A short, holiday week calls for... well, a short blog entry.
Unfortunately, Bruins' squash stumbled out of the gate, losing to Boys' Latin by a score of 2-5. The performance was, however, a significant improvement upon last year's, with seniors Drew Kaup and Sam Cornblath pulling out victories and freshman newcomer Ashley Suan and classmate Andrew Katz pushing their matches to 4 sets. With several schools' numbers 1 and 2 players holding Herculean advantages in experience and skill, it is this "middle of the order," as it were, that might pose the biggest challenge to Park opponents.
SQ: No games scheduled
Last week's scrimmage pitting the girls' basketball squad against Dulaney was considerably downplayed into what amounted to a 2-team practice session due predominantly to public school regulations on preseason competition. Still, the Bruins played an intense style and, after a relatively even first half, completely dominated the Lions in the third quarter (the approximate score, 17-2!). The girls played a total of 5 quarters, winning at least 3 and looking solid throughout. No doubt there's room for improvement, but as early season scrimmages go, the small crowd nestled into the corners of the PAC got their time's worth in this one. The girls will kick off the short week with another non-conference game, facing North Harford on Monday.
WBB: 11/23 v. North Harford
So much for the 08-09 semifinal loss to Key School. Girls' indoor soccer took a small measure of revenge in knocking off the Obezags 2-1 in the season opener. Both of Park's goals came from junior Aiden Piper with an assist from fellow-captain Mariama Eversley. Meanwhile, the stingy Bruin defense stood fast, anchored by sophomore goalie Nikki Casper (15 saves). Playing out more or less just as envisioned, the girls appeared formidable. No games over the holidays, though, means we'll have to wait a bit for our next opportunity to truly ascertain whether or not this group will dominate this winter.
ISC: No games scheduled
As hinted upon last week, team cohesion can often go a long way towards securing success, however one might choose to quantify that expression. The boys' basketball squad appears ready to test that theory. Anything they might lack in terms of true talent on the court, they appear to make up for in maturity, heart and a certain unifying bond that may simply be the product of a senior-laden group (10 seniors among 12 players, not 11 of 13 as written last week) with so many years of mutual varied experiences in their collective pockets. A big, tight, gutsy gang are they. Should be fun. The boys will play bookends to the girls with GAMES OF THE WEEK on Saturday (11/28), a playday featuring teams from Poly and Towson High School. Sneak away from the leftovers and bring the family!
MBB: 11/28 Playday v. Poly and Towson
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and, of course... GO BRUINS!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Week of November 16... Winter begins!
Fall is officially behind us, at least in high school sports terms. Cleats and running shoes have been stashed away in favor of the suddenly more appropriate (and far more comfortable) tennies and high-tops. The relative peace of wide open spaces has given way to the echoing cacophony of small, indoor arenas. While autumn may have been a bit heavier on disappointment than we would have liked (at least in regards to wins, losses and the timing of both), the winter outlook is brimming with promise and optimism. If you listen intently enough, you can already hear the squeak of sneakers on varnish like so many enormous mice.
Enormous may be a minor overstatement but it's quite obvious that this year's boys' basketball team does fall quite squarely on the large side, relatively speaking of course. With only 3 Bruins measuring south of 6 feet tall, it's one of the biggest groups in recent memory. And then there's the experience factor. Four players are in at least their second year on varsity (seniors Kyle Long and Jon Hettleman are playing in their 3rd and 4th, respectively) and the roster features 11 seniors. That's 11 seniors on a squad of 13! As it often does, much will depend upon the unit's discipline, heart and cohesion. Captains have yet to be selected so it's still unknown who besides Coach Wolf will lead the solidarity effort, but with so many mature athletes to choose from, the task of keeping this group motivated and on the same page should prove to be an easy one.
MBB: No games yet.
On paper, girls' basketball looks set to challenge (and destroy) all comers on their way to another successful playoff run. What remains to be seen is whether or not these Bruins can win the big one. A pesky dark cloud has anchored itself onto Coach Coll's team, and to the girls' program in general. In the last 2 years, the girls have sailed into the championship game as favorites only to be outdone by eager underdogs each time. And there are only slightly less recent examples that further reinforce the trend. Perhaps it's another instance of a group of Bruins missing that "thing" I'd mentioned in earlier posts. Perhaps it's simply a string of bad luck. Whatever the cause, the 09-10 girls seem confident in their ability to smash the paradigm. And for good reason. The team will carry only 10 players, among them 4 seniors. Six of the 10 are returning finalists (including All-Conference pick Rose Coll), 2 have stepped up from the JV, and the ultimate duo are much ballyhooed freshmen Akira Townes and Zoe Mayers. Still waiting to hear the captains' names here as well, but this is a group that has played, and won, together in the past. The future holds only 1 remaining obstacle. The road toward that goal starts with a scrimmage against Dulaney High's Lions this Friday (11/20) here in the PAC. Come and see the girls early and get in on the ground floor of what could be a memorable season.
