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Fall Sports Highlights for 11.6.17

First and Second Boys’ Cross Country
Nov. 4: First and Second Boys’ Cross Country, 3rd of 9 for both teams at Founders League Championship
For the Founders League Championship, Westminster was graced with the best afternoon of the season to race around Hotchkiss’ beautiful 3.06 course. The JV boys led off the afternoon, with 22 Martlets toeing the line amidst a large field. At the first and second mile marks, the black and gold harriers were in the middle of the field but looking confident. The last mile of the course is a long but gradual uphill followed by a third of a mile downhill to the finish. The team made great moves in that final stretch, with John Kuzminskas ‘18 moving up five or six places to finish third overall. Will Rizzo ‘21, who broke 19 minutes for the first time in his young career and finished fourth overall, followed him closely. The next three finishers were all Sixth Form leaders, with Andrew Doucette ‘18 running one of the best races in his Westminster career to take 15th, followed by Connor Seeley ‘18 (17th) and Ryan Szykowny ‘18 (20th). These five runners gave the team a total score of 63 points, low enough to finish third overall behind Hotchkiss (25) and Loomis (49). Alex Ellis ‘20 and Mike Riberdy ‘18 helped by displacing other teams, and shout outs go to Albert Gao ‘18, Hayden Cathcart ‘18 and Spencer Organ ‘18, who ran very well in the last race of their Westminster careers. The positive attitude and leadership at all levels on this team is the story of the season.
 
Over an hour later, the varsity race took off into the darkening skies, with the runners armed with advice from the JV boys. The team could not have run a better race as a group; all of the boys stayed with and surged by their targets on other teams. Emmett de Kanter ‘19 again paced the Martlets with a fourth place finish, earning an All-Founders. He closed the distance that the top finisher, Matt Farrell ‘20 from Loomis, had on the previous weekend. Teagan Stedman ‘18 had a tremendous day, also earning All-Founders honors with an eighth place finish. Justin Schuster ’19, earned an All-Founders when he found a sixth gear in the third mile, passing two of his teammates and a great number of competitors to finish 15th overall in that last stretch. The depth and determination of the squad was shown by the string of black and gold thinclads that then crossed the line: Daniel Pinckney ‘20 (19), Kieran Haug ‘21 (21), Elliott Kennard ‘19 (23) and Daniel Chey ‘18 (25). There were nine teams and 63 competitors in this field, and Westminster was the first team to finish all seven of its runners. In the best team finish the team has had in decades, Westminster nipped Choate by two points to take third overall. It was a whole team effort, and the team could not be prouder.
 
First Girls’ Cross Country
Nov. 4: First Girls’ Cross Country Founders League Tournament 8th of 9 Teams
The Martlets traveled to Hotchkiss to compete in the Founders’ League Championships on a perfect day for racing — cool and dry. Despite the hilly course, the Black and Gold harriers were able to take advantage of the temperatures and their tapering, with many of the girls running their fastest race of the season. Annabelle Smith ’21 continued to lead out front, finishing eighth overall and earned a personal best. Another Third Former, Michelle Wu, crossed the line next for the Martlets. In her inaugural cross country season, Wu has pushed herself every week to get faster and that effort is paying off. She also earned a personal best for the season, finishing in under 24 minutes. Liz Casey ’18 finished the race next with a big smile and carrying an extra shoe. Concerned that another racer had lost the shoe, Casey swooped it up and brought the shoe back to its owner. Maggie Chaves ’19 and Bethany Winters ’20 were not far behind. Allie Masthay ’21 and Abby Hovey ’18 rounded out the top seven with Masthay again shaving time off of her best finish. Hovey also looked strong running her best race of the season. For the first time in many years, Westminster was also able to field a team for the JV girls’ race. Gabi Drumm ’18 led the team, finishing fast enough to earn a spot in the top seven for New Englands next week. Many on the squad earned personal bests including Jennifer Jerand ’19, Siena Holowesko ’21 and Izzy Bailey ’21.
 
