Winter Sports Highlights 12.10.18

12/10/2018

Basketball - First Girls'

Dec. 5: Basketball - First Girls’ 29 vs. Greens Farms Academy 46

Westminster fell in its home opener to a confident, aggressive and well-coached GFA team. The game was close early, as the Martlets trailed by just one point with almost five minutes remaining in the first half. The Dragons pressure defense and several poor decisions by Westminster on offense sparked a rally that spanned halftime and found the visitors ahead 36-11 when the dust settled. Westminster fought back a little toward the end and cut into the lead in the final minutes, but it was too little too late for the Martlets. No one scored more than five points, but the team did have seven girls break into the scoring column, including Margaret Kennedy '22, Bella Tawney '22, Sam de Kanter '22 and Allison Kijanka '20, who all scored their first varsity points.

Dec. 8: Basketball - First Girls’ 27 vs. Hopkins School 39

Westminster got off to a terrible start in New Haven and fell behind 12-3. A timeout and a tactical adjustment proved successful, and the team was able to play the Hilltoppers pretty much even the rest of the way, but the Martlets couldn't make enough shots to close the gap. Bella Tawney '22 had her first career double-double and Ridgely Green '20 added 11 rebounds.

Basketball - First Boys'

Dec. 5: Basketball - First Boys’ 62 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 65

The Pride started the game fast and gained an 11-1 lead in the first few minutes. However, the Martlets quickly gained composure and went on a nice run to tie the game at halftime. The second half was packed with action as both teams competed to the very end. Joel Pullen '20 had a game high 26 points and four steals with six three pointers. Captain Chris Robinson '20 had 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. On defense, Jalen Sears '19, Kyle Hoffman '19, Nathan Costantino '19 and Tyler Hendrycks '19 all played solid games.

Dec. 8: Basketball - First Boys’ 58 vs. Deerfield Academy 75

Both ballclubs came into the game 0-2 on the season. Deerfield shot the ball well to start the game. After going down by as much as 15 in the first half, Westminster showed some fight in the second half. Chris Robinson ‘20 led all scorers with 27 points. The captain also scored his 1,000th point of his career. Deerfield was too much for the Martlets to handle in the end.

Basketball - Second Boys'

Dec. 5: Basketball - Second Boys’ 43 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 56

In their first test on the road, the Martlets played scrappy, hard-nosed basketball; however, they couldn't make up for another early deficit as Trinity-Pawling sported some very talented athletes who consistently got to the rim. That's not to say Westminster didn't have a chance to win; they left about 20 points off the scoreboard due to missed layups in their three on two and two on one fast break opportunities. In the end, their rebounding did improve, as well as some of their spot shooting. Lukas Dudzik '19 led the way with 14 points and eight rebounds. Henry Mitrano '19, in his first game back from injury, contributed seven rebounds to go along with nine points. Third Form phenom Raymond Liu '22 played an excellent all-around game.

Dec. 8: Basketball - Second Boys’ 18 vs. Deerfield Academy 55

Deerfield Academy pulled away in the second half to secure a lopsided win over Westminster. The Martlets won small victories, however, as they proved that they're not a team to be pressed easily nor a squad that will ever give up. Lukas Dudzik ‘19, who netted seven points and recorded three steals, led them. Edward Lie-A-Cheong '19 also chipped in six points.

Basketball - Third Boys'

Dec. 5: Basketball - Third Boys’ 11 vs. Suffield Academy 55

Taking flight just to the near north, the Martlets of Thirds Boys Basketball had their sights on the Tigers of Suffield Academy. The game was a hard-fought battle as the boys faced a team of Suffield upperclassmen, though the first half (ending at 38-5) spotlighted Third Form hopeful Baker “Whole Wheat” Morton ‘22 with the first points of the game followed by Vincent “Berlin Vice” von Nordeck ‘21 sinking his unnatural foul shots. The second half began with a bang, the Martlets once again found their defense as Tunji “The Tree” Osho-Williams ‘21 and Ben “Sugar Maple” Li ‘20 stuffed, blocked and stole the ball left and right.

