September 26, 2019
Wyvern Nation Sports Wraps – September 26, 2019
The Girls’ Cross Country team competed in New Milford, CT at the 47th Annual Canterbury School Invitational on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day to race and while the heat and humidity were at an extreme high, our athletes pushed through these challenges and finished their second race of the season with outstanding times. The course was exactly five kilometers in length.
Girls’ RESULTS: (94 runners)
There were 94 runners in the Division II race. The top five runners were Marianapolis (17:07), Greens Farms (20:38), Greens Farms (20:49), Gunnery (21:18), and Gunnery (21:27).
Maggie Dwyer ‘23 – Finished 26th place overall with a time of 24:59 (8:03 pace)
Charlotte Eberle ‘23 – Finished 44th place overall with a time of 26:48 (8:38 pace)
Stella Risinger ‘22 – Finished 45th place overall with a time of 26:48 (8:38 pace)
Ashleigh Stepnowski ‘22 – Finished 54th place overall with a time of 27:48 (8:57 pace)
Lily Liu ‘22 – Finished 71st place overall with a time of 30:06 (9:42 pace)
Coach’s Note: “It was great to see our team competing together on what was a very hot and humid day. The girls worked together to tackle this tough course with confidence and determination. They got to experience a crowded starting line and positioned themselves well to run competitive first mile splits. We saw athletes finishing strong and many were able to kick at the end to move up one or two more positions in the race. We are excited to see the team compete on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Marianapolis Invitational.
The Girls’ Cross Country team competed in the 2019 Canterbury Cross Country Invitational. The Girls’ Division II Race Results:
Participating Teams:
Dexter
Southfield
Pomfret School
Wilbraham and Monson
Ethel Walker School
Marianapolis School
Greens Farms Academy
Millbrook
Gunnery School
Miss Halls
Kingswood Oxford
Westover
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Boys’ Cross Country team competed at the Canterbury Invitational in New Milford, CT. They finished 11th out of 18 teams. Representing the team were the following seven runners: Ethan Pinkes ‘20, Sam Merkatz ‘22, Elan Stadelmann ‘20, Isaias Wooden ‘22, Sam Bromberg ‘23, Will Burstein ‘20 and Kevin Graziosi ‘22. Senior captain Pinkes and Kevin Graziosi ’22 finished in the top 25. Ethan had the best time for KO, finishing 19th with a time of 19:18. Kevin finished in 24th with a time of 19:46
On the afternoon of September 25, the Boys’ Cross Country team traveled to Marianapolis to compete in their annual invitational race. The course was 5.0 kilometers in distance and 155 runners were in the race. The boys placed sixth out of 12 teams in the competition. The top seven runners (by place and time) were: captain Ethan Pinkes ‘20 in eighth place, with a time of 19:01; Kevin Graziosi ’22 in 24th place, with a time of 20:16; Matthew Byzoyckyj ‘21 (finishing his first successful race) in 30th place, with a time of 20:33; Isaias Wooden ’22 in 47th place, with a time of 21:38; Sam Merkatz ‘22 in 54th place, with a time of 21:46; Sam Bromberg ‘23 in 56th place, with a time of 21:56; and Elan Stadelmann ‘20 in 67th place, with a time of 22:40. Other runners for KO were: Will Burstein ‘20, Eli Johansen ‘22, Braden Rose ‘21, Jon Sohn ‘22, Marrich Somridhivej ’22, Nathan Brodrick ‘22 and Shumayl Sheik Syed ‘22.
Field Hockey
The Varsity Girls’ Field Hockey team lost 2-4 to Loomis Chaffee on Sept. 25. After a slow start and some early scores by Loomis, KO field hockey regained their composure. With nine minutes left in the first half, Arie Lang ‘22 scored with a beautiful lift into the goal which was assisted by Tori Swanson ‘21. With two penalties in the first half of the game, Loomis came back and scored again. Not to be dismayed, Swanson, assisted by Alyssa Pavano ‘22, scored with 1:49 seconds left in the first half. Coming into the second half of the game, the Wyverns were eager for more goals. Unfortunately, the Wyverns’ rough play put them in the penalty box two more times. During this time, Loomis came back to put two more goals in. Goalie Caitlin Budzik ‘21 played an incredible game. She had Loomis working for their goals due to her diving and quick reactions to save the ball. Game standouts were at midfield Abby Mclaughlin ‘21 and Isabelle Rome ‘21, our defenders Keegan McMahon ‘21, Alex Arnold‘23, Cami Forslund ‘21, Margo Dogiewicz ‘21, forwards Cici Chagnon ’21, Katherine Doar ‘22 and Lucia Gomez ‘23.
