Windham progresses nicely in early season ski meet

By Matt Pascarella

In their first giant slalom (GS) meet of the season and their second meet altogether, Windham High School’s alpine ski team hit the slopes on Monday, Jan. 15 at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton against Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, York, Traip, Edward Little and Westbrook. Windham girls finished in fourth place with a score of 79. The boys also finished fourth with a score of 88.

Windham sophomore Tucker Roy digs the edges of his skis
into the snow during his first race of the giant slalom course 
at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton in a meet against
several schools from Southern Maine on Monday, Jan. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

“The racers wholeheartedly supported each other on the course,” said Windham High School’s alpine ski coach Christine Fredette. “There is a lot of camaraderie on the team and even though they compete individually, they know that their team is 100 percent behind them. We are building our fundamentals, many of the racers need help learning how to care for their race equipment and need to build their skills base to be more successful on the course. We will work on the fundamentals for the rest of the season. We are already seeing improvement, and hope that the team's skills base continues to improve.”

Girls

Senior Lilly McLean finished 12th overall and first for Windham with a combined two-run time of 1:14.44 minutes.

Right behind her was freshman Maya Dries who finished 13th overall and second for Windham with a combined time of 1:15.55.

“I think the conditions were really good, especially in the first run,” said Dries. “The course was set pretty nicely and coming up the headwall was good conditions. The course wasn’t breaking away too much considering it’s all been man-made snow. I thought I did pretty good; I’m a freshman and I was a little bit scared because the courses are much longer than they have been in years past. I was definitely nervous but happy about ... the race.”

Dries thought team encouragement went well but thinks the more the team gets out on the snow, the better they’ll do as the season progresses. Also getting lower and using their downhill edge a lot more needs some practice.

Junior Kolet Chudy finished third for Windham and 27th overall with a combined time of 1:23.93.

Sophomore Maddy Cook finished fourth for Windham with a combined time of 1:27.28 and 28th overall.

Junior Katelyn Cotter finished fifth for Windham with a combined time of 1:31.68.

Sophomore Ella Washburn finished sixth for Windham with a combined time of 1:33.55.

In her first alpine ski race ever, junior Nichole Allegra finished seventh for Windham with a combined time of 2:02.14.

“The second time the trail was icy,” said Allegra. “I was nervous in the beginning, but during the second race it was better. The first run was good; the support of the team [went well]. I would like to go faster [in future races].”

Boys

Sophomore Tucker Roy finished first for the team and 14th overall with a combined time of 1:10.38.

“For our first giant slalom race we haven’t had any practice,” said Roy. “Our team really went out – we’ve been working with chemistry together ... everyone did really well. The course felt really good, it was really firm, so everyone was able to get a good edge and helped ... both our runs. I think everyone had really good outside ski pressure, rolling their ankles, really driving toward the gates – getting wide. I think if we practice some more on the courses ... we could really get stronger and work better toward our next race.”

Junior Preston Stretch was second for Windham and 20th overall with a combined time of 1:15.90.

Sophomore Finn Jorgensen was third for Windham and 25th overall with a combined time of 1:25.10.

Fourth for Windham was sophomore Nick Davenport with a combined time of 1:32.56.

Not far behind Davenport, was freshman Bryce Jarvais who finished fifth for Windham with a combined time of 1:37.02.

“As a team, we performed really well together,” said Stretch. “The course was nice and easy, and it was a good start to the season. It was really good snow, really firm snow, easy to ski on, easy to carve. I thought it was great. I think we need to work on our different skiing disciplines and our different styles of skiing and ... ski more to improve. It was a success because it was our first GS race, we all had great improvement, and we all got a feel for the snow; got a feel for what we’re doing this season, and we know how to progress now.” <

Windham varsity volleyball ends season with win over Massabesic

By Matt Pascarella

It was senior night on Monday, Oct. 16 and before the start of Windham’s varsity volleyball match, seniors Rachelle Cloutier, Madeline Dumont, Lilly McLean and Savannah Heanssler were all presented with a small gift to thank them and their parents for their years of dedication to Windham sports. Windham’s varsity volleyball team then capped off the event by beating Massabesic, 3-0, after rallying in the third set to seal their win and end the regular season showing how strong a team they are.

