Winter Sports Highlights for 1.15.18

Choate’s team is a taller and better-skilled team, but Westminster played pretty hard and was in the game for much of the first half until Choate pulled away. Emma Alpaugh ’18 led Westminster with 12 points. The Martlets were within striking distance (13-18) about eight minutes into the game, but a string of missed open shots and turnovers facilitated a Wild Boars run that put the game out of reach for good. On the bright side, the Martlets played unselfish basketball and made several excellent passes, and everyone contributed and fought hard throughout the game against a very good opponent.

 

The Martlets played one of their better halves of basketball against Choate. After the first half of the game, the Martlets were winning by six. However, the start of the second half was a different story. Choate played tighter defense and ramped up its physical style of play. Chris Robinson '20 led all scorers with 19 points, four steals and three blocks. Senior forward Max Brigham '18 had his fourth straight double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Also, Eli Cohen '19 contributed great defense and hustle to help keep the Martlets in the game. Ultimately, Choate was too strong down the stretch and pulled away mid second half.

 

Canterbury came to Williams Hill and played a physical game of basketball. The Martlets definitely fought back and answered the call. The game was close the entire time and the Martlets had their chances. However, the hot shooting from Canterbury was too much for the Martlets. Chris Robinson '20 scored a game high and season high with 44 points, while hitting seven threes. Fritz Gale '18 helped with a strong 14 points and excellence defense. Also, Tavian Montanez '21 chipped in with eight points.

 

After an excellent first half, which saw Westminster take a 21-20 lead into the locker room, the Hillsiders played well in the second half and the Martlets ended up falling 48-59. Henry Mitrano '19 led the way for the Martlets with 17 points and four steals. Mitrano also rebounded well. Malcolm Kleban '20 and Lukas Dudzik '19 were also monsters on the boards. Riley Wood '19 handled the ball well for Westminster. He had seven assists, including a behind-the-back dazzler to Dudzik. Teddy Schellbach '20 found his range in the first half as he hit two three pointers. The Hillsiders shot the ball extremely well in the second half and the team’s three-pointers proved to be too much for the Martlets.

 

Westminster held its second consecutive opponent to under 40 points, but the offense was still missing. After the Saints took a 6-0 lead to start the game, Teddy Schellbach '20 hit a three-pointer to get things going. The Martlets then took a 14-13 lead after a great defensive stretch led by Alex Biedron '18 and Riley Wood '19. The Saints responded with a few baskets and the Martlets trailed 15-22 at the break. Again, Biedron and Wood led a strong pressure defense to start the second half. Lukas Dudzik '19 disrupted many passes and had several steals. Henry Mitrano '19 finally provided Westminster with an offensive spark late in the game, but the Saints converted their free throws and prevailed in this low scoring affair.

 

At the foot of the mountains in Sheffield, Massachusetts, the Martlets donned their whites and soared to their face off against the Berkshire School Bears. Coming out strong in the first half with a solidified offensive package, the early moments of the game found defensive superstars such as Gabe Grimeh '19 with points on the board. Phalla Phoap '20 cruised down the court for his first points of the season, and Hunter "The Blond Bruiser" Hoogkamp '21 was posting and toasting from start to finish. As the sun lowered in the west, a flash of white took the court by storm, and players like Roman Mitchell '20 and Harrison Lehman '21 were sinking baskets smoother than soft butter on hot toast. Though the result of the game was a loss, the Martlet hustle could only be described in one way: bears may climb trees faster than they can run, but they can never catch the Westminster Third Boys’ White Lightning.

 

On the road once again, Westminster took on the vanguard of the Canterbury School Saints. A slow start to the first half was quickly allayed by an infusion of points from Harrison Lehman ‘21 and ferocious defensive maneuvers by Bear “The Bear” Lockshin ‘19. With 16 minutes to go and one half gone by, the Martlets found themselves a few points down, but spirits held high. Rallying with the intensity of a Spartan militia, freshman Hunter “The Blond Bruiser” Hoogkamp ‘21 would carry the team in points during the second half, stepping in to sink shots with both intention and zeal. Also standing out in the fray of the second half was Tunji Osho-Williams ‘21, who wasted no time taking firm control of the ball as soon as he stepped on the court. A tough battle for the Martlets’ White Lightning, and at the end of the day the boys turned their eyes away from the scoreboard and towards their teammates, reveling in the thought of future battles to come.

