Storm King Athletics finally took to the court and field this month after more than one year, and the Cougars are accomplishing great things as they settle into their fall schedules. They executed several outstanding plays this month while demonstrating discipline and good sportsmanship on and off the field.

Boys Varsity Soccer

Setting the stage for an outstanding month, Boys Varsity Soccer faced off against rival Oakwood Friends School on Saturday, September 18, taking the contest with a 9-5 victory over the Lions.

Goals:
Arturo S. ’24 – 3
Rhyan R. ’23 – 3
Diego M. ’25 – 2
Alferdo M. ’24 – 1

Next, the boys turned out at Woodstock Country Day School on Wednesday, September 22, with a 3-1 victory. Coach Bennett had this to say: “We played a very disciplined, controlled game on a field much larger than we’re used to. It was enjoyable to watch. Communication was the best it’s ever been, and our keeper and defenders stepped up big.”

Goals:
Diego M. ’25
Arturo S.’ 2
Rhyan R. ’23

In their next match at Christian Heritage on Friday, September 24, the excitement was constant through the game, which ended in a tie, 1-1. The boys played incredibly well in all aspects of the game, and Michael S. ’23 was a force to be reckoned with on defense.

Goals:
Rhyan R. ’23

On Wednesday, September 29, Boys Varsity Soccer faced Oakwood Friends on their home field, where they took the day with a 5-2 win.

Boys JV Soccer

To kick off their season, the boys JV soccer team hosted Millbrook Academy’s Thirds team for their first match on September 18, bringing the program’s total to 3 wins for the week with a 4-1 victory over the Mustangs. Coach Ciunga attributed their success to a “superb job by keeper SJ ’24 and the outstanding determination and persistence of the entire team throughout the game.”

The JV squad was not as fortunate on September 29 when they traveled to Connecticut’s Frederick Gunn School. Despite several injuries playing against a skilled opponent, their morale remained high thanks to the efforts of Max C. ’23 and others, but the JV Cougars ultimately fell with a score of 0-9.

Girls Varsity Soccer

After an initial cancellation, girls varsity soccer began their season by defeating the Oakwood Lions on Saturday, September 18, with a 9-2 victory. Coaches Anastio and Hayles were pleased with the performance saying, “the team shows great promise each time they take the pitch.”

The following Wednesday, September 25, the team traveled to face Christian Heritage, falling with a 0-4 loss after a consistent and valiant effort. The girls suffered another loss, 2-7 when they traveled to EF International on Saturday, September 27. After a slow start, the energy picked up in the second half resulting in two goals. Missing two critical players, the girls struggled with the connection between the midfield and defense, but morale remained high throughout the game. Goalie Sydney M. ’25 played an amazing game-saving two-thirds of the shots on the goal.

Goals:
Adela K. ’23
Elena C. ’23

Boys Cross Country

Boys cross country spent their first weekend of competition at the top of their craft with a big win at the Faith Christian Academy Invitational on Saturday, September 18:

Storm King – 20
Hoosac – 41
Oakwood – 88
New York Military Academy (NYMA) – 93

The Cougars led from the start controlling the challenging course with their trademark pack-style running. All of the boys placed in succession:

2nd – Captain, Edward I. ’23, time 19:41
3rd – Lou H. ’22, time 20:53
4th – Vinnie I. ’24
5th – Otto S. ’22
6th – JC G. ’22
7th – Kayan M. ’23

Taking to the course again, Boys Cross Country ran in the Oakwood Invitational on Wednesday, September 22. The Cougars claimed the top 6 positions in a perfect race:

1st – Captain, Edward I. ’23, (also known as Fast Eddie)
2nd – Lou H. ’22
3rd – Kayan M. ’23
4th – Otto S. ’22
5th – JC G. ’22
6th – Vinnie I. ’24