WBB: 11/20 v. Dulaney
This winter's squash roster boasts approximately 26 athletes, 11 of whom will play for the varsity. Senior captains Drew Kaup and Alex Katz lead a group that lost only 1 member from last year's still developing lineup. The team also welcomes back All-Conference winner Andrew DuBerg and newcomer Ashley Suan who touts strong credentials and hopes to make a significant dent in the league. Overpowered by far more experienced players last year, the 09-10 Bruins return poised, better prepared and genuinely more skilled. They begin play Tuesday (11/17) at their home in Meadow Mill against none other than the Lakers of Boys' Latin. Look for additional news as it becomes available including the outcome of our debut or, better yet, grab the directions from the website and head down to a match!
SQ: 11/17 v. BL
Many thanks to Coach Rob Piper for the preseason rundown on indoor soccer who, after finishing last year's regular season with the second best record among B-Conference schools, bowed out in the semifinals with an overtime shootout loss. That heartbreak came at the hands of the Key School Obezags (I'll never get over that "mascot" name), the very same opponent the girls find at the head of their schedule this winter. More than the adversary feels familiar, though, in this particular case of deja vu. For the Bruins, the cast of characters remains nearly the same as well, with no fewer than 9 players from that semifinal game returning to the team this year. Add to that a handful of outdoor players, some unexpectedly seasoned freshmen, and a couple of skilled athletes revisiting their favorite sport after a brief departure and you've got a squad with experience on its side. Remarkably, the 17 that made the team (the girls suffered through numbers-mandated tryouts and cuts for the first time in recent memory) count only 2 seniors among their number! Captained by 1 of those, Mariama Eversley, along with juniors Aiden Piper and Lauren Sibel, this team looks to be one to watch for years to come. The fun begins with an early GAME OF THE WEEK as the girls take on the aforementioned Obezags Wednesday (11/18) at Freestate Sports Arena. Check the website for directions.
ISC: 11/18 v. Key
GO BRUINS!
Enormous may be a minor overstatement but it's quite obvious that this year's boys' basketball team does fall quite squarely on the large side, relatively speaking of course. With only 3 Bruins measuring south of 6 feet tall, it's one of the biggest groups in recent memory. And then there's the experience factor. Four players are in at least their second year on varsity (seniors Kyle Long and Jon Hettleman are playing in their 3rd and 4th, respectively) and the roster features 11 seniors. That's 11 seniors on a squad of 13! As it often does, much will depend upon the unit's discipline, heart and cohesion. Captains have yet to be selected so it's still unknown who besides Coach Wolf will lead the solidarity effort, but with so many mature athletes to choose from, the task of keeping this group motivated and on the same page should prove to be an easy one.
MBB: No games yet.
On paper, girls' basketball looks set to challenge (and destroy) all comers on their way to another successful playoff run. What remains to be seen is whether or not these Bruins can win the big one. A pesky dark cloud has anchored itself onto Coach Coll's team, and to the girls' program in general. In the last 2 years, the girls have sailed into the championship game as favorites only to be outdone by eager underdogs each time. And there are only slightly less recent examples that further reinforce the trend. Perhaps it's another instance of a group of Bruins missing that "thing" I'd mentioned in earlier posts. Perhaps it's simply a string of bad luck. Whatever the cause, the 09-10 girls seem confident in their ability to smash the paradigm. And for good reason. The team will carry only 10 players, among them 4 seniors. Six of the 10 are returning finalists (including All-Conference pick Rose Coll), 2 have stepped up from the JV, and the ultimate duo are much ballyhooed freshmen Akira Townes and Zoe Mayers. Still waiting to hear the captains' names here as well, but this is a group that has played, and won, together in the past. The future holds only 1 remaining obstacle. The road toward that goal starts with a scrimmage against Dulaney High's Lions this Friday (11/20) here in the PAC. Come and see the girls early and get in on the ground floor of what could be a memorable season.
WBB: 11/20 v. Dulaney
This winter's squash roster boasts approximately 26 athletes, 11 of whom will play for the varsity. Senior captains Drew Kaup and Alex Katz lead a group that lost only 1 member from last year's still developing lineup. The team also welcomes back All-Conference winner Andrew DuBerg and newcomer Ashley Suan who touts strong credentials and hopes to make a significant dent in the league. Overpowered by far more experienced players last year, the 09-10 Bruins return poised, better prepared and genuinely more skilled. They begin play Tuesday (11/17) at their home in Meadow Mill against none other than the Lakers of Boys' Latin. Look for additional news as it becomes available including the outcome of our debut or, better yet, grab the directions from the website and head down to a match!
