Field hockey athlete is a champ on high school and college fields by Matt Pascarella

Kayla Collins

High school junior Kayla Collins is on a roll; not only is she on Windham’s junior varsity field hockey team, but she was chosen as the Team IMPACT 2018 top recruit. On Thursday, September 20^th, Collins was officially drafted to and became a member of the Saint Joseph’s College field hockey team.

Located in Boston, Team IMPACT’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes.

Collins was diagnosed shortly after birth with a genetic disorder. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 1,500 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 48 states.

Throughout the season, both the high school recruit and the college student athletes learn invaluable lessons from each other; lessons and perspective that cannot be acquired in the classroom. While Collins will not play on the field at Saint Joseph’s College, she is very much a supportive member of the team; attending practices, games, team dinners, events and more.

Family friend Ali Peters met Collins through Boston Children’s Hospital. Peters ran as Collin’s Patient Partner through the ‘Miles for Miracles’ program in the 2017 Boston Marathon. Peters also knew of and had worked with Team IMPACT and thought it would be a great fit for Collins and her love of field hockey. When Saint Joseph’s College expressed an interest in having a Team IMPACT athlete, Collins was the perfect choice.

Collins has been a fan of field hockey since she began playing in seventh grade and she is very excited. “It feels good to join a college team,” she says.

“This will be a very positive relationship for both Kayla and the team; we are very excited to have [her] become part of our family,” commented Coach Rupert Lewis.

“It’s a relief for us to see her so relaxed and enjoying every minute with the team. We’re so grateful for this opportunity for her,” says mom Trista Collins.

“This gives Kayla something to get excited about while we continue to wait for treatment options for her,” Trista continued. “It also gives her a new setting to be herself in where she doesn’t have to try hard to fit in or keep up with everyone around her. This team is giving her freedom to have fun doing something she loves at another level while also learning from their college experiences on and off the field. She has some extraordinary college athletes on her team - now that are just a few miles away - rooting for her.”

Windham High volleyball prevails in an exciting home game by Matt Pascarella

Angel Spiller

The Lady Eagles JV and varsity volleyball teams took on Mount Desert Island (MDI) on Friday, September 21^st at Windham High School.

JV

Set 1

Windham starts strong scoring immediately. They had excellent teamwork with several good volleys that gave them the lead which they maintained. MDI was right behind though and soon the teams were neck and neck. MDI pulled ahead 23-20. Soon it’s match point, MDI. Windham stays alive a little longer before MDI takes set one, 25-21.

Set 2

The Lady Eagles started a little slow but made up for it quickly. MDI jumped ahead, 6-3. Windham had several nice returns and tied the game at 7. Windham had great teamwork and communication, with nice volleys and spiking of the ball. Windham pulled ahead 20-15 and the Lady Eagles took this set 25-16.

Meghan Harmon

Set 3

Windham kicked it into the highest of gears for the third set of play. They were giving 120%, working hard to get the win. They started out down 5-1, but turned the set around to tie it at 5. This was another close set with both teams neck and neck. Windham was right behind MDI for the remainder of the game. Windham left it all on the court, but after a game well played, MDI takes this one 15-13, winning the match two games to one.

“It was an exciting game, it was definitely one of our more active games where I felt like we had a lot of touches on the ball and had some longer plays. It gave the girls the chance to play some pass, set, hit volleyball which is always fun to watch,” observed Coach India Ross.

Varsity

Set 1

Windham pulled ahead to a 9-3 lead. The Lady Eagles had excellent teamwork and were spiking the ball each chance they got. They were giving it all, showing MDI if they wanted to win, they were going to have to work for it. Windham was pressuring, but MDI was pressuring right back. MDI was able to hold off Windham for a little while, but eventually lost the first set 25-19.

Set 2

Windham jumps to a 7-1 lead. MDI is right behind with the score 9-6, Windham. The Lady Eagles had great teamwork and communication throughout the entire match. MDI was slow at catching up, but wasn’t able to get there before the Lady Eagles win 25-22.

Set 3

Windham didn’t slow down their intensity. The Lady Eagles lead the entire set. Windham wasn’t going to let this final set get away from them. The score was 23-16, Windham, match point, then Windham wins the set 25-16 and the match three games to zero.

“We pushed pretty good against MDI today,” said Coach Chris Cloutier. “We had some new faces on the floor today and it was really pushing them to challenge their game, giving some them confidence. We prevailed when we needed to.”

Windham High golf on a roll despite loss by Matt Pascarella

Drew Mathieu

The Windham High School varsity golf team hit the links to compete against Bonny Eagle, at Deep Brook Golf Course in Saco on Thursday, September 13^th.

Windham had beaten Bonny Eagle in their first match of the year at Riverside Golf Course. Deep Brook, a par 36, can be a little more of a challenge and, as a result, I was impressed with the abilities of these athletes. Windham showed immense concentration and focus on the course. Windham players can really drive the ball deep, getting on or close to the green in only a few strokes. I saw several skilled Windham players sinking putts from on or just outside the green.

