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Winter Sports Highlights for 12.11.17

Basketball - First Girls'
Dec. 6: Basketball - First Girls’ 38 vs Greens Farms Academy 35
The team was ahead 18-12 at the half, and extended the lead to 12 early in second half. The girls held on late as GFA made three three-pointers in the last two minutes. Paige Phillips ’20 led the way with 20 points and captain Emma Alpaugh ’18 had all 10 of hers in the second half, including the final two game-clinching baskets. McKenzie Roller '20 directed the offense; Ridgley Green '20 and Bethany Winters '20 provided great post defense and rebounding.
 
Basketball - First Boys'
Dec. 6: Basketball - First Boys’ 56 vs Trinity-Pawling School 80
The Martlets suffered another tough loss in the home opener to Trinity Pawling. First Boys' Basketball came out with good energy early, but the hot shooting from Trinity Pawling subdued it quickly. On the defensive end, Kyle Hoffman '19, Max Brigham '18, Ian Dardani ‘18 and Chris Robinson '20 all played solid defense against an athletic Trinity Pawling team. Robinson had a team high of 19 points for the Martlets, along with 13 points from Fritz Gale ‘18.
 
Basketball - Second Girls'
Dec. 6: Basketball - Second Girls’ 28 vs Loomis Chaffee 19
The Martlets traveled to Loomis on Dec. 6 to take on the Pelicans in their first game of the season. After a hard fought battle, the team brought home a win! Though Loomis dominated much of the first half, the girls competed hard to stay with a very good shooting Loomis team. In the last few minutes of the first half, the team broke Loomis' lead in half to head into halftime only trailing by four points. The second half proved to be a totally different story. The girls came out with lots of energy and played very aggressive basketball. The team quickly took the lead and never looked back, finishing with a score of 28-19. Alisa Toner '21 led the team in her basketball debut as a Martlet with eight points while Sophia Gasser '18 and Allison Kijanka '20 both added seven points in the win. 
 
Basketball - Second Boys'
Dec. 6: Basketball - Second Boys’ 43 vs Trinity-Pawling School 48
Westminster began the game with aggressive defense and sound offense. Lukas Dudzik '19 was a monster on the press and Riley Wood '19 was everywhere. The Martlets led most of the first half. Spencer Epps '18 had a breakout game. He out-shot, out-rebounded and out-hustled a quicker and more talented Pride. Zach Burelle '20 looked like his hair was on fire and played like it as well — three steals, an assist, a lay up, a three pointer and even a rebound made up his stat line after four minutes of play. The Martlets welcomed Teddy Schellbach '20 to the floor and he did not disappoint. Although the Pride led by eight at the break and led by as many as 11 in the second half, Westminster cut the lead to five with about three minutes to play. Several back and forth possessions, an Epps three pointer and a steal by Henry Mitrano '19 helped keep the Martlets in the game. Although the team played hard for 32 minutes, Westminster just could not hit enough shots down the stretch.
 
Basketball - Third Boys'
Dec. 6: Basketball - Third Boys’ 28 vs Suffield Academy 48
A fierce day on the courts against the Suffield Academy Tigers for the Martlets, with terrific effort and sportsmanship to mark the day. The Martlets came back strong in the second half and found their life with just minutes left in the game. Gabe Grimeh ‘19 had a standout defensive game throughout both the first and second half, leading the team with determined rebounds and steals. Roman Mitchell ‘20 sank multiple threes as the clock spelled a final countdown, and he finished the game with 12 proud points to his name.
 
