Almost there... At week's end, barring any further weather-induced scheduling overhauls, there will remain exactly 2 contests (MSC @ St. Mary's 10/26 & MCC @ John Carroll 10/27) on Park's regular season schedule. The playoffs begin in earnest this week for several teams, triggering unbridled hope in some, stress in others, and relief among a select few. So, pull out that Bruins sweatshirt and take some time this week to enjoy the Fall sun while rooting ferociously for the Brown and White.
One group without the highest of expectations, perhaps, but certainly a handful of aspiration, is the girls' cross country team who, last Tuesday, completed their schedule with a success-laden 8-8 B-Conference record. They'll now have a solid 10 days to prepare for the championship meet to be held on our very own home course at Oregon Ridge October 28. The long layoff provides time to heal and refocus. Do your best to congratulate the girls among the classrooms and hallways this week while motivating them for the task ahead.
WCC: No meets.
The boys' cross country runners, in contrast, have had little to cheer about as a team this year, and their calendar holds 3 more competitions before they sniff the postseason. The meets this week, 10/20 versus Mt. St. Joe and AACS and 10/23 at St. Paul's, will likely do little to advance the Bruins in the standings, but they'll certainly serve to further groom our top runners for the finals still some time away (11/5). There, the boys hope to challenge some of the upper tier, larger schools' athletes after the next 2 weeks' improvement upon their own personal times. This Tuesday will be your last chance to catch the boys at home and in person as the final 2 meets of the season and the championship will all occur away from the friendly confines of the Park School woods.
MCC: 10/20 v MSJ & AACS, 10/23 @ SPSB
The good news on Girls' Varsity Field last week; the field hockey team notched a goal. The bad; McDonogh scored 5. After keeping the game tight in their initial contest earlier in the year, the Bruins' ambitions were significantly loftier this time around. While the wins haven't exactly been piling up, the team has improved, but the Eagles outplayed Park, still shorthanded due to injury and illness. The team hopes to have some of those players back this week, and they'll need them. The girls face 3 games in 3 days (originally it was 4!), starting Monday with a home tussle against John Carroll, whom Park handled 2-1 in late September. Another win Monday would mean a great deal to the girls, as would a good showing from their fans.
FH: 10/19 v JC, 10/20 v Maryvale, 10/21 @ Glenelg
Girls' soccer continues to search for the bright side of their season, falling to Severn last Tuesday. Though they remain winless on the season, the team looks set to reclaim several stars from the injured reserves just prior to their postseason's kickoff. The once gimpy girls will have 1 opportunity to shake off the rust Monday at conference co-leader Bryn Mawr. The matchup could benefit the Bruins in more ways than one, as it could foreshadow a second round playoff matchup. Getting there would of course require a victory in the year's initial Playoff Edition GAME OF THE WEEK this Friday. The girls will most likely face the 7th place team, currently Chapelgate or Catholic, in the preliminary round before taking on the top of the heap next week.
WSC: 10/19 @ BM, 10/23 @ IAAM Prelims
Today's blog also includes a carryover GAME OF THE WEEK as the boys' soccer team confronts Boys' Latin here at Park Tuesday after getting rained out last week. The test was made even more difficult with the postponement as the boys must now tackle the Lakers on no rest, following Monday's game at far-away Severn. Furthermore, both games are near "must-wins" due to the congestion within the conference standings. Currently, according to the MIAA website, the Bruins (5-3-1) occupy a shaky second place perch, behind 9-1 St. Paul's and just ahead of none other than Boys' Latin at 5-5 and Pallotti at 3-5. So, not only is 2nd place in jeopardy, but the playoffs themselves could be lost with poor play in their final 4 games, 3 of which occur this week. Stay focused boys.
MSC: 10/19 @ Severn, 10/20 v BL, 10/23 @ SPSB
Girls' tennis pulled off yet another 5-0 sweep (against Pallotti, their 6th shutout of the season) last Tuesday, thus locking up 2nd place with a regular season record of 9-1, sandwiched between McDonogh (10-0) and Spalding (9-2). There was little time to celebrate, however, as the squad's attention immediately refocused on the postseason which begins (and ends!) this week. What has been a phenomenal Fall for the Bruins ultimately comes down to these 4 days in October. No pressure though... In playoff GAMES OF THE WEEK, the girls challenge all comers Monday in the IAAM Quarterfinals, Tuesday in the Semifinals and, finally, Thursday in the Finals. I plan to do my best to make the tournament. Hope to see you there!
WTN: 10/19 @ IAAM Quarters, 10/20 @ IAAM Semis, 10/22 @ IAAM Finals
Remember, don't miss a game (especially a playoff!) due to my scattered brain! Check the website to be sure!
GO BRUINS!
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