Contact: Jenni Brockman
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scotty Sports Corner: SMS Sports Teams Wind Down Season
By Kelly Proctor '02
Special Correspondent
Tappahannock (November 5, 2001) - St. Margaret's School athletes ran, spiked and dribbled their way to both victory and defeat in recent meets, matches and games. As the end of the season approaches, these girls are gaining both winning scores and rewarding lessons.
Photo left: Freshman Becky Clark of Lively was one of the scoring leaders for St. Margaret's varsity field hockey team this year.
Cross-Country: On Wednesday, October 24, the SMS cross-country team faced League of Independent Schools challenger Trinity Episcopal in Richmond. Pushing themselves hard on a 3.1-mile course that wove over baseball dugouts and past flying soccer balls, the Scotties prevailed, 24-32. Placing first for SMS and second overall was Senior Anne Czechanski with a time of 23:58. Other girls finishing in the top five and giving SMS the win were Alston Moore (27:56), Jessie Malm (28:06), Amy Dunsire (30:15), and Merritt Allaun (33:07). Also finishing the course were: Kat Price (33:10), Kate Lowe (33:25), Gabby Haselden (33:20), Emily Chang (34:15), Virginia King (34:40), Nicole Lane, and Drenika Mosby (43:20).
Head Coach David Cook commented on the race: "What a day. It was 20 degrees warmer than normal on an unfamiliar course. We really had to run on guts to win, and that is what these girls did. It was our second team win in a row, which belongs in the SMS record books. We should be fine-tuned and ready for that final meet."
Volleyball: The SMS varsity volleyball team played its last home game of the season against the Covenant School of Charlottesville on Tuesday, October 24. Tenacious play by senior Tri-Captain Brittany Walker of Callao and her teammates was not enough to carry Saint Margaret's on to victory, as SMS lost to Covenant in a fiercely competitive battle, (15-6), (15-17), (16-18), (15-1), (10-15). The game stretched on for an exhausting two and a half hours as the girls set, spiked, and blocked determinedly.
Head Coach Natalie LaPrade said, "You get to a certain point in the season where everyone's so tired, you just can't pull through. However, we regrouped for Thursday!"
And regroup they did. Saint Margaret's traveled to Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond on October 25, where they dealt the Titans a resounding blow. Coach LaPrade highlighted the strong work of Walker, who averaged two kills per game, senior Lisa Magness of Urbanna, whose consistent serving paved the way for a Scotty victory, and freshman Meredith Rimkus, who scored the majority of SMS points with 100% serving (every serve she hit went into play). The Scotties downed Trinity in three short games, (15-3), (15-8), (15-2).
The Covenant game also was Senior Appreciation Night, marking a rite of passage for seven Scotty seniors. Coach LaPrade honored graduating team members for their years of varsity play: Ellison Goodwin (2 years as manager), Shannon Davis of Tappahannock (4 years), Tiff Greer (2 years) , Rachelle Slotnick of Tappahannock (3 years), Brittany Walker of Callao (3 years; 2 at SMS), Lisa Magness of Urbanna (2 years), and Katie Herrick (1 year).
The SMS varsity volleyball team ends the regular season at 6-5 overall, 3-4 in the League of Independent Schools.
Field Hockey: The SMS varsity field hockey team met Fredericksburg Christian Academy on home turf October 24. After a quick goal by Fredericksburg in the first half, the Scotties answered with a score from senior Taylor Ellis of Center Cross, assisted by senior Co-Captain Ruth Redfearn of Kinsale. Teammates also pointed to the sound defense of senior Heather Porter of Walkerton. As neither team was able to break the tie, the score remained even during the second half and ended officially at 1-1. The score is testament to the hard work the Scotties have put forth during the season, as the last time SMS played Fredericksburg Academy, they were routed 0-6.
Hockey: The hockey Scotties traveled to Richmond the next day to meet Saint Gertrude's School, an LIS team known for its competitive play. Team Manager Laura Caton describes the match: "There was a lot of pushing and shoving by both teams, and the field was so dusty you could hardly tell where the ball ended up." She praised the hard work of the SMS defense. Junior goalie Claire Hopkins of Oak Grove was credited with nine saves, and Co-Captain Sarah Taliaferro of Center Cross swept out a number of would-be goals with her sound stick work. Though the score remained an even 0-0 at halftime, St. Gertrude's scored twice during the second half and brought the final score to 0-2.
