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Spring Sports Highlights 5.20.19

Baseball - First Boys’
May 15: Baseball - First Boys’ 6 vs Kingswood-Oxford School 10
May 18: Baseball - First Boys’ 1 vs Kent School 6
 
Golf - First Girls'
May 13: Golf - First Girls' vs Pippy O'Connor Independent School Girls' Golf Classic
The Pippy O’Connor New England Championship at the Wyantenuck Country Club in Western, Mass. was once again a wonderful event that celebrated girls' golf in general and showcased some impressive up and coming players. To provide some context, the two medalists in the 18-hole division both shot 68, rarefied air to be sure. Playing also in the 18-hole division, Susie Mahoney' 20 competed solidly shooting 88 and placing No. 35 out of 70 golfers. Among many highlights Mahoney's 80-yard approach shot on No. 17 that found its way into the cup for a birdie ranked at the top of them. Elaina Comia '19, Ishika Nathan' 19 and Emma Gurnell '21 all represented Westminster in the 9-hole division and played well and consistently. Comia tied for 10th, out of 30 participants, with Gurnell and Nathan right behind her shooting 51 and 54 respectively. Gurnell, a true fledging to competitive play, struck the ball well all morning and consistently out drove her opponents. Nathan also found a nice groove with her swing, hitting lots of long, straight shots. Her number one highlight, however, occurred on the final hole where she ho hummed a 45-foot putt that went up, down, right, left before dropping into the cup and punctuating her four-year participation in this annual event.
 
May 15: Golf - First Girls’ 2 vs Miss Porter's School 3
With the season winding and the sun finally breaking through the clouds, the Martlets played an exciting and competitive match at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington. Although the team lost 2-3, every match was close and all of the girls enjoyed more consistent play. Highlights included Elaina Comia '19 and Ishika Nathan' 19 playing together in a foursome and finding a special chemistry that yielded two impressive individual wins. Comia also achieved a personal best of (41) on the Tunxis red course. Susie Mahoney '20, Eve Cathcart '20 and Emma Gurnell '21 all competed well in several tight matches with Gurnell starting to find a better sense of her short game. An additional highlight included having Ellie Cramer '22 coming off of the IR to earn a victory in exhibition play and revealing that she too can get her driver going.
 
May 18: Golf - First Girls’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 5
On a perfect afternoon for golf, a full van of players headed to Bearcat country to christen a new tradition of playing as many matches as possible, and providing some players — who have not competed much during the season — an opportunity to go head-to-head in fast-playing exhibition twosomes. Westminster's group for the day included Eve Cathcart '20, Elaina Comia '19, Ishika Nathan '19, Emma Gurnell '21, Ellie Cramer '22, Lara Stone '22 and Elisabeth Knauf '20 — seven versus seven. From this coach's perspective it was great fun to watch the Martlets spread across a challenging course, hitting plenty of good shots and sinking more than a few unlikely putts. Players from both schools established fun and friendly conversations in a competitive format throughout each match. Cramer at the No. 5 spot had the most exciting battle of back and forth leads, ultimately falling just short on the difficult 18th hole.
 
Golf - First Boys'
May 15: Golf - First Boys’ 203
vs Williston Northampton School 207
vs Deerfield Academy 200
On a beautiful day for golf, First Boys' traveled to the very challenging Crumpin-Fox Club to take on Deerfield and Williston-Northampton. The boys played a solid round of 203, but this was not good enough to overcome the strong Deerfield squad on its home course. The final scores were Deerfield (200), Westminster (203) and WNS (207). Will Lodge '22 from Deerfield was the match medalist with an outstanding round of 34 (-2). Justin Flaks '20 led the way for the Martlets with a 38, followed by strong rounds from Peyton Knauf '19 (39) and Ned Blanchard '20 (39). Other Westminster scores included Bennett Ostern '21 (42), Newt Cutler '22 (45) and Vincent von Nordeck '21 (45).
 
Founders League Championship
May 18: Golf - First Boys'
On a perfect day for golf (low 70s, sunny, light breeze), First Boys' Golf traveled to Farmington Woods Country Club for the Founders League Championship. The team really came together with steady, solid play to earn the victory with a score of 388. Justin Flaks' 20 finished in a tie for second place with an outstanding score of 75 (+3) to lead the way for the Martlets, followed closely by Bennett Ostern '21 (76), Ned Blanchard '20 (78), Carson Roth '19 (79) and Peyton Knauf '19 (80). Newt Cutler '22 also shook off a bad start to finish with a respectable score of 85. The overall team results were as follows:
 
1. Westminster (388)
2. AOF (391)
3. Taft (393)
4. Kent (394)
5. Loomis (406)
6. Kingswood-Oxford (418)
7. Choate (427)
8. Hotchkiss (432)
9. Trinity-Pawling (507)
 
The victory was Westminster's first Founders League Golf Championship since 2005 and leaves the team in a strong position for the upcoming Kingswood Invitational Tournament next Wednesday.
 
