NAUGATUCK — Halfway through the season, the Greyhounds find themselves in excellent position.
“We are at the midpoint of the season and very happy at where we stand,” Naugatuck head coach Lisa Mariano said. “We have come a long way since the season started but we have some really tough competition coming up this week.”
Naugatuck improved to 7-1 with wins over Brookfield, 1-0, last Wednesday and a 7-1 victory over Ansonia last Friday.
The defense set the tone in the win over Brookfield. Freshman Emma Sonski scored the only goal needed on an assist from senior Alyana Sosa.
The defense has played a big role for Naugatuck this season. Seniors Bridget Rosikiewicz and Erin Doris have teamed up with juniors Sofia Marques and Catarina Rego to give sophomore keeper Sydney O’Donnell all the support she needs in the net.
Naugatuck has seen production on both sides of the ball from junior Mia Rotatori, sophomores Paige Cruz and Alissa McNeil along with freshmen Noelle Jacobi and Angelina Oliveria.
An infusion of youth has helped to spark the Greyhounds.
“At any given time we have four freshman out there on the field in positions they are not used to playing,” Mariano said. “And for them to step up and play up to the competition that we need has been a pleasant surprise.”
The Greyhounds had everything working in their favor last Friday in a convincing win over Ansonia. O’Donnell made five saves in the net, while the Naugy offense went to work and spread the damage around. Macie Best, Makayla Teixeira, Hailey Boulanger, Rosikiewicz, Sosa and Aalyiah Henry all found the back of the net versus Ansonia.
Naugatuck will start the second half with some stiff competition. The Greyhounds will face Watertown on Thursday before concluding the week with another tough match against Newtown on Saturday at home.
“This is a big week for us,” Mariano said. “We are excited about the test that we have going into the second half, especially facing Watertown. It will tell us a lot about where we are and where we need to be as a team.”
