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Sports Highlights 10.3.16
First Boys’ Football
It was a tough game for the boys on Oct. 1, as they faced off against a large and talented Brunswick School squad. The team was outplayed in every facet of the game and came away with a loss of 51-8. The team did take a first quarter 8-0 lead when Manny Meltzer ‘17 hit Tri-Captain Delando Clarke ‘17 on a 76-yard scoring strike and they hooked up on the ensuing two-point conversion. Brunswick closed the gap to 8-7 at the end of the first quarter, but the second quarter spelled doom for the team. The Martlets were repeatedly stymied on offense and had several breakdowns on defense and found themselves down 35-8 at the half. It was more of the same, unfortunately, in the second half, and both teams’ benches emptied in the fourth quarter. Tri-Captain Dom Cirillo ‘17 had a great defensive first half (sack, tackle-for-loss, pass deflection, fumble recovery) before succumbing to injury. Tri-Captain Tim Callahan ‘17 led the team in tackles, and defensive ends Joel Groves ‘17 and Hayden Fox ‘19 each had two tackles for loss.
Second Boys’ Football
A big win for the boys, when they faced the Canterbury School on Sept. 28, as the team came away with a victory – 20-0. Chris Robinson ‘20 had 119 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Mason Horrigan ‘18 had 40 yards. Brandon Williams ‘18 had 34 yards and did a great job on defense. Joe Patrina ‘18 was a stalwart on defense. Drew Brownback ‘19 had 30 yards and a touchdown. Mac Dye ‘20 had a couple of great plays on defense. Jack Devlin ‘19 did a great job as quarterback throughout the game.
First Girls’ Field Hockey
Westminster started strong at its game against Kent School on Sept. 28, and had a few solid chances in the Kent circle in the opening minutes. As the game progressed, Kent improved its work rate and started to pressure consistently. A very strong forward line allowed Kent to score twice in the second half, and the pressure eventually causing a breaking point. Westminster played well and stayed positive, so the loss of 2-0 does not feel negative or that it will impede team progress.
On Oct. 1 when it met Choate Rosemary Hall on home turf, the team played its best hockey yet and was just unlucky to succumb to a 1-0 loss against the run of play at the game. Choate scored a nice goal on the left post with a reverse sweep midway through the second half, but, despite a good contest, it looked like Westminster might have scored on multiple occasions. The Martlets work rate and energy were the best they’ve been all season and the team take huge positives, again, from a lost game.
Second Girls’ Field Hockey
On a blustery fall afternoon, the Second Girls’ Field Hockey team travelled to Kent on Sept. 28 to take on the Lions. The two teams battled up and down the field for much of the game but the Lions were able to convert on two of their seven shots on goal in the first half. The Martlets put a lot of pressure on the Lions defense in the second half, creating many scoring opportunities, but they were unable to convert and came away with a loss of 2-0.
It was a cold rainy Friday afternoon when the Martlets played Granby High School on Sept. 30, but the weather didn’t stop them from playing hard. Granby started with the ball and the Martlets quickly intercepted. The team worked together to bring the ball down the field and Abby Moss ‘20 scored within the first minute of the game with the support of her forward line, Sophia Gasser ‘18, Rebecca Sargent ‘20 and Sofia Raymond ‘19. The team kept its momentum up by communicating well, staying in position and passing the ball up the field. Right before the first half ended, Granby scored a point tying up the game. The rain continued to pour as the Martlets tried to increase their intensity in the second half. Granby, too, stepped up its game and scored another goal in the second half, making the score 2-1. Maddie Vanech ‘19 had a great game in goal, stopping many shots and making great clears out to the sides. Chloe Ferro ‘20 had a great save that prevented a goal. Layla Ennis ‘19, Kyani Jemmotte ‘20, Clara Ekholm ‘20 and Amelia Knochel ‘19 all slowed down the play at various times preventing critical shots. Liz Murphy ‘19 played hard and stopped the ball many times during defensive corners as the fly.
