Friday, September 14, 2007
Middle School Teams To Start Play
This coming week the 7/8 Girls and 7/8 Boys Soccer teams will start interscholastic play. The boys team, filled with returning players from last year's successful squad, will open up AWAY @LuHi on Tuesday. They will follow that with a HOME game on Thursday v. Solomon Schechter. The girls team had their match with LuHi moved from Tuesday to Wednesday, and then they will also be in action Thursday against Waldorf @HOME. See you at the games.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Visit From Lycee Francais
On a dark and rainy afternoon this past Wednesday shouts of ALLEZ- ALLEZ, VITE-VITE and ICI-ICI could be heard all around the soccer pitches at Portledge as the Varsity boys and girls teams took on some tough opposition from the sides of the Lycee Francais School of NYC. It turned out to be a day of thrilling "football", as the Europeans say.
What Happened In the Varsity Girls Game?
The girls from LFNY came out to the Island determined to put up a strong "resistance" to the evolving Lady Panther attack. As the game began took take it's shape one could see that the LFNY team was in a defensive posture, with many players staying behind the ball and only a few runners committed up front. The precise Portledge passing was consistently thwarted by a stalwart defensive effort. The few times Portledge was able to develop decent scoring chances in the early going, the slippery conditions could not be overcome, as attempts at goal went flying in all directions. Finally though, in the 25th minute , a quick one-two passing combination between winger Chelsea Caracciolo and striker Alex Siwiec sent Siwiec in through LFNY back line. With defenders draped all over her and tugging at her back, Siwiec kept her focus and calmly deposited the "rock" into the opposing goal. The strike seemed to settle the Portledge side, and they went on to take control, through possession, for the rest of the first half.
The second half was quite different from the first as the LFNY team pushed forward in a more aggressive attack and the game opened up a good deal. This, however, played right into the hands of the Lady Panthers. Sophomore Sweeper Claudia Rogers twice sent perfectly weighted balls over the top of the LFNY defense leading to Portledge goals. The first sent Siwiec in for her second tally of the game, and the second freed up Caracciolo for a beautiful left footed strike that bent around the keeper and settled right into the "back of the ol' onion bag". Rogers was saving the best for last though as she stepped up to direct free kick from about 30 yards out. After a brief peek to see where the goaltender had positioned herself, Rogers unleashed a thunderous drive that powered into the top corner of the net. The Portledge bench responded with a loud cheer as calls of, " yea Claudia " rang throughout the still and murky late day air.
The game ended with a score of 4-0 and certainly illustrated that Portledge has the type of attack that you might be able to hold down for a while, but can't completely stop. The Varsity Girls have the weekend off before they begin preparation for challenging back to back contests at home against Waldorf and Chapin next Wednesday and Thursday. Waldorf is a well coached side that gave Portledge a tough game last year, and Chapin was a NYSAISAA tournament team last year that finished first in the NYC private school girls league. THESE SHOULD BE SOME GREAT MATCHES, SO WE HOPE TO SEE MANY FANS COME OUT AND CHEER THE GIRLS ON!
What About the Varsity Boys Game?
Last year the LFNY varsity boys soccer team won the NYC private school boys soccer league and qualified for the NYSAISAA tournament. Many of those players are back and were on fine display in a hard fought game against the Portledge Panthers. The LFNY side controlled the pace of play with a combination of deft touches and skilled passing, while the Portledge team was content to lay back and defend during the early going. This strategy worked as the stubborn Portledge back line and halfbacks thwarted one LFNY attack after another. When the opposing offense was able to get off a good strike, Portledge keeper Austin Prey was always there to make the save. Prey turned out to be the player of the game as he turned aside 19 shots in all.
The Panthers did have their chances though. Towards the end of the game freshman striker Chris McCloskey was fouled as he attacked down the right wing. McCloskey studied his options as he stood over a free kick just inside the touch line. Junior center back Aaron Lee made a furious run through the heart of the LFNY defense just as McCloskey approached the ball. The youngsters cross was right on the money, but Lee's solid header traveled just over the crossbar. As time ran down, both sides played fairly controlled and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. This seemed to be a just result as both teams had played some excellent soccer in their own respective styles. Coach Kevin Coleman is pleased with the development of his team so far, particularly on the defensive side. He is, however, searching for some way to generate more offensive opportunities.
