BHS Girls 2024 Spring Sports Preview

By Jenna DeFrancesco

With winter fading away around Branford High School, it’s time for the hornets girls sports teams – softball, lacrosse, outdoor track and field, and tennis – to take to the fields and courts of competition for the 2024 spring sports season. Each team is looking forward to a successful season and below is a preview of each squad. 

Softball

2023 record: 2-18

Captains: Madigan Lawler, Cheyenne Rose, and Veronica Holyst

Girl’s softball has kicked off early with pre-season training outside before the frost thawed. After graduating four seniors, the team is looking towards the future. Cheyenne Rose says “I’m excited to play in the games and I want to win this year so bad…I think we can do it. We have a lot of new girls so I’m hoping it makes our chances of winning higher (than ever) while also having fun.” Madigan Lawler adds “I’m excited to have a larger group of girls to work with this year and we’ve all been working really hard.” The girls first game, their home opener, will take place March 30 against Bunnell.

To see the full softball schedule, click here.

Lacrosse

2023 record: 8-10 

Captains: Kaylee Tracy, Stella Dimassa, and Raiyn Fries

The girl’s lacrosse team season also kicks off on March 30, with an away game against Sacred Heart Academy. The senior tri-captains, who have participated in Branford lacrosse programs since their middle school years together, finished their 2023 season. They graduated 4 seniors after the fact. When asked about the excitement for this season, Tracy comments “I’m really excited for the season! Although our team is small I think we have a really good shot at going far this season with the work (and) effort we have (put in) as a team.”

To see the full lacrosse schedule, click here.

Outdoor Track & Field

Captains: Avery Clouse, Joelle Budz, Lucy Moran, and Cecile Hazen

The outdoor track regular season starts April 3, with their first meet at home against Hillhouse and Jonathan Law. The team’s current potential roster for 2024 includes more than triple the number of athletes who competed in the 2023-2024 winter track program, and this uptick in attendance calls for eagerness from this year’s senior captains. The four of them have similar aspirations for this year’s season, and “have a great group of girls who all have potential to go far this season,” said Joelle Budz, who competed at the 2024 CIAC State Open Indoor Track Championship. Avery Clouse, who also competed at the State Open in indoor, adds that “there are a lot of girls on the team this year and a lot of talent, so I am excited to see how we do as a team. I think this season will be very successful for us!”

To see the full outdoor track and field schedule, click here.

Tennis

2023 record: 12-8

Captains: Erin Newlan and Peyton Gaudreau

The girl’s tennis team swings into their regular season under the leadership of two captains. Both Erin Newlan and Peyton Gaudreau are juniors, and their enthusiasm for their role is apparant. “I am looking forward to seeing how far we can go in the state tournaments and taking on new responsibility as a junior,” Newlan said. The girls graduated a number of seniors after the 2023 season, leaving the team with 6 roster spots to fill. “Having lost 5 starters…once again trying to get ourselves to the state tournament,” said coach Dave Gruendel. “[I am] hoping people elevate they’re game and step up (is the goal).” The girl’s first match is scheduled for March 30, at home against Staples.

To see the full tennis schedule, click here.

Sailing

Captains: Katie Harmon, Gus Fichtenholz, Charlotte Green

The BHS sailing team hits the waves this spring as their biggest season yet after being restricted from competitions last year due to late beginnings. The co-ed group anticipates good things this year, and is “excited to finally get to race other teams. Last season was our first season…and we didn’t have any races,” said Katie Harmon, a junior captain. Her fellow captains, Charlotte Green and Gus Fichtenholz, are also juniors, and their young team brings determination to the competition as the newest sports team at BHS. Their first competition date is April 3 against Xavier at Pettipaug Yacht Club and Sailing Academy in Essex.

The Branford Buzz is your place for all BHS sports information. Click here to read a recap of last spring season in The Branford Buzz.