Congratulations to all our fall sports teams on a great season! Here are some highlights from Middle School Athletics:
Cross Country
The Cross Country team ended their season on a high note. Throughout this fall, the team has continuously shown drops in time and improvements in speed and technique. At the Palisades League Meet on October 15, all runners were super strong but especially great races were had by 8th graders, Greg Hine, who finished in 9th place (earning him a Colonial League Championship medal) and Krish Gupta, who finished in 11th place. This season an unusually motivated group of 6th graders not only participated in practices but showed up at meets to help time and support their teammates in 7th and 8th grade. We look forward to them being able to race next year. Finally, the entire team participated in a dual meet held on the Moravian Academy XC course against the Swain School. Our team ran strong with Krish Gupta coming in 2nd place overall, Greg Hine coming in 3rd place and Ava Noel coming in 4th place overall. XC award winners are Ava Noel - Lions Pride, Krish Gupta - Coaches Award, and Joey Oltman - Quantum Leap.
Field Hockey
The field hockey team had an outstanding season with an overall record of 15-4-2. The small but feisty team outscored opponents 67 to 14 and goalie Emma Derby recorded 11 shutouts. The Lions were the only team in the Lehigh Valley to score a goal against a powerful and undefeated Wilson team. The team bonded over games with no subs, hot weather, challenging practices, fierce competition, sisters, and positive shout outs. The offense was propelled by Quinn Lauden (18 goals, 4 Assists), Tori Fegley (17 Goals, 9 Assists), and Grayson Domzalski (12 Goals, 4 Assists). The midfield was on fire with the play of Megan Dadio (8 Goals, 13 Assists), Rayna Malhotra (3 Goals, 4 Assists), and Abby Aemisegeo (3 Goals, 4 Assists). The backs were able to close down opponents with each passing game led by Marley Garnder (1 Goal, 5 Assists). Anya Chadha (1 Goal, 2 Assists), Alizeh Ali, and Mimi Mira rounded out the strong Lion defense. The team was delighted when Gabby Cruz joined the team eager to play and provide the team with a much-needed extra player! The sixth graders’ final week of play saw competition against Swain and Wilson. We were able to see the strength of goalie Charlotte Best in a game setting. Kyara displayed her impressive slap shots and positioning knowledge. Arwen played midfield and helped to link the forwards and the backs. Misha made smart decisions and Daaniyah loved the thrill of going to the ball in a game. Meanwhile, Jo was fast to the ball while Eva supported her with great passes. Together, the sixth graders showed the positive traits of next year’s team! Field Hockey award winners are Megan Dadio - Lions Pride, Tori Fegley - Coaches Award, Eva Borsuk - Coaches Award, and Quinn Lauden - Quantum Leap.
Girls’ Soccer
The Girls’ Soccer Team had an outstanding season. The team was led by captains Addison Etter, Tamera Maginan, and Jasmine Scott. The leadership truly helped with navigating their team to a 5-4 record on the season. The team was very strong down the middle of the field with Alicia Gordon holding down the defense along with Brooke Lopez. Valia Tsirukis and Ang Perrucci truly were a dominant force in the middle where they used their speed and soccer knowledge to lead the team up the field. The girls developed very well throughout the season and truly were a confident bunch going into each game. Girls’ Soccer award winners are Alicia Gordon - Lions Pride, Addison Etter - Coaches Award, Valia Tsirukis - Quantum Leap, and Brooke Lopez - Quantum Leap.
Boys’ Soccer
The boys enjoyed a successful season on the soccer field. Beginning and ending with two great wins, the team steadily progressed throughout the season. The team's final record of 4 wins and 5 losses may not appear overly impressive, but it fails to highlight the skill and tactical development of the entire group, which was exceptional. Led by a competent group of 8th graders, an athletic group of 7th graders, and a spirited group of 6th graders, every player made significant contributions throughout the season. The future of the boy's program continues to look bright. Boys’ Soccer award winners are Clayton Kelly - Lions Pride, Daylan Gill - Coaches Award, and Nathan Brown - Quantum Leap.
Winter Sports
Now that fall sports are over it is time to prepare for basketball season. Basketball season will officially begin on Monday, November 18. A new sports physical is required if your child has not participated in a Moravian Academy sport this year. Parents and students will need to complete the required PIAA Parent/Student/Impact Form. If your child had a sports physical earlier and participated in a sport this school year, parents and students need to complete the PIAA Recertification Section 7 and 8 Form. All of the forms can be found on the Moravian Academy website on the Athletic Forms page. Forms should be handed in to the Middle School Main Office by Friday, November 15. Student-Athletes who have not been cleared by our Athletic Trainer will not be permitted to participate. More information on practice times will be sent out within the next few weeks.
Coach Crivellaro will be holding optional open gyms for any 6th, 7th, & 8th graders who are interested in playing basketball. Open gyms will be held in the Middle School gym from 3:00 - 4:30 PM on the following dates: Tuesday, Oct. 29, Thursday, Oct. 31, Thursday, Nov. 7, Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 14.
Go LIONS!