All-State players - Carlin Guarneri '96; Danielle Lacroix '99; Rebecca Sampara '07; Nicole Pacapelli '09; Gabriella Reis '11; Marisa Pacapelli '13
Retired numbers - Carlin Guarneri (Class of 1997) #1


Congratulations to Alexis Severino, Marisa Pacapelli and Jolie Morrell on being selected captains for the 2014 team. 

















Congratulations to Marisa Pacapelli (above) on being named to the CHSCA Class LL All-State team (7 goals, 6 assists).  Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Congratulations to Tory Lavery, Allyson Hemstock and Marisa Pacapelli on making the 2013 SCC All-Quinnipiac Division team. 

















Jolie Morrell (r.), Sam Furtak (13) and Ava Gambardella (8) defend against Mercy in a 4-1 loss, October 9, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.


Domination
Perez scores twice in 6-0 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 4, 2013) -
  Having to play three games in a stretch of four days, including two on the road, is no small task. While this was the job facing the West Haven girls’ soccer team, West Haven did not back down.
The Westies played well during the three games and came within one goal of a possible sweep this week. Following the Westies’ lone loss of the three games to Mercy, junior Alexia Perez helped the team bounce back as her two goals propelled the Westies to a 6-0 victory over Platt Tech Friday evening at Ken Strong Stadium. 
"After last season, to be 4-4-1, I can't complain," West Haven coach John Camara said. "But, I always want to do better and there are things we can still do better."
West Haven wasted no time setting the tone of the contest, scoring five times in the first half and never looked back. The win was West Haven’s third in its last four games and helped the Westies improve to 4-4-1 on the season. 

















Alexia Perez (33) scores for West Haven as Allyson Hemstock (14) and Melanie Reiss (6) close in, October 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















West Haven, including Marisa Pacapelli (10), Lizi Bowen (4) and Rachel Cabral (16) celebrates a goal by Alexia Perez (33), October 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
West Haven needed just 15 minutes to get on the scoreboard, then broke the contest open with four goals in the final 11 minutes, 38 seconds, including three in a 2:14 span.
Perez started the scoring for the Westies when she took a feed from Adriana Yanez and sent a shot past Panthers’ goalkeeper Natalie Rafael 14:48 into the game.
Just 3:24 later, Perez was at it again. This time, the sophomore took a feed from Tory Lavery and found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. 
"Platt Tech must be her (Perez) lucky team," Camara said. "She scored twice last time against them and twice again in this one. It works well with her. She played well."
Pestering the Panthers with numerous shots, the Westies put the game away with three goals in the final 4:19 of the first half. 

















Ruchelle Cabral puts pressure on goal against Platt Tech, October 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Junior Lizi Bowen gave the Westies a 3-0 lead, freshman Gabi Prisco followed with her team-leading fifth goal of the year 1:44 later and freshman counterpart Lauren Lewis scored 30 seconds after Prisco.
Jolie Morrell continued her hot streak in the second half of the game, scoring her second goal in her last two games, with 17:15 gone by for the 6-0 final. 
"It gave me an opportunity to utilize the bench a little more," Camara said. "I got to play some of the players who don't usually start and it allowed me to rest some girls after playing three games this week and with three games next week."

















Lizi Bowen (4) had one of West Haven's goals against Platt Tech, October 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
West Haven’s defense did not allow any advantages to the Panthers and the result was goalkeeper Janiene Tuinman needed to make only one save in the shutout. 
"The ball was hardly down in our end at all," Camara said. 

















Janiene Tuinman needed to make just one save in the shutout victory against Platt Tech, October 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Rafael made 29 saves for the Panthers as West Haven was on the attack all night. 

















Jolie Morrell and the Westies fell to Mercy, 3-2, Thursday, October 3, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

Mercy nips Westies
Strong second half propels Tigers to 3-2 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 3, 2013) –
 With two consecutive wins under its belt, the West Haven girls’ soccer team was looking to stay on a roll. For 40 minutes, the Westies were on the right track.
Three minutes of the second half turned that completely around as the Tigers scored three times in a span of 2 minutes, 35 seconds to defeat West Haven 3-2 Thursday afternoon. 

















Melanie Reiss (l.) battles for a loose ball against Mercy, October 3, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
"We had them at 0-0 for the longest time," West Haven coach John Camara said after his team fell to 3-4-1. "We made an error on defense and they snuck one in. We had a meltdown right after that and they ran two more in."
The Westies never led in the game and watched as Mercy stormed to a 3-0 second half lead. With 16:30 to go in a scoreless contest, Mercy broke the tie when Olivia Ozcyz scored off an assist from Danielle Richardson for a 1-0 advantage.
Just 50 seconds later, the lead was two goals as Blakeslee Palmer was set up by Ozcyz for a 2-0 lead. The scoring barrage did not stop for the Tigers as Palmer fed Kendra Landy for a 3-0 lead. 

















Ava Gambardella looks to make a play against Mercy, October 3, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
"We regrouped and came back," Camara said. "We were able to get two back."
The Westies continued to battle and got on the scoreboard with 6:54 remaining. Allyson Hemstock set up Marisa Pacapelli’s goal with 6:54 remaining to cut the deficit to 3-1. Just six minutes later and with 54 seconds remaining in the game, Gabi Prisco set up Jolie Morrell’s goal for the 3-2 final. 
"Overall, the team played well," Camara said. "The mistakes hurt us. We presured and played with them. The offense, when called upon, stepped up and produced two goals.
"I would like to get a higher winning percentage so we don't have to play a top team (state tournament). If you sneak in, you are going to play a top team. We would like to get seven or eight wins to finish off the season."
Maggie Borer made 11 saves in the loss for West Haven as the Westies were outshot 18-14 in the game.

















