Field Hockey

Submitted by Coach Matthews

10/04/24: L 1-3 vs Severn School

On Friday, Gunston Herons traveled to Severn School for a varsity field hockey matchup. Severn opened the scoring 3 minutes into the game, and Gunston answered with a corner goal by Layla Kent ’26 two minutes later. The Herons fought hard, but Severn improved the score to 1-3 in the third quarter, which ended as the final score. Senior captain Grace Shepherd ’25 was awarded Harold for her incredible play throughout the game. Goalie Lorelei DeGour ’28 recorded 5 saves for the game. 

10/08/24: W 4-0 vs St. Mary’s Ryken

The Heron field hockey team was honored to compete in the first game on the newly-planted Sollers Field against St. Mary's Ryken Tuesday evening. They were proud to earn the first goal and first win on the field, 4-0. On a beautiful reverse chip, Layla Kent '26 opened the scoring early in the first quarter. Kate Zottarelli '27 added another in the first. In the second quarter, Kent added her second of the night. Senior captain Grace Shepherd added the fourth goal for the Herons in the final quarter of the game. Kent and Shepherd both added two assists each for the team. The team earned 10 corners during play. Goalie Lorelei DeGour '28 did not face a shot. Sophomore Gabi Shepherd earned Harold the Heron, for a standout performance. 

10/10/24: W 9-0 vs Tome School

In their last regular season game, Gunston field hockey took on Tome School at home. Senior Night was marked with a 9-0 win, and senior captain Grace Shepherd led the scoring with four goals on the night. Layla Kent '26 added two goals, and Kate Zottarelli '27, Gabi Shepherd '27, and Riley Faff '26 added one goal each to the tally. Senior Victoria MacGlashan was awarded Harold for her outstanding defensive play. The Herons will travel to SSPP next Thursday, 10/17 to take on the Sabers in the ESIAC Championship game at 4pm. Pictures courtesy of Marissa Wallie, P'25'27

Girls Varsity Soccer

Submitted by Coach D'Antonio

10/08/24: L 1-3 vs SSPP

On Tuesday, the Herons Girls Varsity Soccer Team faced ESIAC rival, the Sabres, in their final regular season matchup. After a tough defeat to the Sabres on Soccer Island the previous week, the Herons were eager to even the score. However, the Sabres had other plans. The Sabres took control early, scoring their first goal about 15 minutes into the match. Not long after, they broke through the Herons' defense again, extending their lead to 0-2 before halftime.
In the second half, the Herons came out with renewed energy, playing more aggressively and keeping the game level for the first 25 minutes.

A strategic goalkeeper change—moving Captain Vee McCluskey into the midfield and sophomore Teagan Trautman into goal—proved effective. The Herons mounted an impressive offensive surge, and with just under three minutes remaining, Abby Philippon '27 broke past a defender, took an extra touch, and launched a laser shot from 25 yards out into the lower right corner, cutting the deficit to 1-2. Despite continued pressure from the Herons, with only 47 seconds left, the Sabres capitalized on a failed clearance in the Herons' penalty box, sealing the game with a final goal to make the score 1-3.

Several players were recognized for their efforts after the match. Abby Philippon earned the Tony Chocolonely Bar for her electric goal. Zoey Loveless '27 was awarded the Henry Heron Warrior, and Hannah Mae Conner '26 received Player of the Match honors for her tenacious and gritty play throughout. The Herons finish the regular season in 2nd place in the ESIAC and will host The Salisbury School Dragons on Wednesday, October 16th at 4 p.m. on Soccer Island/Temple Field. Come out to support the Herons as they aim to knock off the 3rd-seeded Dragons and secure a spot in the ESIAC Championship on Friday, October 18th. Go Herons!

Boys Varsity Soccer

Submitted by Coach Angarita

10/08/24: L 2-5 vs Beth Tfiloh

Our first conference game, played at home, ended in a 2-5 loss against Beth Tfiloh. We went into halftime down 1-2, but the team struggled to maintain consistency after the break, conceding three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Despite creating several opportunities, including 18 direct shots on goal, we couldn’t capitalize and finalize the plays. The team, however, showed determination in the final 20 minutes, gaining control of possession and finding the back of the net one more time. Ethan Harper and Alex Elfenbein each contributed assists, while Alex Elfenbein and Dylan Kim scored our goals. Although time ran out on our comeback effort, the fight the boys showed gives us plenty to build on for future matches.

10/10/24: W 3-1 vs Friends School of Baltimore

In our second conference game, the Herons secured a strong 3-1 victory on the road against Friends of Baltimore. We controlled the game early, maintaining possession and entering halftime with a 2-0 lead. Van Topjian scored the opening goal, assisted by Ethan Harper, while Bennett Wirts secured the second one, once again assisted by Ethan Harper. In the second half, Friends of Baltimore increased their pressure, scoring around the 20th minute to make it 2-1. However, thanks to the exceptional efforts of our keeper Semeyo Owino and our defensive line, we held firm against the pressure. Around the 33rd minute, Alex Elfenbein delivered a superb free-kick into the box, which Gareth Borghardt finished with a perfect header to put the ball in the net, sealing the 3-1 win. I’m proud of how the team responded to their first defeat and came together to secure this crucial victory.

