Friday, November 1, 2024

Windham Christian Academy to compete for MCSSL middle school soccer title Saturday

By Ed Pierce

Windham Christian Academy's middle school soccer team will compete in the Maine Christian School Sports League championship game against Coastal Christian School at 5 p.m. Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. 

Windham Christian Academy's Middle School Soccer team
will play for the Maine Christian School Sports League
championship when it faces Coastal Christian School
at 5 p.m. Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Coastal Christian School reached the title game by defeating Pine Tree School on Wednesday while WCA knocked off Oxford Hills Christian Academy on Wednesday to qualify for a berth in the championship  match. 

WCA's middle school team is coed and for students in grades 5 to 8. There are currently 15 teams representing Christian  schools across the state competing in the MCSSL for soccer.

The team is coached by Whitney Coppersmith and assistant coaches Kayla Sinclair and Mike Manning.

Team members include Lucas Stewart (Sixth Grade); Leah Sinclair (Seventh Grade); Mason Dodd (Eighth Grade); Jacob Frederick (Eighth Grade); Arseniy Popov (Seventh Grade); Judah Knights (Eighth Grade);  Liam White (Eighth Grade); Piper Justice (Sixth Grade); Victoria Presby (Seventh Grade); Toby Dupuis (Seventh Grade); Anna Willings (Fifth Grade); Kirill Popov (Fifth Grade); Elsa Pearson (Seventh Grade); Haddie Coppersmith (Sixth Grade); Brenna Wheeler (Sixth Grade); Abigail Watkins (Eighth Grade);  Ethan Brewer (Eighth Grade); Eli Coppersmith (Eighth Grade); Elija Popov (Eighth Grade); Radiance Yer (Fifth Grade); and Zemirah Yer (Sixth Grade).

Gates open at Fitzpatrick Stadium for Saturday's matchup at 4 p.m. Admission is $2. <


WHS Cross Country teams qualify for state championship meet

By Matt Pascarella

For the first time since 2015, both Windham’s boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are going to the Class A State Championships after a strong performance in the Southern Maine Class A Regional Championship on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland. Since 2015, there has been a variety of combinations of one WHS team qualifying or individuals qualifying, but it's been a while since both teams have qualified. The girls’ team finished seventh with a score of 199 and the boys’ team finished eighth with a score of 237.

Windham sophomore Eva Vancelette maintains her focus
during the Southern Maine Class A Regional Cross
Country Championship race at Twin Brooks
Recreation Area in Cumberland on Saturday, Oct. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 
“Many of our present athletes appropriately and safely started their quest to get to compete at States in late June – at last Summer’s ‘Unlock Your Potential’ Cross Country Camp to build their present fitness and mindset, both highly needed to extend a cross-country season,” said Windham cross country coach Jeff Riddle. “The boys finally put it all together, together. The girls’ team showed up unified and ready to compete, they were locked in. Our sport is one of true grit with no rest, nowhere to hide, no breaks, and it is raw. So, if fit, feeling well, and with a winner’s mindset, the only thing stopping a cross-country athlete is themselves. Our boys and girls let it fly last Saturday, ran the race plan, then together earned something that very few teams do. Our goals for them at the State meet are to first authentically enjoy their earned time together ... and to then go improve their finish position by reducing their race time.”

Girls

Windham junior Sydney Broadbent finished first for Windham and 32nd overall with a time of 22:34.92 minutes. Behind her was sophomore Eva Vancelette who finished 37th overall with a 22:55.60.

Junior Lila Stanley finished third for Windham and 42nd overall in a time of 23:09.00.

“As a team, we stayed as a pack,” said Broadbent. “I think our top four or five finished within like a minute and a half of each other, which is amazing. We all started out fast, which was exactly what we wanted to do. Just maintained and stayed confident throughout the race. As a team, we wanted to give it everything and finish with nothing left in the tank ... we know that this course is really hard, everyone struggles and everyone’s in the same conditions. We all gave it our everything and we did exactly what we wanted to do today. Knowing that both teams made it ... shows how much determination we have as teams and as individuals. The team has learned to work really well together in the races, and we put so much time into this season, we put everything into this team. We earned our spot at states.”