The West Haven defense, including Julia Paterson (18) and Sam Furtak (r.), and goalkeeper Maggie Borer held Foran to one goal in a 4-1 victory, October 1, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.  

Finishing Touch
Westies win second straight to improves to 3-3-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
MILFORD (October 1, 2013) – 
West Haven coach John Camara has been looking for his team to finish. With its share of scoring opportunities in recent games, West Havenhas not found the back of the goal as often as Camara would like.
Tuesday night in Milford was exactly what Camara and his team needed.
Behind freshmen Lauren Lewis and Gabi Prisco, senior Melanie Reiss and junior Marisa Pacapelli, the Westies scored twice in each half to defeat Foran, 4-1, at Vito DeVito Field. 

















Freshman Gabi Prisco (20) scores against Foran (above) and the Westies celebrate (below) in a 4-1 win over Foran, October 1, 2013. Photos courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















“Lauren Lewis scored her first goal the other day and she is right into a groove,” Camara said. “She had two goals today. Gabi is very consistent and scores on occasion. Marisa has played very well.”
Lewis and Prisco showed how bright the future is as Lewis scored twice and Prisco added a goal and an assist. Pacapelli also scored once and added an assist.
The four made their presence felt early in the contest. After Jolie Morrell could not convert a header off a corner kick 8 minutes in, Reiss got the Westies going.
Controlling the ball off a tough bounce, Reiss sent a perfect pass to Pacapelli who found the back of the goal 10 minutes, 23 seconds into the game for a 1-0 lead.
“We are playing better and we are finishing,” Pacapelli said after the win. “This is a lot better than last year.
“They (Lewis and Prisco) definitely are a big help. Gabi is so fast and gets to everything and Lauren scored twice today. It definitely helps the rest of us.”
Less than four minutes later, Pacapelli came up with the big play. The junior sent a perfect touch pass to Lewis and the freshman calmly tapped in the ball for a 2-0 lead 14:12 into the game. 

















Freshman Lauren Lewis (23) scores for West Haven against Foran, October 1, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“We made some good plays,” Camara said.
After Reiss was stopped from 20 yards out 16 minutes in, Prisco could not catch a break as she rang the crossbar from 25 yards out with 21:50 left in the half, and was denied twice in the final 6:30. 

















Alexis Severino looks to head the ball to create a scoring opportunity against Foran, October 1, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
The Westies took a formidable lead late in the second half, scoring twice in the final 17 minutes. Prisco set up Lewis for a 3-0 lead with 16:54 left in the game, then got her own goal 2:28 later for the 4-0 lead.Maggie Borer made three saves in the win for West Haven.

















West Haven players Gabi Prisco (l.) and Tory Lavery (c.) celebrate goal by Marisa Pacapelli (r.) in West Haven's 2-1 win over Hamden, September 27, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

Back On Track
Westies beat Hamden to snap 3-game skid
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(September 27, 2013) – 
After falling to Cross/Hillhouse/Career in its previous contest, West Haven girls’ soccer coach John Camara stated changes needed to be made if the Westies were going to reach their goal of playing in the postseason.
Those changes included finishing when the opportunities came about.
Friday evening at Ken Strong Stadium saw the Westies accomplish this in a small way. Scoring twice in the second half, West Haven snapped a 3-game losing steak and defeated Hamden 2-1.
With the win, West Haven improved to 2-3-1 on the year. 
"We work hard to get the few goals we get," Camara said. "The big thing was we did not let them take the lead. We played hard. Hamden is a very tough team. They are very physical.
"We will take it. Hopefully, we get on a nice run. We want to build confidence and get in the tournament."
After a scoreless first half, West Haven scored twice in less than a minute to take control of the game. 
Junior Marisa Pacapelli and freshman Lauren Lewis were at the center of attention for the Westies as they were involved in both goals. 

















Lauren Lewis (23) scores against Hamden, September 27, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Pacapelli set up Lewis with the first opportunity and Lewis calmly beat Hamdengoalkeeper Katie Dadio for a 1-0 lead with 46 seconds gone by in the second half.
"It was a big goal for her," Camara said of Lewis. "It gave her so much more confidence. You could see it the rest of the game. She did a fabulous job."
With the adrenaline still flowing after the goal, West Haven needed just 57 seconds to increase the lead to a pair of goals. This time it was Lewis who found Pacapelli and the junior did not miss, scoring her third goal of the year for a 2-0 lead. 

















Marisa Pacapelli looks for a scoring opportunity against Hamden, September 27, 2013. Photo courtest of Craig Lemay. 
"The goals were right at the beginning of the second half," Camara said. "That was great that it occurred like that. It let the air out of them right away.
"Marisa is playing unbelievable right now in any position I put her in. If I put her at forward, she scores. If I put her at midfield, she sets up a great ball to Lauren (Lewis)."
West Haven held the two-goal lead over the next 22 minutes before the Green Dragons made things interesting. Sarah Vita finally solved West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer with 16:02 left in the game to cut the deficit to 2-1.
That would be all the scoring on the night as the West Haven defense and Borer did not allow another tally by the Green Dragons and West Haven posted the victory.Borer finished the contest with 5 saves, while Dadio made 9 saves in the loss for Hamden.

















