Newtown looks to hold onto crown
Last year saw the crowning of a brand new SWC champion as Newtown earned its first ever title after falling in the final on five separate occasions.
What do the Nighthawks, and the rest of the league, have for an encore?
2018 was highly competitive across the board as everyone in the league lost at least twice and several upsets took place in the postseason. Many teams return the bulk of their lineups, so expect most of the same parity that has defined the league. Four different schools have won the trophy in the last four seasons, and there are several quality candidates to make it five out of five.
5 TEAMS TO WATCH
Newtown: The defending league champions earned the title last fall with a win over Pomperaug. Things appeared set up for another run at the crown as nine starters return, including senior defender Hannah Daly. The Nighthawks have one of the best players in the state returning in Karsen Pirone and plenty of young talent elsewhere.
Weston: Last year’s run to the Class M semifinals could serve as the jumping off point to an even bigger 2019. Senior midfielder Sadie Rudolph has 20 assists over the past two seasons and was named AllState last year. Nine starters from last year return. With experienced coach Gustavo Reaes at the helm for a ninth season, the Trojans could accomplish what the Nighthawks did last year and win a first conference title. Masuk: Still in search for its first title since winning four in a row from 200609, the Panthers have not had the luck they’ve hoped for in recent postseasons. They made both the Class L and SWC final in 2016. They lose one AllState player in Giavanna DeLorenzo (UConn), but return plenty of firepower. Masuk will be strong in the middle behind Paige Jeliffe, Rachel Hersch and Emma French. Pomperaug: The Panthers
went five weeks between defeats down the stretch last year in Jillian Cipriano’s second with the school, and appear ready to reload to take a shot at the title. They tasted heartbreak twice in the postseason, though, first against the Nighthawks, then in penalty kicks against Daniel Hand in the Class L quarterfinals. They’ll have the unique task of replacing two Division I goalkeepers, though. Elyssa Kipperman is already starting at Sacred Heart while Caitlin Murphy — who was AllState last year — is at CCSU. Immaculate: Though the Mustangs will miss All-American Kayla Mingachos, virtually everyone else returns. Immaculate played five freshmen at times last year and another year of experience will likely put Immaculate back in title contention. Reached the SWC semis last year and lost 31 to eventual champion Newtown.
5 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Karsen Pirone, Newtown:
The MVP of the SWC final last November, Pirone transitioned from a wide role as a sophomore to running the show in the center of the park last year. Committed to Sacred Heart.
Kacey Lawrence, Masuk:
If she lines up, she’s going to score. Netted 70 goals and dished out 43 assists — including scoring 28 last year — so far in her three years at the school, including. Committed to Michigan.
Toni Domingos, NDFairfield: A goal machine for the Lancers, the junior is committed to Maryland. She found the back of the net 19 times last year and dished out 11 assists.
Julia Cascone, New Milford: Was name first team AllSWC as a sophomore and could be a key player if the Green Wave hope to rebound this fall. Like several other teams in the league, New Milford returns most of its starting lineup (eight).
Susan Mathews, Masuk: Lawrence isn’t the only AllState player back for the Panthers. The center back is one of the top defenders in the state and will be counted on if the Panthers want to reach their goals. Committed to Iona.
5 GAMES TO WATCH
Pomperaug at Newtown, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.: A great way to start the season between two the two finalists a year ago. They’ll meet again in league play the following week.
Weston at Barlow, Oct. 3, 4 p.m.: The Falcons are always a consistent performer who won the league as recently as 2016. Weston has taken the past two matchups.
Brookfield at New Fairfield, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.: Two teams that will assuredly be fighting for a playoff spot in the conference; a 32 win by the Bobcats in the meeting last year was enough to push them over the line. Newtown at Immaculate, Oct. 18, 4 p.m.: In what’s developed into the best rivalry in the league, the squads will likely be battling for playoff positioning at this point.
Masuk at NDFairfield, Oct. 28, 4 p.m.: The regular season finale for both will serve as a playoff preview. Will also feature two of the best players in the state in Lawrence and Domingos.
ELSEWHERE
Brookfield made the postseason for the first time in a long time last year, and brings back a strong nucleus under coach Rick Garofalo. Defenders Ella Reale and Catie Coneybear will lead from the back while several freshmen will make an impact.
New Fairfield graduated AllSWC first teamer Emily Barata (Eastern Connecticut) and return seniors Danielle Hernandez and Tori Colella along with juniors Sydney O’Connor and Kaitlyn Nguyen. In addition to Cascone, the Green Wave are led by Brittany Carrocio, Lindsey Adamou and Ciara Anderson, all AllColonial selections a year ago.
NDFairfield will always be in the hunt under the leadership of Wayne Mones, who has a 702313 record in five seasons at the school. Senior goalie Tia Passarelli is back between the pipes as is defender Jazmin Fred and midfielder Danielle Gilling.