Martlets Fall In Finals

First Girls’ Soccer fought through two very tough preliminary games but did not have enough left to defeat a very talented and powerful Nobles squad on Nov. 21 in the championship game of the New England Prep School Class A Tournament. Defense has been one of the Martlets strong points this season, and they were certainly put to the test, but the back line of Captain Whitney Powell '11, Alana Carpenter '12, Margaret Berry '11, and Gaby Christman '11, along with the spectacular goal keeping of Sydney Daniels '13, continually frustrated the Nobles' attack.

Nobles created offensive pressure throughout the contest, minimizing Westminster's attack. Still Grit and Grace were certainly on display as Westminster held Nobles until 12:05 left in the first half, when their outstanding midfielder CoCo Woeltz was able to beat Daniels on the left side. The score stood 1 - 0 at the half. The second half saw Nobles create even more pressure on the Westminster defense, but it was able to hold until the last minute of play when Nobles scored on a corner.

No Fear—No Regets—One Team

Even though the last page of the 2010 chapter turns with disappointment, hopefully, the girls will soon look back on it with pride and a great sense of accomplishment. This was truly a remarkable team, but not just because of the number of games won, nor its success in the post-season tournament. This was a team that reached such heights because of the great chemistry it had developed during the season. Team members worked for each other not only in games but also in practices as a great practice team. No doubt all of the eight Sixth Formers were responsible for that special bond that formed in the course of the fall. But that bond cannot develop unless each individual, from Sixth Former to Third Former, is willing to give up personal considerations for the team. Each member of the team was willing to make that sacrifice.

Sadly, the team must say goodbye to a group of Sixth Formers who have brought distinction to Westminster soccer for so many years. They pass on a legacy that will be a challenge to those who follow, but it would be a mistake to see that legacy as simply a won-loss record. It is a legacy that encompasses the best in sport. The greatest reward is for a group to pull together toward a common goal, refusing to leave any of its members behind. So goodbye and thank you to:

Leigh Anne Baldwin

Margaret Berry

Captain Amanda Boulier

Captain Gaby Christman

Olivia Frank

Steph Piperno

Katie Polio

Captain Whitney Powell

Michael Hom

Robbie Thomson