Spring Sports Highlights for 5.7.18

Westminster lost a closely contested game to Choate, 5-7. Chris Londal '21 had three super catches in left field. Tasso Housakos '18, playing center field, threw two players out at second base. Zack Eckerson '21 was involved in six putouts. Ryan Szykowny '18 pitched all seven innings with Harrison Lehman '21 putting in a solid performance behind the plate. Spencer Organ '18 had two RBIs. The Martlets had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh but couldn't convert.

 

The game was close after five innings but a few errors and some great hitting by Williston lead to a rout. Elliott Kennard '19 made a great over the shoulder catch on a foul ball. SK Lee '18, Chris Londal '21 and Zach Burelle '20 all made good plays in the outfield.

 

The Martlets ventured to Wallingford Country Club for their first quad match of the year and intuitively knew that there would be some exciting competition. While Westminster ultimately would fall in team matches to all three schools — 2-3 Choate, 0-5 Loomis, 2-3 Williston — there was plenty of excitement with many of the matches coming down to the final hole. Highlights on the day included Becca Gavel's '18 two winning matches at the No. 2 spot as well as Katie Kosior's ’18 much improved play to close out two of her three opponents. Both Gavel and Kosior found consistency in their respective swings and seized the opportunity.

 

Taking the tee for its first home match of the season, the Martlets were excited to host familiar foes in a tri-match with Ethel Walkers and the Bearcats from Hotchkiss. With the greens finally filling out and beginning to roll with speed, the Martlets put special focus on managing their putting and short game. In the end the Martlets prevailed 3.5-1.5 over Ethel Walkers while falling to a deep Hotchkiss squad 0-5. Highlights on the day included tight matches at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots as Susie Mahoney '20 and Becca Gavel '18 hit the ball well and battled hard. Eve Cathcart ’20 also seemed to find her swing at the No. 4 spot and enjoyed more than a few solid strikes.

Under cold and windy conditions at Suffield Country Club First Boys' Golf had a very challenging day at the second annual Suffield Invitational, finishing fourth in the eight-team field with a score of 337. Williston led the way with a score of 316, followed by AOF 322 and Suffield 326. Justin Flaks '20 led the way for Westminster with a solid round of 78 (+6) to finish in fifth place in the 40-player field. Other Westminster scores included Ned Blanchard '20 (80), Ian Broadbent '18 (89), Peyton Knauf '19 (90) and Cam Scott '18 (94).

On a perfect day for golf (80 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze) at the Hotchkiss School Golf Course, First Boys' Golf struggled to find its game while falling to Taft (195), AOF (201) and Hotchkiss (204). Westminster posted its highest score of the season (213) on the par-35 layout. Ned Blanchard '20 led the way for Westminster with a 38 (+3), followed by Justin Flaks '20 (41), Peyton Knauf '19 (41), Ian Broadbent '18 (46), Peter Sanger '21 (47) and Alex Biedron '18 (48). The three losses drop the team to 18-7-1 for the season.

 

On an absolutely perfect day for golf, First Boys' Golf traveled to Crumpin-Fox Club to take on NMH and Pomfret. On this wonderful, but challenging, course the boys played their best golf of the year in posting a solid score of 199, which was good enough to come away with victories over both NMH (220) and Pomfret (230). Justin Flaks '20 led the way for Westminster and earned match medalist honors with a brilliant round of 35 (-1). Other Westminster scores included Grant Noble '18 (39), Ned Blanchard '20 (41), Peter Sanger '21 (41), Cam Scott '18 (43) and Ian Broadbent '18 (44).

 

On a warm and sunny day (yes, I said warm and sunny) Second Boys' Golf had mixed results hosting a tri-match against Avon Old Farms and Taft at Hop Meadow Country Club. Westminster's total of 220 bettered Taft's 235 but AOF captured the win with a team score of 215. AOF's Luke Mackay (who happens to be a Hop Meadow member) took the medalist honors shooting a fine 38 (+2). Westminster scores included Carson Roth '19 (45), Cam Scott '18 (46), David Harris '21 (44), Alex Gadowski '18 (43), Charlie von Stade '21 (44) and Darion Benchich '20 (44). The team struggled fighting a stiff breeze and had some problems figuring out the dry and fast greens.