The Panthers open up IPPSAL play next week with two tough games against SSDS and The Waldorf School on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Both these games will be played at Portledge, so come on out and cheer the lads on.
What Happened In the Varsity Girls Game?
The girls from LFNY came out to the Island determined to put up a strong "resistance" to the evolving Lady Panther attack. As the game began took take it's shape one could see that the LFNY team was in a defensive posture, with many players staying behind the ball and only a few runners committed up front. The precise Portledge passing was consistently thwarted by a stalwart defensive effort. The few times Portledge was able to develop decent scoring chances in the early going, the slippery conditions could not be overcome, as attempts at goal went flying in all directions. Finally though, in the 25th minute , a quick one-two passing combination between winger Chelsea Caracciolo and striker Alex Siwiec sent Siwiec in through LFNY back line. With defenders draped all over her and tugging at her back, Siwiec kept her focus and calmly deposited the "rock" into the opposing goal. The strike seemed to settle the Portledge side, and they went on to take control, through possession, for the rest of the first half.
The second half was quite different from the first as the LFNY team pushed forward in a more aggressive attack and the game opened up a good deal. This, however, played right into the hands of the Lady Panthers. Sophomore Sweeper Claudia Rogers twice sent perfectly weighted balls over the top of the LFNY defense leading to Portledge goals. The first sent Siwiec in for her second tally of the game, and the second freed up Caracciolo for a beautiful left footed strike that bent around the keeper and settled right into the "back of the ol' onion bag". Rogers was saving the best for last though as she stepped up to direct free kick from about 30 yards out. After a brief peek to see where the goaltender had positioned herself, Rogers unleashed a thunderous drive that powered into the top corner of the net. The Portledge bench responded with a loud cheer as calls of, " yea Claudia " rang throughout the still and murky late day air.
The game ended with a score of 4-0 and certainly illustrated that Portledge has the type of attack that you might be able to hold down for a while, but can't completely stop. The Varsity Girls have the weekend off before they begin preparation for challenging back to back contests at home against Waldorf and Chapin next Wednesday and Thursday. Waldorf is a well coached side that gave Portledge a tough game last year, and Chapin was a NYSAISAA tournament team last year that finished first in the NYC private school girls league. THESE SHOULD BE SOME GREAT MATCHES, SO WE HOPE TO SEE MANY FANS COME OUT AND CHEER THE GIRLS ON!
What About the Varsity Boys Game?
Last year the LFNY varsity boys soccer team won the NYC private school boys soccer league and qualified for the NYSAISAA tournament. Many of those players are back and were on fine display in a hard fought game against the Portledge Panthers. The LFNY side controlled the pace of play with a combination of deft touches and skilled passing, while the Portledge team was content to lay back and defend during the early going. This strategy worked as the stubborn Portledge back line and halfbacks thwarted one LFNY attack after another. When the opposing offense was able to get off a good strike, Portledge keeper Austin Prey was always there to make the save. Prey turned out to be the player of the game as he turned aside 19 shots in all.
The Panthers did have their chances though. Towards the end of the game freshman striker Chris McCloskey was fouled as he attacked down the right wing. McCloskey studied his options as he stood over a free kick just inside the touch line. Junior center back Aaron Lee made a furious run through the heart of the LFNY defense just as McCloskey approached the ball. The youngsters cross was right on the money, but Lee's solid header traveled just over the crossbar. As time ran down, both sides played fairly controlled and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. This seemed to be a just result as both teams had played some excellent soccer in their own respective styles. Coach Kevin Coleman is pleased with the development of his team so far, particularly on the defensive side. He is, however, searching for some way to generate more offensive opportunities.
The Panthers open up IPPSAL play next week with two tough games against SSDS and The Waldorf School on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Both these games will be played at Portledge, so come on out and cheer the lads on.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Girls Tennis and Cross Country Previews
What's New With the Varsity Girls Tennis Program?
The short answer to that is, a great deal! After a long and successful tenure as Head Coach, Mr. Alex Rudback is stepping down from this position. Mr. Rudback's time with the girls tennis program included 5 consecutive IPPSAL championships and the development of several incredible players, now playing at the college level. We all thank him for his service in the promotion of girls tennis at Portledge. The new man in charge is Mr. Henry Stay. Mr. Stay is a long time tennis professional here on Long Island and comes with some great varsity experience, having coached The Holy Trinity Girls team for several years. As the program enters a rebuilding stage, following the graduation of 8 long time varsity players, it has become clear, in just a short time, that Mr. Stay is the right man for the job. We wish him the best of luck leading girls tennis at Portledge.
The only returning letter winners are Sienna Falino, Sonali Marfatia and Ellen Huai. They will be supported by an eager group of varsity rookies that includes Robyn Worral, Stephanie Hegarty, Elizabeth Girgenti, Maria Wade, Victoria Phillips, Alexandra James, Michelle Kerwick and 8th grader Rachel Scheinman. The team has already been in some heavy competition against Trinity from NYC and Rye Country Day. Even though they lost both these matches it is obvious that the girls are working hard and trying to employ the new techniques they are learning from Mr. Stay. The next VGT match is at HOME on Monday,9/17 at 3:45 against Martin Luther.
Is the Cross Country Team Off and Running?
Yes it is! Under the direction of Dr. Sarles and Miss Renwick the x-country team is of to a great start. Led by returning veterans Adam Kravietz, Farone Rasheed, Nick Hagedorn and Steven Pardo, the team is about 15 strong altogether. The first IPPSAL meet will be held on the Portledge course on Wed,Oct 3rd. We always need volunteers to help out at home meets,so if you would like to get involved please contact Dr.Sarles(dsarles@portledge.org) and he will fill you in. Congratulations to all the parents, friends, faculty and varsity runners who participated in the interschool fun run last weekend. It was a big success!
The short answer to that is, a great deal! After a long and successful tenure as Head Coach, Mr. Alex Rudback is stepping down from this position. Mr. Rudback's time with the girls tennis program included 5 consecutive IPPSAL championships and the development of several incredible players, now playing at the college level. We all thank him for his service in the promotion of girls tennis at Portledge. The new man in charge is Mr. Henry Stay. Mr. Stay is a long time tennis professional here on Long Island and comes with some great varsity experience, having coached The Holy Trinity Girls team for several years. As the program enters a rebuilding stage, following the graduation of 8 long time varsity players, it has become clear, in just a short time, that Mr. Stay is the right man for the job. We wish him the best of luck leading girls tennis at Portledge.
The only returning letter winners are Sienna Falino, Sonali Marfatia and Ellen Huai. They will be supported by an eager group of varsity rookies that includes Robyn Worral, Stephanie Hegarty, Elizabeth Girgenti, Maria Wade, Victoria Phillips, Alexandra James, Michelle Kerwick and 8th grader Rachel Scheinman. The team has already been in some heavy competition against Trinity from NYC and Rye Country Day. Even though they lost both these matches it is obvious that the girls are working hard and trying to employ the new techniques they are learning from Mr. Stay. The next VGT match is at HOME on Monday,9/17 at 3:45 against Martin Luther.
Is the Cross Country Team Off and Running?
Yes it is! Under the direction of Dr. Sarles and Miss Renwick the x-country team is of to a great start. Led by returning veterans Adam Kravietz, Farone Rasheed, Nick Hagedorn and Steven Pardo, the team is about 15 strong altogether. The first IPPSAL meet will be held on the Portledge course on Wed,Oct 3rd. We always need volunteers to help out at home meets,so if you would like to get involved please contact Dr.Sarles(dsarles@portledge.org) and he will fill you in. Congratulations to all the parents, friends, faculty and varsity runners who participated in the interschool fun run last weekend. It was a big success!
