By Grace Terranova – Staff Reporter

Law sophomore Juliana Rivera continues to thrive on and off the soccer field.

Rivera started off her high school career as a left back, but throughout her journey at Law, she became a midfielder and a center back. Girls JV soccer coach Mr. Mahler believes that Rivera is an integral part of the team, on the field and in the locker room. 

“She’s a huge asset to her team,” Mahler said. “She’s skillful on the ball and great at linking play between defense and offense.”

Even though almost every girl on the JV team was new to soccer this year, they applied themselves and weren’t afraid to try something new. Rivera’s teamwork and leadership skills continue to make the team better.

“Whenever I needed help, she was always there for me, especially for people who are new,” freshman Nia Richardson said. “She will be there to bring you back up and boost up your confidence at all times.” 

The bond between members of the JV team is very strong. They know that they can talk to each other about anything, even if it’s not related to soccer.

“Everyone can be serious when needed and still be able to have fun; our team’s bond is what makes it so special,” Rivera said.

Just like any other student-athlete, Rivera also faces everyday challenges.

“The most difficult part about being a student-athlete is managing my time,” Rivera said. “Sometimes when I get home from games, I won’t have the energy to do my work because I still have to shower, eat dinner, and then complete all of my work while getting a good night of rest.”

Throughout school, she uses every chance she gets to do extra work. When she has her doubleheader games, Rivera will bring her school bag to do work. Her determination and dedication for this team is unmatched. 

“She is the best teammate ever, a leader on the field or off,” Richardson said. “She is always there when someone has a question, eager to help.”

Many of her friends off the field and in the classrooms also get to see her devotion and drivenness. They observe her working hard every day. 

“Julianna is truly a future star athlete; I wouldn’t be shocked if she makes it pro,” sophomore Juliana Stassun said. “She’s one of the most skilled and talented athletes I know; it’s amazing to watch her play.”

Rivera is highly regarded among teachers, classmates, and teammates. She continues to work hard for what she wants, achieving more and more along the way.

“Juliana is truly my role model,” Stassun said. “I’ve never looked up to someone as much as I’ve looked up to her; she inspires me in ways that words cannot describe.”

By Dylan Gaillard and Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editors

The Jonathan Law softball program is entering a new chapter as Leigh Barone takes over as head coach for the upcoming 2027 spring season.

With 10 years of varsity head coaching experience at Masuk High School, Barone hopes to bring her experience, leadership, and winning mentality to a talented Law softball team. Barone’s won seven state championships and seven SWC championships at Masuk.

Before coming to Law, Barone spent a decade coaching at Masuk while also teaching Spanish at Jockey Hollow Middle School in Monroe. After stepping away from coaching for the 2026 season to spend more time with her family, Barone realized how much she missed the game and wanted to return to the sidelines.

“Not coaching made me realize how much I miss the game and how much coaching and being Coach Barone was a part of my identity,” Barone said.

Although Barone is new to the program, she is already familiar with the talent that Law has to offer. During her year away from coaching, she attended several games throughout Connecticut, including Law’s SCC Championship game and Class L state tournament matchups. After watching the team compete, Barone became confident in the program’s ability to compete for championships.

“The group of players are very talented,” Barone said. “They have the potential to win an SCC Championship and a Class L State Championship and those are my goals for them.”

Along with winning games, Barone hopes to create a positive team culture built around confidence, accountability, and teamwork. She believes that every player has an important role in the team’s success and wants her athletes to develop a championship mindset through their preparation and dedication.

New assistant softball coach and Law math teacher Ms. Russell is also looking forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity to work alongside Barone.

“I think Coach Barone brings a lot of experience and knowledge to this program,” Russell said. “We have a talented group of girls, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together this season.”

For senior Lily Stankevich, the coaching change presents an opportunity for the team to grow and build on its previous success. With her final high school softball season approaching, Stankevich hopes to help lead the team toward a successful year.

“I think everyone is really excited to have Coach Barone leading us this year,” Stankevich said. “As a senior, I want to make my last season special, and I think we have the talent to compete for a championship.”

Barone understands that taking over a new program comes with challenges. One of her biggest priorities before the season begins is getting to know her players and establishing expectations. She hopes to build strong relationships with the team while helping each player improve individually and collectively.

With a new head coach, an experienced coaching staff, and a talented group of players, the Law softball program has high expectations heading into the spring.

Barone hopes her leadership will help the team take the next step and compete for both an SCC and Class L state championship.

By James Austin – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s football team has put together a 5-2 record this season and is hoping to earn a spot in the state playoffs.

One player helping the Lawmen work toward that goal is junior center Zach Hyatt, who has become an important leader on the offensive line.

Playing center requires communication, awareness, and teamwork. Hyatt has taken on a leadership role by helping his teammates stay focused and making sure everyone understands their responsibilities.

“I keep the offensive line focused by communicating with everyone, staying positive, and reminding the guys to focus on the next play instead of mistakes,” Hyatt said.

Communication has been one of the biggest improvements for the offensive line this season. The players have continued to build chemistry and learn how to trust each other on every play.

Hyatt believes the group’s improvement has helped them become a stronger unit as the season has continued.

“I think we’ve improved the most with our communication and chemistry,” Hyatt said. “We’re playing more as a unit, making fewer mistakes, and trusting each other more.” 

Having strong chemistry is important because every offensive lineman has a job to do on each play. When players communicate and work together, it helps the entire offense stay on schedule.

Hyatt’s leadership has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Senior quarterback Matthew Witteman has seen him develop into someone the offensive line can depend on.

“I have seen Zach grow into a leader for the offensive line,” Witteman said.

Another reason Hyatt has become a leader is his experience playing the position. He has been starting since his freshman year, giving him multiple seasons to learn the game and understand what the offensive line needs. 

“He’s been starting since freshman year and has a lot of experience,” Witteman said. “He has pushed the other offensive linemen and makes everyone else better.”

Starting left tackle Ryan Woods said Hyatt’s ability to see the entire group allows him to communicate important information to his teammates before and during the plays.

“Him seeing the entire line helps a ton because he can point out what is happening and what needs to happen to be successful,” Woods said.

With a 5-2 record, Jonathan Law is continuing to work towards its goal of winning the state championship. The Lawmen will need to keep improving and stay focused as they look to finish the season strong.

For Hyatt, leadership and communication will continue to be important as the team moves forward. With his experience and the growing chemistry of the offensive line, he hopes to help Law reach its goal of winning a state title.

By Trey Berlingo – Staff Reporter 

Eli Fernandez, a senior who plays on the offensive line for the Jonathan Law football team, is making the most of his final year in the black and gold.

Fernandez is a three-year starter, having started since he was just a sophomore at left guard. His passion for football and love for the game has kept him going throughout his senior season. 

“My senior year has been going well so far,” Fernandez said. “Ive been enjoying my last year of high school, making memories with my teammates, and trying to make the most of every moment.”

Football is a sport of highs and lows, and no different from any other high school football player, Fernandez also experiences some struggles. 

“One challenge this season has been balancing football, school, and preparing for college,” Fernandez said. “It takes a lot of time and dedication, but it has taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on my goals.”

For Fernandez, Jonathan Law football has been an important portion of his life, and he will miss many things about it. 

“I will miss being around my teammates every day, competing together, and the bonds we built throughout the years,” Fernandez said. “Football has given me a lot of memories, and I will miss being a part of a team that feels like family.”

Fernandez is the only senior on the Jonathan Law offensive line this year, and he brings great leadership to the offensive line. 

“I feel that Eli being an experienced lineman contributes to the offensive line because he is the anchor and helps protect the QB,” junior Ryan Woods said.

Fernandez’s teammates appreciate and admire the experience and presence that he brings to the offensive line unit. 

“Having Eli on the offensive line is huge for the whole team because he gets people better looks, and he lets people know what they are doing when they are lost or confused,” junior Connor Ryan said. 

Younger players often look up to Fernandez’s game.

“I feel Eli’s experience helps the offensive line by bringing leadership, knowledge, and confidence,” Junior Zach Hyatt said. “He can help younger players improve and make sure everyone works together as a unit.”

Fernandez’s coaches appreciate the intensity and attitude that he brings to the field.

“I think Eli’s experience has contributed heavily to the offensive line as the only senior on the line, and he leads by example and brings intensity that others follow… he will be missed next year,” Offensive Line Coach Mr. Festa said. 

By Emme Moulton – Staff Reporter

Emily Vella’s record-breaking high school soccer career has come to an end.

Law’s senior captain, who is committed to play Division I soccer at Sacred Heart University in the fall, finished her final season with 33 goals. She scored 85 goals over her four high school seasons, a school record.

Vella said she has dreamed of playing Division I soccer for a very long time. She kept pushing until her dream came true. 

“I’ve always thought of playing in college,” Vella said. “There have been some rough patches where I was thinking about stopping, but ultimately, I always wanted to play ever since I was young.”

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said she is so proud of everything Vella has achieved over the last four years.

“Emily is an athlete that every coach wants on their team,” Francisco said. “She is an impact player with a hunger to score while also always trying to improve her teammates. She is noticed as a skilled, humble, and kind player that she is – proving this by earning the Greater New Haven Official award. She makes the game better and is simply fun to watch.”

Vella is focused on continuing to improve her skills and making an impact at the college level. 

“Next year, I just want to better myself,” Vella said. “Hopefully, I end up getting a lot of playing time in college. “

Senior Captain Sam Matist said Vella has been an amazing teammate throughout her career.

“I am most proud of Emily continuing throughout the season,” Matist said. “It seems easy for her but she has self-doubt and she pushes through to always do her best. She has such high expectations and it has paid off in everything she has done.”

Francisco said that Vella has meant more to the team than just her goal-scoring ability.

“I’m proud of her breaking the goals record, but honestly, I am more proud of Emily for her attitude this season,”  Francisco said. “As such a skilled player, she never put her head down, even for a second. She gave 110% every game.”

One of Vella’s favorite parts about the Law soccer team has been the friends that she made along the way.

“I’ll miss the team chemistry that we had this year, especially off the field,” said Vella “We were all best friends, and you could definitely tell during our games how close we all were.”

The Law girls soccer team will miss Vella and the energy she brings to the team. 

“As most people know she is a great soccer player; however, her personality carries the team,” Matist said. “She is always laughing at practice and is nice to everyone. She is a true spark on the team as a person and a player.”

Vella said she will always remember her final season in a Law uniform.

“My favorite part of the season this year was all the team bonding,” Vella said. “I’ll always remember the memories I made and the new friendships that I made this season.”

By Penny Timmeny – Staff Reporter

Senior Abigail Merenda has reached the end of her high school soccer career after countless memories and hours on the field. 

As the season ends, Merenda has begun to look back on her team and what the sport has meant to her. She spent her high school years developing her skills, building relationships with teammates, and learning lessons both on and off the field. 

“My favorite part of the season this year was the connection my team and I formed,” Merenda said. “It made the season so much more special, especially since it’s my last.”

Throughout the season, Merenda learned that being a part of a team is more than just winning games.

“I will miss so much about the season, but I will miss most of our team dynamic and how we always ended the day with laughter,” Merenda said.

The friendships and memories Merenda made along the way will make her final high school soccer season one she’ll always look back on. Merenda has had such a positive attitude this season and such a beneficial impact on the team.

While Merenda was not named a captain at the beginning of the year, she continued to work hard and eventually earned the title of captain during the season.

