Sports

Sports & Recreation www.oceancitytoday.com Oct. 14, 2022 Page 57

WP boys’ soccer team gets 3 wins going into playoffs

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Worcester Prep boys’ soccer team picked up three Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference victories, with the championship tournament only a few days away.

The Mallards won their homecoming game last Saturday, 8-3, over the Salisbury Christian Jaguars. Worcester led 5-1 at halftime with two goals each by sophomores Ben McGovern and Brock Brushmiller and one by senior Pearson Schul.

McGovern, junior captain Dylan McGovern and senior captain Jack Gardner tallied goals in the second half.

Gardner record two saves in goal for Worcester and sophomore Dillon Scopp stopped two Salisbury shots.

Worcester shut out the Holly Grove Eagles, 10-0, on Monday in Westover.

Dylan McGovern had three goals and one assist. Ben McGovern chipped in with two goals.

Junior Hunter Simons logged two goals and an assist.

Sophomores Ryan Mann and Ryan Lenox and Schul netted one goal each.

Gardner distributed the ball well in goal and had an assist off of a punt.

“Similar games the past two. Teams were playing a low block and we exploited them out wide and got good crosses in that we were able to finish,” said Prep Coach Jake Perry. “Midfield three – Ben McGovern, Dylan McGovern and Pearson Schul – combined very well together.”

The Berlin squad edged out the Gunston School Herons, 2-1, on Wednesday in Centreville.

“[It was a] very intense match,” Perry said.

Dylan McGovern scored both goals for Worcester.

Worcester scored first, but Gunston tied it before halftime.

“Midfield three played great. Defense was solid. Jack had a huge breakaway save,” Perry said. “Very tough battle.”

Gardner finished the game with four saves.

Worcester will celebrate its seniors

PHOTO COURTESY DAN STEARMAN The Stephen Decatur golf team captured the District VIII tournament championship title on Monday at River Marsh Golf Club in Cambridge. Pictured, from left, are sophomore Sam Boger, freshman Johnny Malinowski, junior captains Kole Kohut and Evan Oglesby and sophomore Clayton McCabe.

Decatur golfers District VIII champs

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur golf team captured the District VIII tournament championship title on Monday at River Marsh Golf Club in Cambridge.

Decatur’s foursome shot a 335. The Seahawks were led by junior captains Kole Kohut (80) and Evan Oglesby (82), sophomore Clayton McCabe (85) and freshman Johnny Malinowski (88).

Kent Island finished in second place with a 355. Parkside took third, shooting a 366. Nineteen schools participated.

“I thought the team played really well throughout the day. They were able to get past a little bit of nerves and settled in and took care of business,” said Decatur Coach Dan Stearman. “Looking ahead, we have the Bayside finals on Monday, Oct. 17, and then it’s on to states.”

Kohut, Oglesby, McCabe and Malinowski qualified for the state championships as a team because of their performance during the district tournament.

Sophomore Sam Boger scored a 91 during districts and advanced to states as an individual player.

First, Decatur will battle Kent Island for the Bayside Conference championship on Monday, at Ocean City Golf Club in Berlin beginning at 10 a.m.

The state championship will run Oct. 24-26, at University of Maryland. The 4A/3A schools will compete on Monday, then the 2A/1A schools on Tuesday. The finals will be held on Wednesday.

Decatur is in the 2A/1A classification.

“[We need to] continue to play how we approached all year: keeping the mistakes to a minimum, play one hole at a time and continue to pick each other up,” Stearman said.

during today’s, Friday’s, game against Laurel High School beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Berlin

The Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship tournament will take place next week.

Worcester earned the No. 1 seed and will play on its home field.

To be successful, the boys need to “be on the front foot. Dominate the midfield, get the ball outside, good crosses and runs [and] finishing. Defense needs to keep it simple and no silly mistakes. Basically, play our game.”

Decatur football team wins close game on homecoming

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur and North Caroline football game was a back-and-forth battle last Friday in Berlin, but the Seahawks prevailed on homecoming night, 16-14.

