Field Hockey, Girls' Soccer Claim New England Titles

 

The girls’ varsity soccer team entered the NEPSAC Class B Tournament as the No. 1 seed after finishing the regular season atop the Independent School League. Wins over Middlesex and Pingree on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively, earned the Red Wings a shot at their fourth New England title.

 

However, standing in their way was a formidable Tabor Academy team that had stormed through tournament play as the No. 7 seed, knocking off the No. 2 and No. 3 seed en route to the final – a rematch of the 2013 championship game that ended in a 0-0 tie. Maggie McCabe ’16 and Kendall Trovato ’16 scored on either side of halftime while Brook Heinsohn ’16 posted another shutout in what was a fitting end to both this season and this particular group of seniors’ careers.

“This team had seven seniors who made it their goal to ensure this team was successful, even if it came at the expense of their personal goals,” Coach Susanna Donahue said. “Getting two banners, both the ISL and NEPSAC championships, meant everything to them, so Sunday was the perfect way to end the season and their careers.”

 

Brooke Heinsohn ’16 (Capt.), Maggie McCabe ’16 (Capt.), Liz Webber ’16 (Capt.), Sarah Baker ’16, Julia Sprofera ’16, Tali Sprofera ’16, Kendall Trovato ’16, Olivia McCabe ’17, Maddie Muller ’17, Christina Orr ’17, Aspen Pierson ’17, Missy Segall ’17, Lexi Lehan ’18, Iman McPherson ’18, Isabel Silvia ’18, Sara Stephenson ’18, Tess Sussman ’18, Marissa Tomaino ’18, and Julie Gallotto ’19.

Head Coach Susanna Donahue

Assistant Coach Meredith Railsback

Managers Ryan Parsons ’16, Ben Snow ’16, and Jacob Solomons ’16

 

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The varsity field hockey team also entered postseason play as the No. 1 seed having weathered a formidable Independent School League schedule. After toppling Ethel Walker and Newton Country Day, the Red Wings took aim at Kimball Union Academy and their second straight NEPSAC New England Class C title.

 

Rivers took control of the game just after the midway point of the first half when Ellie Branka ’16 scored on a penalty corner. Kaitlin Wood ’17 would do the same early in the second half to give Rivers a 2-0 lead. KUA pulled back to within one with 15 minutes left in the game, but the Red Wing defense proved stout for the remainder of the contest. A late goal from Meghan Gazard ’18 with less than a minute on the clock earned Rivers a 3-1 victory and its fourth NEPSAC Class C Championship.

 

“I am so proud of the way this team played throughout the entire fall,” said Coach Janna Anctil. “The girls showed up ready to compete each and every day. Winning the Class C Championship was the ultimate reward for the hard work and commitment that this group of girls put in every single day.”

 

Ellie Branka ’16 (Capt.), Sammi Estes ’16 (Capt.), Kaitlin Wood ’17 (Capt.), Alex Sidell ’16, Lorraine Byrne ’17, Holly Glass ’17, Erin McKay ’17, Elliott Ramirez ’17, Michelle Ryder ’17, Campbell Siegrist ’17, Julia Carlin ’18, Shannon Daley ’18, Courtney Day ’18, Meghan Gazard ’18, Julia Holton ’18, Jenna Letterie ’18, Zoe Brown ’19, Caroline Grady ’19, and Kaitlin Shaughnessy ’19.

Head Coach Janna Anctil

Assistant Coach Lydia Hayward

Manager Kate Everett ’16