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Fall Sports Highlights 11.12.18

Cross-Country First Girls’
Nov. 10: Cross-Country First Girls’ New England Tournament
With a team whittled down to seven due to injuries, the Martlets persevered and put forth a great effort at the Division II New England Championships at Governor's Academy. Annabelle Smith '21 once again led the Martlets and ran a strong race finishing in 20:54 and 11th place overall. Miranda Douglass '21 turned on the speed for the fast track finish to pass a runner near the finish to secure the 20th spot. These finishes earned Smith and Douglass All-New England honors. Olivia Goldstuck '21 also looked strong in the final 200 meters, passing a number of runners. These three Fourth Formers are the nucleus for what could be a very exciting couple of years ahead for Martlet cross-country. Bella Tawney '22 continued to impress with another significant drop in time to finish just north of 24 minutes. Tawney improved over the course of the season by almost eight minutes, which is truly awesome. The Martlet seven was rounded out by Taylor Hill '22, Martina Daniele '19 and Katherine Ashe ’21 who stepped up to run in the varsity race even though they would have been more comfortable running JV. Everyone that could did their part for the team. Graduating only two Sixth Formers, it will be exciting to see most of the group return next fall.
 
Cross-Country First Boys’
Nov. 10: Cross-Country First Boys’ New England Tournament
At the team banquet on Nov. 9, the captains, in their team summary, remarked how surprised and happy they were that this season had equaled, and in instances surpassed, the "storybook" season of 2017. Certainly, the commitment of the athletes to training last summer and during the fall put the team in a position to compete with any other. After the heavy rains of the preceding week, the Governor's Academy course was in decent shape when Westminster toured it. At the mile mark, Emmett de Kanter '19 flew by in a time of 5:11 along with the other top three runners, including the champions from the last two New England championship races as well as his friend and rival from Suffield Academy. Rounding the corner onto the track, it was just the 2016 NE champion from Tabor followed by de Kanter. De Kanter was closing in the last 100m but ran out of room to run him down, taking second place and earning All New-England honors for the fourth consecutive year. In this fast field of 112 runners, Westminster then took 21st (Kieran Haug '21), 23rd (Justin Schuster '19), 24th (Daniel Pinckney '20) and 42nd (Elliott Kennard '19). The displacers were Will Rizzo '21 (45th) and Alex Ellis '20 (81st). The team showed perseverance and commitment to each other in this effort, and taking the fourth place plaque put Westminster again amongst the top programs in the league. The JV race happened later and was run on a slightly shorter course due to the conditions after the recent rains. Showing the speed that coaches had known all along that he possessed, Dylan Holley '20 came through the mile in a blistering 5:45 and then spent the next two miles moving up on the field, ultimately running a six-minute pace 5K and finishing sixth in the JV race. The next seven finishers all ran season best times, including Brendan Greene '20 and David DeFronzo '19, who basically crossed the line together; Nate Chaves '19, Spencer Kwan '22, and Raymond Liu ‘22, all who broke the seven-minute pace for a 5K for the first time; and James Beit '22 and Grant Pietri '22. Kellen Seeley '22 deserves recognition for his grit; he got sick several times during the race but would not quit. Sean Gregg '22 also ran a season best time. Second Boys’ Cross-Country finished 10th out of 17 schools, just a few points away from Williston who had beaten them solidly earlier in the season. The coaches would like to acknowledge the fantastic leadership of the Sixth Formers (DeFronzo, Chaves, Will Carlisle and co-captains Kennard, Schuster and de Kanter) as well as thank the parents for all of their support over the course of the season. It was a great journey, and we could not be prouder of these athletes. Full results at gsrs.com/results/3672
 
Field Hockey - Second Girls'
Nov. 7: Field Hockey - Second Girls’ 4 vs. Pomfret School 0
Westminster left everything out on the field in its last game of the season. The energy and determination was unmatched. The Martlets opened up the scoring 10 minutes into the game on an excellent solo effort from Eliza Polukhin '19. Just seven minutes later, Polukhin found Rebecca Sargent '20 inside the circle who sent a hard ball home. Minutes later, Halli Keenan '21 connected with Sargent who tallied her second goal of the game. After halftime, the players did not give up. The offense used its speed and passing abilities to control the momentum of the game, notching a goal from Keenan seven minutes into the second half. A stellar defensive unit of Layla Ennis '19, Jacq Autorino '20, Phoebe Naylor '21 and Kyani Jemmotte '20 left Pomfret on its heels.
 
