Details

Winter Sports Highlights 1.27.20

Basketball - First Boys'
Jan. 24: Basketball - First Boys’ 82 vs. Kingswood Oxford School 79
As always, the rivalry between Westminster and Kingswood has become very evident. The Martlets set the tone early with great energy and pace. Owen Larson ’20 and Joe Walsh ’20 played great defense the entire game. The Martlets fell behind during the half but in the second half they battled hard to regain the lead. Gabe Charleston ’21 had 16 points on the night. Teddy Mangiarotti ’21 had a quality 30 points. Captain Chris Robinson ‘20 had a season high 36 points on the night! The co-captain Jack Devlin ’20 sealed the game with a key free throw in the closing seconds to help seal the victory.
 
Jan. 25: Basketball - First Boys’ 60 vs. Hotchkiss School 79
The Martlets played one of their better opponents Saturday night. Hotchkiss started the game hot with a host of three point makes from different players. The Martlets had to climb out of an early hole. Going into the half, Hotchkiss led by 15 points. However, the Martlets fought back and brought the game back within seven points with six minutes left. In the end, Hotchkiss made more plays down the stretch and picked up a win. Chris Robinson ‘20 led the Martlets with 24 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Teddy Mangiarotti ’21 also had 16 points on the night. Gabe Charleston ’21 chipped in with a solid 14 points and eight rebounds. Joe Walsh ’20 and Owen Larson ’20 both continued to play stellar defense throughout the entire game.
 
Basketball - First Girls'
Jan. 20: Basketball - First Girls' 16 vs. Miss Porter's School 51
After falling behind 4-11 at the end of the first quarter, Westminster chipped away with a couple of baskets to narrow the Daisies' lead to three and then never really got close again. Westminster fell behind 8-25 at the half and then struggled mightily to score the rest of the way. Bella Tawney ’22 led the team in scoring, and Mari Camara ’23 played her most minutes of the season and scored a career-high six points.
 
Jan. 22: Basketball - First Girls’ 26 vs. Hotchkiss School 40
Westminster gave a great effort in its rematch with Hotchkiss. Westminster played great team defense in the first half and held the Bearcats to 17 points; unfortunately, the Martlets could only muster 11. Westminster had a little more success scoring in the second half, but fatigue and second-chance opportunities led to more Hotchkiss scoring chances, and Hotchkiss gradually expanded its lead over the final two quarters. Margaret Kennedy ‘22 played the entire game and got to the free-throw line eight times, and six different Martlets made their way into the scoring column.
 
Jan. 25: Basketball - First Girls’ 41 vs. Taft School 55
Westminster started slowly but then bounced back and had it as close as 16-18 with 2:38 minutes left in the second quarter. Westminster never got closer, though. A late run found the team down 24-18 at the half, and a 9-0 run in the first five minutes found the Martlets down by 15. Taft eventually expanded its lead to 21, but Westminster chipped away in the final minutes to make the score more respectable. Co-captain Bella Tawney ’22 led the team in scoring and rebounding while co-captain Bethany Winters ’20 added nine fourth-quarter points. Mather Thompson ’23 scored her first basket of the season, a three-pointer from the corner, on a nice drive-and-dish from Margaret Kennedy ‘22.
 
Basketball - Second Boys'
Jan. 22: Basketball - Second Boys’ 24 vs. Loomis Chaffee 53
Jan. 24: Basketball - Second Boys’ 38 vs. Kingswood Oxford School 57
Jan. 25: Basketball - Second Boys’ 25 vs. Hotchkiss School 58
 
Basketball - Third Boys'
Jan. 25: Basketball - Third Boys’ 29 vs. Pomfret School 48
Third Boys’ Basketball played Pomfret’s Thirds team out in Pomfret. The Martlets faced the Griffins head on with one of the team’s best first half performances offensively. With Zach Blest ’21 leading the team for shots made, the team brought pressure from both inside and outside the three-point line, finishing the first half with 19 points. Both teams made adjustments to begin the second half, and the Martlets found it much harder to make field goals during the period. With time ticking down, Pomfret made several key stops, stymieing the Westminster’s attempt to break 30 points for the first time this season, resulting in a final score of 29-48.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Jan. 22: Hockey - First Boys’ 6 vs. Canterbury School 3
On the road again to New Milford, Conn. this time, Westminster defeated Canterbury 6-3. The first and second periods were played consistently in all three zones by the Martlets, generating quality scoring chances and preventing any meaningful opportunities from the Saints. Westminster doubled up on its opponent in shots during the first two periods and were able to keep Canterbury in its defensive zone. The first period ended 1-0 Westminster, and the second 6-0 Westminster. The third period was a different story, however, and the Martlets allowed the Saints to gain some ground. Canterbury took advantage of a power play and the Martlets let off the gas a little. Canterbury scored three in the third to bring the score to 6-3, but Westminster tightened things up in the last five minutes to stop the pressure. While not the complete game they had hoped for, the Martlets head into a busy stretch having put some points on the board and gaining a little more confidence.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Jan. 24: Hockey - First Boys’ 1 vs. Loomis Chaffee 2
 
Hockey - First Girls'
Jan. 20: Hockey - First Girls’ 2 vs. Loomis Chaffee 3
Westminster continued its stretch of away games Jan. 20 as they had a rematch with Loomis Chaffee. Westminster was put on the defensive to start and goalie Mandy Busky '21 was outstanding from start to finish. Westminster eventually found its footing and earned some offensive zone time following a great break out started by Jenny Guider '20. Guider's pass sent Emma Gurnell '21 flying down the ice and she took a hard shot that rung off the cross-bar. Taylor Adams '20 was there ready to finish the play and put her team up 1-0 just six minutes in. Loomis did not sit back, but instead put even more pressure on the Martlets. Busky continued to see the puck through traffic and during difficult penalty kills. As the second period unfolded, Westminster earned plenty of opportunities, but failed to hit the net and finish to extend the lead. Then, at the seven-minute mark, Loomis got on the board to tie it 1-1. The third period was back and forth as Westminster earned a power play, but couldn't beat the Loomis goalie. Loomis charged back and caused enough chaos in front that the Martlets lost sight of the puck as it got pushed over the goal line. Being behind rallied the Westminster team members and you could see them increasing their tempo and urgency. Westminster pulled the goalie with just one minute remaining, but Loomis pressed and scored the empty net to take a 3-1 lead. Not ready to give up, the Martlets lined up for the face-off and in a great battle started by Gurnell, Cammi Ahern '22 beat her opponent to the rebound, scoring and bringing the score yet again within one with just 40 seconds left. Westminster tried its hardest to get that final shot on net, but Loomis shut it down. Overall, the adversity was good for the team as the group sees what they are made of when their back is to the wall.
 
Jan. 22: Hockey - First Girls’ 4 vs. Millbrook School 0
Westminster was happy to be back in Jackson Rink to face off against a talented Millbrook team. The Martlets were flying from the start, and managed to draw a penalty within the first five minutes. The power play earned possession off the face off and moved the puck seamlessly as Abby Munger '20 sent a pass to Sam DeLeo '21 at the top of the zone who then quickly saw Taylor Adams '20 on the back door. Adams one-timed the pass and beat the goalie high for the 1-0 lead. Millbrook worked to match Westminster's tempo by the end of the period and the Martlets knew they'd have to step up their game to maintain the lead. In the first minute of the second period, Millbrook took another penalty. The power play had to battle for possession against a pressing Millbrook penalty kill. DeLeo managed to gain possession and moved it to Megan Rittenhouse '20 on the half-wall. Rittenhouse sent a laser pass across ice to Adams who one-timed it on the backdoor for the 2-0 lead. Westminster continued to pressure, but Millbrook made good use of the offensive zone time it did get, forcing Kayla Ireland '22 to make some good saves to protect the lead. Then with just 30 seconds left, Westminster went on the attack at Rittenhouse found a breaking Jenny Guider '20 who took a shot that was blocked by the far pad of the Millbrook goalie. Adams was there to collect and then put home the rebound for her third goal of the game and second hat-trick of the week. The third period got a bit chaotic with penalties, but Westminster maintained focus and earned a 5-on-3 halfway through. Munger stole the puck and came off the wall for a shot that deflected off the goalie and in for the 4-0 lead. It was a solid win for the Martlets and a good way to build their grit against a good team.
 