 

Westminster came out on top of a very close game against Choate in Wallingford. From the drop of the puck both teams were battling hard and getting strong scoring opportunities. After two back and forth periods of scoreless hockey, Westminster finally capitalized on its first power play opportunity. The goal came when Megan Rittenhouse ‘20 made a pass to Abby Munger ’20 who shot the puck hard and low on the ice to beat an unsuspecting Choate goaltender. Unfortunately, Choate was able to net a goal in the last minute of play in the third period to force the game into overtime. Westminster went onto the penalty kill at the start of overtime, but it did not deter the team from forechecking hard. The pressure came in handy when Lilly Holmes ‘18 forced a turnover in Choate’s defensive zone and found Jill Parsons ‘19 alone in front of the net who made a beautiful move to beat the Choate goalie and win the game for the Martlets. Westminster’s goalie Hannah Stone ‘18 continued to play incredibly well in net. A great effort all around and a well deserved win.

 

Westminster fell to a strong, hardworking Northfield Mount Hermon team on Jan. 13. Westminster got on the board first in the second period with a beautiful goal from Jill Parsons ‘19 assisted by Jenny Guider ‘20 in her debut at forward. The score remained 1-0 until late in the third period when Northfield netted a power play goal. Westminster fought hard and had many great offensive opportunities, but in the end Northfield netted the game winner with five minutes left to win the game. Third Former goalie Amanda Busky ‘21 played outstanding in net.

 

Looking to recapture its form, Westminster was back on the ice against Taft on Jan. 10. It is always good to be back on home ice at this time of year. The Martlets came out of the gate firing on all cylinders and took it to the Rhinos from the first drop of the puck. Though the game remained scoreless after the first period, Westminster controlled the tempo and offensive chances. Alex Gadowski ‘18 played well in net, stopping 20 of 21 shots. Taft’s only goal came with 2:21 remaining in the third period. Taft’s goalkeeper stood tall in net stopping 42 of 46 shots. Ryan Doolin ‘18 and Will Gilson ‘20 each found the back of the net in the second and Iggy Belov ‘20 scored two goals in the third.

 

The Martlets headed to Salisbury Jan. 13 to face off against the Knights. The number one ranked team in New England played a fast, smart game early in the first, but Westminster would not be pushed back on its heels. The game was scoreless at the end of the first, with both teams getting chances in the first frame. Salisbury broke the tie with a power play goal halfway through the second. Then, Jordie McKenna ‘19 scored off a loose puck in the high slot and a great shot. Salisbury was quick to respond with a goal in the next shift, but the trouble came for Westminster with 2:15 left in the second period, when Salisbury scored three goals before the end of the second period, capitalizing on miscues and bad reads. At 5-1 entering the third, it would have been predictable for a team to sit back and count the minutes until the final buzzer. In impressive form, Westminster continued to battle and played a great period of hockey, matching and outplaying Salisbury. Tasso Housakous ‘18 and Nate Pane ‘19 scored one goal each, and the team hit a few crossbars and posts as well. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the grit and character on display at Salisbury. Good things are ahead.

 

Goal scorers included Susie Mahoney '20 (two goals), Natalie Rubin '19 (two goals), Caroline McDermott '20 (two goals), Abby Moss '20 and Layla Ennis '19. Highlights included yet another shutout from Julia Krys '19 who recorded 20 saves, impressive play from novices Francesca Bradley '21, Jenna Kosior '21 and Annabelle Smith '21 (in her first-ever hockey game).

 

Susie Mahoney ‘20 had an impressive hat trick — and nine additional shots on goal. Cecily Carter ‘21 also ha a goal assisted by Layla Ennis ‘19. Julia Krys ’19 had six saves.

  

Second Boys’ Hockey hosted the Rhinos of Taft and lost in a disappointing effort. Westminster's Demitri George '18 scored the game's initial goal with under two minutes into the contest. Steve Bray '18 earned the assist. Unfortunately, the early goal appeared to make the team unfocused and complacent and the visitors took advantage by scoring four consecutive goals before the opening period came to a merciless close. Although the effort was better in periods two and three, the Martlets never found an effective flow and a unified attack. Westminster outplayed, outshot and outscored Taft in the third frame. On a power play chance, Zach Papapetros '20 netted one from Wyatt Pastor '20 and Peter Sanger '21. However, it was much too little too late.