Golf - Second Boys'
May 15: Golf - Second Boys’ 221
vs Hotchkiss School 239
vs Taft School 229
vs Choate Rosemary Hall 247
The Seconds Golfers took to the road May 15 and traveled through the Litchfield Hills to Watertown, Conn. for a Founders League four-way match. The weather was much improved from the last few days (and in truth most of this spring), and the Martlets did not disappoint. Paced by the solid play of David Harris '21 with a 41 (low man on the day for Westminster; medalist was Taft's Enrique Yen Chiang '21 with a stellar 37), the Martlets posted a 221 total score. That total nipped Taft by 8 shots (229 total) and comfortably bested Hotchkiss at 239 and Choate at 247. Though a bit higher than perhaps the season average, 221 was a strong result for the lads on a long and wet Watertown course, already a good challenge and made more so by the steady wind that blew much of the day. Joining Harris in the top three for the black and gold were Peter Sanger '21 with a 44 and Will Scott '20 with a disappointing 48 (but this was Scott's first match since coming of the IR, so perfectly understandable). Harris, Sanger and Scott left the Martlets 6 strokes down to Taft after the first three groups posted their scores, and the result looked very much in doubt as the coaches and players waited for the 4s, 5s, and 6s to come in. The key contribution came from Darion Benchich '20 in the No. 4 spot, who carded a 42 — besting his Taft counterpart by 4 strokes and cutting the host side's lead to 2. When Charlie von Stade '21 and Niclas Swahn '22 both came in with 47s, the Martlets claimed three victories on the day. All in all, a good day for the Seconds, whose record now stands at an impressive 11-1. That sole loss came to local Founders League rival Avon Old Farms — who also boast a very impressive record at 9-2 — in April by 4 strokes; the Martlets returned the favor two weeks later.
 
May 18: Golf - Second Boys’ 203 vs Avon Old Farms School 204
With the Seconds Golf Founders League title in their sights, the Martlets welcomed a very talented Avon Old Farms team to Hop Meadow Country Club. While perhaps most of the golfing world was focused on Bethpage and the PGA Championship, true aficionados knew that a classic was unfolding in Simsbury. The two sides had split two earlier matches this season by a net difference of only three shots, and so this season finale for both teams promised to be a barn burner. Thus the stage was set on this spectacular late spring day — perhaps the best day for golf all season. The black and gold did not disappoint: the Westminster linksmen all played well and the team posted its second-best total of the season to nip Avon by a shot. Co-medalist "Little Poison" David Harris '21 (sharing the honors with Avon's No. 1 Luke McKay '20) led off in the No. 1 spot and fired a 39 to set the pace. As the No. 2s and No. 3s came in, Westminster fell behind by two shots: Peter "Iceman" Sanger '21 and steely-eyed Vincent von Nordeck '21 both had solid 41s, but their Avon counterparts came home in 40s. Then the tide turned as Martlet No. 4 Darion "Bulldog" Benchich '20 also carded a 41, recovering those two shots when the Avon No. 4 posted a 43 — leaving the match tied with the No. 5s and No. 6s still on the course. Gritty No. 5 Will Scott '20, with two good eyes, proved the difference, as his 41 was that one crucial stroke better than the Avon No. 5 at 42. A resurgent Charlie von Stade '21, returning to his good play from earlier in the season and playing at No. 6, fired a 42 after a tough start, and while his score was not needed in the final tally it looked for a moment as if the decision would go to a match-of-cards for the six-men — and it’s worth noting that if that had been the case von Stade had a comfortable advantage over the Avon No. 6. All-in-all: a great day for the Seconds. Every golfer played good, consistent golf, posting solid scores at or below their season averages. That they did this under the pressure of a rubber match against arch-rival Avon adds to the luster of the victory. Triumphant and exultant, the Seconds departed Hop Meadow with an impressive 12-1 record on the season.
 
