A Successful Season for the MSC Boy's Tennis Team
The Mount Boys Tennis team could not stop making headlines this year. The biggest headline, being how we became Division 2 Champions. The 16-0 Mounties took what they had been doing all season, and did it again, sweeping Smithfield in the finals, 4-0, moving to a final 17-0 season . From the first match of the season, the boys knew they had a special team. Only two people were lost from the previous year, and there was only one senior left on the team. New head coach Evelyn Miller also had an impact on the boys, inevitably leading them to a Championship. Though Coach Miller will not be returning as of next year, we appreciate all she has done for us.
I believe this Mount team was a special one. We were the team that could be fooling around at 3:59, but at 4:00 when the opponent arrived, we would become immediately ready to play. What I believe made this year so fun was how much we could actually enjoy playing. That also set us apart from many teams, who could not do the same. Having that quick switch from fun to serious can be tough, especially for a team of teenage players, but it was something that we were masters at. We went into this season, well aware that we were the team to beat. We knew other teams knew that as well, and would do anything to be the ones to beat us. That was almost used as motivation for us, and it ended up pushing us to keep doing better.
On top of the 17-0 season, the boys also never managed to win a game by any less than 5-2. This season we never even saw 4-3 on the final score once. Matter of fact, in total, within our matches, we won 102 games, and lost 8. ON TOP of that, there were 11 total sweeps this season. I would also like to recognize our JV team for having an undefeated season, sometimes even playing against the varsity teams we played. They are a strong team, the strongest JV team in Division 2.
Moving on to individual accomplishments, many of our players made it to the state tournament this season after making it past qualifiers. The list goes as follows…
Another award that deserves recognition is the list of players who were the top in their position in Division 2…
Lastly, we have the players who qualified for all division
I feel that there was no better way to end this season, and no better way to come back after last season, than with an undefeated season ending in a championship. Hopefully the boys get moved to Division 1 next year, and face tough opponents such as Moses Brown, Barrington, and Lasalle. I believe that we will do well next season, though it will be tough. I can’t wait to see what we get done.
Nick Rave '23
The Mount Boys Tennis team could not stop making headlines this year. The biggest headline, being how we became Division 2 Champions. The 16-0 Mounties took what they had been doing all season, and did it again, sweeping Smithfield in the finals, 4-0, moving to a final 17-0 season . From the first match of the season, the boys knew they had a special team. Only two people were lost from the previous year, and there was only one senior left on the team. New head coach Evelyn Miller also had an impact on the boys, inevitably leading them to a Championship. Though Coach Miller will not be returning as of next year, we appreciate all she has done for us.
I believe this Mount team was a special one. We were the team that could be fooling around at 3:59, but at 4:00 when the opponent arrived, we would become immediately ready to play. What I believe made this year so fun was how much we could actually enjoy playing. That also set us apart from many teams, who could not do the same. Having that quick switch from fun to serious can be tough, especially for a team of teenage players, but it was something that we were masters at. We went into this season, well aware that we were the team to beat. We knew other teams knew that as well, and would do anything to be the ones to beat us. That was almost used as motivation for us, and it ended up pushing us to keep doing better.
On top of the 17-0 season, the boys also never managed to win a game by any less than 5-2. This season we never even saw 4-3 on the final score once. Matter of fact, in total, within our matches, we won 102 games, and lost 8. ON TOP of that, there were 11 total sweeps this season. I would also like to recognize our JV team for having an undefeated season, sometimes even playing against the varsity teams we played. They are a strong team, the strongest JV team in Division 2.
Moving on to individual accomplishments, many of our players made it to the state tournament this season after making it past qualifiers. The list goes as follows…
- Singles
- #1: Ted Bielecki
- #2: Matt Zinno
- Doubles
- #1: Nick Rave and Adrian DiMino
- #2: Nick DiMino and Nick Zinno
Another award that deserves recognition is the list of players who were the top in their position in Division 2…
- Top in their position
- Micheal Burke (3 Singles)
- Nick Rave and Adrian DiMino (1 Doubles)
- Nick DiMino and Nick Zinno (2 Doubles)
- Jack Ellis and Sebastian Iacoune (3 Doubles)
Lastly, we have the players who qualified for all division
- All Division Selections
- 1st Team
- Singles
- Ted Bielecki
- Doubles
- Nick Rave and Adrian DiMino
- Nick DiMino and Nick Zinno
- Singles
- 2nd Team
- Singles
- Micheal Burke
- Singles
- 1st Team
I feel that there was no better way to end this season, and no better way to come back after last season, than with an undefeated season ending in a championship. Hopefully the boys get moved to Division 1 next year, and face tough opponents such as Moses Brown, Barrington, and Lasalle. I believe that we will do well next season, though it will be tough. I can’t wait to see what we get done.