“She didn’t let not getting chosen to be a captain be a reason to not to be motivated – it actually made her more motivated,” senior Sam Matist said. “She was dedicated and worked hard to achieve her goals.”

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco witnessed Merenda’s dedication and growth throughout the season.

“Abby is a go-getter – she is always looking to improve and help her teammates improve as well,” Francisco said. “She works hard in practice and even harder in the game.”

Merenda is not playing soccer next year in college, but she is looking forward to playing club sports. 

“I won’t give up on my soccer career fully and am interested in joining the club sports to continue playing and improving my skills,” Merenda said.

Even though Merenda’s high school career is over, she plans to stay involved and continue doing what she loves.

By Connor Ryan – News Editor

Senior Matt Witteman isn’t just the quarterback and captain of the Jonathan Law football team.

He is also a leader who brings confidence and energy to his teammates.

For many football players, success is about making big plays and helping the team win. For Witt, it is also about being a leader and keeping his teammates focused. With Jonathan Law starting the season 4-2 through sixgames, Witteman has helped the team work together and find success.

“We have a tough schedule ahead of us, but every game is winnable if we play our game and work together,” Witteman said.

Being a quarterback means making quick decisions and communicating with teammates. Junior center Zach Hyatt sees this before and during games.

“Before games, he makes sure everyone is on the same page during warmups and pre-game prep, reviewing blitz packages and defensive fronts,” Hyatt said.

Hyatt also believes the offensive line has helped the team get off to a strong start.

“His consistent, reliable blocking in both the run and pass game sets the physical tempo for the entire offense and gives skill players room to operate,” Hyatt said.

What makes Witeman stand out is the confidence he brings to the whole team. Senior defensive tackle Jackson King said Witteman’s energy motivates players on both sides of the ball.

“What stands out to me is how confident Matt is and how he brings energy to the team,” King said. “He leads by example and helps keep everyone focused.”

Junior left tackle Ryan Woods also sees Witteman as a leader of the team.

“Matt helps the offense stay focused by communicating with teammates, encouraging everyone, and keeping the team together when games get tough,” Woods said. “He stays calm under pressure and makes smart decisions.”

Even though Witteman’s main job is leading the offense, his impact reaches the whole team. His confidence and leadership help his teammates work toward the same goal.

Jonathan Law has a tough schedule for the rest of the season, but every game is winnable.

If the Lawmen stay focused, work together, and keep playing hard, they have a chance to build on their 4-2 start and finish the season strong.

By Dani Kotansky – Editor in Chief 

Fall SCC Scholar-Athlete August Oliveira has been a perfect example of leading in the pool as a Law swim captain as well as excelling in the classroom. 

As the fall athletic season comes to an end, the SCC honors seniors who have gone above and beyond to represent their school academically and athletically.

Oliveira has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and it is evident in the appreciation shown by her teammates and coaches. Despite the difficulty of balancing work and swimming, she manages to express her gratitude for her team and their progress. 

“The best part of the season so far has been seeing how much we have progressed and grown together as a team, Oliveira said.” ”Even with a small team, we have continued to work hard, push each other, and improve every day.”

Fellow teammate and captain Aislyn McKernan believes the award couldn’t have been given to a more deserving athlete. 

“She deserves the SCC award because she excels in and out of the pool,” McKernan said. “She works very hard to keep good academics, is in two clubs, and has done amazing as a freestyle sprinter and breaststroker on the team.” 

Head Coach Mr. Rosner has emphasized August’s ability to lead by example throughout the season. 

“She always pushes herself in all situations and gives her absolute best to the team,” Rosner said. “She is vocal at all the right times and is great at offering encouragement or guidance to her teammates.”

Sophomore Alex Oliveira mentioned her ability to be a role model for the rest of the team. 

“August shows strong leadership skills by motivating her teammates, setting a positive example, and encouraging everyone to do their best,” Alex Oliveira said. “She is also an amazing supporter as you can always find her at the end of your lane cheering you on.”

Being a student athlete takes a toll on you, but August has managed to succeed. 

“The most difficult part about being a student athlete is managing my time between school, practices, meets, and my personal life,” August Oliveira said. “It can be stressful at times, especially when I have a lot of school work and sports commitments.”

Rosner is proud of the way Oliveira has led this season, especially putting her team’s interests first. 

“She has scored big points for us in every meet and those have led us to a couple close victories,” Rosner said. “She will swim anything we ask her to do to put the team in the best position to be successful, even if it’s not her best event.”

By Jackson King & Matthew Witteman — Social Media Editors

For most athletes, joining a new team can be a challenge.

For senior goalkeeper Amilio Venditti, his first season playing soccer at Jonathan Law has been an opportunity to make a name for himself.

The Law boys soccer team currently holds a 4-4-5 record, which qualified them for the State Tournament. Venditti has been part of a season filled with competitive games and opportunities for the team to improve.

As a goalkeeper, he plays an important role in keeping Law in games, making saves and organizing the defense in front of him.

“Coming into my first year playing Law soccer, I wanted to prove myself and help the team in any way I could,” Venditti said.

Despite this being his first year playing at Law, Venditti has already received recognition from GameTimeCT as a Mid-Season Player To Watch, bringing attention to his performance between the posts.

For Venditti, adjusting to a new team has been an important part of his senior season. Learning to work with his teammates and building chemistry with the defense have helped him settle into his role as goalkeeper.

“We’ve had some tough games this season, but I think we’ve continued to compete, and I want to finish the year strong with the guys,” Venditti said.

Senior teammate Tyler Stankevich has seen the impact Venditti has made on the team throughout the season. Playing goalkeeper requires confidence and communication, especially when the team faces pressure from opposing offenses.

“Amilio has been a big part of our team this year,” Stankevich said. “He’s someone we can count on in goal, and his effort gives us confidence when we’re out there playing.”

With the postseason approaching, Venditti will look to continue making an impact in goal and help the Lawmen build momentum. His goal is to make the most of his first and only season at Law while helping his teammates compete until the final whistle.

 

By Nicholas Vancho – Staff Reporter

Less than a month into the new school year, an epidemic has already hit Jonathan Law – an epidemic of ACL tears.

There have been at least six student-athletes that have suffered ACL tears across all levels and sports at Law in August and September. 

“I have seen ACL injuries previously,” Law Athletic Trainer Isabelle Notaro said. “But on an isolated basis.”

Notaro said there are many causes for ACL injuries.

“ACL injuries can occur via contact or non-contact mechanisms,” Nataro said. “ The most common mechanisms include rapid deceleration, a direct blow to the side of the knee, or the knee caving inward during a landing.”

Three categories come into play in relation to the risk factors of ACL injuries amongst young athletes. These include biological (age, gender), biomechanical (muscular strength, movement mechanics), and environmental (sport-specific).

“Biologically, the biggest risk of ACL injury is typically amongst females around age 16 and males around age 17,” Notaro said. “Specifically in regards to the fall season, sports like football and soccer are characterized as high impact. These sports require quick cutting or pivoting  movements, leaving athletes with higher risk of exposure to this type of injury.”

Senior soccer player Alivia Bogert has played soccer for four years. When she got injured it crushed her – it hit even harder for her because she had just returned from ACL surgery from last year.

“The first time, I put my foot down and turned my knee,” Bogert said. “The second time it was full contact. I was going for the ball and someone ran through my knee”

Bogert is not alone on the girls soccer injury list as her teammate, senior Samantha Matist, endured the same injury prior to Bogert.

“I was changing direction in a summer league game and tore it,” Matist said.

Sophomore Olivia DeSimone, also a member of the girls soccer team, tore her ACL in tryouts.

“At soccer tryouts, my cleats collided with someone else’s and as she fell, my leg pulled out, popped, and I lost all stability,” DeSimone said. “Mentally it crushed me. I was forced to face emotions I’ve never felt so strongly before.”

These three athletes are still working through the emotional aspects of getting injured.

“It affected me mentally because I couldn’t play my sports for fall, winter, or spring,” Matist said.

Bogert said the daily reminders of her injury are difficult.

“It felt like I always had to wait on my shoulder even when I got off crutches and out of my brace,” Bogert said. “It was always in the back of my mind that I was out for the sports season again.”

The injury these young athletes faced not only affected them, but the people around them as well.

“My parents were devastated that it happened again,” Bogert said. “My team and coach were affected because I was a starting varsity player and with me out they now have to find someone to play my position.”

DeSimone said the outpouring of support has meant a lot.

“People around me became more open and showed me sides of them I’ve never seen before,” DeSimone said. “People really came through to help me.”

The rash of ACL tears has also affected the Law football team. Junior Arthur Rossi tore his ACL in a camp over the summer.

“Someone landed on my knee and it went inwards,” Rossi said. “It affected my family – they’re definitely sad. My team and friends are definitely sad I couldn’t play my junior year with them.”

Sophomore Jayden Garcia and senior Jeremiah Dos Santos also had similar experiences on the field.

“I was breaking down for a tackle and my left foot pivoted into the ground and my body moved right and my knee shifted and like broke,” Garcia said.

Dos Santos said the injury gave him appreciation for the people around him who kept him positive in his last high school year.

“I got hit the wrong way in football,” Dos Santos said. “The people around me are more kind towards me because they have to be careful of my knee.”

All of these athletes are still facing the mental side of their injuries but remain positive.

“It has affected me mentally – it’s hard,” Rossi said. “But I have a good supporting cast helping me through it.”

Even though they can’t play, all of these athletes are doing their best to support their teammates from the sidelines.

“I’ve been going to practice and I’m going to the games, so I’m just staying with my team,” Garcia said.

By Malachi Warren – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law hired a new Athletic Director, Ms. Bickelhaupt, this year, replacing former Athletic Director Tom Drew.

Bickelhaupt said she has enjoyed the fall season so far and loves her new role at Law.

“It’s been great,” Bickelhaput said. “Everyone has been very welcoming and has shown me the Jonathan Law way since I’ve been here. It’s been really fun supporting them, especially in the fall, and meeting the winter and spring coaches, who I’ll be seeing in action soon.”

Most recently, Bickelhaupt served as a Business Teacher, Athletic Events Site Director, and Head Varsity Volleyball and Head Basketball Coach at Valley Regional High School. During her coaching tenure, she guided her teams to seven championship appearances, earned multiple Shoreline Conference titles and a Class S State Championship in volleyball.

Head Football Coach Ryan Pearson said Bickelhaupt has already had a positive impact at Law.

“When getting a new Athletic Director, I was very concerned because you don’t know the person yet, especially when replacing Tom Drew, who I consider a close friend of mine,” Pearson said. “But all my concerns went away from the moment I sat down and met with her. I have to say hiring her has been amazing I’m proud to have her as our Athletic Director and excited for the direction Law athletics is heading with her in charge. She has a ton of experience in high school and college. She is someone I can always go to with a question, concern, or just need another opinion.”

Fall captains have also noticed changes throughout the Athletic Department. Many athletes and captains have said they feel positive about the change and believe it has brought a new mentality to Law athletics.

“So far, the transition has been very smooth,” Volleyball Coach Ms. Loch said. “Ms. B. is very helpful.”

With a new Athletic Director in place, Law’s Athletic Department is going through a period of change.  Bickelhaupt has brought new expectations and ideas and has built a vision for the future of Law athletics.

As the school year continues, athletes will have to adjust to the new expectations while also doing their part to build a stronger athletic community at Law.

