What a Week/Portledge Teams Compete All Over in an Excting Week of Athletics Leading Up To Founders Day

There was a tremendous amount of great action this week as Portledge athletes took to the fields all over the metropolitan area.

Varsity Girls Soccer had an interesting week as they took on two strong non league opponents. On Monday, the Lady Panthers traveled to the Bronx for a challenging match with perennial NYSAISAA girls soccer powerhouse Riverdale Country School. The Bronx Bombers proved to be too strong and skilled for the Portledge girls at this point in the season, as they kicked their way to a 5-0 win over our beloved Lady Panthers. The day was important though in that it gave our girls a look at the top of independent school soccer and showed them where they have to go if they want to challenge for a league and state title. The game certainly made a strong impression on the girls who went back into training with a real sense of purpose. That purpose was then put on display yesterday as the team took the field at home against the Gators of Chapin School. The Portledge Girls were awesome as they played what in my opinion was their most complete game in several years. Junior striker Addie Reilly lead the way with two first half goals. The second came after a lovely give and go passing play with strike partner Monique Kelly. Kelly was dangerous all afternoon as she consistently made runs down the wing and sent great crosses into the box. Senior midfielder Alex Siwiec put the game out of reach just before the half when she made a tremendous run from out of the midfield and buried a rocket shot in the corner. Portledge played great team defense throughout the second stanza and Sophomore Alex Devivo added a goal after receiving a beautiful pass from Siwiec. The Lady Panthers look to be hitting on all cylinders as they prepare for a huge PSAA league game v. LWA on Founders Day @1:00pm. Come on out and cheer the girls on....they love your support!

It was a very productive and efficient week for the Varsity Boys Soccer team. In a two game home and home series v. OSNA the Panthers were twice victorious. On Tuesady in Centereach the boys rode some terrific play from Sophomore Steven Dourmashkin to a 4-1 win. "Stevie D", as he's known around campus, scored twice and dominated the right side of the field in leading the Panthers to the great result. In the return match played Thursday afternoon at Portledge, Senior Striker Trevor Wolfson put on a real show with two assists and a goal. Wolfson's play was particularly impressive since several other starters were out with injury. Not lost in all this offensive glory is the fine play of the back four. Senior captains Aaron Lee and Mike McCloskey, Junior MJ Shin and Sophmore Vishal "the Tiger" Chinchwadkar have become a very strong group in the rear. Panthers face a strong LWA team on Founders Day @ 1:00pm in a critical IPPSAL match up. Let's here the Portledge crowd roar in support of our boys.

From the world of Middle School soccer came a great effort from the 7/8 Girls team. Led by AMAZING PLAY from 7th grade goalie Lauren Dorsey, the Little Lady Panthers gave a much more experienced and technically superior LuHi squad all they could handle. While they lost by a score of 3-0, this group has the makings of a fine team. If you get the chance, come by next Tuesday to watch this team and their incredible goaltender play against Green Vale. You will not be disappointed!

Busy, Busy, Busy/ Many Teams Play This Week As Portledge Athletics Moves Towards Founders Day

It certainly will be a busy week in Portledge Athletics. Both Varsity Soccer teams have two contests during the week leading up to their big Founders Day match ups with their respective counterparts at Lawrence Woodmere Academy. The Girls and Boys JV Soccer teams both play twice during the week and Middle School Soccer "kicks" into gear as the 7/8 Girls and Boys teams both take on LuHi at HOME on Tuesday afternoon. There will also be three Varsity Girls Tennis matches played , as well as an intramural day for 5/6 soccer on Thursday. This all leads up to a full schedule of athletic events on Founders Day. One new Founders Day event will be the JV Boys Soccer team & their moms v. the JV Girls Soccer team & their dads game. This will start around noon and will be played on the Middle School soccer field. Hopefully you will all come out and see some of our Portledge parents mix it up on the soccer pitch with some of the underclassmen from the Upper School. As you can see there is plenty going on every afternoon. If you need to check a daily schedule go to portledge.org or just call the Athletic Dep't Hotline at 516 750 3162. I would like to thank Dr. Lustberg for his positive comments about the blog and I encourage all Hey Hills readers to comment/ask questions/give opinions....etc,etc. Just be mindful to be respectful and have fun with it.....I know I do.

