Spring Sports Highlights for 4.23.18

The Martlets get their first win of the young season. After trailing 1-0 for the first three innings of the ball game, the Martlets scored five runs in the fourth inning to take a lead they would not relinquish. The inning was highlighted by hits from Josh Cosentino '18, Sean Ryan '18 and Eli Cohen '19. The Martlets continued the scoring with two more runs in the sixth inning on a bases-loaded double by Matt Cosentino '18. In addition to solid team defense, the combined efforts of Ethan Puhala '18 and Cohen on the mound led the way in the field for the Martlets. Each was gritty when they needed it most, pitching the team to a 7-4 victory.

 

 

Second Boys’ Baseball lost to a talented Taft team 3-13. Tasso Housakos '18 made a diving catch in center field. The players ran the bases well and were patient at the plate.

Knowing that the Loomis Pelicans boast one of the league's strongest lineups for the 2018 season, the Martlets ventured to Tumblebrook Country Club with hopes of playing their best and perhaps making a statement of their own. Unfortunately, the combination of the Loomis squad being on its game and the Martlets struggling to find their ball striking mojo, this match ended quickly. Some days are like that, especially in the world of golf.

With blustery winds impacting play, First Boys' Golf took on Kent, Kingswood-Oxford and Loomis-Chaffee at Simsbury Farms. In a golf rarity, Westminster and Loomis finished in a tie at 206, followed by Kent (226) and K-O (233). Chase Thompson (Loomis) earned match medalist honors with a round of 39 (+3). For Westminster, Peyton Knauf '19 and Cam Scott '18 both shot 40 to lead the team. Other Westminster scores included Grant Noble '18 (41), Justin Flaks '20 (42), Ned Blanchard '20 (43) and Peter Sanger '21 (46). The victories improve the team record to 8-1-1.

 

Westminster (207) defeated Wilbraham & Monson (224), Salisbury (229) and Suffield (231) on a bright, brisk and blustery day at Suffield Country Club. Grant Noble ’18 was medalist (37). The three wins move the Golfing Martlets to 11-1-1 on the season.

For the second time in a week, Second Boys’ Golf returned to the Bay State of Massachusetts to take on host Wilbraham-Munson and Salisbury School. Playing on a completely unfamiliar course, the team shot two fine individual scores and a solid team score. Ian Broadbent '18 lead all golfers with an impressive 38 (+2) to earn match medalist honors and Charlie von Stade '21 fired his first sub-40 round ever (39) to propel the Martlets to a convincing dual victory. Other scores included Carson Roth ’19 (42), David Harris ’21 (43) and Darion Benchich ’20 (46).

 

For the first time this season, Second Boy's Golf played a match at its home course, Hop Meadow Country Club. Westminster beat the Berkshire Bears 223-244. Under ample sun and a blue sky, the two things that prevented better scoring were the unfamiliar course and a very strong and gusty wind. Carson Roth '19 and Berkshire's Xander Tillou shared the medalist honors both shooting a 43. Other Martlet scores included Peter Sanger '21 (45), David Harris '21 (44), Charlie von Stade '21 (56), Darion Benchich '20 (44) and Wes Oltsch '20 (47).

The Martlets traveled to Williston for the first away game of the season to face a strong squad from the North. Williston got on the board first within the first three minutes of play, but the score remained close throughout the majority of the first half. The score was 3-9 favoring the home team with a whole half to play. Five goals from four different goal scorers (Jill Parsons '19, Georgia Swank '19, Emma Alpaugh '18 and Ridgely Green '20), strong draw controls from midfielder Blake Cote '19, smart defensive slides and caused turnovers from Fourth Formers Meg Rittenhouse and Jenny Guider, and inspiring saves from goalie Gaby Salgar '18 kept Westminster in the game for the majority of play. However, a strong second half proved the difference between a win and a loss in this game as Williston was able to capitalize on its offensive opportunities in the final 25 minutes, extending its lead and making a victory out of reach for the Martlets.