 

Second Boys’ Hockey hosted Hillside School and fell short by a score of 2-0. Besides an empty net goal in the final few seconds, Hillside produced one goal on a breakaway during the second period. The Martlets had to severely juggle their line-up after losing three defenseman to concussion the day before against Taft. A shout-out goes to captain Peter Hall '18 who played hurt during the entire game. Also, Zach Papapetros '20 made an impression transitioning back to defense. Unfortunately, despite numerous chances particularly in the first period, the Martlets couldn't find the back of the opponent’s net.

 

Second Boys’ Hockey hosted Salisbury and watched the visitors head home with a 5-1 win. A combination of soft own-end coverage and penalties allowed the Salisbury Crimson Knights to score five consecutive goals to take a 5-0 lead after two periods. With several Martlet defenseman out of action, the hosts had to convert forwards to defense, which didn't make the mission any easier. Westminster scored the only goal of the third period and prevented a Salisbury shutout when Charlie Flam '20 intercepted a pass while shorthanded (five on three). Flam scored unassisted on a breakaway.

 

Despite the 2-6 loss to a speedy Rifle's team, the Martlets clawed their way back to 2-3 with six minutes remaining in the game before a series of penalties and miscues led to a few more goals from the opposition. Ben Ferrell '21 was impressive all game, making key saves early to keep the game close. Westminster's goals came from Willie Noble '20 who had a beautiful wrap around stuff and SK Lee '18 who netted a laser wrist shot to the upper shelf during a power play. Looking ahead, the team needs to focus on structure and better position play.

 

Third Boys’ Hockey resumed play on Jan. 13 going head to head against a perennially competitive opposition. While the Martlets only goal of the game came on a well-executed classic two on one with Ryan Szykowny '18 drawing the Salisbury defender before sliding the puck to Wick Carter '19 who finished with a low shot glove side, the team battled hard and competed well from the opening whistle. The defensive corps played particularly well with strong games from SK Lee '18, Wes Oltsch '20 and Rex Flinn '21 who all managed the D zone well. From this coach's perspective, this outing was the best of the season.

 

The girls brought home a 7-0 win from Suffield by virtue of depth at the bottom of the ladder and gritty play at the top. Matches at numbers four through seven and the exhibition match were all won at 3-0 (by Katie Kosior '18, Caroline Miller '18, Lucy Noel '18, Natalie Fay '19, Rebecca Sargent '20 and Eve Cathcart '20, respectively). Caroline Kelter '19 faced a hard-hitting player like herself and prevailed in four at #3. The #2 spot presented an opponent with no quit and some tricky shotmaking, but Ellie Bailey '21 had more arrows in her quiver, winning in three fairly close games. The most entertaining match was played by Valeria Osorio '19 at #1, where the first two games were tense, seesaw affairs with long rallies, clutch shooting and great gets. She took both (15-13 and 14-12), but not without having to hold off game balls. With a commanding 2-0 lead, she attacked more aggressively in the third game, closing out the match with a decisive 11-6 win.

 

Jan. 10: Squash - First Boys’ 7 vs Kingswood-Oxford School 0

Jan. 13:  Squash - First Boys’ 4 vs Kent School 3
The Housatonic River was jammed with ice for a mile right alongside the new Kent squash courts. The campus had to be evacuated but not before the Martlets flew off with a thrilling 4-3 win. Co-captain Connor Seeley '18 won his first round match in three games with solid basic rails and cross-courts. Seeley controlled the T and got the Martlets on the board. Khalil Walker '19 was disappointed in his result but fought hard in his match. Co-captain Chanler Miller '18 was up two game balls in his first game and somehow let it slip away. In game two he reversed things and fought off two game balls before pulling out the game. Although he had a good plan, Miller couldn't get his width under control and fell in four games. Kent 2 , Westminster 1. In round two Kent took an early lead at #7. In fact, Nate Londal '19 was down 0-2 and two match balls before taking game three 14-12. After a quick fourth game, Londal was behind again in the fifth game. He never wavered, playing every point in the moment, letting mistakes and triumphs fall away to focus only on the next shot. His ultimate victory proved central to the team win as Sean Ryan '18 would fall in five games, giving Kent a third match. Ryan battled hard and was ultimately done in by too many loose shots that his opponent was able to put away. Co-captain Andrew Doucette '18 got the third win for Westminster against a tricky player with an excellent backhand boast that seemed to come out of nowhere. Fortunately, that boast hit the tin more than it was a winner. Doucette was down in game three and seemed to be letting things slip away, but buckled down and earned the 3-0 win. Kent 3, Westminster 3 with the two number ones stepping onto court. The Kent No. 1 was determined to avenge his losses to Aly Tolba '18 from last season. Although Tolba seemed to have game one won when a ball came right back at his opponent in the middle of the court, the Westminster referee was unsure and awarded only a let. A number of times in the match Westminster referees were tough on their teammates, showing the best in sportsmanship and in citizenship. Tolba lost the first game and the Kent crowd was sensing a big win. But Tolba settled in mostly by staying off of the tin and won the second game 11-6. His shots stretched the Kent boy so much that his hamstring became injured and he was unable to finish the match. 

