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Winter Sports Highlights 1.21.19

Basketball - First Girls'
Jan. 14: Basketball - First Girls’ 30 vs. Miss Porter's School 47
Westminster played a great first half and only trailed a big and talented Porter's team 12-16. Unfortunately, the defense and rebounding broke down in the second half, and the team didn't compensate with significantly better offense, so the visiting Fighting Daisies were able to gradually pull away and put the game out of reach with about three minutes to play. Bethany Winters '20 had another great game and led Westminster in scoring; Bella Tawney '22 led the team in rebounding and Margaret Kennedy '22 gave a great defensive effort and made several nice passes.
 
Jan. 16: Basketball - First Girls’ 52 vs. Hotchkiss School 57
Westminster got off to a slow start and fell behind, then fought to tie the game up at 20 late in the half before a Bearcats run left us behind 28-21 at halftime. The team found its offensive stride in the second half and moved the ball well and shot much better, and ultimately led 49-45 with about three minutes left in the game. Several turnovers, many of them unforced, led to many easy baskets for the home team, and Westminster ultimately fell short despite a great overall effort. Laura Velez '20 tallied her career high in points for the second time in three games and added eight crucial rebounds from the guard spot. Bella Tawney '22 had 14 points and 14 rebounds; Bethany Winters '20 continued her red-hot shooting and added 12.
 
Jan. 19: Basketball - First Girls’ 19 vs. Taft School 48
Westminster gave a great effort on defense, but struggled mightily to execute offensively and was never really in the game. Taft played well and had total control from the get-go. Bella Tawney '22 led the team in scoring, and she, Layne Tawney '19 and Bethany Winters '20 combined to lead the team in rebounding. 
 
Basketball - First Boys'
Jan. 16: Basketball - First Boys’ 55 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 75
In the second game against Choate, the Martlets had a solid start but late in the first half Choate started to pull away. However, the Martlets fought hard to marginalize the deficit but it was too much to overcome in the second half. Nathan Costantino ‘19 had a stellar game on defense the entire game.
 
Jan. 18: Basketball - First Boys’ 44 vs. Kingswood Oxford School 61
The Martlets played in front of a hostile KO crowd Jan. 18. KO jumped to a quick lead after a few Martlets got into early foul trouble. Westminster battled back late and was only down by nine at the half. In the second half, KO slowly pulled away with the game. Tavian Montanez '21 ended the night with eight points and three steals. Jalen Sears '19 had nine points and three assists. Nathan Costantino ’19 chipped in with six of his own points with five rebounds and three steals.

Jan. 19: Basketball - First Boys’ 58 vs Hotchkiss School 88
In a packed gym in the Northwest corner of Connecticut, the Martlets took on a good Hotchkiss ballclub. From the start to the finish Hotchkiss dominated the game. The Martlets showed flashes of grit but in the end Hotchkiss controlled the game. Chris Robinson ‘20 led the Martlets with 25 points. Tavian Montanez ‘21 chipped in with several threes for the Martlets.
 
Basketball - Second Boys'
Jan. 14: Basketball - Second Boys’ 54 vs. Hillside School 46
In front of a capacity crowd, Second Boys' Basketball put together a complete game to finally enter the win column. Hillside jumped out to a small lead only to see it fade as the Martlets chipped away one possession at a time. By the half, Westminster led 22-19, a strong showing given that multiple Martlets found themselves in early foul trouble. The second half was all Westminster. Despite some trouble stopping Hillside's star player, the home team played sound, scrappy defense and turnover-free offense. Eddie Lie-A-Cheong '19 had his best offensive game of the season, leading all scorers with 23 points. Teddy Schellbach '20 added 11 points and eight rebounds. Henry Mitrano '19, Lukas Dudzik '19 and Will Lynch '20 also crashed the boards with eight, eight and six rebounds apiece. Kevin Kuang '19 clogged the paint on defense, making it difficult for lengthy Hillside to get second- and third-chance opportunities.
 