 

First Girls' Lacrosse came up with a thrilling win over Kent on Hovey Field on April 21. Kent got on the board first with two goals in the first five minutes of play, catching the Martlets off guard by its draw controls and fast breaks to the Westminster defensive end. Westminster scored four of its own to take the lead, but with 3.6 seconds left in the half, Kent lessened its deficit to just one goal and the teams broke for half, the score favoring Westminster 4-3. After a sleepy first half, Westminster woke up and gained some control of 50/50s and began to take smarter shots, going on a three-goal run. Kent soon had a three-goal run of its own, capitalizing on each Martlet unforced error. With 3:40 left in the game, Westminster trailed 7-8. The defense, with major contributions from Jenny Guider '20 and goalie Ellie Bailey '21, was unwavering in the final minutes, producing a caused turnover to send the ball into the midfield and into the offensive end. Blake Cote '19 found the back of the net with 52.4 seconds left to tie the game 8-8. Just 20 seconds later, Ridgely Green '20 put one in for the go-ahead, game-winning goal. To solidify the exciting win, captain Emma Alpaugh '18 finished with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.

 

First Boy’ Lacrosse was on the road again on this brisk day to travel west down Route 44 to take on the Crimson Knights of Salisbury. The boys arrived ready to play, and jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, scoring on their first two possessions. Sal Iaria ‘18 notched the first goal of the game, and Tanner Wood ‘18 followed with a goal of his own on the next possession. Salisbury answered quickly, and built a 4-2 lead going into the half. Salisbury continued to control the face off following the break, and while Westminster played tough defense throughout the second half, the Martlets eventually succumbed to the Crimson Knight offense. Penalties and errant stick work prevented the Martlets from playing as well as they could have.

 

Westminster Goalie(s) / Saves Totals

Malcolm Kleban, 10

 

Westminster Goal Scorers (by period)

Sal Iaria, 2g/2a; Quinn Armstrong, 2g/2a; Ian Dardani, 1g/2a; Bear Lockshin, 2g; Brett Daubert, 2g; Jordie McKenna, 1g/1a; Riley Larsen 1g; Wyatt Pastor 1g; Demitri George, 1a

 

Records for Each Team

Westminster 3-4 / Trinity Pawling 3-5

 

Second Girls’ Lacrosse had only 10 minutes to warm-up as the team’s departure was delayed due to bus issues. But the team brushed that off and started hard and fast against the Wildcats of Williston. Katy Maxon ‘18 buried a feed from Ella Varano ‘21 to put the Martlets on the scoreboard three minutes into the game. Varano scored next on a free position shot and Maxon netted two more as the Martlets led 4-3 at half. It was the gritty, determined Martlet defense that won the day as they totally disrupted the Wildcat offense and forced turnovers. Lizzi Cronin ‘21 turned in a stellar performance in goal with a season high nine saves as well as several interceptions as the Williston players attempted to feed cutters. Tight defensive marking by Jane Ogden ‘19, Layla Ennis ‘19, Ondine Finley ‘19, Francesca Bradley ‘21, Mia Stevens ‘18, Katherine Ashe ‘21, Campbell Swift ‘21 and Rachel Ha ‘21 frustrated the speedy Wildcats, forcing many off-target passes and outside shots. The Martlet team hung tough, as the clock was winding down and the Wildcats frantically tried to score. A wonderful team win made possible by tons of support from the bench.

 

Second Girls' Lacrosse played a home game against Kent School this afternoon. The Martlets won the first draw but had trouble finding their offensive footing in the first half. Kate Lovas '18 made a great cut and netted the first goal at the five-minute mark. Annabelle Smith '21 scored a few minutes later and the Martlet offense began to find their balance. After a halftime regroup, the Martlets played a more focussed game, finding the open pass and pressuring the Lions on every possession. Eight different Martlets combined for 11 goals.

 

In a fierce, wet and distinctly muddy battle against the maroon Knights of Salisbury School, Westminster stormed the castle in true form. During the first quarter, the two teams were neck and neck, closing with a score of 3-3. As the first half waned on, Westminster began to edge forward and was not down trodden by the swamp of the field. A commendable effort was made on the part of Ral Reyes ‘21, who expertly navigated the sludge and slop to win a number of critical face-offs, the outcome of which allowed the Martlet to score 14 points over 40 minutes of play out matching the Knights six. Notable offensive must be remarked for Theo Vandervoorn ’20 and Jake Monroe ‘20; the latter played his debut game on the team.

 

It was an outstanding day for lacrosse as the Martlets traveled to New York to face off against Trinity-Pawling. The long journey did not stop the boys from giving their all, inching ahead one goal at a time to hold T-P 6-3 at the end of the first half. Honorable mention is due to both Teddy Shellbach ’20 for taking over face off duties as well as Nate Stevens ’21 for phenomenal play on both sides of the field. The Martlets pulled far ahead in the second half, ending the game 11-7.

