Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scotty Sports Corner: Field Hockey, Volleyball, Hold Off Richmond Opponents
Tappahannock (October 15, 2001) -The St. Margaret's School varsity field hockey and varsity volleyball teams faced big-city opponents last week and did the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula proud, posting a tie and a win, respectively, over large Richmond schools.
Photo left: The 2001 St. Margaret's School Varsity Volleyball Team. On floor: Captains Brittany Walker of Callao, Tiff Greer, and Shannon Davis of Tappahannock. Front row: Katie Herrick, Ashley Morici, Ann Kramer Osburn of Tappahannock, Maryama Tagoe. Back row: Lisa Magness of Urbanna, Allie Burdette, Meredith Rimkus, Lindsay Neist of Tappahannock, Rachelle Slotnick of Tappahannock, Marin Brown, and Head Coach Natalie LaPrade.
Field Hockey: The tenacious play of junior goalie Claire Hopkins, an Oak Grove resident, was a key factor in the Scotties' 0-0 tie with St. Gertrude's School at home on October 9. The SMS defense, including senior Sarah Taliaferro of Center Cross, senior Ruth Redfearn of Kinsale, and sophomore Erin Kelley of Lancaster, also played consistently and well, said Head Coach JoJo McKinley.
"Our team has greatly improved throughout the season," she said, "We've been working hard at cutting off passes and improving communication, and it's beginning to pay off."
Scotty victories have come against Virginia Episcopal on September 15 (2-0), Christchurch School on September 18 (4-2) and September 24 (3-1), and Northumberland on September 27 (2-0). The team's record now stands at 1-3 in the League of Independent Schools and 4-1-6 overall.
Leading SMS scorers this season include freshman Becky Clark of Lively (4), senior Taylor Ellis of Dunnsville (4), freshman Neillee Katona of Dunnsville (2), and sophomore Sarah Weakley of Montross (2).
Volleyball: The volleyball Scotties won one and lost one against Richmond opponents in their two most recent home games. Following an October 4 loss (3 games to 2) at the hands of powerhouse St. Catherine's - a school several times larger than SMS - the St. Margaret's squad rallied to defeat Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot on October 9 (15-5, 11-15, 15-11, 15-6).
"I am very pleased with the season so far," said Head Coach Natalie LaPrade. "For the number of matches we have had, our quality of play far exceeds my expectations."
The SMS varsity volleyball team now stands at 1-2 in the LIS and 4-3 overall. The Scotties travel to St. Anne's-Belfield of Charlottesville on October 17, and will face Collegiate School of Richmond at home on Friday, October 19.