SQ: 11/17 v. BL
Many thanks to Coach Rob Piper for the preseason rundown on indoor soccer who, after finishing last year's regular season with the second best record among B-Conference schools, bowed out in the semifinals with an overtime shootout loss. That heartbreak came at the hands of the Key School Obezags (I'll never get over that "mascot" name), the very same opponent the girls find at the head of their schedule this winter. More than the adversary feels familiar, though, in this particular case of deja vu. For the Bruins, the cast of characters remains nearly the same as well, with no fewer than 9 players from that semifinal game returning to the team this year. Add to that a handful of outdoor players, some unexpectedly seasoned freshmen, and a couple of skilled athletes revisiting their favorite sport after a brief departure and you've got a squad with experience on its side. Remarkably, the 17 that made the team (the girls suffered through numbers-mandated tryouts and cuts for the first time in recent memory) count only 2 seniors among their number! Captained by 1 of those, Mariama Eversley, along with juniors Aiden Piper and Lauren Sibel, this team looks to be one to watch for years to come. The fun begins with an early GAME OF THE WEEK as the girls take on the aforementioned Obezags Wednesday (11/18) at Freestate Sports Arena. Check the website for directions.
ISC: 11/18 v. Key
GO BRUINS!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week of November 2...
A bump and a dive. That's how the boys' soccer season ended; a bump and a dive. Friday's quarterfinal match culminated in a converted overtime penalty kick, the result of a catastrophic amalgam of a minor foul, a bit of acting, and a referee's regrettable actions. As unsettling as the final chapter may have been, one must find the objectivity to step back and ascertain how it came to be that a talented Park squad found itself tied and in a position to suffer defeat at the hands of an odd bounce or a misguided whistle. The Bruins tallied two first-half goals but failed to overwhelm the Quakers, allowing them opportunity and the subsequent confidence to claw their way back into the game. The boys' effort and emotion were certainly evident throughout, but something, some unseen, uncoachable energy, was missing that day. Unfortunately, that thing has failed us before, in big games and championships, in kilts and cleats, sneakers and shorts, shooting on hoops and cages alike. Is this soccer season, or any other promising schedule finished prematurely, a failure? Of course not. Much was learned, and the moments we perceive as 'lows" are often even more critical than the "highs" to which we aspire in shaping the people that we become. Cherish them equally. Still, in the interest of developing a more complete and well-rounded athletic persona, while striving to further cover with banners the remaining empty spaces on our gymnasium walls, we should investigate and discuss our shortcomings; discover where that occasionally missing thing resides within us and decipher the code that unlocks it.
MSC: Season ended.
Girls' cross country ran their hearts out at their own postseason competition, last Wednesday's Championship. Ellie Kahn was our top finisher at 19th (out of 105!), completing the course in 23:29.90. Only one other Bruin finished in the top 50 (fellow senior Dani Haswell at 48) and the team finished 10th of 16, more or less equaling their performance during the regular season. Behind Dani, Park's next 3 runners were all freshmen who, along with sophomore Ellie, intend to return the team to past glories. Unfortunately, the speedy girls have eluded me since the race so I've little to offer regarding their take on the race. Look for more pictures on the IAAM website. More to come... Congratulations girls!
WCC: Season ended.
Field hockey battled courageously in their opening playoff game but, unfortunately, goals are not awarded for gritty play. The Bruins lost 0-2 to Glenelg, an eventual finalist (the Dragons lost to McDonogh 0-1 for the title). Since then, the players have scattered to the farthest reaches of the athletic center and beyond, casting off their sticks for the moment and venturing inside for the soccer and basketball teams of winter or simply some well-earned relaxation. Among the latter group is Emily Breiter, who was voted an IAAM All-Star. Congratulations Em! Next year's team will again play in the B-Conference.
FH: Season ended.
Girls' soccer, however, will endure a minor adjustment, requesting entrance into the C-Conference next year. Decisions on movements among conferences will not be made until around Thanksgiving. The foot-ballers had one IAAM All-Star as well, sophomore goalie Arianna Strome. Congrats!
WSC: Season ended.
Another mover is girls' tennis, who will jump to the A-Conference next fall pending the IAAM's verdict. They'll do so minus two IAAM All-Stars, senior co-captains Sofia Macht and Jenn Swirnow. Thank you, girls, and congratulations!
WTN: Season ended.
So then, what's left to get rabid Bruins' fans out of bed in the morning? The boys' cross country team is still running strong, awaiting their date with destiny (at the risk of sounding overdramatic...) at the MIAA Championship this Thursday at Oregon Ridge. The boys finished the regular season with a loss at John Carroll, struggling to a 1-7 record. Running, however, is a sport that offers those failing to finish first not only the abstract intrinsic rewards seen in other activities, but tangible, concrete numbers beyond the "score" that gauge each athlete's performance. This year's Bruins may indeed be seeking these very accolades but, nevertheless, they're striving for success. The GAME OF THE WEEK begins with the first race at approximately 2:15 PM this Thursday. Go get 'em boys!
