Domination and HEART
EA
The 2013 EA Field Hockey squad will face its final test on its so far undefeated season during EA/Haverford/AIS weekend, against Agnes Irwin. When asked about the team’s strength, Senior co-captain Lexie Curry ‘14 responded, “The distribution of talent.” The team’s coach, Regina Buggy added, “We are, first and foremost, the sum of the parts. We have a strong goalie, we have strong Senior leadership, and we have talented young athletes.” She went on by saying that the girls are, “Multi-sport athletes, so each one of them, even if field hockey isn’t their number one sport, brings their athleticism and their commitment from the other sports to this one, and it just makes for a very nice team dynamic.” As the EA team prepares for the challenge ahead, they remember that they are trying to “Keep the tradition by bringing home the banner.”
AIS
The rivalry game between EA and AIS will prove to be a vital one for field hockey in the Inter-Ac, as both EA and AIS are fighting for first place in the league. When questioned about how the season has been thus far, AIS player Julianna Tornetta ’17 explained that, “We have won all of our non-Inter-Ac games and only lost to Notre Dame and Episcopal once each.” When asked about the teams strength, Tornetta stated, “Our best aspect is that our entire team is really, really close.” Alison Brant, AIS Head Coach, has been at Agnes Irwin for two years and has talked about the team’s motivation as a key aspect of their team. This motivation and determination will prove to be a truly mighty challenge for the EA Varsity Field Hockey team. on EA/AIS/Haverford weekend.
Soccer looks to help keep the banner
EA
Coming off a 2012-2013 season highlighted by a 12-3-5 record and the title ‘Undefeated Inter-Ac Champs,’ the girls’ soccer team set out for similar success this August. Senior captains Meredith Manley ‘14 and Namia Gallegos ‘14 have led a strong returning squad through a great season thus far. After stringing together eight consecutive games without a loss, the girls suffered three straight losses in Inter-Ac play, including to arch rival, Agnes Irwin. When asked about this loss to AIS, both Meredith Manley ‘14 and Junior goalie Taylor Long ’15 had a similar understanding of what happened in that game. Taylor Long shared, “[During that game] I feel as though we played down to their level, which led us to not being able to finish our shots and losing 50/50 balls.” Manley struck a similar tone by saying, “I think we came out underestimating their talent… We didn’t come out with the same intensity that we usually do.” However. they both seemed confident in their ability to beat AIS next time around.
AIS
The Soccer team at Agnes Irwin School has turned a lot of heads with their strong play this year, a large turnaround from their disappointing 2012-2013 season. The Owls’ Sophomore class, one of the most talented classes in the county, has led them through an impressive season thus far. Sophomores Kristin Burnetta ’16 and Kate White ’16 lead a speedy offense, backed up by classmate Hannah Keating ’16 in the midfield. However, it’s been Julie Fryer ’16 in goal that has been the biggest lift thus far. With Senior Captain Autumn Wedderburn ’14 out of the goalie position with an ACL injury, Fryer provided a steady presence in the goal for the first portion of the season. In Wedderburn’s absence, Fryer was able to go 9-1-0 between the posts, giving up only 14 goals in 10 matches, including three shutouts. With Wedderburn back in goal by mid-October, Fryer was able to return to her usually duties in the midfield, and the Owls’ have ridden a hot streak to this point. After dropping their second game of the season to Lansdale Catholic, The Owls strung together an 11-game winning streak, knocking off tough Inter-Ac opponents, including our very own Episcopal Academy, 2-1. Agnes Irwin boasts one of the most potent offenses in the league, and their success to this point has been a reflection of that.
Girls’ tennis attempts to maintain its win streak
EA
The girl’s varsity tennis team has shown great success out on the courts. Undefeated in the Inter-Ac (8-0) and with a 10-2 overall season record, things are looking quite bright. Led by captains Eliza Dordelman ‘14 and Caroline O’Rourke ‘14 as well as Senior Alli Camp ‘14 and coaches Whit Powell and Tomàs Gonzales, the girls’ tennis team is looking forward to playing their rival team AIS. Member of the EA team Nadiyah Browning ‘16 said, “They’re never really an easy team to beat because of our rivalry and the pressure it puts on us. However, this year will be different be-cause of the time we put into practice and our skills.” The Girl’s Varsity tennis team has accomplished many goals this year, as they are undefeated in the Inter-Ac and also placed second in the Inter-Ac tournament.
AIS
Led by captain Ryshena Providence ’14 and Caroline Greco ‘14, AIS is also a dominant force in the Inter-Ac with a 9-1 overall record. However, their one loss has been to EA. According to EA’s coach Whit Powell, “AIS is a mirror image of our own team. They are strong at the top with great depth. When the talent level is even, it comes down to who rises to the challenge that day and who competes the hardest.” Last year was a three-way tie between EA, AIS, and Baldwin for the Inter-Ac title. This year however, Haley Potter ‘16 has a different goal in my mind. “AIS has really good doubles teams and they are the hardest competition for us. They are very focused and persistent, but we have it under control. There will be no tie this year. EA will come out victorious.”
XC distancing the competition
EA
Senior Cross-Country Captains Cariné Megerian ’14 and Caroline Purtill ’14 are excited for EA-AIS Day this year. Purtill stated, “We have such a hardworking group of girls this year. I love it.” Megerian’s confidence stems from the teams last meeting with AIS. She said, “We beat them in our last race and we have all improved our times a lot since then.” Purtill believes that the team’s biggest advantage is the friendly competition that revolves around practice. She explained, “We use each other to pace each other. It helps us get motivated to run faster.” The Churchwomen have had much success thus far, in part due to lead runners Alexis Malmberg ’15 and Katherine Hong ’15. These two speed demons consistently lead the pack in practice and in meets, and are sometimes running better times that Coaches Lauren Smith and Timothy Gavin in practice as well. Megerian concluded, “We are so psyched that our final race is on our challenging home course!”
AIS
Mentored by veteran head coach Mary Beth Bittles who is now in her 13th season coaching at AIS, the lady owls cross country team is desperate for a victory over the Churchwomen. Behind the precedent set by captains Katya Smith ‘15, Sarah Davies ‘14 and Emily Debuble ‘15, Agnes Irwin aims to upset EA after an early season 19-37 rout. Although EA’s course is known as the most treacherous in the league, Smith declared, “We are so excited to return to the beautiful course for some good but friendly competition.” Coach Bittles and her girls place a low 5th at recent inter ac championships, but they still remain confident in their abilities. Because it is the first event of the day, Smith and her teammates know the importance of setting the tone as AIS tries to take back the banner for the first time since 2006.
Water polo reflects on season
Despite the team’s youth, Co-Captain Connie Maltby ’14 cannot say enough about her teammates’ efforts this year. “We have a couple of girls who have never played water polo before but it’s awesome to see how much we have all grown. Maddie O’Reilly ’17 has been a dominate force all year offensively and rookie goalie Lily Kuntz ‘16 has been a stone wall for the Churchwomen. AIS does not have a girls water polo team, so unfortunately, EA does not compete. Their main focus for the year, however, has been in preparation for the year end Easterns Water Polo Tournament. Maltby and Stuart are both excited to show off their team’s skill. Maltby added, “We are so strong defensively; that’s what keeps us in games.” The team is also a very tight knit group of girls. Maltby elaborated, “The team is so incredibly close. I can’t imagine playing with a different group.”
EA/AIS Day Preview Contributors
Conner Delaney ’17, Alexander Roker ’17, A.J. Marcucci ’17, Matt Freese ’17, Francis Lee ’16, Connor Martin ’14, Rich Palazesse ’14