Varsity Boys Lacrosse

Many varsity teams played on Monday, March 28th. Here are their updates: 

GIRLS SOCCER v. RAVENSCROFT

It was a tough outing for the girls soccer team who traveled to Ravenscroft and went up against a talented opponent. By halftime the team was down 0-7. With two more goals allowed in the second the game was called by mercy-rule and the team fell 0-9. The group is piecing together different levels of experience and will continued to be challenged but Coach Cornejo is certain the group can stay positive and "keep swinging" in their games.

BOYS LACROSSE v. NRCA

In their match-up against NRCA on Monday, the varsity boys lacrosse team came up short. Harper Pennington scored 3 goals during the Warrior's game against the Knights leading the team, but his efforts couldn't quite carry his team to victory. Both teams were balanced with young and old players, but NRCA played a more consistent game pressuring the ball and forcing many turnovers on St. David players, many times leading to goals for the Knights. The game had similar tones to last week's game against Cary Academy, where they played hard in the game unable to cash in with goals when they needed them. Captain and senior Clay Matthews played another outstanding game, causing problems to NRCA offensive player along with teammates Henry Koon and Hart Miles. Goalie Jack Burke continues to show great courage in the goal making saves and getting the ball up field. "Lacrosse is a team sport, and like spokes on a wheel, each player plays an integral role for success. We'll continue to work on areas that need attention and good things will happen for these fine young men", said Coach Hink. Also scoring in the game were Clay Matthews, senior middle Nolan Homeister(1 goal & 1 assist), freshman attackman Cooper Berkoff(1 goal & 1 assist) and senior middle John Hauser(1 assist ). They leave for conference opponent Arendell Parrott on Thursday, the 30th for the teams first conference game of the season. 

BASEBALL v. RAVENSCROFT

The boys baseball team traveled to Ravenscroft Monday, March 28th where the team started off slowly down by 10 runs in the 5th inning. Admirably, the boys fought back hard with 6 runs in the top half of the fifth inning. Another highlight moment of the game was Luke Nelson who had a hit and an RBI which was a really exceptional play. Despite the loss Coach Lobeda said "he was happy to see success in some smaller moments even though they lost." The team fell 6-16 and is back on the field Wednesday when they travel to Arendell Parrott. 

It was a packed Tuesday of spring season games on March 22nd. Here are the team updates. 

Varsity Boys Lacrosse

It was a beautiful day for lacrosse, but the day belonged to Ravenscroft as they maintained offensive possession for 41 min out of 48 min of regulation play in their game against the Warriors. With the exception the 2nd quarter, the game was closer than the score shows. The team made good progress in all aspects of the game, but the small things have kept the team from making bigger strides towards success. The one goal of the game came from midfielder Harper Pennington who took the ball from down the middle, made a great dodge and got the ball in the net. Freshman goalie Jack Burke did a great job in the goal and despite being peppered from the opponent is showing great promise. The final score was defeat for the Warriors 1-14. "The most challenging part of our season is now behind us and we look for the team to make their mark on the conference", said Coach Doug Hink. 

Varsity Boys Tennis (written by Craig Sanguily)

The Varsity boys tennis team played against Raleigh Charter School at Pullen Park and had another tough loss. With Craig Sanguily and Tom Deloche absent, the lineup had was changed significantly. Lucas Pisciotta played 2 doubles and 1 singles match, losing his singles and one doubles match. The final score was 2-7 with 1 win and great play in doubles from Lucas Pisciotta and Owen Urban. Alex Barroso won his singles with more great play and keeping pressure on his opponent. Coach was "proud of Lucas for testing his limits and playing 3 matches. It was a hard game to win with the absences." The Warriors will play again next Thursday, the 31^st against Arendell Parrot Academy. 

Varsity Girls Lacrosse

The girls lacrosse team hosted Ravenscroft on a beautiful day. The team came out very strong in the first half and stayed neck-and-neck in the score through the half ending the second half only down 1, 7-8. After a tough battle back and forth in the first half, Ravenscroft showed up tough in the second half. Despite a great effort across the board, the team couldn’t get the ball off the draw or find the back of the net in that second half. "I’m proud of the way the girls continued to compete despite it, and look forward to working on our opportunities for improvement." The final score was 21-11 with some really important and impressive play by Anne Slater Barnes, Carolyn Ames, Kailynn Woodall and Margaret Batchelder offensively and some great stops by Samantha Leshnock and Elizabeth Holderness on defense in addition to some awesome stops by Anisa Barutis in the cage. 

The varsity boy’s lacrosse team hosted Cape Fear Academy on Thursday.  The game was senior night for the warriors, but the victory went to the Hurricanes as their skill level and player numbers proved too much for our team.  The 1st quarter was pretty much balanced with good defense, however, CFA's players began to wear our defense down which led to a 6-1 halftime lead. The 2nd half was all Hurricanes despite scoring from senior attackman and captain Miles Rieker (2 goals), junior midfielders John Hauser (2 goals) and Harper Pennington (1 goal).  Senior goalie Joe Pisciotta was tested with many shots. Junior Davis Wall (face-off middie) and defensive long poles: senior Brayden Crowder, juniors Henry Koon and Clay Matthews all played extremely well throughout the match. Despite allowing 13 goals, Pisciotta saved many more including numerous shots from close range. Varsity Head Coach Doug Hink continued to coach until the final whistle and in true form used the opportunity as learning lesson for his team. 

This game held a special meaning more than most as the seniors of the team were honored along with their parents at the end of the game.  The home game was the last one for seniors: Miles Rieker, Cole Diehl, Joe Pisciotta, Brayden Crowder, Owen Barr and Corey Eastmann.  During the senior recognition Coach Hink spoke from the heart about each of his senior athletes and the impact that they have made on the team and growth as an individual. This was also the last regular season home game for Coach Hink for he has announced his retirement from coaching.  A larger crowd than usual was in attendance for this game that filled the stands with former players, parents and friends of the Hink family.  After the senior recognition Coach Hink was presented a plaque from the athletic director in appreciation for his commitment and dedication to the St. David’s Lacrosse program.  “Coach Hink did an exceptional job as the Varsity Boys Lacrosse for he has set a high standard of excellence.  His success did not only come in the wins that he achieved on the field but more importantly in the lives of his players that influenced and had an impact on.  We have been blessed to have Coach Hink part of the athletic staff.”  Athletic Director, Ricardo Viera. 

The varsity boys lacrosse team traveled to Cape Fear Academy to play a very skilled and deep Hurricane team.  Miles Rieker scored the 2 goals in the game.  Also playing well was face-off midfielder Davis Wall who controlled the face-offs throughout the game.  Captain and goalie Joseph Pisciotta had another outstanding game despite the score as he faced numerous Hurricane shooters throughout the game.  The Warriors look  to bounce back in their next game on the road against conference opponent Arendell Parrott Academy.

Thanks to Brayden Crowder's first goal of the season in the final seconds of the game the varsity boys lacrosse team earned the win over the Knights to go 1-0 in conference play.  Miles Rieker was a constant threat by attacking the goal and finished with 4 goals and 1 assist.  Joseph Pisciotta anchored the Warriors in goal by playing another top shelf game to keep the game close.  At halftime the game was tied 5-5 but Coach Hink put together a plan and provided inspiration to the team to finish strong.  The Warriors look forward to their next game this Friday as they travel to Cape Fear Academy.