Evan Schlotterbeck (’21) hypes up crowd after goal. (Photo by Sam Bitman (’21)/Sports Editor)
Moorestown Friends School won three Friends School League semi-final competitions at home against Shipley on October 26, 2019.
Girls Field Hockey
The Girls Field Hockey team demolished Shipley, 5-0 in the Friends League Semi-Finals, with each goal coming from a different player. Saturday’s scorers were Jordan Obermeier (’21), Bella McCollister (’21), Priya Shah (’21), Lauren Phillips (’21), and Jackie Barr (’20).
After spending the early stages of the game in a 0-0 deadlock, Obermeier netted the Foxes’ first goal of the day. From then on, the girls were unstoppable.
McCollister cited the whole team effort as a key component of today’s victory. “We really worked together today, moving the ball up and down the field. We had really great connecting passes, from our defensive corners, from our circle, to the opponent’s circle,” she explained.
Five different players scored in Foxes win. (Photo by Sam Bitman (’21)/Sports Editor)
Such a meaningful win was just what the team needed before they enter their championship game against Westtown on Tuesday.
“It [this game] means a lot for us, especially because Shipley is our rival,” said Lauren Phillips, “so it was really great to have such a big win over them, especially at home, with the fans. It definitely meant a lot for the team.”
Head Coach Danielle Dayton said she believes that if her players, “bring the same level of confidence that they did today, play smart,” remember the importance of the “little things” on the field, and continue to “pick each other up,” her team will be able to bring the Friends School Championship back to MFS.
The Girls Field Hockey team will face off against against Westtown in the Friends League Championship at home on Tuesday at 3:15.
Boys Soccer
The Boys Soccer team defeated Shipley 3-1 in an emotional matchup between these two rivals.
After letting up a quick goal early in the game, the Foxes responded with a goal scored by team captain Evan Schlotterbeck (’21), off a free kick from Astin Galanis (’21).
“I think just going back to the fact that we beat them in overtime, and we got a bunch of seniors that that was their last Friends League game. So I think being able to handle a team that was basically as hungry as I’ve ever seen, and really settle the game down and put their chances away. I think if we are able to do that through the rest of the way, it’ll be really good for our team,” said Schlotterbeck.
Galanis free kick sets up Schlotterbeck goal. (Photo by Sam Bitman (’21)/Sports Editor)
After the goal by Schlotterbeck, Galanis dominated the game. On yet another free kick opportunity, Galanis managed to score when he flicked the ball over the goalie’s head and into the goal.
The Foxes’ final goal would come at the end of the game, when Galanis booted the ball from mid-field, and the ball managed to slip through the goalie’s hands and roll into the goal.
“I felt like as a team we all played very, very well,” said Galanis. “We wouldn’t have gotten the result if everyone didn’t show up, and everyone played their part.”
Galanis’ spectacular final goal, however, was not before goalkeeper Mikey Paznokas (’21) managed to make a fantastic play of his own, making the save that would keep the Foxes’ lead over Shipley, and ultimately secure them the win.
“They scored on us first and we were like, ‘You know what? Not gonna happen.’ So we came back and the mentality, you could see it. After they scored that first goal our heads went down for a second, and then they came right back up, and with three goals, it shows we never gave up,” said Paznokas.
After a tough performance, Head Coach Mike Schlotterbeck said, “It was really gutsy. I thought the kids really played hard.”
“We told them it was gonna be a really difficult game. Shipley had a lot of seniors, and we just knew it was just gonna be a really tough, hard game, and I thought all our guys tried really hard. Sometimes it’s not about soccer; it’s really about effort, and I thought all our guys put forth great effort,” said Coach Schlotterbeck.
After Saturday’s win, the Foxes will play Germantown Friends School on Wednesday, October 30.
“It’s gonna be a really hard game. We beat Germantown the first time 2-1. They’re a really well-coached team, so it’s gonna be a challenge, but we’re gonna prepare, and I’m confident we’re gonna bring our best on Wednesday,” Coach Schlotterbeck said.
Luckily for the Foxes, the game will be on their own home field on Wednesday. One of the team captains, Matt D’Ottavi (’21), said that “this home field has been almost like our fortress, we haven’t lost all season — knock on wood — and I think we just need to keep it going, keep the work rate up, and we need to move on from this game even though we’re probably gonna celebrate a little bit later because it’s a big win, but other than that we have to prepare for Germantown on Wednesday.”
Girls Tennis
After suffering a devastating defeat Wednesday in the Tournament of Championships against East Brunswick, the MFS Girls Tennis team returned to their winning ways, beating Shipley 5-0 in the Friends School League semi-finals. The girls won all of their matches in straight sets.
As the team prepares for their championship match on Tuesday, third singles player Lisa Seiler (’21) said she realizes how vital the team’s energy is to their success. “I think it’s essential to just have fun but also be focused,” Seiler explained.
The match is doubly important for the team, because for many of them, it will be the last time they will play for the MFS Girls Tennis team. Seiler explained: “Everyone knows that that [the championship match] is the last one for me [Seiler], Renna Mohsen-Breen (’20), and Elena Styliades (’20).” For that reason, Seiler said, “it is important to just give everything in this last match.”
The Foxes plan to capture the Friends School League Championship at home on Tuesday, October 29, at 2:45.
With these wins in an unprecedented season for MFS Athletics, there will be home games with start times from 2:00-3:15 p.m. everyday this upcoming week.
In an email to Upper School drivers, Head of Upper School Meredith Godley informed that “this means our campus will be welcoming many MFS fans and outside visitors every day next week . . . so, we are asking for your patience and understanding: we need you to park off campus all week next week, including Friday if you come for athletic events (there is no school Friday).”
Due to this, “The Community House has offered their lower lot (a few paces away from the [Hartman Hall] parking spots – just across the grass) every day except Tuesday. Please park there (enter from Main Street only), on the school-side of Paul Drive, or in other off-campus spots ALL WEEK. Faculty will be parking off campus as well so that we make it easier for our fans to come to the games and cheer you on to success.”
