Weekly Athletic Update, 03/05/18
Our girls’ varsity basketball team took center stage with a sterling comeback win over Tabor Academy on Sunday evening to capture the NEPSAC AA Championship. The AA venue, in its second year as a NEPSAC sponsored championship attracts the four top programs from across the 6 state region to determine the overall champion. Worcester Academy, the # 1 seed opened with a convincing semi-final win over NMH on Wednesday, avenging their only loss on the season. In the finals, the Hilltoppers raced out to an early lead, held a comfortable halftime advantage and then withstood a Tabor flurry to ensure their 1st AA championship. Sophomore guard Adara Gorman led the way with 19 points and handled the Tabor pressure with precision throughout the contest. Senior tri-captain Kiera Fernandes chipped in with 16 points including a critical corner three-pointer late in the game that sealed the win. Tournament MVP Aliyah Boston played through foul trouble, anchored a stingy WA defense and managed to post yet another double-double with a 15 point, 14 rebound effort. The girls were unflappable when challenged and demonstrated a resiliency and spirit that all championship teams possess and this is both a credit to and a reflection on the great leadership exhibited by our coaches and players. Congratulations to all!
Girls’ hockey program came into the Division II Hockey Tournament on a high note looking to repeat as NEPSAC Champions. Two early goals in quarter-final action against # 5 seed Gunnery stood throughout the contest propelling the Hilltoppers into the semi-finals against the top seed, Rivers School. In a highly competitive, charged arena the home team jumped out to a 3-0 advantage only to see the Hilltoppers battle back to a one-goal deficit, 3-2 heading into the final period. WA pressed the action throughout the final period but couldn’t find the equalizer as a Rivers open net goal with a minute remaining sealed the deal for the top seed. Congratulations to our team, particularly our soon to be departing seniors who have created a nice legacy with our hockey program.
Class B swim championships were once again held at Roger Williams University and the WA contingent rose to the challenge. Multiple WA swimmers registered personal bests and 16 swimmers (8 on the boys, 8 on the girls’) contributed to our overall team tally. On the boys’ side congratulations are in order to Kevin Arpin ’18, NEPSAC Champion in b the 100 and 2nd in the 200 freestyle event. Quite a feat! On the girls’ side our top two finishers (both securing 4th place finishes) were Alex Crowthers and Fiona Price in the 200 IM and 500 free respectively. WA swimmers and coaches are to be commended for their dedication and commitment to training and working with and for each other throughout the long season. Well done.
Co-Athlete of the Week
Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team – 2018 NEPSAC AA Basketball Champions
Kevin Arpin ‘18 – Dual NEPSAC Swimming Champion
