Boys’ Varsity Soccer

10/25/24: W 2-1 v. Jemicy
 

Submitted by Coach Angarita

Our match against Jemicy was intense from start to finish, forcing us to stay focused under pressure. The first half was chaotic, filled with physical contact and scrappy play, leaving us unable to find our rhythm. Despite the confusion, the boys held their ground, and we went into halftime tied 0-0. The second half proved just as challenging. We struggled to connect our passes and control the game’s tempo. Unfortunately, 20 minutes into the half, we conceded a penalty, which Jemicy converted to take a 0-1 lead. But the team didn’t back down. Instead, they kept pushing forward, showing incredible grit.

With only 8 minutes left, Ethan Harper collected the ball just outside the box and unleashed a brilliant left-footed strike, leveling the score with what could be one of our best goals of the season. That moment gave us the lift we needed. Three minutes later, Alex Elfenbein delivered a perfectly-timed assist to Harper, who calmly dribbled into the box and slotted in the game-winner. This hard-fought 2-1 victory showed our resilience and ability to persevere in tough situations. I’m proud of the team’s effort and composure in those final minutes. Let’s carry this energy into the next game! Great job, boys—keep it going!

Boys’ Cross Country

10/28/24

Submitted by Coach Stephenson

Competing for the first time in the MIAA Conference Championship, the Boys Cross Country team traveled to Shawan Downs, in Baltimore County, on Monday, October 28. Featuring over 300 runners and 30 schools, the race took place on a fast course and on a perfect day for running! Representing Gunston Cross Country for the final time in his stellar career, Senior Zach Steinburg led the way for the team with a 38th place finish among the 12 team "C" division of the conference. Behind him were Lucas Watkins (43rd), Aidan Marketto (47th), Jack Houseknecht (50th), and Willem Grant (56th) to round out Gunston's top 5. Additionally, RP Johnson, Eli Shenk, Stuart Johnnston, Caden Quirion, and Blake Algier also had solid races with Caden and Blake setting new personal-best times! Congratulations to the entire boys’ Cross Country team on their first ever season racing in MIAA! 

Varsity Volleyball

10/29/24: L 1-3 vs Salisbury Christian
 

Submitted by Coach Henry

The Gunston Varsity Volleyball team's season ended on Tuesday night, October 29, with a 3 set to 1 defeat at the hands of Salisbury Christian School in the ESIAC Championship, 14-25, 21-25, 25-23, 21-25. The Herons started slowly in the first two sets, but fought hard in the 3rd, winning 25-23, to set up a thrilling, back-and-forth 4th set. However, SCS ended up prevailing in the end, 21-25. Offensively, Gunston was led by outside hitters Liv Labrador '27 (16 kills), and Alie Merkle '28 (8 kills), while junior setter Emma Nkanza contributed 24 assists. Defensively, senior Olivia Arthur led the front line with her season-high 7 blocks, while sophomore Scotia Hopper, Labrador, and Merkle each had an impressive 14 digs from the back row. 

Although we just fell short, we've had back-to-back championship appearances, and have had two very successful seasons. The future of the program is very bright - we started 2 freshmen, 2 sophomores, and 1 junior this year. We will certainly miss our senior class of Olivia Arthur, Mia Walker, Alli Lutz, and Phoebe Kelly, but we have a strong nucleus returning, a deeply-talented supporting cast, and an impressive JV team. We'll be back!

The ESIAC All-Conference team was announced after the match, and Gunston had a strong representation. First Team All-Conference selections included Alie Merkle, Liv Labrador, Scotia Hopper, and Emma Nkanza. Honorable Mention honors went to Mia Walker. And for the 2nd year in a row, Gunston had a Player of the Year award winner. Phoebe Kelly won co-POY in 2023, while Emma Nkanza won ESIAC Player of the Year for the 2024 season! Congratulations to all of the players for another very successful season. The Herons concluded their season with a 15-3 record.