Gananda Builds Through Transition

Program Outlook

Gananda enters the 2026 season in Class D following a 4–13 record in 2025. The team experienced significant roster turnover, graduating eight seniors and working with a small returning upperclass group. Despite those challenges, Gananda will field a team this season, leaning on developing numbers and continuity rather than results-driven expectations.

Coaching Perspective

Dan Riordan returns for his second season as head coach with a current record of 4–13 at Gananda. He has acknowledged that two players who were expected returners have transferred, reducing the available experience at the varsity level. Even with that adjustment, the program is moving forward with the season, supported by stronger participation numbers at the middle school level and a focus on maintaining program continuity.

Roster Overview

Gananda graduated eight seniors who filled roles across midfield, defense, attack, and goal, several of whom earned All-League recognition. The returning varsity group includes two rising seniors, one junior, and two sophomores. While the numbers are limited, many of the returning players logged meaningful minutes last season.

Returning Award Winners

Two returning players bring league recognition back into the lineup. Nick Falso returns in goal after earning Finger Lakes Goalie Player of the Year honors, finishing last season with 283 saves and a 56.2 percent save rate. Also returning is sophomore Cameron Richards who scored 9g-4a as a freshman. Together, they provide leadership and stability for a young roster.

Statistical Overview

In 2025, Gananda scored 161 goals while allowing 233, averaging 9.5 goals per game with 13.7 goals against. The team returns 84 goals, accounting for 52 percent of last season’s scoring, and 40 assists, representing 48 percent of the assist total. Gananda recorded two wins by five or more goals and played five games decided within five goals, including one one-goal loss.

Games This Year

Gananda’s 2026 schedule features a mix of league and non-league contests. League games, designated as FLW matchups, include games against Bloomfield-Honeoye, Midlakes, Waterloo, Marcus Whitman, and Mynderse-Romulus. These contests will serve as the primary benchmarks within league play. The remaining schedule consists of NL games against teams such as Haverling, Pal-Mac, Newark, Wayne, Geneva, and Livonia-Avon-Geneseo.

Season Focus

With a small returning group and acknowledged roster challenges, Gananda enters the season focused on participation, development, and maintaining continuity within the program. The emphasis in 2026 will be on growth and experience as the program bridges toward stronger numbers in future seasons.