Jan. 25: Hockey - First Girls’ 2 vs. Hotchkiss School 0
Westminster hosted a talented Hotchkiss team at Jackson Rink. As the game unfolded, it became clear that this would be a tight game as each team battled to get on the board first. Westminster goalie Mandy Busky '21 worked to keep her team in it through two scoreless periods. Finally with just eight minutes left, Westminster capitalized on a play in the neutral zone. Amelia Molin '23 channeled a player and when the puck came free she stopped right on it and sent a pass to Taylor Adams '20 who then broke free from her defender to be one-on-one with the goalie. Adams took a quick shot and beat the goalie five-hole for the 1-0 lead. Hotchkiss did not back down and answered the goal with sustained pressure in the Westminster end. Busky came up big again and defenseman Sam DeLeo '21 made incredible plays on the penalty kill to protect the score. With just two minutes left, defenseman Betsy Winslow '21 gathered the puck just inside the Westminster zone and sent it to a breaking Adams who again attacked the net sending a hard shot off the cross-bar. Luckily, Molin was there to collect the rebound and send it to the back of the net for the 2-0 lead. The Martlets played smart in the final two minutes and when the final buzzer sounded celebrated their first Founders League Championship since 2013. Of note is the hard work and commitment of all Sixth Formers, Megan Rittenhouse, Abby Munger, Jenny Guider and Taylor Adams. Their grit and grace has allowed for incredible growth in the program throughout their time as Martlets. The win was a nice way to honor their hard work and contributions to the team.
 
Hockey - Second Boys'
Jan. 22: Hockey - Second Boys’ 1 vs. CT Chiefs 5
The Martlets welcomed the always hard-charging Connecticut Chiefs to Jackson Rink for a late Wednesday game. The Chiefs brought a fair amount of speed and skill to the contest, and at times the Seconds had their hands full in the loss. The 1-5 score, in fairness, is not representative of the overall game, as the Martlets competed for long stretches and generated some sustained offensive bursts. All credit to goalkeeper Will Scott '20, who turned aside 40 Chiefs' shots, including several terrific saves. For their part, the Seconds mustered 22 shots for the game. The Chiefs jumped out to an early lead in the first minute of the game when a streaking forward drove hard to the net, beat the Black and Gold defensemen and roofed a snap shot over Scott's shoulder. The game settled in after that, and the 0-1 Chiefs lead lasted well into the second period. Again, however, the Martlets found themselves killing off too many penalties, and a Chiefs powerplay goal midway through the frame made it 0-2. An unfortunate bouncing puck and a couple of deflections four minutes later put the Chiefs up 0-3, and that's how the second period ended. The third was a pitched battle, with both teams spending some time in the penalty box — but it's difficult to claw your way back into a game when you're playing 4 vs. 4 or killing a penalty against a talented team. Another Chiefs' powerplay goal put the visitors up 0-4 midway through the third, but the Martlets finally found the back of the net when Alex Tonioni '22 carried the puck into the Chiefs' zone on a rare Martlet powerplay and deftly slipped a pass to Newt Cutler '22. Cutler didn't hesitate, and fired a wrist shot over the Chiefs' keeper's glove hand to get the home side on the board. But it was too little, too late, and a bit of sloppy play in their own end late in the game led to the Chiefs' final tally. Looking ahead to Saturday's tilt against rival Loomis, the Seconds will look to play much more 5-on-5 hockey and try to get more pucks and bodies to the net and score some scrappy goals. The score notwithstanding, the coaches were pleased overall with the effort, particularly from the short-handed defensive corps of Tonioni, Nate Stevens '21, Jack Rockefeller '23, Beck Winsor '21 and Sawyer von Jess '22.
 
