It was a spirit-filled rivalry weekend as Episcopal Academy student-athletes competed in nine contests during the annual EA/Haverford/AIS Weekend. The varsity girls competed for the coveted Banner against The Agnes Irwin School, while the boys played The Haverford School, hoping to win back the Sweater.
The girls won two (tennis and soccer) and tied one (field hockey) of four contests in order to keep the Banner for another year on Friday, Nov. 8. The boys fell short (1-4). Cross country won the day, and golf, water polo, soccer, and football were defeated by the Fords on Saturday, Nov. 9.
After a school-wide pep rally on Friday, fans lined the Clark Campus Green to kick off the contests and cheer on girls' cross country. Kendra Williamson '27 won the race and set a new school and course record with a time of 18:22:3, a minute faster than the previous course record. EA runners placed 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th on the challenging Celentano Cross Country Course. The final tally was EA 31, AIS 24. "I am proud of our team for their performance on Friday as well as their effort all season. We knew that Agnes Irwin had a very strong team, and we kept the race close and set a lot of course PRs in the process," shared Coach Lauren Finnical, Hon. "Our team has supported each other so well throughout the season. We are going to miss our seven seniors, and we are looking to build on our momentum heading into next fall!"
Girls' tennis swept the day, 7-0. The team won the Inter-Ac Championship, went undefeated in league play, and ended the season with a remarkable 22-1 record. The squad also won the PAISAA Championship as Friday's match counted as the state finals. "It was an awesome environment, and we had great support from our fans," said Coach Whitaker Powell, Hon. "I am very proud of our team and how they played during EA/AIS Day and the entire season."
Girls' soccer stormed the field ready for the Owls. After much back and forth, the first half ended scoreless. Shortly into the second half, Quinn Whitaker '25 fired in a goal on an assist by Avery Le '25. The squad kept up the momentum as Kate Dente '25 scored a second goal on a pass from Bridget Dempsey '25. Goalie Lauren Creamer '25 notched the team's 9th shutout in 12 league games. "The first half was a great matchup as both teams had opportunities," explained Coach Andy Fraggos. "I think the difference was the depth we had and the 12th man with fans and the home field advantage. This is such an incredible team and group of seniors that I couldn't be happier for them to finish their season with a big win against AIS."
EA field hockey took an early 1-0 lead after a hard-earned goal scored by Elizabeth Hug '25. AIS tied things up in the second half where the score remained 1-1 at the end of regulation play. The contest moved to 7v7 sudden death overtime. "Fast breaks, corner plays, and relentless efforts were demonstrated throughout regulation and into OT," said Coach Colleen Bernabei, Hon., who stepped in to help coach the team. "Overtime was packed with high energy and intensity from the field, our sideline, and our fans!" The defensive line and goalie Payton Smith '28 made crucial saves to force the game into overtime. As the play clock ticked to zero, the game ended in a tie. Under brilliant skies, players and fans stormed Buggy Field to celebrate winning the 2024 Banner.
Boys' golf braved a windy, chilly morning as the team hit the links at Waynesboro Country Club for the start of EA/Haverford Day on Saturday. Despite strong play, the squad lost to a talented Haverford team, 141-149.
Boys' cross country ran to 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th place to tally a win (19-40) for the boys. Curtis Conner '26 crossed the finish line first with a time of 16:08.05 and set a course record. "Our boys ran very well," said Coach Jim Farrell '82. "It was a beautiful day for a race, and Curtis shaved 20 seconds off of the course record." The team's seniors end their high school cross country careers with never losing an Inter-Ac dual meet. "That is quite an accomplishment!" beamed Coach Farrell.
It was a fast start in the Burke Natatorium for boys' water polo as the Fords fired in several goals early on. After trailing by eight, the Churchman answered with three goals to make it 9-3 (Haverford) at the half. In the end, Haverford won the match, 16-7.
Despite dominating in offensive play, boys' soccer came up short (0-1) in the fourth contest of the day. Haverford scored the first and only goal of the match with 28 minutes left in the second half. "What a cool environment to be a part of. EA/Haverford Day is a very important day for all of EA athletics," said Coach Zach Ward. "Give everything you have and leave nothing on the field is how we play. The team loves to play on these occasions. I am very proud of the way they have battled through adversity all season long."
Energetic, face-painted fans of all ages filled the stands of Smith Field for the final contest of the weekend, football. Haverford was quick to get on the board. Despite injuries sidelining some key players, EA stayed strong. At the half, Haverford led 21-14. Spencer Schuh '26 and Kamau Kegler '27 stepped in and both threw their first career touchdown passes to receiver Jackson Orcutt '26. Jackson also added an interception on the day. The final was 29-14, and Haverford retained the Sweater for another year.