 

Finally a sunny brisk day where both teams could get out on the field and play some good lacrosse. The game started quick for Westminster as Noah Kaplan '20 scored two first quarter goals. His second goal came off a great 40-yard long direct pass from William Mell '21. Mell was a workhorse all day playing tough defense, but also picking up ground balls and starting fast breaks. Kaplan would add another two goals in the second quarter to help the home team to a 4-3-halftime lead over the Rhinos. Taft would chip away at the score and take the lead into the second half of the fourth quarter. Down by one with the game running down, Charlie Flam '20 would put in his first goal of the game off a hard left shot. With the game all tied up both teams exchanged chances in the final two minutes, both goalies making highlight saves. Ben Ferrell '21 would finish the game with a solid 16 saves, including saving his best one for overtime. After a scramble in front of the Taft net, Flam would hockey shot the game winner home on the grass.

 

Westminster hosted Kent on a great afternoon for lacrosse. The game started off quick for the home team as it scored three goals in the first quarter and held Kent to zero. The second half both teams ran up and down the field, exchanged some opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net. In the third quarter both teams tried to open up the game as Kent scored two and Westminster three. Heading into the fourth quarter with the score 6-2 in favor of the Martlets, they were able to play their best lacrosse of the day and extend the lead and overall win to 10-3. Ben Ferrell '21 played lights out in net again with 12 saves. The game ball went to the entire group of poles: Cooper Organ '21, William Mell '21, Justin Parsons '20, Jimmy Chey '20, Lukas Daub '21 and goalie Ferrell who held Kent just to three goals and also added a goal of their own from Mell.

 

Emily Samar '18 homered, tripled and scored the winning run to lead Westminster to an exciting 13-12 victory in extra innings over Taft. The Martlets overcame an 11-5 deficit by scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game. In the eighth frame, Taft scored a run and reclaimed the lead. However, Ashlee White '18 reached base on a hard hit ground ball to shortstop, and Samar then drilled a triple down the right field line to score White. The relay to third base deflected a few feet into left field and Samar dashed home, beating the throw to the plate. The game began with the Rhinos taking a 5-0 lead in the first inning, but Westminster answered with a double by White and a home run by Samar. Taft added two runs in the top of the third. However, in the bottom of the inning Taylor Adams '20 doubled to centerfield and White tripled to drive in a run. Gabby Nemarich '20 had an RBI on a hard hit ball to shortstop, and the score was 7-5. Taft extended the lead to 11-5 over the next two innings. Ally Marenco '18 pitched a strong, scoreless top of the seventh before Westminster began a fantastic comeback in the bottom of the inning. Adams beat a throw to first base on a ground ball to start the rally, and White drew a walk. Samar reached base on an error, and Nemarich singled to drive in a run. Hannah Stone '18 had an RBI on a well-hit ball to shortstop, and Meg Cournoyer '19 then lined a double to left centerfield, scoring two runs. Stone reached home on a ground ball by Mandy Busky '21, and the game was suddenly an 11-10 contest. With two outs, Lucy Noel '18 then doubled along the left field line to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Fielding stars for Westminster were Adams, Busky and White, who each made key plays throughout the afternoon. Nemarich also had a great catch on a ball hit to the centerfield fence in the eighth inning. Marenco turned in a gritty pitching performance against a talented Rhino team, and Samar was strong behind the plate.

 

The Martlets won their third match of the season on the road, again, against Williston. Maybe it was the cold weather, yet again, or the bus ride, but Westminster was slow to start against the Wildcats. In each doubles match, the Martlets were up 3-2 at the break. From that point on, however, each pairing rattled off five straight games for the win. The Black and Gold carried that momentum into the singles where they put away the match in convincing fashion. Mary Kille '18 at No. 1 and Ellie Suit '20 at No. 4 were particularly dominant, refusing to drop a game to their opponents.

 

On a day that was finally beginning to feel like spring, the Martlets were able to play their first home match of the season and were victorious in all matches. The Martlets again looked strong in doubles. All the Martlet duos were aggressive at net and played confidently. Mary Kille '18 and Nat Wilson '18 at No. 1 and Clara Ekholm '20 and Ellie Suit '20 at No. 2 both won 8-2. Lauren Way '20 and Alex Wolf '19 had the most convincing match of the day handing their opponents an 8-0 loss. In singles action, Kille took care of business at No. 1 6-2, 6-0 while Suit hit some beautiful winners and was commanding in her 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 2. Way played a dogged and determined opponent but ultimately did a good job of moving her opponent around for the 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 3. Ekholm played singles for the first time this season and came out looking sharp winning 6-1 in the first set at No. 4. The second set was closer but she pulled it out 6-5. Maggie Chaves '19 looked strong at No. 5 winning 6-1, 6-1, and Wolf, after winning the first set easily, fought off a determined challenge by her opponent to win 7-5 in the second. Laura Mittelman ’20 also won her exhibition match.