Field Hockey - First Girls'
Nov. 1: Field Hockey - First Girls’ 2 vs Taft School 1
The Martlets traveled to Taft Nov. 1, a cold and drizzly day. Westminster started well, scoring after three minutes with a nice through ball that was sent home by Casey Winslow '21. Team members played like they were a goal up (a problem they are working on) after scoring and allowed Taft back in after 10 minutes. Resolved to get the win back, the Martlets pushed harder and scored with 16 minutes of the first half remaining. Westminster held on and kept out a strong Taft side to win 2 to 1. Scorers were Winslow and Emma Lange '18.
 
Nov. 4: Field Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs Berkshire School 0
The Martlets played well in their final regular season game vs. Berkshire. Westminster controlled the game, playing great field hockey, but after 15 minutes there was that funny feeling that the Martlets just weren't going to score. It was just one of those weird games where the writing seemed to be on the wall. Berkshire made a few nice breakaways, showing great heart and courage (hitting the post twice) and looking like the team could steal a win against the tide. The game went to OT, and Westminster scored with 45 seconds to go, despite having five OT corners and hardly ever leaving Berkshire's 25-yard zone. Lilly Holmes '18 broke away, solo, and made a superb pass to Greta Baker '19 who put the ball home to end the regular season with a strong 10-4 (71 percent). Congratulations to the fantastic seniors: Emma Lange '18 (co-captain), Ashlee White '18 (co-captain), Holmes (co-captain), Rosy Sieglaff '18, Hannah Stone '18 (GK), Maggie Kelly '18 and Liza Lennox '18. It has been a real pleasure working with these girls. They have been such good leaders, friends to younger players and role models for their teammates. They have made this season a strong one for the program to continue to build on.
 
Field Hockey - Second Girls'
Nov. 1: Field Hockey - Second Girls’ 0 vs Taft School 0
 
Nov. 4: Field Hockey - Second Girls’ 1 vs Berkshire School 0
The Martlets knew the game would be tough against Berkshire. They decided before it started to get an early goal to secure a lead. They were able to get a goal in within the first 10 minutes of the game scored by Sophia Gasser '18. For most of the game, the teams battled back and forth across the field. The defense worked hard to pass the ball back up the sidelines when it got down into the defensive end. The midfield and forwards worked well together using short passes and working in pairs up the side of the field. There were many beautiful moments on the field throughout the game. While they were not able to get another ball in net, they did a great job of keeping it away from their defensive end.
 
Field Hockey - Third Girls'
Nov. 4: Field Hockey - Third Girls’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 1
 
Football - Second Boys'
Nov. 1: Football - Second Boys’ 0 vs Suffield Academy 32
The Martlets came off the bus in Suffield, Conn. on a cold afternoon with a light drizzle ready to face the Tigers. However, things did not go the Martlets’ way. The offense was not able to gather any momentum, despite another strong performance from Drew Brownback ‘19, who had a couple strong kick returns in addition to his production at running back (about 50 yards rushing). The defense struggled as well, as it was pushed around in the slop all afternoon.
 