Nick Rave '23
Follow along with U16 defensemen, Zephyr Tangri travels to Nationals in Rochester, Michigan with the rest of our RI Saints teams! Special shoutout to out U18 team on becoming National Champs!
Sports Spotlight: Girls Softball
Spring sports are well into the season, including girls' softball! All of the girls have been patiently waiting for spring sports to kick in after the long winter season. I interviewed Brooke Forget ‘23 who is an experienced catcher for the D2 softball team, and Ava Pitchocci ‘23 who is in her first year of playing the sport.
Q: What is your favorite part of being on the softball team?
Brooke: “My favorite part about being on the team is seeing the progress we make each and every day and how well our bonds turn out during our effort-filled games.”
Ava: “My favorite part of being on the softball team is talking to everyone and playing the music on the bench as a team.”
Q: Brooke, how do the teammates make practice fun?
“Having our teammates with us at practice makes the experience 10x more fun and makes everyone feel comfortable no matter what skill level they are. I don’t think we could have a real team without the heart everyone has for each other.”
Q: Why do you [Brooke] play and love the sport of softball?
“I love softball because of the community and trust we have as a school and how well it turns out for us on the field during games.”
Both ladies are very proud of the spirit of their team. Even though the season is just beginning, it seems as though everyone on the softball team has a very strong bond with each other. It is always great to see Mounties together demonstrating how close they are and showing off the Mount Pride we all have.
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
Spring sports are well into the season, including girls' softball! All of the girls have been patiently waiting for spring sports to kick in after the long winter season. I interviewed Brooke Forget ‘23 who is an experienced catcher for the D2 softball team, and Ava Pitchocci ‘23 who is in her first year of playing the sport.
Q: What is your favorite part of being on the softball team?
Brooke: “My favorite part about being on the team is seeing the progress we make each and every day and how well our bonds turn out during our effort-filled games.”
Ava: “My favorite part of being on the softball team is talking to everyone and playing the music on the bench as a team.”
Q: Brooke, how do the teammates make practice fun?
“Having our teammates with us at practice makes the experience 10x more fun and makes everyone feel comfortable no matter what skill level they are. I don’t think we could have a real team without the heart everyone has for each other.”
Q: Why do you [Brooke] play and love the sport of softball?
“I love softball because of the community and trust we have as a school and how well it turns out for us on the field during games.”
Both ladies are very proud of the spirit of their team. Even though the season is just beginning, it seems as though everyone on the softball team has a very strong bond with each other. It is always great to see Mounties together demonstrating how close they are and showing off the Mount Pride we all have.
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
Mount Boys Tennis
I don’t want to sound cocky, so I’ll let the numbers do that for me. 6-1, 7-0, 7-0, 7-0, 7-0. It’s safe to say the boys are on a roll, and I don’t think the sweeps are going to stop (at least I hope not). The Mount Boys Tennis team this year is looking phenomenal. As of now, our next test will be playing the North Kingstown Skippers, who were a strong team last year. We have so far beaten Prout, Tiverton, Westerly, Burrillville, Classical, and by the time this is published, we will most likely have more wins under our belts. Cumberland Highschool, who proved their skill last season, has since lost many powerful members of their team, and recently lost 6-1 to Tiverton, who we swept 7-0. The lineup, for now at least, has change from the one found in the last edition of the Hilltopper, to as follows:
Singles:
Ted Bielecki
Matt Zinno
Micheal Burke
Peter Burke
Doubles
Nick Rave and Adrian Dimino
Nick Dimino and Jack Ellis
Sebastian Iacuone and Nick Zinno
Dylan Girard and Rylee Childress
As you can see, this team is extremely young, made up of only one senior, five juniors, three sophomores, and three freshmen. Even last year, with no seniors, we won our division in the regular season. Currently sitting at 5-0, the guys’ hopes of a championship could be in the near future. A new face leading the team this year is new Varsity Coach, Evelyn Miller. She answered some questions that were asked about the team.
