Danielle Grant ’16 and Haley Beecher ’18

The newly-formed doubles partnership of Danielle Grant and Haley Beecher paid off for the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team this past Saturday, as the duo went undefeated and won their flight at the Suffield Tournament. After sweeping past their first three matches over Pomfret (8-3), Suffield (8-1), and Marianapolis (8-0), Danielle and Haley handily defeated the The Gunnery in the finals, 6-1, 6-1.  Both girls were last-minute additions to the doubles team before the tournament, and the points they collected helped the Wildcats edge Gunnery by one point to win the overall tournament crown for the team. Continue reading →

On Sunday, Williston’s Varsity Softball team defeated top-seeded and defending champion Westminster School 5-1 to win the Western New England Class A Prep School Softball Championship. The second seeded Wildcats nipped Taft School 1-0 in their semi-final match up on Saturday at Galbraith Fields in Easthampton.

The championship game was played on Westminster’s campus under cloudy skies. Williston, which hit the ball well all day, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning.  Jordan Strum led off with a single and stolen base and was driven in by a Gabby Jones (E. Longmeadow) double. Jones then stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly by senior captain Delaney Belinskas. In the fourth inning Belinskas and catcher Morgan Fisher led off with singles and executed a double steal to put both runners in scoring position. A timely two out single by A’Shaela Chaires (Springfield) plated both base runners, and Williston added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Continue reading →

Cody Cavanagh ‘17

Cody has been a big part of the boys’ varsity baseball teams’ success this season. On April 30th, he hit two home runs against Pomfret, which sparked a flurry of great at bats.  Since then, he has continued to hit well and play good defense.  He is currently second on the team with a .387 average and leads the team in runs scored with 12. Cody has a tremendous work ethic and sets a great example for his teammates. Continue reading →

Kyle Doucette ‘16

As a senior thrower, Kyle has competed well for the boys’ varsity track team this season. Last week he won the javelin and discus on both Wednesday and Saturday against difficult competition from NMH, WMA, Avon, and Suffield. Compared to some of his competitors, Kyle is relatively new to the sport, but his focus and attention to form during practice have paid off in a big way. As a team captain, he leads a positive example for his teammates by proving that hard work and attention to detail leads to success.

Jordan Strum ‘18

Jordan has performed very well for the varsity softball team this season. On Wednesday in the circle against Cushing, Jordan had 12 strike outs, leading the way for the Wildcats. Again on Saturday against Deerfield, Jordan pitched another gem, hurling 12 strikeouts while only allowing 2 hits. At the plate, Jordan came in clutch for the Wildcats with a huge 2 run homer to help Williston get the win. Jordan’s competitiveness has helped spark the team to a very successful start to the season.

Nikhil Sierros ‘21

Nikhil has played very well for the boys’ varsity tennis team so far this season. On Saturday, against Westminster, he grabbed another hard fought win playing at the number 2 position against a much older and stronger opponent. After losing the first set 4-6, he preceded to win the final two sets 7-5 and 6-0. He helped to spearhead the Wildcat’s eventual victory. Nikhill’s play has been a big part of the team’s successful season.

Sabrina Sampson ’16

Sabrina had an incredible week on the golf course for the Varsity Girls’ Golf Team. On Wednesday, against Miss Porters and Loomis, she shot a three over par 38 at Southampton CC. Her low round won her medalist of the match, and it also happened to be her best score of her career as a Wildcat. On Saturday, she topped her previous score by shooting a new career low with a score of one over par 36, to earn a win over visiting Westminster. Sabrina had two birdies and four pars on her round as the match medalist for Williston.

Jack Spence ‘19

Jack has pitched well this season for the jv baseball team. Last week he continued his success on the mound with 7 innings of shutout ball with 6 strikeouts against the Berkshire Bears as Williston won 5-0.

Anna Harvey ’18

Anna played exceptionally well in goal for the girls’ jv lacrosse team on Wednesday. She had 12 tough saves in the competitive game against Deerfield. She continues to bring a strong work ethic to each practice and serves as a model for her teammates in her willingness to challenge herself.

Billy Asheden ‘17

Billy has started strong for the boys’ track team this season. On Wednesday, he won the 3,000 meter run against competition from Millbrook and Cheshire with a personal best time of 10:22. This will help elevate him in the Division II rankings, and sets him up nicely for the New England Meet. On Saturday at the Hunt Relays hosted at Deerfield Academy, Billy went toe to toe with Division I opponents in the 1200 leg of the Distance Medley Relay, then doubled back to run a great 800 leg of the 4×800.

Olivia Bonavita ‘17

Olivia has been a big part of the girls’ varsity lacrosse teams success so far this season. On Saturday against Millbrook, she racked up 5 goals to help lead the Wildcats to the win. Not only was she a key goal scorer, she also performed very well as a defender. Olivia has been vital during transitions in the midfield and has also been an impact player on draws.

