Spring Teams Win 7 Inter-Ac Championships

It has been a remarkable spring for EA's varsity athletics as seven teams won Inter-Ac Championships. Girls' golf, boys' and girls' lacrosse, and track and field teams, along with softball and boys' tennis, all won their coveted league titles. Two teams tallied undefeated seasons, six EA student-athletes were named league MVPs, and one coach was selected Coach of the Year.

Boys' tennis added to the championship tally on Monday, May 19, after repeated weather-related delays the week of May 5. The team played past Germantown Academy (4-3). "It was another gritty win as #2, #3, and #4 doubles stepped up in a big moment with huge performances," shared Coach Whitaker Powell, Hon. With the match tied at 3-3, #1 singles player Preston Lubiniecki sealed the win. "I couldn't be prouder," said Coach Powell. "This marked four straight matches where someone different had to step up and carry the weight. That's the definition of a true team." The squad shares the Inter-Ac title with The Haverford School. "It's an honor to share the title with our oldest and fiercest rivals," remarked Coach Powell. "It is a true testament to the level of competition and mutual respect that defines this league." Preston was named league MVP.

Girls' golf kicked things off playing to their fourth consecutive Inter-Ac Championship on Monday, April 28, at Overbrook Golf Club. The girls shot 205 to secure another undefeated season (5-0). Senior Clarissa Leung led play with a 38, followed by Julia Griffin '28 (39), Addie Chang '25 (41), Carter Yearley '25 (43), Libby Flaisher '25 (44), Marietta Hartman '27 (45), Elizabeth Hershey '25 (48), and Arden Mankovich '25 (49). Girls' golf has won the Inter-Ac Championship in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024.  

On Monday, May 12, the team won its second consecutive PAISAA Championship with a score of 165. Clarissa Leung took the Individual championship with an impressive score of 34. Addie Chang took second (40). "The team played well throughout both championships. We are really proud of their strong finish," beamed Coach Bert Howlin, Hon. "It has been a spectacular season. This group of seniors has not lost a league match during their four years on the team!" 

In a spectacular finish, boys' lacrosse powered past rival The Haverford School (8-7) on Friday, May 9, to win the Inter-Ac for the first time since 1998. Parker Smith '26 led the offense with three points, followed by Keegan Nash '26 and Reid Dennis '27, who contributed two points each. Evan MacFarland '25 and David Brickman '26 led the defense with three points, seven ground balls, and six combined caused turnovers. Goalie Tim Landaiche '25 tallied nine saves while Blake Riley '25 snagged three face-offs. "A very exciting Inter-Ac game that literally came down to the last seconds," shared Coach Steve Colfer. "The team played great throughout, and we were able to make just enough plays to win versus a very tough Haverford team. The win allowed us to claim a share of the Inter-Ac title for the first time in 27 years!" Longstick middie and defender Evan MacFarland has been selected to compete in the National All-American Senior All-Star game at US Lacrosse headquarters in June. He was also named league MVP.

Girls' lacrosse ended its undefeated season (18-0) with the Inter-Ac Championship after a rain-soaked 6-3 win over The Agnes Irwin School on Tuesday, May 13. Down 1-3 early, the team showed poise and grit, tying things up (3-3) at the half. The team slogged through wind and rain in the second half to wrap up its perfect season. "As the final whistle blew on their perfect season, it was clear that this Episcopal Academy team had created more than just wins. They built a legacy of connection, excellence, and joy that will be remembered for years to come," said Coach Josie Tomaino. "Throughout the season, the girls remained focused on what mattered most: playing together and enjoying every moment. That mindset helped fuel the team’s consistency and joy throughout their undefeated campaign." This marks the 4th consecutive league championship for girls' lacrosse. Senior Quinn Whitaker was named league MVP. Coach Tomaino was named Eastern Pennsylvania US Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

From the start, the team embraced the challenge of competing at the highest level with decisive victories against top-tier competition, including the McDonogh School (12-4), The Potomac School (16-10), and IMG Academy (14-6). "These early matchups built toughness, resilience, and unity that carried the team throughout the spring." Girls lacrosse is ranked #2 by USA lacrosse and #1 in Pennsylvania in the Private School rankings. The season marked the last for long-time Coach Kim Piersall, Hon., who is retiring at the end of the school year. "Her influence on the program and this year’s team was profound, making the undefeated season all the more meaningful," said Coach Tomaino.

Softball secured its fourth consecutive Inter-Ac Championship with an 8–3 victory over Springside Chestnut Hill Academy on Tuesday. The team was fueled by a critical six-run fourth inning and a strong performance by pitcher Maia Contreras '27, allowing just one earned run on three hits over seven innings. SCH jumped out to a 3–1 lead early, but EA took control in the fourth, tallying four hits and six runs. Sophia Santinelli '26 delivered a clutch two-run double, while Kayla Brady '28 also drove in a pair. Sophia and Sofia Foulds '26 each finished with two hits.  EA was also aggressive on the bases, racking up seven steals. "It was a well-rounded performance from the girls as they capped off their Inter-Ac season with another title!" said Assistant Coach Kiley Straub.

Boys' and girls' track and field lifted the Inter-Ac Championship trophies after winning the day on Saturday, May 10. The boys won with 124.5 points, followed by Malvern Prep (110) and The Haverford School (107). EA scored in every event but one.