Jan. 25: Hockey - Second Boys’ 2 vs. Loomis Chaffee 1
On a rainy January afternoon a Seconds team depleted by injury and illness — missing five skaters overall — made the short trip down the Farmington River to take on Founder League rival Loomis Chaffee. Playing at Loomis is always a challenge, but the Martlets answered the bell and played their best, most complete game of the season to post a come-from-behind 2-1 victory. Despite some early penalty trouble, strong penalty killing and the steady play of goalie Will Scott '20 kept the Black and Gold in the game. Loomis did manage to score the opening goal with six minutes to go in the first period when a Pelican forward fired a low, hard shot from the right faceoff circle that beat Scott just under his glove hand. But that was all Scott would allow for the game, overall posting 18 saves and anchoring the defense. For their part, his teammates only got better and better, playing well in their own end, transitioning quickly through neutral ice, and producing some long, furious periods of sustained pressure in the Loomis end. All credit to the Loomis keeper for keeping his team in the game: he turned aside shot after shot, and ultimately had 37 saves. The Martlets finally broke through at the eight-minute mark of the second period when Ryan Huntley '21 picked up a puck chipped up along the near boards by Jack Rockefeller '23 and handily beat the Pelican defensemen before rifling a shot past the Loomis goalie on the near post. The Martlets continued their pressure, and quite simply controlled play during much of the second period, generating one scoring chance after another. The game winner came roughly five minutes after Huntley's tally when Peter Diorio '23 won a faceoff on the left dot in the Loomis end, pulling the puck back to linemate Willie Noble '20 who fired a low, hard shot on the Loomis net. Right winger David Harris '21, crashing the net and tied up with a Pelican defenseman, managed to find the rebound and bang it home for a 2-1 Westminster lead. The third period saw some back-and-forth hockey, but the ice was clearly slanted in the Martlets' favor. Despite several excellent chances in the third period, the Seconds could not add to their lead — but their strong defensive play continued and with Scott a stone wall in net, the team handled any serious Loomis threat. With fewer than two minutes on the clock, the Pelicans pulled their goalie and launched some of their most pressing attacks of the game, but a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty ended any real threat from the home side. And so when the final buzzer sounded, the 2-1 Westminster score held up. The coaches were very pleased with the team's work, and in particular with their focus and discipline. In addition to those noted above, forwards Newt Cutler '22, Oscar Ball '22 (who had a strong, physical game), Will Mazzaro '21, Will Rizzo '21 and Xander Cardia '21 all played smart, hardworking games. The defensive corps, again short-handed, of Nate Stevens '21, Rex Flinn '21 (back from injury and much missed in the interim), Sawyer von Jess '22, Rockefeller and Beck Winsor '21 (who had his best game of the season) were terrific, controlling the puck in all three zones and getting the offense started. A good, satisfying team win, and all deserve credit for the victory.
 
Hockey - Second Girls'
Jan. 22: Hockey - Second Girls’ 10 vs. Taft School 6
After coasting through the opening three games, the Martlets found themselves on their heels after a quick start from a skilled and well-coached Taft squad. After a see-saw start left the team down as far as 5-2 midway through the second period, Susie Mahoney '20, Lily Marvin '22, Mckenzie Bloom '23 and goalie Ava Lynch '23 steadied the ship with several strong effort plays and timely saves to work their way back to a 5-5 tie headed into the final frame. From that point forward, the Westminster team could not be slowed. From the opening faceoff, the line of Mahoney, Marvin and Dylan Bloom '23 brought an onslaught of offensive pressure putting in three goals before the Taft team could answer, while stalwart defensive play by Caroline McDermott '20, Annie O'Shea '22 and Lucy Jones '21 kept any Taft counterattack at bay. Four-on-four play gave the squad some space to put the game out of reach in the closing minutes, finalizing a strong team effort in the come-from-behind win.
 