 

After a week on the road, the Martlets returned to Hovey Field to take on the Suffield Academy Tigers. For the first 10 minutes of play, the Martlets and Tigers traded goals. The Martlets then lost possession in the attacking end with shots straight to the stick of Suffield's goalie, allowing the Tigers to utilize those turnovers and score three goals that would go unanswered for a few minutes. Westminster struggled to get draw controls and keep the ball, but the Martlets turned it around, scoring goals of their own of crease rolls, fast breaks and successful slow break opportunities. The teams broke for half, the score 12-8 favoring Westminster. The second half consisted of more back-and-forth goals scoring for both teams, but Westminster pulled ahead thanks to strong defending led by defenders Meg Rittenhouse '20 and Jenny Guider '20. Shannon Keefe '19 turned in an impressive game and contributed seven goals while captain Emma Lange '18 notched four goals and two assists and Blake Cote'19 had two goals and four assists. Captain Emma Alpaugh '18 and Georgia Nolan '20 put two in the back of the net and attacker Mikaila Lupoli '20 notched one. The high scoring game showed the offensive ability of both teams, but the Martlets came out on top and held the Tigers in the second half to just six goals.

 

First Girls' Lacrosse travelled to the Ethel Walker School (EWS) on May 5 looking to go 2-0 this week. The Martlets came away victorious after two well-played halves thanks to disciplined lacrosse, teamwork and effort each minute. After nine scoreless minutes of Martlet-heavy possession, Westminster finally opened up the scoring. EWS kept it close, however, scoring just 50 seconds later. The teams did well keeping control of the ball and both goalies came up with key saves, hence the low score in the first half favoring the Martlets 5-3. The second half was a more elevated game for Westminster as the team played smart defense around the crease, created scoring opportunities and committed to the systems put in place to get the job done. Particularly strong defending came from Susie Renehan '19, Greta Baker '19 and goalie Ellie Bailey '21 and the Martlets only allowed two more goals in the second half. Westminster outscored its opponent in the second half and the final score was 12-5. Goals for the Martlets came from Shannon Keefe '19, Blake Cote '19, Jill Parsons '19 and captains Emma Lange '18 and Emma Alpaugh '18. Lange also posted a team high of seven caused turnovers while running the midfield.

 

Westminster Goal Scorers

Sal Iaria, 3g/1a; Quinn Armstrong, 2g/2a; Jordie McKenna, 2g/2a; Ian Dardani, 2g/1a; Bear Lockshin, 1g; Wyatt Pastor, 1g; Riley Larsen, 1g; Tanner Wood, 1a

 

Records for Each Team

Westminster 5-5 / Loomis 4-9

Second Girls’ Lacrosse played a strong game against Ethel Walker’s. Prior to the start, the team honored its six Sixth Formers: Maddie Dwyer, Katy Maxon, Mia Stevens, Kate Lovas, Sophia Gasser and Noah Vieux. The Martlets then took the field and were ready to go from the first whistle as they used their speed and skill to keep the Walker’s defense constantly on its toes.

It was 90 degrees and a beautiful day for lacrosse as the Martlets donned their blacks for a tilt against Loomis Chaffee. The slow start to the game was punctuated by penalties on both sides of the field, yet Nate Stevens ’21, Willie Noble ’20 and Ryan Messina ’20 brought the Martlets to 3-3 at the half. With outstanding defensive play in the first half, Gabe Grimeh ’19 found himself carrying the ball up field more than once as the game progressed. With an absolutely unreal goal by Riley Wood ’19 in the waning minutes of the game, Westminster beat both the heat and its opponents 6-3.

