On Sunday, April 10, senior football captain Nicholas Garofano received the Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award at the annual National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete dinner held at the UMass Student Union.

Over 500 in attendance witnessed the Yorktown Heights, NY, native become the 17^th Williston recipient of this prestigious award, given to the top prep school football scholar-athlete in western Massachusetts.  The Boyden Award has been presented since 1962.  2016 Williston Hall of Fame inductee Stephen H. Durant was one of the first recipients when he won the award in 1963.

Garofano has had a tremendous football career at Williston. He rewrote the school record books as a running back, setting the single-season and career scoring and rushing records.  He totaled well over 3,000 yards from scrimmage, averaging an astounding 8.6 yards per carry and nearly 18 yards per reception!  During his junior year, he scored 126 points in 8 games leading Williston team to a championship bowl berth while earning All-New England honors. Despite missing half of his senior year with a fractured tibia, he led the Wildcats in rushing and earned All-League honors for the third consecutive year.

As a student, Garofano has been equally successful over the past four years, where he has consistently earned the distinction of Honors.  His teachers speak glowingly about his work ethic and contribution to their classes.  Beyond the classroom, he has been an outstanding three-sport athlete, where he lettered in hockey, lacrosse, and football.

Williston’s Head Athletic Trainer, Blayne Lapan, speaks highly of Nick’s commitment to athletic preparation, “Nick is one of my hardest working athletes in the weight room.  Not only does he push himself to get better every day during the school year, but he comes into the school year having reached new limits with his strength and athleticism from his summer training.  He knows what it takes to play at the next level, and he is a great teammate, always willing to lend a helping hand to the younger kids on his team.”

Nick was able to carve out some time during his busy spring schedule to talk with our community about his experience at Williston, his keys to success, and his excitement about college.  Garofano will attend West Point in the fall.

What emotions did you experience when you received the Boyden Award from Coach Conroy?

I was one of the last people to go up and speak before the whole room full of people. There was definitely a lot of suspense up to that point. I was a little nervous, but I wanted to speak from the heart and show my family, coach, and teammates how appreciative I am of them.

You have played football, hockey, and lacrosse at the Varsity level during your time in high school. Do you have a favorite?

Starting all three sports at a very young age, I feel very passionately football, hockey, and lacrosse, having shared a lot of cherished memories in all three. Growing up in a hotbed lacrosse area while also having a football-loving father as a football coach in my younger days, I’d say lacrosse and football definitely hold a special place in my heart. I am a product of my environment.

Who did you look up to when you were a younger student-athlete?

When I was sophomore, one of my best friends at Williston was Max Willman, a post-graduate hockey player from Barnstable, MA. He was, and still is, a person I admire, not only for his work ethic in the classroom and when training and preparing for games, but also for the way he carried himself around campus and how he interacted with people.

What have been your keys to success as an athlete?

I strive to be the best in whatever sport I compete in. By heavily investing my time into my body and my craft in the off-season, I feel I get a huge edge on my competition. My summers consist of gym visits four to five days a week and field sessions for football or lacrosse two to three times a week, while also playing for a summer lacrosse team.

Is there a particular moment from your time at Williston that you will never forget?

I will always remember playing in a football bowl game my junior year with that particular group of men. The natural high that game brought me was unlike any other feeling in the world.

Was there someone who inspired you during your time on campus?

One of my football coaches here at Williston when I was a sophomore, Brian Crockett, who passed away that same year, was a huge inspiration for me as an athlete. When I contemplated not playing football going into my junior year for the fear of getting injured for my lacrosse season, he encouraged me to never give up on doing the things I love. That life was too short to not spend as much time as you can doing the things you love and are passionate about.

How has Williston prepared you for college as a student-athlete?

Williston has helped me tremendously as a student.  The school has helped me channel the fierce competitiveness I have on the field into the classroom. We have supportive teachers that are genuinely passionate about teaching and helping students learn. As an athlete, prep school sports are the highest level of competition for the sports I participate in. Quickly transitioning into a faster pace of game and higher skill level helped me to improve my own game and prepare myself for the collegiate level.

What excites you about attending college next year?