Soccer - First Girls'
Nov. 1: Soccer - First Girls’ 0 vs Taft School 2
Westminster hosted Taft for a battle Nov. 1 on Wilbraham Field. The Martlets started off strong, taking chances in the offensive end and winning tackles in the midfield, but, despite the chances, the team could not put the ball in the back of the net. Just minutes into the first half, Westminster found itself playing down a player for the remainder of the game which allowed for two first half Taft goals, one of which was a penalty kick. The teams broke for half, the score favoring Taft 2-0. The Martlets did not let being numbers-down affect their hard work and play, as the second half consisted of more Westminster offensive chances and key saves from keeper Siena Sandridge '19. However, the two first half goals for the visiting team were all it took to send Taft home with a victory.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - First Girls’ 3 vs Berkshire School 1
First Girls' Soccer competed in the final home game of the season hosting a talented Berkshire squad. Prior to the game, the 10 Sixth Formers were honored as a part of Senior Day. The team played for each other, but most importantly, for the 10 players who took Wilbraham Field for their final home game as Martlets. Westminster completely dominated the first 20 minutes of play, but the one chance Berkshire got, they took and a long-range shot from about midfield soared into the Westminster net. Berkshire led the game 1-0 for only one minute before captain Emily Samar '18 played a through ball to the Martlet attacking end where Mia Poling '18 received it and struck the ball for a convincing, top-shelf finish to tie the game 1-1. The teams broke for half with a tie, but Westminster's strong team play and overall execution kept them in control the rest of the game. Five minutes into the second half, Katy Maxon '18 played Emma Davis '18 in the midfield. Davis found defender Mary Kille '18 who sent a through ball to Georgia Swank '19 who then shot the ball by the Berkshire keeper. Four minutes later, Poling struck again with another top-shelf shot to give the Martlets a two-goal lead and the victory. Center back Jaclyn Laplante '20 made smart, clean tackles in the back while keeper Allison Kijanka '20 turned in a fine game, as did the entire Westminster squad.
 
Soccer - First Boys'
Nov. 1: Soccer - First Boys’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 1
Coming off a long weekend, Westminster would start slow and play much of the first half in its own end. Hotchkiss would finally break through midway into the half on a ball played through to a player streaking to the net. Second half would see both teams getting up and down the field. Westminster had a couple of partial breakaways that the team could not convert on. The game would finish 1-0, but some good soccer was played today for both sides. Peyton Knauf '19 would finish the game with nine saves.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - First Boys’ 0 vs Berkshire School 3
Westminster would host the number one team in New England, Berkshire, and force a close game late. The visitors would get on the board with 15 minutes to go in the first half and take the 1-0 lead into halftime. Westminster would come out firing in the second half and hit a crossbar and two posts in the first 10 minutes on the second half but come away with no goals. Berkshire would extend the lead to 2-0 with less than 15 minutes to go on an own goal by the Martlets. Pushing late, Berkshire would score a well-driven ball to the corner of the net. Peyton Knauf '19 would play big in the net for Westminster with 13 saves. Nate Pane '19 and John Clofine '21 played a great game at center midfield.
 
Soccer - Second Girls'
Nov. 1: Soccer - Second Girls’ 3 vs Taft School 4
Second Girls’ Soccer stormed out to a 3-0 halftime lead Nov. 1 only to see that lead evaporate in the final 20 minutes and to concede the game winner with under a minute to play. Cecilia Raymond '20 got the Martlets on the board first, converting on a breakaway (one of several she would see on the day), slotting a nifty shot on the near side. Lauren Way '20 doubled the lead when she took a long pass behind the Taft defense and lofted a pretty shot over the keeper's head into the side netting. The third goal came from Campbell Swift '21, who made a heads up play to knock home a loose ball after the Taft keeper could not control a hard shot. The Rhinos came out strong for the second half, turning the game into more of a back and forth affair, but the 3-0 lead held, lulling the hosts into complacency. Credit goes to the visitors for never giving up and creating a chance to pull off the improbable comeback. Kudos are due to Becca Gavel '18 for a fine game at defensive midfield, and to Way, who initiated many of the Martlets most dangerous attacks.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - Second Girls’ 7 vs Berkshire School 1
Second Girls’ Soccer posted five first half goals en route to a 7-1 win over visiting Berkshire. Becca Gavel '18 and Susie Mahoney '20 each scored twice, and Cecilia Raymond '20, Lauren Way '20 and Abby Davis '20 each added another, Davis' coming on a beautiful redirect. Ridgely Green '20 was a force in midfield; Lizzy McCoy '20 was a steadying influence at defensive midfield, and Way played one devastating through ball after another from attacking midfield. Caroline McCausland '19 and Jane Ogden '19 both played well in their returns from illness and injury, respectively, while Mahoney and Ellie Bailey '21 get special kudos for filling in as netminders.
 