Boys

Sophomore Mason Bragdon finished first for Windham and 35th overall with a time of 18.51.30.

Second for Windham and 39th overall was senior Andrew Young with a time of 18:55.87. Third for Windham and 41st overall was junior Caleb Saucier with a time of 19:01.77.

“It’s definitely nice to see everybody step up,” said Bragdon. “I think it took a lot of effort, from a training aspect; it took the miles and hours and hours to get here. And it just all came together. From the start of the morning, everybody was feeling good ... overall while running the course it was good – it was that usual exciting feeling you get while running. First was definitely a goal and my goal was to pull the rest of the team forward. Our ultimate goal was to pull off today. When we run, we pull each other up and we finish. Some things I saw today that went really well was we all got off the line really fast and we did a good job maintaining our paces through the second mile; we had our five through seven runners push up which is what really got us to states this year. New Englands is the ultimate goal, but if we can place really well, I think that’s also a good end to the season.” <

Windham varsity volleyball starts strong, but falls to Cheverus in preliminary playoff match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity volleyball finished their regular season 9-5 and on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Windham, seventh-place Windham took on 10th place Cheverus in an incredibly hard-fought preliminary playoff match. Windham won the first two sets, but Cheverus battled back to take the next three sets in a match where both teams left everything on the court and Cheverus eliminated Windham, 3-2.

Windham junior Kendra Eubanks attacks the ball during
a prep volleyball preliminary playoff match against
Cheverus High at Windham High School on Oct. 24.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 
“We were definitely really nervous, but it was more as an excitement way,” said Windham junior Josephine Sibley. “We had never played them before in probably like two seasons, so it was a big moment for us. They had less of a record, but they played really hard teams, so we knew it was going to be a harder match. Our energy was definitely high (in the first two sets), and I think that’s why we had more success ... when we have energy we work well as a team together and it usually leads to wins. (In the last two sets) it was definitely more like inner conflict between (Windham) teammates. This is like the cleanest we ever played; it was like the least amount of points we’ve ever given up and we definitely fought for every point; I think it was a good game. This is the closest I’ve been with a team, especially from Windham. I’m really happy I get to call these girls my friends.”

Windham wasted no time showing they wanted the win. They communicated well and took a small lead early on. Windham junior Kendra Eubanks had a solid block in the first set. The game was tied at six. Windham junior Sydney Harmon sent the ball over the net and Cheverus could not return it. The game was tied at 13. Sibley had several strong serves which gave Windham a lead.

Cheverus was gaining, but Windham had already reached set point. Windham took the first set 25-21.

In the second set, Windham momentum remained strong; they had stellar attacks. They dove on the ball leaving it all on the court. At one point, Windham led by 10 points. While Cheverus was making progress, Windham was too far ahead, and their defense remained powerful. Windham took set two, 25-10.

In the third set, Windham led early, and this was another super close set. The game was tied at 15. Cheverus gained traction, but Windham did not stop fighting. The Stags won this one, 25-19.

Set four was tied early on, and both teams were aggressive. Windham junior Oakley McLeod tipped the ball just over the net to give Windham a five-point advantage. Then the game was tied at 22. Tension was high but Cheverus got a set point and won, 25-23.

Windham had a small lead early on in set five. Cheverus countered with a lead and was able to hold onto it to win the set, 15-11.

“A lot of teammates had watched film to make sure we were prepped,” said Windham senior captain McKenzie Keeney. “We came out, we were so ready, we really wanted it together. We just lost maybe a little bit of momentum, but we picked ourselves back up a little bit and at the end of the day, it was close, we did what we could. The first couple of sets we had such positive energy together and we all wanted it for each other.”

Keeney said her team stood out this season; she loves them so much; they are all amazing people.