The girls won the day with 152 points, followed by Penn Charter (119) and Germantown Academy (108).

Boys' results:

  • Abaas Hunter won the 100m, 400m, and 200m races. Inter-Ac meet records in the 400m (47.51) and 200m (20.95). Abaas' 200m time also breaks the Delaware County record set in 2010 by Corey Brown, former Cardinal O'Hara sprinter and former NFL wide receiver. 
  • Yaya Johnson won the High Jump and Triple Jump, finished 2nd in the Long Jump, and ran to 2nd place 4x100m relay. 
  • Eli Engelman '25 finished 2nd in the 1600m and 4th in the 800m.
  • Curtis Conner '26 finished 5th in the 1600m and 3rd in the 3200m.
  • Dawson Brown '27 won the Long Jump and finished 4th in the Triple Jump.
  • Kaleb Young '28 finished 3rd in the 800m.
  • 4x100m relay finished 2nd (Jamil Abdul-Malik '26, Yaya Johnson, Jacob Serrano '28, and Dawson Brown)
  • 4x800m relay finished 2nd (Ethan Zhou '25, Ryan Wen '27, Kyle Zhang '27, and Will Patterson '27)
  • 4x400m relay finished 4th (Kaleb Young, Jacob Serrano, Isaiah Balogun '25, and Curtis Conner)
  • Jayden Waters '26 ran to 6th in 110mH, Jay Barrett '26 placed 6th in the Shot Put, Cooper Ebeling '27 threw to 6th in the Discus, Ethan Zhou placed 5th in 3200m, and Grant Bowman '28 jumped to 6th in the Pole Vault.

The boys won six of 17 events and had top-three finishers in 11 events. "The senior boys will graduate as 4x Inter-Ac champs," proclaimed Coach Zach Richards, Hon. "There aren't many graduating classes in any sport that can do that. What they've accomplished is truly special." Senior Yaya Johnson and junior Abaas Hunter accrued 30 points in their respective events and were named co-MVPs of the championship meet.

The girls posted eight season-best times, 21 personal bests, four school records, and two meet records. Senior Maya Bright was named meet MVP.

"The girls were invested in the season from day one. They knew that with a collective effort, they could make serious noise at champs," said Coach John Goens, Hon. "They worked hard to give themselves the opportunity to progress throughout the spring."

Girls' results:

  • Maya Bright '25 finished 1st in the Triple Jump with a season's best jump (34-01.5 ft.). She ran to 1st in the 100m (season best time of 12.37), and anchored the gold medal 4 x 100m relay. Maya finished 2nd in the Long Jump (18').
  • Stevie Combs '25 ran the lead-off leg of the 4x100m relay, finished 2nd in the 100m (PR of 12.4), and won the 200m (PR of 25.07).
  • Ella Becket '25 placed 3rd in the 100m hurdles (PR 18.77), 2nd in the 300m Hurdles, and 3rd in the Triple Jump (PR of 33-04 ft.).
  • Ryann Newcomb '26 scored in four events. She placed 5th in the Shot Put (season best throw of 29-10.5), placed 4th in the 200m (PR of 26.10), and 4th in the 400m (58.96). Ryann ran the 3rd leg of the silver medal 4x400m relay with a split of 58.26.  
  • Ava Cavanaugh '27 placed 2nd in the 400m (PR 56.18 and school record), 3rd in the 800m, and anchored the 4x400m relay.
  • Kendra Williamson '27 placed 2nd in the 1600m (PR 4:56.9 and school record), won the 3200m (10:41.54 school and meet record).
  • 4x100m relay won 1st place (49.63). (Stevie Combs, Tatym Tucker 27, Mia Ganzhorn '26, Maya Bright).
  • 4x800m relay won 1st Place (9:56.21 season best). (Mary Orobono '28, Hannah Todd '28, Faith Varga '27, Morgan Lohr '26).
  • 4x400m relay won silver and broke the meet record (3:57.13). (Morgan Lohr, Mary Orobono, Ryann Newcomb, Ava Cavanaugh).

Other notable performances:

  • Maya Raman '25 won and set a new school record in the Javelin (99-04). 
  • Bridget Dempsy '25 placed 4th in the 100m hurdles and 4th in the 300m hurdles in a season's best time. 
  • Elizabeth Hug '25 threw to 5th in the Discus. 
  • GG Wondrasch '26 jumped to 5th in the High Jump. 
  • Reagan Buzan '27 placed 5th in the High Jump. 
  • Hannah Todd ran 6th in the 800m. 
  • Tatym Tucker ran a PR in the 100m (12.93) and the 200m (27.15). 
  • Darcy Mackenzie ran a PR in the 800m (2:37.78). 
  • Lily Randolph '26 ran a PR in the 800m (2:39.3).
  • Grace Schoenstein set a PR in the 1600m (5:50.95).

"The girls stayed steady, supported each other, and competed fiercely, and their investment paid off," said Coach Goens. "First place, a trophy, and a 2025 on the team banner that will be there forever. To say that I am proud is an understatement!" The girls added the PAISAA championship to their list of accolades as they ran away with the day on Monday, May 19.

The Middle School boys' track and field team won the Inter-Ac Championship while the girls won the silver.