GO BRUINS!
MCC: 11/5 @ MIAA Final
GO BRUINS!
MSC: Season ended.
Girls' cross country ran their hearts out at their own postseason competition, last Wednesday's Championship. Ellie Kahn was our top finisher at 19th (out of 105!), completing the course in 23:29.90. Only one other Bruin finished in the top 50 (fellow senior Dani Haswell at 48) and the team finished 10th of 16, more or less equaling their performance during the regular season. Behind Dani, Park's next 3 runners were all freshmen who, along with sophomore Ellie, intend to return the team to past glories. Unfortunately, the speedy girls have eluded me since the race so I've little to offer regarding their take on the race. Look for more pictures on the IAAM website. More to come... Congratulations girls!
WCC: Season ended.
Field hockey battled courageously in their opening playoff game but, unfortunately, goals are not awarded for gritty play. The Bruins lost 0-2 to Glenelg, an eventual finalist (the Dragons lost to McDonogh 0-1 for the title). Since then, the players have scattered to the farthest reaches of the athletic center and beyond, casting off their sticks for the moment and venturing inside for the soccer and basketball teams of winter or simply some well-earned relaxation. Among the latter group is Emily Breiter, who was voted an IAAM All-Star. Congratulations Em! Next year's team will again play in the B-Conference.
FH: Season ended.
Girls' soccer, however, will endure a minor adjustment, requesting entrance into the C-Conference next year. Decisions on movements among conferences will not be made until around Thanksgiving. The foot-ballers had one IAAM All-Star as well, sophomore goalie Arianna Strome. Congrats!
WSC: Season ended.
Another mover is girls' tennis, who will jump to the A-Conference next fall pending the IAAM's verdict. They'll do so minus two IAAM All-Stars, senior co-captains Sofia Macht and Jenn Swirnow. Thank you, girls, and congratulations!
WTN: Season ended.
So then, what's left to get rabid Bruins' fans out of bed in the morning? The boys' cross country team is still running strong, awaiting their date with destiny (at the risk of sounding overdramatic...) at the MIAA Championship this Thursday at Oregon Ridge. The boys finished the regular season with a loss at John Carroll, struggling to a 1-7 record. Running, however, is a sport that offers those failing to finish first not only the abstract intrinsic rewards seen in other activities, but tangible, concrete numbers beyond the "score" that gauge each athlete's performance. This year's Bruins may indeed be seeking these very accolades but, nevertheless, they're striving for success. The GAME OF THE WEEK begins with the first race at approximately 2:15 PM this Thursday. Go get 'em boys!
GO BRUINS!
MCC: 11/5 @ MIAA Final
GO BRUINS!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Week of October 26...
Sorry I'm late this week, gang... Much to report, but even more work to finish first!
As we head into the final days of October, bearing witness to the final throes of autumn and days of temperate weather, 2 teams' seasons have already ended. The first delivered a plaque that rests upon Mr. Diven's "mantle" in the PAC lobby. The other finished without a victory.
Lest that come across as too somber an introduction to the week's news, let it be known that the girls' soccer team rose to the occasion and managed to put forth a superlative effort while laying to rest their difficult season. Following Monday's loss to the conference's number 2 squad, Bryn Mawr, the girls hoped to secure a rematch by upsetting 7 seed Chapelgate in Friday's preliminary round of the league's playoffs. Without a win to their credit, the girls remained confident in their abilities and motivated towards finally exhibiting them prior to the elimination game. Lead by their seniors, they expected to play well. And they did. With nearly the entire team healthy, a starting 11 envisioned during the preseason to be one of the team's best suited up together for the first time in countless weeks (perhaps all season). The Bruins struck first and pushed the Yellowjackets to overtime before succumbing 1-2. If nothing else, the girls proved to themselves that they've got some skillz, while offering us a glimpse of the desire that will lead next year's group to higher tangible successes in a new conference.