 

Second Girls’ Squash pulled off an impressive sweep of Kent in a late afternoon match with the Lions. Anna Veber '21 played the match of the day by winning in five games after dropping games three and four. Olivia Zhang '20 surrendered only eight points in her three-game sweep. Hannah Kaye '19 and Elaina Comia ’19 also had convincing wins for the Martlets.

 

Second Girls’ Squash made the long trek up to Deerfield to face off against a talented group. They were led by Olivia Zhang’s ‘20 convincing 3-0 win at number seven. Annabel Bradley ‘19 fought well in her five set loss at number two, and Maddie Dwyer ‘18 also competed well in her 3-2 match. Blake Cote ‘19 is quickly improving her game and gaining valuable experience as evidenced by her close match. Eve Cathcart ‘20 covered the court extremely effectively in her match against Talbot von Stade ‘21 of Deerfield 3-1.

The Martlets squared off against a pretty inexperienced squad from Salisbury, and the boys did exactly what Coach Michael Cervas asked them to do: be focused and intense from the get-go, stick to the fundamentals (i.e. rails hit to good length and width), and take care of business. The result was a 7-0 victory for the black and gold (the team won all 21 games played). Coach Michael Cervas awarded the "nail" for the match to Na who gave up a total of only four points in his match by playing really smart squash. The boys are making good progress as the team moves into a very busy and challenging part of the season.

 

The Martlets lost Jan. 13 to a solid Kent squad in a very competitive match by the score of 4-5. Travis Paulsen '20 earned the "nail" for the match by battling for a five-game victory at #3. James Manderlink '21 also played determined squash in his three-game win at #7, coming from behind to win both the second and third games by identical 12-10 scores.

 

Third Girls’ Squash performed incredibly well against Williston. Out of the 13 matches played, only three games were dropped. Jacq Autorino '20, Maggie Chaves '19, Ondine Finley '19, Audrey Froelich '19, Michelle Kim '20, Ishika Nathan '19, Sofia Raymond '19, Celia Sotirhos '21, Campbell Swift '21, Lauren Way '20 and Christina Zahringer '20 all won their matches.

 

The Martlets played a very close match against Taft, but struggled to close out the final games.

 

Westminster traveled over the mountain to face a strong JV squad from Kingswood-Oxford. The Martlets found themselves outmatched, coming away with only one victory. That win belonged to the ever-improving Carter Henshaw '20, who played smart and steady squash in sweeping his opponent three games to none. Ral Reyes '20, Nate Chaves '19 and William Mell '21 battled hard but ultimately succumbed in four games. A few points here or there would have allowed them to extend their respective matches to five, as Chaves lost his fourth game 11-8 and Mell lost an even closer one, 12-10. Similarly, although they lost in three, Zach Eckerson '21 (playing #1 for the first time this season), Quoc Truong '20 and James Chun '19, battled hard in each of their closely contested games with Chun losing 13-11 in the final set and Truong falling 12-10 in the second.

 

Westminster faced a very talented and deep team from Deerfield Jan. 13. The match was closer than the final score indicated, as there were numerous evenly played matches and closely contested points. Case in point, Quoc Truong '20, Carter Henshaw '20, Memo Tejapaibul '20 battled throughout their matches, losing in four games, and Cam Jury '19 fought back valiantly to bring his match to the fifth and decisive game. Four Martlets ended up victorious, with William Mell '21, Jimmy Zhang '18, Nate Chaves '19 and James Chun '19 all winning their respective matches in four games. Special mention goes out to Mell, who played a spectacular match overall and gave the fans (including his entire family) a thrilling second game 19-17 nail-biting-on-the-edge-of-your-seats-or-tips-of-your-toes-if-you-were-standing victory.