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Winter Sports Highlights 2.18.19

Basketball - First Girls'
Feb. 13: Basketball - First Girls’ 37 vs. Kent School 56
After an awful start (Westminster literally turned the ball over on its first five possessions), the team clawed its way back to within two before a late Kent run put Westminster down 27-20 at halftime. The Martlets played well initially in the first part of the second half and got within three a few times, but ultimately too many turnovers and too many made jumpers by the host Lions spelled defeat for Westminster. Bethany Winters '20 led the team in scoring, captain Laynie Tawney '19 had her career-high in scoring, and Margaret Kennedy '22 and Bella Tawney '22 had eight points each while Tawney added 16 rebounds and five blocked shots.
 
Feb. 16: Basketball - First Girls’ 22 vs. Suffield Academy 52
Westminster was outgunned by a more skilled and well-drilled Suffield squad Feb. 16. The team showed a fair amount of grit, especially in the second half when it committed to playing more physical defense, but ultimately the team didn't play well enough offensively to compete in the game. Bella Tawney '22 led the team in scoring and rebounding, and six other Martlets contributed in the scoring column.
 
Basketball - First Boys'
Feb. 13: Basketball - First Boys’ 46 vs. Berkshire School 47
Another classic battle by both Westminster and Berkshire. This is the second meeting of the season between the two ballclubs. The first half was a great defensive battle on both ends and the score was tied at 21. The Martlets then went on a nice run and went up as much as 10 during the second half. Berkshire then went on a run of its own to take the lead late. The Martlets went down by seven with two minutes left. With only 30 seconds left, the Martlets cut the deficit to one after a steal by Chris Robinson '20. After a key defensive stop, the Martlets had eight seconds to score but came up short after a missed shot by Joel Pullen '20. Robinson and Pullen both ended the game with 15 points, while Kyle Hoffman ’19 chipped in with 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks (near triple double.)
 
Feb. 15: Basketball - First Boys’ 62 vs. Loomis Chaffee 75
In one of the better games of the season, the Martlets hosted Loomis in the last night game of the season. The game was up and down during the first half. At the end of the first half both teams were tied at 21-21. The Martlets came out a little slow in the second half and Loomis took advantage. The Martlets continued to battle in the late minutes but Loomis took control late. Chris Robinson ‘20 led all scorers with 28 points. Joel Pullen ‘20 had 20 points and Kyle Hoffman ‘19 chipped in with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Feb. 16: Basketball - First Boys’ 55 vs. Kent School 41
The Martlets traveled to the Northwest corner of Connecticut to face a scrappy Kent team. The first half was controlled by the Martlets but Kent continued to fight. In the second half, the Martlets applied pressure and they increased the lead. Riley Wood ‘19 scored his first points of the season. Wylie Clarke ‘21 also played hard in the second half and chipped in with a few points. Joel Pullen ‘20 led all scorers with 21 points and Kyle Hoffman ‘19 chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Basketball - Second Boys'
Feb. 13: Basketball - Second Boys’ 28 vs. Berkshire School 40
Westminster shot seven for 22 from the free throw line in what could have been an easy win against Berkshire. Despite nine first half points from Eddie Lie-A-Cheong '19, the team allowed too much dribble penetration, leading to some easy buckets inside the paint. They almost evened the score in the second half with strong efforts from Raymond Liu '22 and Lukas Dudzik '19, but Berkshire rebounded better and at times out-hustled the Martlets. There were many opportunities for Westminster to take the lead, but the team didn't play collectively with enough urgency to do so.
 
Feb. 16: Basketball - Second Boys’ 23 vs. Kent School 49
It was a weird winter afternoon in Kent, Connecticut. Second Boys' Basketball played in an unusual haze of hesitation and self-doubt. They made a short-lived run at the start of the second half only to roll over to Kent's constant ball pressure. Harry Stevenson '20 stood out, contributing some positive movement with and without the ball as well as two points.
 
Basketball - Third Boys'
Feb. 13: Basketball - Third Boys’ 32 vs. Avon Old Farms School 44
A tough first half greeted the Martlets of Westminster Thirds Basketball to their second game against Avon Old Farms' fierce winged beavers. Despite vigorous offensive play by Baker "Birthday Suit" Morton '22, the Martlets struggled early on to find their feet and quickly found themselves scrambling to recover. The call was answered as Tunji "Toy Story" Osho-Williams '21 inspired the team with both reference and defensive play, springing the boys into action as the entered halftime down 7-22. The second half began with a bang as Ben "Fungus Amongus" Mihailovich '22 and Jack "Chili for Lunch" Luppino '21 locked off AOF's primary shooter, seeking out a run to victory. Sam "Juicebox" Obeng '22 found himself draining shots left and right, and the Martlets brought the game within mere points of AOF, trading blows back and forth as the time on the clock expired. At the end of the game, a series of free throws and fast breaks determined the score, but it was clear that the Martlets had taken flight in the second half.
 
Feb. 15: Basketball - Third Boys’ 30 vs. Loomis Chaffee 45Pelican Panache, Martlet Might
The Westminster Thirds Boys took to the roads once again, this time to have their secondary tilt against Loomis Chaffee's fearsome pelican pride. The first half was slow to start, and the Martlets found themselves scrambling to defend against the pelican full court press. Third Form hopeful Baker "Sweatshirt" Morton and Vincent "Calisthenics for Breakfast" von Nordeck '21 took their turns fighting back, and though the Martlets entered the second half down 10-25, they found new spirit and fought their way forth into the void. Jack "Colored Pencils" Luppino '21 facilitated outstanding ball movement while Kade "The Patriot" Smith '22 brought both aggression and excitement to the court, both helping the Martlets claw their way back, tooth and nail. As the game came to an end, the boys were weary but proud of how well they turned the second half around ... with only two practices and two games remaining in the season, they find themselves eager to take down their opponents and play hard to close their long, fruitful run together as brothers in basketball.
 
Feb. 16: Basketball - Third Boys’ 22 vs. Rumsey Hall School 56
The boys of Westminster Thirds Basketball took to the courts to face off against the Rumsey Hall varsity team in their final home game of the season. The first half was hard fought as Vincent von Nordeck '21 and Justin Flaks '20 pushed back against vigorous offensive play. The game swiftly moved forward as Rumsey showed speed and might, but entering halftime the Martlets found their strength and recovered as Kade Smith '22 stayed stalwart on defense while Baker Morton '22 found himself on the delivering end of three-pointers left and right.
  
Hockey - First Girls'
Feb. 11: Hockey - First Girls’ 3 vs. Taft School 2
Westminster faced Founders League rival Taft School at home Feb. 11. The first period was tight as Taft put Westminster on its heels, outshooting the team in the first few minutes. Martlets’ goalie Kayla Ireland '22 helped her team stay in it with some key saves. The second period shifted in Westminster's favor, as the team logged some good offensive zone time and started to play more like a team. With just four minutes remaining, the Martlets got caught on a long shift and Taft took advantage putting up the first goal and taking the lead. Westminster looked to each other to respond and just 30 seconds later, Hailey Tullo '22 broke free and forwarded the puck to a breaking Taylor Adams '20 sparking a 3-on-1. Adams made a move to the outside and then slid the puck across to a crashing Megan Rittenhouse '20 who one-timed it past the Taft goalie. To make things interesting yet again, Westminster took a penalty with just over two minutes left in the period, and Taft capitalized taking the lead 2-1. The Martlets used the time between periods to recommit to the task at hand and to make each shift of the third period count. Within the first minute, Westminster earned a power play off a great defensive play by Hannah Carbone '19. The power play unit set up and moved the puck effectively, looking for the open lanes. Rittenhouse stepped up and set a hard pass to Adams on the back door. Adams one-timed the puck hard into the open net tying the score at 2-2. The period raged on with intense back and forth play. Great defensive work by Abby Munger '20 and Nina Ausperger '19 helped keep the puck out of dangerous territory. Finally, with just one minute left, Westminster earned an offensive zone face-off. Taft won the draw, but Sam DeLeo '21 canceled out their efforts to get it out with an incredible play at the blue line. Adams collected the puck in the corner and sent it to a break Rittenhouse who took a quick shot. Jenny Guider '20 was in front and found the rebound for the game-winning goal. With just 47 seconds remaining, the Martlets took to the ice to play their toughest shift yet. Jill Parsons '19 played great defense as she pressured the puck during 6-on-5 play. With just eight seconds left, Casey Winslow '21 sprinted to the point and blocked a shot to the corner to secure the win. It was another example that this team is at its best when it comes together and plays with a selfless commitment.
 
Feb. 13: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs. Taft School 3
Westminster visited Taft to square off against the Rhinos for the second time this week. From the beginning, Westminster set the tone, outshooting its opponents 11-2 in the first. The team worked hard to implement the adjusted game plan as it played on the Olympic surface. The second period brought more great pressure by the Martlets, yet they could not find the back of the net as they looked to close the 2-0 deficit. The team took the ice in the third period and was playing as a cohesive unit, peppering the goalie with shots from all over the zone. Finally, at the 12 minute mark, Taylor Adams '20 intercepted a puck at center ice and entered the Taft zone. She beat two defenders and shot quickly off the move, beating the talented Taft goalie to make the game 2-1. Westminster continued the pressure as Hailey Tullo '22 just missed on burying a rebound off Megan Rittenhouse's '20 hard shot. With just six minutes left, Taft managed to capitalize on a defensive zone breakdown to extend its lead 3-1. Westminster pulled the goalie and earned three great chances in the last minute, yet could not convert. The Martlets earned 34 shots in the game, but learned that sometimes it's just about finishing.
 
Feb. 16: Hockey - First Girls’ 5 vs. Berkshire School 3
Westminster had its final away game of the season Feb. 16 against the rival Berkshire Bears. The first period was tense as Berkshire was riding high on its Senior night. Westminster worked hard to stay steady and find the tempo. With just two minutes left, forward Callista Adorno '22 took advantage of the big ice sheet and made an incredible breakout pass to a breaking Megan Rittenhouse '20. Rittenhouse took the puck wide and then cut against the defenseman for a good angle and fired a puck bar-down to take the lead 1-0. The second period was exciting as Jenny Guider '20 blocked a shot and went in for a break away. Guider froze the goalie and slid it by her to help Westminster to the 2-0 lead. But Berkshire would not be denied. With five minutes left, Berkshire capitalized on a d-zone breakdown and cut the lead to 2-1. Westminster worked to respond, just missing on a 2-on-1, yet Berkshire struck again just one minute later. With the score locked at 2-2 heading into the third, the Martlets decided to approach the final 16 minutes as a united front and to play with grit. Three minutes into the period, Taylor Adams '20 found a breaking Jill Parsons '19 who beat the goalie five-hole to take the 3-2 lead. Moments later, Guider drew a penalty on the fore-check. Parsons won the face-off to Sam DeLeo '21 who walked the puck to the middle and sent a shot to a breaking Rittenhouse of the corner. Parsons collected the rebound and found Rittenhouse again who lifted it over the Berkshire goalie for the 4-2 lead. The Martlets struck again 50 seconds later when Sofia Kuusisto '19 won a battle in the corner a fed a perfect pass to Guider who one-timed it to the net. Emma Gurnell '21 was there to collect the rebound and backhanded it short side for the 5-2 lead. To Berkshire's credit, they turned up their game and scored again with nine minutes left. Westminster played a very disciplined game to the finish. Pucks got deep and the breakouts were crisp. Goalie Kayla Ireland '22 helped keep one off in the final minute to lock the final at 5-3. It was a great team win and a good way for the departing Sixth Formers to end their final away game.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Feb. 13: Hockey - First Boys’ 4 vs. Loomis Chaffee
The Martlets had some business to manage before they could enjoy a day off from classes as a result of the Hill Holiday Feb. 14. Loomis won both contests a year ago, but Westminster was able to earn another good win by outlasting the Pelicans to win 4-1 with an empty netter at the end. To their credit, Loomis competed very hard, and was able to generate some excellent scoring opportunities throughout the game. Their top two lines were quick in transition, and made the first period, in particular, very challenging for the Martlets. However, as Westminster got its feet going, and began to control the puck a little more, the tempo and play was dominated by the team. Plenty of scoring opportunities generated three goals, and Ian Shane ‘20 was spectacular between the pipes, stopping 39 of 40 shots. Loomis’ only tally went off a Martlet defender and found the back of the net. Iggy Belov ‘20 scored one in the first period off a great rush from Ryan Pineault ‘20, who got the puck to the right spot in front. Tyler Kinney ‘19 worked himself into a great position alongside the net in the second period, and he hammered home a rebound. Darion Benchich ‘20 was persistent in neutral ice, and he received a great pass from Sean Clarke ‘19. Benchich went in alone and made it count. Belov was able to earn another goal with an ENT in the last few minutes of the game. It was another good win.
 
Feb. 16: Hockey - First Boys’ 2 vs. Berkshire School 2
The Martlets headed back to the Northwest corner Feb. 16, this time to play Berkshire, a team that has struggled through injury this year, but had some powerhouse players return recently. Ultimately, Westminster controls its own fate, as when the boys show up to play, they get up the sheet well, and are able to connect well, finding the back of the net. Starting slow in a lifeless rink at Berkshire didn’t help, and Berkshire carried the play for most of the first half. The Martlets were slow to boil again, and they were on their heels, chasing the puck around many times. The second half of the game was much better, with stretches of offensive dominance, holding play in the offensive zone for 2-3 minutes at a time. Berkshire’s goalie played an outstanding game, and Berkshire was able to capitalize on a power play and a 2-on-1 early in the second period. Berkshire scored first but Westminster answered later in the second period when Malik Alishlalov ‘20 fired a puck past the Berkshire goalie. Berkshire took the lead on a power play goal but Jordie McKenna ‘19 tied the game late in the third. Overtime was needed to finish this one, but neither team could capitalize. Westminster carried the play, but to no avail. Gunnery is up next Wednesday, as the team heads into the final week of the season with three games remaining.
 
Hockey - Second Girls'
Feb. 13: Hockey - Second Girls’ 5 vs. Taft School 1
 
Hockey - Second Boys'
Feb. 13: Hockey - Second Boys’ 4 vs. Loomis Chaffee 0
The Seconds made the quick trip to Windsor to take on league rival Loomis in a rematch of game won by the Martlets a month ago. The home team, scrappy as ever, pressed the Black and Gold at times but the visiting Martlets came away with a solid win, 4-0. Goalie Jack Schroeder '22 had 29 saves en route to the shutout, playing well throughout and bailing his teammates out of jams on more than one occasion. For their part, the Seconds fired 34 shots on the Pelican keeper and produced the greater share of puck possession in the Loomis end. As has been the case, the Westminster defensive corps of Rex Flinn '21 (who played particularly well this afternoon), Ben Michaud '22, Alex Tonioni '22, Wes Oltsch '20 and Nate Stevens '21 controlled the puck and the play for long stretches of the game. This quintet has been instrumental to the team's success this season, and were again in fine harmony. Westminster's first goal came on the second shift of the game, a mere 1:15 into the opening frame, when captain Jack Murdock '19 forechecked his way to possession of the puck behind the Loomis net and handed it off to a crashing Ryan Huntley '21 on the left post. Stalwart center man Aidan Petrie '20 added to the Martlet lead later in the first period when he collected a loose puck in front of the Pelican bench on a 4-on-4 situation and, taking advantage of the space provided, stepped to the face off dot and beat the Loomis keeper over his left shoulder. The game then settled into a back-and-forth battle, as both teams scrummed for the puck in neutral ice and each had several chances on their opponent's net. The coaches, well aware of the old adage that a 2-0 lead is the most fragile lead in hockey, may have lost a few hairs to their advancing gray in this span, but the Westminster lead held. About midway through the second period, Huntley broke into the Loomis end on the near boards and, after a quick move or two, got the puck to the net where line mate Alec Paro '19 picked up the rebound, made a move to the right of his own, and tucked it in the empty net. It's unclear if the players on the bench heard the audible sigh of relief from their head coach, knowing from long experience that a 3-0 lead is much better than a 2-0 lead. With Schroeder occasionally making a much-needed save, the team held that margin into the third period. The final stanza was marred by a few too many penalties, as both teams lost their focus a wee bit. During one power play opportunity for the Pelicans defenseman Michaud blocked a shot with his shin pads, deftly kicked the puck to his stick and chipped it to neutral ice – where Hunter Johnson '21 pounced on it and took the puck into the Loomis end on a breakaway. Johnson deked right before pulling the puck to his backhand and lifting it over the keeper's pads. With six minutes remaining that goal iced the game. A 4-0 win on the road against a Founders League rival is always a great win, and this was certainly no exception.
 
Feb. 15: Hockey - Second Boys’ 3 vs. Northfield Mount Hermon School 1
The Martlets hosted the Hoggers of Northfield Mount Hermon Feb. 15, and a pitched, physical battle ensued. Anchored by the ever-steady goaltending of Jack Schroeder '22, the shorthanded Seconds – who started the game with 14 skaters and ended with 14 tired but triumphant legionnaires in Black and Gold, some of whom needed the expert attentions of the trainer – weathered the aggressive play of the Hoggers. Schroeder, who posted 34 saves on the evening and yielded only a single goal, and that one only after two Ping-Pong deflections and an odd bounce or two, calmly turned aside shot after shot. The Martlet defensemen played a tough-nosed, smart game, winning battles in the corners and in front of the net and pushing the pace for 45 minutes. Rarely did the Hoggers get a second or third crack at a loose puck in front of the Martlet net. These five have figured prominently in our write-ups this season, but their names bear mentioning again: Rex Flinn '21, Ben Michaud '22, Wes Oltsch '20, Nate Stevens '21 and Alex Tonioni '22. It goes without saying that the Martlet squad from the blue line back gives this team a chance against any opponent. The Seconds opened the scoring at the 13:40 mark of the first period when Aidan Petrie '20, who played a terrific two-way game, collected a pass from Stevens just over the defensive blue line and streaked down the far boards before cutting in and around an NMH defensemen and roofing the puck past the Hogger keeper. Flinn doubled the Westminster lead roughly 10 minutes later when he fired the puck from the high slot on the NMH net. With plenty of traffic provided by the yeoman wingers of Newt Cutler '22 and David Harris '21 in front, the keeper clearly did not get a good look at the shot and it slipped through his pads. Cutler had started that play when he collected the puck behind the net, reversed directions and found Petrie, who fed the puck expertly to Flinn. The first period ended with that 2-0 lead intact, but it did not last long: NMH continued to battle and two minutes into the second period a Hogger defensemen picked up a puck on the near boards in front of the Westminster bench. The shot from the point hit two (or three or four) players – both Hoggers and Martlets – before bouncing into the Westminster net by the far post. A crazy goal, but that's what it takes to beat Schroeder most games. The 2-1 score lasted for the remainder of the second and deep into the third, as both sides continued to play hard and fast. The NMH side had their chances, but there's no question Westminster got better as the game wore on. Most of Westminster's 27 shots came in the second and third periods, with the final stanza the most productive of all. After several solid shifts in a row and the home side holding a precarious 2-1 lead, the pressure paid off. While the line of Ryan Huntley '21, Jack Murdock '19 (playing with a new twig arriving special delivery with an asset from dad), and Alec Paro '19 does not appear on the scoresheet this game could not have been won without them; it's clear that their consistent hard work set up the final tally. That key goal came on the power play when Will Rizzo '21 pounced on a loose puck in front of the Hogger net and made the lead 3-1. Petrie earned his third point of the night assisting on that goal; line mate Hunter Johnson '21 also assisted on this hard-working, scrappy goal that required several knocks before Rizzo buried it. The goal iced the game; NHM perhaps lost their focus a bit and took several penalties down the stretch. Westminster, for its part, played good defensive hockey, winning the blue lines and forcing the Hoggers to play in their end. When the final horn sounded, the Seconds knew they had secured a really good win against a tough opponent. The coaches were very pleased with the effort and execution of the game plan, but most of all with the increasing grittiness of the team as the game progressed. The win puts the team at 9-4-4.
 