Lacrosse - First Girls'
May 15: Lacrosse - First Girls’ 7 vs Loomis Chaffee 13
Westminster First Girls' Lacrosse began its four-game home streak to end the season with a game hosting Loomis Chaffee. The visiting team scored seven goals that went unanswered for the first 10 minutes of play, thanks to capitalizing on Martlet turnovers and strong attacking from Pelican Jenna Donohue who added six goals for Loomis. Westminster, however, never once let up during the entire 50 minutes and played tremendous lacrosse to chip away at the seven-goal deficit. In a span of just 10 seconds, Westminster scored two goals after successful draw controls and fast breaks into the Pelican defensive end. At the half, Westminster trailed by six goals and the team was hungry to lessen that at the start of the second half. Westminster came out flying thanks to the strong draw team of captain Georgia Swank '19, captain Blake Cote '19, Jenny Guider '20 and Sam DeLeo '21. These four took control of the midfield by winning the draws and ensuring Martlet possession. Westminster found a way to then break down the backer-zone defense of Loomis and went on a four-goal streak. With 10 minutes to go, Westminster trailed by just three goals. Mikaila Lupoli '20 was unlucky in a shot that hit the post, but the Martlet attack was relentless in its fight to win it back and get the ball. The Martlets on defense deserve praise for their effort as they were charged with long, five- and six-minute defensive sets thanks to the ball movement of the Loomis attack. The defense — led by goalie Ellie Bailey '21, captain Susie Renehan '19 and Meg Rittenhouse '20 — did not let up, but some unlucky turnovers allowed for the Pelicans to increase their lead and finish six goals ahead of the home team. Goal scorers were Ridgely Green '20 (3 g), Swank (2g), DeLeo (1g, 1a), and Shannon Keefe '19 (1g). Westminster should be proud of its play as it took on an incredibly talented squad.
 
May 16: Lacrosse - First Girls’ 20 vs Miss Porter's School 7
Westminster hosted the Daisies of Miss Porter’s School May 16 — the sunniest, warmest day these teams have experienced this spring. The warmer temperature and blue skies only assisted in this Martlet victory, as it took no time for Westminster to warm up and get on the board. The Martlets scored within the first 20 second of the game and maintained control for the rest of the contest. MPS did respond in a minor lapse in the defense a few seconds later, but after that lapse, Westminster went on to score 13 more goals in the first half to take the lead 14-3 going into the half. Westminster needed to maintain composure with the ball on attack, eliminate unforced errors, and stay disciplined on defense to keep this lead. Miss Porter's did not give up and proceeded to score four goals in the second half, but Westminster kept playing themselves and scored six more to turn in a solid team win. Westminster had nine different goals scorers: Ridgely Green '20 (4g, 1a), Sam DeLeo '21 (3g), captain Blake Cote '19 (3g, 1a), captain Georgia Swank '19 (3g, 2a), Shannon Keefe '19 (2g, 1a), Betsy Winslow '21 (2g), Jenny Guider '20 (1g), Casey Winslow '21 (1g, 1a) and Ali Hatfield '20 (1g, 1a). Defensively, Tatum Courtmanche '21 and goalie Ellie Bailey '21 turned in a solid game.
 
May 18: Lacrosse - First Girls’ 8 vs Hotchkiss School 15
Westminster hosted Hotchkiss May 18 for the final home Saturday contest. Hotchkiss got on the board one minute into the game and put nine in the Martlet net in the first half to Westminster's two. Despite great saves by goalie Ellie Bailey '21, the Martlets struggled in the first half to maintain the ball and take care of it while in the midfield and offensive zones. Westminster went on a three-goal run at the end of the second half, chipping away at Hotchkiss' lead, but a few pipes and more unforced errors led to turnovers instead of goals for the home team. However, Westminster First Girls' Lacrosse continues to show grit, grace, determination and desire to compete by never once letting down and conceding to the defeat. Each player played until the final whistle, and for that, the Martlets were victorious. Captain Blake Cote '19 led the team with points (3g, 2a), while Ridgely Green '20 (1g, 1a), Sam DeLeo '21 (1g, 1a), Jenny Guider '20 (1g), Shannon Keefe '19 (1g) and Ali Hatfield '20 (1g) all had points on the day. Defender Nina Ahl '22 had a great game putting pressure on the Hotchkiss attack.
 
Lacrosse - First Boys'
May 15: Lacrosse - First Boys’ 10 vs Williston Northampton School 5
 
Lacrosse - Second Girls'
May 15: Lacrosse - Second Girls’ 8 vs Loomis Chaffee 8
Westminster faced off against a talented Loomis team. The game was back and forth from the starting whistle. Each team exchanged goals in the first half, going into halftime tied 4-4. Westminster defense played exceptional all game, coming up with numerous interceptions and big defensive stops. Margaret Kennedy '22 led the way for the Martlets with three goals and two assists. She pushed the tempo and won crucial draw controls in the final minutes of play. Rachel Ha '21 had numerous big saves to keep the Martlets in the game. Overall, it was a very strong team effort.
 