Jan. 25: Hockey - Second Girls' 5 vs. Hotchkiss School 1
With three out of four Sixth Formers sidelined, Westminster's underclassmen rose to the challenge, overcoming a strong defensive effort, for a 5-1 win over Hotchkiss. Less than a minute into the game, Dylan Bloom '23 put Westminster on the board, but Hotchkiss would battle back to tie things up at the end of the first. Thanks to an impressive effort in net from the Hotchkiss goalie, the game remained tied until late in the second, when Mckenzie Bloom '23 scored on a beautifully executed power play from the point. Ellie Cramer '22 followed up quickly with another goal to close out the second. In spite of playing much of the third short-handed, Westminster was able to hold off Hotchkiss and add two more points to the score, with goals from Bennett Ghriskey '22 and Jenna Kosior '21.
 
Hockey - Third Boys'
Jan. 22: Hockey - Third Boys’ 6 vs. Taft School 4
Third Boys’ Hockey earned its second win of the season, defeating Taft 6-4. An unassisted goal by Stuart Dorman '23 got the scoring underway. With less than a minute remaining in the first period Ethan Cramer '23 made it 2-0, winning the battle for a loose puck in front of the net. Goals by Ryan Flam '23 and Nic Swahn '22 allowed the Martlets to maintain their two-goal lead through two periods, 4-2. Scoring in the third period was back and forth. Goals by Finn Gerry '20 and Jack Kelly '22 matched the two-goal effort by the Rhinos. Once again, Rich Mugler '22 was stellar between the pipes.
 
Jan. 24: Hockey - Third Boys’ 3 vs. Simsbury High School JV 3
For the second time in as many weeks, Third Boys’ Hockey squared off against the junior varsity team from Simsbury High School. This time the Martlets ventured north on Route 10 to the International Skating Center of Connecticut. Despite the long trek, the team was ready to play from the drop of the puck. Ryan Jainchill '23 got the scoring started just three minutes into the game. Westminster continued to generate quality scoring opportunities. However, a 1-1 tie at the end of one period was all they had to show for it. The teams traded goals in the second period. About half way through the third period, Jainchill scored his second of the game, allowing the Martlets to reclaim the lead, 3-2. Just a few minutes later, Simsbury scored to tie the game one final time.
 
Jan. 25: Hockey - Third Boys’ 1 vs. Avon Youth Hockey 0
The final game of the week for Third Boys’ Hockey saw the team take on another local opponent, this time from the Avon Youth Hockey program. In contrast to last night's back and forth affair, today’s game saw Westminster make its first period goal stand up for the duration of the contest. Tommy Nugent '22 scored from the right point just 3:25 minutes into the game. From that moment on, solid play from all four forward lines, the defensive corps, and goalie Rich Mugler '22 allowed the Martlets to close out the game with a 1-0 victory and a combined record of 2-0-1 for the week. Of note, Mugler has notched shutouts in two of the team's three victories this season.
 
Squash - First Boys'
Jan. 20: Squash - First Boys’ 0 vs. Avon Old Farms School 7
The Martlets squared off Monday against the Winged Beavers from Avon Old Farms. AOF has been strong in squash for some time now, and this year is no exception. The Black and Gold managed to win only one game (Mac Dye '20 at No. 6) though the boys battled hard up and down the ladder.
 
