Middle School Baseball

 GIRLS LACROSSE v. RAVENSCROFT

The girls lacrosse team hosted Ravenscroft on Friday where the girls got their first game of the week after a rain-out attempt on Tuesday. They played very aggressive but controlled and the team took a win after a tight game that concluded with a tie score forcing an overtime. The team rallied to keep the pressure on and they finished with a overtime score of 9-7 over the Ravens. Head coach Lindsey Rittenmeyer said “we are so proud of the team as they worked really hard especially in this crazy weather! They really played like team players and we are excited for our next game on Tuesday!” 

BASEBALL v. ST. TIMOTHY’S

The baseball team took the short trip to St. Timothy’s and played very well but unfortunately finished with a 1-7 loss. The team had runners on 2nd and 3rd all game just couldn’t drive them home with a timely hit.  Smith Goracke threw all four innings for the team with five strikeouts giving up only three earned runs.  He also walked twice at the plate and had two stolen bases. Brock Phillips scored our only run and had 1 hit to get on base.

SOCCER v. ST. TIMOTHY’S

Despite the scoreboard the girls soccer team had a great game with great play against St. Timothy’s. The game was closer than the 0-3 score showed and the girls made a really solid push in the 2nd half being down 2-0 with some good scoring chances. With some aggressive play the team missed an opportunity to have a penalty kick that might have potentially made the score 2-1, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. “Sad to see the season end but incredibly proud of how this group of young ladies fought all season. They really showed their Warrior spirit!” coach Walston concluded.

BOYS LACROSSE v. CARY ACADEMY

The MS boys lacrosse team traveled to Cary academy for their game on May 5^th. Luke Viera had the lone goal for the Warrior with an assist from Luke Deihl. Grady Edwards made an impressive 12 saves in the game! The Warriors look forward to their game at NRCA on Friday as they continue to improve and get ready for the conference tournament next week.

GOLF v. CAMSC

Middle School golf had yet another impressive showing at the CAMSC tournament. In the conference match-up the team was eager to prove that all their success through the season had not been a fluke. Their determination and talent was on show as they blazed through the course finishing with a score of 150,  winning by 13 strokes. This team score of 150 was the lowest winning score recorded in the past eight years! Congratulations to an amazing MS golf crew on their dominant win!

BOYS LACROSSE v. NRCA

On Tuesday, in a packed week of games for the boys lacrosse team who got a very late start in their season of games due to unforeseen circumstances, the team played NRCA at home after a quick rain delay. The Warriors were unable to gain any traction on offense and the Knight’s onslaught of shots proved to be too much. The team will regroup fine tuning their fundamentals in practice on Wednesday and play in their next game on Thursday against Cary Academy.

BOYS LACROSSE v. CARY CHRISTIAN

The Middle School Boys Lacrosse Team played Cary Christian on Monday and played a tough game and showed improvement by scoring 4 goals. Luke Deihl, Conor MacGabhann and Hammy Sloan provided the offensive scoring.  While Grady Grad Edwards anchored the defense in goal. Grandison Howard also kept the Knights in check by providing a defensive buffer around the goal. The Warriors look to take on NRAC on Tuesday.

 SOCCER v. GRACE CHRISTIAN

The team’s loss to Grace Christian closed out their regular season play. “High work ethic, high energy, no-quit attitude, and most importantly heart…these are the qualities that describe this team.” Those are the closing thoughts from coach Jonathan Walston about the team.  Down a player and with a couple of key injuries that took players out for several minutes, others stepped up to fill the void.  Defending the roughly 25 shots on goal, Jordan Holmes had a great game in net. Walston added, that “she was steady and frustrated the Grace attack. We struggled to find offense, however, after a few key changes, things turned somewhat.  We were pushing the ball into the Grace zone and when Suiter Mayhew went down in the box, we found ourselves with a penalty kick.  Ruva Magaya was called on to take the PK and delivered for our second goal of the season.  It was a beautiful shot and she was well deserving of the opportunity.  One again I was very proud of the girls as they have shown consistent improvement throughout the season and gained a great deal of confidence.  We hope to take that energy into the tournament on Friday and make some noise.”  Go Warriors!