May 16: Lacrosse - Second Girls’ 8 vs Miss Porter's School 7
Westminster struggled most of the game to play its best lacrosse, despite coming off of one of the best performances of the season against Loomis. Rachel Ha '21 had eight saves, making huge stops to keep Westminster in the game. She played composed and determined. Celia Sotirhos '21 scored with one minute left to put the Martlets ahead. Sotirhos lead the attack with two goals and one assist.
 
May 18: Lacrosse - Second Girls’ 7 vs Hotchkiss School 12
Seconds Girls’ Lacrosse started slowly against the Bearcats of Hotchkiss. Halli Keenan '21 scored the first Martlet goal on a free position after driving to goal. Celia Sotirhos '21 followed shortly thereafter by flying around the crease and hitting the high corner. After regrouping at halftime, the Martlets finally developed their rhythm. Margaux Sorenson '22 and Margaret Kennedy '22 combined for several pretty goals. Keenan and Campbell Swift '21 added a couple more but the Martlets couldn't overcome their slow start.
 
Lacrosse - Second Boys'
May 18: Lacrosse - Second Boys’ 16 vs Eaglebrook School 6
Westminster would host Eaglebrook for the last home game of the year on a warm sunny afternoon. Both teams would play tight defense in the first quarter limiting many scoring chances. In the second, things would open up a bit more to head into halftime tied 5-5. In the second half, the Martlets would be better with the ball and finish most of its chances. Ben Ferrell '20 would have eight saves.
 
Lacrosse - Third Boys'
May 15: Lacrosse - Third Boys’ 4 vs Salisbury School 5
Westminster faced-off against Salisbury for the second time in two weeks, playing this time without three starters and several depth players due to injury and illness. Even still, the Westminster boys held tough in what was a back and forth game the entire way. Without faceoff man Alex Tonioni '22 to secure possession for the team, the Westminster defense saw considerably more action. Cooper Organ '21, Jack Luppino '21 and Justin Parsons '20 admirably held down the fort — and game ball winner Juan Jo Garibay '20 continued his upward trajectory in cage stopping, an incredible 16 shots to keep the Martlets in it. Nate Swift '19, Tarek Mourad '19 and Jonah Prentiss '22 all had strong games at the midfield, and Max Brownback '21 came back from injury to hold down faceoff responsibilities. Hunter Johnson '21, Hunter Hoogkamp '21 and Luca de Sanctis '22 played tough the entire way through against a stalwart Salisbury D.
 
May 17: Lacrosse - Third Boys’ 10 vs Loomis Chaffee 4
A quick turnaround brought another challenge to the short-manned Thirds' squad. Missing four of the six top middies and starting off slow, the boys were lucky to escape the first quarter with a 2-1 lead thanks, in large part, to the play of Juan Jo Garibay '20, who stood tall yet again against several Loomis opportunities. After the first intermission, however, the boys kicked it into gear. Behind the faceoff work of Max Brownback '21, Nate Swift '19 and Hunter Hoogkamp '21, and some excellent groundball play by LSM Jack Luppino '21 and midfielder Jonah Prentiss '22, Westminster was able to retain the possessions it lacked in the first quarter. Benno Wurts '22 and Luca de Sanctis '22 capitalized on these extra possessions, connecting several times to see the team take a commanding 7-2 lead into the half that it would not relinquish. Game balls went to Luppino, Wurts and de Sanctis for having the toughness to turn the tides for the Martlets in the second quarter.
 
Softball - First Girls'
May 15: Softball - First Girls’ 3 vs Marianapolis Preparatory School 11
After winning 10 out of their last 11 games, the Martlets stumbled at home against a strong Marianapolis team. A combination of Marianapolis hits and some uncharacteristic Westminster errors led to the Knights jumping out to a 4-0 lead by the third inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Alayna Tawney '19 walked and Hailey Tullo '22 singled to open a two-run inning for the Black and Gold. However, Marianapolis plated four more runs in the top of the fifth and added to the score in the next two frames. Bethany Winters '20 and Mandy Busky '21 each singled to manufacture a run in the final inning, but the Martlets were unable to generate a late rally. Callista Adorno '22 and Abby Munger '20 had two hits apiece during the afternoon. Adorno struck out 11 Marianapolis batters.
 
