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10/02/2018 12:00 AMThe Guilford girls’ soccer squad has the personnel to once again field a well-rounded team this season. Right now, the Indians are focusing on teamwork and toughness in order to deliver in those pressure-packed situations during games. Head Coach Scott McMahon’s club is still searching for its first win of the year, although the Indians have picked up some points by earning a few ties, most recently a 1-1 draw versus Hand. Guilford has an overall record of 0-2-4 to go with mark of 0-0-2 in the SCC Hammonasset Division.
In 2017, Guilford earned nine wins en route to making the quarterfinals of the SCC Tournament and the second round in the Class L State Tournament. This fall, the Indians welcome back a good amount of returning starters, while adding a few newcomers to the mix. Coach McMahon is eager to see how these athletes are going to jell in 2018.
“I’m excited by this group of players and their potential. While the core group is solid and talented, our ultimate success will depend on the talent and growth of our depth on JV, along with an excellent group of freshmen,” said McMahon. “Our defense and goalkeeping should again keep games close. Offensively, we have some great weapons, but we really need to mesh as a team to increase our scoring output. We have a great mix of returning and new talent, so the key will be patience to get past the tough situations and obstacles that always arise.”
The Indians feature a senior captain on each side of the field with Maeve Grattan and Tatum Meder, who are both three-year varsity letter-winners. Grattan is a leading force on defense for Guilford, while Meder provides a spark on offense as an attacking midfielder. Grattan assisted Lily Riccio for the Indians’ goal when they played Hand to a 1-1 home draw in a Hammonasset Division matchup on Sept. 26. Later in the week, Guilford hosted Law and the two sides battled to a 0-0 tie on Sept. 29.
“On and off the field, Maeve is steady, sportsmanlike, smart, and hard-working,” McMahon said. “Tatum is someone who provides energy and creativity up front and who loves the game and her team.”
Coach McMahon pointed out several other athletes who are expected to contribute for the Indians this season, including central midfielder Abbey Vilaseca, goalkeeper Meghan Landon, and defender Brielle Kendrioski. The Indians’ junior corps defender Madison Gambardella, forward Lily Riccio, midfielder/forward Gabi Garcia-Perez, and midfielder Maria Jennings. Defender Taylor Gambardella and midfielder Lexie Greene are two key sophomores on the squad.
Guilford has some fresh faces on its roster from all grades this fall. Coach McMahon said the Indians are aiming to develop cohesion on the field as they strive toward a triple crown of titles.
“Senior Allie Stankewich, juniors Reagan Strand, Delaney Kenney, Maggie Mandel and Emma McSweet, and sophomores Moira Kellaher, Addie Kenney, and Celia Usher are varsity newcomers who will be critical on pushing us forward. Behind Meg Landon in goal is talented junior backup Claire Mackenzie,” said McMahon. “As a program, our ultimate goals will always be division, SCC, and state Championships. Our 2018 team is focused on team chemistry and working hard to create needed depth at all positions.”
McMahon is in his 14th season as the Indians’ head coach. He’s assisted by Fred Franzoni (JV coach, 10th season), Rick Geremia (freshman coach, 3rd season), and Lindsey Hurst (conditioning coach, 2nd season).