Jan. 16: Basketball - Second Boys’ 40 vs. Loomis Chaffee 65
The Martlets jumped out to a 12-8 lead only to see it vanish when they started turning the ball over. With Loomis Chaffee's length and athleticism, Westminster couldn’t afford to panic. Loomis capitalized on Martlet mistakes, taking a substantial lead on some easy layups and timely three-point shots before the first half was over. The second half was evenly played, but the Martlets couldn’t chip their way back into the game. Teddy Schellbach '20 had a gritty game, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine boards; Eddie Lie-A-Cheong '19 continued his hot streak with 14 points; and Lukas Dudzik '19 had a quiet but nonetheless effective day, chalking up eight rebounds and seven steals to go along with six points.
 
Jan. 18: Basketball - Second Boys’ 38 vs. Kingswood-Oxford School 50
The Martlets started hot, scoring the first eight points of the game on two three-pointers, one by Raymond Liu '22 and another by Wylie Clarke '21, with an easy layup from Eddie Lie-A-Cheong '19. Cheong would go on to finish with 11 points and five rebounds. Kingswood roared back, however, taking advantage of not only its own timely shooting but also Westminster's lack of communication on defense. Westminster trailed at the half 20-29. In the second half, the Martlets couldn't find a rhythm offensively. Teddy Schellbach '20 ended with seven points to go along with 10 boards. Kellen Seeley '22 played soundly, ripping seven rebounds of his own. Clarke also added seven points.
 
Jan. 19: Basketball - Second Boys’ 23 vs. Hotchkiss School 70

Basketball - Third Boys'
Jan. 19: Boys' 26 vs. Pomfret School 33
 
Hockey - First Girls'
Jan. 14: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs. Loomis Chaffee 4
It was a great team effort Jan. 14 against Founders League rival Loomis Chaffee School. The Martlets knew they would have to stick together to get results and despite the loss, it was perhaps their best team effort to date. A few unlucky plays gave Loomis an early lead, but Westminster faced the adversity together and battled in the second. Loomis went ahead 3-0, but the Martlets answered shortly after by executing a perfect play on a two on two. Forward Hailey Tullo '22 pressured the puck in the neutral zone and forced a turn over to gain the offensive zone. Linemate Megan Rittenhouse '20 stormed by her defenseman to the net. Tullo slid the puck over to Rittenhouse who handled it perfectly on her backhand to get her team on the board 3-1. The third period brought more competitive play as Sixth Form captain Jill Parsons '19 drew two penalties giving the Martlets even more chances to cut the lead. Westminster goalie Kayla Ireland '22 made some impressive stops, including one on a penalty shot that helped give her team the momentum. As the clock ticked down, Westminster maintained the pressure, but could not break through a tough Loomis goaltender. The result was not what the team had hoped, but the team effort — grit, and grace — were exactly what it wanted to put forth.
 
Jan. 16: Hockey - First Girls’ 3 vs. Millbrook School 2
The team hit the road Jan. 16 to take on a tough Millbrook team. The Martlets struggled out of the gates, as inconsistent plays in their own end caused turnovers and penalties. Millbrook took advantage of these lapses and went up 2-0 after the first. Westminster took the break to regroup and commit to playing like a team in the second. The team stuck to the play of "keeping it simple" and in time earned a power play of its own. Abby Munger '20 scored off a rebound from Taylor Adams '20 on the back door. The team struck again five minutes later when Adams and Casey Winslow '21 sent Jill Parsons '19 on a one-on-one rush. Parsons buried her own rebound evening the score at 2-2. The third period was tense as Millbrook looked to regain the lead. Finally, forward Jenny Guider '20 received a perfect pass from Betsy Winslow '21 and sniped five hole to give the Martlets the 3-2 lead. Millbrook would not go away easily and put on the pressure with 6-on-5 play. Goalie Mandy Busky ’21 was steady and confident, making key saves to help her team earn the win. While it was not the most complete game yet, the team’s efforts to fight through the adversity revealed their grit and grace yet again.
 