Q: What do you think about the possibility of D1 competition next year for the team?
A: Given what I have seen so far this season, I think our team would definitely compete well with schools in D1. We only lose one senior from the starting lineup - everyone else is back next year. What makes us a contender for potential D1 competition is our depth. We have talented players from the number one singles spot to the number three doubles spot. I especially think doubles play a huge role in our success as a team. Across the board, these guys are disciplined, focused, and eager to take on challenges. These attributes, coupled with a unified team dynamic, make us a strong candidate for a D1 spot next year.
Q: What are some qualities you see in teams that you think could pose a threat to Mounts championship hopes, and which teams are those?
A: We are off to a strong 5-0 start. Although it is early in the season, Smithfield and Tiverton look to be contenders. Even though we beat Tiverton in the regular season (7-0) and Smithfield in a scrimmage (6-1), it is important to note that these teams will get better as the season progresses - the more match experience players get, the better they get. If and when we play these teams again, we need to be ready for tough matches. The other team on my radar is Ponaganset. They have a very strong singles lineup and would probably look to sweep singles against us. Overall, I think it is important that we keep our heads down and focus on one match at a time - staying humble during the process.
Q: How do you personally feel about the team’s success this far?
A: I have such high hopes for this team. I love that we can have fun in practice, get quality work done, and also be completely in the zone during matches. We are focused on the mission. Go Mount.
Something new the team has this year is the addition of an Instagram account. There, home match days will be posted, along with wins and score updates. The account @mscboystennis has just recently started up, so any support on it is greatly appreciated. The teams next matches can be found on the account, as well as on the RIIL website.
Upcoming matches the team will take on the week after spring break (Week of April 25th), the team takes on Cumberland at home (4/25/22), Middleton away (4/27/22), and Cranston West away (4/28/22). After that week of matches we hope to be 8-0, and from how we’ve been playing, it’s entirely possible.
Nick Rave '23
I don’t want to sound cocky, so I’ll let the numbers do that for me. 6-1, 7-0, 7-0, 7-0, 7-0. It’s safe to say the boys are on a roll, and I don’t think the sweeps are going to stop (at least I hope not). The Mount Boys Tennis team this year is looking phenomenal. As of now, our next test will be playing the North Kingstown Skippers, who were a strong team last year. We have so far beaten Prout, Tiverton, Westerly, Burrillville, Classical, and by the time this is published, we will most likely have more wins under our belts. Cumberland Highschool, who proved their skill last season, has since lost many powerful members of their team, and recently lost 6-1 to Tiverton, who we swept 7-0. The lineup, for now at least, has change from the one found in the last edition of the Hilltopper, to as follows:
Singles:
Ted Bielecki
Matt Zinno
Micheal Burke
Peter Burke
Doubles
Nick Rave and Adrian Dimino
Nick Dimino and Jack Ellis
Sebastian Iacuone and Nick Zinno
Dylan Girard and Rylee Childress
As you can see, this team is extremely young, made up of only one senior, five juniors, three sophomores, and three freshmen. Even last year, with no seniors, we won our division in the regular season. Currently sitting at 5-0, the guys’ hopes of a championship could be in the near future. A new face leading the team this year is new Varsity Coach, Evelyn Miller. She answered some questions that were asked about the team.
Q: What do you think about the possibility of D1 competition next year for the team?
A: Given what I have seen so far this season, I think our team would definitely compete well with schools in D1. We only lose one senior from the starting lineup - everyone else is back next year. What makes us a contender for potential D1 competition is our depth. We have talented players from the number one singles spot to the number three doubles spot. I especially think doubles play a huge role in our success as a team. Across the board, these guys are disciplined, focused, and eager to take on challenges. These attributes, coupled with a unified team dynamic, make us a strong candidate for a D1 spot next year.
Q: What are some qualities you see in teams that you think could pose a threat to Mounts championship hopes, and which teams are those?