 

On a crisp and bright spring afternoon, the Martlets headed to Greenwich to face off against the Brunswick Bruins. With grit and grace, the boys walked onto the field ready to take on a tough opponent with a big reputation, and they kept the Bruins honest throughout the game. Willie Noble’s ’20 hat trick and Wick Carter’s ’19 outstanding defensive efforts stood out among many highlights of the game, but most important of all would be Teddy Schellbach ’20 stepping between the pipes for a turn at goalie.

After the long ride out to the northeast corner of the state, Westminster was able to play some tight defense in the first quarter and hold the score to 2-2. Second quarter saw the visitors get some nice goals on transitions, which lead to a lot of 1-1 with the IMS goalie. The score at halftime was 6-3 Westminster. The third quarter saw sloppy play and players taking too many penalties, which lead IMS to jump to a two-goal lead at one point. Hunter Johnson '21 would score a heavy shot to stop the bleeding and right the ship for the Martlets. Now down by one heading into the final 10 minutes, Westminster was able to settle down, stay out of the penalty box and regain the lead. Charlie Flam '20 would have the hot hand in the fourth quarter with some big-time goals. Ben Ferrell ’21 lead the way again in net with 15 saves, including three highlight saves all back to back. Game balls went to Flam and also Nate Londal '19 with some big face-off wins down the stretch.

 

The Martlets were back on the road for their third game in a row. Salisbury took a quick 2-0 lead but Westminster fought back hard and tied the score 2-2 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, tight defense and great goaltending. Salisbury would take the lead at halftime. The third quarter was all Westminster, some good possession time and some nice goals, including Juan Jo Garibay '20 getting into the dirty areas in front of the net and scoring his first career goal. After some back and forth play in the fourth quarter, and a few late chances for Westminster to score and take the win, the game would head to overtime. Salisbury would win the face-off in overtime and finish Westminster off on a high hard shot to the top corner. Ben Ferrell '21 would not only finish the game with a solid 18-save performance but he would also add an assist.

Ally Marenco '18 allowed just five Wilbraham base hits and Hannah Stone '18 tripled, singled and drove in three runs to lead Westminster to a decisive victory at home. Infielders Mandy Busky '21, Taylor Adams '20, Ashlee White '18 and Stone played stellar defense throughout the afternoon. Stone and White made numerous strong plays in the field, while Emily Samar '18 was terrific behind the plate and threw out a runner attempting to steal. Gabby Nemarich '20 and Meg Cournoyer '19 made important catches in the outfield. The game was a close 3-0 contest until the fourth inning, when the Martlets put together a series of quality at bats and scored eight runs in the frame. Adams, White, Samar and Nemarich had two hits and two RBIs apiece for Westminster.

 

Ally Marenco '18 pitched six strong innings and also hit a grand slam as the Martlets defeated Milton on a warm spring day. Emily Samar '18 had four hits and four RBIs for Westminster. Gabby Nemarich '20 and Ashlee White '18 drove in three runs apiece. Hannah Stone '18 added two doubles and two RBIs for the Black and Gold. Stone and White also made numerous fine plays in the field throughout the afternoon. Nemarich, Mandy Busky '21 and Katie Neilsen '18 were impressive defensively as well. Meg Cournoyer '19 played well behind the plate over the last three innings.

 

Ashlee White '18 had three hits and Ally Marenco '18 pitched a shutout for Westminster in a well played game at Pomfret. White helped set the tone for the afternoon by making two nice plays at shortstop in the first inning. Mandy Busky '21 and Katie Neilsen '18 also fielded their positions well, and Hannah Stone '18 had three put outs at third base. Marenco pitched a strong game, allowing just four Pomfret base hits. For the Martlets, Taylor Adams '20 and Emily Samar '18 had two hits apiece and each drove in two runs. Big moments at the plate included a triple by Samar and doubles by White and Gabby Nemarich '20. Busky and Meg Cournoyer '19 each had a single and an RBI.

