Canton girls open season with a dominating win over Tolland

Canton’s Grace Giancola races down the center of the field in Saturday’s 13-1 season opening victory over Tolland. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

TOLLAND, April 2 – A year ago, the Canton High girls lacrosse team posted its first-ever winning season, finished second in the NCCC and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class S tournament.

This year, the Warriors hope to go farther and contend for a league title and possibly a Class S crown. The Warriors have eight starters returning including All-State midfielder junior Grace Giancola, who scored a team-record 71 goals a year ago.

Canton returns three of their top four scorers including Giancola, Emma Charron (51 goals) and Devon Daubert (40 goals) along with veteran senior goalie Amanda Gottlieb, who has signed a letter of intent to play at New Hampshire next spring.

The Warriors got the season off to a strong start with a dominating 13-1 win over Tolland on Saturday in the rain. It’s the biggest win in team history and the fewest goals that Canton has ever allowed in a single game.

Giancola led the way for Canton with six goals and three assists while Charron had three goals and two assists. Daubert scored three goals and had one assist. Kaelyn Oliver had a goal and three assists while Gottlieb made 11 saves to earn the victory.

Canton’s Emma Charron, who had three goals and two assists Saturday, tries to maneuver through a crowd of Tolland defenders. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

Canton returns to the field on Tuesday with their first home game of the season when they host Suffield at 4:30 p.m. at the high school. The Warriors will face defending Class S and NCCC champion Granby next Friday at 6 p.m. under the lights in Granby.

Canton 13, Tolland 1
At Tolland
Canton (1-0)       11  2  — 13
Tolland (0-1)         0  1 – 1
Goals: Grace Giancola (C) 6, Devon Daubert (C) 3, Emma Charron (C) 3, Kaelyn Oliver (C), Lauren Janton (T); Assists: Giancola 3, Oliver 3, Daubert 1, Charron 2; Saves: Amanda Gottlieb (C) 11