Varsity Boys Golf

St. David’s travelled to Bryan Park Golf Course in Greensboro North Carolina for the 3A State Championship. The Warriors looked to win their third straight championship, and 5th of the last 6. It was a windy and, at times rainy day, but St. David’s remainder focused on the task: defeating Cape Fear Academy and Cary Christian School. Head Coach Chris Wilson preached that getting off to a fast start and remaining focused and patient would be a determining factor in winning. The Warriors fired a team score of 299, defeating Cary Christian by 8 and Cape Fear by 11 to take home the trophy! St. David’s was led by senior Davis Adams, who shot a 1-under-par 71, finishing runner-up individually. Senior Michael LaSasso posted an even par 72, and senior Christian Conway fired a 1-over-par 73. Eighth grader Preston Hage shot an 11-over-par 83 to complete scoring for the Warriors. Senior Jax Nicholson and Junior Christian Seamster shot 85 and 86 respectively. Coach Wilson had this to say on the effort:

“This week our Varsity Warrior golfers put their hearts and efforts out in front of all NC 3A independent schools in working to defend their title as State Champs! And it was done in grand form! After shooting the lowest team score at Cutter Creek last week in the state qualifier, our Warriors held the top seed going into the State Championship at Bryan Park today in Greensboro. Led by Senior Captain Davis Adams, our Warriors worked hard for 18 holes to beat Cary Christian and Cape Fear Academy to hold their 3A State Champion Golfers status for the 3rd year in a row! Davis (71), Michael (72), Christian Conway (73) and Preston Hage (83) played great golf in what started out as a near perfect day, then it turned into a lightning-delayed windy, rainy and steamy day in the final 3 holes to shoot a 299 and win by 8 shots. I’m very proud of all of our Warrior golfers for their never-give-up attitude on the golf course all season long! It has truly been a great pleasure to coach all of the young gentlemen!”

Fresh off of their EPIC Conference Championship win, St. David’s golf team traveled to Greensboro to compete against 12 other top NC high school golf teams. The Warriors were missing star seniors Michael LaSasso and Christian Conway, but were still able to fire a team score of 309 at the very difficult East Course at Grandover Resort. The Warriors took home a third place finish. St. David’s was led by senior Davis Adams, who finished his round in style with an eagle and two birdies in his final four holes; firing a 1-over-par 73. Adams co-medaled individually. Junior Christian Seamster was right on his heels, firing a 2-over-par 74, followed by eight grader Preston Hage with an 8-over-par 80, and Senior Jax Nicholson with a 10-over-par 82. St. David’s has some well-deserved time off, with their next scheduled match being the NCISSA State Championship qualifier on May 9th at Cutter Creek Golf Course.

The St. David’s Boys Golf Team traveled to New Hill to Cutter Creek Golf Course for an 18 hole match with some EPIC Conference teams. The Warriors continued their hot streak, firing a team score of 293, five-over-par, despite missing eighth grade star Preston Hage. The score was good enough to defeat rivals Cary Christian by 3 strokes, Parrott Academy by 24 strokes, and Grace Christian by 65 strokes. Senior standout Davis Adams continued his solid play, firing a 3-under-par 69 to lead the Warriors. Senior Star Michael LaSasso posted a solid 1-under-par 71, senior Christian Conway shot a steady even-par 72, and other eighth grade star Spence Saik rounded out the counting scores with a 9-over-par 81. Junior Christian Seamster shot a 10-over-par 82, and senior Jax Nicholson shot a 12- over-par 84. The highlight of the match came when senior Davis Adams made a hole-in-one on the par 4 12th hole for his second ever albatross. Coach Chris Wilson was pleased with the effort, saying, “in our latest EPIC matchup in Cutter Creek the conditions were nearly perfect for our Warrior golfers. The wind was steady and swirling and made today’s golf just a bit challenging for everyone. Senior Davis Adams posted a 3 under par 69 to lead the Warriors to victory! Davis had a very exciting albatross on the 12th hole into the wind from around 300 yds. Congratulations on your hole in one Davis! The competition is getting a little better and more consistent as we head into the last few weeks of the regular season, and I feel that if we continue to prepare well for our matches, combined with seeing a variety of courses these next couple of weeks will help us to get our games even sharper".  Congratulations Warriors on your win! 