I am excited about attending West Point. I wanted to put myself in what I thought was the best place for college, and I feel West Point exceeded those standards when I visited their campus. Playing Division I lacrosse for a terrific program with great coaches while also dramatically changing my lifestyle to become an Army officer is the vision I have for myself, and I am excited for the challenges both present.

What advice would you give younger student-athletes at Williston?

While at Williston take advantage of every second you have here. You will receive a high school education that is second to none, surrounded with different kinds of people that are just as motivated as you. Find your passion, stay motivated, and work your tail off.

To read more about Garofano’s award on MassLive, click HERE.

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.

On Wednesday, March 23^rd, Director of Athletics Mark Conroy held the annual winter athletic assembly to recognize the outstanding athletic achievements from this past season.  Williston’s athletic teams had a very successful winter that included setting new records, winning NEPSAC championships, and having a great deal of fun in the process.

Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving

The 25 member boys swim team finished their dual meet season with a 6-6 record including impressive wins over NMH, Westminster, and Worcester.   At the NEPSAC Championships, held at Rhode Island College, the boys swam very well finishing in a respectable 5^th place.  A number of boys distinguished themselves with excellent performances at the championships.

The 400 Freestyle Relay team of Calvin Frye, Jason Albanese, Chris Lansill and David Fitch placed third.  Senior Calvin Frye placed 3^rd in the 100 freestyle and 5^th in the 50 freestyle.  The 200 Freestyle Relay team of Calvin Frye, Mark Wei, Chris Lansill, and David Fitch won a NEPSAC title, and finally, junior David Fitch finished an outstanding swim season by winning NEPSAC titles in both the 50 Freestyle and the 100 freestyle.   This capped off a spectacular season for David, in which he set school records in three events: the 50 freestyle, the 100 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.  David’s time in the 100 freestyle qualifies him for All American consideration.

The Girls Swim team had an exceptionally strong dual meet season finishing with an 8-3 record including convincing wins over NMH, Kingswood Oxford, St. George’s and Kent.  This momentum carried into the postseason as the girls saved their best swimming for the NEPSAC championships. In what Coach K called “an incredible performance,” the girls won their first NEPSAC girls swimming and diving championship in our school’s history!

Junior Emily Yeager finished 3^rd in the 100 backstroke.  Junior Natalie Aquadro finished second in the 100 breaststroke and 3^rd in the 200 IM.  Sophomore Anabelle Farnham placed second in both the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle.  The 200 Medley Relay team of Sally Alrutz, Natalie Aquadro, Maya Soley, and Annabelle Farnham became NEPSAC champions when they set a new school and NEPSAC record.  The 400 Freestyle Relay team of Sally Alrutz, Emily Yeager, Natalie Aquadro, and Anabelle Farnham also set a new school record on their way to becoming NEPSAC champions.

Additionally, we had three young ladies who won individual titles. Sophomore Maya Soley won a NEPSAC title in the 500 freestyle.  Junior diver Gabby Mercier had a tremendous season culminating with a NEPSAC title in the 1-Meter diving event while setting a new school record.  And finally, freshman Sally Alrutz won a NEPSAC title in the 100 backstroke, placed 2^nd in the 100 butterfly, and led off the 400 freestyle relay breaking a 15 year old record in the 100 freestyle.   Sally also set a school record in the 200 IM at the Bud Erich championships.

Award winners and captains will be announced at their upcoming Banquet Night.

Boys Basketball

The JV, 3rds and 4ths teams all competed well throughout their seasons.  The biggest highlights of the Cullen and Ketcham led JV season were back to back wins over Salisbury and MacDuffie.  The Thirds team rebounded from a slow start to finish at 8-4 with thrilling victories over Loomis, Deerfield and Winchendon.  Coaches Joshua Harper and Bryan Malinowski led the 4ths team to a season for the ages sweeping through its 8 game season undefeated.