Experiencing a Little Bit of Everything/ Varsity Boys Soccer Ties , Wins and Loses During Long First Week

It has been quite a start to the season for the Varsity Boys Soccer team. During a long and tough first week of games the Panthers squared of against the Lycee Francais School of NYC before taking on a pair of IPPSAL rivals in the form of Solomon Schechter and the Waldorf School. The contest v. LFNY was a rematch of last year's first round NYSAISAA Tournament pairing, a hard fought game that LFNY won by a score of 2-1. This time the Portledge boys vowed to be ready for their French counterparts, and they certainly were, as those who watched this excellent game on Sawyer Field could attest . The play was fast, precise and hearty as numerous slide tackles sent both LFNY and Portledge players sprawling. Although the Panthers controlled most of the early action it was LFNY that took the first lead of the game as they put a bulge in the back of the ol' onion bag near the end of the first half. The goal was actually a beautiful strike from the LFNY striker, who was not marked as closely as he should have been by the Portledge defenders. Things became a bit more worrisome when the LFNY striker notched his second on a toe poke of a loose ball in the box. Suddenly we were in the second half and Portledge trailed by two. The Panthers did not panic though, and kept the pressure on the LFNY side constant. Before long, Senior striker Trevor Wolfson broke free and perfectly slotted a shot past the helpless French goaler to bring Portledge within one. As time was winding down, Sophomore Chris McCloskey sent a sublimely weighted cross towards Sophomore Steven Dourmashkin, who was unmarked in the box. Just as Dourmashkin rose to head the ball into the net an LFNY defender crashed into his back and Portledge was awarded a penalty kick from the 12 yard spot. Sophmore Nic Leask left no doubt about it as he buried a fearsome blast in the side netting. With the score tied at two Portledge pushed for the game winner but it was not to be as the combatants had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

The second game of the week saw SSDS visit Sawyer Field for the first IPPSAL game of the season. While all the Portledge players were fantastic in this 7-3 win the highlights certainly belonged to Senior striker Paul Mallouf. Mallouf came on in the second half to bury three goals as the Panthers roared to victory. No garbage here as Mallouf's goals came on a header , a 20 yard blast and a perfect volley of a Steven Dourmashkin cross. Paul has played on the JV team for the last three years, so it was great to see him net his first, second and third Varsity goals in such magnificent succession. From now on this game will always be known as the Second Miracle of Mallouf. The first coming when a Freshman Paul netted an amazing thirty yard volley to help Portledge to its first ever JV Boys Soccer win back in September of 2005.

Maybe it was the long week that caught up with the Panthers.....maybe it was the absence of injured midfielder Mark Dourmashkin......or maybe it was the determined play of their opposition from Garden City, but it was something as the Panthers went down to a 2-1 defeat in the final game of the week v. Waldorf. The game was played during a driving rain storm reminiscent of a great English 'FOOTBALL' day. The conditions did not hamper play though, as both teams displayed a tremendous amount of poise and skill. Portledge had fought back to even the score at one when half way through the second stanza a ball slipped through the two Panther center halfs and onto the foot of the now open Waldorf striker. He made no mistake as his crisply netted shot putting the visiting team ahead 2-1. Portledge continued to press forward and put the pressure on. The Panthers were even granted a late game penalty shot, but somehow this was not to be their day as the Waldorf keeper turned back Nic Leask's effort from the spot, as well as any other chances that the Panthers mustered. This IPPSAL loss at home will be difficult, but not impossible, to overcome as the Portledge boys progress along in the season. Another challenging week awaits as the Panthers go home and home with Our Savior before a big Founders Day home fixture with LWA. Portlegde will be at OSNA on Tuesday (4:15), and will host on Thursday (4:15).

Where's the Professor, Maryanne,Ginger and The Howells ?

To see their enthusiasm on the sideline is refreshing. To see the comradeship among their players is exciting. To see them stand together though, is to see the Skipper and Gilligan in real life. Many of us over thirty have a special affinity for the old television program Gilligan's Island. One of the best things about that show was the friendship and interaction between Gilligan, played by Bob Denver , and the Skipper, played by Alan Hale. Their relative stature made for interesting by play between the two, and they always seemed to be up to something. The Skipper was the mentor and Gilligan was a good natured fellow , who always wanted to help someone out. Here at Portledge, coaching the JV Boys Soccer team we have our own Skipper and Gilligan "aka" Mr. Sandoval and Mr. Sandos, respectively. They are the best of friends and have a wonderful time working with the JV boys. Don't think their laughter during practice and games means they are not taking things seriously though. Portledge's Skipper and Gilligan have spent countless hours this fall studying the finer technical points of soccer with The Portledge soccer maestro, Varsity Boys Coach Mr. Kevin Coleman. Coach Coleman has taken the two under his wing and together the three of them, and Coach Coleman's able Varsity Assistant Mr. Pat Meyers, are building an excellent high school soccer program. The fact that we have well over 30 boys playing soccer in the Upper School is a testament to the enjoyment the program offers Portledge students. So when you hear Mr. Sandoval say, " wait a minute there little buddy", you're not on Gilligan's Island, but probably on the Portledge soccer "pitch" - that's English for field Mr. Sandos. Although they played very well in their opener against Friends Seminary, the JV Boys team went down to defeat 4-0. Don't worry though.... immediately after the game Sandoval and Sandos were seen huddling under one of the cherry blossoms with Coach Coleman, as the three went through an extensive debrief of the contests tactical aspects. The next home game for the JV Boys will be Tuesday v. Martin Luther (4:15).