Maggie Borer makes one of her 5 saves against Hamden, September 27, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Sam Furtak played well on defense as West Haven defeated Hamden 2-1, Friday, September 27, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 




















Marisa Pacapelli and the Westies were stunned in New Haven by Cross/Hillhouse/Career, 5-2, September 25, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Stunner
WH drops third in row with 5-2 loss to Cross/Hillhouse/Career
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
WEST HAVEN (September 25, 2013) –
 It had all the makings of a game to get the Westies well. After dropping two straight games and in need of a pick me up, the West Haven girls 'soccer team looked to get back on the winning track Wednesday afternoon in New Haven. 
Unfortunately for the Westies, that scenario never played out. Allowing a handful of goals to Shea Connors, West Haven dropped to 1-3-1 with a 5-2 loss. 
The defeat was West Haven's third in a row after a quick start. 
"We have to make a few changes," West Haven coach John Camara said. "Our midfielders played a good game and got us opportunities. We have to finish. We also have to keep the other team out of scoring range.
"They have a very good forward (Shea Connors). I forewarned our defense."
The Westies had scoring opportunities in the first half, but hit the post and missed from in close. After Connors put Cross on the board first, freshman Gabi Prisco evened the game when she scored off a corner kick.  






















Tory Lavery scores during the second half of a 5-2 loss to Cross/Hillhouse/Career, September 25, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.



































Gabi Prisco scores off a corner kick (top right), then celebrates with Allyson Hemstock (14) and Melanie Reiss (6). Photos courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Cross took a 2-1 lead early in the second half when a bobbled shot was tapped in by Connors. A short time later, Connors was at it again as she beat West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer for a 3-1 lead. 
Janiene Tuinman replaced Borer in goal and she met the same result when Connors scored off a free kick 4 minutes later. 
After the Westies missed a golden opportunity to inch closer when they missed a penalty kick, Tory Lavery scored off an assist from Marisa Pacapelli to make it 4-2. 
"We missed a couple of back posts," Camara said. "That has been the story of the season so far. We have not capitalized on our opportunities so far. 
"We are 1-3-1. It is disappointing because I know very well we should be 4-0.  We have been very good. We have dominated at times in these games. We don't want to look back and say these opportunities were missed and that is the story of our season."
Borer and Tuinman each made 3 saves in the loss.    























Alexis Severino (5) fights for a loose ball against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, September 25, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 






















Ava Gambardella (l.), Maggie Borer (r.) and the Westies fell to Sacred Heart Academy, 3-1, September 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Off the Pace
Westies drop second in row in 3-1 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(September 21, 2013) –
 After scoring seven times in a win against Platt Tech, theWest Haven girls’ soccer team was hoping to keep the offensive barrage going. The seven goals marked one more tally than the girls had all of last year.
The scoring, unfortunately, has stopped. The last two games have seen the Westies score just once, falling in each to drop to 1-2-1 on the season.
After pouring close to 20 shots on Sheehan in its prior game, West Haven looked to get off to a quick start against Sacred Heart Academy Saturday night. While the Westies got on the board first, it was not enough as the Pacers scored the final three goals of the game in a 3-1 victory over the Westies at Ken Strong Stadium.
Gabi Prisco and Tory Lavery continued to be a force for the Westies as Prisco scored off an assist from Lavery just 6 minutes, 39 seconds into the game for a 1-0 lead. 



































West Haven celebrates a goal by Gabi Prisco (center) against Sacred Heart Academy, September 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
For Lavery, it was her team-leading seventh point on the year (3 goals and 1 assist) and for the freshman Prisco, it was her second goal of the year and fifth point overall.
The Westies could not hold on to the lead as Sacred Heart evened the game before the half when Mary Verneris scored off a penalty kick with 17:27 left.
The second half was all Sacred Heart on the scoreboard. Verneris set up Kiana Rocco for the first goal with 15:39 left and Morgan Daley set up Angela Ciaramella for the insurance tally 5:15 later.
West Haven had its scoring chances. Marisa Pacapelli was denied from the outside with 26:31 left in the first half and Prisco sent Lavery in on a partial breakaway but Lavery could not get off a shot with 10 minutes remaining in the opening half.
Melanie Reiss pressured and put a shot over the net at the end of the half. West Havenhad a golden opportunity three minutes into the second half but Alexis Severino could not find the back of the goal.





















Alexis Severino can not find the back of the net against Sacred Heart Academy, September 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
Maggie Borer finished with 10 saves in goal for West Haven, while Emma Brindisi made 8 saves for the Pacers.



































Maggie Borer against Sacred Heart Academy, September 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 























Gabi Prisco against Sacred Heart Academy, September 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Missed Opportunities
West Haven fails to convert in loss to Sheehan
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(September 17, 2013) –
 The West Haven girls’ soccer team took plenty of shots and had plenty of chances. Unfortunately for the Westies, none of those shots found the back of the net.
Despite taking 18 shots, West Haven could not get one by Sheehan goalkeeper Joelle MarkAnthony. The Titans’ Ania Spina scored at the 34 minute, 50 second mark for the lone goal of the game as Sheehan sent West Haven to its first loss of the season by a score of 1-0 at Ken Strong Stadium Tuesday evening.

















Lauren Lewis (23) and the Westies can only watch as Sheehan's Joelle MarkAnthony makes one of her 13 saves in Sheehan's 1-0 victory over West Haven, Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“We could not buy a goal,” West Haven coach John Camara said after his team fell to 1-1-1. “We had the ball on their side the whole second half. Everyone had a chance. We just could not get one in.”
With Spina putting the Titans on the board, West Haven was in chase mode despite controlling the play. Quality chances by Tory Lavery, Lauren Lewis, Gabi Prisco and Marisa Pacapelli could not get by Mark Anthony. 

