Dec. 7: Basketball - Third Boys’ 29 vs. Indian Mountain School 44

The Martlets of the Westminster Third's basketball pipeline took on the task of mastering falconry this afternoon, seeking practice on their home turf as the Indian Mountain School flew east to meet them in Simsbury. The battle was hard fought, with one opposing falcon towering higher than players and coaches combined, though the Martlets stayed strong and emphasized defensive fundamentals where they could. The first half saw Kade "Booster Seat" Smith '22 demonstrating aggressive gameplay on the court alongside Lucas "Slide Tackle" Wahlberg's '21 formidable efforts on defense. Posting and toasting on the foul line, Wahlberg and Hunter "Golden Star" Hoogkamp '21 put up the first points of the game. At half, the score was 12-17, a five-point game. Throughout much of the second half, the Martlets held the Falcons to those five points, only slipping at the end of the showdown when IMS launched its final aerial assault. Honorable mention must be made for Jack "Cocoa Rice Krispies" Roberts '20 for standout defense, offense and decorum on the court.

Dec. 8: Basketball - Third Boys’ 49 vs Northfield Mount Hermon School 55

The game began at a furious pace led by Hunter Hoogkamp '21 on defense. While the Hoggers maintained an advantage in physical stature throughout the game, both teams had excellent rebounding and the first half ended with the Martlets down by three. After a slow start to the second half, Kade Smith '22 (who ended the game with 13 points) jump-started the black and gold with a key three-pointer and followed it up by going 5-6 at the free throw line in the second half. Justin Flaks '20 also made a pivotal three in the second half and went 4-5 from the free throw line to energize the team. Unfortunately, the deficit that grew over the start of the second half could not be eclipsed as the Hoggers were able to hold off the Martlets' late push.

Hockey - First Girls'

Dec. 5: Hockey - First Girls’ 2 vs. Kent School 6

Westminster faced a tough team at Kent Dec. 5. The team took to the ice with great tempo putting Kent on its heels for the first few minutes. A tricky play landed Westminster in the penalty box three minutes in, and Kent executed a perfect play to go up 1-0 to start. The Martlets answered back with a power play goal of their own with just five minutes to go. Defenseman Samantha DeLeo '21 scored her first career goal off a pass from Jill Parsons '19 and Megan Rittenhouse '20. Kent put on the pressure in response and ended the period with a goal to go up 1-2. The second period was back and forth as Westminster worked to make smart decisions and set the tempo. Kent struck first, but Parsons answered six minutes later off a play from Taylor Adams '20 to make the score 3-2. The remainder of the period was as fast-paced as the team has seen yet this season. Goaltender Mandy Busky '21 worked hard to track the play and support her defenseman. In the end, Kent was able to pull away to make it a 6-2 final. Despite the loss, the team worked hard and stuck together to play to the final whistle.

Dec. 7: Hockey - First Girls’ 6 vs. Gunnery School 1

Westminster got off to a strong start against a tough Gunnery team Dec. 7. Jill Parsons ’19 got the scoring started just three minutes into the game off a pass from Taylor Adams ’20. Two minutes later, Megan Rittenhouse ’20 won an offensive zone face-off to Nina Ausperger ’19, who blasted a shot from the point for her first career goal as a Martlet. Emma Gurnell ’21 and Rittenhouse closed out the scoring for the first frame. The remaining two periods were a back and forth battle that saw the two teams trade offensive chances. Kayla Ireland ‘22 stood tall and made several impressive stops in her first game in net as a Martlet. Rittenhouse and Hailey Tullo ‘22 combined two more times to each net a goal for the home team. Hannah Carbone ’19 anchored the defensive unit that helped Ireland earn her first Westminster victory in goal.

Dec. 8: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs. Loomis Chaffee 7

Westminster was on the road Dec. 8 to face a tough Loomis team. The first period was even as each team tried to break through. Unfortunately, Loomis struck first with just two minutes left. The second period was not Westminster's best showing, and Loomis capitalized leaving the score 4-0. Westminster worked to get back to basics and defenseman Sam DeLeo '21 led the way as she played textbook one-on-one's and made great breakout passes. Megan Rittenhouse '20 made an outstanding play to break the puck out and go end to end to put the Martlets on the board at long last. Loomis answered in turn, and Westminster was unable to rebound.