Jan. 19: Hockey - First Girls’ 0 vs. Hotchkiss School 3
The team headed out to Hotchkiss for a tough Founders League battle. The game was quick from the start as Hotchkiss took every opportunity to put the puck on the net. Goalie Kayla Ireland ’22 come up big in the first few to help Westminster make a counter attack. With a 1-0 deficit after the first, the Martlets committed to the team goal of outshooting their opponent in the second. It took the team the first few to find its tempo again, but suddenly Abby Munger ’20 stepped up to cause a turnover. Chaos ensued in front of the Hotchkiss net, even with the puck sitting on the crease, Westminster could not put it home. The momentum shifted again as Westminster took a penalty that resulted in a second power play goal for Hotchkiss. By the end of the second, Westminster had more shots, but was also trailing 2-0. The team took to the ice in the third ready to make each minute count, but a penalty just minutes in resulted in another power play goal for Hotchkiss. The team battled till the end, but despite more key chances in front, could not get on the board. The game was a valuable lesson in staying out of the box and in hitting the net.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Jan. 16: Hockey - First Boys’ 4 vs. Canterbury School 1
Westminster hosted Canterbury Jan. 16 for an important game heading into a tough stretch ahead. Any opportunity to build momentum before the weekend is important, but it would require the Martlets to find their footing and get grounded again. More grit, more speed, more want. Canterbury played hard from start to finish, but Westminster ground out the win thanks to a solid effort in the last few minutes of the third period. The first period lacked the attention to detail and determination necessary on either side of the puck to take any advantage. The Martlets were able to string together several short stretches of time where they had control of the tempo, yet those moments didn’t last. The second period was better. Westminster played harder on the walls and generated some solid chances, eventually breaking through when Malik Alishlalov ‘20 beat the Canterbury tender off a nice feed from Iggy Belov ‘20. Canterbury answered toward the end of the second to tie the game at one. The third period was the best of the night, with more consistent play on both sides of the puck, with the edge going to the Martlets. Simple and effective decision-making, and grit, made the difference. Ned Blanchard ‘20 scored on the power play with about seven minutes remaining, and Nate Pane ‘19 would score moments later. Sean Clarke ‘19 added one to seal the victory with just over a minute to play in the game. Overall it was a good effort and a good win for the Black and Gold. Hopefully Westminster will be a more complete line up with more boys returning from injury and illness in the next few days. Shots ended up at 38 to 9 in favor of the Martlets.
 
Jan. 19: Hockey - First Boys’ 1 vs. Loomis Chaffee 0
Westminster played the first in a series against the Pelicans from across town Jan. 19. After a few good practices and looking to capitalize on the bit of momentum gained from the Canterbury win, this Loomis game was very important heading into a stretch of heavy games during the next two weeks. The game was tight from the opening face off, and both teams were ready to compete. Westminster played well on the defensive side of the puck, limiting Loomis to low percentage opportunities, managing the middle of the ice and blocking shots. Jordie McKenna ‘19 scored the lone goal of the afternoon on a power play late in the first period. From there the game was a back and forth affair with the Martlets getting the higher volume of grade-A scoring chances. Unfortunately, the puck didn’t find the back of the net again, but Westminster was able to hold on for the win. Ian Shane ‘20 turned away 22 to get the shutout.
 
Hockey - Second Girls'
Jan. 15: Hockey - Second Girls’ 1 vs. MF U14 6
The Martlets faced a physical and talented Mid Fairfield team. The first period was back and forth with Julia Krys '19 coming up with numerous saves to hold the Stars to only one goal. Early in the second period, Westminster tied up the game with a beautiful shot from Blake Cote '19. Ultimately, the Martlets fell 6-1 to the Stars but played an excellent game and never gave up. Defensive play was outstanding, blocking numerous shots from the point.
 
Jan. 16: Hockey - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Taft School 2
After a long and scoreless first eight minutes of the game, Blake Cote '19 broke the seal and opened the floodgates to a scoring frenzy. After Blake's goal, Westminster scored six more in less than 20 minutes of play. Goals came from Susie Mahoney '20, Megan Cournoyer '19, Abby Moss '20, two from Molly Rubin '22 and Claire Taylor '21 scored the first goal of her hockey career. By midway through the second period the score was 7-2. Assists came from Moss, Natalie Rubin '19, Layla Ennis '19, Greta Baker '19, Mahoney and Gemma Green '21.
 