Windham senior Madeline Dumont hit the ball over the net
during a varsity volleyball match against Massabesic at
Windham High School on Monday, Oct. 16.
PHOTO By MATT PASCARELLA  

“That third [set] was a comeback,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “I would say determination and focus led to the win. “There was a good chemistry on the court; a good way to end the season.”

Windham scored a couple points right away in the first set; they soon had a 5-1 lead over the Mustangs. Libero Heanssler’s serving earned several points to widen their lead. Windham had great teamwork and kept up their momentum as they pulled away from Massabesic. Windham was smart with the ball and made it hard for Massabesic to return serves. In a short time, Windham was up by 10 points. While Massabesic caught up a little, Windham couldn’t be stopped and took this set 25-17. Windham sophomore Sydney Harmon had four kills; an offensive attack unreturnable by the opponent.

That momentum for the Lady Eagles did not lessen for the remainder of the match. They scored immediately in the second set. There were excellent volleys and soon the game was tied at nine. Massabesic was only two points away from a tied set. Windham wasn’t about to let that happen and began to pull ahead. Sophomore Jezabelle Pinto had three kills. Windham won this set, 25-16.

“It was a lot,” said Heanssler. “We worked as a team and pulled it together – I didn’t want this season to end. It shows how much our team has grown throughout the season and we’ve come together. Our communication and really just trusting each other [went well]; end on a good note and do it for the team.”

The third set really showcased the skill Windham has. Massabesic jumped to a 5-0 lead. The Mustangs pulled away while Windham only had a couple points on the scoreboard. Windham did not get down on each other or stop persevering and began to mount a comeback. The cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the gymnasium as Windham turned the tables and was only down by three. Heanssler tied the game at 18. Windham soon took a 23-19 lead. With Windham sophomore Lauren Neal serving, it was quickly match point for the Lady Eagles. After a few tense moments, with Windham working hard to earn the win, this set was theirs, 25-19.

“It was definitely a difficult [third] set and we’ve always struggled with mental toughness, but ... we were really able to push through, and it was really awesome to watch it all come together,” said Neal. “We have a system of coming together and talking about what we can change, what we can do differently and just executing it and I think that’s really awesome. Knowing you have the support of your teammates, your coaches and everyone in the student section is just amazing. Communication and coverage have really improved over the course of the season.”

Overall, McLean scored eight points throughout the match, Harmon had 5.5, Pinto and Heannsler each had 4. <

Windham varsity volleyball earns first win of season over Noble

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High varsity volleyball team earned its first win of the season at home when they swept Noble 3-0 on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Windham sophomore Rowan Cummings serves the ball and
scores the final point needed for Windham's first varsity
volleyball win of the season on Wednesday, Sept. 13 during
a home match against Noble.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“It felt exciting to get the first win,” said Windham varsity senior Lilly McLean. “It definitely was a really positive environment tonight. It was nice to see. We showed how much we wanted it.”

McLean said that communication and positive feedback were exceptional on the court against Noble and every Windham player was very supportive of one another.

Varsity volleyball matches are determined by best-of-three sets with each set going to 25 points. In the first set, Noble took a small lead early on. However, once Windham was on the scoreboard, it did not take them long to tie the game and then take the lead. Windham sophomore Sydney Harmon’s serving, coupled with Windham’s teamwork and smart playing abilities added several points to the scoreboard in the first set. At one point Windham had a 10-point lead and went on to take the first set, 25-11.

The gym was electric and roared with cheers every time the Lady Eagles scored, which was frequently.