It was a cold gray Saturday when the Martlets played Choate Rosemary Hall on their home turf. Tired from the day before, the team still started out with energy. They worked well together in the beginning by letting others know where they were and how they could support each other. The momentum was with the offense and Katie Kosior ‘18 was able to make a great shot on goal and landed it in the net at the Oct. 1 game. The score remained 1-0 until the second half. Choate came back to the field fighting hard. They scored a goal within the first part of the half tying everything up. The Martlets fought hard to regain possession and Eliza Polukhin ‘19 landed another goal, bringing the score up to 2-1. Choate continued its fight by tying up the game, making the final score 2-2. Kyani Jemmotte ‘20 and Maddie Vanech ‘19 both worked hard in goal. The forward line and midfield line were working well together and supporting one another. Unfortunately, with the game the day before against Granby, the Martlets were tired.
First Boys’ Soccer
On a cool gray afternoon, the Martlets hosted the Wild Boars of Choate Rosemary Hall. Like the weather on Sept. 28, it looked like both teams started cold. The Wild Boars got things rolling midway through the first with some good scoring chances off crosses. The Martlets buckled down and played solid defense, defending from inside out. However, the visitors knocked one in late in the first half to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. Knowing they needed to have a good start to the second half, the Martlets got things going early, pressing the visitors. On a dangerous cross, Cam Scott ‘18 was able to get a point-blank shot on goal, but the Choate goalie came up with a huge save. Both teams went up and down the field exchanging opportunities and good possessions. Westminster would even the score 1-1 when Co-Captain Jack Griffith ‘17 would slide home a low ball off an Alex Semler ‘17 shot and rebound. Artur Szopa ‘17 would be tackled hard with less than 15 minutes to go and have to come off the field. Choate would capitalize and attack down the right side and score a well-placed ball just past the grasp of goalie Max Powers ‘17. The final score would be 2-1 Choate. The Martlets again played well against a very solid 4-1-0 Class A side.
Westminster was on the road Oct. 1, facing an undefeated Pomfret squad. The game was played on a drizzly slick turf field. The Martlets -- without many players from their roster -- started off the game strong. However, the home team would go bar down on a free kick from 25 yards out, Max Powers ‘17 in net for Westminster had no chance on the play. Both teams would get up and down the field well, but again, off a corner kick late in the first half, a Pomfret player would step into a ball from 25-30 yards from the net and connect on another highlight goal. In the second half, Westminster tried to play a bit to much long ball and would lose key battles in the air in the middle of the field. Some bright spots on the day, Chris Swanson ‘17 would battle hard on the back line and Artur Szopa ‘17 would play out of his normal position and play big. Powers would finish the day with seven saves, despite that the team came away with a loss of 2-0.
First Girls’ Soccer
The Martlets traveled to Kent on a chilly fall day, continuing to look for its first win. Kent came out hard with lots of attack and opportunities. Luckily, Westminster was able to shake it off and gain possession of the ball with the help of Captain McKenna Burelle ‘17 and senior Bennie Lopez ‘17. Kent played lots of high balls over the back line, trying to play it to Ryann Mushkin up top. Mushkin had a defender on her, but was still able to find the back of the net. In the second half the Martlets had some opportunities up top with Katherine Eckerson ‘17 and Georgia Swank ‘19 but we were unable to find the back of the net. Mushkin got her second goal of the Sept. 28 game off of a penalty kick. Westminster’s defensive backs: Emma Alpaugh ‘18, Micaela Quinn ‘17, Emily Samar ‘18 and Paige Phillips ‘20 all put in a great effort but came away with a loss of 2-0.