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.

On a wet Thursday, March 24th, a few of our Varsity teams competed. Here are their updates. 

TRACK & FIELD (Written by Mary Elizabeth Martin) 

On Thursday, March 24^th, St. David’s Track and Field traveled to Ravenscroft School to participate in a 5-team meet under very swampy conditions, with Cary Christian, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill, Carolina Friends School, and Ravenscroft. The team performed well with Kailey Wadsworth tying her own school record with a 4’6 high jump. Strong placings for the women’s team included second place for Laura Martin in the 100-meter hurdles, a first place in the 4x1 relay for Maya Foster, Mary Elizabeth Martin, Isabel Driggers, and Kailey Wadsworth, a second place in the discus for Rebecca Driggers, and a second in high jump and long jump for Kailey Wadsworth. Martin also took second place in the girls shot-put with a personal record breaking throw. Strong events for the men’s team included a first place in the 300-meter hurdles for Ghiair Chisley with a personal record of 46.53, and second place in the shot-put for Fabián Fallas Retaña. Jackson Rouser took first place in the long-jump and broke a school record while scoring first in the discus with a throw of 103’7. The mens 4x400 relay also ran well with William Fox, Dhru Govindji, Kaishun Sato-Choi, and Ghiar Chisley placing third. Overall, the team did very well and had a strong meet. Good job Warriors! 

GOLF: Warriors Prevail in Sloppy Conditions (Written by: Davis Adams) 

It was an emotional day for the St. David’s Varsity Boys Golf Team. Not only was it an important EPIC Conference match, but it was also the first meeting of the season against their rivals, Cary Christian. Despite the soggy and wet conditions at MacGregor Downs Country Club, St. David’s remained focused and determined. St. David’s posted a team score of 291, 3-over-par, defeating Cary Christian by 15, Parrot Academy by 46, and Grace Christian by 83 strokes. Michael LaSasso once again medaled, this time with a blistering 4-under-par 68. Seniors Davis Adams and Christian Conway shot a pair of 2-over-par 74’s, and eighth grader Preston Hage added a 3-over-par 75 to complete scoring for the Warriors. Eighth grader Spence Saik shot 83, and senior Grayson Chesson fired an 87. Coach Wilson was pleased with the effort, and had this to say: “In our 2nd EPIC Conference match at MacGregor Downs in rainy, muddy conditions, our Warrior golfers displayed great composure and focus on the task at hand. We played great golf and scored 3 over par 291 as a team. Beating Cary Christian by 15 shots and other teams by as many as 83 shots, and making an early season statement that we’re here to play hard and win! I’m very proud of our Warrior golfers! Congrats on the WIN gentlemen!” The Warriors look to continue their hot streak on Monday the 28th, where they’ll travel to Lochmere Golf Club for another EPIC Conference match. 