In the second set, Noble jumped out to an early lead. This was short-lived again as Windham’s strong communication helped them score. A hit from sophomore Oakley McLeod and Windham was back in charge. In no time, the team was just two points off the lead. This close set was tied at 15, but Windham edged out ahead and took this set, 25-22.

“As a team I think we managed to cover the ball a bit better,” said Harmon. “We have been working super hard and have been very diligent about how we practice that.”

Harmon said Windham set up their hitters more frequently and to make sure it wasn’t just for power. Harmon said they got this win because they stayed positive, and they focused more on how to fix mistakes during play.

Set three began with Noble taking the lead, but Windham soon tied the game. The Lady Eagles remained intense and had solid volleys and attacks. This was another close set. Sophomore Lauren Neal served up a handful of points for Windham. Noble was not far behind. It was Windham sophomore Rowan Cummings who got the winning point and the Lady Eagles took this set, 25-20.

Cummings said although she may have scored the winning point, this was really a team win. She said Windham took the time in practice to go over what they needed to work on and they brought those skills to this game. Windham was a cohesive team, and everyone brought the energy needed.

“All year we’ve had really good energy and I think today is just the culmination of it,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “Once it clicked, they rolled right through. We’re executing well – our offense is starting to click, our defense is covering well, serves were phenomenal; so now everything is starting to fit into place.” <

Windham volleyball gives maximum effort in preliminary playoff match

By Matt Pascarella

The No. 12 Windham Lady Eagles volleyball squad met No. 5 Sanford in a preliminary playoff round match on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Sanford High School and although Sanford won 3-0, Windham put up a very good fight and did not make it easy for the Spartans.

Windham High junior Lilly McLean leaps to return the ball
over the net at Sanford High School during a preliminary
Class A volleyball playoff match against Sanford on
Thursday, Oct. 20. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham’s scores have improved steadily since earlier in the month when they played Sanford during the regular season schedule.

“We’ve come a really long way,” said Windham senior and captain Odessa Files, who had 10 digs and four kills. “I think it was a really good game; I’m sad we lost, but it was a good loss – I’m happy with how it went. We played competitively and it was just good volleyball. We were talking a lot better; we had more attacks, and our serves were pretty good.”

In set one, Sanford took a small lead, but Windham was not far behind. Windham had come back from a seven-point deficit to trail Sanford 18-16. After Windham senior Scarlette Sawyer hit the ball, Windham is one point away from the lead. It remained close up until the end when Sanford took the set 25-21.

“I feel like that was our best game all season,” said Sawyer, who scored seven points, had four kills and three aces. “We all went into it having a positive mindset ... we stayed motivated the whole game and I thought it was a good way to end the season. Our communication was better than it's been all year.”

Set two brought more intensity from Windham as they put themselves on the scoreboard immediately. Sanford jumped to a five-point lead, but Windham fought back and closed that points gap. Windham kept in close proximity to Sanford. The Spartans pulled away and won this set 25-18.

Windham’s high energy kept them going early on in set three. The game was tied. With Windham junior Lilly McLean serving, Windham volleyed well and took the lead for the first time in the match. Sanford tied the game at seven. Then, Windham tied the game at 13; Windham took back the lead. Sanford gradually increased their points. Sanford won set three 25-17.

Whether it was a win or a loss, for Windham senior Bella Lorenzatti it was an honor to play in the playoffs. During the match, Lorenzatti had 18 assists and three aces.

She said the team worked really hard on finding mismatches between the teams and how Windham could use that to their advantage. She is thankful for being on the team and will carry those memories going forward.

“We played much better than when we saw them earlier in the season,” said Windham volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “If a loss could be good, it was a good loss – we fought. Serving was well executed and [Windham] were able to dig a lot of hits, probably the most we’ve gotten in a match; and quite a few blocks and block touches, that’s something we haven’t been able to get to. There was a lot more communication, a lot more chemistry on the court. We knew what [Sanford] were kind of going to do so we could counteract it to a certain extent; I’m proud of all of them.” <

Windham senior Murphy to play college volleyball

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Sam Murphy began playing volleyball in eighth grade. She fell in love with the sport because of the people. She had tried other sports, but volleyball had a positive team aspect that she really enjoyed.

