Naugatuck
2021 results: 7-9-2, lost NVL quarterfinals, lost in Class LL first round
Key Players: Sophia DeFilippo (Sr., All-State, All-NVL), Lauren Sonski (Sr., All-NVL), Rana Aljamal (Sr.), Thalia Jardim (Sr.), Aubrey Deller (Sr.), Ava DeFilippo (Jr.), Layla Nemeth (Jr.)
Key losses: Julianna Magalhaes (All-Iron), Alannah Hernandez, Anissa Simones, Saige Winslow
Outlook: The Greyhounds will look to the defense to keep them competitive. They do have a solid core of talented players who can play a multitude of positions, making this team very versatile.
“I like the core of players we have,” said coach Lisa Mariano. “Sophia and Ava will be key on defense with a new keeper back there in sophomore Bethany Carroll. We have a good energetic group of younger players that are eager to get out there.”
Season starts: Today at home vs. Brookfield, 4 p.m.
Woodland
2021 results: 16-1-3, NVL Champions, lost in Class M second
Key players: April Bell (Sr.), Madeline Raffone (Sr.), Delia Kotsaftis (Sr.), Kaitlyn Leonard (Sr.), Nina Daponte (Sr.), Daniella Celotto (Jr.), Casey Mulligan (Jr.), Michaela Gasparri (So.), Meghan Hartnett (So.)
Key losses: Jenna Mierek (All-State, All-NVL), Katy More (All-Copper), Sara Alessio (All-NVL), Isabela Mejias, Emily Ruhl
Outlook: Not only did the Hawks lose a bevy of All-Star caliber players to graduation, they come into the season losing out on the services of All-NVL and All-State player Paige Letourneau, who is out with an ACL injury. Woodland has enough talent to get back to the postseason but how far they will go depends on their commitment.
“We took a pretty good hit losing Paige for the season, but I like the girls attitude and they are working hard wanting to defend their title,” said coach Cait Witham. “I expect us to be very competitive and rely on a strong defense to keep us at the top of our game.”
Season starts: Sept. 10 at home vs. Watertown, 11 a.m.
