The Red Wolves bounced back in old fashiond style with a 17-1 win over Shelton at home in West Hartford to advance to the CIAC Class LL Quarterfinals.

Caroline Cersosimo was one of three Conard players who scored four goals. Conard vs. Shelton girls lacrosse. June 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

By Cole Schweiger

After a 9-3 loss to Simsbury last week in the CCC Championship game, Conard girls lacrosse got right back to business Tuesday night. 

The fourth-seeded Red Wolves (18-1, including post-season) hosted 13th-seeded Shelton at McKee Stadium in the second round of the Class LL state tournament and put together a dominant performance, winning 17-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Conard entered the tournament without one of its top players, junior midfielder Ashley Gorman, who suffered a torn ACL during a regular-season game against Greenwich on Ma7 19. Despite the loss of one of its best goal scorers, the Red Wolves showed just how much depth they have across the roster.

Conard got on the board early and never slowed down. The Red Wolves jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first quarter and continued to control the game on both ends of the field.

By halftime, Conard had built a commanding 12-0 lead.

Conard vs. Shelton girls lacrosse. June 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The Red Wolves’ experience and depth were on full display throughout the night, with contributions coming from all over the field. With the game well in hand, senior goalie Maya Nayanakara was given the second half off to rest ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal matchup.

Sophomore Avery Freiday stepped into goal and was ready when called upon, helping Conard keep control of the game while gaining valuable postseason experience.

Even with several back-up players seeing significant minutes in the second half, the Red Wolves continued to push the pace and add to their lead before finishing off the 17-1 victory against Shelton, which had a regular season record of 7-8-1.

Leading the way offensively were Caitlin Walsh, Caroline Cersosimo, and Jackie Capone, who each scored four goals. Freja Morris, Aubrey Montresor, Juliet Montresor, Grace Minahan, and Annabel Tracy each added a goal.

Sophomore Juliet Montressor scored her first varsity goal in the win. Conard vs. Shelton girls lacrosse. June 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Conard will return to McKee Stadium on Friday at 5 p.m. for a Class LL quarterfinal rematch against No. 5 seed Greenwich (7-9-0). When the two teams met just a few weeks ago, the Red Wolves earned a 12-7 victory.

If Conard can come away with another win, it will move on to the Class LL semifinals and face the winner of No. 1 Darien and No. 8 Staples. The semifinal will be played at a neutral site, with a trip to the state championship game on the line.

Conard Goal Scorers

• Caitlin Walsh – 4 goals
• Caroline Cersosimo – 4 goals
• Jackie Capone – 4 goals
• Grace Minahan – 1 goal
• Freja Morris – 1 goal
• Aubrey Montresor – 1 goal
• Juliet Montresor – 1 goal (first career varsity goal)
• Annabel Tracy – 1 goal

Conard vs. Shelton girls lacrosse. June 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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