The Conard girls lacrosse team hosted Greenwich on Friday in West Hartford in the CIAC Class LL Quarterfinals.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

By Cole Schweiger

History was made early Friday evening as the fourth-seeded Conard girls lacrosse team defeated No. 5 Greenwich 12-4, and advanced to the CIAC Class LL state semifinals for the first time in program history.

The game was a rematch from earlier this season when the Red Wolves beat Greenwich 12-7 at McKee Stadium. This time, it was even more important, with a trip to the semifinals on the line. 

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Greenwich came out strong and put pressure on Conard early, but senior goalie Maya Nayanakara made sure the Red Wolves stayed in control. One of her biggest saves came on a great scoring chance on a point-blank shot, stopping what could have been the game’s first goal.

Shortly after, Conard got on the board when junior midfielder Jackie Capone fired a shot into the net to give the Red Wolves a 1-0 lead. The goal gave the team energy and started a strong first half for Conard.

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The Red Wolves continued to control play on the offensive end, with Capone, Caitlin Walsh, and Caroline Cersosimo leading the attack and adding goal after goal. Conard’s offense kept Greenwich on its heels while the defense continued to make big stops when needed.

The win sends Conard to the state semifinals for the first time in program history, a moment that means a lot to the players and coaches who helped build the program.

“It’s a feeling like no other,” said Cersosimo, a junior captain. “To be able to do this with the team we have this year is so special, and I’m excited for the opportunity to play in the state semifinals with my girls.”

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Now the Red Wolves will face their biggest challenge of the season. Conard travels to Fairfield University on Tuesday for a 5 p.m. semifinal matchup against top-seeded Darien, which is ranked No. 10 in the nation. A win would send Conard to its first-ever state championship game.

As the team gets ready for the semifinal, Cersosimo said the message has stayed the same all season.

“To play for the people to the left and right of us and play every game with heart and tenacity for our teammates next to us. Every practice and every minute we’re on the field, we’re playing for each other,” she said.

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The team also has a saying that helps keep everyone focused before games.

“What’s more important than winning? Teammates,” Cersosimo said. “We always say this before a game, and it gets us locked in and calm.”

Tuesday’s semifinal will feature two of the hottest teams in Class LL battling for a spot in the state championship. With history already made, the Red Wolves are hoping their memorable season is not finished yet.

Conard vs. Greenwich girls lacrosse. CIAC Class LL quarterfinal. June 5, 2026.. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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