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Winter Sports Highlights for 2.5.18

Basketball - First Girls'
Jan. 29: Basketball - First Girls’ 45 vs Hotchkiss School 55
Despite losing 45 to 55, the team was only down 21-26 at halftime. It was a great effort throughout the entire game. Paige Phillips ’20 led the way with 17 points.
 
Jan. 31: Basketball - First Girls’ 47 vs Miss Porter's School 60
The Martlets lost 47 to 60 but played very well — down 19 to 30 at half time — closing the deficit to seven with three or four minutes remaining but unable to close the deal. Paige Phillips ’20 led the way with 18 points. Emma Alpaugh ‘18 had 11 and McKenzie Roller ’20 and Bethany Winters ’20 each had eight in what was possibly the best game the team has played all year.
 
Basketball - First Boys'
Jan. 31: Basketball - First Boys’ 52 vs Millbrook School 77
Both teams battled hard in the first half but Millbrook took a late seven-point lead. In the second half, the Martlets struggled to find points, which led to a Millbrook run. Chris Robinson ‘20 had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Fritz Gale ’18 chipped in with 10 points, along with 12 points from Tavian Montanez ‘21.
 
Basketball - Second Girls'
Jan. 31: Basketball - Second Girls’ 22 vs Miss Porter's School 29
The team faced Miss Porter's at home on Jan. 31. The girls started the game with only five players and no substitutions. Just a few minutes into the game, Alisa Toner '21 fell hard to the floor and had to leave the game. This left the Martlets with only four players for the remainder of the game. The team fought through this adversity in every single play. Though it was difficult to generate effective offense, the girls were able to capitalize on some outside shots and fouls shots. The girls found themselves down by only two points at halftime, 11-13. The second half was an uphill battle as the four girls: Becca Gavel '18, Sophia Gasser '18, Gabby Nemarich '20 and Olivia Chou '20 clawed their way to the very end of the game. Tough defense by the Martlets kept Porter’s at bay until the final minutes of the game. With a final score of 22-29, the team fell to Porter’s but showed immeasurable energy and grit throughout the entire game. Gavel led the team with 12 points, Gasser followed with six points and Nemarich scored four points.
 
Basketball - Second Boys'
Jan. 31: Basketball - Second Boys’ 37 vs Millbrook School 28
Led by Teddy Schellbach '20, the Martlets held off Millbrook in a close game. Schellbach finished with a double double — 17 rebounds and 10 points. Six of his points came on assists from Riley Wood '19. Wood controlled the game and helped the Martlets hold off several charges by the Mustangs.
 
Basketball - Third Boys'
Jan. 31: Basketball - Third Boys’ 21 vs Renbrook School 50
It was a tough day on the courts for Third Boys’ Basketball. A first half marred by incomplete passes and wayward shooting left the boys with just three points to Renbrook’s 31 at its end. Max Brownback ‘21 and Jack Luppino ‘21 held the boys to a higher standard in the second half of play, ending the tough game with 21 to Renbrook’s 50.
 
Hockey - First Girls'
Jan. 31: Hockey - First Girls’ 1 vs Pomfret School 0
Westminster had a strong game against Pomfret heading into the long weekend. From the start of the game, Westminster peppered the Pomfret goalie and continued to do so throughout the game. The onslaught of shots did not yield results until the third period when Casey Winslow ‘21 netted her first Westminster goal on a beautiful pass by Jill Parsons ‘19 and Lilly Holmes ‘18. Emma Lange ’18 was a key offensive defenseman throughout the game. Freshman goalie Mandy Busky ‘21 earned her first shutout win to top off an all-around great Westminster effort.
 
Hockey - First Boys'
Jan. 29: Hockey - First Boys’ 4 vs Williston Northampton School 1
 
Jan. 31: Hockey - First Boys’ 6 vs Avon Old Farms School 2
In the second game of the series with rivals from across town, Westminster played strong in all three zones, and was able to capitalize by scoring often and in bunches. The last five games have seen some excellent play from the Martlets, and they go into a long weekend having won five straight. Westminster took the game to Avon from the first drop of the puck, and they carried the play for the majority of the game. Despite a few chances in the opening frame, AOF was kept off the board early. Their goalie also made some great saves early to keep the game even until Sean Clarke ‘19 scored with a shot over his blocker. Moments later Westminster would strike again as Tasso Housakos ‘18 fired a puck that was hard to handle for the AOF goalie and he was able to tap in the rebound. The first period ended 2-0 Westminster. In the second period the Martlets turned up the pressure and Ryan Doolin ‘18 snapped one over the goalie’s shoulder early to seize momentum. Jagger LeClair ‘18 capitalized off a great shot and rebound as he pounded his way to the net. Jordie McKenna ‘19 connected with Ned Blanchard ‘20 for a tip, and Clarke scored again late in the period. AOF responded with one goal late in the second to head into the third at 6-1. The third period was another strong 18 minutes from the Martlets, but Avon was able to earn another tally to make the game 6-2 at the final buzzer. Ian Shane ‘20 made some great saves in the third period and continued his stellar play.
 