Feb. 16: Hockey - Second Boys’ 0 vs. Berkshire School 2
Playing their second physical game in 24 hours and severely undermanned — missing seven contributing skaters to illness, injury and other issues — the Seconds simply could not consistently match Berkshire's compete level and lost a close contest on home ice. Though the lineup was bolstered by a couple of call-ups from the farm system, the team ultimately didn't have the energy and focus they've shown in the last several contests. The Martlets were outshot 34 to 10 on the afternoon and struggled to maintain possession, make plays, and get pucks and bodies to the front of the net. For their part, the Bears played 45 minutes of aggressive, athletic hockey and impressed the coaches as a far stronger team then their record suggests. Goalie Jack Schroeder '22 had his hands full all afternoon, making 32 saves as the Black and Gold played most of the game on their heels. The Bears proved they had come to play right from the opening puck drop and dominated the first period; the Martlets were fortunate to get out of that period and deep into the second with score at 0-0 – full credit to Schroeder for keeping his team in the game. But Berkshire finally solved the puzzle and scored with 3:10 to go in the second period when they outworked the Martlets in front of their own net and got one too many tries at a loose puck in front of Schroeder. The game stayed at 0-1 for most of the third, and the home side did manage the occasional foray into the Berkshire end, but no real scoring chances emerged. Uncharacteristically, the Martlets, no doubt tired and frustrated, lost their focus and took a series of costly penalties down the stretch (to be fair, both sides had their share of penalties in this scrappy affair this afternoon). After killing off a major penalty, which included a minute-and-a-half of 5-on-3 against, and looking to find a way to gain the equalizer, a costly bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct led to a Berkshire power play goal with only 1:38 left in the third. Though the Bears took a final penalty of their own and Schroeder was pulled with over a minute to play, giving the Martlets a 6 on 4 advantage, the Bear's keeper preserved his team's shutout. The coaches commend the good play and hard work of several players — and thank Owen Murphy '22 and Rich Mugler '22 for stepping into the breach when needed.
 
Hockey - Third Boys'
Feb. 13: Hockey - Third Boys’ 2 vs. Avon Old Farms School 2
While the team is disappointed in missing out what was its best opportunity for its first win on the season, the team has to be happy to get a point in the standings. Going up 1-0 in the first with a great individual effort by Willie Noble '20, his first of the day, gave new life to his teammates, who spent most of the day in their own end. His second of the day came minutes later with some nifty puck work to lift it above the Avon netminder’s pad on the backhand. After this, however, the momentum dulled, and after several strong stops by Rich Mugler '22, the Avon team found the net early in the third and again with only a few minutes left in regulation. The boys played overtime out in a disappointing tie. Ben Ferrell '21, Beck Winsor '21, Owen Murphy '22 and goalie Mugler are worthy to be mentioned for their strong effort throughout.
 
Feb. 16: Hockey - Third Boys’ 1 vs. Berkshire School 2
Third Boys’ Hockey was at it again, facing off against a Berkshire team that dismantled them 5-2 at the beginning of the year. This time, however, the Martlets certainly gave them more of a fight. A close game all the way through, Berkshire scored the decisive marker off an offensive zone face-off that saw a puck scoot free in front of the net, and ultimately passed goalie Rich Mugler '22, who has been nothing short of outstanding all year. Leading scorer, Willie Noble '20, played through injury to put in a rebound for the sole Westminster tally, and Kendrick Freeman '21 deserves mention for showing a fiery streak that he's kept at bay all year.
 
Squash - First Girls'
Feb. 13: Squash - First Girls’ 6 vs. Kent School 1
 
Squash - First Boys'
Feb. 13: Squash - First Boys’ 1 vs. Loomis Chaffee 6
In a match that was closer than the final score indicates, the Martlets fell to the Pelicans 1-6 at Loomis Chaffee's version of the Kohn Squash pavilion. Alex Unruh '22 won in three hard-fought games at No. 1 (7, 8, 7). The rest of the Martlets came up just a little bit short. Khalil Walker '19 split his first two games at No. 2 before falling at (7) and (9) in games three and four. Sean Gregg '22 battled hard at No. 3, losing (6), (6) and (10). The same was true for Nate Londal '19 at No. 4. Londal lost at (8) and (10) in the first two games. At No. 5 Sam Pagon '21 rebounded from two 6-11 losses to win the third game 11-8 before falling 5-11 in the fourth game. Nate Swift '19 lost 12-14 and 11-13 in games two and three of his match at No. 6 while Ethan Na '19 came back from a 2-0 deficit to know his match at 2-2 before losing 7-11 in the final game.
 
