Theo Vadot ‘19, Max Giles ‘21, Ava Petillo ‘21, Kate Beinkampen ‘19:
In anticipation of AIS/EA Day, Girls’ Field Hockey coach and Director of Athletics, Regina Buggy, states, “Everyone is, as usual, very excited. The kids look forward to be hosts and they really want to make sure that both days are full of energy, positivity, great competition, lots of support, and an overall great weekend. On the field, we support each other very well and everyone is fully engaged in the game. The skill level is very high, so there is a lot of unity on the team.”
Girls’ Soccer:
The soccer game against AIS will be the last event of the day, with a kickoff time of 3:30 P.M. This will be the team’s second time playing Agnes Irwin this year. The first time the two teams faced off, Episcopal won with a final score of 4-0. “There is a lot of honor that goes with playing, especially when you are a big name sport. It is awesome to represent your school and to hear the Thunderdome and hear all the support. It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake because everyone is supporting you and it feels great to have the whole school behind you,” says Varsity captain, Julia DePillis ‘18. Co-captain and goalie, Hannah Moriarty ‘18 adds, “Everyone is excited to play because we beat Agnes Irwin 4-0 the first time we played them. We want to beat them again because it’s such a big day and such a fun time. I’m very confident in our team dynamic because we have a lot of really good girls, but we also work really well as a team and we know how to play together.” The Girls’ soccer team recently confirmed their title as 2017 Inter-Ac Champions with a win against Springside Chestnut Hill.
Photo Courtesy of: Alex Conroy ‘19
Girls’ Field Hockey:
EA Field Hockey will be facing off against AIS at 2:30 in the second to last event of the day on Friday. Although the teams tied in overtime last year, the girls are confident that they will be able to beat AIS this year. The teams faced off previously this fall, resulting in a win for Episcopal with a score of 2-1. Led by senior captains, Molly Giles ‘18, Bridget Boyle ‘18, and Katie Crager ‘18, the girls are hoping for their hard work throughout the year to pay off. Genevieve Becker ‘19 believes that the team’s strong spirit allows them to support one another and play their best together. She explains, “We spread positivity and encourage each other on and off the field and that is what will ultimately lead us to win.”
Photo Courtesy of Alex Conroy ‘19
Girls’ Tennis:
Despite losing tennis last year on EA/AIS day, the EA tennis team has had a successful season in 2017. The team not only came in first place in the Inter-Ac, but also won the Inter-Ac Tournament that took place at EA. EA beat AIS when they faced off this fall. Nonetheless, the three singles and four doubles teams all must play their hardest since AIS has improved their lineup in anticipation of the match. Grace Hennigan ‘19 explains, “everyone needs to be on their strongest game. Our team does not rely on a single player: every single match matters if we want to win.” The AIS/EA Day match will begin at 1:30 P.M.
Photo Courtesy of Alex Conroy ‘19
Girls’ Cross Country:
Last year, the Girls’ Cross Country team capped off their successful season with an exciting 28-27 win over Agnes Irwin. This year, the Varsity Cross Country team has had an outstanding season. The team placed third at Inter-Acs, behind Germantown Academy and Penn Charter. Caitlin Jorgensen ‘19, Jill McEntee ‘21, and Jillian Rotman ‘18 all made First Team All Inter-Ac. Earlier in the season, the girls’ team defeated Agnes Irwin 30-27 which puts them in a comfortable place ahead of the upcoming run on EA/AIS Day, where they will be looking to defeat them once again. The start time for the AIS/EA Day competition is 2:00 P.M.
Boys’ Soccer:
The Boys’ Soccer team is scheduled to play Haverford at 2:00 P.M on Saturday, November 11th. Senior Captain Nick Wallick ‘18 recaps their season by saying, “This year has been one of ups and downs. Losing our leading goal scorer, Spencer Higgins (‘18) due to an injury was heartbreaking but we battled back as a team and are now competing for an Inter-Ac Championship.” Billy Hoy ‘18 elaborates, “This year is really our year. Coach Knox has carried most of the senior class since Freshman year knowing we could win it all this year. We’re 18-2-1. The seniors only have two Inter-Ac games left and we aren’t walking away without an Inter-Ac championship.” The varsity boys’ soccer team goalie, Trevor Manion ‘20, proudly comments “I’m confident in our team’s ability to win. We tied them in our first game but we were definitely the better team. I believe we can get the job done.” Wallick adds, “EA/ Haverford day is the most exciting time of the year. Everyone’s pumped up and it’s gonna be a good game. Everyone’s looking forward to it.”
Boys’ Golf:
Despite coming in second place behind Haverford in the Inter-Ac Tournament, captains Jon Nolan Perry ‘18 and Cole Kemmerer ‘18 have been leading the team in a positive direction. Ashton Dunn ‘18 admits, “We haven’t met our expectations yet this year but we still have two big tournament wins and are ready to get another. We’ve got motivation and depth and expect to use those to fuel a victory over Haverford.” Perry states, “The golf team enjoyed a somewhat successful year finishing runner up in the Inter-Ac. We have plenty of motivation and momentum coming into Haverford Day. Haverford Day will be very competitive this year and we can’t wait to get the weekend started off on the right foot.” James Leroux ‘19 explains, “The team needs to go into the day with high expectations and not let a bad hole ruin their mentality for the rest of the match.”
Boys’ Water Polo:
Last EA/Haverford day, the boys Water Polo team had a tough loss against Haverford, losing 12-5. This year, they are looking to come out strong and bounce back, and get the win against Haverford. Captain of the Water Polo team, Sean McGarrity ‘18, explained that the league record for the team this season (1-5) doesn’t represent the team. “Not being able to play on the last EA/Haverford day of my high school career is hard to process, but in the end, I am proud to be able to sit on that bench and watch my teammates play, because I know that they’re playing for each other and for me, and I know that they’re playing for their school. You can look at that record and say what you want about it, but these players have special bonds and that is what is going to help them beat Haverford on November 11th in front of the Thunderdome,” says McGarrity. The captain of the boys water polo team makes it clear that the team has a special bond, calling them “his family.” He explained that it’s all about consistency and finishing through on all opportunities during the final game. McGarrity has made it clear that “no matter what goes on during the season, there is still the championship game, EA/Haverford Day, and that is what matters most.”
Boys’ Football:
Football plays Haverford on Saturday, November 11 at 2:00. The football contest typically attracts a large turnout from alumni, parents and other fans. The teams have not yet played one another this season. Malcolm Folk ‘21, a member of the football team comments on the team’s mentality going into the game. He states, “It’s a must win. Our team has the talent and drive. We’re going to give it our all.” Lone captain, Adam Klein ‘18, is very excitded for the chance to beat Haverford and represent the school on the field. He comments, “We’re having a pretty good year and we got a lot of great players. We have had a couple of close losses but we’re getting better every week and we’re looking forward to the next three weeks. We’re excited for what’s coming the rest of the season, especially Haverford day.”
Photo Courtesy of Alex Conroy ‘19
Boys’ Cross Country:
Despite the EA Boys’ Cross Country team having incurred several injuries this season, they have still been able to persevere and do very well throughout the whole season. The boys cross country team tied Haverford in their dual meet earlier this season and Haverford beat them during Inter-acs. However, Episcopal Academy’s team was missing a crucial varsity member for that meet. The team will be led by Senior Captain and last month’s Athlete of the Month, Elias Lindgren ‘18. According to Lindgren, the team is looking forward to EA/Haverford Day, and that it’s great to have all the players recovering for the end of the season in preparation for EA/Haverford day.