert, a midfielder who suffered an injury during the summer and won't be able to compete this fall, but Kolnaski will be able to place veterans up and down the lineup.
Fitch/Ledyard Coach: Key returnees: Outlook: Norwich Free Academy Coach: Key returnees:
Kara Gabordi (2nd year)
So. M Allison Toppa, Sr. F Rylee Reed, Jr. D Georgia Woodcock, Sr. D Ria Kilimos, Sr. D Kaylee White, Jr. D Bailey Comeau.
So. F Saige Gwynn, Fr. M Brenna Comeau, Fr. M Maggie Fusaro, Fr. M Sara Coley, Fr. F Bridgit Hinsch.
The Wildcats suffered some major graduation losses from a team that went 8-5-3 and qualilfied for the Class L state tournament, but Gabordi returns a number of key defensive players and welcomes a talented freshman class that she expects will step right in and contribute to NFA's success.
Top newcomers: Outlook: Stonington Coach: Key returnees:
Jenna Tucchio (14th year)
Sr. F Trinity Lennon, Sr. M Erin Craig, Sr. M Abby Flakus, Sr. M Olivia Feliciano, Jr. F Miranda Arruda, Jr. M Maddie Casseel, Jr. D Colette Dreher, Sr. D Sydney Williamson.
Jr. F Casey Beaumenot,
Traci Bliven Susi (12th year)
Sr. F Kaylee Swanson, Sr. M-D Kaylee Wilcox, Sr. M-D Nina Bentley, Sr. D Kaitlyn Serafino, Jr. D Devyn Concascia, Jr. F-M Chloe McCue, Jr. M Regan Mazzulli, Jr. F Cassidy Susi.
Jr. G Lili Stoddard, Jr. D Mikayla Brucoli, Jr. M Grace Briggs, Jr. F Michelle Linicus, So. F Jessica San Juan, So. D Madison Nott, So. F Molly Quiles.
The Lancers will be led by a junior class that returns five starters from a year ago, including Cassidy Susi, who has started since her freshman year, and four seniors who transition into starting roles. Stoddard brings athleticsm from basketball and softball into the goal for the first time, while sophomores San Juan and Quiles will be dangerous up front. Coming off a 4-11-1 season, Traci Susi believes Waterford has the ability to challenge for a state tournament bid, saying, "I am cautiously, yet confidently optimistic, given the energy and athleticism of this group of girls, that we will see much more success this season than we have had in recent years."
Top newcomers: Top newcomers: Outlook: