Boys’ Varsity Soccer
After suffering a tough loss to Deerfield last year, Choate Boys’ Varsity Soccer has the potential to avenge itself. This year’s team has dominated all season long with a 11-2-3 record. Defense is their strength. The team has only conceded six goals this season and none since the end of September. During last year’s game, the team was caught off guard as one Deerfield player scored four goals. However, Deerfield Boys’ Varsity Soccer only has a 5-7-3 record this year, which is worse than its 8-9-1 record last year. Co-captain Will Eichhorn said, “We have to win. Last year we got embarrassed and almost ruined our chance to go to playoffs. We need to have the dog attitude and get up for the game.” Additionally, Choate returns Tife Agunloye ’21, who scored against Deerfield last year. After playing Deerfield, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer will compete in the New England playoffs with championship aspirations. Co-captain Brendan Kish ’19 said, “Overall, the team has a great chance to avenge their loss to Deerfield last year, which would be really special. We are also working toward the playoffs and have a good opportunity to potentially host a playoff game, which would be even better.”
Varsity Football
The only undefeated team on campus will look to beat Deerfield once again on Deerfield Day. Varsity Football has steamrolled through its competition this year, posting a 7-0 record. The team has dominated due to a group of talented seniors, including Clay Zachary ’19, Hunter Burns ’19, and Spencer Witter ’19. However, Choate has faced some challenges this season. Recently, quarterback Jack Maley ’19 suffered an injury forcing backup Shane Baldwin ’21 into action. Baldwin has exceed expectations, already helping the team to a last-second victory against Suffield on Parents’ Weekend. Last year, Choate faced one of Deerfield’s strongest football teams, as the roster had an abundance of post-graduates. Choate comfortably beat Deerfield 28-7. Choate senior co-captain James McCarthy ’19 said, “Deerfield was very disciplined and well coached last year, and we can expect more of the same from them this year.” He added, “In order to beat them this year, we will need to execute to the best of our ability and have faith in our coaches and one another.” This year, Deerfield will be eager to avenge its loss. The season doesn’t end against Deerfield for Varsity Football. McCarthy said, “We are focused on taking things one day at a time at this point, but obviously welcome the challenge of a post-season bowl game.” After playing Deerfield, Boys’ Varsity Football will play in the New England Championship game, where it will hopefully win its fifth consecutive title.
Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
This season, Girls’ Varsity Volleyball has not performed as well as it has the past few years, but the team should still have an excellent opportunity to beat Deerfield. The girls have momentum as they have won five out of their past six games. Reigning New England Player of the Year Lani Uyeno ’19 along with Julia Mackenzie ’19 and Blake Migden ’19 have been crucial to the team’s recent success. Last year, Choate easily beat Deerfield, sweeping all three sets, but Deerfield has improved and currently has a 9-5 record. The team will have to play to the best of its ability in order to beat Deerfield. Co-captain Uyeno said, “Last year, the energy in the gym was insane, which I think helped us beat Deerfield. This year, I think that it will be a more evenly matched game, so we’ll have to be in it 100% mentally.” With a win over Deerfield, Girls’ Varsity Volleyball could secure a playoff spot and pursue a third straight New England Championship.
Girls’ Varsity Soccer
Girls’ Varsity Soccer has managed to have a successful season and has a great chance to avenge last year’s loss against Deerfield. The team has played remarkably well and even recently defeated a previously undefeated Miss Porter’s squad, despite losing several key players to injury. Co-captain Nicola Sommers ’19 said, “Considering the amount of adversity we’ve faced, three starters out from torn ACLs and a meniscus tear, I’m very proud of how we’ve played.” Cici Curran ’20, Jenna Rempel ’20, and Hannah Huddleston ’19 have shut down opposing offenses all season. Erin Martin ’20 and Sommers have created plenty of offensive opportunities. Last year, Choate lost a close game to Deerfield 4-3 where Choate almost completed a comeback after trailing 3-1. Girls’ Varsity Soccer should be able to prevail on Deerfield Day, which would allow the team to clinch a spot in the New England playoffs.
Boys’ Thirds Soccer
Boys’ Thirds Soccer has had an excellent season so far and looks to complete its excellent season with a win over Deerfield. The boys started their term with a nine-game unbeaten streak before falling to Hotchkiss at the end of October. Despite losing a large number of juniors and sophomores from last year’s squad, the new players on the team have performed incredibly well. Freshman goalie Arjun Singh ’22 has been a brick wall in the net all season, and Jaime Gonzalez ’21 and Adrian Kwan ’21 have played important roles on offense. Unfortunately, the team lost 3-1 to Deerfield last year, but with improved play and home-field advantage, this year’s team certainly has a strong chance at winning. If Boys’ Thirds Soccer plays its best, there is no reason that the team cannot end the season with a huge win against Deerfield.
Girls’ JV Volleyball
Girls’ JV Volleyball has had an outstanding season to this point starting off 11-2, and they look to improve that record against Deerfield tomorrow. With a dominant win over Deerfield last season, the team should come into the game plenty confident. Brooke Popadich ’20 said, “We went into the season with a very strong and deep team, which shows itself in our 11-2 record. We’ve had a few tougher games against Taft and Exeter, but overall we’ve been able to play very well and earn some good results on the scoreboard.” The girls have pretty easily handled every team this season, and this year’s Deerfield team should be no different. Deerfield has a team that is weaker than normal this year. Unfortunately, this will be the last game for the girls as there is no playoffs at the JV level, but it will allow the team to give it everything it has and come away with a win. Popadich said, “We plan on going into the game prepared for the toughest opponent yet and hopefully bringing our best will lead to a W in the end.”
Photos courtesy of Ross Mortensen
