Athletes of the Week

Haley Beecher ’18- Girls Varsity Tennis

Haley has had a great start to the season, winning both of her singles matches in convincing fashion this past week. As team captain, she led her team to a convincing win on Wednesday against Wilbraham and Monson Academy.  Playing through pain, she routed her very capable opponent with excellent attacking play. Haley’s forehand helped her dictate the pace of play from the baseline, as she sent her opponent running in all directions. In addition to her outstanding play, Haley consistently leads her team by example, bringing a hardworking, team first mentality to every practice and match!

Kenny Wang ‘20–Boys Varsity Tennis

Kenny has had an incredible start to this season for the Wildcats. Currently, he is undefeated in the number one ladder position for singles play. On Saturday he picked up a big win against an experienced and crafty opponent from NMH, without dropping a single game! Kenny then exemplified his team first mentality by assisting Coach Tyree with keeping an eye on the remaining 5 matches and helping to encourage, support, and advise players with their own competitions. Kenny has worked hard to improve his game on and off the court, and it has clearly paid off for him this season!

Jordan Strum ’18- Varsity Softball

Jordan has been crucial to the early success of the Wildcats this season. On Wednesday, against Pomfret, she had a massive day at the plate. She racked up seven RBI’s, four of which came off a monster grand slam homerun. In addition to her offensive landslide, she kept hitters off the base path by striking out 11 hitters! She continued her stellar performance on Saturday against Cheshire, hitting yet another homer, and racking up six more strikeouts! Jordan has been a fantastic leader for the Wildcats as the team’s captain and provides a great example as she is consistently one of the hardest workers on the team. Jordan is a game changer, and truly elevates the play of the team.

Mike Janocha ’18- Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Mike played excellent in his first start of the season for the Wildcats on Saturday. The senior goaltender had 8 saves in a win vs Hopkins school. Mike’s passion for the game of lacrosse is second to none, and he has been working extremely hard to make himself a fantastic option in net for the squad. This hard work paid off big as he was able to answer the call when his team needed him the most. Mike leads by example as he is the epitome of a team first player, always putting the needs of his team before his own!

Connor Cavanagh ’20- Varsity Baseball

Connor has been a consistent performer for varsity baseball this spring. This past week against Pomfret and Millbrook, Connor went 3-8 at the plate, with an average of .375. Against Pomfret, Connor had 5 stolen bases, the most in a game by a Williston player in years.  Against Millbrook, he had another stolen base and an RBI single in the top of the 7th to tie the game at 5-5. In addition to his offensive capabilities, Connor has also played solid defense in right field, helping to keep his team in games. Connor exemplifies great sportsmanship, day in and day out, and he is continuously working to improve his game. The Wildcats will continue to look to Connor for his great play and even better attitude.

Sabrina Shao ’19 – Girls Varsity Water Polo

Sabrina has had a great start to the season for the water polo team. In three matches over the past week Sabrina was a positive force at both ends of the pool, rising to the challenge when called upon her by her team. Playing nearly every minute, Sabrina’s intense defensive skills were on display as she blanketed opposing players. She also has established herself as an offensive threat, scoring timely goals in games against Loomis and Exeter. Sabrina’s consistent positive leadership during the season has been instrumental to the team’s progress this spring. The team will continue to look towards Sabrina for her effort, experience and attitude for the rest of the season.

Nick Sinofsky ’20 – Boys Track and Field

Nick has had a strong start to the season for the Wildcats. He continued this with two strong meets last week at Cheshire and the Deerfield Hunt Relays. At Cheshire, Nick started his day with a controlled effort in the 1500m, running hard enough to ensure the win while conserving energy for later. Nick doubled back in the open 400, running a season best 55.49 for second place, before ending his day with a quick split on the winning 4×400 relay team. Saturday at the 58th Hunt Relays hosted by Deerfield, Nick anchored the Williston Distance Medley Relay team to a 4th place finish. On the final lap, Nick passed several runners from other schools, clocking a 4:33 split for the 1600m leg. Nick wrapped up his day with a flying 53.5 second split in the 4×400, which helped to propel the Williston team to 2nd place for the second year in a row. Nick will be a valued point scorer for the remainder of this year, and for a few years to come!

Tori Zingarelli ’18 – Girls Varsity Lacrosse

Tori has been a big part of the Wildcats success this season. This week she scored 4 goals and had 2 assists and came up with some big ground balls to keep the play alive for the Wildcats on many occasions. She is always a positive leader and role model for the younger players as she exemplifies the best of Williston lacrosse! In addition to performing fantastic on the field, she has been juggling the lead in the spring musical! This is a big undertaking and a difficult challenge, but it has not stopped Tori from being a big contributor and leader on the lacrosse field all season!

Gates MacPherson ’19- Girls Track and Field

Gates had two superb meets last week at Cheshire and at the Deerfield Hunt Relays. At Cheshire, Gates won the discus with a throw of 97’9.5”, placed fifth in the shot put, and won the high jump with a jump of 4’6”. On Saturday at the 58th Hunt Relays hosted by Deerfield, Gates placed 2nd in HJ with a jump of 5’0” – her best of the season so far. The jump helped lead the team to 4th place finish. She again had a solid throw in the shot, and capped off her day with a third place overall finish in the discus – a throw of 93’5”. This helped the Williston team to a third place finish in the event. Gates has been a huge part of the team’s success this season, and the team will continue to look to her for valuable points.

Peter Seo ‘20 – Boys JV Tennis

Peter has been an important part of the JV tennis squad this season. On Saturday he was unexpectedly called up to play at the number 5 singles slot at the last minute, and ended up winning his first singles match in a back and forth tie break.  Down 0-5 at the start of the break, he roared back to win at 11-9.  His victory was a key match in the team’s comeback from a 1-3 deficit. He has been a hardworking, sportsmanship-oriented member of the team all season. Peter has worked hard on his game all year, and without a doubt, his work ethic has paid off dividends.

Anya Rozario ’20 – Girls JV Tennis

Anya is constantly working hard in all aspects of her game, all while bringing a supportive and positive energy to the team. Whether she is playing in a game, drilling, playing a ladder game or working on hurdles and fast feet, she is focused and working towards bettering herself. This week, her game had to start after most people had finished but she supported her team while waiting and was able to focus on her game when it came time. This week she was really able to read her opponents main strength of coming to the net. She scored many points by hitting high, deep defensive shots. Anya shows great sportsmanship and constantly earns the respect of her opponents!

SPECIAL EDITION Athlete of the WEEK!!!

Emma Gentile ‘19

The Average Joey’s dodgeball team! In a remarkable comeback, team member Emma Gentile was left alone the fend for herself in the final minutes of the championship dodgeball game on Friday evening. Dodging balls from stud athletes Shana Hecht, Xavier Thibailt, and Elijah Hutchinson, Emma had one choice and one choice only, catch the ball. As the court shortened, Gentile’s options became clear. A lofted ball in the air was her only hope for a comeback, and it was just that to change the fate of the Avg. Joeys. Gentile catches a ball calling back a teammate to help her against these Monstars. Soon, Elijah goes out, Xavier goes out, and boom, victory was theirs. An upset for the books and great outcome for the underdogs!

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