Printer Friendly Version - North Haven Cheerleading Finishes 2nd at New England Championship

The North Haven cheerleading squad came in second place at the New England Regional Championship in Massachusetts. Pictured are (front) assistant coach Kayla Crisafi, Jillian Rowland, Renee Myjak, Abby Haggerty, Sarina Sandwell, and Head Coach Kathleen Crisafi; (middle) Marissa Mulligan, Emily Orth, Alexa Capella, Alexis Votto, Alyssa Cannavaciolo, Sophie Kornacki, and Alyssa Konspore; (back) Maxine Samperi, Gracie Peruso, Jacki Moses, Maddie LaDore, and assistant coach Melissa Thomas. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Crisafi

The North Haven cheerleading team completed its storybook season by recording a second-place finish at the New England Regional Championship at Worcester State University in Worcester, Massachusetts on March 16. The Indians posted a score of 188.3 points to earn first runner-up honors in New Englands. Head Coach Kathleen Crisafi’s squad had taken first place at both the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship and the Class L State Championship earlier in the year.

This marked the fourth year in a row that North Haven qualified to compete among the region’s elite at the New England Championship. Coach Crisafi said the Indians were determined to turn in a good performance in their final meet of the season. She was pleased that her team made the most of its opportunity by delivering a squeaky-clean routine.

“They had a great day. Their performance as flawless. They felt good about it when they came off the mat,” Crisafi said. “I always tell them that there are two jobs any competition. You have yours, and the judges have theirs. We told them that they did their job, and now let’s see what happens.”

The athletes on the North Haven cheerleading team are senior captains Abby Haggerty, Renee Myjak, and Sarina Sandwell; fellow senior Jillian Rowland; juniors Alexa Cappella, Alyssa Cannavaciolo, Alyssa Konspore, Sophie Kornacki, Jacki Moses, Marissa Mulligan, and Alexis Votto; sophomores Emily Orth, Maddie LaDore, and Grace Peruso; and freshman Maxine Samperi. Coach Crisafi is assisted by Melissa Thomas, Kayla Crisafi, Jason Burroughs, and Michael Ricci.

Previously this season, North Haven won its conference title by taking first place in the All-Girl Division at the SCC Championship. North Haven totaled a score of 87.05 to finish ahead of defending champion Shelton, which came in second place with an 86.05. It was North Haven’s third SCC title in program history and the team’s second in the All-Girl Division.

A few weeks later, the Indians claimed the state crown with a first-place performance at the Class L State Championship. North Haven scored a 169.80 to take first at states, placing ahead of runner-up Mercy with its score of 163.00.

North Haven qualified to compete at the New England Championship by virtue of its performance at the state meet. Coach Crisafi said the Indians’ second-place showing at regionals provided a fitting finish to an outstanding campaign for her club.

“First runner-up at regionals was a perfect way to end a Cinderella season. They accomplished and exceeded all of their preseason goals,” said Crisafi. “This is a special group of kids, and no one deserves this glory more than they do. It’s been a season for the books.”

On the heels of posting first-place finishes at SCCs and states, the Indians finished their season by putting forth a second-place performance at the New England Championship on March 16. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Courier

The North Haven cheerleading team finished with a score of 188.3 points to take second place while competing at the New England Championship for the fourth straight season. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Courier