A: We are off to a strong 5-0 start. Although it is early in the season, Smithfield and Tiverton look to be contenders. Even though we beat Tiverton in the regular season (7-0) and Smithfield in a scrimmage (6-1), it is important to note that these teams will get better as the season progresses - the more match experience players get, the better they get. If and when we play these teams again, we need to be ready for tough matches. The other team on my radar is Ponaganset. They have a very strong singles lineup and would probably look to sweep singles against us. Overall, I think it is important that we keep our heads down and focus on one match at a time - staying humble during the process.
Q: How do you personally feel about the team’s success this far?
A: I have such high hopes for this team. I love that we can have fun in practice, get quality work done, and also be completely in the zone during matches. We are focused on the mission. Go Mount.
Something new the team has this year is the addition of an Instagram account. There, home match days will be posted, along with wins and score updates. The account @mscboystennis has just recently started up, so any support on it is greatly appreciated. The teams next matches can be found on the account, as well as on the RIIL website.
Upcoming matches the team will take on the week after spring break (Week of April 25th), the team takes on Cumberland at home (4/25/22), Middleton away (4/27/22), and Cranston West away (4/28/22). After that week of matches we hope to be 8-0, and from how we’ve been playing, it’s entirely possible.
Nick Rave '23
A Review of the Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Season
After a hard-fought and exciting season, girl’s ice hockey has come to an end. This season the team faced many challenges, such as half the team missing at one point with COVID outbreaks, and players suffering from injuries. But, overall, the season was a blast! Our four seniors (Grace Davenport (MSC), Allie Murphy (CHS), Riley Trudeau (CHS), and Sophia Ziniti (CHS)) will be missed greatly next year, leaving big shoes to fill, but the team is ready for the challenge.
This year we had the opportunity of going to the D2 state championship. It took place at Schneider Arena at Providence College. The new splitting of the RIIL teams into two divisions gave the girls' team the possibility to make it to the finals. Even though it ended with a loss, it was still an amazing chance to play on college ice. The team never gave up and played to the best potential until the last second. Everyone had fun, and it made us bond even closer as a team.
Hopefully next year some new girls will move up from Mount, Cumberland HS, or Lincoln HS. The girl's team has a bright future ahead, and next year will end with the D2 state championship win for sure.
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
After a hard-fought and exciting season, girl’s ice hockey has come to an end. This season the team faced many challenges, such as half the team missing at one point with COVID outbreaks, and players suffering from injuries. But, overall, the season was a blast! Our four seniors (Grace Davenport (MSC), Allie Murphy (CHS), Riley Trudeau (CHS), and Sophia Ziniti (CHS)) will be missed greatly next year, leaving big shoes to fill, but the team is ready for the challenge.
This year we had the opportunity of going to the D2 state championship. It took place at Schneider Arena at Providence College. The new splitting of the RIIL teams into two divisions gave the girls' team the possibility to make it to the finals. Even though it ended with a loss, it was still an amazing chance to play on college ice. The team never gave up and played to the best potential until the last second. Everyone had fun, and it made us bond even closer as a team.
Hopefully next year some new girls will move up from Mount, Cumberland HS, or Lincoln HS. The girl's team has a bright future ahead, and next year will end with the D2 state championship win for sure.
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
The Tennis Boys are Buzzin
With winter sports coming to an end, I am absolutely positive everyone is thinking the same thing: Tennis season! At least that's what some people are thinking. But nonetheless, it is at the forefront of MY mind, so if you are ready to hear about the crazy season ahead for the boys of the Mount Tennis team this year, look no further.
For starters, we won’t need to worry about masks anymore, and to some that may not be that big of a deal, but I will be the first to say I will be happy being able to play without one. Since masks will not be required to be worn while playing and spectating by the start of the season, we only have one thing to worry about: making it back to that championship. Last year we had an amazing season, an almost perfect one even, with a team who didn’t even have any seniors. This year, we are only gaining new talent, while other teams attempt to replace their seniors who carried them to victories in the past. We, however, will only be increasing the skill level in our team. Another addition that could prove beneficial is Coach Miller. As of last year, Mr. Lawrence stepped away from coaching the boys and girls tennis teams, and Coach Miller saw the perfect opportunity to fill the position for both teams. She helped the girls team finish 8-8 in the fall, just falling short of playoffs. What could she do for the boys team this year? Could this be a ride to the championship? We all hope that with the longer season, the addition of young talent, and a fresh start with Coach Miller, that we can make it back to the championship, and catalyze a new outcome.