Class A New England Tournament Semi-Final
May 18: Softball - First Girls’ 14 vs Hopkins School 4
Callista Adorno '22 had two home runs and six RBIs to lead the Martlets to a 14-4 victory over Hopkins in the Class A New England Tournament semi-final. Mandy Busky '21, Abby Munger 20, Gabby Nemarich '20, Hailey Tullo '22 and Bethany Winters '20 had two hits apiece for Westminster. The game began with Hopkins jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. However, in the bottom of the first inning, the Martlets had nine hits and scored eight runs. The frame was capped off with a three-run blast by Adorno. Hopkins kept the black and gold scoreless over the next three innings, but the Martlets exploded for five more runs in the fifth. Westminster played well defensively throughout the game. Fielding highlights included strong work at shortstop by Nemarich, a fine catch by Allison Kijanka '20 in left field, and four nice fielding plays by Winters at second base. Megan Cournoyer ’19 caught a strong game and Adorno pitched extremely well, allowing only six hits while striking out 10 Hopkins batters.
 
Class A New England Final — Champs!
May 19: Softball - First Girls’ 3 vs Taft School 0
Callista Adorno '22 tripled with the bases loaded in the fourth inning as the Martlets defeated Taft in a well-played championship contest. The game was an excellent pitcher's duel until Westminster broke through. With one out, Meg Cournoyer '19 and Abby Munger '20 drew walks. Abby Davis '20 singled to load the bases. Adorno then stepped to the plate and drove the ball to deep right field, scoring three runs. The contest was an example of championship level softball throughout, as both teams were nearly flawless in the field. Hailey Tullo '22 and Bethany Winters '20 were the defensive stars of the game, making numerous superb plays to help secure the victory. Cournoyer was outstanding behind the plate, and Gabby Nemarich '20 registered some important outs at shortstop. Allison Kijanka '20 made a huge catch in left field with a runner on base in the third inning to end a Taft rally. Nemarich also had two doubles for the black and gold. Adorno pitched a shutout, striking out seven batters and giving up just five hits. Congrats to the Martlets, who worked hard since the journey began in Orlando back in March. Special appreciation to the graduating Sixth Formers! The ability and contributions of Cournoyer and Alayna Tawney ’19 throughout the season were a key to the accomplishments of this wonderful group.
 
Tennis - First Girls'
May 15: Tennis - First Girls’ 7 vs Loomis Chaffee 2
The Martlets took the short trip to Loomis and faced a feisty Pelican squad. A numbers of both doubles and singles matches were quite close, but the black and gold persevered and got another win. All three doubles matches were a battle. At No. 1, Lauren Way '20 and Alex Wolf '19 got off to a slow start and found themselves down 4-1 against an aggressive duo. The Martlets turned the tables, however, and took control forcing their opponents to both play the baseline. The won 8-5. At No. 2, Clara Ekholm '20 and Ellie Suit '20 exchanged games with their opponents before pulling away to win 9-7. No. 3 was even closer and ended up in a tiebreak to decide the match, which unfortunately the Martlets lost by two points. Up 2-1, the pressure was on in the singles matches. Ekholm was quick to add a third win the Martlet column, dispatching with her opponent 10-4. After dropping the No. 1 match, the remaining matches all looked like they could go either way. Wolf battled at No. 6 to earn the fourth win for the team 10-7. With the No. 2 and No. 3 matches locked in close contests, the stress level was high. Maggie Chaves '19 exchanged games throughout the set with a hard-hitting Pelican but ultimately put the match away 11-9. Way also got out to another slow start at No. 2 but ultimately was able to claw her way back to also get the 11-9 win. The final match on the court was Suit at No. 5. While she was in command throughout the match, her opponent did not quit. Suit closed the door ultimately 10-6. It was a great competitive contest for both teams.
 
Class B New England Tournament
May 18: Tennis - First Girls’ 5 vs Pomfret School 0
The Martlets hosted Pomfret in the quarter-final round of the Class B New England Tournament on a perfect spring day. The home team got off to a strong start in the doubles, where No. 2 Ellie Suit '20 and Clara Ekholm '20 and No. 3 Olivia Zhang '20 and Diana Tsibikova '21 took control of their matches from the start. Each came away with a win for Westminster. The No. 1 doubles contest was much tighter as the Griffins proved to be feisty and determined in their play. Eventually, Lauren Way '20 and Alex Wolf '19 pulled away to get the 8-6 win, and the team went into the singles up 3-0, with only two more matches needed to move on to the next round. Maggie Chaves '19 secured the next victory at No. 3 singles, not dropping a game in her contest. Ekholm earned the final point for the team, winning efficiently at No. 4 singles 6-3, 6-2. Westminster was ahead in the other singles matches which were halted so that the Martlets could rest up for their semifinal match against Middlesex.
 