In specifics to last Thursday’s match, high shooters were Nolan Kent, who shot a 44, Drew Mathieu who shot a 45 and Zach Loftis who shot a 47. Bonny Eagle came out ahead; in points, 11-2 and strokes in this match, 224-266.

“I was encouraged by the play out of both Nolan Kent and Drew Mathieu. Both played solid golf all day long and Mathieu was able to pick up our only points on the day,” said Coach Adam Manzo.

“We have four home matches left on the year and definitely will need to improve collectively if we want to have any chance of qualifying as a team at the SMAA Qualifier on October 1^st. I firmly believe that with a little more focus and attention to details, we can compete with anyone,” Manzo said with confidence.

Varsity football gives it their all against Edward Little by Matt Pascarella

Harrison Boyle

The varsity football team played Edward Little on Friday, September 14^th at Windham.

Windham started with high intensity, ready to show they came to play. They had good hustle and worked hard defensively to keep Edward Little from gaining yards.

In the first quarter, Windham did well to move the ball and after a punt attempt on fourth down, the ball landed on the field. After Edward Little tapped the ball, the quarterback, Harrison Boyle, #20 picked up the ball and ran it to Edward Little’s 25-yard line. Then, Garrett Peeples, #9, ran the ball into the end zone for six points. Windham football scored the extra point to tie the game at seven.

Windham continued to work hard, both offensively and defensively. Peeples ran the ball in for his second touchdown of the game before the end of the second half.

Half: 28-14, Edward Little

Windham worked fiercely to turn this game around. Their defense was taking down players with veracity. Right after Windham made it to Edward Little’s 30-yard line, Stuart Salom #21 scored a touchdown and Windham made the extra point.

Windham gave it their all, putting forth a solid effort, but Edward Little came out ahead at the end of this one, 41-21.

“We had five freshmen play tonight and they played hard; you’re going to have mental mistakes...but I felt like tonight we took a big step...of being more physical and getting after them [Edward Little]. We didn’t play scared...and understood the game better,” remarked coach Matt Perkins. “We’re getting there; when you make mistakes, you’ve got to look at how we fix it, what’s next and it’s all learning. The way that they cranked the whole game, I was just impressed as a package on all of it.”

Boys' soccer teams begin home openers on a high note by Matt Pascarella

Sam Glicos running to get to the ball

Evan Glicos moves the ball away from a Kennebunk player

The varsity and JV boys’ soccer teams played their first home game of the season against Kennebunk on Saturday, September 8^th.

VARSITY

Windham started strong with good communication and solid teamwork as they moved the ball around nicely. Windham showed Kennebunk early on this was their game and they were going to win. Kennebunk was putting the pressure on, but Windham could handle it and responded by pressuring back. The Eagles had solid offense and defense, blocking scoring opportunities for Kennebunk as well as taking shots on their goal.

Half: 0-0

Although the first half was scoreless, Windham was going after the ball aggressively and showing they wanted it more. Shortly into the second half, Evan Glicos #11, gets one in the goal. The second half had higher intensity than the first. Windham’s strong defense prevented several scoring opportunities for Kennebunk.  Playing quickly, their tight offense frequently moved the ball out of Kennebunk’s possession and toward Kennebunk’s goal, keeping it away from Windham’s goal most of the second half. After the final buzzer, Windham takes this one: 1-0.

“They’re playing intelligent soccer, but more than anything, they care about each other and they’re playing tremendously hard for each other and it’s just really fun to watch,” observed coach Wally LeBlanc.

JV

Kennebunk began pressuring Windham early on but the Eagles were prepared with powerful offense and defense, blocking scoring opportunities for Kennebunk and working well as a team. Windham had high intensity and were moving the ball around quickly, showing they were the stronger team.

Half: 0-0

In the second half, Windham put it all on the field. They communicated well and were hustling. They did not let up offensively or defensively, as Kennebunk was unable to score due to Windham players kicking and blocking Kennebunk’s shots on or near the goal. Sam Glicos #24 put the ball between the posts, giving Windham the lead. Windham didn’t slow down and continued working together to get the win.

Final 1-0, Windham

“Possession [of the ball] is stronger than it has been in the past...and they came together and focused,” remarked coach Mitch Hodge.

Girls’ soccer teams gave solid effort against Bonny Eagle by Matt Pascarella

Belle Skvorak playing defense

On Wednesday, September 5^th, the JV and varsity soccer teams took on Bonny Eagle in the first home games of the season for both Windham teams.

JV

The lady Eagles had nice hustle right away. Emma Millett #31 scored a goal within the first three minutes of play. Windham had taken control of the field playing good offense and defense. Windham was working well together, taking multiple shots on Bonny Eagle’s goal. The Lady Eagles were really putting the pressure on and as a result, Ella Cote #34 and Clara Ward #35 both scored in the first half. Windham was in command moving the ball around, with excellent teamwork.

Ella Cote

Half: 3-0 Windham

Windham did not let up. The lady Eagles offense and defense remained strong, although Bonny Eagle did score in the second half. Windham was giving it their all, beating Bonny Eagle to the ball and taking shots on their goal. Molly Black #26 scored.

Final: 4-1, Windham.