First Girls’ Soccer fought tough against an extremely talented Choate Rosemary Hall team on Oct. 1. Choate’s Emily Clorite struck first off of an opportunity when one of the Westminster players was getting up from a fall. The Martlets continued to battle and pack the middle of the field to prevent Choate from playing any balls up the middle. Excellent work by the back four -- Emma Alpaugh ‘18, Paige Phillips ‘20 and Micaela Quinn ‘17. The second half brought more of the same, this time Choate adjusted to Westminster’s system and were able to capitalize and ended up scoring three goals in the second half. It was a great team effort with lots of minutes for everyone that was able to play, despite the 4-0 loss.
Second Boys’ Soccer
Second Boys’ Soccer played its most skilled opponent yet in a fast-paced game against Choate on Wilbraham Field on Sept. 28. Despite playing on the defensive for much of the first half, the Martlets struck first when Aly Tolba ‘18 drove down the right wing on a counter attack and passed to Walker Stevens ‘19 who streaked toward the goal and beat the keeper to score in the 15th minute. Choate evened the score just before half time when a free kick rattled around in front of the Martlet goal and was touched in. Early in the second half, Tolba won a loose ball in the middle of the field and played it again to Stevens, who took two touches at full speed and shot into the left mesh. Choate equalized again in the 67th minute on a shot from the right side that sailed over the hands of goalkeeper Ian Shane ‘20. Two minutes later, Myles Hamm ‘17 scored off a free kick from Lukas Dudzik ‘19 to put the Martlets ahead again 3-2. Despite moving into a defensive formation for the closing minutes, Westminster allowed Choate’s most skilled player to receive a pass at the top of the box with his back to the goal with five minutes remaining. He turned and unleashed a laser into the left side netting to even the score at 3, where it stayed until the final whistle. Despite frustration over a tie in a game where Westminster never trailed, it was clearly the team’s highest level of play thus far. Solid defense from Myles Hamm ‘17, Kyle Forsyth ‘17, Spencer Rellinger ‘17 and Brett Daubert ‘20, as well as several great saves by Malcolm Kleban ‘20 (first half) and Shane (second half) kept the Martlets in the game. Henry Mitrano ‘19 and Wick Carter ‘19 stood out on the flanks while Dudzik, Tolba, Ryan Pineault ‘20, and Liam Peterson ‘17 wore down Choate’s attack in the middle of the field. Overall, it was a good performance, and the team came away with a 3-3-tie game.
The Martlets played a good first half on a cold, sloppy day at Pomfret, controlling the ball and threatening on numerous occasions, but they were unable to score. Pomfret struck first in the second half of the Oct. 1 game, as a corner kick pinballed in front of the goal and was knocked in. Ten minutes later, a Westminster defender pulled down an attacker in the box, and Pomfret converted on the ensuing penalty kick to go ahead 2-0. Westminster’s defense was on its heels after that and Pomfret continued to press high. Westminster mounted several decent counterattacks but couldn’t find the net. It was a frustrating loss of 0-2 and a long ride back to Simsbury.
Second Girls’ Soccer
Soccer Second Girls’ earned its third straight win Sept. 28, with an excellent effort at Kent. The game began as a back and forth affair, with the home squad showing dangerous abilities in attack. Fortunately, backliners Maddie Dwyer ‘18, Dallis Alvarez ‘18 and McKenzie Roller ‘20 were up to the task, and Allison Kijanka ‘20 was there to smother three or four good shots that the Lions got off. Eventually, the Martlets established an advantage in possession, leading to an Eve Cathcart ‘20 goal at the 11-minute mark. Relentless pressure led to another goal in the 29th minute, this one a well-handled breakaway by Caroline McCausland ‘19. What looked to be a tight game was blown open in the last five minutes of the half as Cecelia Raymond ‘20 scored twice. The girls opened the second half on fire, stringing passes together and generating great scoring chances. Ridgely Green ‘20 struck twice in the first six minutes, the first converting a great through ball from Susie Mahoney ‘20, the second a nice redirect of a corner kick. Mahoney finished the scoring in the 52nd minute with a one-time shot from outside of the box, which wrapped up the game as a 7-0 victory.