Hockey - Second Boys'
Jan. 16: Hockey - Second Boys’ 3 vs. CT Chiefs 1
Led by goalie Jack Schroeder '22, the Seconds defeated a talented Connecticut Chiefs team in an entertaining, back-and-forth battle. Schroeder had 32 saves on the night, with the Chiefs lone goal coming on an unfortunate deflection off the stick of a Westminster defensemen. Schroeder made several impressive saves, particularly in the first period, and stood rock solid throughout the game as the Chiefs outshot the home side 33-23. His teammates, despite being outshot, played a hardworking, structured game which both coaches agreed was their best overall effort of the season — a real step forward after two defeats this past weekend. After a 0-0 first period, during which Schroeder made 13 saves to keep his team in the contest, the Martlets opened the scoring in the second frame when Ryan Huntley '21 took a Ben Michaud '22 pass out of the defensive zone to start a two-on-one break with line mate Aidan Petrie '20. Well played by the Chiefs' defenseman, Huntley placed a low, hard shot on the Chiefs' net and Petrie knocked home the rebound. The Chiefs knotted the score at 1-1 a few minutes later on that aforementioned unlucky deflection, but the Martlets battled back, taking the lead on a power play goal from Michaud late in the period, who took a pass out of the far corner from Carson Roth '19 and ripped a slap shot from the point that found the back of the Chiefs' net. The Chiefs continued to attack, and the Martlets were hard pressed at times, but Schroeder and his defensive corps of Michaud, Nate Stevens '21, Alex Tonioni '22, Wes Oltsch '20 and Rex Flinn '21 held the fort. During that second period, the Martlets took a series of penalties — which continues to be a challenge — but managed to kill off every one against a relentless Chiefs' power play. This included a 5-on-3 advantage for the Chiefs that lasted over a minute, followed by another minute and a half of 5-on-4 play. The Martlet d-men were outstanding throughout, blocking shots and clearing the front of the net so Schroeder could track the puck. Even so, the Martlets were fortunate to get out of the second period with the lead. The third period began with the Seconds up 2-1, but not for long: Hunter Johnson '21 added to the Black and Gold lead when he hammered home a rebound of a Roth shot after a mad scramble in front of the Chiefs net. Michaud also assisted on the play with another well-placed shot on net. The team battled hard throughout the final period, and in a nice change of pace, the Seconds played a strong final five minutes of smart defensive hockey to preserve the win. In sum, contributions from every member of the team factored in the win. The line of Will Rizzo '21, David Harris '21 and Newt Cutler '22 in particular deserve credit for several key defensive shifts and executing the team's forechecking and neutral ice plan.
 
Jan. 19: Hockey - Second Boys’ 5 vs. Loomis Chaffee 0
Will Scott ’20 had 15 saves to post the shutout and lead the Seconds to a 5-0 win over visiting Loomis Chaffee. The team continued the solid progress it’s made of late, playing strong, disciplined, consistent hockey. With only one penalty on the day, the Martlets succeeded in "keeping the line moving" and maintaining pressure on the Pelicans. Generating 30 shots on the day (a season high), Westminster lit the lamp five times even though the Loomis goalie made several strong saves and played well all afternoon. Aidan Petrie '20 opened the scoring when he collected a Ryan Huntley '21 pass in neutral ice and drove hard to the net and fired the puck over the Pelican keeper. The Martlets pressed hard throughout the opening period and the determined effort paid off in the waning seconds as Jack Murdock '19 took a pass from Petrie directly off a neutral ice face off, took a few quick steps, and ripped a wrist shot from the left circle past the goalie's outstretched glove. The Martlets, energized by the 2-0 lead, kept up the pace in the second frame. Will Mazzaro '21 made the score 3-0 when he poked home a loose puck in front of the Pelican net. The opportunity arose as Mazzaro and his line mates Wick Carter '19 and Walker Jones '20 had their best forechecking shift of the game, outworking the visitors and swarming the Loomis net. Both Carter and Jones had well-earned assists on Mazzaro's goal. But the Martlets weren't finished: Murdock picked up his second goal of the game on one of the niftiest tic-tac-toe plays the Seconds have created all year. Petrie outworked two Pelicans on the far wall, cut to the middle with the puck, and placed a perfect pass on the stick of Huntley, who had crashed the far post. With terrific poise Huntley slid the puck across the crease to Murdock, who had only to tap the puck home for the fourth goal of the afternoon. That goal, like Murdock's first, came with very little time left in the second period and understandably deflated the Pelicans. The third period was all Westminster, but led to only one goal: Hunter Johnson '21 finished off the scoring with a strong rush to the net and a "bar down" shot; that goal was assisted by Alex Tonioni '22. To their credit, the Pelicans hung tough and battled to the end of the game. Also deserving mention is the fine play of defensemen Rex Flinn '21 and Owen Murphy '22, both of whom were +three on the day.
 
