The fall sports season is coming to an end. Throughout these exciting months, many teams advanced to sectionals, regionals, and state playoffs, all while experiencing challenges and victories week by week. A look back at fall sports conveys this very idea.
Although the girls tennis season was not as successful as initially hoped, there was individual success. The one doubles team, Meredith Garcia and Mary Grace Townsend, did amazing with a 17-5 regular season record. In regards to the whole team, junior Brianna Santucci says, “I feel like our season was great. We built a lot of connections on the team and we had a nice bonding experience which was facilitated by the sport.” This is a sentiment many of the players share.
Girls golf also found team and individual triumphs this year. They finished second in the ESCC, made it to sectionals, and finished third in regionals as Maggie Carlson individually advanced to state. Carlson, who finished in the top twenty at the state tournament, remarks, “The season for the golf team went good as a whole. It was a rebuilding year since we had gotten all new coaches for varsity.” Carlson also looks to build a stronger bond with her teammates: “What I think the team can improve on for next year is having more team building experiences since golf is already such an individual sport.” The team was led by Mia Bergstrom, Maggie Carlson, Lili Zicarelli, Lili Harker, Grace Adler and Helen Torgerson.
The girls cross country team also found success this season, having won numerous meets in the past few months. They finished first at the Beacon Academy Invite, first at the James Taylor Invite, first at the Lake Forest Academy Invite, second at the Pat Savage Invite, and second at the Black Sails Invite.
Switching gears to team sports, girls volleyball is currently 14-14. As always, the “Volley for the Cure” game was a special event. This annual tradition is a meaningful and spirited event for the team as the season nears its conclusion. Senior Andrea Rivera reflects on the “fun and competitive season” the team had. She explained how the team “struggled a lot with injuries and changes of the lineup, but adapted fast and had multiple players step up to meet expectations.” She also expressed how the team could improve, stating, “Volleyball is a game of momentum. Having a high number of players allows a team to use a serving run as a moment of momentum to push through the set with a win. Having support from your teammates on the court and on the bench allows players to get out of their head in tough situations and grows an accepting environment where making mistakes is okay and normal.” Overall, Rivera expresses the love for her team and the fun she had playing volleyball this season. She remarks, “With having 19 players on the team we grew close as a whole giving each player memories that will last forever.”
The girls swim team certainly experienced growth this season, finishing seventh in the MCAC on October 21st. They achieved an impressive 6-3 record and took third in the Maine West Invitational. Sectionals will take place on November third, and state on November tenth. Swimmer Annie Stauder says, “I think the team as a whole saw a lot of improvement in and out of the pool. In the pool, the whole team was able to swim best times and participate in both the conference and sectional meets. Outside of the pool, the team became a family as we completed various service outings together.” Stauder hopes the team sets their goals higher for next season and that even more swimmers can qualify for state.
Girls field hockey is also setting goals for next year. Although the 2023-2024 season resulted in a 1-14 record for the team, many of the girls were first time players with bright-looking futures ahead.
Although the girls did not have a great season, with a 1-14 record, they made a lot of advancements. Many were first time players so the future’s looking bright. The girls had a 0-9 conference record, but again, it doesn’t tell the full story as many of the losses were a 1-2 goal difference. One player to watch is Riley Ohrel.
Transitioning to boys sports, football is heading to state! With a 5-4 record throughout a very tough schedule, the football team will return to the state playoffs. Varsity lineman and fullback Peter Lafleur spoke about the regular season: “I think the regular season was a little rocky after losing our first game to De La Salle, but after we got some confidence back with three wins in a row. We started to feel good but knew it wouldn’t be easy to get into the playoffs. After some tough losses to Br. Rice and Carmel it was hard to see us making the bracket, but after upsetting Montini we knew it was close.” Looking ahead to postseason, he states, “Now after getting into the bracket, we take on playoffs just like any other week with the same mentality to just keep working and stay focused. We see the opportunity we have given ourselves to make something happen in these playoffs and that’s what keeps us motivated.”
The varsity golf team had a very successful season. They won the ESCC, finished second in regionals, and finished top five in multiple tournaments. Coach Jon Dean was voted ESCC coach of the year. Ryan Kalaway and Max Maiorano also qualified for state. The JV finished undefeated in their regular season schedule and Frosh/Soph finished as conference champions.
“The JV golf team won conference, almost going undefeated. The varsity team fell short of first in regionals by two strokes. The team could always work on their putting skills,” said golfer, Jacob Clarke.
Cross Country:
The boys cross country team also had a successful season. They finished first in the Beacon Academy Invite and second in the Lake Forest Academy Invite.
JV and varsity runner Matthew Brents stated, “As a whole, the team did pretty good all around, but we could improve on getting better times in longer distance running”
Soccer:
The boys finished fourth in the ESCC with a 4-2-2 conference record. Overall the boys had a 7-10-5 record and won the Body Armour tournament.