Girls JV Volleyball

Submitted by Coach Coner

10/04/24: W 2-0 vs Laurel

In their final home game of the season, Gunston's JV volleyball team claimed a decisive victory over Laurel, winning in two sets with scores of 25-10 and 25-21. The team showcased impressive serving skills, with standout performances from Madi Hopwood ’27, Jessalyn Tavenner ’28, and Izzy Hildebrandt ’28, who consistently put pressure on Laurel's defense. Savannah Landon ’27, as libero, along with Kelsie Chisolm ’28, delivered excellent passes that set the tone for the match, with Chisholm making a remarkable return after her injury. Ella Baer ’28 and Hildebrandt also contributed key passes to keep the offense running smoothly. Setting duties were expertly handled by Hildebrandt and Hopwood, creating opportunities for strong attacks. Isabelle Bent ’27, Iris Lillie ’28, KK Griffin ’27, Mauriana Wichlinski ’28, Hopwood, and Tavenner all delivered well placed hits, keeping the momentum on Gunston's side. The entire team demonstrated determination and teamwork, ending their home season on a high note.

10/09/24: W 2-0 vs KIHS

In their final game of the season, the Gunston JV volleyball team secured a victory against the Kent Island ninth grade team with scores of 15-12, 13-15, and 2-2. The entire team showed exceptional teamwork, communicating effectively and staying in system throughout the match. It was a fun and rewarding game to cap off a fantastic season. Coach Goodall and Coach Coner are incredibly proud of how much the girls have learned and grown. Keep swingin' Herons!
 

Girls Varsity Volleyball

Submitted by Coach Henry

10/04/24: W 3-0 vs Laurel

The Gunston Varsity Volleyball team pushed their record to an impressive 12-2 mark with a 3-set victory over Laurel (DE) on Friday night, Oct 4, 25-13, 25-16, 25-20. The Heron's hitting attack was led by Liv Labrador '27, who had 9 kills, and the freshman duo of Addison Coldwell and Alie Merkle, who had 6 kills each. Seniors Olivia Arthur and Mia Walker also combined for 3 kills. The front-row hitters were set up nicely by junior Emma Nkanza's 19 assists. Coldwell also led the team from the serving line, striking 5 aces, while Merkle added 4, and Nkanza and Arthur added 3 each. 

Defensively, Gunston was led by sophomore Chloe Bennett's 9 digs, while Coldwell had 8, and Labrador added 7. The Herons also received valuable contributions from junior Kate Andrews (1 ace), sophomores Lizzy Chiochetti (2 assists) and Lily McDonald, and senior Alli Lutz.

Gunston will take its 12-2 mark on the road on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to face ESIAC-rival Saints Peter & Paul at 5:00. The Herons finish up their week at home on Thursday, Oct. 10, when they face The Tome School at 4:00 for "Senior Day." Then, on Saturday, Oct. 12, the team will travel to traditional powerhouse Greenwood Mennonite School to participate in a 5-team, all-day tournament as a warm-up for the ESIAC playoffs, which start on Oct. 16, with the championship slated for Oct. 22. 
 

10/08/24: W 3-0 vs SSPP

The Gunston Volleyball team improved to 13-2 (5-1 in ESIAC) on Wednesday night, Oct 8, by defeating Saints Peter & Paul HS in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-13. The Herons were led offensively by Allie Merkle '28 (8 kills, 3 serving aces) and Liv Labrador '27 (7 kills, 5 aces). Addison Coldwell '28 chipped in with 4 kills, while Olivia Arthur '25 and Mia Walker '25 added 3 & 1 kills, respectively. The front line was set up by junior Emma Nkanza's 18 assists from her setter's position. 

Defensively, the back line was led by sophomore Scotia Hopper, who had 9 digs, followed by Labrador (8 digs), Nkanza (8 digs), Merkle (6 digs), Arthur (3 digs), and Mia Walker ('24) (3 digs). Gunston secured the #2 seed in the ESIAC playoffs, where they are slated to play SSPP again at Gunston on Oct 16 (5:00), in the semi-finals. The Herons will finish their regular season on Thursday, Oct 10, vs The Tome School, and on Saturday, Oct 12, where they will play in a 5-team tournament at Greenwood Mennonite School.