Hockey - Third Boys'
Jan. 16: Hockey - Third Boys’ 4 vs. Taft School 6
Playing in Taft School's Mays rink, a veritable barn, Third Boys’ Hockey put up its best effort of the year. Going down 1-0 early, the Martlets fought back with a highlight reel shot from the neutral zone off the stick of Spencer Kwan '22 that caromed off the Taft goalie's helmet before bouncing its way into the net. After ceding one more on a Taft rebound goal, Westminster’s Willie Noble '20 found one of his own to knot it up at two going into the break. The majority of the second period was all Westminster. Off a great breakout play by Jack Kelly '22, Nic Swahn '22 made a beautiful 2-on-1 pass to Azat Mukhametkulov '19, who buried it for his second on the year. Shortly thereafter, Noble put in his second of the day to put the team up 4-2. Credit the Taft team for continuing to fight and evening out the momentum before capitalizing on a bad Martlet line change. Going into the break the Martlets held a 4-3 advantage, only to have Taft tie it up on an ensuing third period power play. Minutes later Taft slapped in a loose puck in front of the net in what would amount to be the game winner despite multiple Martlet chances in the waning minutes of the third. The penultimate goal was an empty netter. Rich Mugler ’22 was solid in net, making several outstanding saves to keep the team in it. The loss was a bitter one for the Westminster Thirds, and the team will certainly look forward to seeing Taft again later in February.
 
Jan. 18: Hockey - Third Boys’ 1 vs. CT Chiefs 5
Westminster hosted a fast and well-coached CT Chiefs squad on Jan. 18 that gave the team all it could handle from the very first whistle. However, with the addition of the strong play of a line of ringers, Will Mazzaro '21, Newt Cutler '22 and David Harris '21, as well as defender, Rex Flinn '21, the Martlets were able to put together one of their best efforts of the year and keep up with the fast-moving Chiefs team. Mazzaro put in the only goal of the night off of a tenacious rebound effort and Flinn made several solid plays down low in front of yet another inspired performance by Rich Mugler '22. The absolute best thing about this game, and this team, was that in the face of adversity, it never stopped fighting for the loose pucks, bringing physicality and playing with pride. The coaches cannot ask for more from a group of young men.
 
Squash - First Girls'
Jan. 14: Squash - First Girls’ 6 vs. Ethel Walker School 1
First Girls’ Squash added another win Jan. 14 — 6-1 — against its crosstown rivals. Five of the contests were decided in three games. The most dominant performance among those was turned in by Kaylee Hunt '20 at No. 2 (3, 2, 1); the closest of the three-gamers was won at No. 3 by Ellie Bailey '21 (9, 8, 10); the other three were all earned by girls playing up two places on the ladder — Rebecca Sargent '20 (4, 4, 5 at No. 4), Georgia Swank '19 (3, 6, 6 at No. 5) and Annabel Bradley '19 (7, 8, 8 at No. 7). Eve Cathcart ’20 prevailed in four games at No. 6 after letting a close second game get away from her (6, (13), 7, 9). Valeria Osorio Garcia ‘19 at No. 1 played by far the most entertaining match of the day. She and her opponent both covered the court well and displayed some great shooting. In the end, the home crowd may have provided the slight edge as Garcia fell just short (9, (9), (3), 8, 8).
 
