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04/12/2019 12:00 AMFresh off its first appearance in the State Tournament semifinals, the Guilford girls’ lacrosse team is returning the core of its roster from that exciting postseason run this spring. Now, the Indians are ready to put all of their talent and experience to good use as they climb toward another rung of success on the playoff ladder. Guilford is off to a great start with a record of 2-0 following the first week of action.
In 2018, Head Coach Wendy Epke’s club posted a regular-season record of 10-6, after which the Indians earned a 16-10 victory versus Mercy in the SCC Tournament quarterfinals. Guilford then took a loss against eventual champion Hand in the semis.
Following SCCs, Guilford claimed its defining victories of the season as the No. 13 seed in the Class L state bracket. After dismantling Watertown 19-1 in a qualifying-round game, the Indians notched a 16-10 win over Tolland in the first round and then defeated Woodstock Academy by a 14-7 score in the quarterfinals. Guilford then dropped a decision versus Hand in the semifinals to finish the year with an overall record of 14-8.
Last week, Guilford opened up a new season by claiming victory in its first two games. The Indians earned a 14-6 home win against East Lyme on April 2, followed by a 20-6 victory in West Haven on April 3. Head Coach Wendy Epke said that Guilford’s two Final Four appearances last year have fueled the fire for her club entering 2019.
“We are all excited for this season. Losing in the semifinals of the SCC Tournament and Class M State Tournament makes the girls hungry for more postseason action,” said Epke. “We are hoping that our hard work in the offense pays off down the road.”
Nicole Tepley returns to the Indians as the team’s senior captain this season. Tepley will switch between midfield and defense for Guilford, while setting a blueprint of what it means to be a leader both on and off the turf.
“Nicole is a strong competitor on the field and in the classroom. She’s done a fabulous job of organizing the girls in the offseason to attend workouts and bond as a team,” Coach Epke said. “She is a determined player that sets an example of working hard as an athlete and a student. She will be a great leader for us this season.”
One of Guilford’s big spark plugs on offense is senior attacker Nicolette Spotlow, a two-time All-SCC and All-State selection who has already scored the most goals in program history. Spotlow has committed to continue her lacrosse career at Division I Iona College in New Rochelle, New York.
“Nicolette is returning for her senior season and ready to lead Guilford to another successful run at postseason action,” Epke said. “She is determined to bring her all to every practice and game, and we are all excited to see her lead this team offensively.”
Junior Catherine Larrow will provide plenty of speed in the attacking avenue of the field for the Indians. Larrow will be joined up front by senior Maddie Costantino, who has committed to play Division I lacrosse at Central Michigan University.
“Catherine is quick and agile. She is an acrobatic player that finds the back of the net and contributes a lot to the offense,” said Epke. “Maddie is a natural lefty and brings that unique skill to help our offense. We are all excited to see Maddie help on the offensive third of the field, but also give us some minutes at midfield, too.”
Guilford will also receive contributions from seniors Trinity Ireland (defender/midfielder), Solace Porter (defender), Erin Norton (defender), and Caroline Fitzgerald (attack) this season. Junior Ava Bucci gives the Indians some added punch on the attack, as well.
Within the sophomore ranks, Coach Epke expects midfielder Hannah Tillier, attacker Sydney Cunningham, and defender Jordan Filley to make an impact for the Indians. Maddie Epke, Taylor Farace, and goalie Sydney Widlitz are key members of Guilford’s freshman class.
Guilford opened up its season with a 14-6 win against East Lyme on April 2. Spotlow led the offensive output by netting five goals for the Indians. Larrow had three goals, while Tillier, Epke, and Costantino all scored two goals apiece. Widlitz made five saves to get the win in net.
Guilford came right back to post a 20-6 victory over West Haven the very next night. Larrow had a four-goal performance, plus Epke and Bucci both scored three goals. Tillier, Spotlow, Tepley, and Costantino all had a pair of scores for the Indians, who were also bolstered by goals from Farace and Cunningham. Widlitz made four stops in goal.
From the Sidelines
This is Wendy Epke’s third season as head coach of the Guilford girls’ lacrosse team.
The Indians’ assistant coaches for 2019 are varsity assistant Lou Monaco (2nd season), JV coach Lauren Tropiano (1st season), and freshman coach Caitlin Sobolewski (1st season).
Guilford competes in Division I of the SCC with Hand, Cheshire, Branford, Lauralton Hall, East Lyme, Mercy, and Amity.