Avon’s Mia Weiler fights for control of the ball in a recent game. The Falcons beat New Fairfield Friday to earn a berth in the semifinals for the fourth time in the last five years.
AVON, Nov. 8 – Abbey Hagan and regional All-American Caroline Schaefer each scored goals as the Avon High field hockey team (13-3-2) beat New Fairfield, 2-1, in the Class M semifinals on Friday afternoon. Goalie Natalie Sawicki made five saves in net to earn the victory.
Avon will face top-ranked Lauralton Hall of Milford in the semifinals on either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. The Crusaders (19-0-2) beat No. 9 Joel Barlow, 2-1 on Thursday to earn a berth in the semifinals. Lauralton Hall tied Pomperaug 0-0 to share the Southwest Conference tournament championship earlier this month.
The Crusaders are looking for their second-ever berth in the state finals. They lost to Granby in the Class S finals in 2011. Avon is seeking a berth in the state championship game for the first time since 1998 when they lost to Canton. Avon last won a state title in 1984.
BOYS SOCCER
Valley Regional 9, Canton 2
DEEP RIVER, Nov. 7 – The game didn’t start too smoothly for the Canton High boys soccer team and it went downhill pretty quickly. No. 19 Canton gave up two goals in the first 12 minutes in a 9-2 loss to No. 3 Valley Regional (15-3-1) under the lights Thursday evening in a second round Class S contest.
Jack Simoneau had three goals and two assists for Valley while Luke Gagnon had two goals. Colin Madigan and Jake Dupre scored goals for Canton. Goalie Josh Frigo made 12 saves for Canton (8-10).
Valley Regional, playing in its first tournament game, outshot Canton, 36-9. Valley has eliminated Canton from the Class S tournament in three of the last five years. Valley beat Canton, 7-3 in 2010 and 2-1 in 2009.
It’s the most goals ever given up by Canton in a CIAC tournament game, eclipsing the eight goals given up in a loss to eventual state champion East Granby in 1970.
Valley Regional 9, Canton 2
At Deep River
Canton (8-10) 1 1 — 2
Valley Regional (15-3-1) 4 5 — 9
First half: VR: Jack Simoneau (Matt Cole) 3:12; Matt Cole (Jack Simoneau) 11:05; Jack Simoneau (Nick Lepore) 31:39; Jason Simoneau (Ben Ferruci) 38:55; Can: Colin Madigan 39:12; Second half: VR: Jack Simoneau 46:55; Ben Ferruci 61:03; Luke Gagnon (Jack Simoneau) 64:50; Luke Gagnon (Garrett Heins) 66:06; Nick Lepore (Matt Cole) 72:01; Can: Jake Dupre 79:52; Shots: Valley Regional, 36-9; Saves: Josh Frigo (C) 12; Oscar Valera (VR) 2; Michael Castelli (VR) 2
GIRLS SOCCER
Guilford 3, Avon 1
GUILFORD, Nov. 8 – When you play in four straight state championship games, the march through the state tournament can seem a little easier than it really is. It is a tough road filled with good teams.
For the first time since 2005, the No. 5 Falcons are heading home without reaching the semifinals after a 3-1 loss to No. 4 Guilford Friday afternoon on the road. Nikki Basilicato, Julie Carr and Andrew Basilicato each scored for Guilford, which is looking to return to the state finals for the first time since 2002.
Michaela Marcus scored for Avon (15-3) and Emma Carlone made 10 saves in net. Guilford goalie Emily Stephens made just five stops to earn the win.
Avon won its first tournament game with a 2-1 decision over Sacred Heart Academy earlier in the week with Marcus and Hannah Davey scoring for the Falcons.
VOLLEYBALL
Farmington 3, Avon 1
FARMINGTON, Nov. 7 – Avon was able to beat top-ranked Farmington in game 3 of their Class L second round contest but the Indians were too strong in a 25-13, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19 victory. Farmington (22-1) moves on into the quarterfinals while the Falcons finish the season with a 15-9 record.
Sophomore Abby Laszewski led Avon with 18 kills and six digs. Senior Madison Mains added seven kills and a team-high three blocks.
Senior Nicole Rubenstein had 21 digs to lead Avon while juniors Sammy Maniatty and Caitlin Cunningham each had 15 and 16 digs, respectively.
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