Amy Powers, left, Windham High senior Sam Murphy, and 
Michael Murphy smile after Sam Murphy signs a college
letter of intent on June 8 to attend Wentworth Institute
of Technology and major in industrial design while
playing college volleyball for Wentworth.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Now that love for the sport is taking her to the next level as Murphy signed a letter of intent at Windham High School on Wednesday, June 8 to play volleyball at Wentworth Institute of Technology this fall where she will major in industrial design.

One requirement for a student to have a letter of intent signing at Windham High School is to be someone with good character. This describes Murphy very well.

“Sam is a great teammate because no matter what she’s always helping us out and always brings good spirits,” said Windham sophomore and teammate Lilly McLean.

McLean said Murphy is always willing to drop what she’s doing if a teammate needs help.

It took a lot of hard work for Murphy to get to this point. She has a lot going on in her life and is very busy, but always puts volleyball first. All the hard work made it worth it for Murphy. She likes being around the people.

It felt great for Murphy to sign her letter of intent; it was really nice for her to make everything official.

Murphy played club volleyball her freshman, sophomore and senior years. She made varsity her junior year and was a varsity team captain her senior year.

“She’s very selfless, she’s very giving,” said Windham varsity coach Chuck Fleck. “She’s helped her teammates out whenever possible. Off the court, on the court, it didn’t matter. She's just a natural leader, very caring, very empathetic and I know she's going to do great.”

Her advice to underclassmen who want to follow in her footsteps is to just go for it. Make sure you are mentally prepared to play the sport. This is a sport that if you want it, you can have it. Murphy said working hard to get better has nothing to do with your physical skill; it has to do with how good a teammate you are.

Murphy says she would like to thank her parents for supporting her and helping her prioritize things. She wants to give a big thanks to Coach Fleck for taking over Windham High School’s varsity volleyball program when they needed him and for being supportive in both their skills and mindsets.

She also would like to give a big thanks to her team, they are like family. And to Mr. Drummond who worked hard to make her signing happen; she’s very appreciative. She would also like to thank her art teachers, Mr. Bell and Mr. McLaughlin, for being there to listen to her and letting her know it’s not a scary thing to go into an art field. She would like to thank her counselor Ms. Wayne for being there to listen, too.

Murphy said that she is really excited to start the next chapter of her life and wants to thank everyone who’s ever been in it, because it got her to this point. <

Windham alpine ski team continues strong showing with postseason nearing

Windham senior Sarah Hare rushes down the mountain  in the
alpine ski team slalom race at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton on
Jan. 28 against Chevrus, Gorham, Marshwood, Falmouth and
Kennebunk. Hare finished second overall among girls with
a time of 1:47.05. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham alpine ski team continued to stand out in their meet against Cheverus, Gorham, Marshwood, Falmouth and Kennebunk on Friday, Jan. 28. Windham had five skiers place in the top 15 for the boys and three skiers place in the top 15 for girls during the Slalom race at the Shawnee Peak event.

The Windham boys team finished second with a score of 37.

Windham junior Cody Taylor finished seventh overall for the boys and first for Windham with a final time of 1:55.66 minutes.

The Windham girls team finished fourth with a score of 73.

Windham senior Sarah Hare finished second overall for the girls and first for Windham with a final time of 1:47.05.

“The kids are progressing great,” said Windham alpine ski coach Lucas Hare. “Our girls’ team has won three in a row. The boys are doing a great job, a number of them are pushing that top 10. The kids have done a great job this year so far.”

Boys

Shortly behind Taylor was Windham junior Nolan Dries who placed eighth overall with a combined time of 1:57.02.

Windham junior Sam Plummer placed 10^th with a final time of 1:58.59.