Marisa Pacapelli (10) and Tory Lavery (l.) battle for possession against Sheehan, September 17, 2013, Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Prisco also rang a shot off the crossbar from in close to typify what was a frustrating night for the Westies.
“I am disappointed we did not get the win,” Camara said. “We had plenty of scoring chances. We just could not get one by them.
“They scored one goal early in the game. That was the deal breaker. Six minutes in, they looped one over her (goalkeeper Maggie Borer) head.”Maggie Borer made four saves in the loss for West Haven, while MarkAnthony had 13 saves in the shutout victory for the Titans.

















Maggie Borer makes a save with Ava Gambardella (l.), Sam Furtak (13) and Alexis Campbell (30) helping out against Sheehan, September 17, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

























Allyson Hemstock had a pair of assists as West Haven posted its first victory since 2011 with a victory against Platt Tech, September 13, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 


Looking Up
Westies defeat Platt Tech for first win in two years
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(September 13, 2013) –
 It would be safe to say the 2012 season would be one theWest Haven girls’ soccer program would like to forget. Posting just three ties in 16 decisions, the Westies never got to taste the thrill of victory.
Through two games in the 2013 season, the remaining members of the team may be using last season as motivation. With an added year of experience and new faces, the Westies have looked like a different team.
After playing to a tie with Amity in the season opener, West Haven picked up its first win since the 2011 season with a 7-0 victory over Platt Tech Friday afternoon inMilford.
The Westies wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as they scored five times in the first half and cruised to the win to improve to 1-0-1.
Alexia Perez and Tory Lavery each scored twice, Allyson Hemstock had two assists and freshman Gabi Prisco scored her first career high school goal and assisted on another in the victory. 

















Adriana Yanez scored for West Haven in a 7-0 victory over Platt Tech, September 13, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
The Westies put the pressure on immediately and scored more goals Friday than they did in the entire 2012 season.
Hemstock set up Marisa Pacapelli for the first goal of the game before Prisco set up Lavery for a 2-0 lead. Lavery added her third goal of the season off an assist from Hemstock for a 3-0 advantage and Adriana Yanez and Prisco closed the half with goals for a 5-0 lead. 

















Alexis Severino throws the ball in against Platt Tech, September 13, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
West Haven coach John Camara was able to get everyone experience on the field as he emptied his bench early.
With players in different positions, Alexia Perez capitalized in the second half with two goals, the first off an assist from Precious Szostek and the second off a feed from Alexis Severino for the 7-0 final.
Maggie Borer needed to make just two saves as the Westies posted the shutout. 

















Jolie Morrell (r.) looks to apply the pressure against Platt Tech, September 13, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















Ava Gambardella prevents an Amity goal as she clears the ball from an empty goal, September 10, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

 
Head Start
Lavery scores equalizer in opener
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
WEST HAVEN (September 10, 2013)
– After failing to win a game last season, theWest Haven girls’ soccer team was looking to get off to a better start in 2013. While the Westies did not come away with a win against Amity in the season opener for both teams on Tuesday evening, a 1-1 tie can go a long way for West Haven.
Trailing by a goal in the final 20 minutes of regulation, the Westies relied on a pair of upperclassmen to pull even as Marisa Pacapelli sent a perfect cross to Tory Lavery who headed the ball past Amity goalkeeper Zoie Reed with 18 minutes, 27 seconds left in regulation for the equalizer at Ken Strong Stadium.
“Last year, we did a lot worse against them,” Lavery said after the hard fought game. “We had a lot less experience last year and this year we have upperclassmen with the experience. I am really happy with the tie and the way we started.”

















Tory Lavery (21) scored the lone Westie goal with a header off an assist from Marisa Pacapelli, September 10, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
While Lavery knotted the game for West Haven, the contest was far from over as each goalkeeper would come up big in the final six minutes of the game.
Amity’s Cassie Giza, who was one of the best players on the field in the game, was left alone in front from 30 yards out and ripped a shot which looked like it was headed to the back of the goal. West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer denied the rocket of a shot to preserve the tie with 5:35 left in regulation. 

















Maggie Borer denies Amity's Cassie Giza (8) in front, September 10, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Read the rest of this article in the Milford-Orange Bulletin 
here

















Sam Furtak (13) and the West Haven defense played well in a 1-1 tie with Amity, September 10, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















Senior goalkeeper Maggie Borer will play a key role in West Haven's drive to the postseason in 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

Clean Slate
Westies looking for offense and wins in 2013
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Coming off a season in which it scored just six goals in 16 games and finished with a 0-13-3 record, the West Haven girls’ soccer team clearly knows the task at hand in 2013. That task is to find the back of the net more often.
With six different goal scorers last season, the good news is four of the girls return this season, including seniors Tory Lavery and Ava Gambardella and juniors Samantha Furtak and Marisa Pacapelli.
Lavery and Allyson Hemstock will lead the Westies in 2013 as the team’s senior captains. Lavery will play center midfield and Hemstock will be at center midfield or outside midfield. 



















Tory Lavery hopes to lead the Westies back to the postseason in 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“They have put in a lot to the team this year,” West Haven coach John Camara said. “They want to make sure their senior year goes well. They have worked all summer with the team.”
If West Haven is going to get back to the postseason after a one year hiatus, finding a consistent offense will be the key.
“We have quite a bit of experience on attack,” Camara said. “They have been playing all year long. They play very well together. The all play well together. The key is to not get injured. That core has gelled very well in the preseason.”
Pacapelli may be the key to the offense. After scoring nine goals her freshman year playing with an experienced team, opposing teams were no strangers to the West Haven sniper last season, marking her every step of the way.
An All-Southern Connecticut Conference Quinnipiac Division first team selection in 2012, Pacapelli, a forward and center midfielder, will be counted on to set up and find the back of the goal as she did her freshman year.

