 

The team won its third straight doubles point as the sun poked through the clouds at Suffield Academy. This time it was not Azat Mukhametkulov '19 and Carl Ekholm '19 fighting off match points and winning a tiebreaker, rather it was Ethan Na '19 and captain Connor Seeley '18 at No. 3, captain Nikola Kostic ‘18 and Grant McCargo '21 at No. 2 coming through. Seeley and Na fought off some big serves to win the first five games and the last three, losing only two in the middle. Kostic and McCargo were up 7-6 serving for the match but then found themselves fending of game points to stay out of a 7-8 deficit. They won the final two games to take their match and the doubles point. In singles, Westminster won the first set in four of the matches. Na was quick with a first set victory, giving his opponent fits with his gritty gets and precise groundstrokes. Ekholm looked sharp, too. Seeley had to face a big server who even aced him on a number of second serves. He fought well but was unable to make much headway. Mukhametkulov's match was tight all the way with occasional breaks here and there but neither boy pulled away. The real strength came with Kostic and McCargo at No. 3 and No. 4. Kostic lost his first game and then won 11 straight games before losing a second and then winning the final game. He was consistent, smart, patient and precise. That made it 2-0 Westminster. McCargo was not far behind, only giving up three games and giving the Black and Gold a strong lead. McCargo's groundstrokes were deep and hit with good pace. Na and Ekholm both lost their second sets while Mukhametkulov fought off a match ball in his second set and pulled even with his heart and head. Na fell 7-10 in his tiebreaker, making the match tight at 3-2 for Westminster with Mukhametkulov and Ekholm both in 10-point tiebreakers for their third sets. Ekholm's opponent had a booming first serve and made virtually no errors. Ekholm needed to be patient. He took a 6-4 lead and then lost four straight points. Then he won three points and had match ball. After a long rally, Ekholm got a short ball and ripped a forehand that was out by maybe a millimeter — 9-9. He was patient and went up 10-9 and then 11-9. Pandemonium. Mukhametkulov was left to finish out the match but couldn't add another W as his opponent finished with five straight points. Chris Whipple ’18 won his exhibition match 8-5.

 

On a bright, sunny and somewhat breezy day, the Martlets traveled on back roads to Washington, Connecticut to take on The Gunnery on four hard courts. Doubles went quickly with a sweep for the Black and Gold. Ethan Na '19 and Grant McCargo '21 were particularly stingy allowing only one game against. McCargo finished the match with a putaway volley at net. Na controlled the match with his pinpoint precision. In singles, Na did not even give up a game, winning 6-0, 6-0. Carl Ekholm '19 matched him at No. 4 and Azat Mukhametkulov '19 only allowed two games against. Captain Connor Seeley '18 and Chris Whipple '18 played pro sets in the second round, as the match was already decided. Neither of them gave up a game either. McCargo completed the sweep with a two-set victory. Jimmy Zhang '18 played an exhibition match that started with the doubles and was interrupted by the singles. He won eight straight games to finish out his set.

 

A great performance from the Westminster girls on April 18 allowed the team to defeat a strong Williston squad. Westminster decisively won all of its singles matches, and the doubles team of Annabel Bradley '19 and Diana Tsibikova '21 managed to emerge victorious over their tough doubles opponents.

 

Thanks to consistent singles play and some astounding doubles play, the Martlets managed to defeat Kent 5-2 on April 21. Susannah van Leuven '20 and Martina Daniele '19 played excellent and aggressive tennis at net and defeated their opponents 8-1.

 

 

 

Westminster hosted a talented Hotchkiss team on April 18 and nearly pulled off the upset. The critical doubles point was decided by a narrow 9-7 Bearcat victory over the No. 2 doubles team of Scott Wilson '19 and Cameron Jury '19. Ashton Howey '18 and Kevin Kuang '19 won handily 8-5 at No. 1 doubles. Kuang would also be victorious in a tiebreaker at No. 2 singles with dominant serving and excellent shotmaking, 9-8 (7-2 tiebreaker). Scott Lee '20 played his best tennis of the season in his 8-5 win at No. 6 singles.

