Middle School Girls Soccer

 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. 

This week’s Middle School round-up features girls soccer. They were the only middle school team with games on their schedule for the week. Here are their updates. 

MS GIRLS SOCCER v. FRANKLIN ACADEMY

On Wednesday, April 20, the team traveled to Franklin Academy for their first game since being back from spring break. Despite the loss the team had several great looks in the attacking zone and after a difficult first half leaving them down 0-5 they picked up their play and only allowed one goal in the second half. Avery Black and Natalie Di Domenico anchored a strong defensive effort in the 2nd half and played beautiful team defense stifling the Franklin attack. Finley Spivey made several perfect through balls to Ellie McLaughlin that created scoring chances exciting her teammates on and off the field. “I was extremely proud not only of how the girls played in the 2nd half but their realization that they are progressing and really starting to put things together despite the competition being older and more experienced. They are gaining valuable experience that will serve them well in future years” Coach Walston said. It was an overall great effort that really left everyone excited about where the team is and how much improvement they are showing. “It was a very uplifting day for us as coaches as we were happy to see the girls smile realizing how well they had played” he added.

MS GIRLS SOCCER v. WAKE CHRISTIAN

In back to back days of games the girls hosted Wake Christian on Thursday. The team used the momentum built after responding in the second half of the game before and were able to fuel them in their match-up against the Bulldogs. In the first half Wake Christian was able to capitalize on some mistakes by the Warriors and score 2 goals to take a 2-0 lead at half.  In a great response after half-time the team turned up their intensity. The girls held possession and controlled the ball very well in the second half. Keeping pressure on the opponents and playing well the team controlled a great ball across the middle of the field that found the feet of Crawford Rollman, and she put it in the back of the net for our first goal of the season.  “The girls were energized and excited.  They had new life and continued the pressure until the final whistle”, Coach Walston said.  “They left everything on the field and as a coach, I could not have been more proud.  They worked together, they fought, and they were able to celebrate their efforts.  Even though we lost the game 2-1, we won the 2^nd half 1-0.”, he said. Avery Black and Natalie Di Domenico continue to gel as a central defensive pair and have become a force on defense.  Chandler Rideout, Suiter Mayhew, AP Maddison, and Sarah Fletcher all played well in the midfield, especially in the 2^nd half consistently winning 50/50 balls, and Ellie McLaughlin was tenacious at striker often drawing 2 or 3 defenders as she worked her way up the field on the attack.  The team is back at it on Tuesday, 4/26 at Cary Academy.

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.

TENNIS v. ST. TIMOTHY’S

The tennis team played a tough match against St Timothy’s, losing 8-1. The team fought hard against a worthy opponent and saw glimpses of great progress and competition. Forbes Stallings played his most impressive match of the season, winning #3 singles 8-4.

GOLF v. ST. TIMOTHY’S

The MS golf team won by 6 strokes over the second place team when they traveled to Raleigh Golf Association. Finishing with a team score of 152, Sheppard McKenzie and James Fisher each shot 36, and Henry Brewer shot 39.

SOCCER v. TRINITY ACADEMY

The girls soccer team lost to Trinity Academy with a score of 0-6. Jordan Holmes made some excellent saves and is really looking comfortable in goal. Frances Fischer playing in only her 2nd soccer game did great and is really finding her feet and understanding the game. “Really proud of the effort despite the score and the challenge of playing teams with certainly older and more experienced players”, coach Walston said.

SOCCER v. MAGELLAN

The girls soccer team is struggling with injuries but played Magellan who had sixteen experienced 8th graders and three 7th graders. While the team is young they fought very hard with their limited roster. Jordan Holmes did a great job in goal fighting to keep the barrage of shots out while the defense was similarly tested. Despite having a broken arm and wearing a soft cast, Finley Spivey did a great job in the midfield and Avery Black turned away offensive attacks consistently frustrating Magellan’s offense. “So proud of these girls for coming out and playing for themselves and for me”, said coach Walston. “They have a great deal of heart and I am privileged to be coaching this group of young ladies” he added.

GOLF v. ST. MICHAEL’S

The golf team had a great match vs. St. Michael’s. In anticipation of the rain Thursday they moved their game to Wednesday and the team performed well in the early match-up. Their victory with a final score of 144-157 was another great win for them to build off of. James Fisher shot one under par and Ford Fisher shot even par.

GIRLS LACROSSE v. ST. MICHAEL’S

Girls lacrossed played Friday at St. Michael’s and had a great game with high energy, good communication and great team effort. Kacky Chapman and Kate Madison won a number of draw controls. Kacky Chapman, Kackie Koon, and Kate Madison all put some goals on the board. The team’s defense played stellar. Kackie Koon, Martha Godwin, Anderson Monk, Marion Cella and Anna Hauser were huge assets to our game. The team ultimately lost 11-7 but “carry with them a lot of energy and confidence for our next game” said coach Rittenmeyer.

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”.