The Middle School Field Hockey team won against the West Hartford Youth Field Hockey team 4-0 on Sept. 21. The team jumped out to an early lead in their opening game of the season against West Hartford Youth Field Hockey’s 7th/8th grade team. The Wyverns immediately found themselves in the circle after the opening whistle where Olivia Gordon ’24 passed the ball to Charlotte Sorensen ’24 for the quick score. The offensive movement continued when Hadley Crowther ’25 sent a strong pass across the goal to Sorensen to find the second goal. The first half continued offensively for the team when Crowther carried the ball from the midfield into the circle finishing into the back of the cage to make the score 3-0 into halftime. The second half the Wyverns continued the pressure in the circle, but WHYFH made smart defensive adjustments to keep us scoreless until Lia Arnold ’25 passed to Sorensen who put a strong shot on goal which Eleanor Farquhar ’26 pushed over the line to tally the score to 4-0. Chelsea O’Donnell ’24 and Macey Kotowitz ’25 led the defense keeping the players engaged throughout the game. Ysabel Albert ’25 had the shutout with a handful of saves in the game. The team played well with many new players seeing the field for the first time!
The Middle School Field Hockey team beat Hopkins 5-0 on Sept. 25. The team once again came out ready to play with three quick goals midway through the first half. The Wyverns stayed focused with solid passes down the field and quick shooting in the circle, while our opponents struggled to stop the offensive push. Goals were scored by Hadley Crowther ’25, Olivia Gordon ’24 and Hana Haxhaj ’24, with assists from Gordon ’24, and two from Crowther ’25. The offensive attack continued with a goal just before halftime from Crowther ’25 from a rebound. The second half saw a stronger Hopkins team as they got some scoring opportunities in our circle. Macey Kotowitz ’25 was outstanding on defense, helping clear the ball with strength to the midfielders to start up our transition. The Wyverns continued their push into the circle with great shots by Victoria Layden ’24, Charlotte Sorensen ’24 and Lia Arnold ’25. Crowther ’25 tallied the last goal of the game to notch the score to 5-0. Emma Barringer ’24 and Meghan Jo ’25 stepped up to help at midfield and had great games! Ysabel Albert ’25 records her second shut out for the season!
Soccer
After the astounding win against Northwood Academy, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team traveled to rival Cheshire Academy. It continued their winning streak, coming away with a 3-2 victory on Sept. 23. Cheshire players got off to a hot start, scoring the first goal within five minutes in the game. Still, after that point, the majority of the game was dominated by the Wyverns. Senior Captain Jackson Wolff ‘20 was able to beat the opposing Cat and lay off a beautiful pass to senior Benjamin Iozzo ‘20 who timed his run perfectly, allowing him to tap in the equalizing goal before the end of the first half. The next goal didn’t occur until the second half when Chesire was able to score off a placed cross. The Wyverns responded quickly as senior Brandon Stake ‘20 scored an absolute banger after a nice run. Wyvern boys were hungry to continue their winning streak. After numerous attacks, Brio Aslan ‘22 scored the winning goal off a great assist from Stake who dribbled inside of the box and pass the ball.
The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team Wyverns faced the extremely talented Northwood Academy under the lights at FSA and won 2-1 on Sept. 21. Playing five defenders in the back, along with three defensive midfielders, the Wyverns didn’t have many opportunities to go forward, but they made the most out of each one. Carter Meshanic ‘21 was able to gain control of the ball, bypassing multiple defenders before laying the ball off to sophomore Brio Aslan ‘22 who dribbled past the goalie before shooting the ball effortlessly into the goal, giving KO an early 1-0 lead. The Wyverns were able to maintain this lead for the majority of the game, in large part thanks to the exceptional play of senior goalie Tim Cotter ‘20 and senior goalie Nick Cannata ‘20. The Wyverns continues to work even harder and with five minutes left in regulation, sophomore Brio Aslan ’22 assisted a ball with his head to the Energizer Bunny, Colin Ruiz ‘21, sending a volley from just outside the box to the top right corner, past the goalie. All Wyverns worked hard for the entirety of the game. The team was able to hold off Northwood Academy’s advances at the end of the game, winning 2-1, defying all odds and emerging victorious under the lights and in front of many Wyvern fans and families.
