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Guilford Sees Solid Second Season with Sullivan

Regina Sullivan felt thrilled about how everything unfolded for the Guilford girls’ soccer team during her second season as the program’s head coach. After putting together a solid year in 2020, the Grizzlies finished with an overall record of 9-7-3, while qualifying for both the SCC Tournament and the Class L State Tournament this fall.

“I’m happy with how our season went. It was a transitional year for us. We have a new coaching staff, and the girls were getting used to all of us,” Coach Sullivan said. “We were grateful for the fact that they could play and have spectators this season. We were also really pleased with qualifying for our conference and state tournaments.”

After taking a 2-1 loss to Amity in the SCC quarterfinals, Guilford entered the Class L State Tournament as the No. 16 seed and hosted No. 17 seed Berlin for a first-round matchup. The Grizzlies came away with a 2-1 win after edging out Berlin by a 4-2 margin in penalty kicks. Coach Sullivan called that victory her favorite moment of the season.

“The fact that our girls were able to have a home game this year on their new turf and got a win in states on that new field was awesome,” said Sullivan. “We ended up winning that game in penalty kicks. I don’t like winning or losing a game that way, but I was really happy to see the girls come away with a win in the tournament.”

Through the ups and downs of the season, Coach Sullivan’s approach with her players remained the same. Sullivan was always focused on getting the Grizzlies ready to compete on a day-in, day-out basis.

“We focused on things from game to game. If we lost to a particular team, we’d focus on what we could do better for the next game,” Sullivan said. “We had objectives, and we did really well, all in all. The girls’ comfort level with one another was great and, by the end of the season, I felt like they improved a lot overall.”

Coach Sullivan credited all five of her seniors for guiding Guilford to success in 2021. Guilford’s senior class features defenders Amelia Rattet, Taylor Farace, and Brenna Fissell, along with midfielders Gabby Sansone and Rachel Ellison.

“With Rachel, you always knew what you were going to get. Her work ethic and attitude were most impressive to me, and she is the epitome of a team player. On and off the field, she always gives it her all,” said Sullivan of Ellison. “As for Gabby, I moved her around the most out of all of the seniors. She’s a very tenacious player who never gives up on a play. She’s relentless and always brought a spark to our team.”

Farace, Rattet, and Fissell were all part of a solid backline for Guilford this season. The Grizzlies only allowed 26 goals on the year.

“Taylor was a consistently strong defender and one that all the other girls would look to for guidance. We were blessed to have four really strong defenders, and her veteran presence back there was awesome,” Sullivan said. “Amelia and Brenna were also part of that back four. It was nice having three seniors on the back line. Brenna was a solid defender and stepped into a starting role this season. She certainly rose to the challenge. Amelia is a quiet type of leader, but very calm under pressure. She was on our left side, and she was always ready when the ball came her way. She’s a very technically strong player.”

Guilford saw two of its juniors receive some accolades at the conclusion of the season. Junior defender Kat Baseggio earned All-SCC First Team honors and was also an All-State selection. Junior goalkeeper Ava Lepro made the All-SCC Second Team.

“Kat was our All-State center back, and she was tremendous for us all year long,” said Sullivan. “It’s going to be nice to have her back next year, along with Ava.”

Guilford’s junior class additionally includes Ines Martinez Baca Villasenor, Emerson Forselius, Evelina Rini, Olivia Weekes, Arianna Tomassi, Ava Pascarella, and Kailyn Scott.

Sophomores Lexi Handelman and Madeleine Gasparini were members of the Grizzlies’ varsity team this year. Keira Reynolds, Tea Gambardella, and Claire Tuttle were the freshmen on the squad.

With another solid season in the books, Coach Sullivan feels confident that her club can fare even better during the 2022 campaign.

“Our expectations don’t really change going into next season. We want to self-preserve. We want to do the same, if not better,” Sullivan says. “I couldn’t be happier to be coaching this group of girls, and I’m looking forward to the challenge next year.”