“It’s been a pretty smooth transition and I think she’s doing a good job so far,” senior football captain Matthew Witteman said.

Bickelhaupt hopes to bring athletes, coaches, and the school community closer together while creating a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere for Law sports.

“She is a State Championship-winning coach, and she’s sharing this with other coaches,” Cross Country Coach Mr. Beler said.

By Penny Timmeny – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law Cheer team is ready to enter its fall season.

With a new season on its way, the Cheer team is starting to prepare for games and events. This season brings the team two new captains, seniors Cara Mikoliczyk and Katherine Wong, and one returning senior captain, Madelynn Nash.

“I’m feeling really excited about the start of this year’s Cheer season,” Nash said. “I think we have an amazing group of athletes, and I’m excited to see how much we can improve and grow as a team over the next few months.”

Head Coach Morgan Colombo says the team has really come together during practices in preparation for their first few games, one of them being their first home game on the Jonathan Law field. 

“The team has really come together during practices and preparation to perfect their routines,” Colombo said.

The Cheer team’s first home game was Friday, September 18, when they performed their first routine.

The team has been working hard to develop their routines and sideline cheers. 

“Our goals for this season are to advance to states and hopefully make the Team of the Year competition this year,” Mikoliczyk said.

The Cheer team has many new freshmen this season, including Siena Macklin, Caroline Marchand, Larissa Freitas, Cara Marquis, Stella da Cruz, Gianna Morant, Kiley Sek, and Madison Grace. 

“Everyone on the team is very supportive and encouraging,” Sek said. “I can’t wait to see what friendships the team brings later on.”

During the winter, the team is in competition season. They must learn a new routine for competition.

“We want to do our best at competitions this year and hopefully make it to regionals but most importantly have fun,” Nash said.

The cheerleaders are already excited and looking forward to what’s coming.

The team hopes to make it to the Connecticut Team of the Year competition showcase this year with their new routines.

“Our goals for this season are to advance to States as well as hopefully make it to the Team of the Year competition this year,”  Mikoliczyk said.

Junior Giada Siano loves the bond the Cheer team has already developed.

“I enjoy cheering at the football games and being a part of the school spirit,” Siano said. “Our team has a strong connection, and I think that is one of the best parts because we support and encourage each other.’

Columbo has goals for both the varsity and JV Cheer teams this year.

“For varsity, our goal is to advance to regionals and continue improving our skills and performance,” Columbo said. “For JV, we want to give our cheerleaders more opportunities to compete, gain experience, and work toward placing in the top three at their competitions. As a full program, one of our biggest goals is to continue bonding and coming together as a team.”

Colombo has been seeing the team’s atmosphere and is looking forward to seeing all the bonds grow stronger. 

“We are already a very close group, and it has been amazing to see how much the team supports and encourages one another,” Colombo said. “We want to continue building on that throughout the season.”

By Henry Smith and Logan Mullarkey – sports editors

With the 2026 season underway, the Jonathan Law boys cross country team is focused on improving every day and competing for a Milford City Championship.

Head Coach Mr. Beler said the team’s main goal this season is simple: “Win every day.” The team is working to stay healthy while continuing to push themselves and improve throughout the season.

Law’s training includes a variety of workouts designed to help runners develop different parts of their racing. The team uses 1,000-meter repeats to build endurance, long runs of more than six miles, and hill workouts to improve strength.

“We want our runners to keep improving without putting their health at risk,” Beler said. “The goal is to get better every day and be ready when championship season comes around.”

The Lawmen will be led by captains Matt Montini, Pierce Marini and Carter Rosiak. The team will also look to several returning runners and newcomers to make an impact, including Stanley Jiang, Alex Morillo, Lafayama Arman and Justin Berendt.

As one of the team’s captains, Montini knows the importance of setting an example for the rest of the team.

“As captains, we want to push everyone to work hard and stay together,” Montini said. “If we can keep improving throughout the season, I think we can accomplish what we want to.”

Morillo is another runner expected to contribute to the team this season. With a strong focus on training and consistency, he believes the team’s work during practices will help them when they race.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of work, and I think it’s going to pay off,” Morillo said. “Everyone is pushing each other, and that makes us better as a team.”

The Lawmen will also have new runners looking to make an impact. Lafayama is one of the team’s top newcomers and will have an opportunity to compete alongside Law’s experienced runners.

“I’m excited to be part of the team and see what I can do this season,” Lafayama said. “I want to keep improving and help the team wherever I can.”

For Law, the biggest goal of the season is winning the Milford City Championship and keeping the Milford Road Runners Trophy at Jonathan Law. With a combination of experienced runners, new talent and hard training, the Lawmen are looking to make their mark throughout the season.

The team will continue to focus on staying healthy, improving through each workout and competing together as they work toward their goals.

By Ryan Woods and Zachary Hyatt – News Editors

Senior Amilio Venditti is very confident in the Law boys soccer team this season and thinks they can advance deep into the State playoffs. 

“I’m very confident in this team going into the season,” Venditti said. “We have a lot of talented players, and I really believe in what we can accomplish together.”

The boys soccer team has been working hard all offseason, and Venditti’s leadership is one of the driving forces behind that work.

“We’ve been working hard, and I think we have what it takes to have a very successful season,” Venditti said 

Vendetti set several goals for the team. 

“Our biggest goal is to make a deep postseason run and hopefully make it to either the SCC final or the State final,” Venditti said. “We know it’s going to take hard work and consistency, but I’m very confident in my boys and believe we have the ability to get there.” 

The soccer team has been practicing daily and building team chemistry. 

“I think our team chemistry has been really good,” Venditti said. “Everyone is pushing each other to improve, and we’re becoming more comfortable playing together. As a goalkeeper, communication is a huge part of my position, especially with the defense, and I think we’ve developed a strong connection.”

Venditti is very excited to be in goal for one final season. 

“I’m most excited to see how far we can go,” Venditti said. “I’m very confident in this team, and I think we have the potential to make a really deep run. I’m looking forward to the big games and hopefully having the opportunity to compete for an SCC or State final.” 

By Calder Costantini – Entertainment Editor

The Jonathan Law football team is gearing up for its season-opening road game against Hamden on September 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Senior captain and quarterback Matthew Witteman is looking to get the offense on the same page and off to a good start.

“I think we can accomplish a lot this season and hopefully earn a few games past Thanksgiving,” Witteman said. “We will get there by staying consistent offensively and getting better every day.”

Last season, Jonathan Law went 8-3, culminating in a dominating 33-6 win against Foran to keep the Thanksgiving Trophy at Law for the sixth consecutive year. 

Head Coach Ryan Pearson believes that success goes beyond the team’s record, emphasizing effort and pride throughout the season.

“What I need to see from the team to have a successful season is the players play every game with a relentless effort, regardless of win or loss,” Pearson said. 

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, senior defensive tackle Jackson King pointed out the importance of this senior class and communicating with the rest of the team.

“On defense, we expect to lead by example, communicate, and hold each other accountable,” King said. “This senior class means a lot to me. We’ve grown up playing together and have been through a lot.”

After suffering a heartbreaking 32-29 loss to Ledyard in the Class SS quarterfinals last season, Law will again be looking to gain some extra games after Thanksgiving.

This season, Law will host Northwest Catholic, Cheshire, and North Haven, and, more importantly, host the Thanksgiving game against Foran.

By Connor Ryan – Sports Editor

The Jonathan Law volleyball team is ready to start its fall season.

The team has been working hard during the offseason and preseason to get ready for their upcoming games.

Senior captains Jocelyn Larracuente and Ava Hayden will help lead the team this season. Senior Julia Kikis and junior Cayleigh Glynn will also be important players for the team.

Larracuente is excited about the team’s bond and playing with her teammates.

“I’m super excited about the team bonding and us playing together. We have such a good connection that it makes playing the sport better,” Larracuente said.

The team has been preparing by practicing often, doing conditioning, going to open gyms and having team bonding. They have also been working on rotations, serve receive and communication.

Glynn, a key junior player, wants to keep improving her skills this season.

“I hope to improve on my passing, having a strong platform and moving my feet,” Glynn said.

Hayden is looking forward to seeing all of the team’s hard work show during games.

“I’m most excited about seeing all of our practice pay off in our games and how we will put our skills together into cohesive plays,” Hayden said.

Kikis is especially excited for the game against Foran because of the town rivalry.

“I’m most excited for the Foran game because it’s a town rivalry, but a lot of us are friends with the girls on the Foran team, so we’re having fun while playing volleyball,” Kikis said.

With strong teamwork and good chemistry, Law volleyball is ready for a great season.

By Vaughn Kraynak – Entertainment Editor

Last year, the Law boys soccer team was led by a young group of three junior captains. 

Now, those captains are seniors and are ready to lead the team back to the playoffs in their final seasons as Lawmen. 

One of those returning captains is senior Max Moller. The star center-mid was a key component of the team’s success last year and looks to continue improving with his team. 

At 6’4” tall, Moller is a towering presence on the pitch and is esteemed by his coaches and teammates. 

“When Max talks, everyone listens,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “His teammates know how much love he puts in for the game of soccer.” 

Moller is looking forward to the upcoming season. He wants to lead the team in their quest to return to the playoffs and plans to have his best season yet.

“I want to be proud of my last season playing soccer,” Moller said. “I know I’ll leave it all out on the field.”

Playing behind Moller in the backfield will be Senior Captain Cole Alogna. Alogna said Moller displays all of the characteristics of a captain, both on and off the field. 

“He leads by example through his skills on the pitch,” Alogna said. “Even when we find ourselves in a difficult situation, he continues to encourage the team.”

Last year, Moller’s younger brother, sophomore Nate Moller joined the team. He said he looks up to his brother and hopes to see himself filling those shoes in the near future. 

“Sometimes, I find myself modeling parts of my game after him,” Nate Moller said. “He sets a high standard for what it means to be a member of the Law soccer team and pushes us to be our best.”

A goal for Moller this season was to get himself more involved during scoring plays and on offense. 

“Max has great vision on the pitch,” Senior Alex Onze said. “He holds his composure during adversity on the field and consistently takes quality touches on the ball.”

By Henry Smith – Sports Editor

Senior captain Matthew Witteman is entering his final season as the starting quarterback for the Jonathan Law football team. 

Witteman leads the team with energy and support, helping younger players while pushing teammates to do their best. 

“Matt is a natural leader and has been a leader before he may have even realized it himself,” Head Coach Ryan Pearson said. “You really saw him take full charge as a leader last season and develop into a great leader of this program, Matthew is a great leader on the field and also a great leader off the field, whether it’s in the hallways during school, in the gym, or anywhere in the community.”

Junior Dylan Gaillard said that Witteman’s energy helps fuel the team.

“Matt is a great leader,” Gaillard said. “He pushes everyone on the team and tries to get their best. He is very vocal and very supportive to the team.”

Witteman has developed on and off the field over the past three seasons.

“What has impressed me the most about his development is the way Matt sees the game,” Pearson said. “Matt has grown tremendously on seeing what the defense is doing and knowing where to go with the ball fast. Matt is an extension of a coach on the field for me. When I call offensive plays, Matt has the understanding on why the play is called and what we are trying to accomplish with the play call.”

Pearson said that Witteman’s biggest strength is his versatility.

“If I had to describe Matthew as a quarterback there are many ways I would describe him: gamer, electric, confident,” Pearson said. “Matthew has a great arm and is also a threat running the ball which makes it very difficult for defenses to defend because you have to pick your poison when it comes to trying to defend him.”