Hockey - Second Boys'
Jan. 31: Hockey - Second Boys’ 2 vs Avon Old Farms School 3 (OT)
At home, for the fourth time this season, Second Boys’ Hockey had to endure the disappointment of giving up the winning goal in overtime. This time Avon Old Farms got to celebrate a 3-2 victory. After a scoreless first period, Avon got on the board halfway through the second frame for a 1-0 lead. On a power play, Westminster's Darion Benchich '20 evened the score on a nifty move in the visitor's crease with assists going to Zach Papapetros '20 and Brett Daubert '20. In the third period, the Martlets capitalized on a five on three opportunity. Charlie Flam '20 and Benchich worked the puck to linemate Daubert, who gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage. Unfortunately, the black and gold have had a very difficult time protecting the lead late in games. They allowed the tying goal with under three minutes to play, when a hard-charging Winged Beaver redirected a cross-crease pass into the Martlet net. Playing their second consecutive game in overtime, and fourth overall, the percentages favored the hosts for a win. However, Avon pounced on a Martlet giveaway and saucered a pass into the neutral ice area, which resulted in a breakaway goal for the cross-town rivals. This was a very competitive game which saw both teams playing fast and hard until the end. Will Scott '20 had his best game of the season between the pipes, making 25 saves during the afternoon.
 
Hockey - Third Boys'
Jan. 29: Hockey - Third Boys’ 3 vs Trinity-Pawling School 4
Even with its tender pulled in the final 1:27, the Martlets could not penetrate the TP goalie who stymied the black and gold time and again to secure the 4-3 win for the visitors at Jackson Rink. The game was tight from the beginning as both teams worked hard to generate scoring chances. William Scott ’20 played well in Westminster's net and stopped a key breakaway early, followed by several other point blank saves that inspired his team. The Martlets showed better discipline, avoiding the types of penalties that had hurt their rhythm and compete level in previous games. Ryan Szykowny '18 led the scoring with a gritty short hander, followed by his second of the afternoon that was a picture-perfect toe drag, eluding his defender before rifling an upper shelf wrist shot that beat the goalie on the short side. Willie Noble '20 continued his scoring, gathering in the rebound on a nice Wes Oltsch '20 shot from the point and beating the tender low.
 
Jan. 31: Hockey - Third Boys’ 1 vs Avon Old Farms School 4
Third Boys’ Hockey were matched up against a very offensive Avon team and spent much of the game in its own end, staving off waves of Winged Beaver players coming into the zone. The game was a character contest for sure and to a player the Martlet boys played gritty, smart and hard. Ben Ferrell '21 was a rock between the pipes stymieing lots of hard shots and effectively managing his rebounds. The team entered the final frame down by one but just couldn't generate enough offensive opportunities. Coach Scot Stevens was proud of how the team met the challenge and he trusts that the experience will make it better moving ahead.
 
Squash - First Girls'
Jan. 31: Squash - First Girls’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 7
The girls were swept by a very strong Hotchkiss squad, who took each of the official matches at 3-0. All of the girls fought hard, but the bottom part of the ladder found the most success. Katie Kosior '18 stepped up her power game to earn at least six points in each of her games at #4. Caroline Miller '18 played good defense, earning seven in her first game at #5. Natalie Fay '19 scrambled and slugged her way to close results (9, 11, 8) in all three of her games at #6. Lucy Noel '18 played nicely, but was not quite able to pull out a close, seesaw first game (10) at #7. The lone bright spot came in the exhibition match, a close, back-and-forth affair won by Rebecca Sargent '20 (6, (6), 7, (9), 11).

Feb. 2: High School Nationals
Squash - First Girls' 1 vs Episcopal High School 6
The girls played gamely, but could not pull off the upset against fourth-seeded Episcopal, falling 6-1. The Virginians were too strong in the middle of the lineup, earning three-set wins at #s 3-5. Close matches were played by Ellie Bailey '21 at #2 (10, 2, (2), 8), Lucy Noel '18 at #6 (8, (9), 9, 8) and Rebecca Sargent '20 at #7 (5, (8), 5, 10). The highlight was an exciting seesaw battle at #1 that saw Valeria Osorio '19 pulling out a gritty victory ((13), 7, (9), 2, 9). The loss sent the Martlets to the consolation round of Division 3.
 