GOLF v. ST. MICHAEL’S

The middle school golf team continued its tear with another impressive in at Monday’s invitational at St. Michael’s against 6 other teams played at Prestonwood Country Club. The team is undefeated this season and this marks their 6^th straight win! They won with a score of 153. Sheppard McKenzie shot a 35. Ford and James Fisher each shot 37.

TENNIS v. NRCA

The tennis team started off their week playing North Raleigh Christian Academy. The team was ready to compete and started off strong against the worthy opponent. It was a great effort by all that resulted in an 8-1 victory over the Knights. Patrick Clegg and Forbes Stallings won especially competitive matches against tough opponents that were great wins. “The team played really well and we got a really important awesome win today”, said head coach Nathan Tarr.M

BASEBALL v. GRACE

The boys baseball team took on Grace Christian on a beautiful day for their last regular season game. The group, just like in past games, had some really impressive play pieced together but couldn’t quite string enough together to edge out a win. Reilly Crosby had 2 hits, 1 stolen bases and scored 2 of the 3 runs. Smith Goracke got on base twice, had two stolen bases. William Russell shined in the field with 4 putouts. The team closes their regular season with that game and will start conference play this week as well.

BASEBALL v. CARY ACADEMY & FRANKLIN ACADEMY

The baseball team had two games this week squeezing in their Cary Academy under the wire with bad weather and, having a mid-game week cancelled, they finished their week playing Franklin Academy. It was a tough week for the crew as they lost both their games to talented opponents. In their game against the Chargers the team's highlights included a first start of the year from Smith Goracke pitching 1 inning and striking out 2 batters while not allowed an earned run! Goracke was also the only base runner drawing a walk in the first inning. Gavin Hitmar played great defensively at second base making three putouts in the final inning of play. The loss against Franklin saw similar great play with James Vinson going 1-2 having the teams only hit and came around to score the teams only run. Smith Goracke reached base twice with two walks and added two stolen bases. Goracke was also flashing leather on the defensive side of the ball with four putouts at second base. Thomas France reached base twice with a walk and an HBP (hit by pitch). Reilly Crosby, Gavin Hitmar and Goracke turned a beautiful 6-4-3 double play defensively to end the first inning. Great job guys!  

TENNIS v. ENDEAVOR

The tennis team had a game on a beautiful day against Endeavor. The win was a great boost for the group after a cancelled game earlier in the week due to weather. It was an 8-0 victory against the opponent and the team played very hard and with positive support for one another. "It was a solid team performance with all ten players able to contribute in point scoring matches. Everyone got to help with the win and I was really happy for the team", Coach Tarr said. 

GOLF v. MULTI

The MS golf team played a home match at Hedingham mid-week and posted another impressive winning result. With a team score of 140 the group easily took the win. Highlights included James Fisher shooting a three under 32, and Ford Fisher shooting a one under 34. Well done team! 

SOCCER v. CARY ACADEMY & CARY CHRISTIAN

After a one and a half hour weather delay the girls soccer team was able to take the field at Cary Academy early last week. Despite the delay, the girls played really well. "To look at our team now compared to how we looked at the beginning of the season, it is night and day. The girls are really growing up on the field and gaining valuable experience", said head coach Walston. Avery Black again produced a strong effort on defense and Ellie McLaughlin and Finley Spivey created several give and go play and provided pressure on the Charger’s defense. "Once again, I am proud of the effort across the board. These girls fight until the last whistle and certainly show what it is to be a true Warrior", he added. They took a 5-0 loss but were pleased with their effort and play. 

Their game against Cary Christian was another hard-fought game that was much closer than the 0-4 loss suggested. Suiter Mayhew had a great game in the midfield consistently winning 50/50 balls and controlling possession. Chandler Rideout frustrated the Knights with aggressive and tenacious play never giving up on any ball. Jordan Holmes made some fantastic saves at keeper and played a great 2nd half. "The girls are keeping possession much better and creating scoring chances consistently which is exciting. The future is very bright for these young ladies and I am honored to be their coach", said Walston. 

BOYS LACROSSE v. CARY CHRISTIAN

The boys lacrosse team took the field in an away game against Cary Christian for the first time all season! The team has dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity throughout this season and has endured one game cancellation after the next. They were unsurprisingly nervous for the first competition but eventually settled in after a difficult first half. The team started to gain better possessions, won a few draws and began attacking the opponents goal better. Head coach Ricardo Viera was vocal throughout the game helping the team stay calm and focused. The team took the 1-10 loss well and they were all very happy to have been able to play in their first game. 

BASEBALL v. MAGELLAN, NRCA, WAKE CHRISTIAN

It was a busy week for the boys MS baseball team with an unusual three games in one week. The team approached each one with good attitudes and great effort. Their loss against Magellan Charter (1-14) had some impressive play by the boys. Reilly Crosby went 2-3 with a single, double, stolen base and scored our only run. Oren Cline went 1-2 with a single and stolen base. Smith Goracke drew two walks at the plate and had two stolen bases. The following day the team traveled to North Raleigh Christian Academy only to be stifled by a talented opponent. Still again they showed grit and promising play in the 0-19 loss. Thomas France went 1-1 with a single and Smith Goracke reached base twice and had 1 stolen base. After one day of some rest the team was back at it hosting Wake Christian Academy on Thursday, April 7^th. They took another tough loss but maintained a competitive spirit. Gavin Hitmar went 1-1 with a single. Oren Cline had a stolen base after pinch running for James Vinson who reached base on a walk. The team finished the week with new resolve to “keep fighting and work towards winning one play at a time”, said coach Eric Smith.

BOYS TENNIS v. WAKE CHRISTIAN

The boys tennis team took at tough loss last Thursday (3/31) but rebounded nicely when they met up with Wake Christian on April 4^th. They played competitively and aggressively but with great control and patience in their shots beating Wake Christian 9-0. The team was missing two of their top six, but it didn’t matter because of the depth and play from the team. A noteworthy highlight moment was Liles Knight winning his first start at six singles 8-0. The team is excited to get back on the court after the break this week.

GIRLS LACROSSE v. OUR LADY OF LOURDES

The team traveled just the short 1.5 miles to Our Lady of Lourdes and had amazing efforts despite their 7-10 loss. Margaret Ellerbe led the team with 3 goals, Kate Madison and Anna Hauser followed with two goals each. It was an all-around team effort though with other major contributions. Lula Segrave, Marion Cella, and Mary C. Sewell kept great pressure on defense and on offense Kacky Chapman kept attacking the Lions relentlessly. “We are so proud of the girls’ hard work especially in the heat! This is a growing team with a growing season and we are very excited to see how this team continues to work together and play hard!” said head coach Lindsey Rittenmeyer.

GIRLS SOCCER v. NRCA

The girls soccer team traveled to NRCA on Tuesday, April 5^th. “They had excellent performances in all areas on the field and are making great strides for such a young team”, the coach mentioned. “Our physicality was better than theirs and I was proud of the girls for that” he added. Chandler Rideout was strong on defense and Suiter Mayhew and Finley Spivey held the midfield well, consistently distributing the ball to Ellie McLaughlin up top who beat several defenders on multiple plays and challenged the opponent’s back line. The team is thankful for the break to allow them to heal as they are down several players with injuries. The coach emphasized coming back strong for the stretch run to the conference tournament.

The Middle School spring teams had a week of only 4 games due to all the weather cancellations and postponements. Though many teams' didn't get to play, golf, tennis, girls lacrosse and baseball had great showings. Here are the updates: 

GOLF v. CAMSC 

On Monday, March 21 MS golf headed to Headingham to host several conference teams in a match up that wound end with an impressive win and push them to a 2-0 record. The team took advantage of nice conditions and won with a score of 149, a 14 shot win over the next closest opponent who marked a 163. James Fisher played a great and steady round finishing with a 1-under-par score while Ford Fisher and Sheppard McKenzie each shot an even par. 

GIRLS LACROSSE v. RAVENSCROFT

On Tuesday, March 22nd the girls lacrosse team traveled to rival Ravenscroft for their first game of the week. The girls started out strong despite being down a few players. There was a "tremendous amount of teamwork through communication and effort in this game", said head coach Lindsey Rittenmeyer. Kackie Koon had 3 goals, Anna Hauser won 12 draw controls and a handful more players had their first goals of the season. The final score was a loss of 5-9 but the play by the girls left coaches and fans excited for what they will see more of soon. 