The Varsity Girls’ Soccer team came away with a 1-2 loss against Williston Northampton on Sept. 21. With temperatures in the 80s, both teams battled the summer-like temperatures. Williston wasted no time getting on the board as a quick restart two minutes into the game put them up by one. Despite the slow start, KO remained focus and patient in getting in behind Williston’s packed defense. Jamie Scarpantonio ‘20 and Catherine Daniels ‘21 combined to find Ely Alleyne ‘23 who buried the ball in the back of the net to tie things up at 1-1. Williston found more opportunities in the second half including a KO defensive lapse which resulted in Williston capitalizing on a breakaway with KO’s goalie. Still, KO kept playing hard until the very end, with Scarpantonio just missing the equalizer from a quick restart with one minute to go. KO, with a record of 1-2, looks to regroup over the course of next week before suiting up for another home game against Cheshire Academy.
The JV Girls’ Soccer won 6-0 vs. Williston Northampton on Sept. 21. Despite the heat and missing a few important players, the younger Wyverns stepped up and took charge. Hallie Braunstein ’23 opened the scoring seven minutes into the game and later added a second goal with six minutes left in the half. Tess Chapman ’23 added two goals in the second half and Natalia Correa ’22 added another two goals in the second half. Sloan Duvall ’21 was unstoppable running down the right flank and created many dangerous chances for her teammates as she recorded two assists in the game. Annabelle Jacobs ’23 put in a gritty effort in the defensive mid position filling in for a sick Amelia Levine ’20. Sattah Pouthakoun ’23, Noelle Wilkes ’23, Sophia Kaufman’20, and Regina Miller ’22 stayed organized in the back limiting Williston’s attack. Cai Kuivila ’20 and Epiphany LaBoys ’23 kept the shutout intact in the goal.
The JV Boys’ Soccer team won 6-1 against Hamden Hall on Sept. 20. KO controlled the match in the midfield and retained possession of the ball for the majority of the game. Karstian Lang ’20 scored an early goal that gave the Wyverns the momentum they needed to push forward. Minutes later, Shrinath Narasimham ’22 scored a beautiful goal from an amazing cross Karstian Lang ’20. To close the first half, Ben Merrit ’21 and Will Berckemeyer ’22 both added goals to put the Wyverns up 4-0 at halftime. In the second half, James Ravalese ’20 and Carter Smith ’22 added their own goals to seal the game for the Wyverns. Defensively, the Wyverns played strong and only allowed one goal. Leading the backline were Yusuf Rashid ’20, Matt Maratollo ’20, Braden Flowers ’21, and James Ravalese ’20.
On a beautiful Saturday morning on Sept. 21, the Middle School Boys A Soccer team opened their season with a 3-1 victory at home against Eaglebrook. Eaglebrook is a consistent opponent and this game was no different. The first half saw some good back and forth exchanges, and neither team was able to break through, with KO goalkeeper Finn Boyd ’24 keeping Eaglebrook off the scoreboard. Early in the second half, KO finally got on board with a terrific strike from midfielder Aayan Mapara ’25 from the edge of the 18-yard box. Shortly after, newcomer Scotty Cloud ’25 put KO up 2-0 with Nico Bromley ’25 and newcomer JJ Hurley ’24 assisting on the goal. Eaglebrook responded with a goal about 10 minutes later, cutting the lead in half. The next goal would be pivotal, and fortunately, it went our way as Cloud tallied his second goal of the game off assists from Boyd and Bromley. The game would finish 3-1, as KO’s second half goalie Alex Levin ’24 kept the ball out of the net the rest of the way. KO got strong defensive performances from three-year player Cole Banning ’24, Dom Trulio ’25, and JJ Hurley ’24.
