WestieBlue

GIRLS LACROSSE 2014

All-State players - Kelly Stratton '00; Shannon Stratton '03; Joane Amato '03; Melanie Raubeson '03; Alix Sutcliffe '09 


Season Over
Westies fall to Fairfield Warde in opening round of Class L tournament
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(June 3, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls' lacrosse team was looking to pull an upset in the opening round of the Class L state tournament Tuesday afternoon. Falling behind early, the 13th-seeded Westies were forced to rally before dropping a 17-10 decision against fifth-seeded Fairfield Warde in Fairfield. 
The Westies were in chase mode from the start as Fairfield Warde scored six times in the first seven minutes of the game. As has been the case all season, the resilient Westies stormed back to even the game with six goals in a row of their own. 

















Melanie Reiss (4, above) sets up a scoring opportunity against Fairfield Warde (top) in the opening round of the CIAC Class L state tournament, then watches as Ava Gambardella (l., below) scores in a 17-10 loss. Photos courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

















"The game started out rough," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "Fairfield scored six goals in the first seven minutes. After that, we came and scored six in a row to tie the game and finished the first half only down by one goal, 8-7."

















Gabi Prisco celebrates a goal against Fairfield Warde, June 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
West Haven looked to upset Fairfield Warde in the second half, staying close throughout the final half of the season. 
"Fairfield came out a little stronger in the second half," Fanelli said. "It was a disappointing loss because we were in it the whole game. It wasn't until the last few minutes that they gained a significant lead."
Freshman Gabi Prisco continued her splendid season as she scored three goals in the game to keep the Westies within striking distance. Junior Alex Young also scored for West Haven in the run.   

















Allyson Hemstock comes up the field against Fairfield Warde, June 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven seniors Ava Gambardella, Sydney Mursko, Allyson Hemstock, Melanie Reiss and Leah Morrissey played well in their final contest in a West Haven uniform. 
Gambardella finished with two goals and an assist, Reiss had two assists and Hemstock, Mursko and Morrissey each scored once. 

















Josy Militrano makes a save against Fairfield Warde, June 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Fairfield plays in a tough conference and they were the higher ranked seed," Fanelli said. "I think they underestimated us at first and were not expecting us to be competitive with them, but we were. This team has played so well together all season. We were all really sad to see the season end, but (assistant coach) Joanie (Amato) and I couldn't be prouder of all they have accomplished this year."
















 
The West Haven fans came out to support the team against Fairfield Warde, June 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
With the loss, West Haven finished the season at 10-6. 




































Leah Morrissey (l.) and Sydney Mursko (r.) celebrate a goal against Fairfield Warde, June 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Setting the Pace
Westies score 12 goals in first half to beat SHA
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 19, 2014) -
 The last time West Haven and Sacred Heart Academy met less than two weeks ago, the Westies needed overtime to post the victory. That win ensured a postseason berth. 
With the postseason already in check, West Haven traveled to Hamden in hopes of improving its playoff seeding. 
The Westies did just that. 
Behind the scoring of Melanie Reiss, Gabi Prisco and Mya Berretta, West Haven used 12 first half goals to defeat the Pacers 18-8 Monday afternoon. The win was West Haven's tenth on the season. 
Seniors Reiss, Ava Gambardella and Allyson Hemstock combined for 10 goals with Reiss scoring six times and Gambardella and Hemstock each scoring twice. Reiss and Hemstock also added an assist each. 

















Melanie Reiss, seen here earlier in the season against North Haven, scored 6 goals and added an assist in an 18-8 win over Sacred Heart Academy, May 19, 2014. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Freshmen Prisco and Berretta combined for seven goals, with Prisco scoring four times and adding an assist and Berretta scoring three goals. Junior Alex Young also scored in the win for West Haven. 
West Haven jumped out of the gates quickly, using 12 goals in the first half to lead by eight at the half. West Haven also won the battles in the second half, outscoring the Pacers 6-4 to win by 10 goals. 
Josy Militrano made 14 saves in the win for West Haven. 