Jan. 16: Squash - First Girls’ 6 vs. Berkshire School 1
Jan. 16: Squash - First Girls’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 0
The girls won twice Jan. 16, extending their winning streak to seven matches. The bottom of the ladder was dominant on the day; between them, No. 5 Caroline Kelter '19, No. 6 Rebecca Sargent '20 and No. 7 Eve Cathcart '20 — as well as Georgia Swank '19 and Annabel Bradley '19 playing exhibition matches — dropped only two games. The matches were more competitive for the top half of the ladder. In the first match, against host Berkshire, Natalie Fay '19 fell in four games at No. 4, but made up for it with an impressive four game win at No. 3 against Pomfret. Ellie Bailey '21 also played four games against her Berkshire opponent at No. 3, taking three straight after a 9-11 loss in her first game. She remained sharp, producing a strong three-game win at No. 2 against a tricky Pomfret opponent. Kaylee Hunt '20 mixed patience and shotmaking to earn a decisive three-game win at No. 2 against the Bears. Thrust into the No. 1 slot for the Pomfret match, she had her hands full, but found shots when she needed them in squeezing out an exciting four game win ((9), 7, 12, 14). No. 1 Valeria Osorio Garcia ‘19 against Berkshire played the match of the day. After four games that saw the momentum shift back and forth, Garcia prevailed in a tense fifth game that saw both players earn and fight off several match balls (9, (7), 9, (2), 13).
 
Jan. 19: Squash - First Girls’ 1 vs. Deerfield Academy 6
Playing against a depleted, but still formidable Deerfield squad, the girls played excellent squash, but still went down 6-1. Several of the Martlets showed newfound depth in their games, playing improved defense and more potent offense. Highlight performances came from Annabel Bradley '19, who won her exhibition match in four (2, 3, (8), 6); Georgia Swank '19, who found a power game, but fell in four at No. 7 ((7), 5, 6, 7); and Ellie Bailey '21, who forced the pace and attacked well in a valiant try at No. 2 (4, (9), 7, 5). Better still were Kaylee Hunt '20, whose guile and varied game carried her to five games, but not quite over the hump at No. 1 ((10), 3, (6), 3, 7); and Rebecca Sargent '20, who earned the lone point with a fantastic comeback win in five that featured tenacious defense and ruthless finishing ((5), (7), 9, 11, 4).
 
Squash - First Boys'
Jan. 14: Squash - First Boys’ 0 vs. Avon Old Farms School 7
Sam Pagon '21 provided the lift for the Westminster boys Jan. 14, winning his second game at No. 5 and losing a tiebreaker in the fourth game to narrowly avoid forcing a deciding fifth game. Pagon was gritty and clever, shooting and getting solid length. Avon had more skill in the end and kept all of the Martlets off balance during the match.
 
Jan. 16: Squash - First Boys’ 2 vs. Pomfret School 5
Although neither coach Peter Doucette nor coach Tad Chase at Pomfret could remember the exact year, it had been a while since Pomfret had the upper hand versus Westminster in boys' squash. The Pomfret team was consistent and even headed in its approach. They won three close matches in the middle of the ladder to seal the match. Bright spots for the Martlets were Scott Lee '20, who won in three at No. 7 and Alex Unruh '22, who also won in three at the top of the ladder.
 
Jan. 19: Squash - First Boys’ 7 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 0
With an impending storm bearing down, the Martlets were happy to get the oft-canceled TP match played, thus avoiding a makeup date. Things went smoothly and quickly for the boys in Black and Gold, winning every position in three games except at No. 7, which went in four. Sean Gregg '22 and Sam Pagon '21 were particularly stingy allowing points. Alex Unruh '22 was only able to play one game before his opponent had to retire with a wrist injury.
 
Squash - Second Girls'
Jan. 16: Squash - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 0
Westminster defeated a spirited Pomfret team 7-0 at Kohn Squash Pavilion as the top seven all won their matches 3-0. As a result, the Martlets improve to 5-2 on the season. Hannah Kaye '19 earned her first win of the season with a 3-0 result at No. 10. Other exhibition play winners included Wheatley Sutro '22 and Sasha van Vredenburch '21 at Nos. 9 and 8 respectively.
 