The Martlets tasted defeat for the first time this season, falling 1-0 to Choate Rosemary Hall. This was a very entertaining game between two strong teams. Each was committed to possessing the ball, and the fans were treated to a high-level of play. Although both teams’ defenses had to withstand some intense pressure, the first half ended scoreless. The first 15 minutes of the game saw back and forth play. As the teams settled in for a battle, the Martlets established a territorial advantage, generating more shots than the Boars, although most were from long range. The visitors came out a bit flat after half time, and the hosts made them pay. Several minutes of sustained pressure led to a dangerous cross, an inadequate clear, and the only goal of the game. Thereafter, the field was tilted decidedly toward Westminster’s attacking end, but the Choate defense was well organized and disciplined. Despite spending the vast majority of time in the attacking end, Westminster could generate only a few dangerous shots, and was unable to score an equalizer. In defeat, Eve Cathcart ‘20 stood out, managing to get the ball on her feet over and over again, attacking both centrally and along the flank, and Kate Lovas ‘18 played well in her first game in the starting lineup.
Third Boys’ Soccer
On a chilly day, Third Boys’ Soccer battled a talented group of Wild Boars from Choate on Sept. 28 in Simsbury. Despite some solid goalkeeping by Nate Swift ‘19 and Ned Blanchard ‘20, the Boars scored late in the game to put it away, 4-0. Swift and his defense, led by Peter Hall ‘18 and Eddie Lie-A-Cheong ‘19 were solid in the first half. Khalil Walker ‘19 held down the midfield and James Plumb ‘19 served several balls ahead for Martlet chances. Plumb and his mates could not connect and the first half finished with the Wild Boars on top 1-0. Blanchard took over the net in the second half. While the Martlet offense was more active, the defense let a few balls go past. Jacob Monroe ‘20 and Willie Noble ‘20 sparked several Westminster opportunities in the second half. Noble had three spectacular runs that ended up dry for the Martlets. Meanwhile, a penalty shot and a spectacular direct kick from 30-yards out put the game away for the Boars. Jack Murdock ‘19 hustled from beginning to end. Murdock’s effort should spark the Martlets as the team travels to Pomfret on Saturday.
On one of those raw drizzly days only found in northeastern Connecticut, the Third Boys’ Soccer team faced a scrappy pack of Griffins from the Pomfret School. After trailing 0-1 at halftime, the Martlets scored twice in the second frame to come away with the victory at the Oct. 1 game. Cam Jury ‘19 was spectacular all day in the net. Peter Hall ‘18 and Khalil Walker ‘19 saved the game on many occasions in the defensive backfield. Willie Noble ‘20 pressured the Griffins throughout the first half, but the ball could not find the net. Pomfret scored on a corner kick late in the half. Coming out of the break, the Martlets played with renewed energy. Tucker Wieber ‘18, Will Gilson ‘20 and Quinn Armstrong ‘20 pounded away at the Griffin goalie. Finally Gilson ran free from the right side and put the biscuit in the basket. The score remained 1-1 until the 77nd minute. After a long goal kick, Wieber floated a soft ball to Darion Benchich ‘20. Benchich snuck past the final Griffin and placed the ball upper 90. Led by Hall, Walker, and Elton Paintsil ‘18, the Martlet defense held strong in the final minutes, coming away with a 2-1 win.
Third Girls’ Soccer
Third Girls’ Soccer played against Hotchkiss School on Sept. 28. The game ended in a tie, 1-1. Reese Poe ‘19 made the goal, thanks to an Alex Wolf ‘19 assist. The defense played spectacular during the entire game.
At its Oct. 1 game, the team lost 3-4 against Choate Rosemary Hall.
Fourth Boys’ Soccer
Fourth Boys’ Soccer played a talented thirds team from Northfields Mount Hermon on Sept. 28, losing 0-3. The Martlets gritty first half defense kept the score close but fell apart in the second half. Carson Roth ‘19 continued to play very well in goal.
