As SKS’ fall 2019 athletic season winds to a close, Cougar fans still have a lot to cheer about with our fourth team winning a conference title, and two teams advancing to the New England division championships.

On Saturday, November 9, three runners from the girls cross country team traveled to the NEPSTA (New England Private School Track Association) Division IV Championship Race held at the Hebron Academy in Maine. Out of the 97 varsity runners competing from around New England, SKS’ girls placed well with sophomores Scout Zischke and Sofia Bove placing at 11 and 19 respectively, and freshman Joy Lee placing at 72. The top 20 runners in the division race, including Scout and Sofia, have been invited to run in the NEPSTA All-Star Meet on Saturday, November 16, at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA.

 

 

On the same day, the Storm King boys varsity soccer team succeeded in capturing their fourth consecutive HVAL Conference Championship title with a 7-0 score versus Marvelwood. According to Coach Joseph Graziosi, the team “overcame multiple variables to defeat an inspired opponent.” At the start of the match, Storm King withstood a vigorous Marvelwood attack resulting in two missed scoring chances by the Pterodactyls. SKS Senior Captain Jordan Golding opened the scoring with a stunning header followed by eighth-grader Elijah Graziosi who redirected a cross from junior Jason Shrem volleying Storm King to a 2-0 lead 15 minutes into the match.

 

 

 

Next up, another eighth-grader, Isaiah Davis, skillfully placed a loose ball into the Marvelwood net and Jordan finished the first half with two successful penalty kicks bringing Storm King to a 5-0 lead.  Less than 5 minutes into the second half, Elijah scored again, tucking a ball from junior Ivan Kalergis Riedel inside the left post of the Marvelwood goal.  Senior Sean Witte finished the scoring with a 35-yard free-kick goal.

 

 

“This was, by far, the most inspired performance I have seen in my 12 years of coaching soccer at Storm King,” continued Coach Graziosi. “These young men demonstrated unequaled grit and integrity throughout the match and the entire HVAL Tournament.  Their character and teamwork is impeccable and they will always be etched in my memory as champions.  I have never been more proud.”

 

 

Coach Jeanette McMahon mirrored that sentiment while recapping the success of the girls varsity volleyball team. Following their recent HVAL Conference win versus Faith Christian Academy, the top-seeded girls have advanced to the New England Division IV Championship playoffs taking place this coming weekend. The team will play in the NEPSAC semifinal game on Saturday, November 16, versus an opponent yet to be determined. With a win on Saturday, the girls will advance to the NEPSAC Division IV Championship final game that will take place on Sunday, November 17.