Special Delivery/ Skill & Determination Mark Early Season Play of Varsity Girls Soccer

Right from the start of things one can see that the Varsity Girls Soccer team has a tremendous amount of skill. In both their games thus far, a 12-1 drubbing of LFNY and a hard fought 2-2 draw with Friends Seminary, the Lady Panthers have displayed excelent ball control and passing. Midfielders Alex Siwiec and Ashley Wade have controlled the play and allowed strikers Mo Kelly and Addie Reilly to really press forward in the attack. In addition, the backfield play of Natalie Flammia and Chelsea Caracciolo has been solid, steady and very impressive. Two new starters, Freshman Alexa Lodenquai and Sophomore Natalie Grey, have also contributed to the swift and accurate passing coming out from the backfield. Reilly netted four goals v. LFNY and Kelly added one, before Coach Coope brought on some younger players to finish off the game. Two of those youngsters, 8th grader Ceci Mulry and Sophomore Tatiana Parris each scored two goals as the LFNY game wound down. During the second game of the season, the draw with Friends Seminary, the team exhibited another important characteristic - determination. The play of goalie Chelsea Estevez was a prime example as the net minder dug deep to make several crucial saves during the last few minutes of play. One incredible early season side note came when Sophmore Ashley Wade took an elbow to the face that brought quite a bit of blood flowing from her nose. Somehow, with the help of Mr. Sandoval, Ashley was able to stop the bleeding without getting a single drop on her bright white game jersey. Now that's some skill! Good luck to the Lady Panthers as they face two tough non league opponents next week in the form of Riverdale (Monday) & Chapin (Thursday) with both matches on the road.

From the Trails to the Courts....and more.

Hi Hey Hills readers! Let's give you a little info about this year's Varsity Cross Country and Girls Tennis squads. The Portledge runners are over twenty strong this fall and hope to elevate their standing to the very top of the IPPSAL Cross Country league. Top female runners Delphine Starr and Millie Stallings return to lead an expanded group of girls as they navigate the twists and turns of the cross country season. On the boys side, Senior Nick Hagedorn and Sophomore Alan Phipps return with the strongest running resumes, but there is a host of young runners eager to challenge them, and the rest of the IPPSAL fields, for cross country supremacy. The Portledge team will host a short 2K run on Founders Day that is open to the entire Portledge Community, before opening their official season by hosting the first IPPSAL meet of the season on Wednesday, Sept 24th. Please come out and support these fine athletes.

What Does Coach Henry Stay Have on the Varsity Girls Tennis Team This Fall?

USTA teaching professional Henry Stay returns for his second season with the Varsity Girls Tennis program. After last year's rebuilding efforts, Coach Stay is optimistic he has a team that can return to the top of IPPSAL Girls Tennis. Of course that is the place where the Portledge girls are most comfortable, having won 12 of the last 15 IPPSAL Championships in Girls Tennis. Former coaches John McIlvain and Alex Rudback would be excited to see this year's group of players. Senior Siena Falino and Junior Elizabeth Girgenti return to lead the singles players, and should be supported in singles play by Sophomore Michelle Kerwick and Freshman Lisa Dourmashkin. Yes, that makes three Dourmashkins playing Varsity sports this fall. Lisa's brothers, Junior Mark and Sophomore Steven are both on the Varsity Boys Soccer team. The doubles pairings are still being worked on but should include various combinations of Liana Sarrantino, Rachel Scheinmann, Ali James, Tori Phillips, Akanksha Trivedi, Hannah Fortgang and Alison Herzig. Another experienced member of the team is Junior Robyn Worrall, who should be able to contribute both as a singles and doubles player. Thus, Coach Stay has a good many options as he fills out his line up card for each match. The Lady Panther netters take on Rye Country Day this afternoon @ HOME (4:15) in a tough non league opener before starting their IPPSAL schedule next week. Come out and see some great tennis from this potential league championship squad!

