Weekly Athletics Update—Sept. 26, 2022

                                    Weekly Athletics Update—September 26, 2022
 
Our varsity field hockey team got the week going with a spirited contest on Monday afternoon against the Rivers School. Both teams played an entertaining game as they left the field at half time, tied 1-1. Rivers was able to score two 3rd period goals to register a 3-1 decision but the Hilltoppers felt good about their effort and overall play. Ani Khalili ’23 excelled in the defensive backline for the host team and was instrumental again on Wednesday as the team picked up their 1st win of the season. Senior Emily Ferguson scored a hat trick as WA cruised to a 5-0 win.
 
  • Girls’ soccer began their week with a solid performance with defending Class A champions BB&N as they played to a 1-1 time. The visiting Hilltoppers led until the final minutes of regulation when BB&N was able to score the equalizer. A solid defensive effort for the entire game propelled the team to a 3-0 win over St. Paul’s School at New Balance Field on Saturday. The team travels to Andover on Wednesday to square off against Phillips Andover in a critical Class A contest.

  • Boys’ soccer was impressive as well as they registered a pair of shut out wins with some lock down defense. On Wednesday, WA jumped out early and never looked back in a 4-0 win over Choate and on Sunday at the NXTLVL Showcase event in Albany, NY the Hilltoppers swept past NMH by a 2-0 count. TJ Liquori ’23 and Andrew Coelho ’23 provided the offense for WA who will look to build on their early season success with a road win at St. Paul’s on Wednesday.

  • Ella Budzinski ’25 captured 1st place in Saturday’s 4 team race at NMH with a sterling come from behind effort that saw her secure the top spot by a margin of :02 seconds. Classmate Harry Martel was the top WA finisher, posting an 18th place overall which is quite impressive as well.
 
  • Volleyball got back on track with an impressive performance and 3-0 win at Suffield Academy on Saturday. The teams rhythm was back in place and the result was a straight set win in a very tough playing environment. Lawrence Academy had the Hilltoppers on their heels for much of the match on Wednesday and emerged with a 3-0 victory. Wilbraham & Monson will provide a test on Wednesday as WA travels to Wilbraham for a 4:30 p.m. contest. 

  • A perfect early fall afternoon greeted WA fans who came out to root on the Football team in its opener versus the St. Paul’s School. The 1st half was played on even terms as the visitors punched in a touchdown with just :11 seconds to play for a 14-0 half time lead. The size and strength and depth of St. Paul’s took a toll on the Hilltoppers in the 2nd half, resulting in a 28-0 setback. The Hilltoppers have plenty of positive game experiences to build on and will look to grab their 1st ’22 win on Friday evening when they travel to the Berkshire School. Game time is 6:00 p.m.

  • The junior varsity volleyball team, the lone sub-varsity team to play during the week dropped competitive matches to Lawrence Academy and Suffield. 
 
Co-Athletes of the Week:

TJ Liquori ’23 – Varsity Boys’ Soccer
Ella Budzinski ’23 – Varsity Girls’ Cross Country
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