Fourth Boys’ Soccer played very well for 80 minutes against a much bigger and more physical Avon Old Farms squad on Oct. 1. Both Martlet goals came from Charlie Flam ‘20 on free kicks. Final score, 2-4, a loss for Westminster.
First Boys’ Cross Country
The Richard Miller Invitational is always a season highlight for the Westminster First Boys’ Cross Country program. It is the team’s first race on the home course, and it is an opportunity to have great competition in front of team members’ parents, faculty and friends. In the First Boys’ race, Emmett de Kanter ‘19 went out with a group of four runners (Williston, Suffield and Deerfield) that led from the opening lap and stayed together until the final hill. De Kanter moved on the hill into second place but then was overtaken and finished a respectable third, running only 13 seconds off his New England time from last season. Jordan Gabbidon ‘17 (13th) and Elliott Kennard ‘19 (19th) followed, both under 20 minutes. Kennard becomes the 44th Martlet harrier to break that 20-minute barrier in the last 18 years. Matt Norris ‘19 had a great race and was closely followed by fast-kicking Daniel “Peter Pan” Pinckney ‘20. Justin Schuster ‘19 and John Kuzminskas ‘18 rounded out the top seven. The team finished fourth out of the seven First teams present (Salisbury’s raced in the Second Boys’ competition). Full results
Second Boys’ Cross Country
For many of the Second Boys’, running in the Richard Miller Invitational is a rite of passage on the team, as members experience the home course at race pace for the first time. This group of runners, many of them novices to the sport, were fantastic despite the cold and wet conditions, finishing third and only six points out of first in a fast field. Teagan Stedman ‘18 led the pack, running an impressive 20:15 and finishing fourth overall. That time was Teagan’s lifetime best on this course and earned him a first team designation for the weekend. Next for the Martlets was Matt Cosentino ‘18, who finished sixth overall while breaking his time from the preceding weekend at Canterbury. Novice runner Alex Ellis ‘20 showed his tremendous potential by coming in next with a time faster than he posted on the flat course in Marion, Mass. two weeks earlier; he is quickly becoming a contender in this pack. Stalwart Andrew Doucette ‘18 ran a solid race, followed by Connor Seeley ‘18, who also improved on his Marion time, John Rao ‘17 and Chris Whipple ‘18 as the final displacer. Several other novice runners who broke their Marion times included Ryan Szykowny ‘18, Wesley Oltsch ‘20, Alexander Hu ‘19 and Carter Henshaw ‘20. Matthew Swenson ‘17, a four-year member of the team, deserves a special shout-out for breaking his own personal record on the course. Overall, the team finished third out of seven teams. Full results.
First Girls’ Cross Country
The Martlets hosted the annual Richard Miller Invitational Oct. 1, a cool, misty day that finally began to feel like fall. Despite suffering from a few injuries this weak, the Black and Gold persevered to clinch a fourth place result, out of six, in the strong field of teams. Oumou Kanoute ‘17 led the team finishing third overall and just one second shy of her Westminster home course record. Bethany Winters ‘20 looked strong crossing the end line and coming in second. Sarah Minella ‘17 is continuing of her tradition of past seasons of getting stronger with every meet and followed with her best time ever on her home course. Liz Casey ‘18 fought through a twisted ankle and came across next, followed quickly by a shoeless Abigayle Hovey ‘18. Hovey lost a shoe before the big hill at the end of mile two and decided to forgo her other shoe to finish out the race, definitely a gritty performance. Caroline Percival ‘19 and Maggie Chaves ‘19 rounded out the top seven. Chaves also ran her best time ever on this course. With a depleted squad due to sickness and injury, the Martlets fielded only two runners in the Second Girls’ Race. Alayna Tawney ‘19 ran a strong race and finished in her fastest time ever on this course. Gabi Drumm ‘18 also did a nice job of rallying to run today. Overall, it was an impressive display of girls putting out their best on a day when many of them could have easily thrown in the towel. The team finished fourth out of the six teams. Click here for full results.
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