WSC: Season Ended
As has been mentioned in previous editions, the girls' tennis team has toiled away in relative obscurity, playing home matches far from the watchful eyes of the typical sports fan roaming the corridors of the Old Court campus. The daily bus rides to practice, the sparse crowds, and the relative anonimity among their peers... some part of it clicked with these girls. And it did so right from the start. The Bruins finished 10-1 in the B-Conference, trailing only undefeated powerhouse McDonogh in the final team standings. The effort earned the team a runner-up plaque proudly displayed on Mr. Diven's "mantle" in the PAC. All that remained were the individual finals, played Tuesday through Thursday of last week. On day 1, the girls wavered ever so slightly, suffering a loss at the #1 singles position. Everyone else advanced. Of note was the #1 doubles match, pitting senior captains Sophia Macht and Jenn Swirnow against rivals from Friends. That one competition lasted 3 hours and saw 2 tiebreakers, ending 6-7 6-2 7-6 (13-11) in favor of the 2 Bruins, exhibiting the grit and drive that epitomized the team's season. Wednesday panned out to be a replay of the Park-Spalding dual (duel?) in late September. All 4 remaining Park entries faced Cavalier opponents. Park's #2 singles and #1 doubles fell short, each by the score of 6-7 3-6. The numbers 2 and 3 doubles teams played on. Unfortunately, the finals would be swept by McDonogh's junior pros. The outstanding Bruins, freshmen Liz Kuntz and Ashley Suan and junior-senior combo, Chloe Shiras and Carly Basner, each fought unsuccessfully through 2 sets, finishing in second place. What a season. What a tournament. Congratulations girls!
WTN: Season Ended
With losses last week to John Carroll (0-1), Maryvale (0-2) and Glenelg (0-3), field hockey finished their regular season schedule with a record of 2-9-1, not quite what they'd hoped, but enough to earn a 6th place slot in the 8 team B-Conference standings. Furthermore, the seed (not decided until the final day of play) places the girls in a unique position. You see, they'll play the very same Glenelg Dragons team they battled last Wednesday. Will the extra preparation help or hinder their cause (Glenelg has the same advantage, remember?) remains to be seen. Park travels to Ellicott City Tuesday in the first of this week's playoff GAMES OF THE WEEK. Go get 'em Bruins!
FH: 10/27 @ IAAM Prelim/Quarters
The boys' cross country runners had a banner week, beating Mt. St. Joe's here on Wednesday and following it up with several victories (albeit over B-Conference teams) in St. Paul's Invitational on Friday. All that remains is one last trip to John Carroll on Tuesday. Then it's off to Oregon Ridge for the final challenge, both internal and external, as the crew faces the best of the best in the MIAA Final scheduled next Thursday.
MCC: 10/27 @ JC
Boys' soccer continues to defy uniformity, sailing up and down their chosen roller coaster track to the playoffs. The Bruins escaped with a 1-0 victory at (now) 3-9-1 Severn, coasted uncomfortably to a 3-2 win against BL (completing the season sweep of the Lakers!) and, with second place locked up, never really took the field in a 0-2 loss at front-runner St. Paul's. While the boys' playoff position may have been effectively sealed, what momentum they retained entering last week seems to have sifted through their hands like so many grains of sand. The slide persisted into this week as the lads tied St. Mary's (3-9) without a goal. It's as if the boys feel they can simply flip the switch as we head into the playoffs. Let's hope they can find it in the dark. In our second GAME OF THE WEEK, Park will take on none other than the Friends School Quakers this Friday in an MIAA Quarterfinal match on Kelly Field. The start is an early one at 3:15 so get out there early. The boys may require a boisterous wake up call from the sidelines!
MSC: 10/30 v MIAA Quarterfinals
The somewhat unexpectedly fleet-footed girls' cross country team took the week off to prep for our final GAME OF THE WEEK, Wednesday's IAAM Championship Meet at Oregon Ridge. The ladies finished the year 8-7, impressive enough for eighth place among the 17 team B-Conference. Middle-of-the-pack, as joyful a surprise as it may be coming from a group whose majority were "walk-ons" of a sort in that they hadn't participated in earnest prior to this year, may not satisfy these competitors. Striving to better their own times if not knock off more experienced athletes, the Bruins intend to put on a show, smiling all the while. Good luck!
No Meets
WCC: 10/27 @ IAAM Finals
Stay tuned for more playoff news as well as All-Conference selections and other awards!
GO BRUINS!
As we head into the final days of October, bearing witness to the final throes of autumn and days of temperate weather, 2 teams' seasons have already ended. The first delivered a plaque that rests upon Mr. Diven's "mantle" in the PAC lobby. The other finished without a victory.
Lest that come across as too somber an introduction to the week's news, let it be known that the girls' soccer team rose to the occasion and managed to put forth a superlative effort while laying to rest their difficult season. Following Monday's loss to the conference's number 2 squad, Bryn Mawr, the girls hoped to secure a rematch by upsetting 7 seed Chapelgate in Friday's preliminary round of the league's playoffs. Without a win to their credit, the girls remained confident in their abilities and motivated towards finally exhibiting them prior to the elimination game. Lead by their seniors, they expected to play well. And they did. With nearly the entire team healthy, a starting 11 envisioned during the preseason to be one of the team's best suited up together for the first time in countless weeks (perhaps all season). The Bruins struck first and pushed the Yellowjackets to overtime before succumbing 1-2. If nothing else, the girls proved to themselves that they've got some skillz, while offering us a glimpse of the desire that will lead next year's group to higher tangible successes in a new conference.