 LACROSSE: Cary Academy defeats St. David's Boys Lacrosse in Overtime

In a really great showing by the Warriors, the team took on Cary Academy on a wet Thursday, March 24^th. The Warriors made a strong comeback against a good Chargers team in the 4th quarter, only to come up short in overtime. In the first half, the opponent outplayed St. David’s and ended up with a 5-2 going into the third quarter. Making some adjustments in the offense and defensive coverage, the Warriors began to chip away at the lead, cutting CA's edge to 7-4 going into the 4th quarter. Not to be denied and sensing that victory was within their grasp, the defense made some key takeaways and got the ball to the offense, who, with great passes leading to scores, cut the lead to 8-7 with 1:30 seconds remaining. Redmond Smith, who filled in for face off middle Davis Wall, who was unable to play, won the face-off which in turn lead to tying score. Smith then won the face-off again, getting the ball to senior middle Nolan Homeister, who had a chance to score the go ahead goal with seconds remaining, but good defense by the Chargers thwarted the opportunity. Going into the sudden death overtime, Smith again gave us an opportunity to gain the offensive possession,  unfortunately with a turnover to the Chargers, they took the ball the length of the field and scored the winning goal to end the game.  St. David scores were made by senior middies Harper Pennington(3 goals and 2 assists) and Nolan Homeister (1 goal). Junior attackman Will Horn added 1 goal and freshman attackman Cooper Berkoff cashed in for 3 goals.  “Tonight we saw a St. David’s team that wouldn't quit and  overcame a deficit and almost pull out a victory against a strong Charger team. Look for more good things to happen to this St. David varsity boys lacrosse team”, said Coach Hink. The boys play again at home on Monday, March 28^th at 4:15 against NRCA.

After many cancellations from overly wet conditions and a full day of rain, the boys Varsity tennis and golf teams were the only Varsity teams not to be effected by weather issues. Their games went on; here are the updates. 

Varsity Boys Tennis (Written by Craig Sanguily)

In the Varsity Boys tennis match against Ravenscroft, the Warriors faced their hardest competition yet. A talented Ravens team was able to dominantly beat the Warriors, winning every match and closing out the defeat. Although they suffered this tough loss, they are still going to keep fighting and working to improve their game as their coach encouraged. Everyone played to the best of their ability but the Ravens were too much and topped the Warriors 9-0. In particular, junior Lucas Pisciotta played an exceptional match at #2 and never gave an inch to the opponent despite the tough loss. Similarly, freshman Walker Coley put up an amazing fight at #6 singles and forced his opponent to earn every point. Next week, they have a game against Raleigh Charter School at Pullen Park on Tuesday, March 22nd. After the losses faced this week, the Warriors will come back strong. 

Varsity Boys Golf (Written by Davis Adams)

St. David’s traveled to Forsyth Country Club to square off against Forsyth Country Day School and Wesleyan Christian Academy in Winston Salem. The match ended with Wesleyan taking home the victory with a 301, and St. David’s and Forsyth Country Day tying with a very close 304. The Warriors were lead by senior Michael LaSasso with a 2-over-par 73. Senior Christian Conway posted a 3-over-par 74, eighth grader Preston Hage added a 5-over- par 76, and fellow eighth grader Spence Saik added a 9-over-par 80 to complete scoring for the Warriors. Senior Davis Adams shot a 12-over-par 83, junior Christian Seamster shot a 14-over-par 85, and senior Grayson Chesson fired a 22-over-par 93. St. David’s falls to 3-1-1, but they look to bounce back on Tuesday the 22nd, where they face Cary Academy at Prestonwood Golf Club with first groups teeing off at 3pm. 

It was a proud moment in the St. David's library yesterday, November 17th, while friends, family, teachers, coaches and supporters of our golf signees gathered to share in the celebration and honoring of our athletes and their accomplishments. Those accomplishments and hard work have now officially allowed them the opportunity to continue their love the game of golf at the next level - in college! 

Michael LaSasso and Davis Adams each signed their National Letter of Intent to play at the collegiate level at their committed universities, North Carolina State University and The College of William & Mary, respectively. After a small opening and prayer Athletic Director, Ricardo Viera, said a few encouraging words about the boys and their hard work to improve their game throughout their high school career. In their time here at St. David's they have helped bring about three State Championships and they still have a season left to claim all four! 

Both boys had the support of their families and coaches in attendance and when they each got up to speak they mentioned how grateful they were for the encouragement, coaching and unconditional love and care they had gotten through the years, specifically from their parents, family and their golf coaches. It was a touching moment to see all their hard work culminate in a public display of celebration and to make official their intentions to continue their efforts at the impressive level of NCAA Division I golf. We look forward to following them in their last high school season and as they continue on to help their college golf team. On behalf of Davis and Michael, Go Tribe! and Go Pack! And thank you to the people who came to be with us in the library yesterday. 

