Printer Friendly Version - 2017 North Branford Thunderbirds Fall Year in Review

The North Branford field hockey team not only won the Class S state championship this fall, the T-Birds were also victorious in the Shoreline Conference title game on their way to an undefeated season. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

The 2017 fall season featured a pair of champions in North Branford, including an undefeated T-Birds' field hockey squad that claimed conference and state crowns. The North Branford girls' soccer team also had a banner year by winning the Shoreline Conference title.

The North Branford field hockey team turned in a magical 2017 season that featured an undefeated record, a Shoreline Conference championship, and the Class S state title. Head Coach Babby Nuhn's club posted an overall record of 21-0-1.

The Thunderbirds finished the regular season at 15-0-1 and then shut out Old Saybrook 3-0 in the Shoreline semis. In the championship game, North Branford edged Valley Regional 2-1 when junior Amy Raucci scored the game-winning goal in overtime. After defeating Old Saybrook (3-1), Westbrook (6-0), and Stonington (2-0) in the first three rounds of the states, the T-Birds took the title by rallying for a 2-1 win against Granby Memorial in the final. Sophomore Ava Galdenzi and Raucci scored goals for North Branford in the victory. The T-Birds' defense clamped down and didn't let anything get to junior goalie Jordan Regan late in the game as North Branford came away with its fourth state title in program history.

The Thunderbirds won 15 games and secured the Shoreline Conference championship with a 2-1 win versus Old Lyme in the tourney final this fall.

Junior goalie Allie Augur was named All-Shoreline First Team, All-State, All-Region, and All-American. Sophomore Lexi Rosado made the All-Shoreline First Team, juniors Ana Pavic and Jessie Kilburn were Second Team selections, and senior Jenna Bryden and junior Caitlin May were Honorable Mentions. Head Coach Pat Kozloski also presented a Contributor of the Year Award to Lynn Riordan of Matt's Mission for her generous donation of the team's uniforms.

North Branford finished with eight victories and qualified for the Class S State Tournament. Head Coach Brett Gagliardi's Thunderbirds hosted Bolton in the first round and won 2-0 before losing to Old Saybrook.

North Branford finished with a record of 4-6 this year. The T-Birds earned wins against Granby Memorial (27-21), Nonnewaug (41-14),

Senior Jeff Jablonski was North Branford's quarterback. Junior Nick Mancini was the team's top rusher, while senior Sydney Franklin led the receiving corps for Head Coach Mark Basil's team.

The Thunderbirds earned four victories this year with two wins coming against Creed and the other two versus Old Lyme and East Hampton. Senior Dana Deluca led North Branford with 40 kills and 116 digs.

North Branford put forth a commendable showing in its first season with Head Coach Barry Doohan.

Senior captains Michael Madoule and Jared Jamieson were great leaders all year long, with Madoule earning the team's Most Valuable Player Award. Rookie of the Year honors went to Roberto Didiano, and the Desire and Dedication Award was won by senior Ryan Mingione.

The T-Birds had a small team this season, but first-year Head Coach Barry Doohan was pleased to see his six athletes work hard.

North Branford's MVP was sophomore Mackenzie Glenn. Onna Grott earned the Rookie of the Year Award, while senior Bianca Castelan received the Desire and Dedication Award.

The Thunderbirds’ girls’ soccer team won the Shoreline Conference title behind 2-1 over Old Lyme during the 2017 fall campaign. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound