Branford Captures Class M Field Hockey Championship

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Heading into Saturday's Class M field hockey championship game, neither New Milford nor Branford had allowed a single goal in the state tournament. New Milford had scored seven goals in its three victories, while Branford had won each contest by identical 1-0 scores.

The trend continued for the ninth-seeded Hornets, who capitalized on a penalty corner late in the third quarter, then utilized a stifling defense to prevail 1-0 and earn Branford its 11th state title, its first since 2005.

Defense was the strong point for each team throughout the first half and most of the third quarter, until Branford was awarded a penalty corner with 3:15 to play in the period. Scout Engstrom received the insert and fired the ball near the cage, where Aliza Giordano batted it out of the air and past Green Wave goalkeeper Ava Kopp.

Branford's defense made that lone goal stand up, allowing just one shot on goalkeeper Julia Bozzi.

It was the first state championship for the Hornets under head coach Pete Frye, who took over the program from longtime coach Cathy McGuirk following the 2017 season.

Video: Tim Jensen/Patch