The Conard girls lacrosse team defeated crosstown West Hartford rival Hall 16-6.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Brooklynn Knowles. Photos by Cole Schweiger

Thursday night’s matchup between rivals Conard and Hall was more than just another game on the schedule. The program celebrated 40 years of Conard and Hall girls lacrosse, honoring the history and impact of one of the town’s longtime athletic traditions.

During halftime, girls lacrosse alumni returned to the field in recognition of this milestone. The ceremony also featured remarks from Suzi D’Annolfo, West Hartford’s first female athletic director, who helped establish women’s sports opportunities in West Hartford through Title IX. D’Annolfo reflected on the growth of girls athletics and the lasting success of the Conard and Hall girls lacrosse programs.

Conard honored the occasion with a dominant performance, defeating their cross town rivals 16-6 in the team’s final regular-season game. The win sends Conard into the CCC Tournament undefeated at 16-0 for the regular season.

From the opening draw, Conard controlled the pace of the game. Caroline Cersosimo won the first draw control before Caitlin Walsh opened the scoring at the 11:18 mark to give Conard a 1-0 lead. 

Hall responded midway through the first quarter after earning a free position opportunity. They quickly added another free position goal from Tali Kabakoff to take a 2-1 lead.

With 3:54 remaining in the first quarter, Lucy Gwiazdoski sent another one to the back of Conard’s net. Unhappy with the score, Walsh was able to sift through Hall defense for a last minute goal. Hall’s patient offensive possessions allowed them to hold a narrow 3-2 lead entering the second quarter.

Momentum shifted quickly in the second quarter as Conard dominated possession on the draw circle and turned strong defensive play into offense. A series of goals and forced turnovers allowed Conard to build a comfortable lead heading into halftime.

Conard continued to pull away in the second half. Walsh scored early in the third quarter before Claire O’Donnell converted a free position opportunity for Hall, with 8:14 left in the third. 

Conard’s draw controls remained a major factor throughout the game. 

Walsh connected with Cersosimo once again for another goal midway through the third quarter, while Maya Nanayakkara continued to anchor the defense with several key saves.

With running time in effect during the fourth quarter, Conard maintained possession and controlled the pace. Walsh and Cersosimo each scored off free position opportunities, while Jackie Capone won a draw and later connected with Annabel Tracy for another goal. Capone added one more herself late in the game, driving hard to the goal and finishing to extend the lead.

Hall (9-6) managed one final goal in the closing minutes, but Conard comfortably closed out the 16-6 victory.

This win showcased the team’s unselfish scoring, defensive intensity, and dominance on draws throughout the night. On a night dedicated to celebrating the history of the program, Conard closed the regular season with another impressive performance and now turns their attention toward the postseason.

Hall will begin postseason play on Tuesday, and will travel to face Simsbury in the first round of the CCC Tournament.

Conard will host Northwest Catholic on Tuesday in the CCC Tournament opener.

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