Hockey - First Boys'

Dec. 5: Hockey - First Boys’ 5 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 1

Returning to game play after a few good days of practice, Westminster played a steady game saving the best play for the third period. Choate was on the defensive from the opening puck drop with the Martlets skating fast and buzzing around the offensive zone. Though there were a few early opportunities, it was Jake Monroe ‘20 who opened the scoring in the second half of the opening frame. Ian Shane ‘20 made some great saves early to keep it scoreless and to keep his team in the lead. He faced 20 shots in total and stopped 19. The second period of the game was back and forth, though Westminster carried the tempo. Choate was able to take advantage of a broken play on its defensive blue line resulting in a breakaway. The player was dragged down, and Choate was rewarded with a penalty shot, which evened the game at one. Westminster scored one before the period ended with Nate Pane ‘19 converting in close to take a lead after the second frame. The Martlets turned up the juice in the third, improving the pace and offensive pressure. The team scored three in the third with Jordie McKenna ‘19 scoring a short-handed goal and an even-strength goal in tight. Will Gilson ‘20 added one goal late to finish the scoring at 5-1. It was a good game with lots to build upon.

Dec. 8: Hockey - First Boys’ 1 vs. Brunswick School 2

Saturday night contests at Brunswick rink have not disappointed in the past few years. True to form, this one was exciting until the last buzzer. Unfortunately, it took two periods for the Martlets to gain any type of cohesion or consistency to their offense. The better part of two periods was spent between the blue lines and in the Westminster defensive end. Turnovers in bad areas gave Brunswick good scoring opportunities in transition. Ian Shane ‘20 was able to keep the score at zero for the entire first with some spectacular saves. Brunswick moved the puck well, and took advantage of its home ice, and Westminster was flat-footed and slow to boil. Brunswick scored early in the second period on the power play and a few minutes later off a turnover leading to an odd man rush. Though Brunswick was carrying the bulk of the play, Westminster did have some opportunities in the first two periods. Noah Kaplan ‘20 was able to capitalize with a goal late in the period. The third period was a different story, with Westminster dominating in all areas of the ice. Shane continued to hold off Brunswick’s charge, but Westminster played most of the third in Brunswick’s zone. Shots weighed heavily in favor of the Martlets in the third, and two pucks wound up behind the Brunswick goalie. Both were called back as the net came loose, but the Martlets were a stronger and more consistent team in this period. Unfortunately, the final push wasn’t enough and Brunswick held on to win 2-1.

Hockey - Second Girls'

Dec. 3: Hockey - Second Girls’ 4 vs. Simsbury High School JV 0

Everyone on the team got equal playing time Dec. 3. Claire Taylor '21 and Gemma Green '21 made their debut at Jackson Rink in the first ice hockey game of their careers. The Martlets dominated play, outshooting Simsbury three to one. Captain Layla Ennis '19 was first to score with 4:23 left in the first period. Cecily Carter '21 was next on the board sneaking in a rebound off Caroline McDermott's '20 shot just 30 seconds into the second period. Blake Cote '19 scored off a breakaway with 4:54 left in the third. And after peppering the goalie throughout the game, Susie Mahoney ’20 was able to get the fourth goal with only 22 seconds left in the game.

Dec. 5: Hockey - Second Girls’ 6 vs. Deerfield Academy 1

In a hard-fought game, Westminster defeated Deerfield 6-1, tallying its first league win of the season. Westminster took the lead midway through the first period with a goal scored by Susie Mahoney '20, assisted by Blake Cote '19, at 9:09. Minutes later Molly Rubin '22 scored her first career goal at 7:40, assisted by Ali Hatfield '20 and Susie Renehan '19. Deerfield tightened things up with a goal with four minutes remaining in the first period. Supported by strong defensive play from Renehan, Greta Baker '19, Cote and Layla Ennis '19, and excellent goaltending from Julia Krys '19, who had 25 saves, Westminster went on to score four unanswered goals in the second and third periods. At the 13:36 mark in the second, Mahoney connected with Abby Moss '20, who scored Westminster’s third goal. Then with 6:16 left in the second, Natalie Rubin '19 scored a highlight reel-worthy unassisted goal, and at 13:23 and 2:08 Cote racked up two more unassisted goals of her own.

