Herons Soccer Team Caps Finest Season with ESIAC Title!

Herons Soccer Team Caps Finest Season with ESIAC Title!
Herons Soccer Team Caps Finest Season with ESIAC Title! 

The Gunston School Herons Girls Soccer team has capped its most successful season in program history by defeating Saints Peter and Paul 3-1 to win the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) championship!

This title marks the first ESIAC girls soccer championship for the program, fulfilling a prediction made by fifth-year Head Coach Tony D’Antonio, who compared this 10-2 squad to a past championship team he coached a decade ago.

Game Highlights

  • Gunston secured the 3-1 victory last Friday, propelled by a strong first half.
  • Ellie Roberts (co-ESIAC Player of the Year) converted an early penalty kick to put the Herons up 1-0.
  • Abby Philippon scored the next two goals, the first coming off a through ball from Roberts, and the second sealing the victory late in the second half.
  • The team finished the season with a record of 10-2.

Coach D’Antonio praised the team's hard work and unity, noting they finally "realized they deserved to be here" after playing their loosest and most positive soccer in years. This victory follows previous championship appearances in 2023 and 2024, highlighting the successful build of a deep and talented squad.

Click here to read the full story and see all the details in The Star Democrat

  • ESIAC Champions
  • Girls Soccer
  • around the nest
Around the Nest: 02/05/2026

Varsity Girls Basketball earned a 36-33 road win over Salisbury, led by Kate Zottarelli ’27 with 12 points and Layla Kent ’26 with 8 points and 8 rebounds. The Varsity Boys defeated Jemicy 58-47 behind Amir Williams ’26, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by a tough loss to Key School where Williams led with 18 points. The JV Boys fell to Cristo Rey, but celebrated a team highlight as Weston Mandell ’28 scored his first career basket.

Around the Nest: 01/29/2026

It was a dominant night at Gunston as both swim teams celebrated Senior Night with victories over Delmarva Christian, highlighted by a new school record in the girls' 400 freestyle relay. On the court, the Lady Herons basketball team cruised to a 49–27 win against Salisbury Christian, fueled by Layla Kent’s 18-point performance and a relentless defensive effort.

Around the Nest: 01/22/2026

The Herons split a high-stakes double-header against The Salisbury School, highlighted by a hard-fought Senior Night celebration. The Lady Herons secured a 38–32 victory behind Layla Kent’s 19 points, while the Varsity Boys battled through overtime in a narrow 46–52 loss. 

Around the Nest: 01/15/2025

Gunston Athletics enjoyed a standout week, headlined by Varsity Girls Swimming’s dominant 97–43 win over Rockbridge Academy and a thrilling 50–49 victory for Varsity Girls Basketball against North County. Varsity Boys Swimming secured a 77–75 win over Rockbridge behind Cole Euler’s clutch performance, following a competitive split at Coppermine. JV Boys Basketball earned their first conference win against Jemicy, while the Varsity Boys and Girls programs showed strong leadership from Amir Williams, Ben Simons, and Layla Kent in tough matchups.

Around the Nest: 01/8/2026

The Varsity Girls fell by a single point despite Layla Kent’s 24-point performance, and the Varsity Boys were overtaken late by Key School after holding a fourth-quarter lead. Meanwhile, the JV Boys saw James Schopfer lead the scoring at Indian Creek as the team adjusted to a shifting roster.