Windham freshman Caleb Lavalle, who finished with a combined time of 3:48.84 has gotten better as the season has progressed. He said he’s noticed his teammates have as well, improving on the basic fundamentals.

“We had some good races tonight,” said Windham sophomore Nathan Jordan who finished with a time of 2:39.96. “The course was a little bit of a challenging course ... conditions were pretty icy. I think we did pretty good, lots of effort.”

Jordan added he and the team have had a big change in effort and are going a lot harder during races.

Girls

Windham sophomore Lilly McLean finished second for her team and ninth overall with a time of 2:10.02.

“All of us have been able to be really consistent, which is super nice,” said McLean. “We’ve been consistently placing first for our team which is fabulous ... and super exciting.”

McLean said the course was hard, but everyone on her team handled things really well. They kept a positive attitude and carved on their edges.

Windham junior Grace Paiement finished 14^th overall and third for her team with a final time of 2:19.41.

Although Windham senior Nela Nemcova did not finish, her first race was fast with a time of 55.36 seconds.

Windham sophomore Annie Jackson also did not finish, but her first run was 1:09.75. <

Windham High volleyball squads showcase skills against Scarborough

By Matt Pascarella

In their first games of the regular fall season, Windham High’s varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams took on Scarborough Friday, Sept. 3 at Scarborough High School and showcased determination and great improvement. Although the Lady Eagles fell 3-0 to the Red Storm, Windham set the tone that this season will be one where they will give a strong effort every game.

Windham High's Victoria Lin, a junior, taps the ball just enough
to get it over the net during the Lady Eagles' season opener
for varsity volleyball  against Scarborough High on
Sept. 3. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Windham’s JV squad fell 2-0, but not before they showed Scarborough that they had hustle during every game in the match.

Varsity

The teams played a match of the best of three games, with Windham coming together nicely in Game One. Scarborough took an early lead, but soon the game was tied.

The Lady Eagles had good communication and made several smart plays to add points to the scoreboard. Windham was not far behind Scarborough. Windham junior Scarlette Sawyer had a nice spike as the Lady Eagles closed the gap. After a great effort by Windham, Scarborough got this one 25-12.

In game two, Scarborough took an early lead, but Windham was quick to put themselves on the scoreboard. Windham had several serves Scarborough just couldn’t return. Windham sophomore Savannah Heanssler dove for a ball and returned a serve; senior Samantha Murphy did the same as Windham showed Scarborough what they were capable of. While Windham played hard, Scarborough won 25-5.

Game Three brought no lack of intensity from the Lady Eagles. The Red Storm had a lead, but Windham wasn’t far behind. Windham continued to play smart until the very end. Scarborough won 25-12.

“I think as a team we played really well together,” said Murphy. “I feel like we really bonded this year; we could have done better, we can always do better, but there’s always next game.”

Murphy said she thought this season was going to be a lot better than last, because they are making a better connection and have a more positive outlook.

Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck said he knew Scarborough was going to come at Windham hard. They could have done a little bit better, but he is confident they’ll end up on top throughout the season.

JV

The games are best of three and in game one, Windham put themselves on the board early. They were returning serves and working well together with nice volleying. The Lady Eagles had a great effort, but Scarborough won 25-5.

In game two, Windham scored early and pulled ahead. When Scarborough got a lead, Windham was not far behind. Windham freshman McKenzie Keeney had a solid serve coupled with several volleys that Scarborough eventually couldn’t return. Windham kept adding points to their score.

Windham sophomore Lilly McLean had an awesome serve that helped the Lady Eagles bridge the gap after Scarborough had begun to pull away. So did Windham sophomore Jocelynn McFarlane. After a tough game, Windham lost 25-17.

“They came out ready to play,” said Windham JV volleyball coach Megan Fleck. She added that Windham had some nerves which were definitely a part of it but were able to shake them off and showed they could play.

McLean said she thought they did really well and wishes everyone could have seen them at practice to see how well they pulled together. She said that she thinks Windham will be able to pull together and win a lot of their future games. <