Lauralton Hall spoils Senior Day
Crusaders score 12 goals in second half to beat Westies, 17-13
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 17, 2014) -
 The day had all the makings of something special. Senior Day honored the eight graduating players and a solid first half had the Westies envisioning their sixth win in seven games. 
Lauralton Hall had other ideas. Scoring 12 times in the second half and overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Crusaders defeated the Westies 17-13 at Ken Strong Stadium Saturday afternoon. 

















Leah Morrissey and the Westies fell to Lauralton Hall, May 17, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
The loss was only West Haven's second in its last seven games and drops the Westies to 9-5 on the season. 
West Haven had solid production throughout the lineup as Ava Gambardella led the way with three goals and an assist, Alyssa Talamelli and Allyson Hemstock each had two goals and an assist, and Leah Morrissey and Gabi Prisco each finished with one goal and two assists. 

















Sydney Mursko scores for West Haven against Lauralton Hall, May 17, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Seniors Melanie Reiss scored twice and Sydney Mursko added a tally. 
The contest started in fine fashion for the Westies as they took a 6-3 lead. Talamelli set up Reiss for a 1-0 lead, before the Crusaders evened the game 30 seconds later. The Westies needed just 22 seconds to take a 3-1 lead on a goal by Gambardella, before Lauralton Hall got within a goal once again. 

















Freshman Gabi Prisco (20) scores against Lauralton Hall, June 14, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Gambardella's third of the game, off an assist from Hemstock, gave the Westies a 4-2 lead with 18 minutes, 19 seconds left in the first half. 
Leading 4-3, Gambardella set up Mursko in front for a goal with 9:05 left in the opening, before Gabi Prisco set up Alex Young for a 6-3 lead 1:35 later.
Talamelli, Hemstock and Prisco scored in the second half, but West Haven could not hold off the Lauralton attack as the Crusaders outscored the Westies 12-6.  
Josy Militrano made 16 saves in the loss for West Haven. 

On a Roll
West Haven posts fifth win in six games with victory over Shelton
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 13, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls' lacrosse team is hitting its stride. After qualifying for the state tournament with an overtime win over Sacred Heart Academy Saturday night, the Westies continue to roll. 
Behind five goals and two assists from Allyson Hemstock and three goals apiece from Gabi Prisco, Ava Gambardella and Alyssa Talamelli, the Westies posted a 17-12 victory over Shelton Tuesday night at Ken Strong Stadium. 
The victory was West Haven's fourth in a row and fifth in six games as the team improved to 9-4 on the year. 
The Westies made a statement on offense early, scoring 11 times in the first half. The Gaels were not deterred as they scored nine goals of their own in the opening half and trailed the Westies by two goals at the half. 
West Haven sealed the contest with a 6-3 run in the second half to pick up its ninth victory of the year. 
Sydney Mursko, Melanie Reiss and Leah Morrissey also scored for the Westies. Prisco added a pair of assists, while Reiss and Gambardella also had helpers. 
Josy Militrano made 11 saves in the win for West Haven. Gina Orazetti scored four times and Jill Ortoli added three goals for the Gaels.


On to the Postseason
WH qualifies for state tournament on Gambardella's OT goal
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 9, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls' lacrosse team has lost its share of close games this year. Senior Ava Gambardella made sure Friday night was not one of those games.
Scoring her fifth goal of the game, the final one in overtime, Gambardella sent the Westies to a 13-12 overtime victory over Sacred Heart Academy Friday evening at Ken Strong Stadium. With the victory, West Haven improved to 8-4 on the year and, in the process, qualified for the postseason. 

















Ava Gambardella celebrates her game-winning and postseason-clinching goal against Sacred Heart Academy...

















...and is joined by the rest of her teammates in celebrating the overtime win, May 9, 2014. Photos courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
"This was an exciting game," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "At one point, we were up by five goals, but Sacred Heart Academy came back to tie it up. Ava scored the winning goal in overtime
"The team is really excited to have clinched a spot in the state tournament. With four game left, we are hoping for a strong finish to the regular season."
West Haven poured on the offense with eight goals in the first half to take an 8-6 lead. The Pacers were not going to make things easy as they scored five times in the second half o even the game at 12, setting up Gambardella's overtime heroics. 

















