Football has received a lot of attention at Montville High this season and deservedly so because of its 8-1 record and near upset of undefeated New London. The Indians’ boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, however, completed newsworthy campaigns. Boys’ coach Colin Delaney and wife, Allison Delaney, the girls’ coach, put the wrap on historic seasons of their own.
“It was another memorable run for the two programs for sure,” Colin said. “The boys and girls combined to win 25 games, which is something that Montville can be proud of. From a historical perspective both of these teams rank up there as some of the best that Montville has ever produced. Each team is definitely a top-five team in program history.”
That’s a conservative rating. For the boys, this was only the third time in school history that the boys have advanced to the state quarterfinals—the 2005 team made the semis. Montville (13-5-1) tied the school record for single-season victories. This marks the second straight season Montville won 13 games. Highlights included a 3-2 win over ECC Large power Norwich Free Academy, a 2-1 win over St. Bernard, and two wins over Stonington.
Senior goalkeeper Anthony Occhialini, an All-State junior and a Senior Bowl selection, was the glue that held Montville together all season. He holds Montville records in career wins (32), career shutouts (23), single-season shutouts (10), career saves (409), single-season saves (125), single-season goals against (16), and career goals against average (1.24).
“Anthony has definitely taken his game to the next level,” Delaney said. “Anthony has yet to determine where he will play next year, but he is currently entertaining offers from various universities at the Division I, II, and III levels.”
Occhialini headed a foursome of MHS All-ECC first team selections. Senior center midfielder Taylor Seacor (six goals), sophomore Tyler Leeman (12 goals, six assists), and junior Brett Sinica (10 goals, six assists) also made it. Seacor joined his keeper as a Senior Bowl selection. Senior Joe Brennan scored eight goals and added a school-record 13 assists. Senior center sweeper back Ed Zubritsky also made All-ECC second team.
Montville’s girls set a school single-season record of 12 wins and won their first state tournament game, advancing to the Class M second round. The Indians’ key wins included an upset of ECC Large champ Woodstock and wins over NFA and St. Bernard, a Class S semifinalist (at press time).
Blair Church (11 goals, four assists), Nina Giansanti, and Courtney Stefano (11 goals, 10 assists) made All-ECC First Team. All-ECC 2nd team were Ashley Sgandurra and Kelsey Barlow (seven assists).
In goal, Kelsey MacCracken had eight shutouts, and Catrina Cecchini combined on five of those shutouts.
“Both Allison and I are very pleased with our seasons,” Colin said. “Obviously it never feels good to have it come to an end, but to be one of the last eight teams playing in Class M for the boys and one of the last 16 teams playing in Class M for the girls is always a good thing.”
By Larry Kelley
Special to the Times