Feb. 16: Squash - First Boys’ 0 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 7
The Martlets squared off Saturday afternoon against a skilled and deep Choate squad. Everyone except for Alex Unruh '22 at No. 1 lost in straight games, but the other Martlets played hard. They were simply overmatched. Unruh split his first two games and then lost a heartbreaker in game three, 11-13. He rebounded in the fourth game (11-7) to force a deciding fifth game. But his opponent, a talented senior playing his last home match for Choate, controlled the final game, winning 11-4. Nevertheless, Unruh played a lot of good squash and he gets the "nail" for this match.
 
Squash - Second Girls'
Feb. 13: Squash - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Kent School 0
home match of the season. Before play began, the team honored Sixth Formers Martina Daniele, Hannah Kaye and Elaina Comia for their contributions to the success of the program. The Sixth Formers played the matches of the day, led by Comia — who swept her opponent 3-0 at No. 7 — while Daniele prevailed 2-0 and Kaye 2-1 in exhibition play. The team improved to 10-3 with the win.
 
Feb. 16: Squash - Second Girls’ 7 vs. Miss Porter's School 0
Westminster traveled to Farmington to face Miss Porter's School on its senior day. With only seven available, several of the MPS players doubled up in exhibition matches in addition to their ladder opponent. The final tally was a 7-0 win for the Martlets. Martina Daniele '19 played her best squash of the season when she faced Porter's No. 3. Daniele prevailed 2-0.
 
Squash - Second Boys'
Feb. 13: Squash - Second Boys’ 5 vs. Loomis Chaffee 2
In a very tight match, the Martlets defeated the Pelicans 5-2. How tight was it? Well, four of the seven matches went to five games while the other three were decided in four games. Peter Miller '22 at No. 1 and Mac Dye '20 at No. 3 both lost 9-11 games in the fifth game of their matches. At No. 2 Scott Lee' 20 lost his first game 8-11 and then swept his match at 4, 5 and 7. Travis Paulsen '20 fought off two match balls in the fourth game of his match before closing out the match at 10 and 5 at No. 4. Quoc Anh Truong '20 was all over the court in his four-game victory at No. 5. At No. 6, Ian Lee '21 won a marathon match 12, (5), 6, (12), 9, while Zach Eckerson '21 shook off a bad call that had him at 1-1 instead of 2-0 to play determined squash in his third and fourth games, winning those by scores of 11-7 and 11-8. Paulsen and Lee share the nail for their gritty five-game wins.
 
Feb. 16: Squash - Second Boys’ 0 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 7
The Martlets ended up losing every match to a strong squad of Wild Boars, but the boys from Westminster fought hard and played well up and down the ladder. Five of the seven matches were decided in straight games, but in those matches Westminster earned between 18 and 20 points per match. Mac Dye '20 won his first game at No. 3 by a score of 11-9 but lost the second game 11-13. His opponent, having grabbed the momentum, won the next two games at Nos. 6 and 5. In the match of the day, Scott Lee '20 split the first two games of his match at (6) and 8 and then split the next two games at 7 and (4), forcing a deciding fifth game. That game featured outstanding squash by two evenly matched players, neither of whom wanted to concede even an inch. Lee earned one match ball at 10-9 and then fought off a match ball at 10-11. In the end, an exhausted Lee tried for a couple of tough winners but tinned those shots to lose 11-13. Obviously, he earns the "nail" for this match.
 
Squash - Third Girls'
Feb. 13: Squash - Third Girls’ 4 vs. Miss Porter's School 3
Thanks to incredibly hard work during practice over the last few weeks, Third Girls' Squash managed to earn a very close victory over Porter's. The highlight of the match was when Michelle "Mich Mich" Kim '20 came back from 0-2 to win 3-2. Jacq Autorino '20, Maggie Chaves '19 and Solveig Nycander '20 also managed to win very close matches against strong opponents. The rest of the team managed to sweep its exhibition matches.
 