WSC: Season Ended
As has been mentioned in previous editions, the girls' tennis team has toiled away in relative obscurity, playing home matches far from the watchful eyes of the typical sports fan roaming the corridors of the Old Court campus. The daily bus rides to practice, the sparse crowds, and the relative anonimity among their peers... some part of it clicked with these girls. And it did so right from the start. The Bruins finished 10-1 in the B-Conference, trailing only undefeated powerhouse McDonogh in the final team standings. The effort earned the team a runner-up plaque proudly displayed on Mr. Diven's "mantle" in the PAC. All that remained were the individual finals, played Tuesday through Thursday of last week. On day 1, the girls wavered ever so slightly, suffering a loss at the #1 singles position. Everyone else advanced. Of note was the #1 doubles match, pitting senior captains Sophia Macht and Jenn Swirnow against rivals from Friends. That one competition lasted 3 hours and saw 2 tiebreakers, ending 6-7 6-2 7-6 (13-11) in favor of the 2 Bruins, exhibiting the grit and drive that epitomized the team's season. Wednesday panned out to be a replay of the Park-Spalding dual (duel?) in late September. All 4 remaining Park entries faced Cavalier opponents. Park's #2 singles and #1 doubles fell short, each by the score of 6-7 3-6. The numbers 2 and 3 doubles teams played on. Unfortunately, the finals would be swept by McDonogh's junior pros. The outstanding Bruins, freshmen Liz Kuntz and Ashley Suan and junior-senior combo, Chloe Shiras and Carly Basner, each fought unsuccessfully through 2 sets, finishing in second place. What a season. What a tournament. Congratulations girls!
WTN: Season Ended
With losses last week to John Carroll (0-1), Maryvale (0-2) and Glenelg (0-3), field hockey finished their regular season schedule with a record of 2-9-1, not quite what they'd hoped, but enough to earn a 6th place slot in the 8 team B-Conference standings. Furthermore, the seed (not decided until the final day of play) places the girls in a unique position. You see, they'll play the very same Glenelg Dragons team they battled last Wednesday. Will the extra preparation help or hinder their cause (Glenelg has the same advantage, remember?) remains to be seen. Park travels to Ellicott City Tuesday in the first of this week's playoff GAMES OF THE WEEK. Go get 'em Bruins!
FH: 10/27 @ IAAM Prelim/Quarters
The boys' cross country runners had a banner week, beating Mt. St. Joe's here on Wednesday and following it up with several victories (albeit over B-Conference teams) in St. Paul's Invitational on Friday. All that remains is one last trip to John Carroll on Tuesday. Then it's off to Oregon Ridge for the final challenge, both internal and external, as the crew faces the best of the best in the MIAA Final scheduled next Thursday.
MCC: 10/27 @ JC
Boys' soccer continues to defy uniformity, sailing up and down their chosen roller coaster track to the playoffs. The Bruins escaped with a 1-0 victory at (now) 3-9-1 Severn, coasted uncomfortably to a 3-2 win against BL (completing the season sweep of the Lakers!) and, with second place locked up, never really took the field in a 0-2 loss at front-runner St. Paul's. While the boys' playoff position may have been effectively sealed, what momentum they retained entering last week seems to have sifted through their hands like so many grains of sand. The slide persisted into this week as the lads tied St. Mary's (3-9) without a goal. It's as if the boys feel they can simply flip the switch as we head into the playoffs. Let's hope they can find it in the dark. In our second GAME OF THE WEEK, Park will take on none other than the Friends School Quakers this Friday in an MIAA Quarterfinal match on Kelly Field. The start is an early one at 3:15 so get out there early. The boys may require a boisterous wake up call from the sidelines!
MSC: 10/30 v MIAA Quarterfinals
The somewhat unexpectedly fleet-footed girls' cross country team took the week off to prep for our final GAME OF THE WEEK, Wednesday's IAAM Championship Meet at Oregon Ridge. The ladies finished the year 8-7, impressive enough for eighth place among the 17 team B-Conference. Middle-of-the-pack, as joyful a surprise as it may be coming from a group whose majority were "walk-ons" of a sort in that they hadn't participated in earnest prior to this year, may not satisfy these competitors. Striving to better their own times if not knock off more experienced athletes, the Bruins intend to put on a show, smiling all the while. Good luck!
No Meets
WCC: 10/27 @ IAAM Finals
Stay tuned for more playoff news as well as All-Conference selections and other awards!
GO BRUINS!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Update...
A quick note of correction... Due to last Friday's rain, the start of the girls' tennis playoffs have been shifted back one day. As a result, the preliminary round will be played today (Monday, 10/19). The Bruins will not play until tomorrow's quarterfinal at 2 PM. The rest of the week remains the same: Wednesday semifinals at 3:30 PM and Thursday finals also at 3:30 PM, all at McDonogh.
GO BRUINS!