Class B New England Tournament
May 18: Tennis - First Girls’ 5 vs Middlesex School 1
For the second year in a row, the Martlets have made it to the championship of the Class B New England Tournament. Played on their home courts, the Martlets took on a competitive Middlesex squad. It was a great contest with many matches that could have gone either way, but Westminster was able to nab the five matches. In doubles, Clara Ekholm '20 and Ellie Suit '20 got the team off to a strong start. Playing well together as a team and being aggressive at net, they won 8-2. At No. 3 doubles Olivia Zhang '20 and Diana Tsibikova '21 got off to a slow start and were down 3-0. They won two games but continued to trail their opponents throughout most of the match. Finally, they tied things up and then went ahead 7-6. They were not able to close the door quite yet but managed to finally pull away with the win 9-7. The No. 1 doubles match played by Lauren Way '20 and Alex Wolf '19 was truly a joy to watch. Both teams were looking to volley and hit hard from the baseline. The lead changed numerous times throughout the match which ultimately became knotted at 8-8. In the tiebreak, Middlesex was able to win a couple of more points than the Martlets to win 10-8. In singles, Ekholm again made quick work of her opponent at No. 4 and won 6-0, 6-3 to earn the third point for the team. Maggie Chaves '19 also won her first set 7-5 in a match that featured her doppelgänger. The two play exactly the same brand of consistent tennis. It was a marathon but Chaves held on to win the second set 6-3. With one match remaining, the black and gold pinned their hopes on Suit at No. 5 and Wolf at No. 6 who each won their first set handily. Suit's opponent switched things up in the second set, which was quite close. Before they could finish, Wolf slammed the door with a 6-3, 6-2 win. With the fifth point earned, all of the other matches came to a halt, and the girls punched their tickets to the finals.
 
Class B New England Tournament Final
May 19: Tennis - First Girls’ 1 vs Hopkins School 5
It was a rematch of 2018's New England finalists, No. 1 Hopkins and No. 2 Westminster, but a very different contest took place in 2019. Last year, Hopkins dominated from the start and the Martlets struggled to get some games off of their opponents. This year, the match was quite close, and perhaps would have ended 5-4 if played to completion. In doubles, the No. 1 and No. 2 matches were split with the Hilltoppers taking the top flight 8-4 and Clara Ekholm '20 and Ellie Suit '20 getting the 8-5 win. At No. 3, the Martlets looked to be down and out. They started off down 4-1, and then 6-2. But Diana Tsibikova '21 and Olivia Zhang '20 dug deep and fought back to tie the match at 6-6 and then 7-7. The duo played their best tennis of the season but it was not quite enough and they fell 9-7. In singles, Hopkins and the Martlets each one three first sets. Lauren Way '20, Maggie Chaves '19 and Alex Wolf '19 were all poised to win their matches but the Hilltoppers were able to close out their three singles wins first, at No. 1, No. 4 and No. 5. This match was by no means predetermined and the black and gold should be quite proud of the fight they put up against a seasoned and talented team. This weekend the girls played their best tennis of the season and made their coach quite proud. What an amazing group of young women.

Tennis - First Boys'
May 15: Tennis - First Boys’ 7 vs Kent School 0
First Boys’ Tennis enjoyed a dominating performance on its final home match of the season, and the final home match for the seven graduating Sixth Formers, including Azat Mukhametkulov, Ethan Na, Carl Ekholm, Scoobi Wilson, Nate Chaves, James Chun and Cam Jury. Wilson played the match of the day at No. 5 singles by outlasting his opponent in a third set super tiebreaker.
 
Tennis - Second Girls'
May 15: Tennis - Second Girls’ 5 vs Loomis Chaffee 2
Second Girls’ Tennis fought hard against coach Tom Wiseman's alma mater. They managed to secure the win thanks to consistent singles play from Mae Cilmi '22, Elise Strawbridge '22 and Jane Burke '21. As always, the doubles team of Annabel Bradley '19 and Ola Szopa '20 was formidable at net. Lara Connor '22 and Klaudia Khegay '19 also won their doubles match with overpowering groundstrokes.
 
May 18: Tennis - Second Girls’ 4 vs Taft School 3
Westminster Beats Taft in Close Match
After losing a close match to Taft earlier in the season, Second Girls’ Tennis was eager for a rematch. All three doubles teams won, and Mae Cilmi '22 won her singles match to seal the close 4-3 win.
 
