Boys Lax KOs K-O; Spring Sports Buzz

     Baseball did not fare quite as well when they traveled to Kingswood the next day, losing 5-1. The first inning was uneventful; however, things unraveled in the second when the Hornet pitchers just could not find the strike zone consistently and gave up 5 runs to put themselves in a deep hole early. To their credit, the pitching settled down, with Noah Pakutka throwing 3 strong innings, while Mike Coggins and Sam Leito added an inning apiece. Unfortunately, the bats fell silent as well, with only three hits from Christian Scanlon, Coggins, and Brady Chernovetz. The team hopes to rebound when they also play at Greenwich Country Day.

 

     Also hoping to rebound in Greenwich on Saturday is Girls Varsity Lax. On Wednesday in the rain the team came up short against Kingswood-Oxford 16-6. 8th grade whirlwind Mila Millhouse tallied 2 goals and 1 assist, while senior Bella Mecca added a goal and a helper. Sam Aitro, Abi Bley, and Molly Schmitz all found the back of the net as well. Jess Stanley led the defensive effort with 3 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers, while Tab Gray posted 9 saves in net. In the previous 2 games, the Hornets fought hard but were bested by GFA and St. Luke’s. Tab Gray recorded a season high 19 saves in the St. Luke’s game, while the defense posted 12 caused turnovers between both games combined. 

 

     Last week Boys Varsity Tennis faced St. Luke's in a home match. Although the Hornets fell to the Storm, there were some notable highlights. Gabe Sabatelli, playing #3 singles lost his first set, 1-6, but really focused and dug deep to capture the second set, 6-2. The third set was intense, with Sabatelli coming up clutch again and again, and finally winning in the super tie break 10-8.  Number 1 doubles team Michael Brandfon and 8th grader Hunter Lewis lost in a close match, but played some excellent tennis (2-6, 5-7). Matt Maniatty, another middle school standout, playing at # 2 singles, showed plenty of grit through a tough second set, though he eventually came up short. Seniors Johar Varma and Spencer McCleary battled to the wire in the singles, while Isaac Haynes and Grayson Nichols at #2 doubles, and Will Christman and Bouyon Su at #3, all played well in losing causes, with many close points and games. Although disappointed at the loss, the team and coaches were encouraged by their overall improved play and are optimistic going into their next matches.