Jan. 22: Squash - First Boys’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 0
Jan. 22: Squash - First Boys’ 0 vs. Phillips Exeter Academy 7
 
Jan. 25: Squash - First Boys’ 6 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 1
Westminster took to the road again for a journey to Trinity-Pawling School in steady, heavy rain. The first three players on were Charlie von Stade ‘21 at No. 7, captain Mac Dye ‘20 at No. 5 and Peter Miller ’22 at No. 3. TP players won the first game at Nos. 5 and 3, while von Stade dominated his match allowing only 10 points over three games. Travis Paulsen’20 followed at No. 6 and lost a tiebreaker first game. Paulsen was more decisive in game two, using low hard cross-courts to his advantage. He won the final three games with increasing control for Westminster’s second team point. Dye played better each game but was ultimately unable to keep his opponent behind him. Miller started to use the back corners better and won game two but then lost game three in a tiebreaker. Finally, with more emphasis on his deep game, Miller closed out the final two games. Gus Hartmann ‘20 followed Dye and although he dropped a game in which there was a scoring mix-up, controlled his match from start to finish with good width, clinching the team win. George Hartmann ‘23 followed Miller and battled the four close games against an equally talented and quick player. In the end, Hartmann was more reliable, staying off the tin at key moments. Alex Unruh ‘22 had a strong day hitting the nick frequently against a lefty.
 
Squash - First Girls'
Jan. 22: Squash - First Girls’ 4 vs. Berkshire School 3
Jan. 22: Squash - First Girls’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 0
 
Berkshire
The girls hosted two teams Jan. 22, taking the courts first against Berkshire and earning a 4-3 win. The girls knew that the visitors would have the edge at the top of the ladder. Sure enough, their outstanding No. 1 won in three, but not without a great fight from Kaylee Hunt '20, who earned a respectable 4, 7, 5 score line. Ellie Bailey '21 also turned in a great effort at No. 2, pushing Berkshire's No. 1 from the previous two years to four games (6, (8), 4, 4). At No. 3, Nicole Smith '23 gave her higher-rated opponent all she could handle, taking a 2-1 lead before falling in five (6, (9), (9), 6, 5). After that the tide turned quickly, with all of the remaining matches going to the Martlets 3-0. That said, a shoutout goes to captain Rebecca Sargent '20, who rose to the challenge of playing a must-win match, making her 9, 8, 3 victory at No. 4 look easier than it was. The balance of the wins, in order, were earned by Clara Ekholm '20, Eve Cathcart '20, Gemma Green '21 and Lauren Way '20.
 
Pomfret
The second set of matches for the day saw the Martlets earning a sweep of Pomfret. Playing without No. 3 Nicole Smith '23 and No. 5 Clara Ekholm '20, who were protecting injuries, most of the team played up. Shelby Oken '22 and Georgia Nolan '20 stepped in to round out the lineup and more than held their own, both winning 3-0, at Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Also earning dominant wins were Lauren Way '20 at No. 6, Rebecca Sargent '20 at No. 3, Ellie Bailey '21 at No. 2 and Kaylee Hunt '20 at No. 1. In the two tightest matches, Eve Cathcart '20 and Gemma Green '21 both showed grit in bouncing back from tight first-game losses to win in four: Cathcart (10), 11, 5, 8 at No. 4, and Green (8), 4, 6, 10 at No. 5.
 
Jan. 25: Squash - First Girls’ 1 vs. Deerfield Academy 6
The visiting Big Green brought too much power and finesse for the Martlets, taking home a 6-1 win, the six wins coming in the top spots, all at 3-0. Ellie Bailey '21 had to move up to No. 1, and she fought gamely to earn a 2, 6, 2 score line. Some traction was also found by Eve Cathcart '20 at No. 5 and Gemma Green '21 at No. 6, who earned lines of 6, 7, 1 and 6, 7, 3, respectively. The bright spots were at No. 7 and in the exhibition match. Lauren Way '20 claimed the Martlets lone point with a gritty 3-1 win at No. 7 ((11), 7, 9, 11) on the strength of aggressive volleying and a deft short game. And Shelby Oken '22 forced her opponent into the back corners enough to earn a respectable 5, (7), 3, 2 outcome in a losing effort.
 
