by Lauren Stark ’21
With athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators masked up, athletic games and competitions can feel a bit different this year. However, our FGS spring athletic teams have not let these changes discourage them from getting back in the games. This spring, six out of nine of our teams have been able to compete interscholastically. After four weekends of contests so far, our teams are progressing well.
The Boys Varsity Baseball Team is performing outstandingly, opening their season with a five-game winning streak against four different schools. Although their streak ended with a back-to-back game against Canterbury, the team was one of the only three who secured a win against the rival school, earning us a well-needed point towards the Canterbury Cup! With eight seniors taking the field, many of whom being college commits, the team looks forward to continuing bringing home wins over the next four weeks.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse season is going strong as well, currently at a 2-2 record. Due to cancellations from opposing schools, Boys Lacrosse has not had the chance to compete in as many games as other FGS teams, but they are the second team to bring home a point towards the Canterbury Cup! The first day they played against our rival was a close game, ending with a score of 5-7, but they were more motivated than ever to come back the next day and beat Canterbury 10-9. With the win in their back pocket, the boys feel confident heading into the remaining season.
(l.r) Josh Novick ‘21, Adam Feldman ‘21, and Jon Nichele ‘21 celebrating Andrew Rainville ‘24 on his goal
Image via FGS smugmug galleries
While the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team seems to have had a slow start to their season, the scores do not define their work ethic and perseverance on the field. The roster started with thirty-three girls, and for many of them, it was their first time picking up a stick. From the beginning of the season to now, the team as a whole has shown significant improvement. One of their closest games was against Millbrook School, with a score of 5-9. Set to play against Milbrook again in four weeks, the girls hope to take home a win.
Attack and midfield congratulating Kayla Clark ‘22 on her goal against Milbrook while heading back for the draw
Image via FGS SmugMug Galleries
The Girls Varsity Tennis team recently secured their first win at an away game against Chesire. They are looking forward to a rematch with Millbrook and Canterbury two more times before the end of the season, hoping to even the score. One of their strongest players so far has been Layla Copen ‘24, playing for singles in every match. With five seniors on their roster this year, the team is feeling optimistic for their six remaining matches!
Our Girls Varsity Tennis team before a match.
Image via Clara Prander ‘21
Arian Agadi ’21
Image via SmugMug Galleries
While typically split into JV and Varsity, Boys Tennis has combined into one Varsity Team. While the season may be starting slow with no wins yet, the boys have only had four matches so far, fewer than other teams. Still, they are enjoying their season so far, looking forward to eight remaining matches, giving them lots of opportunities to secure some wins hopefully!
Image via FGS smugmug galleries
Varsity Golf before heading to Fairview to compete against Canterbury.
(l.r) Erik Gustafson ‘21, Colten Cicarelli ‘21, Jack Gleason ‘2, Ben Constant-Galland ‘21, and Alex Johnson ‘23
Image via @frederickgunn1850 on instagram
The Varsity Golf team journeyed to Harwinton Connecticut to take on the Canterbury Saints at the Fairview Farm Golf Course. The Highlanders defeated the Saints 218 to 232! The medalist for the day was Erik Gustafson ‘21 with a 39, followed by Jack Gleason ‘21 who shot 42, and Benjamin Constant-Galland ‘21, who shot 42 as well. Brad Barrett ‘22 and Alex Johnson ‘23 both shot 46 in the golf team’s winning efforts. When reached out to for comment after the match, Gustafson stated “it was really windy out there, and I struggled on the first couple holes with bogeys, but then I made a bomb of a putt on the 5th hole, made birdie again, and my game is in a real nice spot right now. I’m playing the best golf of my career all thanks to Coach McMann.”
While the Boys and Girls Varsity Crew have not been able to compete, they have been happy to still be able to get out on the water each day, which is quite different from their only erg-ing in the fall. By the end of the season, they plan on racing at least one other team. The Coed Varsity Ultimate Frisbee Team has not had any games so far, but they continue scrimmaging against each other on weekends, and they are looking forward to playing a game against the faculty on Thursday, May 13th.
Overall, with a range of win-loss records and new vs. returning players, the teams are at a range of skill levels, but what they have in common is that they are all excited to be able to compete again. Halfway through the season, our teams are feeling strong and optimistic as we head into the remaining four weeks of the season!
The Highlander 