As I sat watching the Varsity Boys Hockey team fight back from a two goal deficit and gain an improbable win a week ago Monday against Seton Hall, I had a feeling that the next few weeks would be full of more surprises, including a host of fantastic finishes and great performances. It did not take long for that craziness to kick in, as on Wednesday, Feb 5th when the buses carrying the Varsity Hockey teams to separate game venues broke down almost simultaneously during their respective journeys. As the frustrated coaches spoke with each other via cell phone, repair crews and, in the case of the girls trip, a new bus were dispatched. When the girls team finally arrived at their destination, the Twin Oaks Ice Rink, they found their most heated rival, the Crimson girls from Morristowm Beard, waiting for them.
This installment in the Portledge/Mo' Beard Girls Hockey rivalry did not disappoint anyone in attendance as the teams ferociously battled each other on the way to a 2-2 tie. The Lady Panthers skaters were forced to come back twice from 1-0 and from 2-1. In doing so they continued to display the heart and determination that has become their hallmark. A week later, playing the first game in the program's history without consummate team leader Siena Falino, the now even younger Lady Panthers found themselves trailing a fired up Princeton High team by a score of 3-1 entering the third period. The Lady Tigers were being boosted by hundreds of fans who had come out to support their team on Senior night. Once again the Portledge girls showed that giving up is not part of their make up. Riding an amazing individual performance by Junior forward Addie Reilly the Lady Panthers came storming back to win the game 5-3 and lock up first place in the WIHLMA regular season. Reilly scored the first four goals for the Lady Panthers that night at Hobey Baker Rink as she tallied once in the second and three straight times in the third period. This was a memorable performance in yet another remarkable girls hockey season. Just last night the Varsity Girls Hockey team finished out their regular season with a 7-0 win over Pingry. It ran the team's WIHLMA regular season unbeaten streak to 17 games and was marked by the first time notation of Sophmore sensation Sophie Steell on the scoresheet. The team first oriented winger scored the first two goals of her Varsity Girls Hockey career in the win. The squad will now start preparing for the Mid Atlantic Championship Tournament which will be played at Princeton Day School the weekend of Feb, 21st & 22nd. I know Coach Schwam and the girls would love to bring home the WIHLMA Championship Banner and we wish then the best of luck in their endeavor!
Meanwhile the twists and turns of the Varsity Boys season continues to illustrate the revival of boys ice hockey at Portledge School. The team currently has a record of 9 wins, five loses and 1 tie. This is a real turnaround from the consecutive string of losing seasons that has dominated the middle of this decade. The team's record would probably be even stronger had it not been for a serious season ending injury to team captain and starting goalkeeper Sal Magliocco. The Panthers are 2-3 since the injury and while Freshman Michael Bruschi has been courageous, and a welcome surprise between the pipes, it's not the same as having your best player in there. That being said, what a job Bruschi has done! The kid deserves tremendous credit for the poise and determination he has displayed during this challenging experience. Games with Division I Hill School and cross town rival Locust Valley High remain to be played before the team travels north to Millbrook, NY to compete in the season ending Empire Cup. Over the years Portledge has reached the unofficial state championship final twice, but has never captured this prestigious trophy. The Panthers will give it another go on the weekend of February, 27th & 28th, and , thus, we wish coaches Coope and Sandos, and all the guys on the team, the best of luck for a strong finish to the season.
As for the hardwood it's definitely the Varsity and JV Girls Basketball teams that are making the most noise. Both squads, in complete reversals from the poor seasons of last winter, qualified for the playoffs in their respective leagues, IPPSAL and PSAA. The vigilant coaching job turned in by Mr. Amadio with the Varsity, and Mr. Woll with the JV, can definitely be viewed as changing the tone of the program. All the girls put in a great deal of work, both on individual skills and on team play, and all this paid off in some very successful seasons. The Varsity team led by a host of Juniors finished with an overall mark of 14 wins and 6 losses, and a league record of 13 wins and 3 losses. They made the IPPSAL play offs for the first time in four years and were eliminated by a tough OSNA team in a hard fought semi final game. As for the JV, after a winless campaign last winter, and being made up of many of the same girls, the team completely turned things around to finish with 5 wins and 7 losses. They were victorious over Martin Luther in a PSAA Girls JV Basketball Quarterfinal game and were eventually eliminated in the league semi final by Long Island Lutheran. Strong foundations have been built for many years of great play in Upper School Girls Basketball here at Portledge. A well deserved congratulations goes out to all those involved!!
Hey Hills will be back next week with some wrap ups of both Fencing and Squash. See you all then!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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