“When you come out that strong and that fast you have a lot of energy flowing to start off and at some point, that energy starts to back down a bit,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “You got to always keep your foot on the gas. Some little adjustments Cheverus made too; they started to move some hitters around on us ... we just didn’t adjust fast enough and once they started scoring a few points we started pressing and when you get behind, you start worrying about making mistakes and it kind of leads you to making mistakes. I’d say some rolls started going their way that didn’t go for them in the first two sets. That changed the momentum – momentum in volleyball is a big deal. In those first two our serving went really well, we were moving our feet to the ball, we were running offenses, we were getting a chance to use all three contacts.” <

Friday, October 25, 2024

Windham varsity boys’ soccer tops South Portland

By Matt Pascarella

For their final home game of the regular season, Windham’s varsity boys’ soccer went up against South Portland on Thursday, Oct. 17. It was Senior Night and Lukas Hammond, Garrett Crossman, Levi Hayman, Luke Cunniffe, Carter Engelman, Layth Jabbar, Zachary Noonan, Sam Rogers, Rory Good, Oliver Weatherby, Wes Theriault, Connor Gallant and Preston Stretch were each presented with a gift for their time and dedication to Windham athletics. After a hard-fought game, Windham emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.

Windham senior Luke Cunniffe fires a shot past the legs 
of a South Portland opponent during a boys' varsity
soccer game on Senior Night at Windham High School
on Oct. 17. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
“Today our first 30 minutes was the best we’ve played all season,” said Cunniffe. “It’s a game of runs, we went on a long run, they went on a little run, in the end we had the most runs, so that allowed us to get up in the game. We’re still trying to get together and play a full 80 minutes; by postseason time, we will be there. Our ability to connect passes and counter quickly (went well), our defense is always so solid – yet another clean sheet. We work for each other and it’s amazing to see. Playing a full game – if we’re at our best, no one can stop us, but it’s just playing the full 80 minutes.”

The game began with two very strong defenses competing head-to-head. Windham seniors Sam Rogers and Cunniffe took several good shots on goal, but nothing got by the South Portland goalkeeper early in the game.

Roughly midway through the half, Cunniffe scored, assisted by junior Tyrie James. Windham senior goalie Lukas Hamond had several very nice blocks.

At the half Windham led, 1-0.

“South Portland definitely has some good players, they can press, they can put the ball in dangerous spots; they’re a team that’s right on the verge,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “They can possess the ball well, one of the things we were trying to do was push the tempo a little bit; when our team wants to press and push the tempo of the game, I do think our skillset is a notch or two better than (South Portland) can keep up with. That’s what we try to do against everybody. We want to 100 percent make sure we are putting together a complete game, in three phases of the game, in all three parts of the pitch – it’s been elusive, but this is the time of the year, we got to find it. Huge credit to the captains and the seniors to come out here, it’s an emotional night and be able to execute and come out with a win on your home pitch. We want to be able to dictate ... what’s happening with the ball and be able to put teams under and not necessarily go forward all the time – you got to trust the players around you; you got to trust the system; you got to move the ball. When we did that, they had no answer. It wasn’t straight down the middle of the pitch, it was a lot of let’s use the real estate out, to the touch line, let’s even try to play beyond the 18s (Penalty Box Line) to be able to drag some defenders out and serve some balls in – that’s where some of our best opportunities came from.”

In the second half, both defenses remained strong. However, Windham’s offense would not stay silent. After Cunniffe missed a penalty kick, moments later he capitalized on a ball bounce and got it past South Portland’s goalie.

Hammond continued to stop scoring opportunities and blocked every one of the six shots that came at him.

With 12 seconds remaining, Cunniffe squared the ball to Rogers who shot it toward goal and found the back of the net.

“We were thinking about (South Portland from) last year when we beat them 4-0 in the playoffs; they were definitely up there for their endgame,” said Rogers. “Things that went well was we did stay composed, we did a lot better at playing the wings, and balls into the box were good; we didn’t hold onto the ball for too long which was good. If we continue to do that, we’re going to make a deep playoff run.” <

Sixth-inning surge helps Windham avoid shutout in Fall Little League against Westbrook

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League’s fall baseball team took the diamond with Westbrook at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Westbrook jumped to a big lead early, but Windham powered through. A small surge late in the game was enough to avoid a shutout for Windham, but not enough to surpass Westbrook’s lead and eventual 10-2 victory.