Upper School Athlete of the Week
Congrats to this week's Athlete of the Week, sophomore Claudia Rogers. Claudia scored a goal and had two assists when the Varsity Girls Soccer team took on Lycee-Francais on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Soccer Season Kicks Off!
What Does the Varsity Girls Soccer Team Look Like?
The VGS team is a well balanced unit with tremendous potential for a successful season. The Lady Panthers have a nice mix of young talent and savvy veteran leadership. There are many offensive weapons and the team appears able to create attacks in a variety of ways. Junior striker Alex Siwiec and sophomore winger Chelsea Caracciolo look to be the major scoring threats,however, freshmen Ashley Wade and Alex Devivo also look to be dangerous offensive options and should compliment the play of the more experienced Siwiec and Caracciolo. The midfield is orchestrated by dynamic sophomores Monique Kelly and Addie Riley. Kelly is skilled with the ball at her feet and sees the field exceptionally well, while Riley is a relentless ball winner and fine overall player. The sophomores are supported in the midfield by the senior trio of Liz Lanza, Jess Sarrantonio and Miyuki Miyagi. These three fine players have played over a hundred combined games and will not get ruffled by anything the Panthers come across. The defense also looks sound with senior backs Ashley Gilchrist and Yola Yu leading the way for talented sophomores Claudia Rogers and Natalie Flammia. Roger's booming right foot easily clears the ball from the Portledge end and often leads to quick counters from the quick playing offense. The graduation of last year's captain Emily Edwards-Bourdrez left some large boots to fill in the goal, But sophomore Chelsea Estevez, a skilled travel player, looks to be a steady keeper in the making. Sophomore Natalie Grey and and senior Steph Foley provide Head Coach Mike Coope with quality defensive depth off the bench.
Early season tests seem to support the optimism surrounding this tight knit group. The girls played well in pre season scrimmages against Horace Mann and Friends Academy and were definitely ready for the traditional home opener with Friends Seminary. The Portledge and FS girls have split their last two meetings and a spirited rivalry has developed. The Portledge side took advantage of an early misplay by the FS defense and Siwiec found herself alone in the area with the ball on her skilled right foot. She calmly slotted the "rock" past a helpless FS keeper and Portledge went on to dominate the rest of the first half. The 1-0 lead was expanded on early in the second half when speedy fresmman Alex Devivo broke down the right side and ripped a LONG RANGE shot into the" back of the ol' onion bag". Friends Seminary pulled one back in the 75th minute, but Portledge easily played ou the last five clicks without any real threat to Estevez' goal.The girls next take the field against the Lycee Francais School of NYC @ HOME on Tuesday(4:30).
What About the Varsity Boys Soccer Team?
Kevin Coleman starts his third year as Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Soccer Team with some experienced pieces in place, and a strong sense of team comraderie. Senior goalkeeper Austin Prey, who participated in the Olympic Development Program this summer, is a dominant player and looks to be in fine form during the early going. The Panthers usually line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and their strength is definitely up the middle. Junior center backs Aaron Lee and Mike McCloskey return as starters from last year, as do center midfielders Ray Weinmann and Mak Dourmashkin. The central strength is completed by a pair of gifted strikers in junior Trevor Wolfson and freshman Chris McCloskey. Another interesting thing about this team is that it possesses four pairs of brothers. The aforementioned McCloskeys, Alain and Eric Mathieu, Daniel and Nick Leask and Ashwin and Vishal Chinchwadkar.
The Panthers looked very solid in pre season scrimmages against OSNA and Hackley before taking on a talented Friends Seminary side that looks to be one of the strongest private school teams in the metropolitan area. Thus, the Panthers were were underdogs, but confident in this opening match. When Eric Mathieu scored late in the first half to make the score 2-1 in favor of FS the Seminarians knew they were in a real game. The second half saw some very competitive play as as the ball went back and forth and side to side across the field, before FS scored to put the game away. The excitement wasn't over yet though as Mark Dourmashkin rattled one off the woodwork just before time ran out.. The FS coach was quite complimentary regarding the play of the Panthers and Coach Coleman was vey upbeat about his team's efforts. The Panthers next play on Tuesday @ HOME (4:30) against The Lycee Francais School of NYC.
