TENNIS
The 2016 Tennis team and Coach Todd Arneson had a great deal of work to do to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to combat losing over half of the Varsity team from the previous year. The girls did an outstanding job working through the early season tribulations to finish stronger than they started. Despite an overall record of 3-9, the team began to come together at the end of September, and finished the season winning three of their final four matches, including a District Quarterfinal victory.
Sophomore Emily Hirshman handled the #1 singles spot admirably. This is not a part of the lineup that often finds underclassmen, so she was often playing some of the best players in the area. Seniors Andrea Skrobic, Amarys Evans, and Abbey Feinstein did a great job moving up and down the singles ladder and contributing in doubles. Newcomers Arno Yang and Elena Thomas provided some needed athleticism to the lineup and showed great improvement. Junior Nyla Long really improved her game, especially excelling in doubles. Rachel Wang, Jurni Bayoc, and Lily Yang showed a lot of development as the season went on.
We are so proud of all of the girls and Coach Todd! They came together and finished the season positively, gaining momentum for next year!
SOCCER
The Soccer team has set a standard for excellence over the past several years. With conference and district championships in hand, and a recent trip to the Final 4, the boys ran into a difficult season for the first time in quite some time. The team finished the season with a record of 4-19, but that is not a true indicator of the perseverance that the team and Coaches Ben Birch and Jim Morton displayed.
Along with the graduation of several All-Conference players, the team was beset by a slew of injuries from the beginning of the season through its conclusion. There was a lot to overcome this Fall. We all like the big win totals and post-season awards, but it is seasons like this that frame what we are about and what we do. The lessons learned are ultimately just as, if not more important than the accolades. This team showed heart and determination from the first whistle to the last. Adversity is not comfortable and often creates friction and tension. The boys stayed together throughout the year, especially in trying times. This will serve them well in their future endeavors and sets a good example for others that follow.
The seniors did a great job trying to keep the pieces together throughout the toughest season of their careers. Homer Dula was the most experienced player, and showed it. He controlled the midfield and did a nice job dispersing the ball. Jeremy West and Chip Daniel did a nice job in our defensive backfield. Milton Green, Kafele Wimbley, and LaVaughn Caradine worked hard up front for the Current. Carter Breckenridge did admirable work in goal all season for the team. These boys have been a part of something very special in our program throughout their four years, and should be proud of all the work they have done for our chool.
The juniors included Joey Blank, Dylan Cassilly, Brendan King, Kellen King, Ethan Lutjens, Charlie O’Gorman, and Daniel Shabsin. This is the group that must help the team bounce back next season and lead the younger players. The sophomores were Casimir Buttar-Miller, Davin Do, Manny Gerbi, Angelo Gralnick, Andrew Guest, Eyvind Hovmand-Warner, Jude Huck-Raymond, Brian Kishi, George Nichols, and Adam Raney. The freshmen included Russell Bigham, Jordan Caradine, and Gianni Panzeri.
Throughout this tough season, your opponents and your school respected how you played and how hard you worked.
VOLLEYBALL
The Varsity Volleyball team had an outstanding season this Fall. With nine seniors and expectations high, the team rode through the bumpy terrain at midseason and ended up finally succumbing in the District Championship. The team finished a very tough schedule with a record of 18-12 and gained a share of the SCAA title with a conference record of 7-3.
No one was surprised that the team leaned on its seniors much of the season. Senior middles Kieran “Tree” Uhlmansiek and LaTrese Robinson often set the tone with their strong blocking and ability to put balls away. Their presence changed the way teams played against the Current. Setter Faith Blank was the consistent feeder of the attack. Learning a new system, Faith adjusted unbelievably well and set us up for success. A’Dana Smith and Annie Chappell did a great job on the outside. Attacking in very different ways, these two gave the team many options throughout the season. Elysse Price switched position to the weakside and did a great job blocking, attacking and in service return. In the back row; Elaina Grimm, Callista Martin, and Maggie Fox provided the team with an unbelievable defensive presence. Grimm, returned to the Libero spot and had the best season of her career, quarterbacking the defense. Martin and Fox, former setters, played extensively in the team’s defensive set and transitioned beautifully.
Newcomer, freshman Zoe Venable, was a breathe of fresh air with her consistency, strong serve, and smile. Junior outside Charlotte Vieth, along with junior middles Naysa Adams and Ella Pommato, showed a lot of promise in their development. Sophomores Malasia Taylor and Blaire Williams were excellent complimentary back row players and will have high expectations for next year. Freshman Catherine Birch excelled all over the court. Her versatility will benefit the team next year.
Crossroads also fielded a JV and C team that had a rotating roster. All of the girls played in JV matches, and most played in C matches as well. There was a great deal of improvement by many, and the program is in good hands going forward.
The setters were outstanding all season. Sophomore Paige Nolan, and freshmen Sophie Cohen, Maddy Fuller, and Olivia Smith all show great potential. On the outside; sophomores Narchelle Chism, Danei Smith, Faith Webster and Kayla Williams, along with freshmen Elissa Price-Willis and Grace Rogers did excellent work. Sophomores Macy Bluestein, Faith Gilmore, Samantha Nelson, and Malaika Pedzayi-Furgeson, along with freshmen Mirriana Brigham and Nya Steward did great work in the middle. The back row consisted of freshmen Liberos Maya Gregary and Meg Corbett, as well as freshmen Camden Breckenridge, Quinn Chen, and Ashlyn Wiley.
Overall, another great year of Crossroads Volleyball and we are all excited for the coming years watching this group of girls.