Rocky Hill Athletics Battle Through Uncertain Fall

Rocky Hill senior captain Hannah Conneely signed her commitment to play soccer for Saint Michael's College in Vermont

Due to COVID concerns, the final few weeks of the fall sports season at Rocky Hill High School were cut short. Despite various setback, the athletes navigated through the difficult circumstances of 2020 to finish most of the fall sports season. Here’s how it panned out for the cross country, girls’ soccer, and girls’ volleyball programs.

It was another successful season for both cross country teams, who combined to win 11 of 12 meets. The girls finished 6-0 behind captains Maren Valente, Michaela Creevy, and Amanda Walerysiak. Valente posted a team-best 21:06 5k, followed by juniors Maria Corcoran (22:10) and Jazzy Edmunds (22:28). Freshman Zara Bilal showed her potential by posting a season-best (22:45). The boys finished 5-1 behind captains Trevor Christensen, Jack Thurz, and Zach Mascaro. Christensen posted a team-best 17:20 5k, followed by sophomore Brayden Bayek (17:57), Thurz (18:02), junior Bryan Martinez (18:12), and Mascaro (18:20).

Head coach Austin Bobrow had this to say about the teams following the 2020 season, “The coaching staff is incredibly proud of all of the student-athletes on the XC team! The girls continued their success in the conference with another undefeated season and the guys had their best collective performance in a number of years. Had this been a normal year, both teams would have been extremely competitive at the class state meets. All of the success is credit to the approach that the student-athletes had this year. Even in the face of adversity, they were incredibly dedicated to their individual training and the success of the team as a whole. Even with all of the restrictions and ultimately having the season cut short, this will be a season that none of the athletes will ever forget!”

Girls Soccer had two shutout wins over Middletown and another impressive shutout of Maloney, finishing 3-7 this fall. The team had a baker’s dozen seniors, led by captains Hannah Conneely and Mia Valente. Conneely was described as “the engine in the middle” and Valente led the team in goals this season. Keeper Lillian Aube, defenders Jillian Chipkin, Madeline Guerrera, Jennifer Kimball, Caitlyn Kownacki, along with roles players Helena Florer, Molly Lang, Beverly Mastroianni, Amy Perna, and Franny Sessa round out the 13 seniors. The team will have a solid group retuning next season, headed by a talented group of sophomores, headed by Gabby Lafave, Gianna Nanci, Katie Oostendorp, and Sophia Scalise. Following the season, Conneely announced that she has committed to play college soccer at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Rocky Hill head coach Annmarie Catania stated, “I’m excited for her and her family!!!” following Conneely’s announcement.    

​Girls volleyball finished 2-9 with a pair of wins over Bulkeley, including a four-set triumph in what turned out to be the final match for the Terriers. Senior Gracie Manushi led the team in kills and finished second on the team in aces. Fellow senior Bella Santos led the team in aces and tied for a team-high in digs, along with senior setter Sarah Bezdelovs, who also posted a team-high 57 assists. A great group of juniors will be returning to represent the class of 2022, led by Chineye Ozowalu, Emma Wilkinson, Sophia Pawlak, and Maiya Martin.