Witteman is excited for the season to start and is ready to show all the work he put in throughout the offseason.

“Im excited and ready to get started,” Witteman said, “I’ve been working been working hard in the offseason and I’m looking forward to having a great season.”

Witteman’s ability to involve his teammates is one of his greatest strengths as quarterback.

“He is a good quarterback because he gets the whole team involved in each play,” senior Hunter Kendzierski said. “He is good at reading the blocks and making the right decisions for the offense to become successful.”

Witteman’s leadership extends beyond the field, as he makes an effort to support his teammates and keep the team connected.

“Matt is a very good teammate, he always helps the younger dudes on the team and makes sure they know what they are doing,” junior Connor Ryan said. “He always jokes around during practice and makes practice a good time.”

As he enters the season, Witteman has his sights set on making a deep postseason run.

“Our goal is to make the postseason and compete for a championship,” Witteman said. “We want to work together and give our best every game.”

By Dylan Gaillard – Sports Editor 

The Law girls cross country season is about to begin.

The team’s first meet is September 9 at East Haven. Senior Captain Jackie Rivera has many goals for the 2026 season. 

“Some goals for our team this year is to get our varsity team under 25 minutes for our races,” Rivera said. “But the biggest goal is to get everyone on the team running and completing races injury-free, as we struggled with a lot of injuries last year.”

Members of the team said there is a lot to look forward to during this upcoming season. 

“Something I am looking forward to this season is running at states and seeing how well everyone improved from last year,” Senior Captain Alivia Kaplanka said. ”I am also looking forward to Milford Champs and hopefully winning, which could be possible.”

The girls cross country team isn’t just about running. It’s about creating great relationships with your teammates. 

“I also love the tight bonds that come out of the sport,” Senior Captain Rica Mayugba said. ”I’ve met some of my best friends from cross country, and I couldn’t imagine where I would be without them.”

Junior Emma Heinmiller will be a key asset to the team this season.

“My personal goal is for me to be able to get my personal record and have a good overall season,” Heinmiller said. “I hope this season I can help push people and make everyone better.”

One goal the entire team shares is to win the Milford Champions Meet.

“I’m looking forward to our Milford Champions Meet and hopefully bringing the trophy home,” Mayugba said. “I know with all the time and effort we’ve been putting in early in the season, hopefully we can do great things there.”

Rivera has set several personal goals for the season.

“A personal goal for me this season is to break 24:00 in the 5K,” Rivera said. “I got close to it my freshman year, but due to my injuries I haven’t been able to get close to it in the following years. Another personal goal would, once again, be to run at States with the varsity team.”

By Jackson King – Social Media Editor

The Law boys soccer team is preparing to begin its fall season this week after weeks of preparation and anticipation.

One of the key members of the team this season is senior captain and midfielder Tyler Stankevich. As he enters his final season, Stankevich said he is excited to take on a leadership role and help guide his teammates throughout the season.

“It means the world to me. I feel like I’ve improved a lot since last year, both as a player and as a leader, and I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to be captain again,” Stankevich said.

Being a captain comes with many responsibilities and provides an opportunity to lead both on and off the field. Stankevich said one of his main goals this season is to bring energy and intensity to every game.

“I learned how important it is to bring intensity and energy onto the field. I want to lead by example and make sure we play with that intensity every game,” Stankevich said.

Having personal and team goals can help motivate players throughout the season. Stankevich has set goals for himself while also looking forward to competing against familiar opponents.

“Personally, I want to score my first varsity goal. As a team, I want us to beat Foran again and continue building on what we accomplished last season,” Stankevich said.

Stankevich’s leadership extends beyond the soccer field, as being a supportive teammate is another important part of his role as captain.

“He’s a grade-A teammate both on and off the field. He’s always looking out for his friends, his team, and the people around him, and he always puts the team’s interests first,” senior Evan Esposito said.

With the season beginning this week, Stankevich and the rest of the team are looking forward to putting their preparation to work and starting the season strong.

By Taylor Mola – Social Media Editor-In-Chief

The Jonathan Law girls soccer team is ready to start its fall season.

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco, is prepared to lead the team with the help of senior captains Ashlyn Smithauser and Emily Vella and junior captain Cora Aitkenhead. Law’s first game is September 8 against North Haven at Lawmen Stadium.

Fransisco said Law had a great preseason and that the team is improving every day.

“Our preseason so far has been like a puzzle: trying to figure out which spots work best for each player and the team in general,” Francisco said. “We are growing as a team each day and getting excited for the regular season to start.”

Smithauser is eager to step up and help lead the team this season with positivity and laughter.

“Being captain, this season means leading my team by example, supporting our team, communicating with our coach, and representing our team with respect on and off the field,” Smithauser said. “As a senior, I want to go out with a bang, have a fun-filled last season, and grow a stronger sisterhood with my teammates.”

Vella is looking forward to helping the team qualify for States, beating last year’s 3-8-5 record.

“My team goal for the season is to hopefully make States by winning at least six games,” Vella said. “Personally, I am hoping to achieve All-State recognition for the third year in a row.”

Aitkenhead said she is ready for her new role as a leader of the team.

“My biggest responsibility as a captain is likely going to be keeping the balance of when to have fun and when to keep the team focused and centered,” Aitkenhead said. “While a high school sport is one of the best ways to connect with your peers and let loose, I think our entire team can agree that building relationships built on reliability and each of us being willing to put in our fair share of effort/focus to improve, will not only be fun but give us the best results in growing as players and as a team.”

The team’s new player have been welcomed and helped by the team’s upperclassmen.

“I’m excited to see the underclassmen grow and learn throughout the year,” senior Anna Bludevich said. “Although I am graduating, it brings me great joy to see how passionate some of these people are for the sport, With that, they continue to practice and be present when it counts for the team.”

By Matthew Witteman – Social Media Editor

As the Jonathan Law football team returns to the field, senior Jackson King also makes his return to football after being sidelined for almost a year.

Last year, King suffered an ACL tear just two games into the season which would ultimately bring his junior year to an end. Suffering an injury of that severity could be very draining both physically and mentally, but King tried to stay positive.

“The hardest part was being away from the game and having to be patient,” King said. “I wanted to get out there with my teammates, but I knew I had to trust the process and take my time.” 

There is a lot of work and patience that goes into returning from an ACL tear.  

“I want to come back strong, stay healthy, and contribute as much as possible,” King said. “Our team goal is to compete for a championship and make a deep playoff run.” 

King’s return will be a big boost to Law’s defensive line. 

“Having Jackson back on the line is important for us not only physically, but from a mental standpoint as well,” Defensive Coordinator Joseph DeVellis said.

King’s presence is not only felt amongst the coaching staff but also with his teammates around him.

“Having Jackson back is huge for our defense because he is a leader on the defensive line and is a workhorse for us.” senior Alex Konlian said. 

King is excited to be back and eager to get back to doing what he loves most. 

By Dani Kotansky – Editor in Chief 

The members of the Jonathan Law girls swim and dive team are ready to begin their season, with their first meet at Lyman Hall on September 10. 

Led by Senior Captains Aislyn McKernan and Avery and August Oliveira, the team is well prepared to have a strong season. McKernan is ready to make an immediate impact as captain and guide the underclassmen. 

“My role is to encourage the team to always do their best in the pool as well as make sure everyone feels appreciated on the team,” McKernan said. ” I will lead the team by being kind but also stern when I need to be.”

With a good mix of returning and new athletes, Assistant Coach Mr. Lui is looking forward to seeing what will come of the team. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing the progress the girls make from the beginning of the season to the end,” Lui said. “I’m also looking forward to the energy of meets, watching the team compete for each other, and hopefully seeing a lot of best times along the way.”

The team will have their first home meet vs Guilford on September 22, and they will finish out the season at home against their crosstown rival Foran.  

Since athletes qualify individually for states and SCC’s, each one will look to hone their own skills, including sophomore Alex Oliveira. 

“My goal is to drop time in my events and to work on my technique throughout the season,” Oliveira said. 

The only diver on the team, junior Zoe Browne, has her own goals for the season, but is also excited to see what the team can accomplish. 

“I’m looking forward to competitions and improving my personal scores, as well as seeing the team cut their times,” Browne said. 

Junior Sydney Guest has big aspirations for this season 

“This season I am hoping to make states in all my events,” Guest said. 

For Coach Lui, it’s not just the meets that make this team special, it’s the atmosphere they have created. 

“I want us to continue to build on our positive team culture where the girls support each other, work hard, and enjoy being part of the team,” Lui said. 

By Cora Aitkenhead & Dani Kotansky – News Editors 

The Jonathan Law girls lacrosse team wrapped up their season last week with their final game against Lauralton Hall. 

The girls finished their season with a record of 3-13. Sophomore standout Emma Heinmiller expressed the improvements she is proud of her team for making, and the improvements she still hopes to see. 

“Something I think we did well this year was slowing down our attack and being able to set something up to be able to score a goal,” Heinmiller said. “Something I think we can work on is our defense and communicating how we are doing things by being able to lock down the other team’s offense.”

The team was able to get some exciting wins as players watched their team spirit grow and watched the team thrive as they worked collaboratively.

“My favorite memory from this season was when we won our first game against West Haven,” sophomore Rainey Haramis said. “It was special because we were able to work together as a team and celebrate all together after the win.”

Haramis was also pleased with how her teammates lifted each other up throughout the season, and looks forward to their communication continuing to drive them towards success.

“One thing our team did really well this year was cheering each other on and supporting them even when the outcome wasn’t what we planned,” Haramis said. “One thing I think we can do more of is consistent communication on both defense and attack so that we can all work as a team on the field.”

The seniors got a special win to close out their Law lacrosse career as their strong work ethic resulted in a flurry of goals that night.

“My favorite memory of the season was Senior Night when we were able to win and we were able to work as a team and almost everyone got a chance to score a goal for the first time,” Heinmiller said. 

By Dylan Gaillard and Logan Thomas – Advocate Editors

The Jonathan Law baseball team finished the year with a 9-11 record and qualified for the Class M State Tournament. 

The season featured some ups and downs, but the team was able to reach its ultimate goal of making the postseason.

“I think the season has been solid overall,” Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said. “We’re a young team, but we’ve been competitive at every position and have continued to improve day by day. Like any team during any season, we’ve had some ups and downs, but the growth we’ve shown has been the most important piece in my opinion.”

The team has many strengths, but McPartland said there is always room for improvement. This season, the goal has been to get the team’s hitting and pitching clicking at the same time.

“Pitchers need to be confident and trust their pitches to get outs and not be scared of getting hit,” Senior Captain Jackson Judge said. “Our hitters need to work on getting timely hits and not leaving runners on base.”

There were many memorable moments throughout the season that boosted team morale and helped them succeed against tough competition. 

“After getting mercy-ruled by North Haven in the first half of the year, we went to their home field and beat them (the second time),” Junior Captain Aiden Ramos said.

The Class M State Tournament is approaching, and the Lawmen are preparing for it in many different ways. 

“Were really focused on staying consistent with our approach and sticking to what has helped us improve all season,” McPartland said. “Practices have been dialed in and crisp, we focus a ton on different situations we may run into and maintain a competitive edge.” 

This year, the team has a goal of advancing multiple rounds in States.

“Every year we have the same first goal of making States,” Judge said. “Last year, we made it and lost in the first round. This year, we’re looking to move the mark and win a few States games. We have a tough first game, but we’re ready to take on the challenge and move on.”

By Aislyn McKernan – Social Media Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law girls track team is closing in on the end of its season and hoping to end on a positive note.

Law was led this season by captains Alani Velez, Avery Moulton, Molly Croce, and Charlotte Baldieri. The team posted many personal bests during the regular season and had several girls place at SCCs.

Senior Captain Alani Velez has many positive remarks about the past season and was very excited for post season to begin. 

“The team did great this season,” Velez said. “We had a lot of young kids join this year, but we also had a lot of upperclassmen step up and show leadership. In terms of States, I’m excited to watch the team compete at a high level.”

Senior Captain Avery Moulton worked tirelessly to reach her goals. 

“My season started out a little rough,” Moulton said. “I was struggling to hit my time in my 800M and ended up getting really frustrated. After a few meets, I was finally able to get it and PR by four seconds.”

Junior Talia Hagan had a standout season and broke the school record in the 300M hurdles.

“A goal I had was to break the 300H school record, which I did at the previous meet, but my main goal is to make New Balance Nationals for the 300H, which I am 0.8 seconds away from, and also break the school record for the 200M, which I’m 0.4 seconds away from,” Hagan said.

Every season has obstacles, and Senior Captain Molly Croce faced the difficult challenge of an ACL injury this past year. 

“My biggest challenge was definitely dealing with my injury throughout this season,” said Croce. “Not being able to be a part of the 4×100 team and run my normal times and get personal records in my other events was frustrating, but seeing my teammates succeed and have fun in their events made me happy and helped me stay positive throughout the season. It also showed me that being a captain is not just about performance but also about leading and supporting your team.”

By Kendall Upchurch & Emma Bonanno – Staff Reporters

Every Law girls tennis season begins with a blank slate, but a few chapters in school history will read quite like this one. 

Law recently wrapped up its 2026 regular season with a record of 15-5, which ties the school record for regular season wins. The team beat Hand and Cheshire for the first time ever this season, qualified for the SCC Tournament, and finished as the #2 seed in the Class L State Tournament.

Head Coach Mr. Kulenych traced the team’s success directly back to the daily commitment shown by every player on the roster. 

“We have been successful this season because we have a group of girls who work hard to get better every day, who refuse to give up and grind through tough sets and tough matches, and who are there for one another on and off the court,” Kulenych said. “It’s hard to beat a player or a team that never gives up, and that is our mentality every time we take the court. It doesn’t matter who we are playing – and we have played a lot of really talented teams this year – the girls give max effort and want to be great.”

Through a relentless work ethic and an unbreakable bond, the squad turned a season of potential into a season for the record books. For Senior Captain Kayla Markowitz, the season was about leaving everything on the court while lifting others up. 

“This year my goals were to of course contribute to the team’s success by winning as many varsity matches as I could, and ultimately help us get to SCCs and States,” Markowitz said. “Above that, I wanted to walk off the courts every day knowing I was better than the day before, and support my teammates in whatever way I could. Whether that means giving them a pep talk, or just a reminder that they’re giving it their all and that’s all we could do, I wanted my team to know I had their backs.” 

That collective backing was on full display during a historic 5-2 home victory against Cheshire. 

“The team energy was incredible that day and it was a testament to how hard we had each been working in practice,” Markowitz said. 

Junior Courtney Russo noted that the victory was an unexpected personal triumph. 

“The Cheshire match was my favorite because it was a huge win for me that I went into not expecting at all,” Russo said. 

Law followed up that win with a historic victory against Hand. Having lost to Hand earlier in the year, the second meeting came down to the wire and sophomore Emma Ciccarelli was right in the thick of it. 

“My match ended up being the deciding match, and after a comeback, my doubles partner (Siya Patil) and I were able to win the match for both us, and the entire team,” Ciccarelli said. “The team had never beaten Hand in school history, and it was a huge and exciting moment for everyone on the team.”

Throughout the season, Law’s biggest strength was its depth. Senior Captain Harshitha Kothapalli, Russo, senior Rose O’Connell, and sophomore Cora Aitkenhead anchored the singles lineup, and the teams of sophomore Isla McKeand/senior Layla Alogna, Ciccarelli/Patil, and Markowitz/junior Aasritha Gadhamsetty all had successful doubles seasons.

Junior Jocelyn Dimes and sophomores Anwita Puttam and Vanessa Messina also posted key varsity wins during the season.

Kothapalli, Patil, and Ciccarelli were all named to the All-SCC team and Aitkenhead finished the regular season undefeated (20-0) at #4 singles.

What makes the team’s run even more memorable is how many question marks there were in the lineup at the start of the year. Players stepped into new roles without missing a beat – a quality that Aitkenhead found incredibly impressive. 

“In three words, I would describe our season as supportive, experimental, and historical,” Aitkenhead said. “Going into this season, anybody really could have played anywhere, so I am beyond impressed with both our coach’s and our players’ ability to be flexible and willing to do whatever it takes, and even more impressed with how those attitudes have led us to so much success.” 

Russo said the true heart of the team was forged in quieter, lighter moments off the court. 

“The team had a pasta party recently, and we all hung out outside and rode scooters and skateboards together, which was very wholesome,” Russo said. 

Kulenych credited the team’s leadership for keeping those standards high day in and day out. 

“Our captains have done a tremendous job all year, setting the tone on and off the court,” Kulenych said. “They work hard every day at practice, they fight through difficult matches, and they are always there to support their teammates and build confidence and camaraderie. Their positive energy, maturity, and work ethic were a huge part of our success this season.”

By Marina Cosmas & Gabby Rodriguez – Staff Reporters

The Law boys tennis tennis team made its mark in the SCC this spring season.

The Lawmen finished the regular season with a 14-6 record – the second most regular season wins in school history – and qualified for the SCC Tournament and Class M State Tournament.

“The captains – Sid, Surya, Santi, and Parth – have all been very receptive and willing to do whatever it takes and play whatever spot in the lineup I ask, to do what’s best for the team,” Head Coach Mr. Zuraw said. “There have also been a couple of juniors who have stepped up in terms of their leadership, particularly Dylan Maselli and Rithvik Muthyapu.”

Zuraw said the team has already accomplished several preseason goals and hopes to advance as many rounds as possible in the upcoming State Tournament.

“Aside from qualifying for States, we had goals to beat Foran, to get better as the season progresses, and to have a fun and successful season,” Zuraw said, “I can confidently say that those goals have definitely been achieved.”

Junior Dylan Maselli said that the team’s poise in big moments helped them all season.

“During long matches, I try to breathe and concentrate on the ball and where the players are standing,” Maselli said. “I also try to move around the most I can so that my body will not get lazy during the match.”

Members of the team praised Zuraw for his performance in his first year coaching the team.

“Our coach, Mr. Zuraw, has helped the team significantly this season,” junior Ryan Berent said, “He taught us new strategies to win our matches.”

As the season is coming to a close, Berent was proud to say that a memorable moment on the court was their senior night. 

“The team getting together to thank our seniors for being great captains and teammates was a great memory,” Berent said. 

Law had success in both singles and doubles this season. Maselli said the key to doubles success was communication. 

“Two great players with no communication will lose to two mediocre players with amazing communication more than 50% of the time,” Maselli said. “Communication isn’t just about strategizing and communicating during the point, it is also about keeping your teammate up when they are in their own head.”

While winning is important, the team has found itself focusing on each other, and making sure they drive each other to be great players.

“Our team’s energy is very important for every match,” junior Pierce Marini said. “We’re all always expected to be there for everyone while they’re playing to keep their head in the game so we can win.”

By Eason Dong – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys track team finished its spring season with a record of 9-5.

Law had several impressive wins along the way, but perhaps the most memorable moment from this season was when Law won the Milford City Championship.

“Most importantly, we’re the Milford City Champions, sweeping Foran and Platt Tech,” Head Coach Mr. Beler said.

One of the toughest challenges that the Lawmen faced this year was off the track.

“The toughest challenge the team faced this season was honestly the weather,” Senior Captain David Guery said. “I feel like every meet was either very cold, windy, or raining.” 

Junior Captain Logan Mullarkey said the team had a strong bond that helped them throughout the season.

“What made this season different from past seasons was the level of chemistry and commitment across the team,” Mullarkey said. ”Athletes supported each other more than ever, creating a stronger team environment both during meets and at practice.”

This year’s team was extremely young but filled with underclassmen who are competing at the highest level and making a name for themselves.

“What makes this season different is we have a lot more freshman that are having a really great season and  becoming one of the best on the team,” junior Kayleb Moore said “We don’t have the seniors from last year that were key stars on the team but we have some people who filled in the spots and became their own stars to make of for it and we still place great at meets.”

Many of these young athletes have made a huge impact this, with the relays this year being filled with underclassmen.

“What made this season stand out from past seasons is the diversity in the relays this year because I’ve seen freshmen and sophomores mixed together in them,” freshman Malachi Warren said.

There were several upperclassmen who made an impact this season as well, including senior David Guery, who broke a 20-year-old triple jump record and won the SCC West Championship.

Beler said the Lawmen have the potential to become one of the best teams in the SCC next season.

“The future is bright with the number of young athletes that have stepped up,” Beler said. “Our advice for next year is keep training, keep working, and next year, better things are yet to come for this team.”

By Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editor

The 2026 season was filled with growth, determination, and hard work for the Jonathan Law boys lacrosse team.

Although the Lawmen faced a challenging schedule throughout the spring, the team continued to battle every game and showed improvement as the season progressed.

Law picked up strong wins against teams such as Norwich, Wilbur Cross, Ledyard, and Notre Dame Prep while competing against some of the tough programs in the SCC. The Lawmen also earned a solid road victory against Ledyard and defeated Notre Dame Prep later in the season, finishing with a 5-11 record.

Throughout the year, the team emphasized effort, teamwork, and staying competitive no matter the opponent.

Head coach Frank Skawinski praised the team’s resilience and commitment throughout the season. He said that even during difficult stretches, the players continued to show energy at practices and remained focused on improving every day.

“This group never stopped competing and continued to improve every week,” Skawinski said. “Even in tough games, the players showed leadership and commitment to the program.”

The coaches also credited the senior leadership for helping the team stay motivated and connected during the season. Captains played an important role in keeping the team focused both on and off the field.

Senior Captain Roman Belbita reflected on the bond the team built over the course of the season and how the players continued supporting each other from the first game to the last.

“We grew closer as a family this year,” Belbita said. “Everyone pushed each other at practice and supported one another no matter the score.”

Many younger players also stepped into larger roles this season, gaining important varsity experience that could help the program in future years. Several juniors became key contributors on both offense and defense as the season went on. 

Junior attacker Henry Smith said the team learned valuable lessons from competing against strong SCC opponents throughout the spring.

“A lot of younger guys got valuable varsity experience,” Smith said. “We learned what it takes to compete at a high level, and I think that will help us next season.”

Junior Captain Alex Konlian also spoke about the team’s mindset and determination during the year. He noted that the players continued to work hard regardless of the challenges they faced during the season.

“We didn’t give up on each other,” Konlian said. “Even when games got tough, everyone kept working and trying to improve.”

Despite facing many difficult matchups against talented opponents, the Lawmen continued to work hard and represent Law. The team’s determination and experience gained this season created a strong foundation for the future of the program.

By Kendall Upchurch – Staff Reporter

Emma Heinmiller isn’t just a high scoring sophomore, she’s a “coach on the field” for the Law girls lacrosse team. 

As for many athletes, the transition from freshman to sophomore year is simply about getting more playing time. For Heinmiller, it’s been about evolving as a leader on the team. She has combined her work ethic with natural ability to lift those around her. 

Heinmiller’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, however. Like many who pick up lacrosse, she found the technical pieces of the sport to be her biggest test. 

Heinmiller identifies cradling as her toughest challenge, specifically maintaining control while being pressured by defenders. 

What sets Heinmiller apart isn’t just her physicality skill, but her mental approach to the game. 

“Emma possesses a “lacrosse IQ” that allows her to think two moves ahead of her competition,” Head Coach Ms. Oliver said.

More importantly, Heinmiller remains incredibly coachable. 

“The cool thing about Emma is that she is always asking questions about how to get better,” Oliver said. “Her humility and willingness to grow, whether in practice or mid-game, set a good example for young athletes.” 

Junior Maddie Nash said Heinmiller’s presence provides a level of stability that is rare for a sophomore. 

“Having her out there makes everything flow better,” Nash said. “I know I can trust her to do her job, communicate, and make smart decisions.”

Nash emphasized that Heinmiller stands out because of her confidence and consistency. 

“She is the type of player who changes the game the moment she steps on the field,” Nash said.

While her stats and IQ speak for themselves, Heinmiller’s impact is felt most deeply by the program’s newest members. 

Freshman Brynne Maida credited Heinmiller with helping her find her footing in a high-pressure environment. 

Heinmiller’s goals extend beyond her own box score. As she looks toward her junior and senior years, her focus is on the growth of the program. 

“I want to get more girls to join, not just to join, but because they want to play the sport,” Heinmiller said. 

For incoming freshmen who might be nervous for tryouts, Heinmiller offered simple, grounded advice. 

“Just play your game and don’t worry about dropping a pass or messing up,” Heinmiller said. “Put in full effort without the fear of failure.”

By Emma Bonanno – Staff Reporter 

Law sophomore Cora Aitkenhead has started out the 2026 girls tennis season strong. 

Aitkenhead has a 11–0 record so far at #4 singles, consistently winning her matches with confidence. She sets the tone for her team and proves herself as one of the top competitors early in the season.

“My season so far has not only been going very well as far as scores, but has been an absolute blast,” Aitkenhead said. “I’ve really enjoyed improving and playing singles, and I think this season I have become really close with some new friends and even closer with old ones.” 

Akeinhead’s impact goes beyond her undefeated record, as her leadership and character have also stood out. Head coach Mr. Kulenych praised Aitkenhead’s dedication and presence on and off the court. 

“Cora is everything a coach wants in a player – she is a leader, she works hard every day to get better, and she is relentless when she gets on the court,” Kulenych said. “Off the court, she is an amazing teammate, always rooting for and supporting the other players and giving the younger players someone to look up to.”

Aitkenhead has clear goals for herself as the season continues, focusing not just on winning but on improving her overall game.

“My goals for this season are to improve my technique and perfect my placement, while also becoming more consistent and playing well no matter the varying level of my opponents,” Aitkenhead said. “By perfecting things like my placement and ground strokes I’ll have more control over my opponents allowing me to win matches more easily.”

Aitkenhead’s impact has also been recognized by her teammates. Junior Courtney Russo has seen how important Aitkenhead has been to the team’s success this season.

“This season, Cora has been a huge asset on the singles line up,” Russo said “There have been times where Cora has secured the win for the team which is so needed, and Cora’s insane record this season truly shows the kind of player she is.”

As the season continues, Aitkenhead looks to build on her record, refine her game even further, and remain a key leader both on and off the court for her team.

“I think my biggest challenge was adapting to the switch from singles to doubles,” Aitkenhead said. “Playing varsity doubles as a freshman was a great place for me to start and get to know the sport as it was my first year playing tennis. I knew that I would be a singles player eventually, but when I got thrown up to singles at the start of this season it was a whole different ball game of running, more strategy, and self-dependence, but I’ve adjusted well. I’ll be honest, the running from my soccer season has definitely translated to the tennis courts.” 

By Eason Dong – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law Junior Captain Aiden Ramos has emerged this season as of the best players in the state.

Ramos has been playing baseball since five years old and is the catcher for Law. He has been one of the best and most dependable players for the Lawmen.

“You know exactly what you’re going to get from him every day,” Assistant Baseball Coach Mr. McPartland said. “Effort, focus, a team-first mindset, and someone that is going to hold his teammates accountable.”

Ramos’ goal for this season is to improve his game as much as possible and be the best role model for underclassmen.

“My goals for this season are to improve in every aspect of my game and to be a good role model to underclassmen,” Ramos said.

Ramos tries to help the underclassmen improve as baseball players and as people. 

“He treats every teammate with respect and treats them like a good human being,” Freshman Gavin Leclaire said, “He is always ready to win no matter what and he tries his hardest to put the team before anything.”

Ramos has impacted this program drastically this season. He is one of the many reasons why Law has won big games over teams like Westhill and East Haven.

“Early on, he was more reserved, but over time he’s become more comfortable taking ownership of his role and impacting the game and our baseball program in bigger ways,” McPartland said.

Recently, Ramos announced his commitment to play Division I baseball at the University of Maine.

“I chose the University of Maine because I truly felt at home at the campus and around the coaching staff, along with the high level of baseball that they compete at throughout the year, and I want to become a part of that,” Ramos said.

Ramos is one of the hardest-working players on the team, always striving for improvement.

“He always works hard,” senior Nick Comas said.

Ramos makes baseball fun not just for himself, but for teammates by always bringing a positive attitude every day.

“Aiden brings a great energy to the team by showing up every day being positive while he helps push us to our best,” freshman Gabe Roberto said.

One piece of advice that Ramos would give to young baseball players would be to go to the gym.

“Hit the weight room,” Ramos said. “You might not realize it, but baseball is and extremely physical game, especially at the college level.”

By Breana Aquino – Staff Reporter

This season marks the second of sophomore Anwita Puttam’s career as a player for the Law girls tennis team.

Puttam has been playing tennis for approximately six years, with both influences from her father and the team.

She joined the team last year as a freshman, gaining experience playing junior varsity matches the entirety of the season. Now as a sophomore in the current season, Puttam has been the recipient of broadening her skillset due to more challenging opponents the team was set to face.

“This season has been absolutely great,” Puttam said. “Since we’ve moved up a division, we’ve played a lot of harder teams, but we’ve been doing really well.”

However, this season was different for Puttam personally. She was able to bag her first varsity win while playing doubles with Senior Captain Siya Patil during a match against Lyman Hall.

Patil expressed how playing the match with Puttam was unpredictable, yet prevailed in the end.

“We had never really gotten many reps together during practice, so I was a little unsure about the outcome,” Patil said. “But we quickly adapted to each other’s skill levels, which helped us win our match.”

This feat in Puttam’s career was not only her first varsity win but also the first varsity match she has ever played for the team.

“Since I never played varsity before, and it was really last minute, I was kind of stressed,” Puttam said. “But we ended up winning in the end.”

Patil characterized Puttam to be a person with motivation.

“She is always ready to play, whether it’s stepping up to a spot in the lineup or cheering on for the team,” Patil said. “As a player, she is very focused during her matches and always perseveres through tough points.”

Puttam believes that she has made an abundance of improvement from the year prior to the ongoing one.

“Last year specifically, I didn’t have as much match experience, but I slowly got more used to them,” Puttam said. “I also improved my serve a lot with some help from (Coach) K.”

Head Coach Mr. Kulenych commended Puttam for the progress she has made from last season to the latest.

“Anwita got some valuable match experience at JV last season and came back a more consistent and powerful player,” Kulenych said. “She has helped us in varsity matches already, and I am excited to see how she continues to develop and improve the rest of the year.”

Puttam expressed how she hopes to continue her tennis journey with the same effort.

“I just hope to keep improving my game as I continue playing through high school,” Puttam said. “I want to also get closer and more involved with my team.”

By Yeiden Nieves and Connor Ryan – Sports Editors

The Law softball team has started the season off strong with a 6-2 record.

They have secured victories thus far over East Haven, North Haven, Branford, Wilbur Cross, Guilford, and Lyman Hall. The Lawmen finished with a 13-7 record last season and lost to St. Joseph’s in the second round of the Class L playoffs.

“We all felt the same way last year after our playoff loss and we don’t wanna feel like that ever again,” senior catcher Sophia Scarpa said. “We worked hard in the offseason to ensure we have a better season this year.”

This year, the team consists of three senior captains: Emily Roos, Charlotte Doyle, and Emily Bassett. They believe they can get the team to work together have a successful year.

“It all starts with us leading by example and having a good attitude,” Doyle said. “That helps us captains keep the team focused which in the end helps us win more games.”

The team consists of many underclassmen who contribute much to the team. Sophomore shortstop Gabby Rodriguez is looking forward to this season.

“Last year we had a good season but not a perfect one,” Rodriguez said. “Going into my second year I’m looking forward to improving personally as a player and improving as a unit overall.”

The Lawmen worked extremely hard during the offseason to prepare the team physically and mentally for this upcoming season.

“We have been practicing a lot through the winter to get ourselves prepared for the season,” Bassett said. “Mentally we have been doing team bonding once a month to build a team culture and our team dynamic which has helped us a lot.”

Head Coach Mrs. Blude has emphasized Law’s depth at every position. The team is confident in every position, from starters to backups.

“We have good pitchers which helps us see how the girls handle live pitching during practice,” Blude said. “We played in a ton of scrimmages to help evaluate how much ground were covering, what mistakes are being made, and to see how well were hitting as well.”

The team is very excited to see how this season will play out and hopes to make an SCC and State Tournament appearance.

“My biggest goal this year is to make it further in the SCC Tournament and the State Tournament,” junior pitcher Maddy Bonanno said.

By Adrian Vitale & Matthew Sanchez – Advocate Editors

Senior Captain David Lickteig is approaching his final season on the Jonathan Law track team.

Lickteig has been running mid distance since freshman year, with his best event being the 800M 

“David Lickteig has been a great inspiration for me as an underclassman,” sophomore Erik Borowski said. “He’s always kind and helpful. I hope he has a great last season and that he enjoys his last year at Law.” 

Teammates said Lickteig benefits the track team greatly with his positive attitude. 

“I think It’s really cool to be a captain,” Licktieg said. “It’s much different than what I’m used to because I’ve only captained smaller teams like cross country, indoor track, and eSports.”

This year, the Law track teams have a combined 170 members, making the role of captain an even more important position.

“We have the responsibility of being the voice of our team,” Lickteig said. “With our team being as massive as it is, Coach Beler needs us to express the general feelings of everyone.”

Lickteig helps to motivate the team as much as he can.

“David is a great leader, he’s a guy who leads by example,” junior Matthew Montini said. “He’s always putting in all of his effort which supports and motivates the team.”

Lickteig has set many personal goals for this spring – on and off the track.

“My personal goal for this season is to make states and get a sub two-minute 800M run,” Lickteig said. “But my goal as a captain is to make sure that our team is prepared enough to succeed next year when I’m gone.”

By Dani Kotansky and Cora Aitkenhead – News Editors 

The Jonathan Law girls track team is ready to start their spring outdoor season. 

Led by captains Avery Moulton, Alani Velez, Molly Croce, and Charlotte Baldieri, the group is ready to compete and excel this season. 

