STONINGTON — This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Stonington field hockey after nearly a full starting lineup graduated from last year from a 14-3-2 squad.

The Eastern Connecticut Conference that Stonington traditionally dominates quickly discovered that rebuilding at Stonington looks a lot different than rebuilding anywhere else.

Coach Jenna Tucchio’s youngest team ever finished a respectable third place in the ECC regular season, less than two games out of first place. The Bears peaked in the postseason, knocking off second-place Waterford and first-place East Lyme to win the ECC tournament for the 10th time in 12 years.

In the process, sophomore Hannah Lyon emerged as a Class S All-State midfielder and leader on the field. Lyon, a skilled stickhandler and shooter who plays on an off-season national team, led Stonington (11-6-2) with 11 goals and added four assists.

“Hannah has very advanced skills for a sophomore,” Tucchio said. “She performs some skills that few players try. It’s true that this is the youngest team I’ve ever had, but we are very pleased with the progress and performance of our young sophomore talent. We look forward to watching these young players develop into the future of Stonington field hockey.”

One of Lyon’s games was extremely memorable as she scored three times in a 4-0 win over Killingly that gave Tucchio her 300th career victory.

Lyon joined senior attacker Melanie Verbridge on the ECC first team. After missing most of last year with an injury, Verbridge came back strong with 10 goals, including a game-winning score in a 1-0 OT regular season win over Waterford.

Lyon was one of three sophomores to receive ECC honors as defenders Bea Manfredi and Lani Delbarone were honorable mention selections along with with senior midfielder Abby Mayorga.

Mayorga tacked on another accolade when she was named the ECC Tournament Most Outstanding Player after a two-goal, one-assist game in 3-1 win over East Lyme in the ECC final 

Maeve Oakes was named to the ECC Scholar Athlete list, and Kairi Grant was an ECC Sportsmanship selectee.