Hockey - First Girls'
Dec. 6: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs Kent School 2
Westminster hosted a very talented Kent team Dec. 6 in its first Founders League match-up. From the first drop of the puck, the tempo of the game was fast-paced. Kent worked to set the tone, but the Westminster defenseman kept their composure and made good breakout passes. The forward lines were mixed up a bit due to injuries, but each player adapted to their new role for the game. Meg Rittenhouse '20 did well at center and worked hard alongside her defensemen to win the puck in the corner. As the final seconds of the first period ticked away, Kent put on the pressure and after an unlucky bounce managed to go up 1-0 with just three seconds left. Westminster went to the locker room to regroup and prepare for what would be a tough second period. The Martlets took the ice and were on their heels for the first five minutes. Goalie Hannah Stone '18 was outstanding as she deflected puck to the corners and stayed tight on deflections. Slowly, Westminster built on Stone's momentum and found some chances. As Westminster broke out, Kent took two penalties. Forward Taylor Adams '20 found the back of the net off a beautiful pass from Jill Parsons '19. The play involved all five players on the ice and the team was energized and looked to pull ahead. Heading into the third period Westminster players believed they could take this game. Defenseman Emma Lange '18 led her team by example and stepped up in the offensive zone. Forward Sofia Kuusisto '19 did her part with strong breakout passes and relentless forechecking. Kent was able to draw a penalty in the first few minutes and capitalized on a beautiful goal from the face-off dot. Westminster was not discouraged and powered forward. Rosy Sieglaff '18 forced a turnover behind the Kent net and Westminster was shutout by a strong save by the Kent goalie. The team pulled the goalie and gave it one last shot, but Kent weathered the storm. It was a clear indication of what this team is capable of.
 
Dec. 8: Hockey - First Girls’ 6 vs Gunnery School 4
After a tough stretch of very competitive games, Westminster fell to a strong Loomis team 5-1. Westminster battled hard during the entire game, keeping the score tight at 3-1 for periods one and two. Emma Gurnell '21 scored for Westminster with assists from Jill Parsons '19 and Rosy Sieglaff '18. Despite many close chances, Westminster was unable to close the gap and Loomis was able to extend its lead by two in the closing minutes of the third period. Megan Rittenhouse '20 provided great opportunities on the offensive side of the puck and Emma Lange '18 battled hard defensively. Goalie Hannah Stone '18 had another standout performance in net with 40 saves.
 
Dec. 9: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs Loomis Chaffee 5
After a tough stretch of very competitive games, Westminster fell to a strong Loomis team 5-1. Westminster battled hard during the entire game, keeping the score tight at 3-1 for periods one and two. Emma Gurnell '21 scored for Westminster with assists from Jill Parsons '19 and Rosy Sieglaff '18. Despite many close chances, Westminster was unable to close the gap and Loomis was able to extend its lead by two in the closing minutes of the third period. Megan Rittenhouse '20 provided great opportunities on the offensive side of the puck and Emma Lange '18 battled hard defensively. Goalie Hannah Stone '18 had another standout performance in net with 40 saves.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Dec. 6: Hockey - First Boys’ 3 vs Choate Rosemary Hall 1
Westminster played fast and disciplined in Wallingford on Dec. 6, and it was able to outmatch Choate 3-1. Running four lines, the Martlets were able to dictate the tempo and control play in all three zones. Ian Shane ‘20 was outstanding in net, coming up with many important saves to help control the momentum and energy on the ice. He stopped all but one shot that evolved from an odd rebound off the boards behind the net. Westminster’s defense played strong in its own end, and fought off the Choate offense when it crossed the redline. Jake Monroe ‘20 scored first for the Martlets, displaying poise and patience on the rush. Tasso Housakos ‘18 and Max Torrez ‘18 earned helpers on this goal. Monroe notched the second goal following a dynamic offensive series in Choate’s zone, where the Martlets appeared in full control. Michael Fiorini ‘18 and Pat Dawson ‘18 earned helpers on the second goal. Sean Clarke ‘19 scored a beauty on the doorstep on the first shift of the third period following an impressive offensive series and a feed from Nate Pane ‘19. A good win with more to learn.
 
