2018 H.S. FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW CAPSULES
Kristy Behbehani (5th year) Sr. M Katie Durkee, Sr. D Maya Rose, Sr. M Julia Bates, Jr. F Kristen Healy, Jr. G Lydia Swan, Jr. D Natalie Taylor.
The Vikings reached the Eastern Connecticut Conference tournament final a year ago before losing to Stonington 1-0, and must replace forward Caroline Healy, a member of The Day's All-Area team a year. But Durke and Rose, a pair of All-Area picks, return along with Bates, an ECC honorable mention selection, so there's reason for optimism in 2018 after going 9-10 overall in 2017. "The team has worked hard in the off season to build off last year's success," said Behbehani, who said East Lyme's depth will be a big key this fall. Kara Gabordi (3rd year)
Jr. M Allison Toppa, Sr. D Georgia Woodcock, Sr. F Sydney Brewer, Sr. D Bailey Comeau, Jr. F Saige Gwynn.
So. M Norah Gallagher, So. M Brenna Comeau, So. D Margaret Fusaro, So. M Sara Coley, So. M Dakota Burns, So. F Bridget Hinsch, Jr. M Maeve Jacobs, So. G Luciana Libis, Fr. D Naina Prakash.
The Wildcats went winless during a rebuilding 2017 season, but should begin turning things around this season with a solid list of returning players and a strong sophomore class that gained valuable experience a year ago. Toppa was an ECC honorable mention pick last year. Diane Kolnaski (8th year)
Sr. F Zoe Pearse, Sr. F Devin Lyon, Jr. M Maggie O'Leary, Sr. F Emma Calhoun, Sr. Bella Jensen, Sr. M Morgan Heller, Sr. F Gillian Jordan.
It should be an interesting fall for the Falcons, who are playing their final season as a cooperative program with the Colonels. They have tremendous offensive talent returning, led by Pearse — an All-ECC and All-Area selection last season — but must replace their entire defense, including All-ECC and All-Area goalie Erin Ritter. Fitch/Ledyard went 8-8 (5-7 in the ECC) last year, and should improve as its defense gains experience. Jenna Tucchio (15th year)
Sr. F Miranda Arruda, Sr. F/M Casey Boumenot, Sr. M Keegan Donohue, Sr. M Daisy Williams, Sr. M Maddie Cassell, Sr. D Colette Dreher, Jr. D Sarah Flakus, Sr. D Jillian Holland.
So. F Ellie Korinek, Jr. F Kaira Wiltshire, Jr. F/M Lindsay Rockwood. Sr. D Caitlyn Wrang, Jr. D Grace Todisco, Sr. G Abby Mann.
The Bears went 17-4 in 2017, winning their ninth straight ECC title and reaching the Class S state semifinals before losing to eventual champion North Branford 2-0. They were hit hard by graduation, particulary up front and in the mdfield, but return a veteran defensive cast and The Day's All-Area Player of the Year in Arruda, who is coming off a 24 goal, four assist season and will be the focus of Stonington's attack. "We will start the season young," Tucchio said, "but major growth is expected from a team loaded with potential."Tucchio's confident the Bears have the goods to defend their ECC title and make another deep run in the state tournament. Traci Bliven Susi (13th year)
Sr. F Cassidy Susi, Sr. D Alyson Sanford, Sr. M Regan Mazzulli, Sr. M/F Chloe McCue, Sr. M Grace Briggs, Sr. D Devyn Concascia, Jr. B Madison Nott, Jr. F Molly Quiles, Jr. F Jessica San Juan.
Jr. G Nina Yangga, Sr. F Michelle Linicus, Jr. B Julia Lamperelli, Jr. M Kasey Kirchoff, So. F Hannah Buczkowski, Jr. B Carlee Daley.
The Lancers are coming off a solid 8-7-1 regular season in 2017, but return enough talent and experience to challenge anyone on their schedule, including ECC heavyweight Stonington. They did lose returning goalie Lili Stoddard, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered during basketballs season, but Sanford, Concascia and Nott are all veterans in the back that should take some of the pressure off new goalie Yangga. They also return Cassidy Susi, who scored 13 goals last year en route to earning first-team all-state honors along with Sanford, and Quiles, who also registered double-figures in goals. "If we can stay healthy and avoid injury," Traci Susi said, "I'm confident that we can have one of the best field hockey seasons that Waterford has ever hard."
East Lyme Coach: Key returnees: Outlook: NFA Coach: Key returnees: Top newcomers: Outlook: Fitch/Ledyard Coach: Key returnees: Outlook: Stonington Coach: Key returnees: Top newcomers: Outlook: Waterford Coach: Key returnees: Top newcomers: Outlook: