It was a banner weekend for EA as the fall athletic teams took on their rivals from The Agnes Irwin School and The Haverford School.
The EA girls won the Banner again this year - winning three events and tying one event. The coveted Sweater returns to The Haverford School after a hard-fought battle by EA's boys' teams.
Girls' Tennis 7-0
The varsity girls' tennis team served up the first competition of the weekend - sweeping the match against AIS (7-0) on Thursday, November 8. "Playing on Thursday was unique in that it allowed tennis to be the sole focus of the day," said Head Coach Whit Powell, Hon. "It was challenging, because of the timing, in that there was almost an entirely pro-AIS crowd. But the girls embraced the chaos of the environment and rose to the challenge." The weather-related schedule change allowed the tennis players to cheer on the golf team, cross country, soccer, and field hockey teams on Friday.
Girls' Cross Country 21-34
The girls' cross country team ran to victory (21-34) on Friday - running to first, second, and third place. The top five EA finishers included: Caitlin Jorgensen (1st), Jill McEntee (2nd), Kathryn Lynn (3rd), Molly Limaye (6th), and Kristin Jorgensen (9th). "We had to run in rainy and sloppy conditions at other meets this season, so we were prepared for whatever the weather decided to throw at us," said Head Coach Lauren Finnical. "Our girls also did a great job of navigating Agnes Irwin's course, which consists of four loops and lots of twists and turns. I am really proud of our girls' effort!"
Girls' Soccer 1-1
The girls' soccer game got underway in the early Friday afternoon as a steady rain began. The EA girls battled back and forth through regulation play trying to break the 1-1 tie. Lauren Cunningham scored on an assist from Hailee Moran. EA had 16 shots on goal. Goalie Allie Bush had three saves on the day. The game went into overtime but ended in a 1-1 tie. "With the wet conditions, tight field, and building excitement of the game by both the players and the fans, each year this game sets itself up for a battle," said Head Coach Andy Fraggos. "I asked the girls to fight for every ball and every play and that's exactly what they did. We're proud of their efforts on Friday and excited the banner gets to stay at EA."
Field Hockey 4-1
It was a soggy but satisfying win for the field hockey team. The skies opened up as the team stormed the field for the last contest of the day. Tri-captain Maddie Rehak got things started with two goals. Despite the wind and rain, the team stayed focused and Gianna Pantaleo shot in two additional goals to make the final score 4-1. Kathleen Anderson and Macy Szukics each had an assist. "I was very proud of how the girls managed the excitement of the weeklong wait, and the rainy conditions," said Head Coach Gina Buggy, Hon. "I feel like this team really came together at the right time!"
Boys' Golf 178-177
The varsity boys' golf team also dealt with tough weather conditions during its match at Gulph Mills Golf Club on Friday. "We played our best match of the year against the undefeated league and state champs," explained Head Coach Doug Borgerson. The team lost to Haverford by one stroke. "The fact that they played well and we came up one stroke short is a testament to our boys raising their level of play to remarkable heights. I am so pleased with our effort and approach leading up to and throughout the round on Friday," said Coach Borgerson. Par for the 11 hole event was 43. Results: Rauscher/Elliott +3 (46), Copit/Valerio +2 (45), J. Zeng/Morgan +1 (44), M. Zeng/LeRoux Even (43).
Boys' Cross Country 29-27
It was a true race to the finish for the boys' cross country team. The team ran at the Haverford School Friday afternoon because of a scheduling issue that prevented the race from taking place during its traditional time on Saturday morning. Owen Maier placed second overall and was EA's first runner to cross the finish line. "It was a great cross country race where Haverford was stronger at the front, and EA was stronger at the back," said Head Coach Jim Farrell, '82. "If one place flipped around, the score would have been tied 28-28 and EA would have won because our 6th and 7th runner beat their 6th runner. It cannot get closer than that race." Overall top EA finishers included: Owen Maier (2nd), Bradley French (4th), Carson Fischer (6th), Matt Repke (8th), Will Sargent (9th), James Austin (10th), and Reid Powers (12th). The team lost the contest by two points.
Boys' Soccer 4-1
The boys' soccer team started out strong and kept up the momentum throughout the game, but fell to the Fords 4-1. Jack Pacera had the team's only goal with an assist by Sam Wilson. Goalie Trevor Manion was impressive in net with seven saves.
Boys' Water Polo 5-12
The boys' water polo team got things started on Saturday morning at Haverford's pool. "The team put forth a valiant effort against Haverford this past Saturday. The game was tight from the beginning," explained Head Coach Max Kelly '06. "The momentum could have gone either way." Goalie Jack O'Reilly had several key blocks at the beginning of the game. "We earned multiple ejections to earn man advantages, but unfortunately, we hit the post too many times," said Coach Kelly. Nick Peyton brought the game to within three goals with a crucial penalty shot to end the first half. EA played fought hard in the second half, but Haverford pulled away to win 12-5. "I am incredibly proud of this team. They kept their composure. They fought with sportsmanship. They played with a level of class and grit unmatched. This team improved tremendously this season, and I couldn't be prouder of our seniors and players," said Coach Kelly.
Football 28-14
The football team's decisive 28-14 win was the highlight of the day on Saturday. Haverford took the early lead on a long touchdown run, but EA answered back as quarterback Maurcus McDaniel rushed in from a yard out to tie the game. Haverford capitalized on a fumble and again pulled ahead. But that was be the last time the Fords threatened to score as EA finished scoring 21 unanswered points. DeeWil Barlee ended his high school playing career by breaking his older brother Dee's (2016) school rushing record. DeeWil rushed 29 times Saturday for 143 yards for a career total of 2,963 rushing yards. "The win closed out the season with a 7-3 record and 3-2 in the Inter-Ac," said Head Coach Todd Fairlie. "It was the first back to back season we beat the Fords in 12 years. We lose a great group of young men with this senior class who finished with four winning seasons and a career record of 26-14." Watch the game highlights here.
