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05/19/2019 12:00 AMSoftball
The Branford softball team earned a walk-off win versus Cross and then took a defeat to Shelton during the final week of the regular season. The Hornets finished regular-season play with a record of 7-13.
Branford hosted Cross on May 14 and defeated the Governors by a 3-2 score in nine innings. The Hornets won the game when junior Abby Spivey singled in senior Lexi Falcigno in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Branford the walk-off victory. Falcigno, who had tripled to lead off the ninth, also picked up the win on the mound by pitching all nine innings and striking out 14 for the Hornets. Spivey had three hits and scored a pair of runs in the victory.
The following day, Branford hosted Shelton and lost an 8-1 decision against the Gaels.
Baseball
The Hornets earned a 4-1 home win over North Branford in their last game of the regular season on May 18. Branford, which also took defeats to Cheshire and North Haven last week, finished with a record of 5-15 in the regular season.
On May 14, Branford dropped a 5-0 decision at Cheshire. The next day, the Hornets lost to North Haven by a 2-0 final on the road. Sophomore Collin McNeil pitched a complete-game three-hitter and struck out 10 for the Hornets.
Then on May 18, Branford hosted North Branford notched a 4-1 victory over the Thunderbirds. The Hornets broke open 1-1 game by plating three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior Aidan Ricciardelli pitched a complete game in which he allowed just four hits and struck out seven for Branford. Senior Anthony Burzynski and McNeil each had a hit with an RBI in the victory.
Girls’ Lacrosse
After closing the regular season with a win over North Haven, Branford lost to Sheehan in the quarterfinals of the SCC Tournament last week. The Hornets, who are playing in the Class M State Tournament this week, have an overall record of 8-9.
Branford hosted North Haven for its regular-season finale and prevailed by the final score of 22-18 on May 14. The Hornets grabbed a 13-6 advantage at halftime and then held off the Indians’ comeback bid in the second half to walk off the field victorious. Junior Brianna Shaw had a huge game for Branford by scoring nine goals to go with an assist. Freshman Isla Lionetti had five goals and an assist, junior Karly King scored three goals to go with an assist, and freshman Julia McHenry had a goal and three assists. Senior Bridget Smested netted a pair of goals and also had an assist, junior Isabel Mannle had goal with an assist, and senior Grace Paleski added a goal. Junior Brooke O’Leary made eight saves in net for Branford.
Then on May 18, No. 3 seed Hornets hosted No. 6 Sheehan in an SCC quarterfinal contest and took a 16-7 defeat.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Branford faced Amity in a regular-season game and then squared off with Xavier in the quarterfinals of the SCC Tournament last week. The Hornets lost to Amity and then took a defeat versus Xavier to move 10-6 overall on the year. Branford has one game left in the regular season and will then open play in the Class M State Tournament starting this week.
On May 15, the Hornets hosted Amity and took an 11-9 loss. Three days later, No. 6 seed Branford dropped a 14-8 decision at No. 3 seed Xavier in an SCC Tournament quarterfinal game.
Girls’ Outdoor Track
The Hornets were represented by several athletes at SCC West Sectional Championship that took place at Bowen Field in New Haven on May 15. Branford scored three points to finish in 10th place at the meet.
Senior Liante Claude turned in Branford’s best showing by finishing sixth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:03.74. Sophomore Jennifer Hincapie recorded a throw of 72 feet-3 inches to take ninth place in the javelin for the Hornets. Senior Carolina Jara finished 10th in the event with a toss of 71 feet-6 inches.
Golf
Branford swept a multi-team meet in New Haven and then took a loss against Notre Dame-West Haven last week. The Hornets have a record of 6-12 entering the final week of the regular season.
On May 15, Branford competed against East Haven, Cross, Career, and Hillhouse at Alling Memorial Golf Club. The Hornets finished with a score of 176 to sweep the meet by defeating Cross (197), East Haven (207), Hillhouse (222), and Career (260). Junior Minsok Lee collected medalist honors by shooting a low round of 42. Freshman Justin Acquarulo (44), Luke Albinger (44), and sophomore Billy Linder (46) also contributed to the sweep for the Hornets.
The next day, Branford dropped a 148-199 decision to Notre Dame-West Haven at Race Brook Country Club. Lee (46), Acquarulo (48), Linder (52), and Albinger (53) were the Hornets’ golfers on the afternoon.
Boys’ Tennis
Branford played two matches last week and came away with a win and a loss to finish the regular season with a record of 12-6. The Hornets are competing in the Class M State Championship this week.
Branford lost a 7-0 contest at Hand on May 16. The following day, the Hornets posted a 6-1 road win over Notre Dame-West Haven at the University of New Haven. Senior Praneeth Ganedi netted a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles, junior Eli Hanlon posted a 6-0, 6-0 shutout at No. 2, senior Dan McGuire rallied for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 3, and freshman Josh Berdon prevailed by a 6-3, 6-1 final in the No. 4 singles contest. In doubles, Branford’s No. 2 team of senior Kurt Schapler and Wes Raymond triumphed by a 6-3, 5-7, 10-4 score, while the No. 3 duo of senior Dan Pagliaro and junior Jason Hackett won a 6-3, 6-3 decision.
Girls’ Tennis
The Hornets split a pair of recent matchups to move to 11-8 with one contest left in the regular season. After that, Branford will be competing in the Class M State Tournament beginning this week.
Branford hosted Sacred Heart Academy on May 14 and earned a 5-2 victory. Two days later, the Hornets dropped a 6-1 road match against Shelton at East Village Park. Junior Amanda Gage claimed a 6-1, 6-2 victory in the No. 2 singles match for Branford.