Marisa Pacapelli will look to contribute to the Westie offense in 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“She played more of a midfield position last year,” Camara said of Pacapelli. “Ninety percent of the time she will be at center midfield. We need her to create rather than finish. Freshman year she was a big help. The big key was she was at forward.”
Pacapelli is not alone on the offensive side. Senior Melanie Reiss will play outside midfield and forward and junior Adriana Yanez is a midfielder.
The Westies will also be bolstered on the offensive side by incoming freshmen Lauren Lewis and Gabi Prisco. Both are forwards and each is expected to create an attack and finish.
“We are bringing back our goal of making the state tournament and winning the division,” Camara said. “They are very possible with this squad.
“This team works tremendously hard at practice. The work ethic in our scrimmage (Lauralton Hall) was very good. We faced a squad which was more fit than us at that point in time. We played very well with them. We have been consistent across the board.”
Defensively, the Westies are a year stronger and are led by Furtak, who was a Southern Connecticut Conference All-Quinnipiac Division first team selection a season ago. Furtak’s defensive skills will be a big key in leading a group which must be on its game to help the offense.
Seniors Alexis Campbell and Gambardella and junior Jolie Morrell will guard the area in front of senior goalkeeper Maggie Borer, who came up with plenty of big saves for the Westies in 2012. Borer finished the season saving 75% of the shots she faced and will need to be the backbone of the squad this year.
Gambardella and Furtak will play center back, Morrell is an outside back andCampbell will be another strong point on the defensive side.
“We have more depth this year,” Camara said. “I can almost put another starting lineup out there with the players we have.”
Juniors Lizi Bowen (outside back) and Alexis Severino (midfield) and sophomore midfielders Carlie Tammaro and Precious Szostek will also be expected to play quality minutes.
Losing Jordan Brereton, Carly Brereton and Rebecca Norman to graduation, others will have to step up with the leadership which graduated.West Haven opens its season September 10 against Amity at 7:30 p.m.

End of the Run
WH falls to South Windsor in 1st round of state tournament
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(November 4, 2013) –
 Having played Guilford brilliantly in a loss in the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament, West Haven coach John Camara felt his team was ready for the state tournament.
While the head coach was right, his team suffered a gut-wrenching loss to end the season. Taking No. 10 South Windsor to double overtime, the Westies were unable to get the game to penalty kicks and fell 3-0 to South Windsor in the opening round of the CIAC Class LL state tournament in South Windsor.
“It was another heartfelt battle,” West Haven coach John Camara said after his team fell to 8-9-1. “We had opportunities. They scored once and we pulled a defender and put in another forward. They scored more as we pulled everyone up.
“Like Guilford, it was another battle. We had a couple of opportunities in the first half of overtime. We had the ball in their end, but we could not put it in. We could not get any quality shots off.”
West Haven had limited opportunities in the game. Melanie Reiss had a shot in close punched away and Marisa Pacapelli had a couple of backdoor chances, but could not get one in the back of the goal.
Gabi Prisco may have had the best scoring opportunities in the game, but also could not score.

















Gabi Prisco has her shot punched away against South Windsor, November 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
“We played fabulous,” Camara said. “We set goals and achieved our goals. We made the tournament and we had the bonus of the SCC tournament. It was a win all the way around.
“I know the girls played with their hearts in the two games. They left it all on the field. That made me feel good they put that much into it.”Maggie Borer made 9 saves in the loss for West Haven.





















Gabi Prisco (20) looks to make a play with Marisa Pacapelli (10) against South Windsor, November 4, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

















Ava Gambardella (8) clears the ball from in front with goalkeeper Maggie Borer looking on against Guilford in the SCC tournament, October 26, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

So Close
Westies fall to Guilford in SCC opener
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 26, 2013) –
 West Haven coach John Camara knew the challenge of playing in the Southern Connecticut Conference postseason opener Saturday evening. Playing top-seeded Guilford, West Haven knew there would be many challenges.
The Westies lived up to those challenges and were a defensive mistake away from advancing to the semifinal round. 
Giving the Indians all they could handle, No. 8 West Haven dropped a 1-0 decision to top-ranked Guilford in Guilford. 
"Everyone on the team played phenomenal," Camara said. "We are ready for the states if we play like that. We played very well."
Guilford's only goal came late in the first half when a loose ball was tapped in on the goal line.  
"We created offense. It was very strategic. We played very defensive. We played very smart. We had opportunities."
The Westies had their chances but could not capitalize in the postseason contest. Despite the loss, Camara was happy with his team. 
"Every single player played above expected," Camara said. "We were almost flawless. Ava Gambardella was strong. Jolie Morrell was great. We just played really well."
Maggie Borer made 6 saves in the loss for West Haven. 

















Marisa Pacapelli (10) splits the defense against Guilford in the SCC tournament, October 26, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















Janiene Tuinman makes a diving save with Amity's Cassie Giza (8) looking for a rebound, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

Amity downs Westies
Giza too much in 3-0 WH loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
WOODBRIDGE (October 23, 2013) –
 With plenty of emotions swirling around Amity High for Senior Day, Cassie Giza had one thing in mind.
Knowing the postseason is up next, Giza showed her team what is expected from this point on as the senior scored twice and assisted on another goal in Amity’s 3-0 win over West Haven.
The win helped Amity finish the regular season at 10-3-3, with only three goals separating the Spartans from an undefeated season. Amity, the fifth seed in the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament, will travel to play fourth-seeded Cheshire on Saturday at 5 p.m.

