Jan. 19: Squash - Second Girls’ 3 vs. Deerfield Academy 4
Westminster squared off against the Big Green for the second consecutive Saturday and contested every point before conceding victory, 3-4. Both teams were missing two of their top seven players, which put several Martlets in unfamiliar positions in the contest. The match, which included two exhibition contests, featured five five-set fixtures. Shelby Oken '22 faced the same opponent against whom she had previously lost and handily defeated her 3-0 which put Westminster out in front early. Daniela Mays-Sanchez '20 improved to 2-0 against Deerfield with her 3-0 victory at No. 5, and Elaina Comia '19 fought off a match ball in game four and forced a game five before dropping her contest 3-2. Celia Sotirhos '21 playing at No. 8 dropped her first game but quickly rebounded to eventually win by a 3-2 margin. It was such a good display of squash that one match of the day was not enough: there had to be two. Wheatley Sutro ‘22 in the seven slot turned in the first match of the day. She played her best squash of the season against a seasoned opponent and displayed incredible grit and determination in the eventual loss, 3-2. Anna Veber '21 was down two games and 3-8 in the third before prevailing 3-2 which briefly knotted the score at three matches each.
  
Squash - Second Boys'
Jan. 14: Squash - Second Boys’ 2 vs. Avon Old Farms School 6
In a very competitive match, the Martlets lost to the Winged Beavers of Avon 2-6. Three of the losses (at Nos. 3, 5 and 6) went to five games. Had those contests gone the other way, Westminster would have won the match 5-3. Nonetheless, coach Michael Cervas was pleased with the way his players fought hard for every point up and down the ladder. Peter Miller '22 at No. 2 and Nate Chaves '19 at No. 8 were the only Martlets to win matches, but all the boys competed hard. Chaves was down 7-10 in the fourth game before winning five points in a row to claim victory in his match. Miller has been playing outstanding squash recently, and he and Chaves share the nail for this match.
 
Jan. 16: Squash - Second Boys’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 1
The Martlets rebounded from their tough loss against AOF by defeating Pomfret 7-1 to move to 3-3 on the season. Playing at No. 1, Peter Miller '22 lost in five games against a skilled and tenacious opponent. Miller won the first two games at 9 and 14 (!) but then lost the next three games at (9), (6) and (9). It was a very entertaining match with both players reaching for every ball and never saying die. It was great to have Travis Paulsen '20 back in the lineup for the first time since December. Still playing a bit tentatively because of his surgery, Paulsen still managed to hit plenty of good shots in a 6, 7, (9), 4 victory at No. 4.
 
Jan. 19: Squash - Second Boys’ 9 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 0
The Martlets defeated a game but overmatched squad from Trinity Pawling 9-0 on a cold afternoon on Williams Hill to move to 4-3 on the season. Up and down the ladder, the boys played efficient squash, using good serves and returns, balls to length, and crosscourt winners to control the points. The Black and Gold won every match in straight games except for the No. 4 match where Travis Paulsen '20 lost the first game 9-11 before taking command of the match and winning 11-5, 11-1 and 11-0. The "nail" for this match is a dual award given to Peter Miller '22 who surrendered only five total points in his match at No. 1 and Ian Lee '21 who gave up only three total points in his victory at No. 8.
 
Squash - Third Girls'
Jan. 15: Squash - Third Girls’ 7 vs Renbrook School 0
Third Girls' Squash swept Renbrook in a decisive 7-0 victory. Each of the players played hard and with wonderful sportsmanship against their physically smaller opponents.

Jan. 19: Squash - Third Girls’ 7 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 0
Third Girls' Squash defeated Choate in a clean sweep Jan. 19. From the minute they stepped off the bus to their last bite of Chipotle, the Westminster girls radiated confidence and expertise.
 