Hockey - Second Girls'
Dec. 4: Hockey - Second Girls’ 7 vs Simsbury High School JV 0
Second Girls’ Hockey claimed a solid victory for its season opener. Highlights included: Susie Mahoney ‘20 with a hat trick and captain Natalie Rubin ‘19 with two goals. Liz Murphy ‘19 and Meg Cournoyer ‘19 had one goal each. A total of 49 shots were taken on goal, with lots coming from defense at the blueline. Julia Krys ‘19 had five saves in goal and a shutout to start her season.
 
Dec. 6: Hockey - Second Girls’ 3 vs Deerfield Academy 2
The Martlets won a nail biter of a game versus Deerfield. After the first period was tied 0-0, Deerfield put two goals on the board early in the second. That put the fire behind Westminster and the team responded with three goals of its own. Susie Mahoney '20 snuck one in behind the goalie, Caroline McDermott '20 found the corner from the blue line and Natalie Rubin '19 gave Westminster the lead with an assist from Mahoney. Julia Krys ’19 had another solid performance between the posts recording 31 saves.
 
Hockey - Second Boys'
Dec. 6: Hockey - Second Boys’ 2 vs Choate Rosemary Hall 1
Boys’ Second Hockey traveled to Wallingford for its first away game of the season to take on the Wild Boars of Choate. The Martlets skated to a satisfying 2-1 win. With one minute left in the first period, Choate got on the board first by converting on a power play opportunity. Just 30 seconds later, Westminster struck back, when blueliner Quinn Armstrong '20 made a nifty move and shot to even the score at 1-1. In the second frame, after a lot of back and forth play, Westminster got the eventual game winner with three minutes left in the period. Defenseman Walker Stevens '19 collected a pass from Carson Roth '19, streaked in and found the five-hole open for a 2-1 lead. Both teams had chances in the third period but the Martlets held on to a good road win. Will Scott ’20 had another steady game in goal and the black and gold skaters are beginning to play better defensive hockey.
 
Dec. 8: Hockey - Second Boys’ 4 vs Malden Catholic 8
The Martlets hosted Malden Catholic Varsity for the annual scrimmage at Jackson Rink. Malden went up 2-0 in the first period before Westminster countered at the very end of the initial frame. Zach Papapetros '20 grabbed the puck off the right wall and fired the puck through some traffic to make the score 2-1. Early in the second period, Malden capitalized on a power play opportunity and quickly followed with another goal to go up by two. Then, the Martlets went on a four-minute blitz, scoring three goals in that time period. Noah Kaplan '20 got the first with an assist from Carson Roth '19. Advancing from the offensive blueline, Quinn Armstrong ’20 earned a nice unassisted goal of his own just seconds later. Kaplan produced another goal on a pretty wrap-around to tie the game at 4-4. Unfortunately, the hosts got several penalties down the stretch and Malden made the home team pay. They scored three power play goals and eventually won the game 8-4.
 
Dec. 9: Hockey - Second Boys’ 1 vs Simsbury High School 3
The Martlets played their second game in less than 24 hours and fell to Simsbury High School 3-1. Simsbury scored on a power play to produce the only goal of the first period. Off a bad angle, the visitors added to their lead in the second period. After multiple minutes of sustained pressure, the Martlets finally got on the board to close the gap to one with just over five minutes remaining. Wyatt Pastor '20 scored with assists going to his linemates, Peter Sanger '21 and Zach Papapetros '20. The shift in momentum didn't last long. Unfortunately, a poor defensive decision resulted in another Simsbury goal and a 3-1 final score. Despite outshooting their opponents 35-17, Westminster couldn't find the back of the net enough to earn the win.
 
Squash - First Girls'
Dec. 6: Squash - First Girls’ 7 vs Miss Porter's School 0
The girls evened their season record at 1-1 with a 7-0 home win against Miss Porter's. The contest took an unfortunate turn when the visitors' #2 player suffered a severe injury that forced her to retire. The remaining play was a bit subdued, but the Martlets kept their focus, collectively dropping only two games.
 