GO BRUINS!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Week of October 19... Fall's Home Stretch
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!
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!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Week of October 12...
There's (finally) a chill in the air and campus is just starting to show signs of the turn towards autumn. For some, the dip in temperature is the first sure indication that "put up or shut up" time is officially upon us. For others, donning a fleece or hoodie for the first time stirred thoughts of winter and the hope of a new season yet to begin. The field hockey team may count among its diminishing throng several of the latter folk. Illness and injury have hounded several squads this year, but hockey has been all but dessimated by the duo. Last week started well enough, one might say... The girls dominated Monday's contest against Friends school, but were unable to find the goal, settling for a 0-0 overtime tie. Wednesday's game against Mt. de Sales provided another blow to the team's morale when the already depleted group lost another key starter to injury. The 1-3 loss in the record book was far less worrisome than the new gaping hole left in the roster. A white flag of (temporary) surrender was finally lifted Friday, when the girls were forced to postpone both their JV and varsity games against Maryvale due to the mounting player shortage. The day off heading into the weekend surely must have done some good for both the health and spirits of the team, but several injuries will continue to handicap the girls' chances this week as they face McDonogh at home on Monday, 10/12 and Glenelg away on Thursday, 10/15.
FH: 10/12 v. McDonogh, 10/15 @ Glenelg
The girls' soccer squad appears to be riding the heels of those dismayed few mentioned above (or, perhaps, it's the other way around), in that they've had trouble scoring, they've subsequently had difficulty winning, and their players are dropping like flies. The difference might be that this young team seems set to regain a bit of its muscle in the near future. At least 2 experienced starters appear ready to return to full strength this week and others may be on the way. Last Friday, unlike hockey, the soccer girls were able to scrape together a team to travel to Catholic. Another loss followed but, once again, the winless Bruins battled and kept things close, falling 0-2. The week ahead holds only 1 game, against 4-2 Severn at home on Tuesday.
WSC: 10/13 v. Severn
Boys' cross country limped home after a double loss at Curley last Tuesday, heading into a much needed week off. Park remains winless in the A-Conference, outclassed by the majority of their foes in this season of youth and inexperience. Indeed, it seems as though success might be best measured by individual performances among the Bruins' top runners, while the team hopes to knock off B-Conference teams and an unsuspecting rival or two as the year wears on. An escape to winter sports, however, is not on the minds of these Bruins. With only a few meets remaining over the next 2 weeks, the MIAA Championships loom in early November, and it is there that several hope to make their mark.
MCC: no meets scheduled
For those of you still reading, thanks for wading through what has turned out to be a significantly dreary opening to this week's blog. Let's begin the upswing with girls' cross country. If pressed for a sincere answer, the girls themselves, clad in black and white uniform tanks and runners kicks, might admit that not even they expected much from this group at the onset of practice in late summer. No matter their final record, which remains above 500 on the season, these Bruins may count themselves a success story, one that will hopefully continue to reverberate among the youngest Bruins competing, helping to rebuild a tradition of motivated participation and accomplishment. Not only did the girls achieve a double win at last Tuesday's meet at Pallotti, but 2 Bruins chopped minutes from their personal bests. That's minutes! Potential has been the story of this team all along. As we said, not much else was anticipated. As October wanes, however, one is now forced to wonder whether potential might yet transform into something more tangible. Only 1 regular season meet remains, Tuesday at Oregon Ridge, before the Championship on that same course. Run Bruins, ruuuuuuun!
WCC: 10/13 v. Multiple
The boys' soccer squad has had its ups and downs, both recently and all year long. They too have been nipped by the illness bug, playing the last 2 weeks or so down up to 6 players per game, but the greatest hurdle for this team might indeed be itself. The boys have shown an uncanny ability to play to the level of their competition, winning the big games as underdogs while struggling in the more obscure games as favorites. Last Monday's loss at Pallotti 0-1 could be partially explained away by missing players, but there's no hiding the day's poor play. The same weakened lineup managed a 1-0 double overtime victory against Gibbons on Wednesday followed by a 2-0 decision at Severn on Friday, keeping them in second place (and in the playoffs) in the B-Conference's Black Division, at 5-3-1 just a couple steps behind St. Paul's. The Bruins look to keep up the pace this Friday in our GAME OF THE WEEK, as they face Boys' Latin in a showdown on Kelly Field. The Lakers will no doubt be bent on revenge after an earlier loss, as if the rivalry needed any further tinder. If the season's trend holds, the boys should be playing their best and up to the challenge. The BL faithful will certainly be there. Let's be sure to crowd the sidelines and drown out the Lakers!