Feb. 3: High School Nationals
Squash - First Girls' 6 vs Baldwin 1
Squash - First Girls' 4 vs Roland Park Country School 3
The first match on Feb. 3 had an odd result: a narrow 4-3 win in which all but one match was decided in just three sets. Rebecca Sargent '20 got the Martlets on the board first, winning at #7 in the only four-setter (5, (8), 8, 4). Almost as soon, Ellie Bailey '21 made it a 2-0 lead with a win at #2. Roland Park took the next three, at #s 3, 5 and 6, making the last two matches must-wins. Valeria Osorio '19 made quick work at #1, leaving the match in the hands of Katie Kosior '18 at #4. Her 15-13 win in the first game reflected how closely she and her opponent were matched, but steady focus on strategy and execution allowed her to take the next two with a small cushion (7 and 8).
 
The evening match resulted in a more comfortable 6-1 win, but was not without excitement. Three-set victories by Sargent, Bailey and Osorio put the girls quickly on the brink of victory. The clincher would come by virtue of a thrilling win by Caroline Miller '18, who refused to quit, rallying from two down to gut out an epic five-setter at #5. Although the team had already advanced, Lucy Noel '18 earned an equally satisfying win, taking two close games to start, but needing five to close out a determined opponent. Kosior would make the final tally six with her second win of the day at #4.
  
Feb. 4: High School Nationals
Squash - First Girls' 5 vs Spence School 2
The girls closed out the tournament with three team wins against one loss by earning a 5-2 victory over Spence. Once again, the girls ran out to an early lead on the strength of wins by Rebecca Sargent '20 at #7 (4, 4, 4) and Ellie Bailey '21 at #2 (11, 7, 12), each of whom won her third match of the weekend, and by Valeria Osorio '19, who closed out an undefeated tournament at #1 with a gem of a win (5, 4, 3). The clincher in this one would go to Caroline Kelter '19, who used both power and guile to take down a feisty opponent at #3, closing it out 14-12 in the fourth. Lucy Noel '18 added a four-set victory of her own at #6 for the fifth win. Each player returned from the long trip having made a significant contribution to the team's success over the course of the weekend.
 
Squash - First Boys'
Jan. 29: Squash - First Boys’ 5 vs Trinity-Pawling School 2
The boys traveled to TP for an off-day match. They enjoyed the ride in the coach with Wi-Fi a little too much perhaps, losing the first game in the #4, #6 and #8 matches. Those games, however, would be the only ones that players three through eight would lose the whole afternoon. Nate Swift '19 earned his first W for the First Team. He is quick and has some quirky shots that he hits for winners and understands the basic principles of using the back corners. Sam Pagon '21 made his return in exhibition. After being down 1-7 in game one, Pagon came roaring back but fell slightly short of claiming the first game. After that, he won three straight games. Khalil Walker '19 has been playing great squash lately and Jan. 29 was no different. He earns the nail for the second straight match for superior play. Sean Ryan '18 and co-captain Connor Seeley ’18 won their matches to give the Martlets all of the bottom six matches. At #2, co-captain Andrew Doucette '18 played excellent squash against a boy who beat him twice last year 3-1 and 3-0. After taking game one, Doucette found himself down 1-2. He rallied and took game four with lots of low hard shots and stretching gets. His early volleying put pressure on his opponent. In game five Doucette found himself down 7-10 and fought off three match balls before taking an 11-10 lead. His serve came wide and the next ball hit his racquet. He put a volley onto the top of the tin and then lost 11-13 for a thrilling finish to the best match of the afternoon. He controlled long stretches of the match but is still learning how to finish matches. After that match, co-captain Chanler Miller '18 stepped on for his match against the #2s younger brother. Miller played the best squash of the season, taking a 9-6 lead. His width and length were exquisite. His touch was superb and his stretches left many spectators feeling sympathetic pains. Unfortunately, Miller was not able to sustain this excellent burst and lost in three, but he knows now that he is capable of a different level of play.

Jan. 31: Squash - First Boys’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 7
Without the services of Aly Tolba '18, every Martlet had to play up today. A young and deep Hotchkiss team made it a clean sweep, winning every match 3-0. Andrew Doucette '18, Sam Pagon '21 and Sean Ryan '18 were the only boys to get to seven points in a game. Ryan lost in a tiebreaker 10-12 giving the whole team temporary hope that it could avoid a clean sweep.
 
Squash - Second Girls'
Jan. 31: Squash - Second Girls’ 3 vs Hotchkiss School 4
Westminster faced a talented Bearcat team from Hotchkiss on Jan. 31 and nearly pulled off the upset in a tightly contested battle. Of the eight matches played, only two were decided in straight sets while three went four sets and three others went the distance. Winners include Eve Cathcart '20, Elaina Comia '19 and Annabel Bradley '19.
 
Squash - Second Boys'
Jan. 31: Squash - Second Boys’ 0 vs Hotchkiss School 8
The Martlets knew they would have their work cut out for them against a very strong Hotchkiss team. Three of the matches went to four games and one went to five, but in the end the Bearcats were just too strong, and the black and gold lost 0-8.
 
Squash - Third Boys'
Jan. 31: Squash - Third Boys’ 1 vs Canterbury School 6
 
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