Photo courtesy of Max Boyko ’28
Throughout the fall, Episcopal athletics represent the school across fields, courts, courses, and pools, each team focused on chasing its own goals. But one weekend in November brings every athlete, student, and fan together, uniting the entire Episcopal community behind one goal: victory for the blue and white.
Few events during the school year match the excitement and high anticipation of EA/Haverford/AIS weekend. After winning both the Sweater and the Banner last year, EA enters this year’s rivalry weekend on home turf, prepared to defend its prizes.
After finishing second in the Inter-Ac and winning Delco championships, girls’ cross country will bring momentum to AIS Day. Despite losing senior captain Kendra Williamson ’27 to a stress fracture halfway through the season, the runners kept competing at a high level. In early October, EA recorded its best finish yet at the Paul Short race while competing against 111 other teams. Their continued success despite missing a top runner has proven the depth of their talent, which will be crucial on November 13 when they face the Agnes Irwin Owls.
Photo courtesy of Brennan Ungerleider ’29
The girls’ tennis team has not fallen short of its goals, remains undefeated, and holds the Inter-Ac title for the 9th consecutive year. That reputation makes tennis one of EA’s strongest opportunities to earn a point toward keeping the Banner. Varsity player Mia Joyce ’28 says, “With seniors leaving and injuries, our partnerships are constantly changing match to match; each season it is always important that we are able to adjust and be adaptable to the ongoing movement in our lineup. This flexibility is always super helpful leading up to AIS Day and helps set us apart from the competition.” As November 13 gets closer, that experience adjusting could become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
In its second season as a program and its first year competing on a varsity level, girls’ volleyball has already begun establishing itself as a competitor. Captain Izzy Favini ’28 says, “We have put in a lot of work all around, working on every skill and using every practice to our benefit.” Notable wins over Hill and Baldwin reflect the work ethic and grit that have helped this group play at a high level. The team entered the PAISAA tournament for the first time this fall and reached the semifinals after beating Friends Central. Now, they will compete in AIS Day for the first time, giving them another chance to make a name for themselves.
For girls’ soccer, preparing for AIS has required them to adapt to adversity. With multiple players periodically out with injuries, the girls have stepped up and taken on major roles, preparing them for the big game on AIS Day. After an earlier season loss, they defeated Penn Charter in a top Inter-Ac matchup, showing what to expect when November 13 rolls around. After proving they can respond to adversity, girls’ soccer enters AIS Day prepared to fight for another point toward the Banner.
Few embody the season-long build-up more than the girls’ field hockey team. In fact, head coach Paul Zelenak views the entire regular season as preparation for AIS Day. “Everything that we experience all season, from the regular season games to the playoffs, for us is about how we can play our best in November and dominate that big finale,” he says. With the heightened atmosphere comes additional pressure, something Zelenak sees as a positive for the team. “The energy is going to be up, but we should own that and be excited about it. I always say that nervous energy is good energy; it gives us a reason to compete and be able to value the moment and competition.”
Photo courtesy of Brennan Ungerleider ’29
Although girls’ water polo is not a part of the rivalry, the team’s accomplishments add to the excitement of the fall for EA athletics. Key wins over the Hill School and Lawrenceville have marked a competitive season, while players like senior captain Siena Scungio ’27, with 55 goals through the end of October, showcase the team’s talent. Through hard work and tough matchups, the girls keep improving and building on their success. After a strong season, they remain focused on finishing well and celebrating their teamwork and achievements.
Boys’ golf enters Haverford day as Inter-Ac champions after another dominant season. With an experienced lineup built entirely of upperclassmen, the team led with a 26-4 Inter-Ac record through October, establishing itself as one of the league’s strongest teams. After a season of course-record-breaking and another league title, the Churchmen are ready to carry their success into the matchup against Haverford. Connor Smolenski ’27 says, “Our team knows if we play to our [best] ability, the result we want will follow.”
Boys’ cross country has run hard this year, ushering in another Inter-Ac championship, their seventh consecutive title. Throughout the fall, the boys have tested themselves on some of Pennsylvania’s most demanding courses, including Belmont and Rose Tree, building endurance and discipline. This year’s runners have embodied the runner’s mindset like no other, moving one step at a time and running knowing the whole team is behind them. Home course advantage will also work in EA’s favor, as the runners trained and raced on the Celentano Home Cross Country Course throughout the fall, a course known for its difficulty. On Haverford Day, the boys will rely on the familiarity and discipline that led them through this season.
For boys’ water polo, Haverford Day this year is a chance to change the rivalry’s history. Historically, Haverford has claimed more victories than EA, but this year the Churchmen are ready to disrupt that pattern. The team began preparing in the summer, with six players attending the USA Junior Olympics and gaining high-level experience before the 2026 season. They currently hold a 19-7 record, and six starters have earned All-American honors. They have a chance to finish one of their strongest seasons with a win that will be worth all the hard work and dedication each player has contributed.
For the boys’ soccer team, Haverford Day is a chance to reverse last year’s result. The Churchmen, who went unbeaten in their first twelve games, have dominated their season so far. With a perfect 9-0 home record, playing at EA in front of a passionate crowd will certainly help the players. Boys’ soccer is looking forward to this matchup, especially after a heart-wrenching loss on Haverford Day last year. Center midfielder Andrew Roberts ’28 says, “Obviously, the last few years, we have not been getting the results we wanted on Haverford Day, but this year we are feeling more confident with the way we have been playing and looking to make a change with our team, and finally come out with a win. After tying them away, we have been looking forward to our rematch.”
As boys’ soccer enters the weekend looking for redemption, the boys’ football team hopes to repeat last year’s ending, when they beat Haverford at their own stadium to secure the sweater. Offensive lineman Baxter Schuh ’28 says, “Haverford Day means a lot to me; it’s a great competition that strengthens the community of the school. My favorite memory from EA/Haverford Day was last year as the boys secured the Sweater and the Inter-Ac championship. It was fun playing in a high-stakes game with everyone watching, and being able to help win such a prestigious rivalry.” Every year, fans pack the stands to watch the final competition between EA and Haverford football, often deciding who wins the sweater.
The stakes look different for every EA team. Some enter the weekend seeking a comeback, others defending years of dominance, and one experiencing the rivalry for the first time. When the stands fill and the first whistle blows, the athletes work as one unit with one goal: keep the Banner and Sweater at home.