Windham sixth grader Bronson Bassett hits the ball into the
air as he advances runners around the bases during a Fall
Little League baseball game against Westbrook at the
Westbrook Little League Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  
“I saw everybody was moping their heads down and shrugging their shoulders and it’s only the second ... inning,” said Windham fifth grader Bronson Bassett. “So much more time we can come back in this game and everybody’s moping – I was like ‘this is fine, and we held them at 10.’ I feel like we got to be more confident in ourselves, we just got a little anxious. We can’t be having (a surge) in the sixth inning; we got to be more consistent with it – we got to have that burst of energy for the whole game. We just had to get the bat on the ball. We knew Westbrook was a good team and I feel like we just got to be more confident. Fielding went really well, but I do think we got to work on hitting; hitting was OK today.”

Early in the game, Westbrook took a pretty hefty lead. They scored five runs in the first inning, and another five in the third inning.

In the third inning there was a hard-hit ball to Windham shortstop and fifth grader Charlie Moore who made the catch with super quick hands.

In the fourth inning, Bassett singled to center field and then Windham sixth grader Caitlynn Halladay hit a ground ball, but unfortunately both were left on base.

After a walk, Windham sent three batters back to the dugout in the fourth inning. Even when Westbrook got hits, Windham held them on base.

“I think my team did really great,” said Moore. (Windham) kept up with the game; they didn’t give up and when I scored that first (run) they kept their heads up and after that ... they scored more after me. I went from second to third and then home because the other team wasn’t paying attention to the person on third, so I just had a chance to steal. Batting was good, contact was good, fielding was really good. We need a little bit more work (to make contact). Pitching was harder because the pitchers on Westbrook’s team had some good curveballs, so you really couldn’t keep up with them, like they’re coming at you, so you stepped out of the box and then it curves right back in and you’re like ‘oh come on.’”

After two walks in the sixth inning, Bassett grounds into a fielder’s choice, which eventually brought in Moore. Halladay singles on a ground ball and Bassett stole second base. After Windham sixth grader Kainen Pouliot singled, Bassett scored.

“Fall ball is an experience you have older players playing with younger players and trying to develop kids who haven’t played before,” said Windham Little League fall baseball coach Johnathan Bassett. “So, you’re looking to the newer players to help them out. They’re still learning the game ... so you’re trying to get experience for everybody as you’re looking toward the spring. The boys are consistently working hard at getting better, and always supporting one another. Basic fundamentals skills and game situations for the younger players always need improvement, but with confidence and effort, it will come.”<

Friday, October 18, 2024

Windham seniors Harmon and Profenno shine during Class A Maine State Golf Championships

By Matt Pascarella

For their final time, Windham seniors Fiona Harmon and Addison Profenno competed in the Class A Maine State Golf Championship on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Natanis Golf Course, a par 72, in Vassalboro. Both girls had incredible final games as high school seniors; Harmon shot an 87 and placed second, she also qualified for the New England Golf Tournament. Profenno shot a 92, placed sixth and is waiting to see if she qualified for the New England Golf Tournament.

Windham High seniors Addison Profenno,
left, and Fiona Harmon gather after
competing in the Class A Maine State
Golf Championships at the Natanis
Golf Course in Vassalboro on
Friday, Oct. 10.
PHOTO BY ABBY SPECTOR
“They are excellent teammates,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “They are friendly to everyone – they are all-around awesome kids. They are nice, they treat everyone like they want to be treated. I’m super excited and happy for them. Over four years they’ve worked harder than anyone; they get to be here for one last chance, win or lose; I just think it’s great they get to be here. They’re sad it’s ending. We’re super lucky that they’re at Windham and not elsewhere.”

Both golfers hit par or better on at least five holes. Profenno received a top 10 plaque and birdied – one under par – on the fourth hole. Harmon received a runner-up plaque.

