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04/27/2015 12:00 AMSoftball
North Branford has gone three straight games without allowing a run as it shut out Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Portland to improve to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in Shoreline Conference action. In its three games, North Branford outscored its opponents 35-0.
On April 20, the T-Birds defeated Old Lyme 16-0 in five innings. Sydney Senerchia pitched a one-hitter with 10 strikeouts in her first career varsity start. At the dish, North Branford worked 13 walks and had 10 hits. Emily Muzyka had a team-high three hits and Sabrina LeMere collected a team-high four RBI. Eleven different T-Birds had at least one RBI with Stephanie Hogan knocking in two. North Branford scored in every inning, including five runs in both the second and fifth.
North Branford backed up that performance with a 5-0 win over Old Saybrook on April 22. Lindsay Golia allowed just four hits on the hill and recorded 10 strikeouts. She also helped out her own cause at the plate with three RBI and a run scored. Olivia Hemstock drove home North Branford's other two runs. It was a close game through four innings, but in the bottom of the fifth, North Branford scored four runs to take a commanding lead.
On April 23, North Branford did its damage early against Portland in a 14-0 win. The T-Birds' scored 10 in the first with four in the second and coasted to victory. Lindsay Golia earned the win, allowing one hit over four innings with eight strikeouts. Senerchia came in and struck out the side in the fifth to end the game. Offensively, LeMere had three hits—including two home runs—and a team-high six RBI. Olivia Hemstock knocked home two runs on two hits, including one which left the yard, and five other T-Birds had an RBI. As a team, North Branford had 15 hits.
Girls' Lacrosse
North Branford sits at 3-3 following an 9-7, double overtime loss to Shelton on April 21 and a blowout victory, 19-6, over Rocky Hill on April 23.
Against Shelton, the Thunderbirds held a 4-3 advantage through the first half, but the Gaels evened the score at 7 by the final whistle. Shelton then scored one goal in each overtime frame. Erin Sheehan led the way offensively scoring three goals with an assist. Sydney Hogan scored two goals and had two assists and Allie Sanzari and Tara Lauro both scored one goal. Lauro also recorded an assist. In the net, Taylor Delaney made eight saves.
North Branford got back on track with a 19-6 victory over Rocky Hill. In a balanced attack, the T-Birds scored 10 goals in the first half and nine in the second. Head Coach Lori Connelly was happy that 11 of North Branford's 19 goals were assisted. Hogan scored six goals and had four assists to record a team-high 10 points. Sanzari scored four goals and had an assist. Lauro, Sheehan, and Stephanie Seymour all scored two goals with Seymour adding an assist. Emilie Wilkinson, Adriana Ingarra, and Kirsten Madoule each recorded one goal. Jen Levine had four helpers and Jasmine Coleman also had an assist. Delaney made eight saves and allowed four goals in 48 minutes of action and Katie Sobask had a save in her two minutes of play.
Boys' Lacrosse
The Thunderbirds were defeated by West Haven 12-8 on April 21 in a tight non-conference matchup. The loss dropped North Branford to 1-5 overall.
North Branford held a 3-2 lead through the first half of play, but allowed 10 second-half goals. North Branford scored on eight of its 16 shot attempts with Adam Burkle, Kevin Odell, and Nico Sommo scoring two goals each. Tanner Opie and Brian McKee each added one. Burkle recorded four assists to finish with a team-high six points and Nik Allain added two assists. In net, Jack Myers made seven saves on 19 shots faced.
Boys' Tennis
North Branford earned its first victory of the season by winning over Haddam-Killingworth via forfeit.
On April 23, the T-Birds were defeated by Coginchaug 5-1 to drop to 1-5 for the season. Evan Diaz had the only win at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-0, to move to 5-1 at the No. 1 spot. Jav Mavani was defeated at No. 2 singles, 6-3, 6-2; and Antonio Pavic played tough at No. 3 singles, losing 7-5, 6-2 after moving up from the No. 4 spot. North Branford took a forfeit in the No. 4 and No. 5 singles positions, as well as the No. 1 doubles spot. There was no second doubles match.
On April 22, North Branford and Valley were midway through a duel before it was suspended due to rain. North Branford was in the lead and the match will be resumed on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m.
Golf
North Branford improved to 2-1 after defeating both Maloney and Bristol Eastern at Hunter Golf Course in Meriden on April 22. North Branford shot a 191, Maloney finished at 201, and Bristol Eastern had 211. Kyle Ricci earned the honor of medalist, shooting a 43. Alec Martone had a 48, Peter Jorgenson finished with a 49, and Cameron Reshotnik had a 51.
Girls' Outdoor Track
North Branford split its first dual-meet of the season as it defeated Portland 78-49 and lost to Old Saybrook, 101-49. Three different athletes put forth first-place performances at the meet. Sara Olsen won the 400 (63.9), Winnie Chan took the high jump (4-8), and Deanna Sgambato had the longest distance in the triple jump (30-2.5). Other notables were Olsen in the 100 (2nd, 13.6); Sgambato in the long jump (2nd, 14-1); Julie Castillo in the discus (2nd, 69-4); and the 4x400 relay (2nd, 4:43.3).