Weekly Athletics Update—April 25, 2022

                                                Weekly Athletics Update—Monday, April 25 
 
In a week filled with plenty of sunshine and competitive contests the body of work put forth by our girls’ varsity tennis team (5-1 overall) continues to impress. The depth and quality of this group is evident as WA ran away from Wilbraham & Monson (7-0) and the Pomfret School during the past week. The 2nd singles showing of Serena Shaikh was particularly impressive in Wednesday’s win at Wilbraham as she scrambled out of a close match to grind out a 10-6 victory. This is one of the largest rosters we have brought together over the years and all have contributed to the success and notable rise in the fortunes of this program. Nice work to all.
 
  • Our boys’ tennis team broke through with their 1st win of the season, securing a 6-3 victory over Wilbraham & Monson on Saturday afternoon. Andrey Mukhin (#1) and Nate Palumbo (#2) have remained the team leaders in both singles and doubles events. Omar Saber’s 3rd set tie braker resulting in a 10-5 win for WA was instrumental in the win for the host Hilltoppers.

  •  Girls’ softball team experienced the highs and the lows of competitive play in the same week dropping a lopsided home contest to a strong Suffield team and then going on the road this past Saturday to roll over BB&N.
     
  • Varsity girls’ lacrosse ran into two high-powered clubs in Dexter-Southfield and NMH during the week and will look to regroup in the hopes of finishing the season on a high note. Emmy Lacourse continues to lead the way offensively for the Hilltoppers.
     
  • Boys’ varsity lacrosse rebounded after a tough outing against Portsmouth Abbey (11-2 loss) and played well in a loss to NMH (18-16) in an entertaining and highly skilled contest. Parker Greene was outstanding (5 goals) and the Hilltoppers battled back in the 2nd half to tie the contest before falling in the game’s final minutes. Conor Benoit excelled in the net in both games with 23 saves registered for the week.
     
  • Varsity baseball (8-3 overall and 3-3 in league play) captured a walk-off, come from behind 7-6 win over Deerfield on Wednesday at Gaskill Field. Jamison Howland led the way with 4 hits and 2 RBIs as the Hilltoppers rallied from 2 runs down in the 9th to escape with a dramatic league win. The bats were quiet on a weekend trip to Andover where the team dropped both ends of a twin bill by a 6-2 and 3-1 count.
     
  • Golf travelled to NMH on Wednesday to play on the lavish Crumpin’ Fox Golf Club in Bernardston, Ma. The hilly, challenging layout favored the home team Hoggers who came away with the slimmest margin of victory in a match that came down to the final hole. JR Robinson shot a blistering 39 on the day, closely followed by a 41 from Brendan Roy but it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack from NMH.

  • Varsity crew and 1st year head coach, Zackary Gardner were able to host their 1st match at Lake Quinsigamond on Saturday afternoon. The results were quite satisfactory on this sunny afternoon in heats against the Pingree School and Bancroft. Boys’ Varsity 1 boat captured a 2nd place finish, girls’ Varsity 1 a 3rd and boys’ varsity 2 finished 3rd. The challenge and work involved by all our coaches and athletes has been commendable.

  • The JV baseball team had a slugfest with Deerfield on Saturday and dropped a 14-8 contest. 
 
 
Around the Rim:
  • The week ahead will start with a 1st ever appearance at Polar Park for Worcester Academy baseball. Game time is slated to start at 4:45 p.m. and Cushing Academy will provide the opposition.
 
  • On Thursday, April 28, the Varsity Club Dinner will take place in the Megaron at 7:00 p.m. Varsity Club Officers and the team captains’ and leaders of our 23 Varsity programs will be in attendance to salute our 2022 recipients. This year’s honorees include Charde Floyd’ 03, Mo Cassara ’93 and honorary recipient, Thomas E. Blackburn.
 
 
Co-Athletes of the Week:
 
Parker Greene ’24 – Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse
Serena Shaikh – ’25  - Girls’ Tennis
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