With athletic participation still optional, some of the school squads have had to battle bravely but at a disadvantage in terms of depth and experience. Volleyball has hit the court without any seniors to lead, and new coaches Jose Forestier and Pamela Schaff, but remain competitive while tackling a very tough schedule. Last Wednesday, the young team earned their first win of the season, downing Forman School 3-0. Key contributors include junior Sabina Kovalik, captain Lainie Hellyar and fellow sophomores Nyla Thomas and Tabitha Gray, freshmen Summer Kracjir, Tammi Afolalu and Mara Patterson, as well as 8th grade libero Sofia Cilano. The Hornets face MacDuffie School from Massachusetts on Homecoming afternoon.

        Boys Varsity Soccer is on the upswing under the tutelage of Mike McCleery, who stepped in after the sudden departure of former coach, Dan Pinkerton. Coach McCleery, is an accomplished player in the area men’s league and an HH parent. His son, Spencer, along with Johar Varma, Liam Kohler, and Joe Tenedine had provided the backbone of the boys teams over the last few years, but have now graduated leaving another relatively young team to form its own identity. There is plenty of talent and potential, with the speedy and highly skilled Matteo Romero at the heart of the offense, supported by another McCleery, freshman Nate. Senior captain Colin Gore-Grimes anchors the midfield, while in back senior Jack Fuoco, captain Josh Tenedine, and sophomore Chenna Onwuasoanya hold the fort in front of standout keeper Ethan Berman. Recently, the team recorded an impressive 5-1 win over Forman School, and then played their best match of the season, taking a 0-0 tie into the late stages against FAA power St. Luke’s, only to concede in the 82nd minute and fall 1-0. On Saturday, the Hornets square off against EF Academy before returning to league play.

        Girls Varsity Soccer is also looking to move forward under a new coach, Roland Joseph. They enjoyed a solid start to the season with double-digit wins over St. Andrews School and Williams School, seeing goals from ten different players. The team cruised to a 5-1 win over Christian Heritage, thanks in large part, to a hattrick by freshman Mila Millhouse in a 5-1 win and then a 3-2 team win against MacDuffie with two goals from sophomore sensation, Lily Joseph, who is leading the team with close to 20 goals already this season. Despite a lack of juniors, the team draws its success from a balanced squad. Seniors Mia Brandfon, Madisyn D’Errico, Kendra Hill, and captain Ellie Moffat provide experience and help anchor the center of the field. In addition to Joseph, sophomores such as Casey Armstrong, Rachel Ballard, Lexie Bettencourt, Abi Bley, and Elizabeth O’Hern bring plenty of vitality and tenacity to the pitch, while Millhouse and 8th grader Kyla Welby add new energy and intensity to the team. The Hornets take on Watkinson School this Saturday.

        Field Hockey has unfortunately been hit the hardest by the numbers crunch of optional sports; however, under the upbeat and skilled leadership of Coach Lauren Griffin, the girls are enjoying the experience and making strides. In their one game so far this season, the Hornets played a fiery contest and held Wilbraham & Monson to 0-0 until finally coming up short 3-0. Goalkeeper Bella Aldo was outstanding in the net to keep the Hornets in the game. Other standouts include senior captain and playmaker Siena Kyriakides. Coach Griffin cites how Siena’s ball control and perfectly timed dodges helps maintain possession and creates many offensive chances.  The other senior captain, Sophie Schonberger, leads the defense and creates ways to tackle the ball and clear it out of the defensive zone time and time again. Coach Griffin has introduced a new tradition called the “Golden Stick” this season. Each week a player awards it to a team member for achievements in her play and presence on the team. It can involve leadership, skills improvement, motivation or whatever the player feels deserves recognition. Though they do not play on Homecoming, the team is looking forward to their contest against Green Farms Academy next Wednesday.

So come out to the Skiff St. athletic complex and cheer on your Hornets and keep the Carnival spirit going!