Under the leadership of Coaches Shelton, Garrity and Lapolla, the Varsity Boys Basketball team enjoyed another outstanding season with a record of 23-5 including going 17-2 in Class A.  The 23 wins ties the record set last year for the most in school history.  The team played proficient at both ends of the court, allowing 48 points a game while scoring an average of 65.  While there were many great wins during this terrific season, there are a few that stood out: sweeping both Loomis and Deerfield, a thrilling comeback road win at Avon Old Farms, avenging an early season road loss to Andover with a convincing win at home and, of course, sweeping our friendly rival from Suffield, Connecticut in all three of our games.

The team’s outstanding season earned them the #2 seed in the Class A tournament where it earned the opportunity to host two games here at Williston.  In the quarterfinals the team beat a tough Hotchkiss squad 57-49, and in the semifinals they defeated rivals Suffield 62-51.  In a thrilling championship game held at Rhode Island College the boys defeated the top seeded Phillips Exeter Academy 56-53 to repeat as Class A champions.   Senior Jake Ross was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

4ths:

Most Valuable Player Award – Chris Barber ‘21

Most Improved Player Award – Isi Donnelly ‘21

Sportsmanship Award – Ethan Nestelbaum ’21, George Spence ‘21

3rds:

Most Valuable Player Award – Noah Clack ’18

Most Improved Player Award – Adam Johndrow ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Nick Barber ’19, Jessup Goldberg Cook ‘20

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Eni Ikuku ‘17

Most Improved Player Award – Zach Bernstein ‘16

Sportsmanship Award – Eric Chen ’16 – second year in a row

Varsity:

Most Valuable Player Award – Chris Hudson ‘16

Most Improved Player Award – Matt Folger ‘16

Sportsmanship Award – Kyle Doucette ‘16

Girls Basketball

This winter was another very successful season for our girls’ basketball program. The JV squad had a competitive season under Coaches Schneider, Garcia, Thompson and Mahoney.  Highlights included an exciting two point victory over Suffield and winning three of their last four games.

Varsity Girls Basketball, under Coaches Rodgers and Whipple, had a terrific season going toe to toe with the finest teams in Western New England to finish with a 14-7 record. There were plenty of highlights during the season including finishing runner-up at the Ray Brown Tournament in December, a terrific 41-36 comeback victory over Wilbraham and Monson, and great road victories over Deerfield and Kent.  Arguably, the biggest highlight took place late in the season when the girls knocked off another strong tournament bound Pomfret squad at home 54-44.   The team’s excellent season earned them a #8 seed in the Class B Tournament where they lost to eventual champion Tilton.

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Julia Farnham ‘20

Most Improved Player Award – Isabelle Cheney ‘20

Sportsmanship Award – Erin Daley ‘19, Fuka Iwama ‘18

Varsity:

Most Valuable Player Award – Olivia Bonavita ‘17

Most Improved Player Award – Fiona Bundy ‘17

Sportsmanship Award – Rylee Leonard ‘16

Girls Hockey

The JV team, led by Coaches Ward and Valine, enjoyed an excellent season finishing with a 10-3-1 record.   Highlights included shutout victories over Choate and Berkshire, and decisive road victories at Hotchkiss and Loomis Chaffee.

Varsity Girls ice hockey enjoyed another truly remarkable season under the leadership of Coaches Christa TalbotSyfu, Alex Tancrell-Fontaine and Andrew Syfu finishing with an outstanding record of 21 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie.  The team’s 21 wins sets a new school record for the second year in a row improving on last year’s record of 20 wins.  The team played outstanding defense during the regular season, as they gave up a total of 16 goals in 24 games!  This stingy defense included 14 shutouts led by senior goaltender Morgan Fisher.

 Highlights of their special season included three terrific road wins – beating Westminster at their rink for the first time in 13 years, an exciting 2-1 overtime victory at Choate, and a terrific 5-3 victory over an excellent Loomis Chaffee team.  The team also counts amongst its highlights raising $1800 in their Pink in the Rink victory over KUA.   The girls also had a great deal of success in both of their holiday tournaments finishing runner up at the Harrington Tournament and winning the Winchendon Tournament for the second year in a row.   The team’s outstanding regular season earned them the #2 seed in the Division 1 tournament.   In the quarterfinals, the girls beat Milton 3-1 before a heartbreaking loss to Loomis in the semifinals.