Squash - First Boys'
Dec. 6: Squash - First Boys’ 4 vs Berkshire School 3
Dec. 6: Squash - First Boys’ 3 vs Loomis Chaffee 4
What a match! After narrowly losing 3-4 earlier in the afternoon, The Martlets found themselves in another nail biter. With memories of last year's 3-4 loss to Berkshire, the boys took to the courts, starting with #2, #4 and #6. At 6, Nate Londal '19 played his best squash ever in black and gold. After barely losing game one 9-11 and losing game two 5-11, Londal won game three to put wind into Westminster's sails. Although he lost, Londal showed that every match was winnable. At #4 co-captain Connor Seeley '18 played his best squash ever as well. His gritty five-game win gave the Martlets a needed point in round one after #2 co-captain Andrew Doucette ’18 came up short. Seeley's strong condition was evident as was his ferocity, hitting many balls to great length and continually working to stay in front of his opponent. In the round of odd matches, both co-captain Chanler Miller '18 and Sean Ryan '18 also played their best squash ever. Aly Tolba '18 won in straight games at #1 while Ryan split games and then won two tiebreakers, including a 14-12 fourth game to pull Westminster even at 3-3. Ryan's reach helped him stay in many points. His low hard rails were vicious. For the second straight year the deciding match fell to Miller. This time he emerged with a 3-0 victory built on great retrieving and excellent width. Miller absorbed everything his opponent threw his way and gave back more. Notable also was Sam Pagon '21, who gets better every game he plays and Khalil Walker ’19 who won an exhibition match in four games after playing five games earlier in the afternoon. Walker played five tiebreakers on the day, essentially managing to play about three matches worth of squash.
 
Squash - Second Girls'
Dec. 6: Squash - Second Girls’ 1 vs Millbrook School 6
Second Girls’ Squash opened its season Dec. 6 against a talented varsity squad from Millbrook School at the Kohn Squash Pavilion. Highlights of the day include Olivia Zhang's '20 overpowering performance at number eight, 3-0, while Maddie Dwyer '18 took a game off of her opponent in a hard-fought four setter. The match of the day was played by Blake Cote '19 who won a thrilling five setter 3-2. Cote managed to regain her composure after falling 14-12 in game four to pull out game five 11-8.
 
Squash - Second Boys'
Dec. 6: Squash - Second Boys’ 8 vs Kingswood-Oxford School 1
For the first time in this century, the black and gold played the JV team from Kingswood-Oxford. The Wyverns fought hard up and down the ladder, but for the most part the Martlets were more efficient squash players. The black and gold won the team match by a score of 8-1 with all eight victories coming in three-game sweeps. The only match the Martlets lost was at #1, a marathon five-game match with 116 total points of which the K-O player earned 60 points while the Westminster player earned 56 points.
 
Squash - Third Boys'
Dec. 6: Squash - Third Boys’ 5 vs Salisbury School 2
Westminster picked up its first victory of the young season with a decisive 5-2 win over Salisbury. At the top of the ladder, Boyan Alipiev ’19 got the ball rolling with a quick win, allowing his opponent only two points per game. Ral Reyes ’20 and Dinh Truong ’19 followed suit, sweeping their matches as well while yielding a mere 11 and 13 points, respectively. Playing in somewhat closer matches, the freshmen phenoms Zach Eckerson ’21 and Jimmy Chey ’21 still managed to win in three straight. Meanwhile, Spencer Organ ’18 and Quoc Truong ’20 each split their first two games, but then succumbed in the next two, both losing by a mere two points in the final frame. With only seven players on the team, Salisbury graciously agreed to double up so that Westminster’s lower half could also play a match. This created a special challenge for these Martlets, who were up against players seven rungs above them on the ladder. Although Carter Henshaw ’20, Nate Chaves ’19, James Chun ’19 and Jimmy Zhang ’18 were defeated, they all played tough, gritty squash, with Chaves and Zhang each managing to win a game. Impressively, John Clofine ’21, William Mell ’21 and Memo Tejapaibul ’20 won their matches in straight sets.
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