The first practice is on March 21st, with the first match scheduled for April 5th at 4 pm, against Prout (former D1 team). With all the positive new aspects introduced this season from new coaching staff and talent to a longer season with no mask requirements, the team faces one obstacle: the loss of #1 singles player, Dan Corrao. Dan decided to step away from tennis for his senior year of highschool, leaving us with one less senior captain, and powerful singles player. The team will miss you, Dan. By way of ranking, former #2 Ricky D’agostino will be taking over the 1st singles court, attempting to lead the boys to victory. Though Ricky will be challenged during the ladder matches prior to the first game to decide seeding among the players, as of right now, before being challenged, Ricky is our #1. Last year, the ladder read:
Singles:
1: Dan Corrao
2: Ricky D’agostino
3: Matt Zinno
4: Micheal Burke
Doubles:
1: Nick Rave and Peter Burke
2: Sebastian Iacuoe and Adrian DiMino
3: Nick Dimino and Dustin Danneker
4: Amish Jariwala and Nate Kilburn
This year however, with old faces leaving and new faces joining, I can’t imagine what the ladder will look like going forward. Maybe you’ll have to come back and read a second article on the team during the April edition of the Hilltopper. 3/31/22 marks our first time competitively back on the court, in a match against Smithfield for the Injury Fund. Though this is just a scrimmage, we are going out there to win, just like any other matchup this season. I’m glad to be a part of the boys tennis team, and I can’t wait to see what we can get out of this season, and I know you can’t either!
Nick Rave '23
With winter sports coming to an end, I am absolutely positive everyone is thinking the same thing: Tennis season! At least that's what some people are thinking. But nonetheless, it is at the forefront of MY mind, so if you are ready to hear about the crazy season ahead for the boys of the Mount Tennis team this year, look no further.
For starters, we won’t need to worry about masks anymore, and to some that may not be that big of a deal, but I will be the first to say I will be happy being able to play without one. Since masks will not be required to be worn while playing and spectating by the start of the season, we only have one thing to worry about: making it back to that championship. Last year we had an amazing season, an almost perfect one even, with a team who didn’t even have any seniors. This year, we are only gaining new talent, while other teams attempt to replace their seniors who carried them to victories in the past. We, however, will only be increasing the skill level in our team. Another addition that could prove beneficial is Coach Miller. As of last year, Mr. Lawrence stepped away from coaching the boys and girls tennis teams, and Coach Miller saw the perfect opportunity to fill the position for both teams. She helped the girls team finish 8-8 in the fall, just falling short of playoffs. What could she do for the boys team this year? Could this be a ride to the championship? We all hope that with the longer season, the addition of young talent, and a fresh start with Coach Miller, that we can make it back to the championship, and catalyze a new outcome.
The first practice is on March 21st, with the first match scheduled for April 5th at 4 pm, against Prout (former D1 team). With all the positive new aspects introduced this season from new coaching staff and talent to a longer season with no mask requirements, the team faces one obstacle: the loss of #1 singles player, Dan Corrao. Dan decided to step away from tennis for his senior year of highschool, leaving us with one less senior captain, and powerful singles player. The team will miss you, Dan. By way of ranking, former #2 Ricky D’agostino will be taking over the 1st singles court, attempting to lead the boys to victory. Though Ricky will be challenged during the ladder matches prior to the first game to decide seeding among the players, as of right now, before being challenged, Ricky is our #1. Last year, the ladder read:
Singles:
1: Dan Corrao
2: Ricky D’agostino
3: Matt Zinno
4: Micheal Burke
Doubles:
1: Nick Rave and Peter Burke
2: Sebastian Iacuoe and Adrian DiMino
3: Nick Dimino and Dustin Danneker
4: Amish Jariwala and Nate Kilburn
This year however, with old faces leaving and new faces joining, I can’t imagine what the ladder will look like going forward. Maybe you’ll have to come back and read a second article on the team during the April edition of the Hilltopper. 3/31/22 marks our first time competitively back on the court, in a match against Smithfield for the Injury Fund. Though this is just a scrimmage, we are going out there to win, just like any other matchup this season. I’m glad to be a part of the boys tennis team, and I can’t wait to see what we can get out of this season, and I know you can’t either!