How Great are Secondary School Athletics?

Being in Wellington Gym yesterday before the Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer teams took to the field to face their respective sides from the Lycee Francais School of NYC was special. The Portledge players, male and female, were sitting around talking and wishing each other luck, while some others were getting a last minute tape job. Everyone, especially the coaches, was focused on the upcoming games and there was a palpable air of excitement in the building. Portledge Athletics has worked hard to create an environment that is competitive, but at the same time enjoyable and comfortable for the athletes. One that is based on good sportsmanship and strong support for your team mates. As I took in the scene yesterday, I could see these attitudes and feelings were present in the faces of the young athletes. It was a neat moment to slow down and enjoy what is going on around you.... All for now, and we hope to see you all out at some Portledge athletic events in the near future.

Here We Go Again!

Well it's fantastic to be blogging about the world of Portledge sports once again. I was hoping to get going much sooner because I had all sorts of theoretical observations about the reflective opportunities available during summertime. My musings concerning days at the beach and the intellectual illumination of a sunset will have to wait until next July though. When, hopefully, I take advantage of some of my off time to satisfy the frustrated writer that lives inside me. This past summer seemed to end just as it got going, but I guess that is just a symptom of not being as youthful as I once was. What did Jim Croce say, "if I could have time in a bottle" ? Well you would be a rich man Jim, because everyone would be coming to you to find out how to recapture all those past minutes and days.

The only good thing about the end of summer is that it means the return of Portledge sports and, in particular, the resumption of the game I like to call "true football", but what others often refer to as soccer. Along with that we have a robust bunch of runners taking to the cross country trails and a much rebuilt and revived Varsity Girls Tennis team. So as the title states, "here we go again".

What kind of team does Coach Coleman have with Varsity Boys Soccer?

After finishing first in regular season play last year , Coach Coleman's lads tasted the bitter pill of upset when they were ousted from the IPPSAL play offs by #4 seed, but eventual champion, Solomon Schechter Day School. Based on their fine overall record, the boys were still selected to compete in the NYSAIS Championships. They played well, but were beaten in the first round by the Lycee Francais School of NYC. The team should experience similar success this year in that many key starters return fot the Panther booters. Center back is manned by four year starter and co captain Aaron Lee and co captain Mike McCloskey. Junior Mark Dourmashkin and Sophomore Nic Leask will provide the transitional play through midfield and most of the scoring should come from the dynamic striker duo of Senior Trevor Wolfson and Sophomore Chris McCloskey. One huge key for the Panthers will be replacing Austin Prey in goal. Juniors Daniel Leask and Ben Shapiro have both been working hard during pre season and are ready to go guarding the woodwork. Ther are also some interesting new faces on the Varsity Boys team. Sophomore outside midfielder Steven Dourmashkin joins his older brother on the team and Junior MJ Shin returns to Portledge after a two year hiatus at boarding school. Shin's technical skill and strong shot should certainly help the Panthers ball control and overall play. The Chinchwadkar boys, Ashwin and Vishal, make up the third set of brothers on the team and definitely make Portledge Soccer a family affair. The Panthers have a big opening week as they face LFNY on Tuesday afternoon at HOME (4:15), followed by two more home games against SSDS and Waldorf on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Come on out and see this excellent team play.

Can the Varsity Girls team finaly break through and win a PSAA Championship?

After several years of knocking on the door, the potential for a championship team exists, but it certainly will not be easy with the likes of Berkeley Carrol, Lu Hi and Staten Island Academy standing in the way. Not only are those teams tough, but as always, all games played in PSAA Girls Soccer will be challenging. The Lady Panthers have a solid returning core though, as many starters come back looking for that elusive championship season. Senior Alex Siwiec, having moved into central midfield, will take part in her fifth girls soccer campaign and will be a critical cog in the side. She will be partnered in middle of the pitch by Sophomore Ashley Wade, who has had her playmaking responsibilities expanded for the coming season. Coach Coope will be looking for Juniors Monique Kelly and Addie Reilly to provide consistent scoring from up front, while Juniors Chelsea Caracciolo, Natalie Flammia and Claudia Rogers will all move around giving flank support and manning the defense. Junior Chelsea Estevez returns to the goal after an excellent Sophomore season. The girls have a tough back to back to open as they face LFNY on Tuesday - HOME (4:15), followed by Friends Seminary on Wednesday - HOME (4:15).

Check in tomorrow for previews of Varsity Girls Tennis and Varsity Cross Country!