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Sophia Schaefer ‘18 – second year in a row

Most Improved Player Award – Kira Bixby ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Morgan Fogleman ’16 – second year in a row

Varsity:

No awards yet since they have not had their Banquet night yet.

Boys Hockey

The JV Boys Hockey team, led by Coaches Fay and Demerath, played competitive hockey all winter and finished the season particularly well, winning five of their last six games. Their one loss was a narrow 4-3 loss to Berkshire during the streak.

Under Coaches Cunha, Hanford, and Lessard, the Varsity Boys Hockey team competed hard all season against a very competitive schedule. The team enjoyed several highlights including beating eventual Large School champion Thayer Academy 5-3, sweeping Winchendon in both their contests, and recording an exciting 4-3 victory at Millbrook.   The season finished on a high note as the team won their last two games, including a 3-0 shutout at Pomfret behind senior goalie Shane Mason.   Senior Jack Kelly led the team in goals scored for the second year in a row with 16, and Shane anchored the team logging nearly 1100 minutes while recording a .905 save percentage.

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Jacob Zaranek ‘17

Most Improved Player Award – Danny Kissane ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Cam Ward ‘17

Varsity:

Daniel D. Carpenter Most Valuable Player Award – Shane Mason ‘16

Most Improved Player Award – Sam Milnes ‘18

Sportsmanship Award – Steven Gower ‘17

Ski Teams

Led by Coaches Hing, Eberle, and Pelliccia, Williston’s ski teams enjoyed successful seasons competing in the Mountain Institute League. The winter culminated with the New England Class B Championships held at Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire.  Both teams competed well against the other 14 competing schools. Sophie Carrellas had an outstanding season dominating the league races with first place finishes but was injured for the Championships.  The boys team had a successful day defending its NEPSAC title from 2015.   Highlights include senior captain J.J. Celentano finishing in the top half of the competition in the Giant Slalom, sophomore Oliver Lawrence finishing 16^th in the Slalom, and junior Devin DeVerry became Williston’s first NEPSAC individual champion in many years winning the Slalom race.

JV Boys:

Most Valuable Skier Award – Adam Johnsrud ‘20

Most Improved Skier Award – Ben Robes-Kenworthy ‘20

Sportsmanship Award – Matt Seltzer ‘20

Varsity Girls:

Most Valuable Skier Award – Sophie Carellas ’18 (second year in a row)

Most Improved Skier Award – Molly Solan ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Lizzy Warncke ‘16

Captain for next year will be Sophie Carellas ’18

Varsity Boys:

Most Valuable Skier Award – Devin DeVerry ’17 (fifth year in a row)

Most Improved Skier Award – Gavin Girardin ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – JJ Celentano ’16

Captain for next year is Devin DeVerry ‘17

Girls Squash

The girls squash program enjoyed another successful winter season under the leadership of Varsity coach Peter Gunn and JV coach Adeleen Brown. The Varsity team enjoyed great team unity as they competed hard throughout the winter.  Highlights included thrilling 4-3 wins over both Berkshire and Suffield for the first time in five years!  At the NEPSAC Class C Championships held at St. Paul’s in New Hampshire, the team enjoyed a terrific performance finishing in second place. Julie Lord finished in 1^st place in the 5^th flight, and in addition to the team’s runner-up performance, they received a wonderful honor at the end of the tournament when they were presented with the Sportsmanship Award for the second consecutive year.

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Chloe Lee ‘17

Most Improved Player Award – Atah Okaisabor ‘18

Sportsmanship Award – Ellie Scott ‘18

Varsity:

Most Valuable Player Award – Caroline Borden ’16 – second year in a row

Most Improved Player Award – Julie Lord ‘16

Sportsmanship Award – Sophia Triana ‘16

Next year’s captain will be Mika Sovjani ’17 and Lindsay Whipple ‘17

Boys Squash

All three boys squash teams enjoyed competitive seasons.    Both Coach Simpson’s Thirds team and Coach Chiavaroli’s JV team demonstrated great improvement this winter highlighted by wins over Eaglebrook, Suffield, and Albany Academy.