Hockey - Second Boys'

Dec. 3: Hockey - Second Boys’ 3 vs. Northwest Catholic High School 2 (scrimmage)

Alec Paro '19 notched the game-winner with 40 seconds to play in the third period to seal the victory for the Seconds after the Lions had scored their second unanswered goal to erase a 2-0 Westminster lead. In a tightly played game on ISCC's NHL-size rink, the Seconds had their hands full with a very speedy and talented Northwest Catholic team. Adding to the challenge, Westminster was down to four defensemen for the day: Peyton Knauf '19, Nate Stevens '21, Alex Tonioni '22 and Rex Flinn ' 21, all of whom played well — Flinn in particular had a very strong game in all three zones. Too often in this contest, the Martlets had to rely on the goaltending of Ben Ferrell '21, Will Scott '20 and Jack Schroeder '22 to turn aside the terrific pressure from the host Lions. Penalty trouble did not help in the effort; the Seconds had to kill off six penalties and a five on three advantage over the course of the game. But in the end, the team hung tough and earned the win. Ryan Huntley '21 opened the scoring for the Martlets in the first period when he batted home a shot from linemate Aidan Petrie '20 on a two on one break started by a nifty stretch pass from Tonioni out of the Martlet zone. Xander Cardia '21 added to the Westminster lead in the second period when he took a Will Rizzo '21 pass out of the corner — Rizzo beat two Northwest defenders to emerge with the puck — and ripped a wrist shot past the Lion keeper. Northwest cut the lead in two soon after on a breakaway, and that's how the second period ended, with the Seconds holding a 2-1 lead. The well-coached Lions came storming out in the third and earned a succession of power play opportunities, and with three minutes to go scored the equalizer after a scrum in front led to a loose puck banged home. The pressure continued, but the line of Huntley–Petrie–Paro was equal to the task (they are quickly establishing themselves as the Seconds' equivalent of the vaunted 1970s GAG line) and a terrific battle was won in front of the Lion net when Paro, from his knees, lifted a backhand in to the top of the net for the winner. All credit is due the Northwest team — this observer thinks they have a very successful season ahead of them.

Dec. 5: Hockey - Second Boys’ 0 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 0 (OT)

Jack Schroeder '22 made 31 saves — some spectacular — to shut out the visiting Wild Boars while the Choate keeper was his equal 200 feet away, making 24 saves of his own to also keep the Seconds off the board. Depleted by injury and illness and playing their fourth game in six days, the Martlets showed evidence of both physical and mental fatigue and did not, in truth, play strong team hockey or what the coaches certainly hope will be their best hockey. Far too many times, breakdowns in defensive structure, selfish plays, and poor decision making led to turnovers and chances for Choate. For its part, Choate played a much more consistent game and was always ready to pounce on those opportunities. But Schroeder rose to the occasion, calmly and surely turning aside shot after Wild Boar shot, bringing to this writer's mind the Greeks at Thermopylae. And whereas that epic battle ended in defeat, Schroeder's heroics preserved at a draw with the visitors from Wallingford. When the Martlets did commit to good structure and balance in all three zones they were able to generate a few dangerous chances of their own, but the Choate keeper was always there, squared up and ready. The coaches were pleased that the team's play improved as the game progressed, but everyone will have to be better as the team looks ahead to a tough Founders League schedule. Several in the home black and gold played smart hockey, and deserve recognition: David Harris '21, Wes Oltsch '20 and Carson Roth '19. But, overall, the coaches look for improvement moving forward. The good news is the Seconds will have a rematch with Choate in roughly two months time.

Dec. 8: Hockey - Second Boys’ 1 vs. Simsbury High School 1 (OT)

Ryan Huntley '21 scored with two minutes to go to even the game at one apiece as the Seconds hosted local rival Simsbury at Jackson Rink. Once again, Jack Schroeder '22 made several excellent saves — 18 on the day — to cover some lapses in the squad's defensive zone coverage. He was beaten only once, midway through the second period, when a bad bounce led to a 2-on-1 against that Simsbury converted to take the 0-1 lead. But the Martlets fought hard, improving every shift, and Huntley notched the equalizer with a nifty move in the high slot on a play started by line mate Aidan Petrie '20. Still gelling as a team, the coaches were pleased with the overall work ethic of the squad and with the improving balanced and structured play in all three zones. Down to four defensemen for most of the game, the blue liners Alex Tonioni '22, Ben Michaud '22, Wes Oltsch '20 and Rex Flinn '21 logged major, exhausting minutes against the Trojan phalanx. The Seconds produced 22 shots of their own for the game, many coming in the third period and overtime as the ice tilted in favor of the home side, but the black and gold could not find the back of the net. The team certainly missed the contributions of Peyton Knauf '19, who left midway through the game with shoulder injury — the coaches and team wish him well and a speedy recovery. Looking ahead, the team will have to improve on its offensive production — far too many one-goal games for this coach's gray hair (or what's left of it, anyway). Heading into the winter holiday having played five games in nine days, the Seconds produced a record of 3-0-2 — not too shabby and absolutely a foundation the team can build.