“They play as a team, they don’t play as individuals. I tell them trust your teammate and they do a lot of talking on the field [and that contributed to the win]” said coach Jeff Fish.

VARSITY

Windham started strong with nice movement of the ball and aggressively working to beat Bonny Eagle to the ball. Bonny Eagle did jump to an early 2-0 lead, but Windham kept their heads up and had several solid efforts, taking repeated shots at Bonny Eagle’s goalie.

Half: 3-0, Bonny Eagle

Windham continued their hustle, going hard after the ball in the second half. The Lady Eagles stepped up offense and defense blocking shots taken by Bonny Eagle. The Lady Eagles were working hard to gain possessions and trying to turn the game around. Although Belle Skvorak #3 scored, Windham was unable to get ahead.

Final: 4-1, Bonny Eagle

“We’ve got to come together as a team, we’ve got to communicate better,” commented coach Deb Lebel. “We didn’t really play with a ton of intensity...we need to take good shots. We played reactionary tonight; [Windham] is a good team, they’re going to win a lot of games. We’re going to have to learn from our mistakes and move on.”

Volleyball teams played their first home game of the season by Matt Pascarella

Morgan Proulx

Both JV and varsity set out to play their first game of the season on Tuesday, September 4^th against Scarborough.

JV – best of three sets

Set 1

Windham started with strong communication. The Eagles were doing well returning serves and volleys. Scarborough had jumped to an early lead, but Windham was working hard to turn that around. In the end, Scarborough took set one: 25-7.

Set 2

Rebecca Huff

Windham showed Scarborough they weren’t giving up. The Eagles had powerful return volleys. They were also setting the ball up nicely for one another which resulted in a better, smarter played game. Although Windham played a better game, Scarborough wins 25-9.

Technically, Scarborough won this match 2-0. A third game was played in which Windham really showed what they were made of.

Set 3

Windham kept Scarborough from pulling far ahead; they had excellent teamwork and communication. At one point, Windham was down 13-7 and after some good servers, Windham came back to tie the game at 13. They then jumped to a 15-14 lead, then the game at 16. Windham shows Scarborough they’re a solid opponent, taking the third game 18-16.

“First game of the season there’s always some nerves...I feel they came out and had a pretty good showing,” remarked coach India Ross.

VARSITY – two set matches to 25 points and a third set to 15 points

Set 1

Windham started strong, with excellent communication, returning the ball quickly. Scarborough jumps to an early lead, but Windham is not far behind; Giving it 100% kept Windham and Scarborough neck and neck. The score was tied at 22. Windham wasn’t backing down, but Scarborough was slowly creeping toward 25. After an excellent effort by Windham, Scarborough wins 25-22.

Set 2

Windham started this set with great teamwork, enabling them to get an early 9-7 lead. The Eagles had good hustle both in volleying and going after the ball. Windham had several blocks, stopping the ball from coming over to their side of the court. Windham pulled ahead 18-12, then kept up their momentum closing in on Scarborough, 22-17. Windham wins 25-18.

Set 3

Windham didn’t slow down and commanded the scoreboard early. These two teams were very evenly matched. The Eagles were on fire; playing hard, giving it everything they had. Windham was capitalizing on Scarborough’s weaknesses. Scarborough was not far behind; the score 23-19, Windham. Then, the Eagles are one point from winning. Scarborough sends the ball into the stands, Windham wins 25-20.

Set 4

Windham continued putting on the pressure. They were neck and neck most of the set. Scarborough got a bit of a lead, but Windham was not far behind. Scarborough wins 25-20.

Set 5

Windham did not get discouraged. They continued to show they were more than a worthy opponent. Windham pulled ahead 10-7 and was 5 points away from winning the set. Scarborough ties the set at 14. After a great effort by Windham, Scarborough pulled ahead to win the set 16-14 and the match 3-2.

“The girls know we can compete with these top teams,” observed Coach Chris Cloutier. “We should be a contending team this year; a good start to the season and a pretty good season ahead of us.”

JV field hockey team gearing up for a great year by Matt Pascarella

The JV field hockey team began their season with their first home game against Falmouth on Thursday, August 30^th.

Ellie Wilson

The lady Eagles started strong with nice communication on the field and moving the ball around with good teamwork. Windham had great offense and defense, stopping several scoring opportunities for Falmouth.

Falmouth was aggressive in going after the ball but, Windham was just as aggressive – going hard after the ball with a number of players taking the ball down the field, towards Falmouth’s goal.

Half: 1-0, Falmouth

The start of the second half brought Windham throwing it in to high gear, going even harder at the ball, with outstanding offense and defense. Windham continued their strong defense and again, prevented several more scoring opportunities for Falmouth.

Windham was moving the ball up and down the field, which resulted in Ellie Wilson, #7, scoring early in the second half to tie the game at 1.

Windham did not let up their assertive nature as they continued to give their all, not backing down from a team that was putting the pressure on. The lady Eagles played a good game and held their own on the field, but in the end, Falmouth managed to pull ahead to win this one: 2-1.

“Overall they played really well as a team, they were hustling out there and they were cutting to the ball, they just came up short, but they played well,” said coach Tiffany Theriault.