“It was awesome. Defense had another amazing effort,” said Decatur Coach Jake Coleman. “The defense held them, then the offense started clicking. The offense was timely and made big plays when we needed to … [and] we won the special teams battle.”

Junior Brogan Eastlack kicked a field goal with five minutes left in the first quarter to give Decatur a 3-0 lead. See DECATUR Page 58

SD boys’ soccer squad tops QA

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur boys’ soccer team won, 3-1, over the Queen Anne’s Lions on Tuesday in Centreville.

Sophomore Holden Bunting put Decatur on the board 18 minutes into the game.

Junior Brogan Eastlack was fouled in the box three minutes into the second half and capitalized on a penalty shot to give the Seahawks a 2-0 lead.

Junior David Janney took the penalty kick after sophomore Juan Hinojosa was fouled with 19 minutes left in the contest. He scored to boost Decatur’s advantage to three.

Queen Anne’s scored its lone goal with 14 minutes remaining on the clock.

Senior Owen Knerr recorded eight saves in goal for Decatur. Junior Jacob Hicks took over in goal with about 35 minutes left to play and stopped five Queen Anne’s shots.

“We didn’t play our best soccer. It was a long bus ride, the anticipation for Thursday’s game against Bennett, and a new lineup disruption added to it,” said Decatur Coach Jamie Greenwood. “But if we can win playing poorly, then that’s a good day in my book.”

Decatur’s next game is Tuesday on the road against the Pocomoke Warriors at 6 p.m.

PHOTOS COURTESY BAYSIDE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (Left) Stephen Decatur junior Brogan Eastlack takes a kick during last Friday’s homecoming game against North Caroline in Berlin. (Right) Junior Trybe Wise holds off a charging North Caroline player. Decatur won 16-14.

Decatur wins 16-14 over N. Caroline

Continued from Page 57

Neither team scored in the second quarter.

North Caroline scored midway into the third quarter to take a 7-3 lead.

Sophomore quarterback Nathan Tapley threw to junior Brycen Coleman for a touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter. Eastlack’s kick was good and Decatur pulled ahead, 10-7. North Caroline regained the advantage – 14-10 – a few minutes later. Tapley again found Coleman to put the Seahawks up, 16-14, with five minutes to play.

The Decatur defense held off the Bulldogs to secure the victory.

“The kids did a great job being resilient,” Coleman said. “I’m proud of the boys.”

Tapley was 4-for-5 passing for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Coleman was 12-for-21 passing for 110 yards.

The coaching staff mixed it up a bit with the quarterback position.

“Nate has been the backup quarterback … and we decided to surprise [North Caroline] moving Brycen to wide receiver,” Coach Coleman said. “We’re always trying to evolve the offense. In the moment, we went with it.”

Coleman also carried the ball 11 times for 61 yards and caught three passes for 60 yards.

Junior Gavin Solito caught six passes for 50 yards. He also had 16 tackles (eight solo, eight assisted).

Senior Daegan Risser had 10 tackles (four solo, four assisted). Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw chipped in with eight tackles (two solo, six assisted).

Tapley was named Offensive Player of the Week. Eastlack earned Special Teams Player of the Week. Risser received Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Decatur will head to Centreville today, Friday, to face the Queen Anne’s Lions at 6 p.m.

Coleman said a big key to success will be stopping Queen Anne’s KJ Smothers.

“He’s a great running back. We’ve got to contain him, tackle well and execute on offense. And we’ve got to continue to improve on special teams,” Coleman said. “It will be another great challenge for a young team.”

Jake Coleman

Many Lady Seahawks chip in with goals and assists

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur girls’ soccer team scored 17 goals in its game against the Crisfield Crabbers on Monday in Berlin.

Many girls contributed with goals and assists, which Coach Rich Venere was pleased with.

Fourteen girls scored goals and 10 had assists. Only one of the 17 goals was unassisted.

The Lady Seahawks led 11-0 at halftime.

Senior captain Mia Kemp tallied two goals and two assists. Freshman Luca Russo chipped in with two goals and an assists.