Hockey - Third Boys'

Dec. 5: Hockey - Third Boys’ 0 vs. Rumsey Hall School 6
On Dec. 5, the Thirds from Westminster made the drive to face off against a well-coached and skilled team from Rumsey Hall. Despite a strong start after the long trip, Rumsey Hall lucked into two fortunate bounces that took some wind out of the team’s proverbial sail, and the boys went into the first break down 3-0. The second period brought newfound fight from the Westminster side manifested in some much-needed physicality as well as strong goaltending from Rich Mugler ’22, however, despite a few key chances late in the game, Westminster ultimately wasn’t able to put the puck in the net, and travelled back home with the loss.

Dec. 8: Hockey - Third Boys’ 0 vs. Northfield Mount Hermon School 11
In the team’s home season opener, it faced off against a much bigger and faster NMH JV squad. Despite an almost constant attack from the first drop of the puck, the Martlets continued to play impassioned hockey, even as the score mounted against them. Diving for pucks in the defensive zone and forechecking hard until the last whistle, the boys certainly made their coaches proud in their efforts to hold their will when it certainly would’ve been easier to fold early. Notable efforts came from Finn Gerry ’20, Theo Vandervoorn ’20, Willie Noble ’20, Nic Swahn ’22, Beck Winsor ’21 and especially the two netminders, Will Scott ’20 and Rich Mugler ’22, who kept the team morally afloat with several big stops throughout.

Squash - First Girls'

Dec. 5: Squash - First Girls’ 4 vs. Miss Porter's School 3

The girls had to come from behind to earn the victory Dec. 5, as in the first round of matches, the hosts took two of three. Caroline Kelter '19 got the one win for the Martlets by overpowering her opponent at No. 4 (4, 7, 4). Unfortunately, Ellie Bailey '21 could not take the No. 2 match despite playing well (6, (10), 7, 10). Eve Cathcart '20 came even closer at No. 6, taking her opponent to five games and losing her three by the narrowest of margins ((3), 10, (9), 10, 10). In the second round, the middle of the ladder remained strong, with 3-0 victories being earned by Natalie Fay '19 at No. 3 (2, 8, 6) and Rebecca Sargent '20 at No. 5 (4, 7, 4). Annabel Bradley '19 nearly put the Martlets over the top at No. 7, but fell just short (9, (6), (5), 7, 2). So just as was the case Dec. 1, the match was decided by the last two players on court. Valeria Osorio '19 rose to the occasion at No. 1, fighting through some momentum swings to come through in a tight four-game win (11, 4, (6), 10). In the exhibition match, Georgia Swank '19 added a decisive fifth victory (8, 5, 4).

Dec. 8: Squash - First Girls’ 6 vs. Westover School 1

The girls dominated at all but the top position Dec. 8, bringing home a 6-1 win. Each of the matches was decided in three games, as the Martlets enjoyed a clear advantage in skill and experience toward the bottom of the ladder. The No. 2 match had a chance to be competitive, but Valeria Osorio '19 was very sharp and made a pretty good opponent appear helpless at times. Westover's lone victory came from its very good No. 1, who often had her counterpart, Kaylee Hunt '20, on her heels with a wicked serve. Hunt made a good go of it her first game, but could not create enough opportunities to attack, falling in three. The girls will have to wait until the new year to build upon their success.

Squash - First Boys'

