As is the case each October, the fall season once again culminated in the annual 8th Grade vs. Faculty & Parents Soccer Game. The 8th graders drew first blood in the 10th minute on a well-placed blast that bent just past the outstretched arms of Mr. B. Both sides had numerous opportunities as the half wore on but phenomenal goalkeeping on both sides kept things at a stingy 1-0 score at the break.
The old timers, though winded and a bit disoriented, emerged from the break with renewed vigor and immediately showed their mettle. Aryn Hawks swooped in and tied things up with a nifty goal in the 30th minute and Peter Mantz gave the fogies their first lead just 8 minutes later with a stellar volley from 30 yards out that appeared to take the wind out of the youngsters’ sails. Pennfield’s most senior students would not break, however, and tied it midway through the frame, making it clear that all present were witnessing a game for the ages. With 5 minutes to play Ms. Kat proved once again that be it field, court or (kickball) diamond, she is a force to be reckoned with by burying a beautiful ball from just outside the 18 to give the faculty a 3-2 edge, but 8th graders managed to knock-in the equalizer during a scrum in the box just 3 minutes later to once again even the score. The 7th grade officials made the unorthodox decision to allow all players from both teams to play the final 2 minutes as the game morphed into a hectic free-for-all, but the faculty and parents were able to convert a corner kick by the youngsters in the waning seconds to escape with a 4-3 win.
The annual tradition was the perfect ending to celebrate a great season of play by our fall athletes.
Fall Sports Recap
The boys’ and girls’ A soccer teams each played three games this year and finished their seasons unscathed with 3-0 records and a combined 31-3 goal differential. Together, as coed-teams, Pennfield went 6-3 including a come-from-behind upset over heavily favored Jamestown in the Battle of the Islands Tournament Championship back in September. Overall, Pennfield’s A teams finished with a truly impressive combined record of 12-3.
The coed B soccer team began slowly but hit their stride during the second half of the season, notching a convincing 6-1 victory against a strong squad from Wheeler and tying Island rivals, St. Michael’s, 1-1 in a tense battle in Newport.
The cross country team had another extremely successful season with some incredible top-five finishes and scores of personal bests. Congratulations goes out to Coaches Costa and Staats and their band of dedicated harriers.