 

The Martlets arrived to the Hilltop to face a good Salisbury team and immediately fell behind in the doubles matches. They took the critical doubles point after Scott Wilson '19 and Cameron Jury '19 came roaring back from a four-game deficit before finally prevailing 9-7. In singles, Ashton Howey ’18 was down 4-1 before winning the next seven games at No. 1 singles 8-4. James Chun '19 battled in his win at No. 5 singles 8-6 to clinch the match for Westminster.

 

The weather cleared enough for Third Girls’ Tennis to get out on the courts, and the team faced a tough Hotchkiss opponent. One of the highlights of the day was the win by Mairead DeFronzo '20 playing at No. 4 singles. DeFronzo played steady and consistent tennis, and her improved serve helped to propel her to the win. There were other very close and very exciting matches, but unfortunately Westminster ended up on the wrong side of victory in each case. Playing No. 1 doubles were Lily Carrel '19 and Izzy Bailey '21. The pair lost in a tiebreak after a hard-fought eight game pro set. Likewise, Isabel von Bargen-Burke '19 lost a close match (7-9) at No. 2 singles. Rounding out the singles, Siena Holowesko '21 played a very close match (6-8) at No. 3 singles, and Eda Chen ’20 had very long rallies and terrific shots at No. 1. In doubles action, Chloe Ferro '20 and Lizzy McCoy '20 played in the No. 2 position while Christina Zahringer '20 and Elena McGuigan '21 played No. 3.

The Martlets hosted Rectory on a beautiful (finally!) spring afternoon. The matches were terrific and most were very close. The singles roster posted impressive scores, although there were many close points and terrific rallies that could have gone either way. Playing at No. 1 was Eda Chen '20, No. 2 was Jennifer Jerand '19, No. 3 was Isabel von Bargen-Burke ‘19, and No. 4 was Lily Carrel ‘19. The trio of Jerand, von Bargen-Burke and Carrel set a positive tone for the match and led the team with their confident play, posting scores of 8-4, 8-3 and 8-0 respectively. Chen also persevered for the win, ultimately prevailing 8-5. In doubles competition, No. 1 team of Izzy Bailey '21 and Siena Holowesko '21 won 8-5 through steady play. At No. 2 doubles, Annie Brewer '21 and Mairead DeFronzo '20 eventually fell to their opponents 5-8, but the match was exciting. Playing against the challenging serves of their opponents, the dynamic duo of Chloe Ferro '20 and Lizzy McCoy '20 ultimately prevailed 9-7 in a very close match that consisted of great rallies. Rounding out the afternoon was an exhibition doubles match with Christina Zahringer '20 and Tatum McBreen '21. Every Westminster athlete demonstrated progress in both skill and grit.

 

The Martlets defeated Miss Porter's School but fell to a strong Greenwich Academy team. On the track the Martlets started off with a win in the 4x100m relay featuring Lauren Nam '18, Dylan Foster '20, Cecilia Raymond '20 and Chloe Sealy '18. Foster later won the 200m where Adena Ajike '19 finished third. Sealy also finished second in the pole vault behind teammate Amanda Liu '18. Those two also went 1-2 in the high jump where they were joined by teammate Hannah Kaye '19, who finished fourth. Liu also finished third in the javelin. Natalie Rubin ‘19 finished second in the 1500m and third in the 800m. Elisabeth Knauf '20 finished second in the 100m hurdles and third in the 300m hurdles. To finish out things on the track a ream of Raymond, Knauf, Sydney Schuster '21 and Abby Moss '20 finished second in the 4x400m relay. Alisa Toner '21 and Maya Ruffin '19 took the first two places in the discus. Ruffin also won the shot put. Andrea Warrick '21 took third and Toner placed fourth. Toner also won the javelin.

 

The Martlets lost to an Avon Old Farms team strong in the field events. Matt Park '21 placed second in the long jump. Drew Brownback '19 won the pole vault and placed second in the triple jump. Brandon Williams '18 won both the 110m high hurdles and the 300m hurdles. Nate Pane '19 won the 400m and the 200m. Sean Clarke '19 took 2nd in the 100m. The distance events were a strong point for Westminster today. Emmett de Kanter '19 won the 1500m. Daniel Chey '18 finished third. De Kanter finished second in the 800m followed by Teagan Stedman '18. Westminster took all the scoring places in the 3000m: Kieran Haug '21 led the way followed by John Kuzminskas '18 and Justin Schuster '19. The day wrapped up with a thrilling victory in the 4x400m relay. De Kanter, Brownback and Steadman battled throughout a tight race and Pane reeled in the last Avon Old Farms runner in the final meters.