Sam Furtak (13), Ava Gambardella (c.) and Jolie Morrell (r.) defend against Amity, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
“I thought we did a really good job with our passing and with our runs,” Giza said. “Everyone worked hard today.
“I think from our first game to today, every single game we have gotten better. I didn’t think much of it (Senior Day) today because we still have more games here.”Giza was all over the field for the Spartans and her persistence paid off with 10 minutes, 26 seconds left in the first half. Sophomore Alexa Gibbs sent the ball forward and Giza picked up the loose ball and beat West Haven goalkeeper Janiene Tuinman for a 1-0 lead. 
Read the rest of this article at
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Lauren Lewis (23) and Melanie Reiss (6) battle for possession against Amity, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

















Jolie Morrell attempts a shot over the wall against Amity, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Ava Gambardella (8) battles for possession against Amity, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Gabi Prisco (20) looks to make a play against Amity, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.


















Sam Furtak (13) tries to keep Amity's Cassie Giza (8) to the outside, October 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.































Tory Lavery (top) had an assist and Allyson Hemstock (bottom) played well in a 2-0 win over Sheehan, October 21, 2013. Photos courtesy of Craig Lemay.

Pushing Forward
Westies beat Sheehan 2-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 21, 2013)
– West Haven coach John Camara is looking for his team to finish strong to end the regular season. While the Westies were not on top of their game Monday afternoon, they defeated Sheehan 2-0 at Sheehan High.
“I thought we were flat today,” Camara said. “We were going against the wind in the first half and we were flat.
“I brought players off the bench to carry us to the half. In the second half, we had the wind at our backs which made it easier. We were not on top of our game.”
After a scoreless first half, West Haven broke the ice early in the second half. A throw-in by Gabi Prisco found Lauren Lewis who fired to the back of the goal for a 1-0 lead. 

















Marisa Pacapelli (10) and Allyson Hemstock (14) celebrate a goal by Lauren Lewis (c., hidden) in a 2-0 win over Sheehan, October 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
That goal was all West Haven needed as the defense and goalkeeper Janiene Tuinman kept the Titans off the scoreboard. Tuinman finished the game with six saves in the shutout.
“She was not challenged that much,” Camara said. “She did a nice job.”
The team’s effort made the goal stand up until the Westies got an insurance goal in the final minute. Tory Lavery’s corner kick found Melanie Reiss who buried the insurance goal. 

















Melanie Reiss (6) scored a late goal to clinch West Haven's 2-0 win over Sheehan, October 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“With a minute left, the corner kick saved us,” Camara said. “We were able to keep the ball in their end. Mel snuck one in.
“We were kind of flat today. We were a little lucky as the other team was not on their “A” game either.”

















Sam Furtak (13) was part of a solid defensive effort for West Haven against Sheehan, October 21, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
 
Senior Sendoff
Lewis, Prisco, Severino lead Westies to win over Lions
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 19, 2013) –
 After the tears dried and the ceremony ended for the seniors of the West Haven girls’ soccer team, plenty was at stake for the Westies. Looking to gather as many points as possible for the state tournament, the Westies were in for a battle against a Foran team looking to play ion the postseason.
In the end, it was a pair of freshmen and a junior which gave the seniors their perfect going away present at Ken Strong Stadium.
Two goals by Lauren Lewis, another by fellow freshman Gabi Prisco and one by junior Alexis Severino propelled the Westies to a 4-3 win over Foran on Senior Night Saturday evening.
“I am happy with our record,’ West Haven coach John Camara said after his team improved to 7-6-1. “I like what we have done. We have two more and we want to win them both.”
While the Westies controlled play from the start, Foran took advantage of a defensive breakdown to score the first goal of the game 4 minutes, 19 seconds into the contest. Foran’s Kayla Newall picked up a loose ball and beat West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer for a 1-0 lead.
The lead for Foran lasted just 2:28 as Marisa Pacapelli found Prisco in front and Prisco scored to even the game. 
After senior Allyson Hemstock just missed to the far side, Lewis scored her first goal with 28:52 left in the half as she took a pass from senior Tory Lavery and drilled a shot home for a 2-1 lead. 
The Westies continued the pressure and had plenty of quality opportunities. Senior Melanie Reiss was denied in front by a diving save from with 20 minutes left in the half and Pacapelli had a goal waved off due to the team being whistled for off sides.
After Foran goalkeeper Carly Pala denied Pacapelli on a break and Hemstock again shot wide, Severino tapped in a rebound of a Prisco shot for a 3-1 lead with 3:18 left in the half. Prisco made the play going in and out of the defense, before her shot was denied.
Alexis Severino gives West Haven a 3-1 lead over Foran, October 19, 2013. 
The Westies seemingly put the game away at the start of the second half as Hemstock set up Lewis for her second of the game 4:36 in for a 4-1 lead.
“I was happy with the way we played in the first half,” Camara said. “I am not happy with the way we played in the second half.
“We thought we had the game won. It wasn’t quite as easy as it was in the first half. They needed the win to help get in the tournament and they played like it.”
The Lions battled back, scoring twice in the final 4:22 of the game to make it a one-goal game. Foran never got closer and West Haven squeaked out the win.Borer finished with 6 saves in the win for West Haven. Pala had 11 saves for the Lions. 

































Gabi Prisco goes all out (top) to set up Alexis Severino's goal (bottom) against Foran, October 19, 2013. Photos courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Lauren Lewis (23) gives West Haven a 2-1 lead against Foran, October 19, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Gabi Prisco evens the game at one against Foran, October 19, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Jolie Morrell (l.), along with Alexis Severino (r.), shows the thrill of victory as Melanie Reiss (6) scores against Hamden to help West Haven to a 3-2 victory and a berth in the state tournament, October 15, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.  

