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Around the Nest: 10/01/2026

Around the Nest: 10/01/2026
Addison Coldwell getting the kill vs Rockbridge Academy on September 28, 2026

Addison Coldwell getting the kill vs Rockbridge Academy on September 28, 2026

Varsity Volleyball

Greenwood Tournament

Gunston Volleyball competed in the highly competitive Greenwood Mennonite Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Herons battled throughout the tournament and finished in third place, tied in the standings with Harford Christian School.

The tournament capped a demanding week for Gunston, which went 2-0 during the week after capturing the Bulldog Classic Tournament the previous weekend. Despite the long stretch of competition, the Herons continued to compete hard and represent Gunston well throughout the tournament.

Gunston Volleyball Defeats Rockbridge Academy in Four-Set Battle

Gunston Volleyball earned a hard-fought four-set victory over Rockbridge Academy on Monday, September 28, winning 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22. With the victory, the Herons improve to 9-0 on the season. The match featured two evenly matched teams that delivered an exciting, competitive battle from start to finish. Gunston’s offense was led by its powerful trio of Alie Merkle, Liv Labrador, and Addison Coldwell, with all three recording multiple kills. Merkle was particularly effective in key moments, coming through with important kills as the Herons secured the final two sets.
 
Setter Serena Hill directed the Gunston offense with more than 20 assists, consistently putting her hitters in position to attack. In the middle, Mariana Wichlinski, KK Griffin, and Jessalyn Tavenner provided strong defensive play and helped limit Rockbridge’s offensive opportunities. Griffin also provided a spark offensively, contributing some key points off the bench. Defensively, libero Scotia Hopper anchored the back row with solid passing and defense, while Labrador continued to make an impact from the back line as well.
 
Both teams played well in what was an entertaining, exciting match and a true crowd-pleaser. The Herons will look to continue their unbeaten start when they return home Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. against ESIAC conference opponent Salisbury Christian.
 
Gunston Volleyball Defeats Salisbury Christian, Improves to 10-0
 
Gunston Volleyball continued its ​s​trong start to the season Tuesday, Sept. 29, defeating Salisbury Christian School 25-12, 25-11, 25-13 in ESIAC conference play. The Herons improved to 10-0 on the season after controlling the match from the opening serve and maintaining steady pressure throughout all three sets.
 
The Gunston offense was led by Alie Merkle, who recorded six kills, while Liv Labrador added five and Addison Coldwell and Jessalyn Tavenner contributed four and three kills, respectively. Labrador and Serena Hill each recorded six serving aces. Hill finished with six assists, while setters Madi Hopwood and Lizzy Chiochetti each added seven assists.
 
Defensively, Hill and Scotia Hopper led the Herons with seven digs apiece. Coldwell, Merkle, Labrador, and Lily Fithyan each contributed five digs as Gunston kept Salisbury Christian from establishing an offensive rhythm.
 

Varsity Field Hockey @ Severn School

The Gunston Herons travelled to Severn School to play the Admirals in Severna Park. The game was a tough challenge, with a final score of 0-6. Gunston had 3 corners to the Admirals’ 13. Junior Goalie Lorelei DeGour recorded 8 saves in the net. Our defender, Olivia Mezger ‘29 tallied two defensive saves. Our Lady Herons fought until the last whistle with grit and hustle. They left it all on the field. For her amazing defensive saves, sophomore Olivia Mezger ‘29 was awarded Harold. 

Boys JV Soccer  

09/23 vs N County  
LOSS 0-8 

Despite the result, the second half was pretty consistent and tactically good. The team was able to block the pass lanes and keep the other team away from our goal, even though we did not have possession of the ball we were able to occupy the spaces in a good way that forced the opposite team to keep playing behind.

Girls Varsity Soccer boasts a strong 5-1 start to their season, highlighted by dominant shutout victories over Beth T’Filoh, Salisbury Christian, The Salisbury School, and Sts. Peter & Paul.

Meanwhile, both the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams swept first place at their home ESIAC meet on September 23.

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