New England Tournament Recap

3/9/2010
The New England Tournament this past week proved highly successful for Rivers, with three of its winter teams earning tournament bids. Girls’ basketball had an impressive run of victories leading up to the finals; girls’ ice hockey made it to the semi-finals of their tournament; and boys’ basketball notched a well-deserved tournament selection.

“We had some great athletic accomplishments this winter,” says Director of Athletics Jim McNally. “The players and coaches all put in so much hard work and effort this season, and it shows with their postseason achievements.”

The girls’ basketball team began the tournament with a decisive 47-34 victory over Williston-Northampton, thanks to a show-stopping 26-point performance from Tayra Melendez ’12.  The team then won a thrilling semi-final game at home on Friday against Cushing Academy, triumphing after two overtimes, 54-50. Clare Sullivan ’11 led Rivers with 16 points, while Melendez added 15. “It may have been the best atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of at Rivers,” coach Bob Pipe says of the massive audience of students, parents, faculty, and alumni cheering on the Red Wings.

The team also played well at Sunday’s final at Nobles, losing 34-33 in a close game against a strong Pomfret team that finished the season undefeated (28-0).  “It was a good tournament and a great year,” says Pipe, citing Rivers’ 10-game winning streak and 20-win season. “I’m really proud of our captains Nicole Kaitz ’10, Shannon McSweeney ’10, and Leah Stansky ’10, as well as everyone else on the team that contributed to our success.”

In other tournament news, girls’ hockey won its quarterfinal game against the Gunnery School on Wednesday, 4-0. The team fell behind early against Southfield School on Saturday, determinedly battling back before losing, 5-3. Boys’ basketball lost in the quarterfinals to eventual tournament champion Lawrence Academy, after a strong season that signaled the up-and-coming team’s promise for next year.