The Branford High School field hockey team clinched a spot in the Class M state final with a 2-0 shutout over Pomperaug on November 11, 2025. Savannah Johnson and Aliza Giordano each scored, pushing the Hornets’ impressive season record to 20-2.
Pomperaug wrapped up their season at 17-3-2. The semifinal brought plenty of intensity, and Branford’s defense held strong, locking down the win and sending the team into the championship with a real sense of momentum.
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Branford’s Path to the Championship
This season, Branford has shown a solid mix of offense and defense. They’ve taken on tough teams from all over Connecticut—Fairfield, West Haven, Cheshire, Guilford, Middletown—you name it.
The Hornets have built a reputation for being steady and tough to rattle. That’s not something you see every year.
Balanced Play Leads to Success
Savannah Johnson got Branford on the board in the first half. That early goal really set the tone for their attack.
Later, Aliza Giordano added another, giving the Hornets some breathing room. Branford’s formation stayed tight, shutting down Pomperaug’s momentum while their forwards kept the Panthers’ defense busy.
Strength in Defense
The defensive squad anchored the win. Senior leaders in the backline read plays well and shut down Pomperaug’s pushes.
Branford’s goalkeeper barely had to make a save, thanks to the defense intercepting passes and breaking up attacks. It’s been like this all season—plenty of shutouts against teams from Torrington, New Haven, and Hartford.
Postseason Performance
Both teams came into the semifinal with strong postseason runs. Pomperaug had already taken down some tough squads, and Branford had handled their own against big-name programs.
The Hornets adapted their game plan and stayed focused, which made a difference in a tight matchup like this.
Momentum Heading Into the Final
Now, Branford heads into the Class M title game riding a wave of confidence. The team’s chemistry has only gotten stronger after months of grinding it out together.
They’ll face another top Connecticut opponent next. Can the Hornets keep this run alive? Hard to say, but they’ve got the tools.
Why Local Fans Are Excited
Folks in Branford, Guilford, and Hamden are buzzing about the final. Field hockey’s getting more attention in Connecticut, and Branford’s run has only added fuel.
Local businesses and alumni are backing the team, so expect the stands to be packed for the championship.
Key Factors Behind Branford’s Victory
What pushed Branford past Pomperaug in the semifinal?
- Strong defensive play — The backline’s strategy kept Pomperaug off the scoreboard.
- Efficient offense — Johnson and Giordano made their chances count with sharp teamwork.
- Season-long consistency — That 20-2 record speaks for itself.
- Postseason readiness — The team adjusted tactics when it mattered most.
- Community support — Fans from New Haven County and beyond brought extra energy.
Looking Ahead
Branford’s gearing up for the Class M final, and a few big questions hang in the air. Can their defense stay sharp when it matters most?
Will that balanced offense keep finding the net? Connecticut’s high school sports scene is about to get a wild finish.
Kevin Roberts from the Republican-American covered the semifinal, bringing his seasoned perspective to a match folks won’t forget anytime soon.
For Branford, this win meant more than just a scoreline. It showed off their skill, discipline, and a drive that’s clearly been building for years.
Teams from all over Connecticut—Stamford, Waterbury, you name it—are watching the upcoming championship. Branford’s become the team to beat and a real point of pride for the shoreline community.
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Here is the source article for this story: Tuesday’s Connecticut high school sports roundup: Branford tops Pomperaug in Class M field hockey semis
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