Back for More
WH returns to postseason with 3-2 win overHamden
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 15, 2013) – After going through a winless season just one year ago, West Haven coach John Camara and his squad made it a priority to return to the postseason this year. In Camara’s 14 years, his teams had never gone two straight years without a playoff performance.
That streak will continue.
Led by two goals from Melanie Reiss and a goal and an assist from the red hot Jolie Morrell, the Westies rallied to defeat Hamden 3-2 at Hamden High Tuesday evening. The win helped West Haven improve to 6-6-1 and clichéd a spot in the postseason. 

















The Westies, including Alexis Campbell (30), Gabi Prisco (20) and Tory Lavery (third from left) celebrate a berth in the postseason, October 15, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.  
“I am very pleased,” Camara said. “We have not gone two years in a row with not making it in my 14 years. I did not want to do that this year.
“This is a very high quality team. They are jelling together. We have been able to score. We got big goals from Mel (Reiss) tonight. She came up big.”
With the insertion of freshmen Gabi Prisco and Lauren Lewis into the lineup from the start, the Westies have been a clearly different team than that of a year ago. Scoring just a handful of goals all of last season, this season has been the exact opposite as Prisco and Lewis have been playmakers all year.
Throw in the solid play of Marisa Pacapelli and the play making of Jolie Morrell and Alexis Severino of late, and this West Haven team has shown the ability to come back from a deficit.
“This team has done that,” Camara said.
The Westies took a 1-0 lead in the first half when Prisco sent a perfect ball to Morrell off a corner. Morrell did the rest to give the Westies a 1-0 lead at the 29 minute, 32 second mark of the first half.
West Haven held that lead until the second half when Hamden struck for two goals against goalkeeper Janiene Tuinman in the first 18 minutes. Again, as has been the case a majority of the season, the Westies rallied.
Melanie Reiss, who faced the challenge of marking Cross’ Shea Connors in West Haven’s previous contest and held the Cross star scoreless, then turned into an offensive hero Tuesday night.
Reiss scored off an assist from Morrell with 18:15 remaining to even the game at 2, then scored 2:40 later to give the Westies the lead for good with 15:35 to go in the game. 

















West Haven, including (from left to right) Gabi Prisco, Marisa Pacapelli and Allyson Hemstock, celebrate a Melanie Reiss (second from right) goal with Alexis Severino (r.) against Hamden, October 15, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
“Mel has been great,” Camara said of Reiss. “She played an important role against Cross in holding back their number one player. Today, she turned a defensive role into an offensive role and she did a great job.
“Jolie has been consistent. The balls she was missing at the beginning of the season she is now popping in. It’s been great.”
The Westies also received a solid defensive effort, led by Sam Furtak and Ava Gambardella. But, the play of the game on the defensive side may have come from the quick thinking Prisco, who slid across the crease to prevent a Hamden goal, which proved to be big in the end.
“It was one of the big plays in the game,” Camara said. 

















Gabi Prisco (20) saves a goal against Hamden, October 15, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
Tuinman finished the game with seven saves for the Westies.

















Janiene Tuinman makes a save for the Westies against Hamden, October 15, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















Lauren Lewis (23) scored three times against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

Scoring Machine
Lewis, Pacapelli and Morrell lead WH to 8-0 win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 12, 2013) –
 West Haven coach John Camara was looking for his team to become more offensive. With his team in the midst of a two-game losing streak and having also lost three of four, Camara made some changes to the entire lineup.
The moves paid immediate dividends as the Westies scored five times in the first half and cruised to an 8-0 win over Cross/Hillhouse/Career at Ken Strong Stadium Saturday evening.
“I thought it was a lot better,” Camara said. “We had a game plan and we stuck to it. We isolated their key player (Shea Connors) and we had a much better attack. We made some lineup changes. They worked.”
The win helped the Westies (5-6-1) avenge a loss to Cross earlier in the season where Shea Connors scored all five goals for the Governors.
In Saturday evening’s contest, West Haven’s offense was spread out as Lauren Lewis scored three times, and Marisa Pacapelli and Jolie Morrell each scored twice.
The Westies attacked from the start and had several quality scoring chances early in the game.
After Lauren Lewis and Gabi Prisco were stopped early in the contest, West Haven finally got on the scoreboard and took a 1-0 lead when Alexis Severino fed a perfect ball to Pacapelli, who drilled a shot past Cross goalkeeper Tatyana Lathrop from 18 yards out for a 1-0 lead, 16 minutes, 53 seconds into the game. 

















Marisa Pacapelli (10) gives West Haven a 1-0 lead after taking a pass from Alexis Severino (5) against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
The Westies increased the lead to 2-0 just 1:02 later when Tory Lavery’s corner kick was headed in by Morrell. The scoring barrage did not end as West Haven scored its third goal in 3:30 when Lewis’ shot deflected high off a Cross defender and landed in the goal for a 3-0 lead. 

















Jolie Morrell (second from left) celebrates her goal with Melanie Reiss (6) against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
The goals kept coming for the Westies as Prisco scored her sixth goal of the year when Allyson Hemstock’s shot hit the post and went right to Prisco for the easy tap in with 15:33 left in the half.
Lewis’ second goal of the game was one of beauty for the Westies as Prisco’s corner was headed by Morrell to Lewis who easily found the back of the goal with 12:25 left in the first half for a 5-0 advantage. 

