Contact: Jenni Brockman
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scotty Sports Corner: Teams Compile Winning Records
By Kelly Proctor '02
Special Correspondent
Tappahannock (May 6, 2002)- St. Margaret's School athletes compete each week against high schools from across Virginia. Although many opposing teams initially ask, "Tappa-where?," they end up respecting not only St. Margaret's, but also the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula that the Scotties represent. This scenario was replayed during recent games, matches and regattas, as softball, tennis and crew posted big wins.
Photo left: Sophomore Sarah Copeland of Tappahannock drives past a Gator defender in an April 19 home lacrosse game between St. Margaret's and St. Gertrude's.
Softball: Just how good is St. Margaret's softball team? They're now tied for first place in the League of Independent Schools after defeating league leader Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 5-4 in a tightly contested home game on April 24. Lest there be any doubt, the Scotties routed Richmond's Trinity Episcopal 17-0 in four innings on April 30 behind the red-hot pitching of senior Shannon Davis of Tappahannock. Davis pitched a near-perfect game, giving away no walks.
On Wednesday, April 23, the Scotties faced the Essex High Lady Trojans for the second time in two weeks. St. Margaret's was hoping to win this time after its previous loss, especially since most of the SMS squad grew up playing Little League with the Essex girls--but it was not to be. Despite a valiant effort, SMS fell to Essex, 0-5.
Just one day earlier, St. Margaret's came out swinging and dominated the entire game when it defeated the St. Gertrude's Gators in five innings, 13-3. A slew of SMS athletes hit two-for-four: freshman Catherine Chilton of Litwalton, junior Julie Srebro (also hit a double), senior Mary Burke Parker of Tappahannock, senior Nikki Clark of Lively and senior Olivia Longest of Tappahannock (also a triple).
"These girls were ready to play," said Head Coach Sue Saunders. "This just goes to show you that when they're on, they're unbeatable."
Lacrosse: The Scotty lacrosse team bested always-competitive St. Gertrude's School of Richmond 4-2 at home on April 19. Smooth passing and good communication were the keys to victory, said Head Coach Cupper Dickinson. The win was all the more impressive in that two versatile crew team members, senior Sarah Taliaferro of Center Cross and junior boarder Jessie Malm, pinch-hit for injured lacrosse players.
Crew: There's a new trophy in the SMS case, thanks to an outstanding performance by the novice four boat at Virginia Beach's Broad Bay Crew Classic on April 20. Despite a disappointing first heat that left them nervous about their chances in the next leg of competition, the girls finished first in the championship race. The winning rowers were freshman Annie Arnest of Kinsale, junior Catherine Farland, freshman Neillee Katona of Dunnsville, freshman Palmer Ware of Dunnsville and coxswain Patti Webb.
By all rights, the SMS varsity four also should have returned with a silver cup. The girls sprung out into the lead in their race, holding first place by more than a boat length. Then a seat broke 750 meters into the 1500-meter event. The malfunction prevented one of the team's strongest rowers from sliding forward as she stroked, dramatically decreasing the team's overall power. Holding on desperately, the girls still managed to claim second place, just behind Norfolk Collegiate. Coach Andrea Robinson praised the persistence of senior Sarah Taliaferro of Center Cross, sophomore Cariad Shepherd, freshman Annie Arnest of Kinsale, senior Kelly Proctor of Urbanna, and coxswain Anne Czechanski.
Coach Kary Fronk is pleased with the hard work her athletes have put forth and has high hopes for the rest of the season. "The girls have made such incredible progress this year. I'm proud to be coaching such a solid team of dedicated athletes."
Tennis: The tennis Scotties tasted victory once more as they defeated the Steward School of Richmond at home on April 30. Contributing to the 8-1 victory were Maggie Kite, Kristina Bethea, Roz Morrison and Jee-Sun Lee, who won their singles matches. St. Margaret's swept the doubles, thanks to the teams of Kite and Bethea, Danielle Magid and Morrison, and Lee and Maggie Ransone of Kilmarnock.
In earlier action, St. Margaret's lost 1-8 at home to the Covenant School of Charlottesville on April 26. Sophomore Morrison provided the only bright spot, winning number four singles with quick racquet work. SMS swept its April 23 contest against New Community School in Richmond, 9-0, but was swept by powerhouse Virginia Episcopal School at Lynchburg on April 19, 0-9.
