Fall Sports Kickoff

The fall season is off to a great start for The Academy’s athletic program. Students have turned out in record numbers to play for the Penguins, especially the soccer team (which has doubled in size!). The soccer team has played four games already, showing steady improvement along the way. As the returning and new players spend more time on the field together, spectators can see the girls actively looking to connect and create plays as a unit.  After a 6-0 loss against Christian Covenant Academy’s varsity team and a 3-0 loss to Marblehead, Captain Jane Grady opened scoring for APH (followed shortly thereafter by Siobhan Noonan) in a 2-1 win over Matignon.  Captain Kara Welch netted 2 in the team’s 5-3 loss to Hamilton-Wenham and goalie Hayden Groves has been coming up with great saves in net for the Penguins.

Our volleyball team started their season on a high note, earning the first win in APH volleyball history with a 3-set victory over Maimonides. Adriana Kotler caught fire in the first game, serving for 18 consecutive points. Returning players, such as Captain Sophia Ferrello and sophomore Cashel Davis, led the team on the court, helping to coordinate some fantastic rallies.  The team followed up with a second win, beating Marblehead in 2 sets. The team’s overall serving was greatly improved, including volleyball newcomer Shayla Saad who went on a hot streak, serving for 10 consecutive points. Not to be slowed, the Penguins traveled to Newburyport the following day where they beat their hosts in 3 sets.  In the match, Jill Wall made several excellent plays including a few third hits and a dig.

The cross country team also has a blend of experienced runners and girls new to the sport. The team has been working hard every afternoon, and on Friday 9/15 headed to Pingree for a season-opening meet with Pingree, Bancroft, Brimmer and May, Dexter-Southfield, and Bradford Christian. The Penguins battled through a delayed start to the race, and ran hard through the woods and fields of Pingree’s campus, with each runner setting for herself a new bar to aim for in coming races.

Our field hockey players have brought enthusiasm to their twice-weekly practices. The group focuses on skills and small games, and often teams up with the cross country runners for a workout. These girls are creating a field hockey culture here at APH and building the foundation for future program growth.