“I thought we played very well,” Camara said. “We executed well on our attack. We had a variety of girls score tonight. We had different girls scoring which is good.”
The Westies closed the second half with three goals. Lavery set up Pacapelli for her team-leading seventh goal 5:35 into the second half, then Pacapelli set up Lewis for her third goal of the game 2:09 later. Leading 7-0, West Haven scored its final goal when Morrell found the back of the goal off a direct kick.

















Jolie Morrell (hidden left) scores off a header in the first half with Allyson Hemstock (14) and Melanie Reiss (6) looking on against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
West Haven also played well defensively. Ava Gambardella and Sam Furtak kept Connor to the outside and thwarted the Cross star’s opportunities.Janiene Tuinman also was solid in goal. After making three saves in the first half, Tuinman finished the contest with four saves.

















Janiene Tuinman made 4 saves in the shutout against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 



















Sam Furtak led the West Haven defense against Cross/Hillhouse/Career, October 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

WH falls to Mercy
Strong second half propels Tigers
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(October 9, 2013) -  After watching a rally go for naught two days earlier, the West Haven girls’ soccer team was looking for better results Wednesday evening.
While the Westies had their opportunities, they converted just once in a 4-1 loss to Mercy at Ken Strong Stadium. The loss drops the Westies to 4-6-1 and is their second straight setback and third in four games. 
"Although the score was 4-1, it does not reflect our level of play," West Haven coach John Camara said. "I made some offensive alterations again. We dominated the second half. They had a few chances and capitalized.
"We are still in the hunt. We have five games and we need two."
West Haven had opportunities in the first half, but could not convert.
Marisa Pacapelli set up Gabi Prisco with a perfect cross but Prisco’s header sailed wide. Melanie Reiss then looked as if she would get a good scoring opportunity with six minutes left in the opening half as she came down the left side, but was denied a shot by a stingy Mercy defense.
Tory Lavery was alone in front with three minutes left, but her high kick sailed high of the left post. When Prisco’s corner was not converted with 2:53 left in the half, West Haven went to the break trailing by one goal, scored by Mercy’s Alexandra Zampini at the 25 minute, 45 second mark of the first half. 

















Lauren Lewis (23) is denied against Mercy, October 9, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 
West Haven came out with the same opportunities to start the second half, but could not convert. The best scoring chance came 2:12 into the second half, but Reiss’ shot from 10 yards out sailed just over the goal.
"I am proud of the girls," Camara said. "Right down to the last ten seconds, the girls were still trying to tie the game."
The Tigers then pounced on the Westies, scoring twice in 4:14. Blakeslee Palmer had both goals, defeating West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer under her right hand off an assist from Kendra Landy with 6:35 gone by in the half.
Less than five minutes later, the lead was 3-0 for the Tigers. Zampini set up Palmer, who easily beat Borer in front for a 3-0 lead with 29:11 left in the game.
West Haven continued to battle and cut into the deficit with 16:37 left. Prisco continued her solid play when she set up Alexia Perez for West Haven’s first goal of the game. 

















Alexia Perez scores West Haven's lone goal against Mercy, October 9, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Alexis Severino (5) against Mercy, October 9, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
























Alexis Campbell against Mercy, October 9, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.



















 
Allyson Hemstock (14) fights for possession against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

All for Naught
Westies fall to SHA, 4-3
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
HAMDEN (October 7, 2013) – Sacred Heart Academy coach George Bedocs says his team learned a valuable lesson Monday afternoon. Fortunately for Bedocs and his squad, they were able to get this lesson with a win.
After allowing three West Haven goals in a span of 3 minutes, 40 seconds with less than 16 minutes to go in the game, Sacred Heart turned to star player Mary Verneris to pull out a 4-3 victory over the Westies in Hamden.
Just 2:45 after West Haven’s Allyson Hemstock evened the game at three with 11:40 left, Verneris answered. The junior scored her second goal of the game when Morgan Daley sent a perfect corner out front which Verneris drilled past West Haven goalkeeper Maggie Borer for the eventual game-winner.
“We met the challenge,” Bedocs said after his team improved to 7-0-3. “The important thing is we learned a lesson. We got away with it. This is a big win for us.
“It is big because we want to learn from this. It is also big because it is a league game. It is a Quinnipiac Division game. They are all big.”

















Lauren Lewis (23) looks to make a play against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

















Alexis Campbell (30) defends against Sacred Hearyt Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 
With Hamden leading 3-0, the Westies mounted a furious comeback late in the game. Melanie Reiss was the catalyst as she gathered a Sacred Heart turnover, controlled the ball off her chest and kicked it past Pacers’ goalkeeper Emma Brindisi with 15:04 remaining. 
Read the rest of this article at GameTimeCt.com here

















Maggie Borer (12) and the Westies look to keep the ball out of the goal against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Jolie Morrell (15) just misses the goal with a header against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Allyson Hemstock (l.) and Marisa Pacapelli (c.) celebrate Pacapelli's goal with Alexis Severino (r.) looking on against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.
















West Haven players, including Melanie Reiss (6), Alexia Perez (33), Marisa Pacapelli (10), Alexis Severino (5) and Tory Lavery (r.) celebrate a goal by Allyson Hemstock (hugging Severino), against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Sam Furtak makes a play against Sacred Heart Academy, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay.

















Maggie Borer makes a save with Sam Furtak (13) and the West Haven defense looking to help out, October 7, 2013. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 

















Alexia Perez (r.) scored twice as West Haven defeated Platt Tech, 6-0, October 4, 2013. Allyson Hemstock (14) and Melanie Reiss (6) celebrate the goal. Photo courtesy of Craig Lemay. 


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