The Warriors traveled to Greensboro for the NCISAA State Golf Tournament on Tuesday.  There were ten Warriors that qualified for the state golf tournament. Michael LaSasso, Davis Adams, Christian Conway, Matt Messenger, Heyward George and Preston Hage turned in a team score of 297 that was 9 strokes better than any other team to win the golf state championship.  Preston Hage had one of the highlights of the state tournament when he teed up on #13 at the Greensboro Golf Club Farm Course and hit a hole-in-one.  Michael LaSasso shot a 2 under par for the day and was the medalist of the state tournament.  This makes the fourth state championship (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021) for the boys golf team.  The NCISAA will be posting all state honors for golf and anticipate several of our Warriors to earn this honor.

Matt Messenger has committed to McDaniel College to play golf.  Messenger has been a big part of the Warriors success in competing for state championships in golf and looks forward to playing at the collegiate level.  Coach Chris Wilson spoke at the college signing and said, "Matt has been a great leader on our golf team and is someone that players on the team look up to.  They are not just getting a great golfer at McDaniel College  but they are getting a great leader". Messenger looks to lead the Warriors to a State Championship next week in Greensboro.

The  EPIC played at MacGregor Downs in Cary, NC for the Conference Championship.  The course played long today, and even longer because of the 15 mph sustained winds.  Our Varsity golfers played well today, and Cary Christian played just a little better. Junior Christian Conway lead the team and continued his under-par scoring with a 1 under par 71 and finished 2nd overall in the championship. Davis Adams and Michael LaSasso came in tied for 4th with 2 over par 74. 7th grader Preston Hage had another good round of 6 over 78, placing 9th overall, to round out our top 4 Warriors.

Named to the EPIC All Conference Team were:

Christian Conway, Preston Hage, Davis Adams and Michael LaSasso

The Warriors traveled to Prestonwood CC on Tuesday to play host team Cary Academy in a 9 hole match. Golfers played the Meadows Course Front 9.  Warrior Varsity Golfers are on a strong run heading into the Conference Championship later this week, winning today’s match by 16 shots.  At Prestonwood, Junior Star Davis Adams was the medalist of the day with a 4 under par 32(-4). Additionally, other juniors Michael LaSasso and Christian Conway each scored a 2 under par 34(-2), and Senior leader Matt Messenger scored a 38(+2) to round out the Top 4 scores.

On Thursday, our Varsity Warriors went to Cutter Creek CC in Snow Hill, NC to play in our final regular season EPIC match hosted by Parrott Academy. Playing at almost 6500 yards, wind and a little rain made for a challenging day, but not so much for our Warriors.  Michael LaSasso led the team and was Medalist for the day with a round of 63(9 under par)! This ties his personal best score in competition.  Junior Christian Conway set his own personal best record with a 5 under par 67, and Senior leader Heyward George set a personal record in competition of 2 under par 70.  Davis Adams scored a 2 under par 70, contributing to the BIG day!  7th grade rookie Preston Hage showed he can play with the varsity high schoolers shooting a 3 over par 75. Along with Matt Messenger scoring a 76, and sophomore Christian Seamster shot 79.  All of this resulted in individual records set, and a St. David’s Varsity Golf team and school record match score of 18 under par 270!

The varsity boys golf team hosted the Eastern Plains Independence Conference (EPIC) golf match on Monday, April 12. at Lonnie Poole Golf Course.  The Warriors played well navigating their home course earning the team win.  Michael LaSasso led the Warriors by hitting 3 under par for the day shooting a 69 and medaling in the conference match.  Another strong performance came from 7th grader Preston Hage by shooting 3 over par for the day with a 75.  The Warriors look to continue their strong play at Cutter Creek Golf Course on Thursday, April 15 in another EPIC conference matchup.