Weekly Athletics Update—April 12, 2021

Weekly Athletics Update
 
On a glorious Saturday afternoon across Worcester County our spring athletics teams returned to action on Saturday after a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. With temperatures soaring into the mid-70s it was a day to celebrate and revel in the accomplishments of our student-athletes, coaches, and health care staff as we settled into a safe return to play. Wilbraham & Monson provided the opposition as WA teams hosted contests in softball, girls’ tennis, and boys' lacrosse—while WA teams traveled west to compete in Wilbraham in baseball, boys' tennis, and girls' lacrosse. Earlier in the week our golf team thrived in a mid-week match at Cyprian Keyes against W & M with solid performances from a trio of Hilltoppers. 
 
We’ll provide a quick overview of some of the significant performances in each of our weekly contests but I want to again congratulate our entire athletic community for investing in the process of a safe and healthy return to play. As we look out to contests this weekend with the Winchendon School we will welcome the return of parents and siblings of WA athletes to all our home events (travel to away games is still prohibited) and point towards a day when we will return comfortably to a normal setting to view WA contests.
 
  • As Coach Al Vaudreuil heads into the final weeks of his stellar career at WA as a teacher/coach he is enjoying the depth and quality of his 2021 squad. Led by Junior Captain, JR Robinson (medal score of 40) the Hilltoppers cruised through their initial match with an impressive win over W & M. The steady Robinson was ably assisted by Brendan Roy (43) and Jeeven Anand (44).
     
  • Jake Sumner’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team found itself in a wire-to-wire battle with a talented W & M team and lost their 1st game of the season despite a laudable 23 save performance from WA goalie, Aiden Murphy. There are good days ahead for this group and they will look to rebound this weekend with games against the Winchendon School.

  • With the late departure of head coach, Paul Morrison, we once again applaud the work Julie Berberian (Associate Athletic Director) continues to invest in our athletic program and in this instance, with our girls’ varsity lacrosse team. Team members are blessed to have someone with Julie’s commitment to our school and her abilities to motivate and inspire our athletes. Despite a tough start at W & M on Saturday, this squad is poised to have a successful campaign with a great balance of youth and experience to rely on!

  • Seasoned coach, Kevin McCarthy leads a group of talented track & field athletes and he and his staff have a cadre of performers on both the male/female side who would make any coach look forward to the daily interaction with these committed performers. Co-Captain Jack Adiletta led the way this weekend with impressive performances in the triple jump, 100m, and 200m but his accomplishments were matched by fellow mates, Derrell Smith-Porter (1st varsity track meet ever and 1sts in the shot put and discus), Rohin Warner ( impressive performances in both the pole vault and high jump), Freshman Michael Ciampolillo (high jump/long jump top finishes) and finally, co-captain Cooper Dutton who excelled in multiple events as well. On the girls’ side, 1st year competitor, Bella Nascimento was truly impressive, winning all four of her events (WOW!). Katie Adiletta, 8th grader Ella Budzinski, junior Kiely Floyd, and Camilla Manz also turned in outstanding performances in their respective events.
     
  • In the absence of head coach Jim McNamara, our baseball team under the direction of interim head coach and long-time assistant, Craig Doyle, had an impressive debut against a willing, but over-matched W & M baseball team. Winchendon School will provide a test this weekend for the Hilltoppers who have a healthy mix of talent with depth across the board.

  • Special thanks to assistant coach Mary Lassey (and Aaron Going/Jim LeMay) for their work as Coach Bolden dealt with a health concern (thankfully back in good form as of this communication) in preparation for the softball season ahead. The Hilltoppers, despite a solid pitching performance from Gabby San Inocencio and some timely hitting lost a one-run decision to W & M at New Balance Field. The team will look to respond with weekend games planned against the Winchendon School.
     
  • 1st year coach Kevin Snyder has brought an impressive resume to The Hill, matched only by a commitment and investment to elevate the girls’ varsity tennis program. An impressive 4-1 opening day win over W & M has set the tone for the weeks ahead. Serena Shaikh was impressive in her varsity debut winning a close match at the # 2 singles, and then coming back to help a convincing doubles victory to seal the win.
     
  • Coach Colleen Carlson brings a wealth of know-how and experience as she continues to build our boys’ tennis team. Despite a series of impressive performances, W & M came out on top in a competitive 4-3 match. The team looks forward to growing during the week and will square off next weekend against the Winchendon School.
 
Co-Athlete of the Week:
 
Bella Nascimento ’21 – Girls’ Varsity Track & Field
Michel Tonelli ’21 – Varsity Baseball
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