Alyssa Talamelli scored twice against Sacred Heart Academy, May 9, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Gambardella led West Haven with five goals and two assists. Alyssa Talamelli, Allyson Hemstock, Melanie Reiss and freshman Gabi Prisco each scored twice in the win for West Haven. 
Prisco, Reiss and Talamelli also added assists for the Westies. 

















Ava Gambardella (34) and Danielle Bertolini (19) celebrate a goal by Gabi Prisco (20) against Sacred Heart Academy, May 9, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Alex Ryan led the Pacers with eight goals and Deidre Reidy scored four times. 
Josy Militrano made 12 saves in the win for the Westies. 

On their Way
Westies one win short of postseason after defeating North Haven
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 8, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls' lacrosse team is on the verge of qualifying for the postseason. Winners of three of their last four contests, the Westies have improved to 7-4, needing one more win to play in the state tournament. 
The Westies inched closer to the tournament with a 14-11 victory over North Haven Thursday evening at Ken Strong Stadium. 
"The girls played a really great game," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "Before the game, they discussed how their biggest strength is the way they work together as a team. That's what they did tonight.
"Our goalie, Josy Militrano, had one of her best games of the season so far. Everyone's excited to play Sacred Heart tomorrow. We need one more win to make states."
Senior Ava Gambardella led the way with five goals and an assist in the win. Allyson Hemstock added three goals and two assists,while Alyssa Talamelli and Melanie Reiss each scored twice. Reiss also added a pair of assists. 

















Josy Militrano (r.) played well in goal for West Haven against North Haven, May 8, 2014. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Freshman Gabi Prisco and senior Leah Morrissey also scored one goal apiece for the Westies. 
West Haven scored eight times in the first half and led by three goals at the half. Maggie Sullivan scored five times for North Haven in a game which saw each team score six times in the second half. 

Westies thump Lyman Hall
WH scores 12 in first half of 16-4 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 5, 2014) -
 After losing four of its last five games, the West Haven girls' lacrosse team was looking to get off to a quick start against Lyman Hall Monday evening. 
Scoring 12 times in the first half, including nine in a row at one point, West Haven easily rolled to a 16-4 win over Lyman Hall at Ken Strong Stadium. With the victory, West Haven improved to 6-4 ten games into the campaign. 
Six players got into the scoring column for West Haven. Ava Gambardella led the way with five goals, Melanie Reiss scored three times and added an assist and Alex Young, Alyssa Talamelli, Allyson Hemstock and Gabi Prisco each scored twice. Prisco and Reiss also added assists in the win. 
After Lyman Hall took a quick 1-0 lead, West Haven roared back with nine straight goals. Gambardella increased the margin to 8-1 and Reiss increased the margin to 9-1 seconds later. 
After the Trojans got within 9-2 with 9 minutes, 22 seconds left in the first half, Gambardella increased the margin to 10-2 just 1:02 later. Talamelli scored with 2:51 remaining in the opening half for a nine-goal advantage. 
Josy Militrano made 6 saves in the win for West Haven. 


Stamford slips by Westies
WH falls 8-7 in home contest
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
WEST HAVEN (May 3, 2014) -
 With possessions at a premium in the final minutes of Saturday's contest against Stamford, the West Haven girls' lacrosse team knew it needed to continue scoring. Unfortunately for the Westies, they would fall one goal short in a 8-7 loss at Ken Strong Stadium. 
The loss dropped West Haven to 5-4 on the season. 
"This was the third game we lost by one goal so it was frustrating," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "Stamford had the lead the entire game. We worked hard to come back, but came up short by one goal."

















Alyssa Talamelli (21) celebrates a West Haven goal against Stamford, May 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Trailing 3-2 in the first half, Melanie Reiss scored the first of her two consecutive goals to even the game at three. Reiss scored the equalizer from eight yards out to the lower right corner, sending the game to the break even at three. 
Stamford scored the next two goals before Reiss came through again in the second half. This time, Reiss tallied from six yards out, firing a quick shot to her left to get the Westies within 5-4. 

















