By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports
Writer:
With summer winding
down and the kids back in school—and back on the playing field—we bring back
our coverage of high school sports from Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Morgan. We
begin with our season previews, which gives insight into the upcoming seasons
of the hard-working teams and what to expect.
Morgan Volleyball
The defending
Shoreline Conference champions return as strong as ever under Coach Joe Grippo.
The Huskies, who finished their season with a 17-5 record in the state
quarterfinals last year, look to the leadership of senior captain Kara Fillion,
who was a First Team All-Shoreline and All-State player in 2007. Senior setter
Brit Dahlberg, an All-Shoreline player last season as well, also looks to
contribute.
“I feel we can
contend this year,” said Grippo. “My kids are working hard and are looking
forward to the season.”
Morgan Field
Hockey
Under Coach Kalli
Schutz, the Morgan field hockey team hopes to best last season’s record of
6-8-2 and make it to the state tournament once again, despite having a small
squad this season.
“We have 20 kids
this year total,” said Schutz. “But we have a great group of upperclassmen that
I have no doubt will hold their own.”
The Huskies are
being led by experienced senior captains Casey Vickerman (defense) and Paige
Bogucki (goalkeeper), as well as seniors Michelle Santamaria (forward) and Jess
Sarkisian (defense). Junior Alyssa Naccarato and sophomores Emily Criscuolo and
Stacey Lecza also look to contribute.
“We play in a very
strong conference,” said Schutz. “It’s more challenging for a team that has a
smaller amount of kids compared to those that have 60 to 70 kids. But we’ve
done okay over the years with small numbers so even though we haven’t gotten
too far, we’re hoping it will pan out that way this year too.”
Morgan Girls’
Soccer
After finishing last
season with a 10-7-1 record and qualifying for the shoreline and state
tournaments, the Huskies return this year with 11 spots to fill after
graduation and a hefty group of young players ready to gain the experience.
Megan Kilbride
returns as head coach with captains Jocelyn Rose, Ania Kadlof and Lauren
Barnett leading the pack. Junior goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford and sophomores
Danielle Soucy and Ashlyn Zacarelli also look to contribute with speed and
agility on the field and in the net.
“I think we will be
tough this season,” said Kilbride. “All of our division games will be important
to get the wins.”
Westbrook Boys’
Soccer
The 2007 season
ended with Westbrook getting its first win in over two years and the Knights
hope to top last year’s 3-12 record this season.
Coach Jeff Higgins
returns to lead the team, while senior captains Jeremy Larkin, Dylan Twigg, and
Adam Welch look to bring enthusiasm and positivity to a young team. Returning
goalkeeper Mike Taylor, as well as Michael Radlbeck, DJ Fernandes, Logan
Bridgewater, and Dylan Gallagher also hope to contribute.
“Although we
improved last year, I expect more this season and it should be an improvement over
last season for sure,” said Higgins. “This conference is one of the toughest in
the state I think so our team goal would be to get to postseason play.”
Old Saybrook
Field Hockey
The Rams return with more experience and seasoned players than in the past and
hope to make a run for the tournament this season. Coach Kara Bell leads the
team, while senior captains Meredith Chamberlain, Leah Sweet, and Mackenzie
Slane bring experience to the board.
Also looking to
contribute are seniors Ariana Pappas (forward/back), Danielle Scott, and Nikki
Mehrtens (both defense), while junior goalie Lauren van Vliet looks to another
successful season in the net for Old Saybrook.
“We’re always shooting to make the tournament and I think this year it’s within
our reach,” said Bell. “I’d like for us to shoot for being competitive with all
the teams in our league—we had some close games last year that I hope we can
win this year. The team’s confidence will hopefully get better with each game
and as the season progresses.”
Our season previews
will continue in the Sept. 11 issue of the Harbor News.
Pictured: Senior captain Kara Fillion returns this season to help Morgan volleyball to
another successful season and to defend its Shoreline title.
Photo by Cathi
Bosco