TENNIS v. ST. MICHAEL'S 

Traveling to St. Michael's in Cary the boys tennis team played really great. They posted an awesome 7-2 win over the opponent. With a few singles players out 7th grader Anderson Rakestraw stepped in at number 5 singles and played a dominant match winning 8-2.Coach Nathan Tarr was "really excited for the teams win and proud of the team for playing so hard."

BASEBALL v. FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN

MS baseball team played Friendship Christian at home on Friday, March 25th. The team got off to a roaring start and never looked back in their 18-8 win over the Falcons. Standouts from the game include Reilly Crosby who threw a complete game with 5 strike-outs. Smith Goracke and Brock Phillips each added a pair of 2 RBI doubles as well. George Cram played brilliantly at first base with 3 solo put outs including a diving stop on the hardest hit ball of the afternoon. Thomas France went 1-1 with a single and 3 runs scored and Crosby added to his already winning performance on the mound with an RBI single and 3 runs scored. With so many well-struck balls and an aggressive ground game against the opponent the Warriors notched an exciting and impressive win. "It was a team effort by all and the boys should be really proud of themselves", said coach Eric Smith. 

MS Boys Tennis vs. Franklin Academy

The MS boys tennis team traveled to Franklin Academy on Tuesday, March 8^th to kick off the first Spring sport competition for MS sports. This team was looking strong in practices and took that same competitive vibe to the court where they topped Franklin and got the ball rolling for a great season. With the great depth of the team and talent at all ends, the MS boys tennis team won in decisive fashion with a 6-3 victory.

MS Boys Golf vs. East Wake Academy

The MS boys golf team went to East Wake Academy on Wednesday, March 16^th and hit the ground running. After their last match had been postponed due to weather the team was ready to get to the course and start their first competition of the season. They traveled to Zebulon Country Club and won by an impressive 18 strokes! The team finished shooting a 154 with the next best team placing at 172. Coach Redmond commented on the “great contributions by all” and that he is “excited for the rest of the season with this talented group.”

MS Baseball vs. St. Timothy’s

The MS baseball team played St. Timothy’s on Monday, March 14^th at home. This was a tough showing for the team as they were also up against a solid opponent pitcher. The boys lost 0-13 in a no hit despite Gavin Hitmar’s couple of hard hit balls that the other team made great plays on. The team will bounce back for their next game and be ready to keep competing.

MS Girls Soccer vs. St. Timothy’s

On a beautiful March 15^th the MS girls soccer team hosted a very talented St. Timothy’s. Despite the score of a 0-5 defeat, the girls played very well in their first game. With nine 6th graders and seven 7th graders, this MS girls team is young but not without spirit and fight! Special recognition, according to Coach Walston, went to Chandler Rideout and Avery Black for anchoring a strong defensive effort. As he put it, “we struggled to work the ball forward but their presence in the back provided strength while Jordan Holmes made some fantastic saves in net. I look forward to seeing us build on this game and taking the next step forward in our development.” Finley Spivey and Suiter Mayhew attacked the ball well in the middle of the field and made St. Timothy’s players uncomfortable. The girls will be back at it on Thursday, March 24^th against Grace Christian.

MS Boys Tennis vs. Durham Academy L 8-1

The MS boys tennis team traveled to Durham to take on Durham Academy against a very tough MS team. With several freshman playing on the MS team for DA it was an uphill battle for the Warriors who ultimately lost 1-8. Number 1 doubles Izzy Sheehan and Patrick Clegg ended the match very strong beating the Cavaliers freshman duo 8-5. This was the only win for the Warriors but one that showed great grit and good things to come in the coming season.

MS Girls Lacrosse vs. Our Lady of Lourdes

Friday, March 19^th, the MS girls lacrosse team played Our Lady of Lourdes in their first game of the season after an earlier game cancelation. Margaret Ellerbe had 4 goals and the goalie Stephanie Di Domenico had an impressive 13 saves! Despite the 0-13 loss Coach Rittenmeyer said “we are so eager to watch these girls continue to work and play together as we head to our next game”.