Kevin O’Sullivan ‘18

Kevin has been a key contributor for the boys’ varsity lacrosse team so far this season. He went 47/59 on face offs and picked up 33 ground balls to help the boys’ varsity lacrosse teams go 2-1 last week. Kevin has dominated the face off X this year, winning 73% of his draws and leading the team in ground balls. Kevin’s team first mentality provides a great example for his teammates.

Julie Lord ’16

Julie has been key to the season’s 5-1 start for the girls’ varsity tennis team. She is currently undefeated in both singles and in doubles matches. Julie has won all of her singles matches in convincing fashion and has only given up 7 games in 5 matches!

Peter Cheney ‘20

Peter has had a great start to the season for the boys’ jv tennis team. Regularly playing older, bigger players at the number one singles slot, Peter has displayed a positive attitude in his matches so far this year. In his most recent match Peter gutted out a 9-8 win at Wilbraham and Monson, going the distance before pulling away in the tie breaker. Peter displays a positive tone day in and day out, and his attitude is infectious for the rest of the squad.

Jacob Zaranek ‘17

Jacob has played well through the start of the boys’ varsity golf team’s season. As the teams captain, he is an extremely talented player, and a great mentor for his teammates. Last weekend, Jacob had a great performance helping the Wildcats defeat Loomis Chaffee and Avon Old Farms, two of the top teams in prep school golf. Jacob led the way as the match medalist, shooting the lowest score out of all 18 golfers with a 73 in challenging conditions. The leadership Jacob exhibited through the highs and lowz of the past week epitomizes the importance of optimism, confidence, and determination.

Gabby Jones ‘18

Gabby is off to a great start to the season for the varsity softball team. On Friday she filled in at catcher, a new position for her, because her team was in need. On Saturday against Berkshire, Gabby went 3 for 3 at the plate scoring five runs and blasting a grand slam home run to help lead the team over Berkshire.

Chris Espinal ‘17

Chris has played a big part in the varsity baseball team’s undefeated start to the season. He is hitting .455 (5-11) with 2 doubles in 4 games thus far. In addition to his batting average, Chris also leads the team in RBI’s with 6.  Most of which have come with 2 outs. Not only has he performed well at the dish, but he has also been dependable in right field as well.  Most importantly, Chris is a consummate teammate who leads by example during practices and games and has a tremendous work ethic, constantly trying to perfect his craft.

Rachel Rockwell ‘16

Rachel started her season for the girls’ varsity track team in winning fashion. She took first place in the javelin, 100m hurdles, and high jump helping the Wildcats score numerous points. Despite this being her first season high jumping, Rachel recorded a winning jump of 4’8″. She continued her dominance in the javelin, hurling the implement 109’3″. Rachel capped off an impressive day finishing the 100m hurdles with a run of 16.0 seconds flat. After the first meet, Rachel easily qualified for New England’s in all three events. As the captain of the team, she has a tireless work ethic and is an inspiration to all of her teammates.

Mike Dereus ‘16

Mike is off to a superb start to the season for the boys’ varsity track team. In his first meet of the season, he won the 100m, 200m, and long jump to lead the team in scoring for the meet. His times of 11.1 in the 100m and 22.9 in the 200m were on pace with some of his fastest from last year, and are sure to put him right in the thick of NEPSAC contention again. Likewise, his jump of 21′ 1.5″ matches some of his best efforts from last season. All three easily qualify him for New England’s. As the team captain, Mike leads by example and is a great teammate to the younger kids on the squad.

Emily Whipple ’19

Emily’s had a great week for the girls’ jv lacrosse team. Moving out of her previous defensive position and into the midfield, she has proved to be one of the fittest players on the squad and exemplifies a never quit attitude.  Emily scored three goals this week for the Wildcats during her offensive debut, and in addition has started taking the draws for the team, one of the most important positions on the field.

Matt Folger ‘16

Matt has started of the varsity ultimate season well and has taken to the sport like a fish to water. On Friday in the team’s opener against McDuffie, Matt had 4 of the team’s 6 scores and was always a threat anywhere on the field. On the defensive side, Matt made multiple blocks and defended passes which helped turn the tide of a few points in the team’s favor. His work ethic and dedication to learning the intricacies of the game is evident every practice.

Meg Szawlowski ‘16

Meg has been a huge part of a strong start for the girls’ varsity lacrosse team this season.  Meg has contributed 10 goals, and 7 assists in the team’s first three games. She leads the team in both categories.  In addition to her offensive ability, Meg is also a tremendous defender and helped contain the powerful attacks of Hotchkiss and St. Marks.  She also takes the draw and is responsible for numerous key possessions on the circle.  Meg is a leader and the ultimate positive teammate.

Abigail Coscia ’19

Abbie has helped lead a young girls’ varsity water polo team early in the season. In the first three games she has scored 18 goals and contributed 3 steals and drawn 3 penalty shots. Abbie’s work ethic and determination provides a great example for everyone on the team.

