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05/12/2018 12:00 AMThe Hand girls’ lacrosse team is in search of its first state championship in program history this spring. With a lineup that features stars at every single position on the field, the Tigers’ quest for that crown may just come to an end this June.
Last year, Head Coach Kevin Siedlecki’s squad captured its third straight SCC Tournament title by posting a win over Cheshire. Hand then defeated Barlow and Brookfield in the Class M State Tournament, before taking a semifinal loss against Pomperaug to finish with an overall record of 16-5.
Hand got out to a decent start this year by winning three of its first five games, after which the Tigers got on a roll by rattling off nine consecutive victories to stand with a record of 12-2. In last week’s action, Hand defeated rival Guilford 19-7 on May 8 and then scratched out a 15-14 overtime victory versus Conard on May 11.
Coach Siedlecki said that everyone on his team is doing a solid job of handling their responsibilities on the turf, while buying into the Tigers’ recipe for success.
“Everybody has understood what is expected of them on and off the field. When time allows in their schedules, they are coaching youth teams. They are invested in the program and committed to the sport,” Siedlecki said. “They understand and are embracing their roles and are thriving in them.”
Hand is lead by a trio of senior captains who each made the All-SCC First Team in 2017. The Tigers’ senior captains are attacker Taylor Scully, who will play lacrosse at UConn; midfielder and draw control specialist Riley Kokoruda, who has committed to play lacrosse at Boston University; and defender Emma Valdez, who will continue her career at Skidmore College.
“Taylor is a really dynamic kid. In a double team, she can quickly dump the ball or, if she isn’t being double teamed, she can beat a defender. She’s a Scholar Athlete Award winner and a great role model for the kids,” said Siedlecki. “Riley is one of the best athletes to play lacrosse at Hand. She’s become a precise shooter this year. She has the highest GPA on the team, and she’s a kid you can be proud of representing your program. Emma is a leader on defense and is involved in a lot away from lacrosse. I couldn’t have asked for better captains.”
Hand’s offense has been additionally propelled by senior attacker and 2017 All-SCC Second Team selection Glenna-Kate Gies, along with junior Caroline White and sophomore Regan Larson on the attack, plus senior midfielders Emma Sullivan and Dory Howard, who both made the All-SCC Second Team last year.
Senior Mackenzie Larson is playing goalie for the Tigers, whose defensive unit features seniors Abby Barry and Grace Craven, as well as junior Sophia Dickman.
“If you leave Glenna-Kate alone, she’ll score three [to] four goals. Emma Sullivan is so underrated. Anything that is in her arm span, she’s got it. Dory scores a lot on the fast break and is really good at eight-meter shots. Caroline puts pressure on the goalkeeper, and Regan has been great,” Coach Siedlecki said. “Abby is solid on defense. Grace is really quick and returned against Lauralton Hall recently after suffering a concussion versus Mercy. Sophia was a midfielder last year, but she’s focused on understanding defense.”
Siedlecki added that it’s difficult to pick out all the standouts on his team thus far this spring, because so many of the Tigers’ athletes are producing on a nightly basis.
“Everybody is a standout in what they do,” Siedlecki said. “We have about eight or nine different kids score in a game. We had 10 kids score against Lauralton Hall. They all have places where they want to be and, whoever gets open, gets the shot.”
As the three-time defending SCC champions and a perennial Class M title contender, Hand is once again locked in on succeeding in the postseason this year. Coach Sidelecki said that attitude is evident in everything the Tigers are doing each day, whether it’s in a game or at a practice.
“Our goals are to be right there when it comes to the SCC and state titles. We have been focusing on what will work for us when we play [defending Class M champion] Branford. States run through them, along with Pomeraug, who beat us last year. There are a pack of good teams in Class M,” said Siedlecki. “The stuff we do in practice is about looking ahead to the postseason. This is the best group I’ve ever had here, and we have our eyes on those two prizes.”
From the Sidelines
Kevin Siedlecki is in his 10th season as the head coach of the Hand girls’ lacrosse squad.
Siedlecki’s coaching staff is comprised of varsity assistant Lindsey Carroll, JV coach Jack Siedlecki, and freshman coach Anthony Mancini.
The Tigers conclude the regular season with a game at Cheshire on Thursday, May 16 at 6 p.m.