Nick Rave '23
Leadership From the Underdogs: Girl's JV Basketball Team
Basketball is an extremely difficult sport. There is a lot of competition, and there’s always something you can work on, and something you are focusing on improving. Playing basketball for the school, especially a school like this where sports are such a crucial part of the community and culture here at Mount, brings a type of pressure that is different than any other. A type of pressure that is hungry, and demanding for a fight. I played on the girls Junior Varsity team and every game we have has been a roller coaster. Still managing to get in the flow of things, we often have to fight until the last moment to pull through with a win. This week we had a challenging game against the skill-testing team Burrillville Broncos. The game started off tough, as we were both equally matched in skill, therefore we didn’t gain a high lead. The game flew through, Burrillville ending the half down by only a few points. This definitely made us a little nervous as we knew that the Broncos could take the lead at any point. However, with tight defense and coming through with our plays we worked non stop on in the practices just days before, we managed to maintain the lead by a couple points.
Entering the fourth and final quarter, I was extremely nervous. I had played the whole game with the exception of two or so minutes. I was exhausted, and I felt so much pressure. Burrillville was a really good team, and when we were only leading by three points. I stepped onto the court and realized something I haven't noticed before. They were putting in almost all new players. These players were tall, and looked a lot older than any other members of the team. They began stretching, and jumping up and down, getting excited for the fourth quarter. I quickly realized what was happening. The coach was putting in his swing players (for those who are unaware, swing players are those who play on both varsity and junior varsity. This means that they are skilled enough to be on varsity, but still help out on the junior varsity from time to time). I knew that Mount could beat out the JV team but I hadn’t even thought about the swinging varsity players. I still had faith in the strength our team held however, and our team wasn’t ready to give up yet.
The whistle blew, sounding at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Our coach had put me back on to start the final quarter. The quarter continued exactly how I might’ve imagined it to be; The Burrillville swing players were just quicker and more advanced than we were. Despite the constant battle, fighting for a lead, when we called for a timeout with three minutes left. Coach looked at us, just giving us a small break from the rush of the game. Everyone was panting and trying to catch their breaths as the tension grew and positivity decreased. Soon enough, it was time to go back into the game and Coach turned towards me. “Mia.” she said, “ What do you got for us?” I was surprised and a bit speechless as I was wondering the same thing. I started to scramble together something to say but it just wasn’t what I wanted to get across. Suddenly, one of my other teammates, Ava, stood up and said exactly what we needed to hear. She talked about how we still have time and we have to keep pushing and fighting. I was impressed. She had found hope and the courage to fight past the demoralizing circumstance.
“Mount on 3! 1,2,3, Mount!” Finishing the fourth quarter, I had a different perspective on the team that sat on the bench. They were fighters, and believers, and they didn’t care about the score, they only cared about the hard work and effort that went into whatever outcome resulted. Burrillville ended up winning by one, which was a disappointment, but I don’t think the game was a loss. Sometimes the outcome of the game doesn’t depend on the amount of points on a scoreboard. Sometimes it's the effort and love for the game that wins it all.
Mia Norris '24
Basketball is an extremely difficult sport. There is a lot of competition, and there’s always something you can work on, and something you are focusing on improving. Playing basketball for the school, especially a school like this where sports are such a crucial part of the community and culture here at Mount, brings a type of pressure that is different than any other. A type of pressure that is hungry, and demanding for a fight. I played on the girls Junior Varsity team and every game we have has been a roller coaster. Still managing to get in the flow of things, we often have to fight until the last moment to pull through with a win. This week we had a challenging game against the skill-testing team Burrillville Broncos. The game started off tough, as we were both equally matched in skill, therefore we didn’t gain a high lead. The game flew through, Burrillville ending the half down by only a few points. This definitely made us a little nervous as we knew that the Broncos could take the lead at any point. However, with tight defense and coming through with our plays we worked non stop on in the practices just days before, we managed to maintain the lead by a couple points.
Entering the fourth and final quarter, I was extremely nervous. I had played the whole game with the exception of two or so minutes. I was exhausted, and I felt so much pressure. Burrillville was a really good team, and when we were only leading by three points. I stepped onto the court and realized something I haven't noticed before. They were putting in almost all new players. These players were tall, and looked a lot older than any other members of the team. They began stretching, and jumping up and down, getting excited for the fourth quarter. I quickly realized what was happening. The coach was putting in his swing players (for those who are unaware, swing players are those who play on both varsity and junior varsity. This means that they are skilled enough to be on varsity, but still help out on the junior varsity from time to time). I knew that Mount could beat out the JV team but I hadn’t even thought about the swinging varsity players. I still had faith in the strength our team held however, and our team wasn’t ready to give up yet.