“I’m looking forward to the meets and meeting new faces,” Moulton said. “ I can’t wait to help some of the freshmen and PR in my own events!”

Junior Taylor Mola is working hard to enrich underclassmen’s understanding of different track events, specifically pole vaulting. 

“With pole vault I really try to be one on one with kids so I can give them my full attention,” Mola said. “I like to try and go slow so they can understand what I’m saying than also give them a visual so they know what they are doing.”

Head coach Ms. Corriveau fosters a positive environment as a leader where athletes can rely on each other to improve and challenge one another to be their best. 

“For the most part, the coaching staff empowers our captains and upperclassmen to help create a sense of community by taking underclassmen under their wing to give advice, warm up with, or to help show them the ropes,” Corriveau said. “We also spend quite a bit of time offering several weeks of conditioning before the season starts to get our newer athletes off to a great start.”

Sophomore Abbi Leydon is ready to improve and work hard this season.

“I am looking forward to being outside with my friends and learning new events and just having fun,” Leydon said. “I can’t wait to push myself and be better, and I can’t wait to hopefully win.” 

The captains are ready to make an impact on younger athletes this season. 

“I work with underclassmen a lot by helping them with workouts, teaching them the proper form to have when running, and being a captain they can look up to and not be afraid to ask questions to,” Moulton said. 

Overall, the team has a bright future ahead of them, led by coaches and captains who care. 

“I’m hoping that students will strive to see continuous improvement over the course of the season and have some fun along the way,” Corriveau said.

By Courtney Russo – Social Media Editor-in-Chief

The Jonathan Law boys’ tennis team enters the spring season with a lot of new faces.

Whether it’s a new coach, players, or opponents, the team is fired up and ready to start the season strong. 

At the end of last season, the team was left with a giant question of who will be their coach for the 2026 season. With a lot of searching, Jonathan Law history teacher Mr. Zuraw offered to step up to the plate.

“The first couple of weeks of tryouts and practices have been great,” Zuraw said. “I am lucky to have a very experienced group, along with some newer guys willing to learn.”

The captains this season are seniors Siddarth Dash, Surya Gautham, Santiago Panegos, and Parth Gokhale. As a captain, Gautham has been working with the new members of the team to help them feel welcome.

“I’ve been trying to prepare the new players by spending extra time with them after practice to teach them basic technique,” Gautham said. “I’ve been helping them with the basics like serving and groundstrokes.”

From early Saturday morning practices to putting in the extra work after scheduled practice, the team has put in the work early in the season.

“We’ve been working on all of our skills and improving as a team to make sure we are putting in our best efforts,” junior Ryan Berendt said. “We scrimmaged the girls’ team to prepare ourselves for our first match.” 

The team’s key players consist of singles players Dash, Gokhale, and Berendt, and doubles players Gautham and junior Dylan Maselli.

“We try to create team chemistry through shared communication,” Gokhale said. “We also use comprehensive planning.”

By Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo – News Editors

The Law softball team recently opened its spring season after weeks of preparation.

One of the key members of the team this season is senior captain and outfielder Emily Bassett. Bassett said she excited to bond with her teammates on and off the field this year.

“I’m looking forward to getting closer with my team – bus rides, pasta parties, and team bonding events,” Bassett said. “It’s always a good time.”

Being a captain comes with many responsibilities and is a great opportunity to gain leadership skills. Bassett explained what being a captain means to her.

“To me, being a captain is being someone who my teammates can turn to on and off the field, and setting the tone for the team with my attitude, body language, effort given, and treating everyone with respect and kindness,” Bassett said. 

The team has spent a lot of time together in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season.

“We have been working hard in the off-season to get us ready for the season to start, not only on our skills but to create a solid team culture that will reflect on our performance on the field,” Bassett said. “We’ve been meeting once a month since the summer discussing the importance of being a teammate and filling your role on the team. We are working on being the strongest team we can be.”

Having team goals is a good way for all of the players to have something to work towards throughout the season. 

“Some goals our team has for the season are to work to be better every practice than the one before and work together as one unit to be successful this spring,” Bassett said. “We are also hoping to make it far in the SCC tournament as well as the state tournament.”

Bassett said being a good teammate can have a major impact on the team’s overall performance.  

“Being a good teammate definitely has a positive impact on the team’s overall performance – knowing that your teammates are there to back you up and celebrate all of the good with you and lift you up through the bad helps us play more relaxed, which helps us perform better,” Bassett said. “We are all pretty close, so being able to be surrounded by your closest friends helps us enjoy the game and play stress-free while still bringing the intensity and competitiveness to win games.”

By Emma Bonanno and Kendall Upchurch – Staff Reporters

As the spring air begins to settle over the diamond, there is a sense of urgency and brotherhood surrounding the Jonathan Law baseball team. 

The Lawmen will be led by their four captains – seniors Marcus Townes, Brady O’Neil, and Aidan Rascati, and junior Aiden Ramos.

“The obvious goal is to win States,” O’Neil said.  “This is our last year playing together, with a lot of us being really close friends since elementary school, so we all want to go out with a bang.” 

For the team’s upperclassmen, the focus is on leaving a lasting legacy. 

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is to not only lead with my words, but to lead with my actions,” O’Neil said. “Not everyone is going to listen to you, or take you seriously 100% of the time, so reinforcing those statements with physical demonstrations during practice or games will make people more inclined to follow in my footsteps.” 

Sophomore Connor Ryan said he feels confident heading into the new season. 

“It feels good to be out of the ‘freshman phase,’” Ryan said. “The biggest lesson I learned is that a spot on the team isn’t just going to be handed to you and you actually are going to have to work for it.”

Freshman Cole Veteri has set several goals for the season.

“(My goals are) to improve individual skills and succeed in working together as a team to make the playoffs,” Veteri said. 

Veteri is a proud to be a part of the team and is looking to make an immediate contribution. 

“To put on the jersey for the first time was very rewarding and an unforgettable experience,” Veteri said. “It is a moment that will always stick with me throughout my high school career.” 

Whether it’s the underclassmen or the seniors who have been teammates since childhood, the chemistry is growing with the team. 

“Our team culture has changed because we have so many first-year Varsity players and ninth graders on the roster,” Head Coach Mr. Simler said. “Our veteran players have embraced this and are helping create a culture of working hard everyday to get better.”

The goals for this spring are clear: improve individual skills and put the team in a position to make States. 

“We have a fun group this year with a shot to do something by the time playoffs come,” O’Neil said.  

By Abigail Merenda – Sports Editor 

The Jonathan Law boys outdoor track is gearing up for the 2026 season.

The head coach of the track team is Mr. Beler. Key athletes for the boys team include senior David Lickteig (400M, 800M, 4x400M, 4x800M), senior David Guery (long jump, triple jump), junior Jeremiah Dos Santos (4x100M, 100M, 200M), senior Jack Lefevre (javelin, shot put, discus) and senior Kelden Silvester (110 hurdles).

Silvester said he has multiple goals for this season.  

“My goals for this upcoming season are overall to have fun but also to represent our team and school to the best of our ability,” Silvester said. “I would also like to make States and maybe even Nationals if I can get the right times this season. I expect our team to put in the work to succeed and to push ourselves everyday. Other than that, I just hope we have a good season as a team with no injuries and that we push ourselves as far as possible to improve.” 

David Guery said his expectation is for the team to pick up right where they left off last season and continue their success. 

“Our expectations for this season are to hopefully pick up right where we left off last year,” Guery said. “We look like we have a lot of potential talent, and hopefully this year we will be able to win States and make it to State Opens.”

Lickteig has set both personal goals and team goals to lead his team effectively.

“My personal goal for this season is to make States and get a sub two-minute 800M,” Lickteig said. “But my goal as a captain is to make sure that our team is prepared enough to succeed next year when I’m gone.”

Junior Captain Logan Mullarkey said he has high goals for himself and his team. 

“My goals for this track season are to improve my times and help my team succeed, especially in the 4×100 relay,” Mullarkey said. “I want our relay to be strong, clean with handoffs, and compete at a high level with the goal of winning States. I expect to stay consistent, keep getting better each meet, and do whatever it takes to contribute to a championship-level team.” 

By Logan Thomas and Dylan Gaillard – Advocate Editors

The Milford Mariners hockey team recently wrapped up its 2025-26 season with a run to the State Tournament semifinals.

The Mariners finished the regular season with a 12-8 record and earned the #6 seed in the Division III playoffs.

“I think the season went very well, we competed through every game and were all invested in it,” sophomore Nathan Krauss said. “Our teamwork and communication improved a lot throughout the season. We supported each other through it all, and that’s what made us a better team.” 

The Mariners had many big wins late in the seasn, including their first-round playoff game against #3 seed Masuk.

“Overall, the seasons went well, even though we faced some challenges and tough losses,” sophomore Colton Perry said. “We improved as a team and showed resilience by continuing to work hard and stay positive.”

Many Mariners believe they have improved a lot just through this season and through the hard games they played. 

“Despite challenges, we showed resilience and growth, making it a successful season,” sophomore Robert Vercellone said. “I personally improved my skills and confidence through consistent effort, becoming a more effective teammate.”

This offseason, the Mariners are going to work very hard to try to get back to where they went this season and further. 

“In the offseason, we are going to train a lot and condition together,” Krauss said. “We are all going to work on the weak parts of our game and try to become the best players we can be.”

During this season, there were many memorable moments.

“(The best moment) was when we beat Masuk in the quarter finals to go to the Q (the State semifinals at Quinnipiac),” Perry said. “Everyone thought that Masuk was going to win because of their captain, but we shut him down and capitalized on our chances, taking a 5-1 win over them.”

By Henry Smith and Sebastian Beltran – Advocate Editors

The Jonathan Law golf team is entering the season with high expectations, aiming to make a push for States while continuing to grow as a young and developing team.

“My goal for the season is to improve my players skill level, play competitive golf, win the Mayor’s Cup, and make the State Tournament,” Head Coach Mr. Maurutis said.

With a roster full of young players, the team is focused not only on success this season but also on building for the future.

“Our goals this year are to make a push for states and to help the team get set up well for the future since it’s a very young team,” Senior Captain Cooper Pietrowski said. “We have a lot of potential and want to help our young guys grow to be great golfers in the near future.”

The team’s strong core and overall chemistry are expected to play a major role in their development and performance.

“Some strengths we have on our team is that we have a great core group of guys and we all have the ability to be great golfers,” Pietrowski said. ”Our team as a whole has so much potential for the future as well.”

Players are also emphasizing the importance of mindset, especially in a sport like golf where focus is key.

“One part of my game that I’m the most confident in is how if I hit a bad shot I can snap out of it and not fall apart,” sophomore Dylan Gaillard said. “I think your mindset is the biggest thing is golf because once you get down on yourself you won’t be able to hit good shots and score well.”

Players are also looking forward to both the competitive and personal aspects of the season.

“My goals are to make states and to have a lot of fun this year with the team and make a lot of memories,” junior Tyler Stankevich said.

Individually, players are confident in specific parts of their game that will help the team succeed.

“Something in my game that I am confident with is my ability to get off the tee box in a comfortable position,” Pietrowski said. “I’m confident in my ability to put the ball in the fairway and give myself a great look for my setup into the next shot.”

Maurutis emphasized the value of effort and improvement throughout the season.

“I enjoy being out there with the team and seeing them improve throughout the season,” Maurutis said. “It is rewarding to see my players put in the work and when all aspects of the game start to click, we have the ability to play some really great golf.”