The VGS team is a well balanced unit with tremendous potential for a successful season. The Lady Panthers have a nice mix of young talent and savvy veteran leadership. There are many offensive weapons and the team appears able to create attacks in a variety of ways. Junior striker Alex Siwiec and sophomore winger Chelsea Caracciolo look to be the major scoring threats,however, freshmen Ashley Wade and Alex Devivo also look to be dangerous offensive options and should compliment the play of the more experienced Siwiec and Caracciolo. The midfield is orchestrated by dynamic sophomores Monique Kelly and Addie Riley. Kelly is skilled with the ball at her feet and sees the field exceptionally well, while Riley is a relentless ball winner and fine overall player. The sophomores are supported in the midfield by the senior trio of Liz Lanza, Jess Sarrantonio and Miyuki Miyagi. These three fine players have played over a hundred combined games and will not get ruffled by anything the Panthers come across. The defense also looks sound with senior backs Ashley Gilchrist and Yola Yu leading the way for talented sophomores Claudia Rogers and Natalie Flammia. Roger's booming right foot easily clears the ball from the Portledge end and often leads to quick counters from the quick playing offense. The graduation of last year's captain Emily Edwards-Bourdrez left some large boots to fill in the goal, But sophomore Chelsea Estevez, a skilled travel player, looks to be a steady keeper in the making. Sophomore Natalie Grey and and senior Steph Foley provide Head Coach Mike Coope with quality defensive depth off the bench.
Early season tests seem to support the optimism surrounding this tight knit group. The girls played well in pre season scrimmages against Horace Mann and Friends Academy and were definitely ready for the traditional home opener with Friends Seminary. The Portledge and FS girls have split their last two meetings and a spirited rivalry has developed. The Portledge side took advantage of an early misplay by the FS defense and Siwiec found herself alone in the area with the ball on her skilled right foot. She calmly slotted the "rock" past a helpless FS keeper and Portledge went on to dominate the rest of the first half. The 1-0 lead was expanded on early in the second half when speedy fresmman Alex Devivo broke down the right side and ripped a LONG RANGE shot into the" back of the ol' onion bag". Friends Seminary pulled one back in the 75th minute, but Portledge easily played ou the last five clicks without any real threat to Estevez' goal.The girls next take the field against the Lycee Francais School of NYC @ HOME on Tuesday(4:30).
What About the Varsity Boys Soccer Team?
Kevin Coleman starts his third year as Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Soccer Team with some experienced pieces in place, and a strong sense of team comraderie. Senior goalkeeper Austin Prey, who participated in the Olympic Development Program this summer, is a dominant player and looks to be in fine form during the early going. The Panthers usually line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and their strength is definitely up the middle. Junior center backs Aaron Lee and Mike McCloskey return as starters from last year, as do center midfielders Ray Weinmann and Mak Dourmashkin. The central strength is completed by a pair of gifted strikers in junior Trevor Wolfson and freshman Chris McCloskey. Another interesting thing about this team is that it possesses four pairs of brothers. The aforementioned McCloskeys, Alain and Eric Mathieu, Daniel and Nick Leask and Ashwin and Vishal Chinchwadkar.
The Panthers looked very solid in pre season scrimmages against OSNA and Hackley before taking on a talented Friends Seminary side that looks to be one of the strongest private school teams in the metropolitan area. Thus, the Panthers were were underdogs, but confident in this opening match. When Eric Mathieu scored late in the first half to make the score 2-1 in favor of FS the Seminarians knew they were in a real game. The second half saw some very competitive play as as the ball went back and forth and side to side across the field, before FS scored to put the game away. The excitement wasn't over yet though as Mark Dourmashkin rattled one off the woodwork just before time ran out.. The FS coach was quite complimentary regarding the play of the Panthers and Coach Coleman was vey upbeat about his team's efforts. The Panthers next play on Tuesday @ HOME (4:30) against The Lycee Francais School of NYC.
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