The whistle blew, sounding at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Our coach had put me back on to start the final quarter. The quarter continued exactly how I might’ve imagined it to be; The Burrillville swing players were just quicker and more advanced than we were. Despite the constant battle, fighting for a lead, when we called for a timeout with three minutes left. Coach looked at us, just giving us a small break from the rush of the game. Everyone was panting and trying to catch their breaths as the tension grew and positivity decreased. Soon enough, it was time to go back into the game and Coach turned towards me. “Mia.” she said, “ What do you got for us?” I was surprised and a bit speechless as I was wondering the same thing. I started to scramble together something to say but it just wasn’t what I wanted to get across. Suddenly, one of my other teammates, Ava, stood up and said exactly what we needed to hear. She talked about how we still have time and we have to keep pushing and fighting. I was impressed. She had found hope and the courage to fight past the demoralizing circumstance.
“Mount on 3! 1,2,3, Mount!” Finishing the fourth quarter, I had a different perspective on the team that sat on the bench. They were fighters, and believers, and they didn’t care about the score, they only cared about the hard work and effort that went into whatever outcome resulted. Burrillville ended up winning by one, which was a disappointment, but I don’t think the game was a loss. Sometimes the outcome of the game doesn’t depend on the amount of points on a scoreboard. Sometimes it's the effort and love for the game that wins it all.
Mia Norris '24
Follow through a day in the life of Junior & U16 defensemen Zephyr Tangri, who is from California!
Sports Spotlight: Mount Girls Varsity Hockey
As our fall sports season is coming to a close, the winter sports are beginning to start up! As we saw with many fall sports, COVID-19 is still a major factor in the safety of these sports. With the fall sports masks have been optional, as many take place outside. Yet, with many of the winter sports and the tendency for many to be taking place indoors, masks have been mandated once again. Being one of the girl’s hockey team players, I know from personal experience that masks during gameplay are very challenging. However, this is not optional and as a team, we can get through this as many of the other teams will as well.
Despite all of the restrictions and protocol for Covid, many things for the team have come back since last year. For example, now annual pasta team dinners are coming back. Many events are now coming back for the 2021 season. Other new changes are also happening, like the 8 teams in the division being split into two divisions. Cranston, Mount/Cumberland/Lincoln, Smithfield/Coventry, and Warwick are in one division. Lasalle, Barrington, Burrilllville, and South County are in the other division.
This year we have many new players stepping on the ice and as well as many returning players. Our players are from all different places considering the Mount girls team is a co-op with Cumberland High School, and Lincoln High School. This year we have one of the top goalies in Rhode Island as one of the captains, Grace Davenport ‘22 from Mount and our other captain is from Cumberland, Riley Trudeau ‘22. Grace gave me a quote about the team, “We are so excited for the season to start, it is a great group of girls and have high expectations for ourselves this year.” It will be exciting to see how the season turns out this year with so many returning players and new players as well, and hopefully we will have a good outcome in the playoffs!
Lexi Vercauteren '23
As our fall sports season is coming to a close, the winter sports are beginning to start up! As we saw with many fall sports, COVID-19 is still a major factor in the safety of these sports. With the fall sports masks have been optional, as many take place outside. Yet, with many of the winter sports and the tendency for many to be taking place indoors, masks have been mandated once again. Being one of the girl’s hockey team players, I know from personal experience that masks during gameplay are very challenging. However, this is not optional and as a team, we can get through this as many of the other teams will as well.
Despite all of the restrictions and protocol for Covid, many things for the team have come back since last year. For example, now annual pasta team dinners are coming back. Many events are now coming back for the 2021 season. Other new changes are also happening, like the 8 teams in the division being split into two divisions. Cranston, Mount/Cumberland/Lincoln, Smithfield/Coventry, and Warwick are in one division. Lasalle, Barrington, Burrilllville, and South County are in the other division.