 

The Martlets traveled out to Lakeville and encountered an impressive Hotchkiss squad. While Westminster was unable to win a match, it put up a good fight. The Bearcats have talented players at the top of the ladder who wedge just too much for the Black and Gold. Westminster was more competitive as it moved throughout the lineup. Lauren Way ‘20 and Alex Wolf ‘19 were right in there at the No. 3 doubles match, exchanging games with their opponents but they ultimately fell 8-6. Clara Ekholm ‘20 jumped out to a 4-1 start at No. 5 singles but could not hold on for the win. Maggie Chaves ‘19 found herself in a close one at No. 6 but her opponent and the heat proved to be too much.

 

For the first time in many years, the Martlets defeated K-O 8-1. It was a hard-fought match up and down the ladder played on K-O's nice indoor courts and outside. All three doubles matches were competitive. Westminster jumped out to a strong start at No. 3, where Alex Wolf '19 and Lauren Way '20 went up 4-1. While their opponents played defensively and staged a comeback, the Martlets prevailed 8-5. At No. 2, Clara Ekholm '20 and Ellie Suit '20 exchanged games with their opponents for awhile but ultimately inched ahead. The Wyverns tied the match at 7-7 but the Black and Gold persevered to win 9-7. The No. 1 doubles match set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Mary Kille '18 and Nat Wilson '18 got off to a slow start and were down as much as 5-1. Determined to get a "W" for the team and sweep the doubles, the Sixth Form captains clawed their way back with aggressive tennis at the net and the baseline. They rattled off seven straight games to win 8-5. In singles, maintaining control in matches No. 3 through No. 6, with Way, Suit, Ekholm and Maggie Chaves '19 all claiming victories for the Black and Gold. Olivia Zhang '20 found herself in a dogfight at No. 2. She started off down but maintained her composure against an athletic opponent with frustrating drop shots. Zhang ultimately pulled out the win 9-7. At No. 1, Kille jumped out to a 7-2 lead but her opponent crept back in the match and ultimately turned the tide resulting in the only loss for the Martlets.

 

The Martlets headed out from Armour Academic Center on a cool, windy day to play on the newly refurbished indoor (and outdoor) courts at Kingswood Oxford in West Hartford. Both teams were without key starters but still had quality players down the ladder. In doubles Grant McCargo '21 and Nikola Kostic (captain) '18 played up a spot at No. 2 and looked strong, up 5-2. Six games later they shook hands at 5-8, having played no worse than at the start. James Manderlink '21 had hoped to play doubles only, due to his shoulder tightness. He was disappointed when coach Peter Doucette wouldn't let him even do that. The team hopes he'll be back to full strength soon. Doubles was all Carl Ekholm '19 could muster as his shoulder, too, was hurt from serving. In singles the boys played well. Azat Mukhametkulov '19 faced another talented junior with beautiful touch, being able to deaden even the hardest hit balls. Ethan Na '19 nearly took his second set, playing many deuce games but ultimately falling in a tiebreaker. McCargo continued to work on his volleys and saw the benefits of coming in to net. Kostic had a tight first set against Na's younger brother. Jennifer Na was a neutral supporter for the team match having brought snacks for both teams. Connor Seeley (captain) '18 won his first set against a boy who was a bit sluggish, but had good hands. In the second set, Seeley fell victim to the good hands and then lost a third set tiebreaker outside in the wind, which moved strongly north to south. Chris Whipple '18 didn't let the wind bother him, earning the sole W on the day for the Black and Gold.

 

The team was prepared for the hot temperatures and anticipated a competitive match. Although the final score was not close, the boys made Deerfield play its best to complete the match. In doubles Carl Ekholm '19 and Azat Mukhametkulov '19 got off to a slow start but found some rhythm at the end and won the most games of any doubles combination. Ekholm sat for singles, as did James Manderlink '21, both nursing sore shoulders. After getting shut out in his first set of singles, Ethan Na '19 regrouped and focused on playing his style of tennis, precise, thinking, gritty tennis. He got to 2-2 and then continued to battle as his opponent shifted to a higher gear. Coach Peter Doucette commented that forcing his opponent to do that was a win for Na. Mukhametkulov had a similar experience. Early in the match things seemed even and then his opponent shifted gears as he realized how dangerous Mukhametkulov was. Nikola Kostic '18 (captain) won the most games in any set with four. His opponent responded by not allowing Kostic another game. Connor Seeley '18 (captain) won the first game of his match and then couldn't convert any more opportunities. Chris Whipple '18 got to 2-2 in set two and was determined to battle hard every point. He did and his opponent stepped up like the others. Grant McCargo '21 earned the most games overall with five total, showing that he could easily stay on the court and compete with strong players.

