Woodland
2021 results: 15-2-3, NVL Copper champion, NVL semifinalist, lost in Class M second round
Key players: Maille Ianniruberto (Sr., MH), Kalle Legassey (Sr., MH), Samantha Sosnovich (Sr., OH), Emma Fabrizi (Sr., MH), Ava Cratty (Sr., MH)
Key losses: Kylie Bulinski, Cassidy Doiron, Chelsea Donovan, Alexandra Lisowski, Rory Nolan, Amber Rosato
Outlook: The Hawks bring back most of their attacking firepower, led by Ianniruberto and Legassey, although they will have to replace Bulinski, an All-State setter who facilitated the team’s offense.
“With the loss of such talented seniors, Woodland is relying on the new seniors to find their stride,” longtime coach Jim Amato said. “Led by Kalle Legassey and Maille Ianniruberto, this year the team will have a more aggressive offense while capitalizing on the defensive nature of Woodland’s program. This team should be around come postseason and it will be interesting to see how far they can go.”
Amato also loaded Woodland’s nonleague schedule to include matches against usual contenders in Brookfield (Sept. 8), Amity (Sept. 12), Pomperaug (Sept. 19) and East Haven (Oct. 12).
The Hawks’ NVL opener will be Sept. 13 against Oxford.
Naugatuck
2021 results: 18-5, NVL semifinalist, Class LL lost in second round
Key players: Riley Best (Sr.), Jenna Ashe (Sr.), Isabella Rich (Sr.), Gabriella German (Sr.), Mackenzie Skirkanich (Sr.), Indya Waller (Sr.), Zahra Bayonne (jr.), Kailin Benalcazar (Jr.), Laniah Diaz (Jr.), Emiliy Fine (Jr.), Monica Luis (Jr.)
Key losses: Juliana Sarbieski, Nadia Cestari, Tiffany Nguyen, Felicia Salvati, Kaylee Jackson, Samantha Mullin, Kendall Allen, Mia Grella, Cadence Hoffmann
Outlook: After coming within one game of playing for the NVL title, the Greyhounds are ready to give it another run, but they will need to do it without several starters that graduated. Coach Kevin Wesche has been adept at finding the replacement parts to give Naugy the tools for yet another run.
“We graduated a lot of experience with nine seniors,” said Wesche. “We have six seniors and five juniors but no varsity experience. They are working hard to fill the void. There will be a learning curve as they improve everyday.”
Season starts: Sept. 12 at home vs. Pomperaug, 6 p.m.
