Alexis Fulscaldo ‘22
STAR ATHLETES: Hark (top left), , Cunningham (top right), Folk (top middle), and Smith (bottom) all battling for victory.
The second weekend in November has always been filled with tradition, as athletes gather to fight for the sweater and the banner. Spirit week leads the students into the weekend, excitement building with each day’s new theme, and culminates in the pep rally on Friday. Each team is composed of players that are of great importance to EA’s victories this season.
FOOTBALL:
For the boys, our battle against the Fords is fought to the very end each time, and this year promises to be no different. This year’s football team is led by senior quarterback Maurcus McDaniel, who first gained statewide attention for his diverse ability to throw and run the ball. Defensive back Aiden Chavis and running back/wide receiver, Malcolm Folk have been key players in every game of our so-far undefeated season. Haverford’s senior quarterback Dante Perri has led his team to numerous victories this season as well. The Fords have many weapons on their offense, especially highlighting wide receiver, Kevin Thomas. EA’s football team and coaches are hopeful that their 8-0 undefeated record will continue in beating Haverford on November 9th.
SOCCER:
After EA’s unbelievable last-minute goal against Haverford earlier in the season, the stakes are high for boys’ soccer. Senior goalie and captain Trevor Manion was able to keep the Fords scoreless during the two teams’ first game but Haverford is going to look for redemption on EA/Haverford Day. Junior center back Xander Lotsis and senior center midfielder Brendan DePillis are deemed to be a good matchup for all-around player Mitch Hark and goalie Will Boyes. If EA keeps up their strong defense they should be able to win this game.
CROSS COUNTRY:
With cross country’s recent win of the Inter-Ac title, they are ready to take on the Fords again. Senior captain Owen Maier came in third and junior Bradley French in sixth overall. Although EA won the Inter-Ac they are not slowing down and are still working extremely hard to prepare for what they know will be another tough race against Haverford in a few short weeks.
WATER POLO & GOLF:
EA’s water polo and golf teams team also have had some huge victories this season. Though the Fords may be favored to win the water polo and golf games, both of EA’s teams have had some major successes lately. With enough support, there is potential for a major upset.
FIELD HOCKEY:
With the games at home this year, the girls’ sports teams are hopeful to bring the banner back to EA for the sixth consecutive year. Our girls have dominated the owls since EA/AIS day began, and this year the games are back on our turf. The field hockey team has had a pretty good start to their season. Junior Kelly Smith (defensive center midfielder) and sophomore Ashley Sessa (attacking center midfielder) are ready to take on AIS’s forward Hadley Evans and midfielder Maggie Kondrath. With EA’s 15-1-1 record, they have the advantage over the Owl’s 5-9-3.
SOCCER:
For girls soccer, senior midfielder Lauren Cunningham and senior central defender Laila Peyton won’t settle for a tie after last year. Junior goalie Allie Bush is looking forward to the matchup and is “prepared to stop the Owl’s counter-attacks,” says head coach Fraggos. In keeping midfielder Belle Fusco and forward Natalie Pansini from scoring, EA hopes to gain a victory on November 10th. Fraggos adds, “This matchup could go either way. EA has to play hard and work together on defense to keep AIS with as few goals as possible.”
TENNIS:
Our newly crowned Inter-Ac championship girls’ tennis team is eager to play Agnes Irwin again following the pep rally. Varsity girls tennis head coach, Coach Powell, states that “Eliza Aldridge and Cara Harty are all-league undefeated 1st doubles team, and they along with Caroline Burt are the rocks of our doubles lineup. Caroline and Cara are senior co-captains and amazing leaders.” He continues saying, “AIS is a tricky team to play because they have athletes up and down their lineup so, in a crazy setting like EA-AIS Day, they won’t be intimidated or flustered. That is a particular area of strength for the EA team as well so the match will come down to whoever competes best under those conditions.”
CROSS COUNTRY & WATER POLO:
Girls’ cross country placed fourth in Inter-Ac’s this year and have some very strong runners. This close race will be one to watch. Although the girls’ water polo team does not get a chance to compete on AIS day, their big Inter-Ac tournament, Easterns will be hosted at EA this year on November 3rd.