Soccer - First Girls'
Nov. 7: Soccer - First Girls’ 0 vs. Pomfret School 2
Westminster First Girls' Soccer played its penultimate game of the season, hosting Pomfret. The Martlets proved dominant at the onset, playing great soccer with possession in favor of Westminster and a few chances on the Pomfret net. They came up short a few times, but the Martlets did not give up, consistently contending for Pomfret's long drives in the air. However, Pomfret took advantage of space outside Westminster's 18-yard box and sent one in just below the crossbar. Westminster trailed 0-1 at half but was ready to answer back. Unfortunately, 10 minutes into the second half, Pomfret again scored from long range outside the box, from the corner, to extend its lead. Westminster played with consistent effort and grit in a game that also required a tremendous amount of grace when faced with tough physical battles and some injuries. The Martlets look forward to the weekend when, on Nov. 10, the team will honor its Sixth Formers who have led the team and given so much to the program.
 
Nov. 10: Soccer - First Girls’ 1 vs. Greenwich Academy 1
On the final day of the season, the Martlets honored the six Sixth Formers who have dedicated so much to the Westminster Girls' Soccer program during their time on the Hill with an exciting game against Greenwich Academy. Before the game, the team thanked and celebrated those leaders — captain Blake Cote, captain Georgia Swank, Siena Sandridge, Olivia Dague, Susie Renehan and Natalie Rubin — before taking the field against a strong Greenwich Academy squad. Westminster played well in its system, looking to send balls behind the GA defensive line and created chances that just weren't finished. Strong defending on the Westminster end was key in keeping the first half 0-0. The Martlets and the Gators traded possession for much of the start of the second half, but the Gators took advantage of a loose ball and sent it high in the back of the Westminster net six minutes into the second. The Martlets did not give up and continued to put the pressure on the visiting team, determined not to go down without a fight. So, with grit and grace and the motivation to compete in honor of those Sixth Formers on the team, Westminster tied the game in an exciting corner kick play with just 41 seconds left. Jaclyn Laplante '20 sent a beautiful ball from the corner into the box where Wheatley Sutro '22 volleyed it for the fantastic finish into the Gator net, tying the game 1-1. The coaches thank the team for a great season and especially thank the Sixth Formers for their leadership in creating the positive team culture that made this season a successful one.
 
Soccer - First Boys'
Nov. 7: Soccer - First Boys’ 2 vs. Kent School 1
After two days of rain, the sun would come out for a good Founders League matchup. Westminster would open the scoring with a well-placed rebound shot by Scott Wilson '19 over the goalie’s head. Feeling the momentum, the Martlets would push hard and get another one-off a driven ball by Riley Wood '19 that would be tipped in by Zach Papapetros '20. Kent would get on the board with 90 seconds to go in the game, which would make it interesting. Peyton Knauf '19 would make two saves in the first half and Lucas Wahlberg '21 would also have two saves. The team wrench would pass to Xander Cardia '21, who would have a very busy day in the midfield. The win would put the Martlets at 3-3-2 in the Founders League to finish the season.
 
Nov. 10: Soccer - First Boys’ 1 vs. Brunswick School 0
Westminster took the long ride down to Greenwich to play against Brunswick on a frigid afternoon. The first half saw the visitors pressing with the help of the wind. Heading into the second half with the score 0-0 Brunswick would take some of the momentum. In the 80th minute Greenwich native Ryan Messina '20 would hit a ball from 30 yards out that would dip into the far corner to give the Martlets the 1-0 lead. Brunswick would press hard in the last 10 minutes of the game but the Westminster defense would hold the fort. Peyton Knauf '19 would finish the game with six saves. The team wrench would be passed to captain and four-year, Sixth Former Scott Wilson '19 for his leadership and commitment to the program.
 