 

It was a nice day for a drive, 97 minutes through the hills of Connecticut, along the banks of the Housatonic River, across a covered bridge and past the former Wingdale, N.Y. Psychiatric State Hospital, where there are still bars on many of the windows. It was also a nice day for tennis. Trinity-Pawling (TP) graciously provided lemonade and cookies for the players and spectators. The boys took the doubles point with quick wins at No. 2 and No. 3. Captain Connor Seeley '18 and Chris Whipple '18 shut out their opponents while Grant McCargo '21 and captain Nikola Kostic '18 allowed but one game against. McCargo has the most doubles wins on the team with six. At No. 1 Azat Mukhametkulov ’19 and Carl Ekholm ’19 got off to a slow start. Did they have too much lemonade? No one is sure. After being down 0-3, and 1-6, they rallied to 5-8. The TP lefty righty combination both had very strong forehands and were adept at putting balls away at net. Still, the Martlets made them work hard to finish the match.

In singles the Black and Gold won every first set 6-1 except at No. 1 where it was 6-2. In second sets the scores were similar. Kostic was first off, a rarity as he lately seems to play until the sun goes down. Ethan Na ’19 was quick to follow earning his team high fifth singles win. Mukhametkulov was down a break at 1-3 in set two before reeling off five straight games, including three breaks. His service game was particularly strong.

 

Before this game, the Hotchkiss Bearcats had an undefeated season. Then the Martlets showed up. After several very close matches, Westminster emerged from the smoke victorious. Special props to Andrea Kostic '18 for her four-game comeback streak and to the doubles team of Diana Tsibikova '21/Annabel Bradley '19 for their fantastic (and intimidating) play up at net.

 

On a warm spring day, a talented Deerfield squad out played the Martlets. Nate Chaves '19 was the lone victor. He won his match 6-1 at No. 7 (exhibition) singles.

 

In the weights, Maya Ruffin '19 and Alisa Toner '21 continued their strong performances, as they placed second and third in the shot put. They also placed second and fifth in the discus. Toner continued to shine in the javelin, taking second, followed closely by Amanda Liu '18. Liu also placed second in the pole vault and high jump. Chloe Sealy ‘18 followed her. Dylan Foster '20 and Sealy placed third and fifth in the long jump. Foster also placed fourth in the 200m. Natalie Rubin '19 won the 800m and placed fourth in the 1500m. Elisabeth Knauf '20 finished fourth in the 100m hurdles and fifth in the 300m hurdles. Paige Phillips '20 won the 100m where she was joined by teammate Cecilia Raymond '20 in third. The 4x400m relay team of Knauf, Liu, Sealy and Raymond finished in third place.

 

The 4x100m relay team of Brandon Williams '18, Matt Park '21, Sean Clarke '19 and Nate Pane '19 placed second to start off the day at the races. Clarke went on to finish third in the 100m and fifth in the 200m. Williams also finished second in the 100m and 300m hurdles. Pane finished third in the 400m joined by Teagan Stedman '18 in fourth. In the jumps, Drew Brownback '19 won the pole vault and triple jump. Fritz Gale '18 won the high jump, where Hayden Cathcart '18 finished fifth, as well as the long jump. Park finished second in the long jump. Gale also won the javelin. Malik Alishlalov ‘20 and Iggy Belov ‘20 followed him. Tremaine Dawson '21 finished third in the discus and Gio Hamilton '19 finished fourth. Belov also finished fourth in the shot put.