Around the Nest: 09/17/2026

Photo by 2840productions

Boys Varsity Soccer

vs. Greenwood Mennonite School (9/10/26)
Gunston 7 – 1 Greenwood Mennonite School

Gunston earned an impressive 7–1 victory over Greenwood Mennonite School in a home match, putting together one of the team’s strongest performances of the season. Dylan Kim led the way with a hat trick, while Alejandro Gomez Arribas and Daniel Vives were instrumental in the attack. Declan Ferner, Declan Krupka, and Archer MacGlashan also turned in excellent performances and contributed to Gunston’s overall attacking success. Defensively, Gunston was organized and composed throughout the match. The defensive line, led by Landon Kelly, did an excellent job limiting Greenwood’s opportunities and helping the team maintain control of the game. Semeyo Owino also had a solid performance in goal. Perhaps most impressive was Gunston’s ability to play as a team.

The Herons maintained approximately 90% possession throughout the match, moving the ball effectively and demonstrating excellent communication, patience, and collective play. The team consistently looked to build from the back, find space, and work together rather than relying on individual play. Captain Dylan Kroncke’s leadership and commitment were also instrumental in holding the team together. His example on and off the field helped maintain the team’s focus, organization, and positive energy throughout the match. Overall, it was a complete team performance that showed Gunston’s continued growth both technically and tactically.

Sailing

The Gunston sailing team competed at a T1 regatta in Annapolis on Saturday and got second place out of 16 teams, beating rival teams including Saints Peter and Paul, Archbishop Spalding, Kent Island, and SEVERN. A round of applause to Andrew Shingledecker, Kate Doffermyer, Lizzy Chiochetti, Preston Allen, and Mercer Rensburger for their incredible performance over the weekend.
 

Varsity Volleyball 

vs Friends School (9/10/26)

Herons Sweep Friends School
The Gunston Herons traveled to Friends School tonight and came away with a convincing straight-set victory, 25-15, 25-8, 25-17. Gunston’s offense was impressive throughout the match, led by Alie Merkle, Addison Coldwell, Liv Labrador, and Kelsie Chisolm. Emma Ingram and Kyleigh Jennings also came into the match as it progressed and continued the Herons’ offensive show. The Herons’ middle combination of Jessalyn Tavennar, KK Griffin, Mariana Wichlinski, and Parker Wilson made strong contributions as well, combining for multiple kills and keeping the Friends defense under pressure. Setters Serena Hill, Madi Hopwood, and Lizzy Chiochetti did an excellent job distributing the ball and creating opportunities for Gunston’s hitters.

Defensively, senior libero Scotia Hopper led the way with multiple digs and on-point passing that helped the Herons transition quickly into offense. Lily Fithyan, Ella Baer, and Chloe Bennett also helped anchor a solid defensive back line. The Herons improve to 3-0 and will return to action Monday when they travel to IAAM B-Conference foe Catholic High School.

vs Catholic High School (9/14/26)

Herons Rally to Complete 4-0 Start
The Gunston Herons continued their strong start to the season Monday with a three-set sweep over Catholic High School, 25-12, 25-12, 27-25, improving their record to 4-0. Gunston controlled the first two sets with a balanced offensive attack and aggressive play at the net. Addison Coldwell, Alie Merkle, and Liv Labrador led the Herons offensively, while setter Serena Hill consistently distributed the ball to keep the Catholic defense off balance and create multiple scoring opportunities.

The third set provided the biggest test of the evening. After falling behind 9-15, the Herons responded with an 8-0 run, fueled by great hustle, defensive plays, and a renewed offensive attack to regain control of the set. Gunston continued to battle through a back-and-forth finish, eventually closing out the match, 27-25.

The Herons' middle combination of Mariana Wichlinski, Jessalyn Tavennar, KK Griffin, and Parker Wilson made an impact throughout the match, contributing points at the net while creating defensive pressure with timely blocks.

Once again, senior libero and captain Scotia Hopper anchored the Gunston defense, leading the team in digs and making several key plays to keep rallies alive. The Herons' overall hustle and aggressive play produced multiple points and proved especially important during the third-set comeback. Gunston now turns its attention to Wednesday, when the Herons travel to IAAM-B Division opponent Chapelgate Christian Academy.

Gunston Volleyball Continues Unbeaten Start with Sweep at Chapelgate 09/16

Gunston Volleyball traveled to Chapelgate Christian Academy on Wednesday and continued its strong start to the season, earning a straight-set victory, 25-8, 25-15, 25-22, to improve to 5-0. The Herons were particularly impressive defensively, with senior captains Scotia Hopper and Liv Labrador anchoring the back row. Both recorded multiple digs and consistently kept balls in play to help Gunston control rallies. Ella Baer also provided valuable minutes and solid defensive play, while sophomore Lily Fithyan stepped in for Hopper and added steady defense.

Gunston's offense was led by captains Alie Merkle and Labrador, along with Addison Coldwell, as all three produced multiple kills throughout the match. At the net, the Herons' middle attack was anchored by seniors KK Griffin and Parker Wilson, along with juniors Mariana Wichlinski and Jessalyn Tavenner, who controlled the net and provided a strong presence throughout the match.

Junior Kelsie Chisolm added offensive firepower from the right side, while Chloe Bennett contributed several timely serves. Sophomores Kyleigh Jennings and Emma Ingram also saw action late in the match, providing valuable relief for the outside hitters.

The Gunston offense was effectively directed by the setting trio of junior captain Serena Hill and seniors Madi Hopwood and Lizzy Chiochetti, who consistently distributed the ball and kept the Herons' attack moving.

The Herons return home Friday, September 18, for the Gunston Tailgate, hosting Indian Creek School at 4:00 p.m. Gunston then heads to the Bulldog Classic on Saturday, where the Herons will compete against five other teams. Pool play begins against the host North Caroline at 8:30 a.m., followed by a second pool-play match at 9:30 a.m. The elimination round will begin after lunch.

Field Hockey

9/8 vs Friends 

The Field Hockey Team won 6-1 against Friends School just after the long Labor Day Weekend. Even with the heat on the turf, we managed to have a great game but not without its challenges. Gabi Shepherd ‘27 had two goals, while Mary Gordon ‘29, Kate Zottarelli ‘27, Isla Medrano ‘30 and Isabel Gersmyer ‘28 scored one goal each. Eleanor Owings had three assists. Olive Fleetwood ’30 won Harold the Heron MVP for her amazing work on defense - a brick wall!

On Monday, September 14, The Gunston Herons hosted the Sabers for the first ESIAC conference game of the season. The game was a tough challenge, with a final score of 0-6. The Herons held the Sabers to a score of 0-0 throughout the first quarter. Gunston had 2 corners to the Sabers’ 12. Junior Goalie Lorelei DeGour recorded 14 saves in the net. The team fought until the last whistle, and never gave up. For her leadership on and off the field, senior Gabby Shepherd was awarded Harold. In a surprise to the team, alum Grace Shepherd ‘24 attended the game. Grace plays for the West Chester Golden Rams.