10/10/24: W 3-1 vs Tome

The Gunston Volleyball team honored their senior class on Thursday, Oct 10, by defeating The Tome School in a 4-set battle, 25-13, 9-25, 25-12, 25-17, to end their regular season with an impressive 14-2 record. Seniors Alli Lutz, Olivia Arthur, Phoebe Kelly, and Mia Walker were all introduced and celebrated in a pregame ceremony, highlighting their immense contributions in building one of Gunston's strongest programs. Following the ceremony, the Herons did not disappoint the home crowd, playing their best all-around match of the season vs one of the strongest teams on their schedule. Gunston's offense was led by Emma Nkanza's near-perfect setting match, as she had 23 assists to ignite the front-line hitters of Alie Merkle '28 (11 kills), Liv Labrador '27 (8 kills), Addison Coldwell '28 (4 kills), Walker (4 kills), and Arthur (1 kill). Gunston enjoyed its highest serve percentage of the season, getting aces from Nkanza (5), Merkle (4), Coldwell (4), Chloe Bennett '27 (1), and Scotia Hopper '27 (1). 

The Heron's defense was stellar, as Hopper led the team with 25 of the team's 65 digs. Gunston also received important digs from Labrador (11), Nkanza (11), Merkle (8), Coldwell (7), Walker (2), and junior Kate Andrews (1). 

Gunston will compete in the highly-competitive Greenwood Mennonite (DE) tournament this Saturday, Oct 12, where they will play Tome at 10:00, Greenwood Mennonite at 11:00, defending champion Central Christian at 12:00, and ESIAC foe Salisbury Christian at 1:00. After the 5 teams compete in a round-robin format, seeds #2 & #3 will play at 2:00, and seeds #1 & #4 will play at 3:00 for the semi-finals. The finals are slated for 4:00. This should be a great tune-up for the ESIAC playoff-bound Herons, who open up on Wednesday, Oct 16 vs the #3 seed Saints Peter & Paul HS at HOME, 5:00. GO HERONS!

Junior Varsity Sailing (T3) 

Submitted by Coach Larrimore

Gunston's newest sailors traveled to North East Yacht Club last Saturday to participate in their first ever regatta! The wind was incredibly heavy, blowing 15 miles per hour plus gusts. This is some of the heaviest wind a lot of these sailors have seen, but they handled it like pros landing 3rd and 4th place finishes throughout the day. We're very proud of these sailors for getting out on the water to face a fleet of eight teams. The sailors who participated were Logan Kille, Tiago Paul, Arlo Badger, Aj Baldwin, Aj Friederich, Alayna Thompson, Liam Freihofer, Meredith Dalzell, and Campbell Malone. 

Girls’ Cross Country @ WPS (3 of top 6!)

Submitted by Coach Stephenson

The girls Cross Country team made the long trip down to Worcester Prep to take on fellow ESIAC schools on Tuesday, October 8. On a gorgeous day for racing, Gunston girls raced to a narrow win over second place Salisbury School! Led by Phoebe Fritz '28, Grace Hanlon '25, and Margaret Randolph '25, who finished 3rd, 4th, and 6th, we also got season-best finishes from Emma Walker '27 (18th), Louise Mulock '25 (19th), and Jillian English '27 (27th). The team looks to carry this momentum into next Tuesday for the ESIAC Conference Championship meet in Salisbury! 

Boys’ Cross Country - Tri-Meet

On Wednesday, October 9, Gunston hosted its first ever Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) event on campus when the boys Cross Country team welcomed runners from Indian Creek, Saints Peter and Paul, and Key School. This event was also an occasion to celebrate our six seniors on the team: Grace Hanlon, RP Johnson, Eli Moore, Louise Mulock, Margaret Randolph, and Zach Steinberg, who were all racing at home for the final time! Gunston boys scored a victory over our Eastern Shore rival Saints Peter and Paul, and came close to a second place finish behind Key School and Indian Creek. Zach Steinberg led the Herons with a 7th place finish and a season best time of 20:55. Lucas Watkins, Aidan Marketto, Willem Grant, and Eli Moore rounded out Gunston's top 5 who all finished within the top 18 runners overall. 

Lifetime Sports

Submitted by Coach Hanson, P'23

In the last 4 weeks, the players have been playing Baseball, Golf, Disc Golf, Bocce Ball, Cornhole, Tennis, Volleyball, Pickleball, and Basketball. We haven't always kept score, but here are some of the standings from when we do:

Disc Golf: 
#1-J. Showalter,  #2-L. Weny,  #3-E. Russ,  #4-E. Sharp,  #5-R. Dize

Baseball: (score 9-1) 
Winning Team-  R. Dize,  W. Hoetz,  J. Showalter,  L. Weny

Golf: 
Round 1: #1-W. Hoetz, #2-W. Weingaertner, #3-C. Silk, #4-L. Weny
Round 2: #1-L. Weny, #2-W. Hoetz, #3-R. Goodman, #4-W. Weingaertner

Volleyball: Both teams tied at one game each

Cornhole: Top 3 Players by team scores - W. Hoelz, R. Dize, and A. Hilder

Pickleball:
Top 4 Players- #1-L. Weny, #2-W. Hoetz, #3-E. Sharp, #4-E. Russ

We also plan to play Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer, and flag football in the near future.