Soccer - Second Girls'
Nov. 7: Soccer - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 1
The Martlets traveled to Pomfret and brought home a 7-1 victory to celebrate their last road game. Cecilia Raymond ‘20 scored first in the fourth minute on an assist by Susie Mahoney ‘20, and three minutes later they reversed roles with Raymond setting up Mahoney for the goal. Raymond added the third in the 10th minute and the girls were off and running. Before they broke for halftime, Elisabeth Knauf ’20 scored on a beautiful shot that went over the goalie’s head and just under the crossbar. Pomfret responded with a goal of its own, taking advantage of one of the few chances it had by taking the ball deep and knocking in a shot in the 29th minute. Scoring opened in the second half with a nifty goal by Lauren Way ’20, who used a couple of give-and-go moves to take the ball past the defenders. The final margin would be provided by two more goals from Knauf, who shrugged off an ankle injury to get back on the field. The defense did a terrific job in the second half in shutting down any attempt by Pomfret to get the ball past Lili Birrell ’22.
 
Nov. 10: Soccer - Second Girls’ 2 vs. Hopkins School 0
Second Girls’ Soccer finished its season with a six-game unbeaten streak, capped off by a 2-0 win over visiting Hopkins. Cecilia Raymond '20 provided all of the scoring, converting two breakaways in the first half. Susie Mahoney '20 was also dangerous all day up front, as the striker pair were their usual handful for the opposing D. Playing in their last games, Sixth Formers Tori Kline and Caroline McCausland fed numerous balls to the front-runners from the flanks, while Audrey Froelich solidified the central midfield and Jane Ogden played pesky defense. The backline was anchored, as always, by Ola Szopa '20 on the left flank and the central defense pair of Lizzy McCoy '20 and Campbell Swift '21. (That trio provided remarkable stability throughout the season, starting all 13 games together.) Lili Birrell '22 was solid in goal to earn the shutout, and Margaux Sorenson '22 demonstrated how far she has progressed this season with her poise on the ball and smart positioning at right back. This team has shown great progress since September, and its final performance featured loads of nifty passes and effective team play. Congratulations on a fine finish!
 
Soccer - Second Boys'
Nov. 7: Soccer - Second Boys’ 1 vs. Kent School 4
Second Boys’ Soccer recovered after a poor first half against Kent. Khalil Walker '19 scored a fabulous goal from a tight angle to give the team a glimpse of hope but the team could not capitalize on its possession. Finn Gerry '20 continued with his excellent work up front and was unlucky to not score. The team paid heavily for a lethargic start but fought its way back into the game for the second half.
 
Nov. 10: Soccer - Second Boys’ 0 vs. Brunswick School 4
 
Soccer - Third Girls'
Nov. 7: Soccer - Third Girls’ 2 vs. Rumsey Hall School 7
Though the team held strong in the first half and were able to spend 40 minutes going 2-2, the Rumsey Hall team pulled away in the second half to finish with a 7-2 victory. In the final game for the Sixth Formers, Alex Wolf '19 scored two, with assists from Ondine Finley '19 and India Lalor '21. It was an emotional moment at the end of the game, with all five of the Sixth Formers coming off the field for their final time in a Westminster Thirds uniform. The team will miss them and so will their coach!
 
Soccer - Third Boys'
Nov. 7: Soccer - Third Boys’ 2 vs. Kent School 2
In their last soccer match as Martlets, the Sixth Formers mustered all they could but ultimately had to settle with a bittersweet tie. Despite the outcome, spectators were undoubtedly entertained. With 17 seconds remaining in the first half, Nate Swift '19 kept the ball alive along the sideline, pitching it to Eugene Kim '19, who crossed it to Eddie Shin '21, who nearly mirrored his goal last game with a formidable finish past the Kent keeper, tying the game and sparking a second half surge. It was Kim's second goal of the season. Westminster went on to possess the ball during the next 40 minutes, scoring quickly after halftime when Carson Roth '19 chipped one into the top of the net, giving the Martlets the 2-1 lead. However, Kent answered when it poked one through the home team's defense after a scrum in front of the goal. The tie score would remain despite strong performances from defender Wes Oltsch '20 and midfielder Will Murphy '21. In the end, Westminster's Sixth Formers put on an especially fine, last ditch effort to finish their soccer careers victorious, turning many heads while doing so. The excitement during the last 10 minutes was palpable. For those few fleeting moments, Swift, Kim, Roth, Drew Brownback '19, Cameron Jury '19, Jackson Schopp '19 and Jeevan Palaniyandy '19 cemented their legacies in Third Boys' Soccer lore as they epitomized grit and grace while sporting black and gold.
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