The JV Girls’ Soccer team defeated Hopkins on the road 4-1 on Sept 25. The Wyverns came out ready to play pressuring the Hilltoppers from the first whistle and dominating the play. Sophia Schultz ’21 got on the board eight minutes into the game scoring off a pass from Natalia Correa ’22 from the top of the box. Unfortunately, Hopkins evened the score midway through the half to even the score off a breakaway. Remy McCoy ’20 scored with nine minutes to put the Wyverns up 2-1. Tess Chapman ’23 scored her third goal of the season with 7:15 to go in the first half with assists going to Annabelle Jacobs ’23 and Sophia Schultz ’21 to end the half at 3-1. The second half allowed many young and inexperienced players opportunities to get on the field for chunks of time and the game had more of back and forth pace. Amelia Levine ’20 converted a pk 15 minutes into the half to put the Wyverns up 4-1. The defense, anchored by Sophia Kaufman ’20 held the Hilltoppers scoreless in the half along with Cai Kuivila ’20 and Epiphany LaBoy ’23 sharing time in the net. The JV girls are now 2-1 on the season.
On Wednesday afternoon (9/25), Boys’ Middle School A Soccer team hosted Williston on a perfect weather day for a soccer match and came away with a 4-1 win. Last year, both of our games vs. Williston were rained out, so it was great to have such a nice day to play. KO had the better of the play in the first half, with numerous scoring opportunities. However, we only converted on one of those, as Scotty Cloud ’25 had a nice finish to put KO on the board. The halftime score was 1-0, as KO goalie Finn Boyd ’24 handled each chance cleanly, and it was anyone’s game. Sure enough, Williston capitalized on their first scoring chance ten minutes into the second half with a terrific shot from 20 yds out into the top right corner. Williston then dominated play for the next five to 10 minutes, as KO was on its heels. Fortunately, KO responded with a goal off the foot of Nico Bromley ’25 assisted by JJ Hurley ’24 and Patrick O’Shaugnessy ’25. The next goal would be huge, and likely determine the outcome of the game. Fortunately, KO scored next as Finn Boyd ’24 tucked the ball past the Williston goalie to put KO ahead 3-1. Finally, Scotty Cloud ’25 capped the scoring with his second goal off another assist from JJ Hurley. Cole Banning ’24 anchored the defense all match, despite dealing with a knee injury. Newcomer Griffin O’Shaugnessy ’24 also played effectively in the back line, helping to keep Williston from scoring a second goal. KO is now 2-0 on the young season and travels to the always talented Foote team next Wednesday (Oct. 2).
Volleyball
The Varsity Volleyball team won 3-0 against Ethel Walker School on Sept. 25 (set scores 25-8, 25-9, 25-17). Consistent, strong serving was the key to the Wyverns’ success; Lindsay Bailey ‘22 remained on the line for five points and co-captain Kathryn Westrick ’20 stayed there for six. In the second set, Bella Leuschner ’20 served for nine straight points, and in the final set, co-captain Sydney Smith ’21 served for five consecutive points. Once again, every varsity player contributed to the win. Some notable performances included Mackenzie Caruso ’22 in the libero position, Westrick who had a great day setting and Smith, who led the team in kills. Jillian Plaut, ’23, who was celebrating her birthday, had some great kills from both the outside and the right side positions. KOVB will meet Suffield at home this Saturday (9/28) for our Dig Pink match.
The Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team won 3-0 vs. Wilbraham and Munson on Sept. 23. Every member of the team contributed to the team’s three-set victory, 25-19, 25-19, 25-13. The Wyvern’s success was rooted in strong, consistent serving and a powerful offense, led by co-captain Sydney Smith ‘21, who had numerous kills from the front and back rows. Most notable on the service line were co-captain Kathryn Westrick ‘20 and Mackenzie Caruso ‘22. Key blocking against a strong Wilbraham hitter came from Trinity Hudson ‘20, assisted by Bella Leuschner ‘20. Westrick’s solid setting resulted in a good day for all of KO’s hitters. While KO trailed at various times in the first two sets, the team never gave up and continued to focus on playing their game and staying in system. They maintained the lead throughout the third set.
The JV Girls’ Volleyball team lost 1-2 against Wilbraham and Munson on Sept. 23. This was a tough loss where KO didn’t get into their rhythm until the second game. Still, they now have a better idea of the skills and strategies to work on for the next game. As always, we did have some spectacular performances on the court. Rinese Sterling ’21 made good use of her spot in the front middle and her controlled hits to send the ball to the open spaces on the opposite side. Abigail Baier ’23 held her own in the back row by providing solid passes to the front, and Eve Repp ’23, unfazed by the unpredictability of some of the points, moved the team forward with some hitting down the line on the right side.
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