Tennis - Second Boys'
May 16: Tennis - Second Boys’ 3 vs Avon Old Farms School 9
On a beautiful spring day squeezed in between the rainy ones, the boys traveled to Avon for an off-day match. Coaches Peter Doucette and Scott Tumperi decided to count every match, singles and doubles, so that there would be no exhibition matches. Everything was played as an 8-game pro-set. Although the top two doubles teams both led late, both lost close matches. The lower two teams won only three games between them. In singles, the first four matches went to Avon and thus the team outcome was already decided. At positions 1, 3, and 5, though, the Martlets were able to win three very close matches. John Clofine '21 was steady and fought off a number of match balls before winning 7-5 in a tiebreaker. Matt Lewin '20 was determined and focused, playing his best tennis when it mattered the most. Eddie Shin '21 played an opponent with a sneakily soft drop shot and a sense of how to use the court, but Shin served well and stayed patient until he could create openings for passing shots or finishes at net.
 
Tennis - Third Girls'
May 15: Tennis - Third Girls’ 4 vs Hotchkiss School 3
On a beautiful spring day (finally!), the Martlets hosted the Bearcats at home. Spirits were high as the courts were decorated with posters, balloons and streamers honoring the two Sixth Form captains Sofia Raymond '19 and Lily Carrel '19. The Martlets, again, had very close matches with each of their counterparts from Hotchkiss. Although Raymond, playing at No. 3 singles, was the only winner on the singles ladder, the other matches were fun to watch and everyone demonstrated good sportsmanship all around. Playing for the first time at No. 1 singles, Sofia Daniele '22 did a great job playing long rallies against her opponent, but ultimately fell 4-6. Carrel, playing at No. 2, also was very consistent but lost 4-6. Izzy Bailey '21 played at No. 4 singles, and her 2-6 score doesn't reflect the large number of points that she won. In a No. 5 exhibition match, Elena McGuigan '21 did a fantastic job with her improved serve and many strong ball returns. All of the doubles teams won their matches. Playing No. 1 doubles, Kristina Oganyan '22 and Olivia Olney '22 won 6-4, No. 2 doubles Alex Buerck '21 and Annie Brewer '21 won 6-2, and No. 3 doubles Mairead DeFronzo '20 and Lizzy McCoy '20 won 6-3.
 
May 16: Tennis - Third Girls’ 1 vs Ethel Walker School 6
On a warm and sunny spring day, the Westminster girls traveled down the road to play the Ethel Walker JV tennis team. Kudos to Mairead DeFronzo '20, playing at No. 4 singles, who came away with the lone win of the day. All of the matches were fun to watch and many were much closer than the scores indicated. Once again playing solid tennis at No. 1 and 2 singles respectively, roommates Kristina Oganyan '22 and Olivia Olney '22 gave their opponents quite a bit of a challenge. Both girls played well with their hard hits and consistent tennis, but both eventually fell to their EWS counterpart. Rounding out the singles at No. 3, Jessie Kwon '21 also played well and challenged her opponent to many games. On the doubles side, captains Lily Carrel '19 and Sofia Raymond '19 played No. 1 in their last match as Westminster students. Playing No. 2 were Siena Holowesko '21 and Lizzy McCoy '20, at No. 3 were Jenna Kosior '21 and Christina Zahringer '20, and playing an exhibition match were Tatum McBreen '21 and Shui Se Phoe '21. All of the doubles teams showed improvement in their games and all won at least two games in the eight game pro set.
 
May 18: Tennis - Third Girls’ 3 vs Choate Rosemary Hall 2
On a gorgeous afternoon, the Martlets traveled down the highway to take on the Wild Boars of Choate. Faced with an opposing team that had few players, the Martlets played an abbreviated match with just three singles and two doubles matches counting toward the score. Playing at No. 1 singles, Olivia Olney '22 did a great job holding her composure and returning the strong groundstrokes of her opponent. Sofia Daniele '22, at No. 2 singles, found herself behind in games early in the match but battled back and won a couple of games before her opponent reached six games. Alex Buerck '21 did a great job at No. 3 singles, holding steady and defeating her opponent 6-3. Playing at No. 4 exhibition singles was Siena Holowesko '21, who narrowly won her match. In doubles action, Izzy Bailey '21 and Jessie Kwon '21 for formidable at No. 1 doubles, soundly defeating their opponents. At No. 2 doubles, Annie Brewer '21 and Elena McGuigan '21 were defeated but played a good match. Playing exhibition doubles were Tatum McBreen '21 and Christina Zahringer '20. Unfortunately, Jenna Kosior '21 and Shui Se Phoe '21 made the trip to Wallingford but were not able to compete.
 
