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10/07/2019 12:00 AMThe Branford field hockey team had a big week that featured a trio of victories and is gaining steam as it hits the midway point of its season. The Hornets notched a road win versus Sheehan and then claimed home victories over Southington and Lauralton Hall during last week’s action. Branford improved its record to 5-2 on the year with these wins.
Branford started off its week by traveling to Wallingford to take on Sheehan for a Southern Connecticut Conference contest on Oct. 1. The Hornets scored three goals in the first half and then tacked on three more goals during the second half to come away with the 6-0 win against the Titans.
Senior Molly Zaffino scored two goals and had one assist for the Hornets. Senior Madison Acquarulo, senior Brianna Shaw, sophomore Nora Longway, and junior Andrea Amarante all scored one goal for Head Coach Pete Frye’s club. Senior Maggie Martin, senior Karly King, sophomore Julia McHenry, and freshman Scout Engstrom had one assist apiece in the victory.
Senior goalie Gianna Messina made three saves in net to get the shutout. Coach Frye added that junior Jocelyn Smestad, freshman Aryana Wilson, and freshman Lauren Kendrick made key contributions that helped Branford defeat Sheehan.
Acquarulo scored the first goal of the game to give Branford a 1-0 lead. Longway netted a goal to make it 2-0, after which Shaw scored a goal for a 3-0 advantage at halftime. Zaffino scored both of her goals early in the second half to put Branford up 5-0. Amarante scored the last goal of the day for the 6-0 final.
On Oct. 3, the Hornets hosted non-conference opponent Southington and prevailed by the final score of 6-1 at Branford High School. Shaw put together a huge game by scoring three goals and dishing out two assists to lead Branford to its convincing win versus the Blue Knights. Zaffino scored two goals to go with an assist, while Engstrom had a goal and an assist. Acquarulo, Martin, and Kendrick each had an assist in the game.
Sophomore Nina Shamas made one save in goal for the Hornets. Coach Frye said that Branford was also bolstered by strong play from senior Alexis Pepe, sophomore Katie Laska, King, Smestad, and McHenry in the win.
Branford finished the week by returning to SCC action for a home game with Lauralton Hall on Oct. 5. The Hornets posted an 8-1 victory versus the Crusaders for their third win of the stretch.
Engstrom scored three goals for Branford in the victory. Shaw had two goals with four assists, while Zaffino scored a goal and also had an assist. Senior Gianna Benni and sophomore Olivia Salerno added one goal apiece. Senior Hailey Brunner had a pair of assists, and Longway also contributed an assist. Messina made one save in goal for the Hornets, who also received solid performances from McHenry, Martin, King, and Smestad.
The Hornets’ next game is a home matchup versus Hamden at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.