The SKS harriers returned home for Storm King’s Fall Invitational, which took place on Wednesday, September 29. The boys placed well in the 1.5-mile race, capturing 2nd, 4th, and 6th place out of the top 10:

2nd – Patrick F. ’25
4th – Sebastian B. ’25
6th – Natsumi T. ’24

In the 5K Race, 3 Storm King runners placed in the top 10:

2nd – Captain, Edward I. ’23, (also known as Fast Eddie)
4th – Lou H. ’22
10th – Otto S. ’22

Girls Cross Country

The girls cross country team also raced at Oakwood on Wednesday, September 22. Marisa C. ’24 won the girls varsity race and finished 1st Overall. Maria T. ’22 finished in 5th place in her debut race.

At the SKS Invitational on Wednesday, September 29, two Storm King runners placed in the Girls 5K top 10:

2nd – Marissa C. ’24
6th – Maria T. ’22

Girls Varsity Volleyball

Varsity volleyball faced off against Faith Christian Academy Wednesday, September 15 at our home court. Both teams were rocketing serves back and forth throughout the match, looking for the first side to break the rhythm. Unfortunately, after a valiant effort, the Cougars dropped the contest 0-3. According to Coach McMahon, “The Storm King girls volleyball team gave it their best against Faith Christian, losing three games to a returning team of powerful servers.”

Kudos go to the following athletes: Team Captain Zoe B. ’22 for her power serves; Kimora D. ’22 for her fantastic blocking; Jimena P. ’24 for her solid setting performance; and Nina G. ’22 for her ace serve. “The team’s spirit and motivation are encouraging and only goes to show how far the team will progress,” Coach McMahon continued.

Next up, Girls Varsity Volleyball defeated Oakwood Friends on Saturday, September 18, in 3 straight sets. Coach McMahon shared, “​​The first game highlighted the strong serve of team captain, Zoe B. ’22, as she placed several aces into play. Freshman Taseri B. displayed a solid core of volleyball skills during her first varsity game. Andrea F. ’22 performed well as our setter, even hitting for a point on occasion. Alejandra F. ’23 helped the team with her accurate serves and hustle on the court. Mary Y. ’22 was able to dig the ball on several occasions and made some great saves for the team. It was an excellent performance by all and a fun day of volleyball against Oakwood Friends.”

On Wednesday, September 22, the group dropped their contest against St. Luke’s but remained optimistic at settling the score on Friday at Christian Heritage. During her first game with the team, Coach McMahon praised Clara K. for showing strength and agility and making several key saves and points. The whole team kept a good attitude, had fun, and played their best. They succeeded in scoring a little better each game, moving from 5 to 13 to 18 points.

The girls varsity volleyball team played well against Christian Heritage on Friday, September 24. Dropping the first 2 games, 12-25 and 9-25, the team rallied to win the 3rd game, 25-22. The girls were energized by Alejandra F. ’23, who brought great serves and energy to the floor. Taseri B. made some incredible saves during her play, and Kimora D. had her best game yet with numerous plays at the net. However, the girls ultimately fell to their opponents, 1-3. At their final showdown this month, Girls Varsity Volleyball faced Harvey School on their home court on Wednesday, September 29, where they suffered another loss, 0-3.

Girls JV Volleyball

Despite losing their matches against both Faith Christian on Wednesday, September 15, and St. Luke’s on Saturday, September 18, the coaches stated, “The JV team is in good spirits and is actively learning the game. With a little more experience and practice, they will be a force to be reckoned with.” On Friday, September 24, at Christian Heritage, the team showed another valiant effort, finishing with a 1-2 loss.

Upcoming

To kick off the month of October, Boys Varsity Soccer will travel to Darrow on Saturday, October 2, and Girls Varsity Volleyball will face Kent School at home. Then, on Wednesday, October 6, Boys and Girls Cross Country will compete at the Darrow Invitational, Girls Varsity Soccer will travel to Forman, and Girls Varsity Volleyball will serve against Hoosac on their home court.