Junior Katelynn King contributed two goals. Junior Morgan Sullivan and sophomore Shayleigh Boyle had one goal and three assists each.

Senior goalie Jessica Beck played on the field a bit and scored a goal.

“It was her first career goal,” Venere said.

Decatur will host the North Caroline Bulldogs on Monday and the Wicomico Indians on Wednesday. Both games are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur and Worcester Prep cross country teams joined 30 other schools for the annual Tidewater Classic meet last Wednesday at Winter Place Park in Salisbury.

A total of 325 boys and 247 girls participated.

The Decatur girls’ team finished in 11th place out of 27 squads. The boys’ team came in 18th place out of 34 schools represented.

“This was our toughest meet this season as both the boys’ and girls’ teams were up against some of the best runners in the region,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel. “The Decatur teams did their best to meet up to the challenge, despite the messy course conditions and not having had practiced consistently during the previous week due to weather. I was happy to see our runners rise to the challenge and go out hard although many of them struggled to keep up the pace on the last mile.”

The top five finishers for the Lady Seahawks were: junior Macy Woroniecki (18th, 21:20.48), sophomores Amber Marshall (46th, 22:49.73), Clarice Piela (104th, 25:14.33) and Alessandra Fernandez (108th, 25:25.65) and senior Mackenzie Cathell (124th, 26:02).

Leading the Decatur boys’ squad were: junior Ethan Justice (33rd, 18:17.35), freshman Todd Haley (98th, 19:48.19), sophomore Liam Hughes (143rd, 20:47.49), senior Nick Moreno (146th, 20:55.52) and junior Graham Field (156th, 21:04.96).

“Most of our runners managed to maintain their times for the season, while most from the girls’ team improved their times,” Hommel said. “Overall, the meet was a great opportunity for our athletes to gain an appreciation for a level of competition that they do not regularly see.

“In the end, running is all about commitment, conditioning and consistency,” she continued. “It is my hope that our Decatur athletes were inspired by many of the runners they saw at the Tidewater meet and will commit themselves to the conditioning needed to meet their full potential as runners.”

Both Worcester Prep teams finished in 24th place overall.

The top five Lady Mallards to cross the line were: freshman Ayla Yonker (70th, 23:50.40), senior Caitlyn Hoen (97th, 24:52.54), freshmen Catherine Cullen (179th, 28:35.97) and Sydney Todorov (188th, 29:21.33) and sophomore Sydney Tingle (201st, 30:36.50).

Leading the boys’ team were: junior Jason Todorov (110th, 19:58.99), senior Cooper Ludt (112th, 20:00.78), junior Dylan Simons (142nd, 20:44.07), sophomore Jackson Fernley (188th, 21:51.10) and senior Luke Loeser (223rd, 22:31.84).

“Our boys and girls started out quickly and ran with determination throughout their 5K races,” said Prep Coach Don Cathcart. “Many of our runners ran their year best average mile times. They were not intimated by the large fields.”

“[We have] two races left – this Friday at Delmarva Christian School and then looking forward to our championship meet the following Thursday,” added Prep Coach John Zirckel. “Our runners keep gradually improving.”

Worcester’s next meet is today, Friday, at 4 p.m. hosted by Delmarva Christian in Georgetown, Delaware.

The Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship meet will take place on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Winter Place Park in Salisbury.

Decatur will host a meet on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Berlin. The Bayside Conference Championship is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in Cambridge.

DECATUR SOCCER

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Sophomore Ksenia Drakos controls the ball for Stephen Decatur during Monday’s game against Crisfield in Berlin. Decatur won, 17-0.

Worcester girls’ soccer team logs 5-1 win on Senior Night

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Worcester Prep girls’ soccer team not only celebrated its seniors on Wednesday in Berlin, but the Lady Mallards also won, 5-1, over Seaside Christian Academy.

“The game was dedicated to the seniors and it was fun celebrating them,” said Prep Coach Carol Hartnett. “Everyone got a lot of playing time. I liked having contributions from everyone in both halves.”