Danielle Bertolini picks up a loose ball against Stamford, May 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven seemed to be chasing all afternoon as Stamford once again took a two-goal lead before Ava Gambardella came through. Gambardella's spinning shot in front found the back of the goal to bring West Haven within 6-5. 
Stamford again answered for a 7-5 lead before Gambardella fired a rocket from in front, ten yards away to cut the deficit to 7-6. 
Each team scored twice the rest of the way as West Haven fell by a goal. 
Gambardella led the Westies with three goals and one assist, Reiss scored twice and Prisco and Talamelli each scored once in the loss. Josy Militrano made 11 saves for the Westies.

















Gabi Prisco (20) heads to the goal just before scoring against Stamford, May 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 





THE HOME OF WEST HAVEN SPORTS

Congratulations to Allyson Hemstock on being named to the Southern Connecticut Conference Second Team.

Alex Young celebrates a goal against North Haven, April 28, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Relief
Reiss, Gambardella lead Westies to win over North Haven
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 28, 2014)- 
The West Haven girls' lacrosse team can breathe a sigh of relief once again. Having lost its last three contests, West Haven came into Monday afternoon's contest against North Haven looking to get back on track. 
Scoring 14 times in the opening half, West Haven held on to defeat the Indians 19-15 in North Haven. With the victory, West Haven improved to 5-3 on the year. 
As has been the case all year, the senior leadership on the offensive side was outstanding once again. The trio of Melanie Reiss, Ava Gambardella and Allyson Hemstock accounted for 14 goals with Gambardella scoring six times and adding an assist, Reiss scoring five goals with an assist and Hemstock finding the back of the net three times. 
Leah Morrissey and Danielle Bertolini each scored once and Sydney Mursko and Alyssa Talamelli each recorded an assist. 

















Ava Gambardella (34) scored 6 goals and added an assist in a win over North Haven, April 28, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Alex Young scored twice for the Westies and freshman Gabi Prisco had a goal and an assist in the win. 
West Haven only led by five goals at the half, despite scoring the 14 goals. Both teams clamped down on defense in the second half with North Haven holding a 6-5 advantage. 
That was not enough as the Westies snapped the three-game skid. 

Third Strike 
Westies drop third straight with loss to Hamden
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 26, 2014)- 
The West Haven girls' lacrosse team started the season in impressive fashion. Winning four straight to start the season, expectations were high. 
While those expectations are still up there, the Westies will have to regroup. After losing to Hamden Saturday evening, the Westies dropped to 4-3 with their third straight loss, a 14-7 decision.
The Westies were in trouble from the start as Hamden went on an 8-3 run to start the game. The eight goals by the Green Dragons would prove to be more than enough in the Hamden victory. 
Cara Kennedy and Sam Cozzolino were tough for West Haven to contain as each scored five goals in the contest. Jade Smart and Lily Fontes each scored twice for Hamden. 
The Westies played better in the second half as Hamden only held a 6-4 edge, but it was not enough in the loss.

















Melanie Reiss scores a goal earlier in the season. Reiss scored twice in a loss to Hamden, April 26, 2014. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Leah Morrissey and Melanie Reiss led the Westies with two goals apiece. Senior Allyson Hemstock and freshmen Mya Berretta and Gabi Prisco each scored once in the loss. Alyssa Talamelli added an assist. 
West Haven's Josy Militrano made 6 saves and Nina Casalaina made four in the loss for West Haven. 

















West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli (l.) and assistant Joanie Amato (r.) have seen the Westies drop two straight one-goal contests. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Nipped Again 
Westies fall to 4-2 after loss to Amity
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 24, 2014)-
 After starting the season with four straight wins, the West Haven girls' lacrosse team has been involved in two straight one-goal contests. The Westies have lost each. 
Thursday evening at Ken Strong Stadium saw a battle of top SCC teams when the Westies hosted Amity. When all was said and done, the Spartans were left standing, rallying in the second half to defeat the Westies, 11-10. 
"This was a tough loss," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "It is the second game in a row we lost by one goal, which is really frustrating. We were down by four at halftime and came out strong in the second half." 
West Haven, 4-2, got plenty of support from the upperclassmen as Ava Gambardella scored four times and added an assist, Melanie Reiss had three goals and an assist and Allyson Hemstock finished with one goal and an assist. Alyssa Talamelli also scored twice for the Westies. 

