Abbie Foster ‘16

Co-captain Abbie Foster has been a key reason for the girls varsity tennis team’s great start to the season.  She contributed three match wins in the Wildcats’ undefeated week of tennis.  Abbie, and fellow co-captain Caroline Borden, won both of their doubles matches against NMH and Miss Porter’s this week to help the team get off to a positive start.  At singles, Abbie fought back from 2-5 down in the second set against a stingy opponent from NMH to win 7-5 and help secure the first win of the season for the team. Abbie has also contributed strong leadership to the team.

The Williston Wildcats won their second consecutive NEPSAC Class A boys basketball championship defeating Phillips Exeter Academy 56-53 at Rhode Island College on Sunday. Exeter came out of the gates fast with three early 3 pointers to take an 11-4 lead. Williston fought back and trailed 27-23 at the half. Exeter kept the lead and was up 40-35 with 9:35 left on the clock. Williston took their first lead 43-42 with 7:20 to go on a Jake Ross 3 pointer. A Ross layup put Williston up 47-44 with 5:30 remaining.

On the next possession Isaiah Brooks nailed a three to give Williston a 50-44 lead, their largest of the afternoon. Exeter countered with a three pointer followed by a basket and a foul shot to tie the game at 50 all with 1:58 left. A Jake Wisniewski bucket put Williston ahead with a minute and a half remaining. With just 25 seconds on the clock Chris Hudson increased the Willliston lead to 54-50 with a key offensive rebound and put-back. Exeter then hit a long three with 7.6 remaining to cut the lead to one. Forced to foul they sent Sam Geschickter to the line where he hit both ends of the one and one to put Williston on top 56-53. A last gasp three point attempt by Exeter missed and Williston was able to celebrate their second consecutive championship.

Chris Hudson led the Wildcats with 15 points followed by Kyle Doucette with 11, Isaiah Brooks with 10 and Jake Ross and Sam Geschickter with 8 apiece. Ross was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Williston ends the season with a 22-5 record.

Three Williston teams have qualified for Tournament berths and will vie for NEPSAC Championships over the next week. Additionally, the swimming and diving teams will compete  in the NEPSAC Championships.

Williston is hosting the Diving Championships on Wednesday at 3:00pm, while the swimmers travel to Roger Williams College on Saturday with Trials beginning at 9:00am and the Finals at 5:00pm.

Click here for complete tournament brackets

The Girls Hockey team (20-2-1) is seeded #2 in the Division One Tournament and will host 7th seeded Milton Academy on Wednesday at 5:00pm at the Lossone Rink. Their semi-final round is scheduled for Saturday, with the Championship game to be played on Sunday at Noble & Greenough School at 3:00pm.

Boys Basketball (18-5) is also a #2 seed in the Class A Tournament and will host 7th seeded Hotchkiss School on Wednesday at 3:45pm. Their semi-final round is scheduled for Saturday, with the Championship game to be played on Sunday at  Rhode Island College at 1:00pm.

The Girls Basketball team (14-7) is the 8th seed in the Class B Tournament and will travel to top-seeded Tilton School on Wednesday for a 4:00pm tip-off. Their semi-final round is scheduled for Saturday, with the Championship game to be played on Sunday at Noble & Greenough School at 3:45pm.

Delaney Belinskas ‘16

Delaney has had a great season for the girls’ varsity hockey team. On Wednesday she scored 4 goals in the Wildcats 8-0 win over NMH. Delaney was also a big contributor on Saturday as well as she added 2 assists in the win over Loomis.  Her second assist of the day contributed to the eventual game-winning goal, and the assist was also her 100th point of her career, a huge milestone. Delaney has become the fifth player in the history of the girls’ hockey program to reach this benchmark.  Delaney is a fierce competitor and has been a huge contributor to the Wildcat’s success this season.

Phillip Lee ‘16

Phillip has played well for the boys’ varsity squash team this season. On Wednesday he grabbed the only win against a tough Pomfret squad 3-0. Again on Saturday Phillip played well against Loomis. He went to a tie-breaking 5th set with his opponent, then tie-break within the set, he had a match ball at 11-10, but finally succumbed 11-13 after a tough fought battle. Phillip has been a great leader for the Wildcats as he works hard day in and day out to improve his skills.

Megan Ward ‘21

Megan has had a large impact on the girls’ jv hockey team this year. She is the leading point-getter for the Wildcats with 11 goals and 8 assists in 10 games.  Megan had 4 goals and an assist in the 9-4 victory over Loomis this past Saturday, and scored a hat trick in the 5-2 win over Pomfret.  She works really hard to better her skills and is a big asset to the team.

Robby Hill ’19

Robby has been a big part of the boys’ third basketball team’s success this season. He has been the Wildcats starting point guard the whole season, helping to lead the team to a 7-4 record so far. On Wednesday Robby contributed strong floor leadership and 8 points in the victory over Eaglebrook.  His consistency of effort and work ethic has led to great improvement throughout the season.