Dec. 5: Squash - First Boys’ 4 vs. Loomis Chaffee 3

Dec. 5: Squash - First Boys’ 1 vs. Berkshire School 6

First Boys’ Squash had to sit Third Form starter Sean Gregg, who was recovering from a fever. With players Nos. 4-7 moved up a spot, Peter Miller '22 was called into action in the exhibition spot No. 8. Loomis took two matches at Nos. 2 and 4, although co-captain Khalil Walker '19 took a game at No. 2. At No. 6, Sam Pagon '21 played his best match in a Westminster uniform. Pagon was resilient, determined and fierce. With Loomis poised to sweep the first round, Pagon fought back down 1-2, taking the fourth and fifth games 11-9 and 11-8. Although his victory was pivotal, nobody realized it at the time. Alex Unruh '22 evened up the match at two with a straight game victory at the top of the ladder. Meanwhile, Loomis took the match at No. 3 to go back ahead 3-2. Loomis took a 2-0 lead at No. 5 and won the first game 11-1 at No. 7. Things looked well in hand for the Pelicans. But Ethan Na '19 and Scott Lee '20 had different plans. Na took the next three games by alternating deep rails and short backhand volleys down to the nick. When he won his match, the whole gallery of Martlets sprinted over to court four to watch Lee finish his match. Lee had taken game four 12-10 to force a fifth game. Up 2-0, Lee lost the next six points. Again, things looked well in hand for the Pelicans, but Lee never gives up. He reeled off seven straight points of his own and the gallery was brimming with excitement at every shot. Finally at 10-9, Lee closed it out and an improbably victory was well earned. Coach Peter Doucette could not remember such a comeback against Loomis or any other team. Three five game, come-from-behind victories at Nos. 5, 6 and 7 sealed the deal. The Nail went to Unruh, Pagon, Lee and Na.

After the stunning upset of Loomis earlier in the afternoon, the Martlets took to the courts again for a match against Berkshire, whose ladder from last year was almost completely intact. Co-captain Khalil Walker '19 showed how much he has improved with a first game victory and a big early lead in his second game. His opponent got better and better, though, and slowly took control by moving Walker around the court. Walker was agile and quick, but ultimately came up short 1-3. The Westminster boys were unable to get any other games in the even matches. In the odd matches Sam Pagon '21 continued his torrid play and took the third game, and had multiple chances to take the second before ultimately losing that one 17-19. It was Alex Unruh '22 at No. 1 who provided the big highlight of the match with a three-game victory against a talented and experienced player. Unruh made numerous explosive gets, just picking up shots at the very last second. His backhand drop was tight, short and effective. He earned the Nail (his second on the day) and moved to 3-0 on the season.

Squash - Second Girls'

Dec. 8: Squash - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Westover School 0

Second Girls’ Squash visited the Wildcats of Westover and emerged as 7-0 victors. The team played well and used its knowledge of the game to defeat its less experienced opponents. Westminster did not drop a single game and no player relinquished more than four points. Anna Veber '21 at No. 4 allowed only two points total in her match (0, 1, 1), while newcomer Wheatley Sutro '22 was also impressive, winning at No. 8 (1,1,1).

Squash - Second Boys'

Dec. 5: Squash - Second Boys’ 7 vs. Kingswood-Oxford School 1

After a tough 3-4 loss to Suffield Academy Dec. 1, the Martlets bounced back with a solid 7-1 victory over Kingswood Oxford at the Wyverns Squash Club in West Hartford Dec. 5. Most of the matches were close and hard-fought. Westminster won in three games at Nos. 1, 2 and 8, four games at Nos. 3 and 6, and five games at Nos. 5 and 7. The Wyverns were gracious but pesky foes. More power to them! This second match revealed both the potential of the Second team and how much work the boys still have to do in the woodshed. The Martlets are off until early January, but coach Michael Cervas hopes and expects them to play a lot of squash and do a lot of conditioning between now and then. The nail goes to Gus Hartmann ’20 for only surrendering a total of 16 points in his match. Thanks also to Ian Lee ’21 for coming up from the Thirds team and for getting his first JV victory.

Squash - Third Girls'

Dec. 8: Squash - Third Girls’ 3 vs. Millbrook School 4

Despite missing the top two players, Third Girls’ Squash almost took out the Millbrook Mustangs in an exciting match. Olivia Goldstuck ‘21, Sofia Daniele ‘22 and Solveig Nycander ’20 all managed to defeat their opponents.