Ava Gambardella (34), who scored 4 goals against Amity, and Leah Morrissey celebrate a goal in a recent game against Bunnell. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
West Haven trailed 8-4 at the half, but scored the first six goals of the second half to take a 10-8 lead. The game then changed as the Westies received a yellow card and the Spartans capitalized. 
"With under eight minutes left, we were up by two goals and then received a yellow card," Fanelli said. "During the two minute penalty, Amity scored two goals to tie it and then one more after that to win the game."
Sarah Turner led Amity with three goals, while Taylor Portelinha, Liz Marino and Becky Turner each scored twice. 
Josy Militrano made 10 saves in the loss for West Haven. Jena Casman made seven saves in the win for Amity. 

Not Enough 
Westies fall for first time on year in 9-8 loss to Mercy
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 21, 2014)-
 After starting the season with four straight victories, the West Haven girls' lacrosse team was well aware of the task at hand Monday afternoon. Traveling to Middletown to face a tough Mercy team, the Westies were looking to extend their unbeaten streak. 
Unfortunately for West Haven, the effort came up just short. Despite three goals and an assist from freshman Gabi Prisco, the Westies suffered their first loss of the year with a 9-8 decision against the Tigers.





















 

Freshman Gabi Prisco (20) had three goals and an assist, but West Haven suffered its first loss of the season against Mercy, April 21, 2014. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
The Tigers were able to contain West Haven's senior trio of Ava Gambardella, Melanie Reiss and Allyson Hemstock. While the three seniors combined for five goals, the Tigers did not allow any goals in clutch situations down the sttretch. 
Prisco did plenty of damage for the Westies as she recorded the three tallies. Gambardella and Hemstock each scored twice and Reiss adeded another, fresh off a seven-goal performance on Saturday. 
Casey Nolan and Emma Bonaasar each led Mercy with three goals apiece, while Danielle Richardson scored once and added four assists. 
Josy Militrano made 14 saves in the loss for West Haven. 

















Melanie Reiss (4) is congratulated after scoring one of her seven goals against Bunnell, April 19, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Tale of Two Halves   
Behind Reiss and Gambardella WH rallies in second half to beat Bunnell
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 19, 2014)-
 West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli was not happy with the way her team was playing in the first half of Saturday afternoon's contest against Bunnell. Fanelli let her team know about it at the half. 
Fanelli's talk with her team paid immediate dividends. Behind the play of Melanie Reiss and Ava Gambardella, the Westies rallied from a three-goal deficit, outscoring the Bulldogs 12-4 in the second half, to post a 16-11 victory at Ken Strong Stadium. 
"We weren't happy with the way we played in the first half," Fanelli said after her team improved to 4-0. "At halftime, we were down by three goals. In the second half, we really picked it up. Bunnell got a yellow card, so we were up a player for two minutes and we really took advantage of that and scored four goals during that time. We didn't let up for the rest of the game."
Trailing 7-4, the Westies turned to seniors Reiss and Gambardella to right the ship. Two goals by Reiss and another by Gambardella evened the game at seven. 

















Ava Gambardella scored four goals and added an assist in West Haven's victory over Bunnell, April 19, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Bunnell quickly regained the lead at 8-7, but again Gambardella tied the game. 
With all the momentum, the Westies did not stop. West Haven outscored Bunnell 8-3 the rest of the way to remain perfect on the season. 
"Our biggest strength this season is that we're playing as a team and making smart decisions," Fanelli said.
Reiss, who scored seven times in the game and added an assist, had a big goal in the first half as she started the West Haven comeback when she scored to cut the deficit to 5-4. 
Gambardella scored four times and added an assist, Allyson Hemstock scored three times and added an assist, including a big goal after the Westies evened the contest at eight in the second half.
Freshmen Mya Berretta and Gabi Prisco also played a big part in the win as Berretta scored once and Prisco had two assists in each half to finish with four. Junior Alex Young also got into the mix with a goal and Amanda Dileonardo also had two assists for the Westies. 
West Haven held a 29-18 shot advantage in the game. Josy Militrano made 7 saves in the win. 




































