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04/08/2024 02:13 AMGirls’ Tennis
The Branford girls’ tennis team hosted Shelton in its first match of the season on March 30 and took a 6-1 loss. Peyton Gaudreau earned a win for the Hornets at No. 1 singles (6-2, 6-0).
“An opening match or during the season, Staples is always going to be tough, especially with the younger team that we are this year, and while it was a team loss, this was a good learning moment for us,” said Head Coach David Gruendel. “Many of our players came off courts feeling a little humbled, but they also recognized that they can learn more and be better. As a coach, I like hearing those sentiments. This team is gelling and coming together and regardless of our record, this will be a fun team with some solid potential.”
On April 1, the team hosted Shelton and grabbed a 5-2 win. Gaudreau won at No. 1 singles (6-0, 6-0). Hana Omeragic earned a win at No. 2 singles (6-3, 6-1) and Erin Newlan won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 3 singles. Jenna Acquarulo (7-5, 6-0) won at No. 4 singles.
On the doubles side, Tate Jones and Julianne Henkel earned a win for Branford at No. 1 (6-1, 6-2).
“A solid team effort and win; Peyton played a tough opponent and just controlled her match exceptionally well,” said Gruendel. “There are always lots of expectations around her, but she plays within herself so well and just works her opponents. Really solid efforts and wins for Hana and Erin at 2 and 3 singles; great comeback effort by Jenna at 4 singles, who was down 4-0 in the first set and closed out the match 7-5, 6-0. After a good April Fool’s prank, Julianne and Tate were again themselves and just found what they needed to do to win. Tough loss for first-year partners Becca and Ayla, but they fought hard and are showing promise of some good stuff going as a team this year.”
Softball
Branford softball opened the season at home on March 30 with a 6-5 win vs. Bunnell. Mikenna Leigh went 3-for-3 on the day with two doubles and three RBIs. She also scored a run. Shelby Burnham went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, and Madigan Lawler went 2-for-3 with a run scored. Madelaine Aguilar went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Sophia Rasile also went 2-for-4. Ellie Brown went 1-for-3 and drove in a run.
Tia Graziano, Alyscia Solano, and Lawler all stole a base each in the contest, and Burnham earned the win on the mound. She pitched seven innings, giving up four hits and five earned runs. She also struck out nine batters and walked seven.
On April 1, the team traveled to East Haven and fell 10-3. Burnham went 1-for-3 with a run scored, and Lawler also scored a run, recording a hit over three at-bats.
On April 6, the Hornets hosted Lyman Hall and lost 23-3.
Boys’ Tennis
Branford boys’ tennis traveled to Foran on April 1 and earned a 7-0 shutout victory.
The team then hosted Hamden on April 5 and won 5-2.
Baseball
The Branford baseball team traveled to Wilton on March 30 and won 6-1.
The team then hit the road to Shelton on April 1 and lost 6-5.
Branford traveled to East Haven on April 6 and took an 11-5 defeat.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Hornets boys’ lacrosse hosted Guilford on April 2 and fell 17-3.
Then, on April 4, the team hit the road to Lyman Hall and took a 17-1 loss.
Girls’ Lacrosse
The Branford girls’ lacrosse team traveled to Sacred Heart Academy on March 30 and won 11-7.
On April 1, the team grabbed a 14-3 road win vs. Lyman Hall.
Three days later, the Hornets hosted Guilford and fell 8-5.
Branford ended the week at Bethel on April 6, where the team won 10-6.