Worcester led 3-0 early with goals by sophomore Lindsay Bruner, freshman Caitlin Shimko and senior captain Olivia Mattingly.

“It was 3-1 and then it was back and forth,” Hartnett said.

The Berlin squad held a 4-1 advantage at halftime.

Shimko scored Worcester’s fourth goal and sophomore Danielle Carr netted the fifth.

Sophomore goalie Abigail Ament recorded four saves.

“The girls spread the field well, they defended well and [the upperclassmen] mentored when the younger girls were in,” Hartnett said.

Worcester received the No. 3 seed and will play the second-seeded Saints Peter and Paul Sabres in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament semifinals on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Easton.

When the two teams met during the regular season, the Sabres won 32 and 2-1.

“They were close games and I think we can beat them,” Hartnett said. “We just need to make sure we’re firing on all ends. We have to defend all levels. We can’t give them second, third, fourth opportunities.”

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PAGE 60 SD field hockey team tops Saint Michaels, Crisfield

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur field hockey team recorded back-to-back, 3-1, victories over the Crisfield Crabbers and Saint Michaels Saints this week.

The Lady Seahawks traveled to Crisfield on Monday for competition.

Senior captain Bre Ferguson scored in the second quarter off a penalty stroke. Decatur was awarded the stroke due to a Crisfield defender stopping a ball with her foot that was going into the cage. Ferguson tallied her second goal in the third quarter. Sophomore Ava Snelsire gave Decatur a 3-0 lead in the fourth quarter. Katie Griffin Crisfield scored its only goal with about two minutes left in the game.

Senior Sarah Smith recorded four saves for Decatur.

“We only gave up four shots on goal, so our defense was solid as well,” Decatur Coach Katie Griffin said. “We tried a new setup we have been practicing with a four-person midfield.

“Our midfielders had been running themselves ragged in games so dropping the extra person into the midfield helps share the load, so they aren’t as worn out and they are able to help out on offense and defense,” she continued. “We came out a little slow but they really listened and made the adjustments that needed to be made.”

The Seahawks wore pink jerseys for their breast cancer awareness pink game on Tuesday in Berlin.

Freshman Bailey Griffin scored off a corner from sophomore Emily Ferguson with six minutes remaining in the first half.

Saint Michaels tied in up with 3:30 on the clock, but 29 seconds later, Bre Ferguson put Decatur back on top, controlling a high, long lob pass down the field from Snelsire.

Sophomore Ryleigh Smith recorded the team’s third goal off a pass from Griffin in the third quarter.

Smith stopped five Saint Michaels shots.

“It was our best full team effort of the season. They worked together, shared the ball and communicated with each other on the field,” Coach Griffin said.

Decatur will host the Pocomoke Warriors on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Berlin.

PHOTO COURTESY DON MCMULLEN The Worcester Prep golf team wrapped up the regular season with two victories to go into the ESIAC championship match undefeated. Pictured, from left, on Tuesday at Nutters Crossing in Salisbury, are senior captain Harrison Humes, freshman Kain Crossett, junior Vanesska Hall, sophomores Frank Miller and Aleksey Klimins and sophomore captain Mike DePalma.

WP golfers unbeaten during season

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Worcester Prep golf team wrapped up the regular season with two victories to go into the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship match undefeated.

“They played well [in the final two matches],” said Prep Coach Don McMullen. “The team has improved throughout the season. They have put in many hours of practice since Aug. 15.”

Worcester won last Thursday’s four-school competition at Nutters Crossing in Salisbury, with a score of 155.

The Mallards were led by sophomore Aleksey Klimins, who shot a 36 and earned medalist honors, sophomore captain Mike DePalma (39), junior Vanesska Hall (40) and senior captain Harrison Humes (40).

Gunston came in second place shooting a 174.

On Tuesday, Worcester carded a 162 to earn a victory again on the Nutters Crossing course.

DePalma scored a 37 to take home medalist honors. Also contributing to the win was Humes (41), Klimins (41) and Hall (43).