West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli (c.) likes what she sees after the Westies started the season with a 3-0 record. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Three Up 
Westies win third straight in victory over Sheehan
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 14, 2014)-
 The West Haven girls' lacrosse team looked to start the season quickly. Through three games, the Westies have done so. 
Paced by three goals apiece from seniors Melanie Reiss and Allyson Hemstock, West Haven improved to 3-0 with a 9-7 victory over Sheehan at Sheehan High Monday evening. 
West Haven led by three goals at halftime and, after Sheehan evened the game in the second half, the Westies used four goals in the final half to post the victory. 
"At the half, we were up by three, then Sheehan came back and tied it up," West Haven coach Chrystal Fanelli said. "We called a timeout and the girls came out strong and scored three goals in two minutes. We held on to the lead for the remainder of the game."
The Westies had five different players score in the contest. Seniors Ava Gambardella and Leah Morrissey and freshman Gabi Prisco also tallied for the Westies. 





































Ava Gambardella, seen here against Shelton, scored once in a victory over Sheehan, April 14, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We've been playing smart," Fanelli said. "There are still a few things we need to work on for our next game, but, overall, we have been playing really well. 
"Ava (Gambardella) has been marked tightly in every game, but the rest of our offense has really been stepping up. The defense did a great job as well."
Sydney Mursko, Alyssa Talamelli, Prisco, Gambardella and Reiss each had an assist, while Josy Militrano made seven saves in the win. 




































Josy Militrano, seen here against Shelton, made 7 saves against Sheehan, April 14, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.   

















Alyssa Talamelli (21) scores one of her three goals against Shelton, April 12, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Two for Two
Westies improve to 2-0 with win over Shelton
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 12, 2014)-
 The season has started on a positive note for the West Haven girls' lacrosse team. With a 14-10 victory over Shelton on Saturday, West Haven improved to 2-0 on the year. 
The Westies had a balanced offense throughout the contest as they led 8-5 at the half, before scoring six more times in the second half. 
West Haven turned to the upperclassmen in this contest as Leah Morrissey, Melanie Reiss, Allyson Hemstock and Alyssa Talamelli each scored three goals and Ava Gambardella scored twice. Gambardella also picked up an assist in the victory. 

















Allyson Hemstock (6) scores against Shelton, April 12, 2014 as Sydney Mursko(28) and Alyssa Talamelli (21) help out on the play. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

















Leah Morrissey (10) celebrates a West Haven goal against Shelton, April 12, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Josy Militrano made six saves in the victory for West Haven. 
Jill Ortoli and Nicole Roberts each scored three times for Shelton. 




































Alyssa Talamelli (21) scores against Shelton, April 12, 2014. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Fresh Start
Reiss, Gambardella star in opening victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 10, 2014) –
 Looking to get off to a quick start in the 2014 season, the West Haven girls' lacrosse team had the right approach Thursday evening. 
Turning to its returning players, the Westies received five goals from Melanie Reiss and three more from Ava Gambardella in a 12-8 victory over Sheehan at Ken Strong Stadium. 

















Ava Gambardella (l.) scored three times in West Haven's season-opening win over Sheehan, April 10, 2014. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
In a game which was tied at five at the half, West Haven went on a 7-3 run in the second half to post the victory in the season opener. 
West Haven held a 21-19 shot advantage and Josy Militrano made 11 saves to pick up the win. 
Reiss was the story of the night as the senior had seven points, adding two assists to the mix. Alex Young, Leah Morrissey, and freshmen Gabi Prisco and Mya Berretta each scored once in the win. 
Young and Allyson Hemstock each added assists for West Haven. 
Caitlin Jogoda, Natalie Giacondino and Abbie Jogoda each scored twice for Sheehan. 

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