This year we have many new players stepping on the ice and as well as many returning players. Our players are from all different places considering the Mount girls team is a co-op with Cumberland High School, and Lincoln High School. This year we have one of the top goalies in Rhode Island as one of the captains, Grace Davenport ‘22 from Mount and our other captain is from Cumberland, Riley Trudeau ‘22. Grace gave me a quote about the team, “We are so excited for the season to start, it is a great group of girls and have high expectations for ourselves this year.” It will be exciting to see how the season turns out this year with so many returning players and new players as well, and hopefully we will have a good outcome in the playoffs!
Lexi Vercauteren '23
Interview with the Mount Girls' Tennis Team
As the beginning of the school year continues on, so have our fall sports! Many high school sports guidelines have been changed and switched around because of COVID-19 last year in efforts to give back what little normalcy it could, but this year the authenticity of fall sports has almost fully come back. To hear it better from fall athletes themselves, I interviewed Melissa Reggio ‘23 and Lucy Bielecki ‘23 from the Mount Girls Varsity Tennis team to see their views on a few of the questions I had about this year’s team. Melissa is number 4 singles and Lucy is number 2 singles. Both are very passionate about the sport they play, and have very high sportsmanship when it comes to the team.
I first asked both players how COVID-19 has affected this year’s team.
Lucy: “Covid affected the team because last year we weren't able to do a lot of the normal team activities we usually participate in. With some of the restrictions lifted, it made us very grateful that we were able to have these opportunities as a team this year.”
Melissa: “Last year, it was pretty difficult to play with masks on and we were really limited in what we could do as a team. Now, in this season, it is a lot better and we have a lot more opportunities to interact with each other and become closer as a team.”
I then asked what their favorite part of being on the team was.
Lucy: “My favorite part of being on the team is that the whole team feels like sisters. We are all so close and always there for each other on and off the court.”
Melissa: “My favorite part of being on the team is having a great support system. We all support each other even on the days where you feel like quitting.”
Finally, I asked what their teammates do to make practice fun and enjoyable.
Lucy: “Our teammates make practice fun because we get fun snacks like freeze pops!”
Melissa: “Our teammates make practice fun because we are all very close to one another and always make each other laugh.”
At Mount, our sports teams are all very close and show positive and proud team spirit. With a lot of the Covid restrictions gone this year, our teams are very enthusiastic about the season and opportunities this year (especially Lucy with those freeze pops!). I think a lot of us are glad that Covid is almost done, and we are able to show our Mount pride as a school once again.
Lexi Vercauteren '23
As the beginning of the school year continues on, so have our fall sports! Many high school sports guidelines have been changed and switched around because of COVID-19 last year in efforts to give back what little normalcy it could, but this year the authenticity of fall sports has almost fully come back. To hear it better from fall athletes themselves, I interviewed Melissa Reggio ‘23 and Lucy Bielecki ‘23 from the Mount Girls Varsity Tennis team to see their views on a few of the questions I had about this year’s team. Melissa is number 4 singles and Lucy is number 2 singles. Both are very passionate about the sport they play, and have very high sportsmanship when it comes to the team.
I first asked both players how COVID-19 has affected this year’s team.
Lucy: “Covid affected the team because last year we weren't able to do a lot of the normal team activities we usually participate in. With some of the restrictions lifted, it made us very grateful that we were able to have these opportunities as a team this year.”
Melissa: “Last year, it was pretty difficult to play with masks on and we were really limited in what we could do as a team. Now, in this season, it is a lot better and we have a lot more opportunities to interact with each other and become closer as a team.”
I then asked what their favorite part of being on the team was.
Lucy: “My favorite part of being on the team is that the whole team feels like sisters. We are all so close and always there for each other on and off the court.”
Melissa: “My favorite part of being on the team is having a great support system. We all support each other even on the days where you feel like quitting.”
Finally, I asked what their teammates do to make practice fun and enjoyable.
Lucy: “Our teammates make practice fun because we get fun snacks like freeze pops!”
Melissa: “Our teammates make practice fun because we are all very close to one another and always make each other laugh.”
At Mount, our sports teams are all very close and show positive and proud team spirit. With a lot of the Covid restrictions gone this year, our teams are very enthusiastic about the season and opportunities this year (especially Lucy with those freeze pops!). I think a lot of us are glad that Covid is almost done, and we are able to show our Mount pride as a school once again.
Lexi Vercauteren '23