Soccer - Second Boys'
Nov. 1: Soccer - Second Boys’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 3
Westminster and Hotchkiss traded penalty kicks in the opening minutes, but both were stopped by the keepers. Malcolm Kleban '20 made the save for the Martlets. Hotchkiss went up 1-0 in the sixth minute and added another midway through the first half, while Westminster produced some reasonable counterattacks that finished with shots wide of the goal or saves by the Hotchkiss keeper. Westminster continued to struggle with winning the ball in the middle of the field and using width to mechanically advance the ball. Three Martlets were sent off on yellow cards for aggressive physical contact in another frustrating outing for the black and gold.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - Second Boys’ 1 vs Berkshire School 1
Westminster played solid defense and goalkeeper Alex Gadowski '18 held Berkshire to just one goal in the 28th minute when a Berkshire player tucked a loose ball in the area into the side of the goal. The Martlets produced some good chances but couldn't convert until forward Walker Stevens '19 was pulled down just inside the penalty box in the 61st minute. He drove his own penalty kick low and left, beating the Berkshire keeper to even the score. Both teams threatened in the final minutes in a fast and physical game. Matthew Park '21 and Ryan Pineault '20 played aggressively in the midfield, with Liam Tucker '18 and Henry Mitrano '19 working hard on the wings. Captain Zach Tarazi '18 effectively commanded the back line of Elton Paintsil '18, Tucker Wieber '18, Peter Hall '18 and James Plumb '18.
 
Soccer - Third Girls'
Nov. 1: Soccer - Third Girls’ 1 vs Indian Mountain School 4
In their only game this season on the turf of Hovey field, Third Girls' Soccer fell 4-1 to IMS. Carrying over from their solid game of Oct. 27, the defense was stingy, and entered the half only down 1-0. IMS managed to play very solid ball control in the second half and worked its way to scoring several excellent goals in the contest. Caroline McDermott '20 played the entire game at the sweeper position and Reese Poe '19 played strong in the second half. Alex Wolf '19 had the lone goal for Westminster on a breakaway.
 
Soccer - Third Boys'
Nov. 1: Soccer - Third Boys’ 2 vs Hotchkiss School 5
Third Boys’ Soccer endured a cold and wet 5-2 defeat against a good Hotchkiss side. Quinn Armstrong ’20 came up with two goals and Charlie Flam ’20 was unlucky not to score against an excellent save. Cam Jury ’19 had some great saves in goal before being forced off through injury and Carson Roth ’19 did an admirable job as stand in. Kevin Kuang ’19 put his body on the line and had a good showing in defense.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - Third Boys’ 1 vs Wilbraham & Monson Academy 1
Third Boys’ Soccer picked up a tough 1-1 draw on the road against Wilbraham & Monson. Charlie Flam ’20 scored early in the first half only for Westminster to allow a late goal deep in the second half. Connor Eddy ’21 made a good showing after coming back from injury while Jeevan Palaniyandy ’19 put in some good work in defense. 
 
Soccer - Fourth Boys'
Nov. 1: Soccer - Fourth Boys’ 0 vs Rumsey Hall School 8
Fourth Boys’ Soccer was soundly beaten by a very talented Rumsey Hall team. Tremaine Dawson '21 was strong in goal. Charlie Moses '21 worked hard all over the field.
 
Nov. 2: Soccer - Fourth Boys’ 1 vs Suffield Academy 1
Fourth Boys’ Soccer earned its third tie of the year. Quoc Truong '20 scored the lone goal. Westminster's play was intense for 70 minutes. There were several scoring opportunities in the second half but nothing reached the net.
 
Nov. 4: Soccer - Fourth Boys’ 0 vs Salisbury School 8
Fourth Boys’ Soccer lost 0-8 to the Salisbury school's thirds team. Despite the score, Tremaine Dawson '21 was excellent in goal. Charlie Moses '21 and William Mell '21 played very well.
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