“I’m very proud of myself and what I have done in the four years that I’ve competed for Windham varsity golf,” said Harmon. “Friday was a great way to end my high school golf career. It took lots of dedication and practice to reach my goal. The highlight of Friday was all the support I had on the golf course. I also want to applaud all the other girls that competed at states. They all show great sportsmanship for each other, and I was very lucky to be able to play with all of them for the last four years.”

Harmon is unsure if she wants to play golf post-high school and Profenno would like to play on a club team after high school.

“I feel really well on how I played,” said Profenno. “Of course, there will always be the wish of shooting lower or making a putt I missed, but overall, I am satisfied. I feel like I was much more prepared mentally and physically than other years. I was completely focused and was more aware of what I needed to do when I had an unfortunate shot. My high point ... was definitely playing with the same people as I did last year. It was a very fun competition and made the long round enjoyable. I also was very proud about making a birdie putt on the first par three I played. Overall, the past four years on varsity have been a high point in my high school experience.”

Profenno and Harmon said Coach Manzo was always there to keep them motivated and having fun. They are thankful for all they learned on the golf course. They thank Manzo and their teammates for where they are today.

“I felt both did an incredible job representing our team, our school, and our community,” said Manzo. “Both seemed highly engaged and focused the entire day. I saw a lot of thinking going on out there, from club selection to reading putts. It was cool to start, and they had to battle serious wind all day long, which made conditions challenging. I’m just super proud of both of them. They are two outstanding kids who always want to play well, so this was a great way for them to wrap up their high school careers.” <

WMS girls’ soccer team unbeaten despite missing a regular goalkeeper

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School’s seventh grade girls’ soccer team are 6-0 as of Thursday, Oct. 10 and have not let in a goal from any of their opponents yet. This would be impressive for any team, but what makes this extra noteworthy is this team has no designated goalie. Coach Aaron Talon has been rotating players in to play goalkeeper and the team’s defense is so strong their opponents barely get an opportunity to approach Windham’s net.

Alexis Woodcock of Windham Middle School's seventh
grade girls' soccer team focuses on where to send the ball
during a game against Lincoln Middle School on
Thursday, Oct. 10. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 
This was evident in a game at Windham against Lincoln on Thursday, Oct. 10, where Windham won 7-0 and multiple Windham players scored.

“We’re a very close (team) and we’re good at soccer,” said Julia Call, who scored three times during the Lincoln game.

The reason the team has no designated goalie is the goalie for this age group is playing on a travel team and attends Jordan-Small School in Raymond and does not play on the Windham team during the school season.

This unusual situation hasn’t phased the members of this supportive and skilled Windham team. In six games they’ve had 11 goalies, and all the girls understand they need to step up and help out to do what is needed to win.

In the six games, Windham has outscored their opponents 27-0.

What led to their success over Lincoln was everyone chipping in and working together. During that game, in addition to Call, Raegan Magee, Gwen Cabana and Addie McPherson all had goals – plus Lincoln scored on their own goal.

“Not being a selfish player (is important) because everyone has a part in how we get to the other side of the field,” said WMS seventh grade girls’ soccer captain Mila Richards.

At the beginning of the season, they thought not having a goalie was going to be a struggle. But many members of this team have played together for a while and the team has a stacked defense; everyone learned to adapt.

“We have 22 girls who are strongly dedicated to this sport,” said Talon. “Most of them play travel soccer through Windham Youth Soccer Association and some girls play on local premier teams. The girls all attend practice and they work hard to get better each day. We emphasize doing things the correct way. Most of these girls have never played goalie. I think some were excited for the opportunity, and also a little nervous. Our defense has done an amazing job supporting our goalies each game.”

According to WMS seventh grade girls’ soccer captain Alexis Woodcock, it’s the teamwork, working outside the soccer team to establish good relationships with one another, which helps them communicate.

“Scoring goals on your own is good, (but) be excited for other people to have goals,” said WMS seventh grade girls’ soccer captain Gianna Falcone.

While the team definitely wants to keep their undefeated streak up and not let any goals in, they rarely talk about the score and focus more on the following objectives: to get better each day, represent the community well, compete to the best of their abilities and have fun. <