Gunston finished with a 179. Salisbury Christian and The Salisbury School only had three players each.

“It has been a fun season and we’re looking forward to the ESIAC championship match next week,” McMullen said.

Worcester and the other three conference schools will compete in the championship match on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin.

“They continue to play well during practice rounds in preparation for their ESIAC match. Each player has improved over the season in all facets of their golf game,” McMullen said. “They need to continue their hard work during practice rounds and that work will contribute to a very successful ESIAC championship.”

Prep volleyball team wins over Laurel, Nandua

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Worcester Prep volleyball team scored back-toback wins over Laurel High School and Nandua this week.

The Lady Mallards took a trip to Laurel, Delaware, for competition on Tuesday. Worcester won three sets to one – 25-16, 15-25, 26-24 and 25-21.

“We played tight and a little flat. It wasn’t our best night, but it was a win, so it’s hard to complain about that,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley.

On Wednesday playing on their home court in Berlin, the Mallards came out on top three sets to two over See MALLARDS Page 61

OCTOBER 14, 2022 Mallards No. 1 seed for playoffs

Continued from Page 60 Nandua – 25-23, 25-13, 17-25, 16-25 and 15-11.

“We played absolutely fantastic,” Kelley said. “We went up 2-0 and I think we shocked them. They came through in a huge way and just crushed it tonight.”

Worcester will celebrate its seniors tonight, Friday, during the team’s match against Delmar High School at 4 p.m. in Berlin.

The Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament kicks off with the semifinal round on Wednesday.

Worcester earned the No. 1 seed and will play at home at 4 p.m. The Mallards opponent had yet to be determined as of Thursday afternoon because the other teams still had conference games left to play.

“I’m excited. Last year we didn’t event make it into the playoffs – we had only one win – so top to bottom this is a much different season, a much better season,” Kelley said, noting the team’s 7-4 record.

To be successful, Kelley said the Mallards need to “play our volleyball.”

“If we play the way we’re capable of playing it will be tough for anyone to beat us,” Kelley said. By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Oct. 14, 2022) The Stephen Decatur volleyball team scored victories over Bayside Conference opponents – the Wicomico Indians and James M. Bennett Clippers – this week.

The Lady Seahawks hosted the Indians on Monday in Berlin for Senior Night. Decatur won – 25-15, 25-17 and 25-12.

“[It was] a great game for Senior Night. All of our seniors – minus Sydney [Patrick] who has an injury – played amazing,” Coach Sara Patrick said. “The team was once again led by Cora Shaw. Cora does a great job keeping the team positive and energized. Her serving and hitting were killer. Julia Carlson had her best night setting and playing defense. Grace Nichols stepped up big playing outside and serving.”

Senior captain Cora Shaw had six aces, 10 kills and five digs. Senior captain Tatum Vorsteg chipped in with six aces, two kills and two digs.

Senior Julia Carlson added two aces, five assists and six digs. Seniors Taya Price (three aces, one kill, one block, five digs) and Grace Nichols (two aces, one kill, two digs) also contributed.

“I am very proud of the how the girls are playing right now. We are definitely on the right track with only four regular-season games left and heading into playoffs,” Patrick said.

Decatur took down Bennett in three games on Wednesday in Salisbury – 25-16, 25-17 and 25-20.

“Decatur had another 3-0 sweep of Bennett. Cora Shaw had an amazing game, once again. She dominated at the net and the service line,” Patrick said. “The team was slow to warm up and Bennett has definitely improved since the last time we played them. I feel good about how we are sitting going into playoffs.”

Decatur will go to Pocomoke on Monday to play the Warriors at 5 p.m. The Seahawks will then host the Easton Warriors on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY Stephen Decatur senior captain Cora Shaw passes the ball during Monday’s match against Wicomico in Berlin. Decatur won on Senior Night – 25-15, 25-17 and 25-12. “Cora does a great job keeping the team positive and energized. Her serving and hitting were killer,” Coach Sara Patrick said.