This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/30/2019 12:00 AMThe North Branford field hockey team remained undefeated on the season after posting a pair of shutout victories last week. The Thunderbirds earned a 6-0 home win over Valley Regional on Sept. 23 and then capped off their week with a 5-0 road victory versus Sheehan on Sept. 28. North Branford stands at 6-0 on the year and has not allowed even a single goal thus far.
On Sept. 23, North Branford defeated Shoreline Conference rival Valley Regional by the final score of 6-0 in a home game. Senior captain Ali Barrett led the way for the T-Birds by scoring two goals and making plays on all ends of the turf.
“Ali was exceptional on the field with her speed and stick work,” said Head Coach Babby Nuhn. “She set up many goals.”
Barrett struck first for North Branford by scoring a goal on an assist from sophomore Olivia Toto at the 25:17 mark of the first half. Senior Bianca D’Onofrio and senior captain Ava Galdenzi added goals later in the half to give the T-Birds a 3-0 lead. With just 40 seconds left until halftime, Barrett scored her second goal of the day to put North Branford up 4-0 at the break.
With less than seven minutes to go in the second half, junior Aly Kendrick scored on an assist from junior captain Kelli Jacobson to increase the lead to 5-0. Later in the frame, Toto tapped in a goal later on an assist from senior defender Alyssa Waligroski to put a bow on the 6-0 victory. Senior goalkeeper Jaime Matthews earned her fifth shutout of the season for Coach Nuhn’s club.
“Olivia Toto showed great aggressiveness and hustle on every play,” Nuhn said. “[Junior defender] Gabby Gibilisco stepped up to help [Matthews] earn the shutout.”
Five days later, North Branford traveled to Wallingford to take on Sheehan in a non-conference matchup. The T-Birds came away with a 5-0 victory versus the Titans, who play in the Southern Connecticut Conference.
Barrett opened the scoring once again, this time on an assist by fellow senior captain Melanie Norton. Toto scored a pair of goals with Galdenzi and Jacobson netting one apiece in another dominant performance for North Branford.
“It was another team effort,” Coach Nuhn said. “Senior [midfielder] Avonlea LeBeau showed tenacity and determination to control the midfield, allowing only two shots on goal for the Titans. Jamie had two striking saves to secure her shutout, while newcomer [junior] Amanda Nuzzo demonstrated excellent defensive skills.”
North Branford needs just more win to qualify for the Class S State Tournament. The T-Birds are also in great shape to get back to the Shoreline Conference Tournament, which they’ve won in each of the past two seasons.
The T-Birds have road games against Haddam-Killingworth and Sacred Heart Academy on the schedule this week. North Branford will play at H-K at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, followed by a contest at Sacred Heart Academy at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
From the Sidelines
The North Branford field hockey team’s roster consists of senior captains Ava Galdenzi, Ali Barrett, and Melanie Norton; seniors Bianca D’Onofrio, Emily Olsen, Avonlea LeBeau, Alyssa Waligroski, Izabella Mott, and Jaime Matthews; junior captain Kelli Jacobson; juniors Sophia Anastasio, Emma Serenson, Aly Kendrick, Sofia Votto, Amanda Nuzzo, and Gabby Gibilisco; sophomores Olivia Toto, Mia Oliverio, Saoirse Burke, Samantha Helwig, and Braeden LeBeau; and freshmen Gianna Palma, Avery Kendall, Mia Park, and Payton Kamienski.
Head Coach Babby Nuhn is assisted by Evaun Boatman, Lori Connelly, and Kathy Galdenzi. Gabriella Barone is the team’s manager.
Through six games, North Branford has outscored its opposition by a 36-0 this season.