Cross Country

Submitted by Coach Stephenson with Photos by Micelle Hallmark, P’24

09/04/24: Quad Meet at Gunston 

On Wednesday, September 4, the Cross Country team hosted its first home meet of the year, welcoming four other schools from the ESIAC conference to Gunston's beautiful campus. Several Heron runners competed in their first ever 5K race, including Jillian English ’28, Phoebe Fritz ’28, Stuart Johnston ’28, Eli Moore ’25, Caden Quirion ’28, and Eli Shenk ’28. Leading the way for the boys was Lucas Watkins ’26 with a 12th place overall finish. But it was the Gunston girls who really stole the show, taking first place in the meet, led by Phoebe Fritz ’28 (2nd place overall), and Seniors Margaret Randolph and Grace Hanlon (4th and 5th place, respectively). Next up, the boys travel to Fusco Park in Annapolis to take on MIAA conference competition on September 11, and the girls head to Salisbury School on September 12.  

Girls Varsity Soccer

Submitted by Coach D’Antonio with photos by Kellen McCluskey, P’21’23’25

09/04/24 vs Indian Creek High School Draw 4-4

The Gunston Girls Varsity Soccer Team kicked off their 2024 season with a thrilling 4-4 tie against a tough IAAM opponent, Indian Creek School, on Temple Field. After falling behind 1-0, Addi Temple ’28, one of the team’s newest stars, scored her first high school goal with a perfect setup from sophomore standout Abby Philippon. Despite Indian Creek regaining the lead, the Herons fought back, with Phillippon netting two goals and senior captain Vee McCluskey providing key assists to keep the game level at 3-3. With just four minutes left, the Herons’ persistence paid off when Nina Johnston ’25 finished a perfect corner from Temple to tie the game at 4-4. It was a nail-biting finish to an exciting opener!

Philippon shined with two goals and an assist, while Olivia Blusk ’27 earned “Henry the Heron” for her fierce defense. Reagan Johnson ’28, making her high school debut, was named Player of the Match for her stellar play in the sweeper position. Next up, the Herons face off against ESIAC rival Worcester Prep on Friday at 4 pm. Don't miss the action!

Field Hockey

Submitted by Coach Matthews

09/04/24 vs Indian Creek High School W 6-0

In their opening game, Varsity Field Hockey beat Indian Creek School 6-0, at Indian Creek. The Herons had 15 shots on goal, and took 11 penalty corners. In the first quarter, Gunston went up 2-0. They increased their lead to 4-0 before the half. Insurance goals were added in both the third and fourth quarters, to take the Herons to a decisive 6-0 win. Goal scorers were Grace Shepherd ‘25 (2), Kate Zottarelli ‘27 (1), Layla Kent ‘26 (2), and Gabi Shepherd ‘27 (1). Goalkeeper Lorelei DeGour ‘28 did not have to make a save during the game. Harold was awarded to Elena Szwaja ‘27 for an outstanding performance in midfield! Congrats Herons!! 

Varsity Volleyball

Submitted by Coach Henry

08/29/24 vs Friends School of Baltimore W 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-20)

The Gunston Varsity Volleyball team improved to 2-0 with a 3-set victory over IAAM conference opponent Friends School, 25-16, 25-12, 25-20. After a sluggish first set, the Herons put together a solid offensive effort, led by sophomore Emma Nkanza's six serving aces to accompany her multiple “on target” sets. Liv Labrador ’27 & Mia Walker ’25 led the hitting attack (6 & 4 kills, respectively), while Phoebe Kelly ’25, Alie Merkle ’28, and Olivia Arthur’ 25 combined to provide key well-placed hits. Scotia Hopper ’27 controlled the back line from her Libero position, helping a defense that played particularly well in the 2nd set. The Herons had much of the roster contribute to the victory, as Lizzy Chiochetti ’27 (3 assists), Addison Coldwell ’28 (2 huge serves), Lilly McDonald ’27(1 kill), Chloe Bennett ’27(2 serving aces), and Alli Lutz ’25 (1 dig), all played important points during the match.

09/03/24 vs St. Mary’s High School L 3-1 (IAAM-B Conference)  

The Gunston Varsity volleyball team fought hard, but dropped a 4-set match on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to MIAA B-Conference opponent St. Mary's HS. The Herons brushed off a sluggish start to win the 3rd set, but could not overcome the home-court advantage of the Saints. The Herons were led offensively by Liv Labrador ’27 with 3 kills, Phoebe Kelly ’25 with 3 kills and 2 aces, and Mia Walker ’25 & Alie Merkle ’28, who contributed 2 kills a piece. Gunston's big hitters were impressively set up by setter Emma Nkanza ’26, who provided 25 “on-target” opportunities. The Heron's defense was once again led by Scotia Hopper ’27, who had 6 digs from her libero position. Olivia Arther ’25 & Walker also chipped in with a combined 2 blocks from the front line. 

09/04/24 vs Indian Creek School W 3-0  (IAAM-C Conference) 

The Gunston Varsity volleyball team improved to 3-1 with a 3-set victory over Indian Creek School on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 25-22, 25-23, 25-20. The Herons offensive attack was led by Emma Nkanza's ’26 46 “on-target” sets, which helped produce 31 kills, led by Phoebe Kelly ’25 - 12, Alie Merkle ’28 - 9, and Liv Labrador '27 - 6, Lilly McDonald '27, Olivia Arthur '27, and Mia Walker '25 combined for 4 additional kills. Merkle and Chloe Bennett '27 each had 2 serving aces, while Nkanza, Labrador, Kelly, and Scotia Hopper ’27 each had one. Defensively, Hopper led the team with 8 digs, while Walker, Arther, and Kate Andrews '26 combined to provide some impressive blocks and tips on the front line. Addison Coldwell '28, Lizzy Chiochetti ’27, and Alli Lutz ’25 each played valuable points, keeping rallies alive with their “hustle plays.” The Herons open up conference play this Friday, Sept. 6 at home vs ESIAC-opponent Worcester Prep. There is not a JV game, so the Varsity game will start at 4:00 - let's pack the Heron's Nest!

Junior Varsity Volleyball

Submitted by Coach Coner

09/03/24 vs St. Mary’s High School (IAAM-B Conference)  

JV volleyball score 25-8 and 27-25 we lost both, but almost made a comeback!
        
Submitted by Coach Goodall

09/04/24 vs Indian Creek School (IAAM-C Conference) 

The girl’s JV volleyball team avenged our only loss from last season by beating Indian Creek in three sets: 25-16, 20-25, and 15-6. Jessalyn Tavenner ’28, Savannah Landon ’27, Isabella Hildebrandt ’28, and Ella Baer ’28 had great serves with Landon scoring several aces in a row. Additional standout plays came from the following players: Iris Lillie ’28 had some great spikes, Hildebrandt had great sets, and Baer and Landon had great passes.

Lifetime Sports

Submitted by Coach Hansen, P’23

Lifetime Sports is off to another exciting season, with eleven players trying their hands at over fifteen different sports! Some (but not all) of the sports we will be playing include Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Kickball, Baseball, Bocce Ball, Cornhole, Golf, Soccer, Disc Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Basketball, Dodgeball, and Football.

Our first week has begun with Disc Golf, Bocce Ball, Tennis, and Cornhole, all in the first 3 days! Today will be our group's first competition on the newly established 9-hole disc golf course. At our initial practice on Tuesday, 2 standout players were Seniors Ezra Lily and Jackson Showalter, both shooting at or below par on most holes.

We are hoping to have the pickleball courts marked out to begin play next week. Plans are to establish a Pickleball team this year to compete against a number of schools that are beginning teams of their own, including Queen Annes and Worcester Prep, amongst others. The players are enthusiastic and ready to take on anything thrown at them! Should be a great season!