Squash - Third Boys'
Jan. 15: Squash - Third Boys’ 9 vs. Renbrook School 0
 
 
Jan. 16: Squash - Third Boys’ 13 vs. Salisbury School 0
 
Jan. 19: Squash - Third Boys’ 2 vs. Millbrook School 12
Westminster was unable to keep its winning streak in tact as it lost to a strong JV team from Millbrook. Johnny Van Leuven '22 and Max Hong '22 accounted for the Martlets' only victories of the day, winning their respective matches in four games. At the top of the ladder, Will Mell '21 and Charlie Pappas '22 each succeeded in taking a game off very tough opponents. Had Mell managed to win his first game, a seesaw battle that he eventually ended up losing 15-13, the match easily could have gone his way. The same was true for Peter Barrett '22, who opened up with a 12-10 loss. Jeremy Hopsicker '22, Matthew Westlake '22 and Luca de Sanctis '22 came out fast, each securing first game wins, but were unable to continue the momentum for the duration of the match. Down 2-0, Dinh Truong '19 and Shane Wahlberg '19 rebounded nicely to win the third game, with Wahlberg hanging on for a 15-13 thriller, but then succumbed in the fourth frame. Similarly, Connor Eddy '21 bounced back to win his second game and ended up losing in four.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Girls'
Jan. 19: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 51 vs. Wilbraham & Monson Academy 50
Jan. 19: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 77vs. Ethel Walker School 24
The Martlets hosted Ethel Walker and Wilbraham & Monson Jan. 19 in the Hibbard Invitational in a battle that came down to the final relay against the Titans. Westminster led by three points entering the final race, and split its relays in an attempt to take second and third for a one-point win. Wilbraham also split its relays however, to try to get first and third for the win. In the end, the relay team of Katherine Ashe '21, Shannon Keefe '19, co-captain Alex Wolf '19 and co-captain Alex Lin '19 took second, and the team of Sophia Coumantaros '21, Ellie Thorson '21, Simonne Ponce '21 and Campbell Swift '21 took third, with Swift holding off a late charge from the anchor of the Wilbraham B relay in her best-ever split by four seconds. As a result, the Martlets secured the win and moved to a dual meet record of 5-0 on the season. Individually, Lin took second in the 200 free and first in the 100 free, both with great times, and birthday girl Angelesia Ma '20 finished second in the 200 IM and the 100 breast with fast swims. Thorson took second in the 50 free, with Wolf third and Wolf also finished third in the 100 free with her fastest time this season. Ashe took second in the 500 free, and Sydney Schuster '21 was third with her season-best time. Swift had a huge day, besting her 50 free, 100 back and 100 free times. Dorka Nagy '19 finished second in the 100 back with a solid swim, and the 200 free relay team of Keefe, Ma, Thorson and Lin won in a close race. The divers were graceful as ever in a spectacular display, with Jane Ogden '19 and Cecilia Raymond '20 finishing 1-2 with scores over 200. Also swimming best times were Diana Tsibikova '21 (50 free), Isabel O'Connell ’20 (50 free), India Lalor '21 (50 free, 100 free), Jane Burke ’21 (50 free), Rachel Ha ’21 (50 free), Coumantaros (100 fly, 200 IM) and Keefe (50 free, 100 free). It was an exciting afternoon at the pool.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Boys'
Jan. 19: Swimming/Diving - First Boys’ 41 vs. Wilbraham & Monson Academy 50
The Westminster boys put up a good fight Jan. 19 despite missing almost a dozen swimmers who were attending the Model U.N. conference at Yale. They fought hard and kept the meet close, however, with several great swims. Kieran Haug '21 took the win in both the 200 and 500 freestyle races with his fastest times this season, and Max Larock '22 won the 100 backstroke and took second in the 100 freestyle with his best in-season swims this year. Jason Shi '21 set new personal bests in the 100 fly and 200 IM, both good for second place, and David DeFronzo '19 swam his best 100 free yet this year. Liam Seeley '20 had two lifetime best relay splits in the 50 free and swam a speedy 100 free to boot. Leo Kolomeiskii '21 swam a snappy 50 free and an impressive 100 breaststroke in his first meet in black and gold.
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