Under Coach Ryan Tyree, the Boys Varsity Squash team had an exciting season with a mixture of returning veterans and new faces.  Led by dedicated captains Phillip Lee and Kevin Li, the team demonstrated steady improvement and resilience throughout the winter.  Highlights included avenging an early season 5-2 road loss to Berkshire with a thrilling 4-3 victory at home, and the boys won a gutty 4-3 victory over a tough squad from Kingswood Oxford in the final game of the season.

Co-Ed Thirds:

Most Valuable Player Award: Oscar DeFrancis ‘20

Most Improved Player Award: Ruby McElhone Yates ’21, Akivah Mazile ‘20

Sportsmanship Award – Ava Greenbaum ‘21

JV:

Most Valuable Player Award – Nithish Athavan Raja ‘18

Most Improved Player Award – Joey Robbins ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Aiden McCreary ‘19

Varsity:

Most Valuable Player Award – Kevin Li ’16 – second year in a row

Most Improved Player Award – Henry Poehlein ‘18

Sportsmanship Award –Phillip Lee ‘16

Captain for next year – Henry Poehlein ‘18

Riding

This winter a handful of students participated in Williston’s Riding program at Fuller Horse Farm in nearby Westhampton.   According to Coach Laura Etzel these students worked very hard to improve their jumping skills.  By the end of the season, each rider was able to execute a course with 7 jumps – a wonderful accomplishment.

Most Improvement in Riding: Villard Xu ‘18

Most Improvement in Horsemanship: Momoka Oda ‘18

Sportsmanship Award (Helping Hands Award): Corrine Gawle ‘20

Most Valuable Rider for best all-around horsemanship: Aidenne Alden ‘18

Wrestling

Coaches KaneLong, White, and Rivenburgh’s wrestling team had a very good season finishing with a team record of 10-7.  Highlights of their season included victories over rivals Suffield, Pomfret, and Wilbraham and Monson. Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight of the team season took place at home in January when they defeated Tabor Academy in thrilling style with a 39-36 victory – this was our first win over Tabor in the past 16 years! The team finished with the highest winning percentage in individual matches in the past 16 years winning over 67% of their matches.

At the Class A League Championships held at Hyde School, a number of boys distinguished themselves.  Junior Hunter Adams finished in 2^nd, sophomore Harrison Winrow finished in 4^th, and senior captain Mikey Lloyd was 5^th.   Harrison added to his great day by winning the Most Falls in the Least Time Award, pinning 4 opponents in 3 minutes and 42 seconds combined.

JV:

Most Valuable Wrestler: Sam Canney ‘17

Most Improved Wrestler: William Gunn ‘21

Sportsmanship: Andrew Andrew ‘18

Varsity:

Donald J. Knauf Most Valuable Wrestler Award – Mikey Lloyd ‘16

Most Improved Wrestler Award – Ben Normandin ‘19

Sportsmanship Award – Bina Sweet ‘17

Peter M. Edgerton ’74 Most Pins Award – Hunter Adams ’17 (second year in a row)

The captain of next year’s team will be Bina Sweet ‘17

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.

Williston’s Boys Varsity Basketball team defeated a spirited Hotchkiss School team, 57-49, in the first round of the NEPSAC Class A Playoffs.  The reigning Class A Champion Wildcats are now one step closer to defending their title.

Hotchkiss started the game with energy and enthusiasm. The visitor’s dynamic guards drove to the basket effectively, and the determination of their big men off the boards helped them to mount an early lead.  Despite Williston’s slow start, key players for the Wildcats stepped up to keep the score close.

Sam Geschickter ’16 and Jamal David ’16 were instrumental in helping the Wildcats settle into their offensive rhythm.   Geschickter drained a few shots from distance to reel in the visitors, and David was able to finish his penetrating drives with graceful layups.

After numerous lead changes, the hotly-contested first half ended with a 1-point advantage for the hosts, 25-24.  Coach Shelton was able to settle his players down at halftime and prepare them for an excellent second half performance.

In the second half, Williston rediscovered its balanced scoring attack and tough team defense that served them well during the regular season. Senior Jake Ross ’16 played a critically important role for the Wildcats late in the contest.  His 10 second-half points helped the Wildcats start important scoring runs to widen their lead; however, Hotchkiss responded quickly with consecutive baskets of their own to keep the game close.