As the season begins, the team remains focused on steady improvement and reaching its full potential.

By Delaney Morrin – Staff Reporter

The Law girls tennis team has been working tirelessly for their upcoming spring season.

After an extremely successful season in 2025, the team is working even harder to break records and achieve its goals for 2026. Last year, the team finished with the second-most regular-season wins in school history with 14 and qualified for the SCC and State tournaments.

This year’s team will be led by senior captains Kayla Markowitz, Harshitha Kothapalli, and Siya Patil.

“To me, being captain is not only being able to lead my team on the courts, but also being a positive example for younger players, and a supportive friend who will always lend a helping hand.” Markowitz said, “As captain, the most important thing is that everyone feels like they are an important asset to the team, because I truly believe that every single player contributes so much in a unique way.”

Head Coach Mr. Kulenych said the team has already showcased hard work, dedication, teamwork, and resilience in early-season practices.

“We have so much potential on this year’s team,” Kulenych said. “Everyone on the team embraces the day-to-day grind, pulls for one another, and competes hard no matter the opponent. We have a lot of experience returning at the top of the lineup and a group of young players that will make an impact for years to come.”

Aside from the three senior captains, key contributors to the varsity team this year will be seniors Rose O’Connell and Layla Alogna, junior Courtney Russo, and sophomores Cora Aitkenhead, Isla McKeand, Emma Ciccarelli, and Vanessa Messina.

The upperclassmen on the team have taken leadership in helping the underclassmen feel confident and improve their skills. 

“We encourage and motivate the underclassmen by building their skills, mentoring them on technique, and, most importantly, organizing team-bonding activities so everyone feels welcome and included,” Patil said.

According to Kothapalli, the team is extremely committed and excited for this upcoming season. 

“We went into last season not knowing what our record was going to look like, but we worked twice as hard, and left the season with a record-breaking team,” Kothapalli said. “This season we have a challenging schedule ahead of us, but I know that these girls are more than motivated to constantly be better versions of themselves on and off the court.”

This year’s team has already created strong relationships with one another. Returning players have been a key factor in helping underclassmen who are experiencing their first season on the team.

“So far, my experience on the tennis team has been awesome,” freshman Olivia Armstrong said, “Everybody has been so welcoming and very sweet. My teammates have helped me improve by telling me skills that I could work on to help me become a better tennis player.”

By Alexandra Oliveira – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law girls lacrosse team is looking forward to the upcoming season.

Head Coach Chloe Oliver said Law’s senior captains – Natalie Pank, Nadia Nuzzo, and Mackenzie Forsythe – have set the tone so far.

“They exude warmth and belief in their underclassmen,” Oliver said. “I have no doubt these captains will lead our team to our version of success this year.”

The team is also excited to participate in the annual Morgan’s Message Game dedicated to eliminating the stigma around mental health within the student-athlete community. Pank described the event’s importance and why people should look out for it.

“It’s a great opportunity to support the cause and spread awareness on what it all represents,” Pank said.

The team has been putting in hard work preparing for the season.

“We’re coming off a great winter training and the team is excited to put their skills to work,” Junior Avery Oliveira said.

Oliver shared her expectations for the team for this season.

“I expect this season to be filled with hard work and fun,” Oliver said. “Our 2026 mantra is ‘Hustle and Heart’ and our girls have hit the ground running with their commitment to the team.”

New members of the team are also ready to start the season.

“I’m most excited for bonding with the team and playing in games,” freshman Brynne Maida said.

Manager August Oliveira said the team has excellent chemistry so far.

“Everyone is so kind and supportive to each other and it’s overall such a great atmosphere to be around,” Oliveira said.

By Eason Dong – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys lacrosse team is preparing for its 2026 season.

The Lawmen have set lofty goals, including making the CIAC State Tournament.

“I think the overall goal is to make the playoffs; it would be a big accomplishment for our team,” Junior Captain Alex Konlian said.

Law lost 12 players from last year’s team, including the entire defense and its leading scorer, Evan Nash. 

“We will rely heavily on many of our main contributors on offense, including Senior Captains Thomas Lapham and Roman Belbita, Junior Captain Alex Konlian, and rising Junior,Henry Smith,” Head Coach Frank Skawinski said “On defense, we’re lucky to be led by 3-year varsity starting goalie Walat Balu as well as key returning defenders Charles Gombrewicz and Benjamin White. Eli Fernandez will also play a massive role as a two-way midfielder.”

One of the mantras this year for the Lawmen is to “try hard’. This year, fans can expect the Lawmen to put in max effort.

“We don’t give up if a play goes wrong, and you can expect 100 percent effort the whole time,” Belbita said.

The Lawmen have put in a lot of effort in the offseason trying to build on last year’s record of 5-11.

“We did a lot of offseason work this season, including lifting, wall ball, and summer practices,” Smith said. “ It helped us improve our strength, stick skills, and overall chemistry as a team.”

The Lawmen are not letting the loss of many players from last year affect them. As Skawinski and his staff will continue to develop the younger players and help the older players become leaders.

“Don’t worry about what is lost – understand that we need to move forward with who we have and continue to grow,” Skawinski said. “This year’s seniors have big shoes to fill.”

The team’s seniors plan on stepping up and leading the way.

“(The seniors) welcomed me very well and they led the team with no bias helping all new players know what they’re doing in practice and just making us all close and together,” freshman Jackson Lapham said.

This year, fans can expect this team to go to their limits no matter what team they are playing.

“Fans can expect to see the team go full throttle and not back down in tough situations,” Belbita said.

By Ryan Woods & Zachary Hyatt – Staff Reporter

After months of hard practices and competitive meets, the Law indoor track team wrapped up a strong season.

Throughout the winter, runners, jumpers, and throwers worked to improve their performances and compete against other schools, making the season a successful one for the team.

All of this hard work paid off for many track members, including junior Talia Hagan who won the Class M title in the 300M.

“The biggest highlight of my season was definitely winning States,” Hagan said.

Winning states is never easy. There are always struggles to make it to the top and that is exactly what happened with Hagan.

“During this season, running indoors everyday was probably the biggest challenge with the hard floors,” Hagan said. “After States, to train for State Opens, I practiced at the indoor track at Bethel.”

Senior Avery Moulton was also a standout this season as she broke her own school record in the 600M. The girls SMR relay team finished 3rd at SCCs and the girls 4×200 relay team placed 5th at SCCs.

On the boys side, senior David Guery had a solid season in long jump.

“(My favorite meet was) the Bethel Invitational,” Guery said. “I believe it was a great meet for me even though I faulted my best jump it felt amazing competing at that meet.”

This indoor track team was young overall but featured several talented underclassmen, including sophomore Reid Moulton.

“One thing I learned from this season that will help me next season is my starts in short distance races, which were a problem for me the whole season,” Moulton said. “Hopefully with more practice, I’ll be able to get out faster.”

By Kendall Upchurch – Staff Reporter

Law junior indoor track athlete Talia Hagan continued to stride towards success this winter. 

Hagan won the Class M State Championship in the 300M and broke her own school record in the 300M four  different times this season. In the State Championship meet, she placed first with a time of 41.95. 

“Its amazing,” Hagan said. “I’m glad everything paid off, and I’m very excited for next season.”

Hagan thrives under pressure, as shown by her PR of over a second to help her win the race.

She also supports her teammates during meets with motivation and positivity. 

“My expectations for the athletes on the team start with effort and accountability, expecting them to show up prepared and ready to give their best every day,” Head Coach Mr. Gaines said. “I also expect them to respect their teammates.”

Hagan has a routine to prepare herself for each meet. 

“Sleeping well, eating well, icing, heating, and stretching are all really important, but also mentally envisioning my race and writing down my goals is a big part of it,” Hagan said. 

Hagan’s teammates were excited to see all of her success this season. 

“A moment this season that stands out was after she won States because of how hard she worked all season to get there,” junior Emily Vella said.

Hagan had many supporters throughout the season. 

“My friends and family who came and supported me made a huge difference,” Hagan said. “And of course, my coaches that I knew would be proud of me either way, no matter how I raced.”

By Logan Mullarkey – Staff Reporter

After a season full of hard work and determination, the Jonathan Law Cheer recently won the SCC Co-Ed Championship.

After not placing at any competitions last season, Law collected several medals this winter, including the SCC title with a score of 72.15. 

Seniors Charlotte Baldieri, Jordyn Torres, and Mackenzie Forsythe were named All-SCC, and senior Isla Concepcion, junior Cara Mikoliczyk, and freshman Sophia Kiluk were named SCC Rising Stars. Law’s JV Cheer team took second place overall at SCCs.

“This year our team earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place titles as well as having athletes earn All-SCC and All-State titles,” Senior Captain Charlotte Baldieri said. “To us, these achievements mean so much since last year our team did not place at any competitions. Our team morale has definitely been boosted because of it.”

The team’s improvement did not happen overnight. It came from consistent practice, focus, and strong teamwork throughout the season. Trust played a major role in their success, especially when performing advanced stunts that require full confidence in teammates.

“We build trust when performing difficult stunts by doing drills and having tight bonds as teammates,” Forsythe explained.

Head coach Morgan Colombo said that trust is what makes everything come together during competition.

“When the athletes truly believe in each other, it shows on the mat,” Colombo said. “That confidence is what allows them to perform at their best.”

By Delaney Morrin – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law gymnastics team recently concluded a successful season by placing in the Top 10 at States.

Throughout the gymnastics season, the girls worked together to reach personal goals and goals as a team.

Due to their hard work and dedication, the team placed 7th with a score of 120 at States. By working as a team, the girls were able to bond and create friendships, even in this individual style sport.

The team captains, Hailey Zapata, Jordyn Fisher, Sam Matist, and Anna Uruchida, helped lead the team and collaborate with teammates to help them succeed. 

“The team was able to improve throughout the season by working together,” SZapata said. “This was shown either by helping each other with routines or helping out with running meets.”

Head Coach Mr. Simon and Assistant Coach Ms. Loch were key components to success for the team. This was Coach Loch’s first year as an assistant coach for the gymnastics team. Loch is also the head coach of the Law volleyball team and a teacher of Algebra II and AP Statistics.

“Ms. Loch, helped make many routines and just add in little things from reading the rules in the book,” Matist said.

With help from their coaches and teammates, Matist and freshman Ella Nora Nelly made the All-SCC team this season. The rest of the gymnastics team played a big part in encouraging and supporting Matist and Nelly through their success.

“Making All-SCC was a fun experience because at first I didn’t know what it meant, but finding out that it meant that I was one of the top gymnasts was incredible,” Nelly said. “I was very proud of myself, Sam, and my team for supporting me.”

Gymnasts were able to make personal bests and achievements throughout the season. Freshman Camryn Pacelli and Uruchida got the opportunity to compete in the State Open meet in late February. Pacelli competed in vault and Uruchida competed in bars.

The coaches were extremely grateful and proud to have been able to watch the girls improve and grow by helping one another.

“Throughout the season, girls earned personal best scores and made states,” Loch said. “It’s interesting to see how the team comes together even though it’s an individual sport.”

Over the years, Simon has watched many gymnasts grow through hard work and determination. Since the team is made up of many different gymnastics levels, the girls put effort into working with each other and individually. Their work together was reflected in their scores and achievements this season.

“The girls worked together to push each other and accomplish personal best scores throughout the season.” Simon said.