Feb. 16: Squash - Third Girls’ 0 vs. Canterbury School 6
 
Squash - Third Boys'
Feb. 16: Squash - Third Boys’ 13 vs. Salisbury School 0
Westminster had a convincing win on the road. Eleven of the contests were sweeps for the Martlets, but not all those were easily won. Charlie Pappas '22 had two very exciting and close games to start off his match, winning both by the score of 12-10, before holding his opponent to only four points in the final game. Meanwhile, captain Dinh Truong '19 allowed a mere six total points in winning his match in convincing fashion. The match of the day belonged to Sung Min Cho '22. Up 2-1, he was unable to close out the match in the fourth game, losing a nail-biter 11-9. However, he bounced back in the fifth and decisive game, outlasting his opponent 11-7 and keeping the team shutout intact.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Girls'
Feb. 16: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 58 vs. Miss Porter's School 127
Feb. 16: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 72 vs. Hopkins School 112
The girls closed out the dual meet season Feb. 16 with an emotional performance and, ultimately, losses against two strong opponents, but came away with "A" for team chemistry and a host of season- and lifetime-best times. The meet had the feel of a championship format, with high energy, multiple heats of most races and a packed house full of spectators. Campbell Swift '21, Dorka Nagy '19, Katherine Ashe '21 and co-captain Alex Wolf '19 placed fourth in the 200-medley relay, and co-captain Alex Lin '19 took third in the 200 free with her best time this season. Nagy followed with a fourth place finish in the 200 IM in her best time ever, and Wolf and Ellie Thorson '21 took second and fourth, respectively, in the 50 freestyle (Wolf with a PR). Jane Ogden '19 was third in the diving, with Ola Szopa '20 in fourth. After the diving event, the team honored the seniors with a brief ceremony followed by lots of hugs and tears. When the action resumed, Lin took third in the 100 free with her best time this season, while Wolf and Thorson tied for fourth (Thorson with a PR). Sydney Schuster '21 took fifth in the 500, shaving several seconds off her best time, and the team of Angelesia Ma '20, Ashe, Thorson and Lin placed third in the 200 free relay. Nagy was fourth in the 100 breast, and she teamed up with Wolf, Thorson and Lin to place third in the 400 freestyle relay with their best time this year. Other swimmers logging best times were: Schuster (200 free), Shannon Keefe '19 (50 free), Clea Guerrand-Hermes '19 (50 free), Diana Tsibikova '21 (50 free), Isabel O'Connell ’20 (50 free, 100 free), Jane Burke '21 (50 free), Simonne Ponce '21 (100 free), India Lalor '21 (50 free, 100 fly, 100 free) and Swift (100 back). The girls finished the dual meet season with an 8-3 record, which is their strongest record in many years.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Boys'
Feb. 16: Swimming/Diving - First Boys’ 108 vs. Avon Old Farms School 75
Feb. 16: Swimming/Diving - First Boys’ 88 vs. Hopkins School 92
The Westminster Boys closed out the dual meet season Feb. 16 with a nice win against Avon and a near-upset of a strong Hopkins team. Emotions ran high as the team honored the contributions and leadership of its Sixth Formers in the final dual meet of their high school careers. The meet had a championship feel to it with quality opponents, multiple heats and a packed house full of spectators. The afternoon started with a second place finish by Max Larock '22, Eddie Shin '21, Jason Shi '21 and Layton Harmon '21 in the 200 free relay, followed by a victory for Larock in the 200 free with co-captain Emmett de Kanter '19 in third and Kieran Haug '21 in fifth, both with his season-best times. Hudson Stedman '21 took third in the 200 IM, and Shi and Harmon placed fourth and fifth, respectively in the 50 free (Shi with a lifetime best). Leo Kolomeiskii '21 finished fourth in the diving, and Shi and co-captain Matt Norris '19 placed second and third in the 100 fly in a very fast heat. Harmon took third in the 100 freestyle, and Norris and Haug went 1-2 in the 500 Free (Haug with a season best). The 200 freestyle Relay team of de Kanter, Shin, Norris and Harmon placed third, and Larock won the 100 back with Stedman in fourth, both with lifetime best times. Shin followed suit with a win in the 100 breaststroke, shaving three seconds off his personal best while J-C Lane '21 placed fourth, and the team of de Kanter, Norris, Shi and Larock won the 400 free relay. Daniel Pinckney '20 also had a banner day, swimming lifetime bests in the 200 IM and the 100 fly with huge drops in time. Other best times were swum by Shin (50 free), Jeevan Palaniyandy '19 (50 free, 100 free), Grant McCargo '21 (100 free) and Stedman (100 free).  
 
 
 
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