Squash - Third Boys'

Dec. 5: Squash - Third Boys’ 7 vs. Salisbury School 0

Westminster won its home opener in convincing fashion, sweeping Salisbury at the top seven slots. Leading the way were veterans Will Mell '21 at No. 1 and captain Dinh Truong '19 at No. 2, each winning in straight sets. Numerous players notched their first squash win as a Martlet, including Charlie Pappas '22, Cooper Organ, '21, Sung Min Cho '22, Peter Barrett 22, Jeremy Hopsicker '22, Max Hong '22, Johnny Van Leuven '22, Luca de Sanctis '22, Jonah Prentiss '22 and Shane Wahlberg '19. The match of the day belonged to Grand Tantichot '22, who played a grueling, back-and-forth contest that came down to the fifth and decisive game. Tantichot finally walked off the court victorious, with a 15-13 win. Special thanks to the seven Salisbury players for graciously agreeing to play twice, some in back-to-back matches, in order to give all 14 players on the Westminster squad a match.

Dec. 8: Squash - Third Boys’ 3 vs. Avon Old Farms School 10

Westminster squared off against a tough Avon squad Dec. 8. Although many of the games were close, the Martlets could only manage three victories. Playing at the No. 1 spot for the first time this season, Will Mell '21 lost the first two games but then rallied back to tie up the match. At that point, his opponent, who was feeling under the weather for most of the match, could no longer continue and had to forfeit. Three of the matches went the full five games. Johnny Van Leuven '22 played a tough and gritty match, losing a heartbreaker 13-15 in the fifth and decisive game. Playing at the exhibition level, Shane Wahlberg ’19 staved off elimination by winning the fourth game 12-10 and then eked out an 11-9 victory in the final frame. In the match of the day, Jeremy Hopsicker '22 and his opponent traded 12-10 games to start things off. Hopsicker then found himself down 2-1, but, rebounded back to win the next two and close out the match. The other Westminster victory came from Luca de Sanctis '22, who outlasted his opponent in the third game, winning 14-12, and then carried that momentum into the next game to close out the match.

Swimming/Diving - First Girls'

Dec. 8: Swimming/Diving - First Girls' at Kingswood-Oxford Invitational

First Place: Williston 272

Second: Milton 202

Third: Wilbraham 182

Fourth: Westminster 171

Fifth: Ethel Walker 111

Sixth: Kingswood 86

Seventh: Canterbury 63

Girls Finish Strong at KO Invite

Westminster First Girls' Swimming/Diving put up high scores and low times Dec. 8 with a fourth place finish at the KO Invitational held at Trinity College. Divers Cecilia Raymond '20 and Jane Ogden '19 finished first and second, respectively, with elegant dives in a crowded field. Westminster’s 200 medley relay team of co-captain Alex Lin '19, Dorka Nagy '19, Katherine Ashe '21 and co-captain Alex Wolf '19 placed third. Lin went on to finish fourth in the 200 free and second in the 100 IM. Annie Brewer '21 was fourth in both the 200 IM and the 100 back. Wolf took fourth in the 50 free. Ashe placed fourth in the 100 fly with a great swim. The 400 freestyle relay team of Shannon Keefe '19, Simonne Ponce '21, Ashe and Nagy finished fifth. Other impressive performances were turned in by Sydney Schuster '21 (500 free), Campbell Swift '21 (50 free and 100 back), Angelesia Ma '20 (100 breast) and Sophia Coumantaros '21 (100 IM and 100 free).

Swimming/Diving - First Boys'

Dec. 8: Swimming/Diving - First Boys' at Kingswood-Oxford Invitational

First Place: Westminster 209

Second Place: Kingswood 195

Third Place: Williston 170

The Martlets found a new gear at Trinity College Dec. 8 and stunned their opponents with some fast early season swims as they claimed the overall team victory in the KO Invitational. Westminster won all three heats of the Medley Relay (A, B and C), with the team of Max Larock '22, co-captain Matt Norris '19, Jason Shi '21 and Layton Harmon '21 winning overall, touching out AOF by less than half a second in the A final. Larock went on to dominating wins in the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke, and teamed up with Hudson Stedman '21, Norris and Harmon for a comfortable win in the 400 freestyle relay. Harmon finished the day with lifetime best times in the 50 and 100 freestyles, and Shi set a new personal best in the 100 fly, winning the B final. Kieran Haug '21 took second in the 500 freestyle, and the 200 freestyle relay team of co-captain Emmett de Kanter '19, Eddie Shin '21, Liam Seeley '20 and Shi took third in tight race. Other notable swims were turned in by de Kanter '20 (100 free), J-C Lane '21 (100 back) and Shin (100 breaststroke). At the end of the day, the times were fast and the smiles were wide as the boys took home the team title for the first time ever.

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Winter Sports Highlights 12.10.18

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