Williston held on to a 1-point lead going into the final minutes of the game, when Geschickter ’16 drained a three-pointer that inspired his team and electrified the crowd.  Williston played their best basketball of the night to stretch their lead to 7-points, but the stingy visitors were fortunate to finish two three-point plays, narrowing the lead back down to 1-point with just seconds to play!

But this would be Williston’s night! In a moment of great confidence and competitive brilliance, Sam Geschickter nailed a Steph Curry range 3-pointer to solidify the win.  “During that play I knew the shot clock was running down and we had to get a shot up, so as soon as I caught the ball I put it up,” said Geschickter about decision to shoot from distance. “It went in because I didn’t think twice about shooting it. I didn’t even realize how deep it was until my teammates told me after the game.”

“Tonight was a great March basketball game,” said Coach Shelton of today’s tournament game.  “Hotchkiss is extremely well coached, and they made it difficult for us on both sides of the court.  Our guys showed resilience, toughness and made huge shots down the stretch to pull it out.”

Geschickter finished the contest with a game-high 20 points, and Jake Ross finished with 14. Williston will host #6 Suffield Academy this Saturday at 1 pm for a spot in the NEPSAC Class A Final.  “We are excited to play Suffield this Saturday,” added Coach Shelton.  “It is a huge rivalry between our two schools and it will be a fantastic atmosphere!”

Girls Varsity Hockey defeated a hard-working Milton Academy team 3-1 to advance to the NEPSAC Tournament semifinals.

Although the Wildcats carried much of the momentum throughout the opening periods of play, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 going into the decisive third period.

Williston showed its quality in crunch time. Gabby Jones ’18 finished off a beautifully-constructed power play goal to make the score 1-0 in the opening minutes of the period.

Once Milton’s net was breached, the Wildcats’ confidence grew as they pushed for a second goal.  Delaney Belinskas ’16 blasted a shot from the slot that ricocheted over the goalie’s shoulder and trickled into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

Milton was able to cut the lead in half after a laser wrist shot beat standout goaltender Morgan Fisher ’16 against the run of play.  The Wildcats were quickly able to regroup and set up Caroline Difore ’19 for an insurance goal with three minutes remaining.

Despite a hectic finish that saw the Wildcats kill off a penalty against six Milton skaters, Williston hung on for the 3-1 win.  “We had an excellent effort today, and it was great to see us really come together in the third,” said Coach Talbot-Syfu about her team’s performance today. “We had a variety of players play a part in our three goals, and we had a great defensive effort.”

With their win over Milton today the Girls Varsity team has set a new record for most wins in a season with 21!  “It’s great to break the school record for wins,” added Coach Talbot-Syfu. Williston will host #3 Loomis this Saturday at 2:45 pm in the semifinals of the NEPSAC Tournament. Go Wildcats!

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.

Williston ice hockey standout, Alex Starzyk ’13, was recently named New England Hockey Conference’s (NEHC) Player of the Year.  The Enfield native was a first-team All-Conference selection for 2016 as well.

The Saint Anselm College junior led the NEHC in points (27) and in goals (16), and she was instrumental for the Hawks on the power play, where she had 5 goals and had 8 assists.

“I saw Alex play two weeks ago against Amherst College,” said Williston Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach, Christa Talbot-Syfu. “It was great to see her in action, and I wasn’t surprised that she was one of the best players on the ice.”

Coach Talbot-Syfu speaks highly of Starzyk’s hockey ability, “Alex is very talented, sees the ice well, and finds herself in good scoring opportunities.  It’s quite an honor to see her receive this distinction, and we are so proud of her.”

Saint Anselm’s Women’s Ice Hockey team finished the 2016 regular season with an overall record of 20 wins and 5 losses, good enough for second place in the NEHC. The Hawks are gearing up for this weekend’s NEHC Open Playoffs, and all us of at Williston wish Alex the best of luck as she helps her team make a run for the championship.

The New England Hockey Conference Women’s Ice Hockey Award winners are selected by the league’s fourteen coaches.