Tennis - Third Boys'
May 18: Tennis - Third Boys' 3 vs Williston Northampton School 6
 
Track - First Girls'
May 15: Founders' League JV Tournament
In a monstrous field of dozens and dozens of Founders League athletes, the Martlet JV athletes represented themselves well on a beautiful day at Trinity-Pawling. To start off the meet, the boys 4 x 100 meter relay team of Jason Shi '21, Max Larock '22, Raymond Liu '22 and Gabe Mays-Sanchez '22 placed third out of nine relay teams. Shi won the long jump by a mere inch over the nearest jumper, a strong competitor from Loomis-Chaffee. Mays-Sanchez also won the high jump and tied for first place in the 100 meter dash with personal bests in both events. Also, in the 100 meter dash, Shi ran a personal best in the 100 meter by over a second. Liu also ran blistering personal bests in both the 200 meter and the 400 meter, where he finally broke 60 seconds. James Beit '22 held things down for the distance crew by running a personal best by seven seconds in the 1500 meter. On the girls' side, Ariel Seidu '22 ran a personal best by nearly a second in the 100 meter. Although she was initially seeded in the middle of the 800 meter pack, Hannah Schuler '22 ran an earth-shattering 12 second personal best to finish second. Ashlyn Clapprood '22 competed in all three throwing events. She won the discus and threw personal bests in both the shot put, by eight inches, and the javelin, by four inches.
 
May 18: Track - First Girls' vs New England Championship
13th place
Lots of Martlets found success at the NEPSTA Championships at Williston-Northampton School as young athletes lead the way! Claire Taylor '21 tied for sixth to score in the pole vault! Additionally, a relay team of Sam de Kanter '22, Alexa Dwyer '22, Bella Tawney '22 and Taylor placed sixth to score in the 4-x-400 meter relay. This makes them the first team of Martlets to score in that event at the NE Championships in many years what appears to be the fastest Martlet time since at least 2012. The 4-x-100 meter relay team of de Kanter, Dwyer, Tawney and Dylan Foster '20 ran their best time of the season to start off on the track. Dwyer also shaved off another 1/10th of a second from her best time in the 100 meter. Laura Mittelman '20 and Solveig Nycander '20 ran hard in challenging heat for distance runners in the 1500 meter and 3000 meter. De Kanter shaved another fraction of a second off her time in the 300 meter hurdles, an event she picked up midway through the season. Tatiana Restrepo '22, despite battling illness for much of the season, came through and added four inches to her prior season best in the high jump.
 
Track - First Boys'
May 15: Founders' League JV Tournament
In a monstrous field of dozens and dozens of Founders League athletes, the Martlet JV athletes represented themselves well on a beautiful day at Trinity-Pawling. To start off the meet, the boys 4 x 100 meter relay team of Jason Shi '21, Max Larock '22, Raymond Liu '22 and Gabe Mays-Sanchez '22 placed third out of nine relay teams. Shi won the long jump by a mere inch over the nearest jumper, a strong competitor from Loomis-Chaffee. Mays-Sanchez also won the high jump and tied for first place in the 100 meter dash with personal bests in both events. Also, in the 100 meter dash, Shi ran a personal best in the 100 meter by over a second. Liu also ran blistering personal bests in both the 200 meter and the 400 meter, where he finally broke 60 seconds. James Beit '22 held things down for the distance crew by running a personal best by seven seconds in the 1500 meter. On the girls' side, Ariel Seidu '22 ran a personal best by nearly a second in the 100 meter. Although she was initially seeded in the middle of the 800 meter pack, Hannah Schuler '22 ran an earth-shattering 12 second personal best to finish second. Ashlyn Clapprood '22 competed in all three throwing events. She won the discus and threw personal bests in both the shot put, by eight inches, and the javelin, by four inches.
 
May 18: Track - First Boys' vs New England Championship
8th place
Drew Brownback '19 is the New England Champion in the pole vault, jumping a height of 12-6! Brownback also placed fourth in the triple jump with a season-best leap of 41-3, nearly a foot better than his earlier mark. Sean Clarke '19 placed fourth in the 100 meter and 200 meter. Emmett de Kanter '19 kept the day rolling for the upperclassmen as he finished fifth in the 1500 meter and third in the 800 meter, followed by Dylan Holley '20 in fifth, despite challenging conditions. Jalen Sears '19 placed sixth in the high jump with a personal best jump of 5-8. To close out the meet, a team of Clarke, de Kanter, Holley and Aidan Petrie '20 ran a 3:38.75 in the 4-x-400 meter relay, the faster time by a Martlet team in a number of years, to place sixth in a very talented field. A number of younger athletes posted good marks. In the long jump, Matt Park '21 had his best leap of the season and Tunji Osho-Williams '21 competed for the first time in that event and showed great promise for the future. Greyson Pane '22 shaved more than a second off his best time in the 300 meter hurdles. Tremaine Dawson '21 threw for a personal best in the shot put.
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