Squash - Second Boys'
Jan. 20: Squash - Second Boys’ 6 vs. Avon Old Farms School 4
The Martlets battled hard against Avon Old Farms Jan. 20 in a very even contest. The Winged Beavers prevailed in the top four matches although two of those matches went to four games, while the Black and Gold won the bottom six matches, all but one of them in straight games. Ian Lee '21 gets the "nail" for his gritty four-game victory at No. 7.
 
Jan. 22: Squash - Second Boys’ 7 vs. Pomfret School 2
The Martlets split the top four matches against Pomfret, winning at No. 1 (Charlie von Stade '21) and No. 3 (William Mell '21), but won the bottom five matches, four of them in straight games, an indication of the team's depth this year. That depth will be challenged soon in matches against traditionally strong teams from Deerfield, Hotchkiss, Taft and Choate, but coach Michael Cervas is happy right now with the team's strength at the bottom of the ladder.
 
Jan. 25: Squash - Second Boys’ 7 vs. Trinity-Pawling School 0
The Martlets made the long trek to Pawling, N.Y. Saturday in the rain and came away with a satisfying 7-0 victory. Zach Eckerson '21 played his best squash of the year, moving all over the court to keep balls alive and hitting balls for good width and length, in a 4, 7, 4 win at No. 1. His play earns him the "nail" for today's contest. The boys from TP put up good battles, but the Black and Gold were just too strong up and down the ladder.
 
Squash - Second Girls'
Jan. 22: Squash - Second Girls’ 5 vs. Pomfret School 2
Westminster hosted Pomfret School and came away with a hard fought 5-2 win. Securing points for the Martlets were: Daniela Mays-Sanchez '20, Sasha van Vredenburch '21, Wheatley Sutro '22, Diana Tsibikova '21 and Elise Strawbridge '22. Pomfret secured points at Nos. 1 and 7. With the win, Westminster improves its record to 6-0.
 
Jan. 25: Squash - Second Girls’ 2 vs. Deerfield Academy 5
Westminster put its six-game win streak on the line when the team hosted an undefeated Deerfield squad at the Kohn Squash Pavilion. Despite some great individual effort and some good squash from both squads, Deerfield prevailed with a solid 5-2 win. Great individual performances were turned in by Sasha van Vredenburch '21 who won her match in five long sets, and Wheatley Sutro '22 who prevailed by overpowering her opponent in four. Daniela Mays-Sanchez '20 fought hard and extended her opponent to five games, and Elise Strawbridge '22 won in straight sets in exhibition play.
 
Squash - Third Boys'
Jan. 22: Squash - Third Boys’ 11 vs. Salisbury School 0
Third Boys’ Squash had a convincing win over Salisbury, as every Martlet came away with a victory. Max Hong '22, Jonah Prentiss 22, Grand Tantichot '22, Will Warner '22, Oliver Olson '23, Alex Shao '22 and Teddy Feroleto '22 all won their matches in straight sets. At one end was Hong, playing at the top of the ladder for the first time in his career, and winning three close games by the slimmest of margins. Conversely, Olson yielded a mere six points (1, 4, 1) in his match. Meanwhile, Oliver Fenner '22, Matthew Westlake '22 and Tyler Donegan '22 needed four games to secure their respective victories, with both Fenner and Donegan rebounding to win three straight after dropping the opening frame. In the match of the day, Jerry Wang '22 came out strong, winning the first two games, only to see his opponent rally back to win the next two to tie up the match and force a fifth and deciding game. Wang hung on to eke out a 11-9 win and preserve the sweep for the hosts.
 