MSC: 10/16 v. BL
The brightest star of the year thus far, albeit it perhaps the least noticed, has certainly been the girls' tennis team. Last week turned out to be just another ho-hum dual drubbing. Tuesday, Oldfields fell 4-1. Thursday, it was John Carroll by a score of 5-0. The Bruins are now 8-1 and trail only McDonogh in the B-Conference. The lone regular season opponents that remain are Pallotti (0-9) and St. Tim's (4-5) before Friday's official start of the IAAM Tournament. It's still unclear whether or not any Bruins will see the court Friday, as they may qualify without the extra play-in round. Stay tuned for the final scores and news regarding our run to the championship!
WTN: 10/13 @ Pallotti, 10/14 @ St. Tim's, 10/16 @ IAAM Prelims
As always, check the website for late changes, venues and times!
GO BRUINS!
FH: 10/12 v. McDonogh, 10/15 @ Glenelg
The girls' soccer squad appears to be riding the heels of those dismayed few mentioned above (or, perhaps, it's the other way around), in that they've had trouble scoring, they've subsequently had difficulty winning, and their players are dropping like flies. The difference might be that this young team seems set to regain a bit of its muscle in the near future. At least 2 experienced starters appear ready to return to full strength this week and others may be on the way. Last Friday, unlike hockey, the soccer girls were able to scrape together a team to travel to Catholic. Another loss followed but, once again, the winless Bruins battled and kept things close, falling 0-2. The week ahead holds only 1 game, against 4-2 Severn at home on Tuesday.
WSC: 10/13 v. Severn
Boys' cross country limped home after a double loss at Curley last Tuesday, heading into a much needed week off. Park remains winless in the A-Conference, outclassed by the majority of their foes in this season of youth and inexperience. Indeed, it seems as though success might be best measured by individual performances among the Bruins' top runners, while the team hopes to knock off B-Conference teams and an unsuspecting rival or two as the year wears on. An escape to winter sports, however, is not on the minds of these Bruins. With only a few meets remaining over the next 2 weeks, the MIAA Championships loom in early November, and it is there that several hope to make their mark.
MCC: no meets scheduled
For those of you still reading, thanks for wading through what has turned out to be a significantly dreary opening to this week's blog. Let's begin the upswing with girls' cross country. If pressed for a sincere answer, the girls themselves, clad in black and white uniform tanks and runners kicks, might admit that not even they expected much from this group at the onset of practice in late summer. No matter their final record, which remains above 500 on the season, these Bruins may count themselves a success story, one that will hopefully continue to reverberate among the youngest Bruins competing, helping to rebuild a tradition of motivated participation and accomplishment. Not only did the girls achieve a double win at last Tuesday's meet at Pallotti, but 2 Bruins chopped minutes from their personal bests. That's minutes! Potential has been the story of this team all along. As we said, not much else was anticipated. As October wanes, however, one is now forced to wonder whether potential might yet transform into something more tangible. Only 1 regular season meet remains, Tuesday at Oregon Ridge, before the Championship on that same course. Run Bruins, ruuuuuuun!
WCC: 10/13 v. Multiple
The boys' soccer squad has had its ups and downs, both recently and all year long. They too have been nipped by the illness bug, playing the last 2 weeks or so down up to 6 players per game, but the greatest hurdle for this team might indeed be itself. The boys have shown an uncanny ability to play to the level of their competition, winning the big games as underdogs while struggling in the more obscure games as favorites. Last Monday's loss at Pallotti 0-1 could be partially explained away by missing players, but there's no hiding the day's poor play. The same weakened lineup managed a 1-0 double overtime victory against Gibbons on Wednesday followed by a 2-0 decision at Severn on Friday, keeping them in second place (and in the playoffs) in the B-Conference's Black Division, at 5-3-1 just a couple steps behind St. Paul's. The Bruins look to keep up the pace this Friday in our GAME OF THE WEEK, as they face Boys' Latin in a showdown on Kelly Field. The Lakers will no doubt be bent on revenge after an earlier loss, as if the rivalry needed any further tinder. If the season's trend holds, the boys should be playing their best and up to the challenge. The BL faithful will certainly be there. Let's be sure to crowd the sidelines and drown out the Lakers!
MSC: 10/16 v. BL
The brightest star of the year thus far, albeit it perhaps the least noticed, has certainly been the girls' tennis team. Last week turned out to be just another ho-hum dual drubbing. Tuesday, Oldfields fell 4-1. Thursday, it was John Carroll by a score of 5-0. The Bruins are now 8-1 and trail only McDonogh in the B-Conference. The lone regular season opponents that remain are Pallotti (0-9) and St. Tim's (4-5) before Friday's official start of the IAAM Tournament. It's still unclear whether or not any Bruins will see the court Friday, as they may qualify without the extra play-in round. Stay tuned for the final scores and news regarding our run to the championship!
WTN: 10/13 @ Pallotti, 10/14 @ St. Tim's, 10/16 @ IAAM Prelims
As always, check the website for late changes, venues and times!
GO BRUINS!
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