Jan. 25: Squash - Third Boys’ 1 vs. Millbrook School 6
It's always tough playing a JV team, and Jan. 25 was no exception. At the same time, the players came away with a better appreciation of what they need to work on for their upcoming matches. Although Cooper Organ '21 had the toughest draw at the No. 1 position, he personified grit and grace throughout his match. After losing the first game handily, he came off the court determined to win the next three. Although he fell short, he only lost the second and fourth games by a few points, and played perhaps his best squash of the season to win the third game decisively. It was an inspiring effort. Equally inspiring was Max Hong '22, who battled through some frustrating points, including getting stung with the ball, and made a heroic comeback to win the final two games. Meanwhile, Connor Eddy '21 had a challenging draw at the No. 2 spot. After a slow start, his play steadily improved during the next two games, but he could not quite channel the momentum swing into a victory.
 
Squash - Third Girls'
Jan. 25: Squash - Third Girls’ 5 vs. Choate Rosemary Hall 2
The Martlets fought hard for the tightest game of the season. Every match was incredibly close, and it was only due to the team’s hard work earlier in the week that Westminster managed to come out ahead. Jacq Autorino '20 and Ceci Owen '22 each won their match in five games, and Chandler Green '23, Michaela Crabtree-Crowley '22 and Lindsey Valenti '22 each won their match decisively.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Boys'
Jan. 25: Swimming/Diving - First Boys’ 82 vs. Wilbraham & Monson Academy 17
Jan. 25: Swimming/Diving - First Boys’ 54 vs. Eaglebrook School 47
The boys' team held off a deep and talented Eaglebrook team Jan. 25 to improve to 6-0 on the season, also beating Wilbraham & Monson. The meet began with a win from Max Larock '22, Alvin Zhang '23, Justin Shi '21 and Layton Harmon '21 in the 200 medley relay, but Eaglebrook took first and second in the 200 free despite a great swim from Owen Huang '23, who dropped more than 10 seconds off his previous best time to take third. Larock won the 200 IM, and Harmon got touched out in the 50 free to place second. Leo Kolomeiskii '21 and Al Beisenov '22 swept the top two spots in the diving, and Shi and Huang placed second and third in the 100 fly, respectively. Harmon, up against the same Eaglebrook swimmer who touched him out in the 50 freestyle, swam a lifetime best time in the 100 free to win by 0.07 seconds. Spence Kwan '22 and Mason Zottola '23 took second and third in the 500 free, respectively, both with best times, and Huang, Kwan, Shi and Zhang took second in the 200 free relay with some fast splits. Larock won the 100 back, with J-C Lane '21 in third, and Zhang came up with a huge best time in the 100 breast to beat out two Eaglebrook boys by just over a second. Shi, Huang, Harmon and Larock sealed the deal by winning the 400 freestyle relay to end the meet. The boys were fast and continue to improve their times and swim with grit when it counts.
 
Swimming/Diving - First Girls'
Jan. 25: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 71 vs. Wilbraham & Monson Academy 30
Jan. 25: Swimming/Diving - First Girls’ 69 vs. Ethel Walker School 33
The girls picked up their sixth and seventh wins of the season Jan. 25 as they hosted Ethel Walker and Wilbraham & Monson at Hibbard Pool. Lucy Benoit '23, co-captain Angelesia Ma '20, Katherine Ashe '21 and Margaret Breen '23, kicked things off with a win in the 200 medley relay. Ashe won the 200 free, Benoit won the 200 IM and Breen teamed up with Campbell Swift '21 for a 1-2 finish in the 50 freestyle with her best time. Co-captain Cece Raymond '20 and Ola Szopa '20 placed first and second in the diving event. Breen and Ma went 1-2 in the 100 free, and the 200 freestyle relay team of India Lalor '21, Simonne Ponce '21, Janessa Yan '22 and Ma took second. Benoit won the 100 backstroke, with Swift in second, and the 400 freestyle relay team of Ashe, Swift, Breen and Benoit placed first with a great swim.  
 
Back

Contact Us

995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070

P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. 
© Copyright 2024 Westminster School  |  Privacy Policy
AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.