Natalie Vasileff

The Darien High School Boys Varsity volleyball team faced a tough and intense game against Ridgefield on May 23. The boys are super excited for FCIAC’s and have been working very hard to prepare for the challenge that the team knows it will have to face. Ridgefield has also shown to be training for the season very hard, as they have had many successful games in the past season. The team’s momentum and strive for success was ready to carry the boys into a difficult game that awaited them. 

In the first set, DHS lost to Ridgefield by 5 points, leaving Darien with a score of 20 and the Ridgefield Tigers a score of 25. In the second set, the boys showed some improvement in scoring 22 points while Ridgefield scored 25. However, after a small spurt of what seemed to be success, the boys once again lost to Ridgefile in their third set with a score of 19 to 25. Despite the upsetting loss, the team is still ready to give their all in the last games of the season. 

 "I am super excited for our post season FCIAC and State's games that are upcoming,” happily said sophomore John Barsanti, “I believe that we are playing well as a team, but we need to keep working even harder to achieve our goals that we set at the beginning of the season. We are all so close, so I know that if we play together, as a team, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to."

Junior Tyler Herget gets ready to spike the ball (Courtesy DAF)

The Undefeated Wave

Brianna Lyons

The odds were never in our favor last Thursday, when we played against Wilton. The refs were not on our side, most of the fans were also against us. Every team in connecticut wanted the 7 time defending champions of the FCIACs. Unfortunately, for all the haters, Darien came out on top winning with a score of 11- 10.

At first, the game was not going our way. The refs called everything on us, the ball was never truly on our side, and we had a breakdown in defense and riding causing 3 goals to go in the first few minutes. The wave pride still stood though, and after cheerful words from coach Lindley, the wave came back tying the game 7-7 by the first half.

The second half was an uphill battle for both teams. It was like watching a game of ping pong. Wilton scored, than Darien Scored, than Wilton again. So on so forth until the last few minutes when Darien held the ball for two minutes straight. In the end Darien Scored a last few minutes goal ending the game 11-10.

Now Darien Girls Lacrosse is going on to play Staples in the first round of states.   

Darien girls lacrosse celebrate their win (Photo Courtesy DAF)

Boys Lacrosse Beats New Canaan 13-12 For Another FCIAC Championship

Will Pegler

The Varsity Boys Lacrosse team took on the New Canaan Rams on Friday at Brien McMahon High School in the FCIAC Championship.  It was a back and forth game throughout, as both sides went on scoring runs and made big defensive stops.

Senior goalie Sean Collins made several big saves throughout, including his biggest of the night when New Canaan took one final shot as the clock ran out, Collins blocked it with ease and the Wave's celebration began. Sean made a total of four massive saves down the stretch, as New Canaan threw everything they could at him to try and tie the game in the final few minutes.

Senior attack Logan McGovern was the MVP of the game, scoring two goals and assisting on several others. The captain seemed to be involved on just about every Darien goal, and acted as the straw that stirred the drink throughout the night. The Wave went on a huge offensive run in the middle of the 2nd quarter, scoring five unanswered goals and stretching their lead to 7-3. The Rams were able to battle back though, scoring a few quick goals and making the halftime score just 7-6 in Darien's favor.

Senior attack Logan McGovern looks to make a play behind the net. 

In the second half scoring came from a myriad of players for the Wave, including seniors Brian Minicus (two goals) and Tanner Strub, along with sophomore Jackson Peters. The offense struggled a bit in the fourth quarter, but junior Hudson Pokorny scored an amazing goal in the final minutes to give Darien a 13-12 lead that they never relinquished.

New Canaan scored four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 12-12. Eventually, though, the Wave's defense was able to settle down and play at their normal caliber, not allowing the Rams to score again for the rest of the game. Defensive efforts were led by seniors Matt Gould and Andrew Darby, both of whom had to deal with a talented New Canaan attack throughout the game.

Darby was proud of his team's efforts but knows that they could have done more, simply telling me, "It was an awesome win. I thought we could have played a lot better though."

This FCIAC Championship was the team's 73rd consecutive win, and they will look to continue to strive for perfection in the state tournament over the next few weeks. It is very likely that the Wave will face New Canaan for a third time in the tournament, where the Rams will try to actually beat Darien in something.

Varsity Baseball Beats Staples For Second FCIAC Title in Three Years

Will Pegler

The Blue Wave Varsity Baseball team capped off their magical FCIAC tournament run at Cubeta Stadium in Stamford on Thursday night with an extra innings win over Staples. The Wave's tournament run was mainly carried by their strong pitching and defense, but last night the offense erupted, as they put up 13 hits and were getting base runners on at will.

The offense came from all ends of the lineup for the Wave, but was led by seniors Fin Batson and Arthur Xanthos. Batson finished the night with three doubles, while Xanthos had three singles, including a base knock that put the Wave ahead by a run in the top of the eighth inning. Seniors Harry Rayhill and junior Mac McLean each drove in two runs, while senior Max Gasvoda came up big with two hits of his own.

The game was tied at four heading into the eighth, but Xanthos' single with the bases loaded gave the Wave the lead and McLean's single added two more, stretching the lead to 7-4.

Senior Arthur Xanthos drives one of
his three singles on the night.
(Courtesy Dave Stewart) 

Senior Justin Van de Graaf took the hill for the Blue Wave and put in 5 and 2/3 innings of good work against Staples strong bats, allowing four runs but keeping the Wave in the game throughout the night. Senior Jackson Vaught did his best Mariano Rivera impression, coming into the bottom of the sixth with runners on second and third and the score tied at four. He and his coaches decided to walk one of Staples best hitters, junior Chad Knight, to load the bases, but was able to get the next hitter to pop out to first and leave the inning unscathed.

Vaught kept the Wreckers from scoring again in the seventh, and took the hill with a three run lead in the eighth and the chance to close out Staples for good. With some help from senior Center Fielder Justin Jordan, who made an amazing diving catch to get the first out, Vaught was able to set down the Staples hitters in order, winning the game and helping the Wave earn yet another FCIAC championship.

Senior catcher Arthur Xanthos, who played great behind the dish throughout the playoffs, said about catching both Van de Graaf and Vaught, "It was such a pleasure catching those guys. The 'J.V' duo was always a 1-2 punch that no one wanted to face this season. They did a great job of mixing up pitches and locking in when we needed them to."

Blue Wave Girls Lax Drowns Cardinals in FCIAC Tournament Win

Eva Criscuolo

On Monday, May 21rst, Darien High School’s Varsity Lacrosse team traveled to Norwalk High School to play Greenwich's team. Greenwich started strong, and in the first three minutes had already scored three games. However, Darien came in strong, and scored almost immediately after, and subsequently called a time out afterwards. Upon returning Darien fought hard, picking the game up to 6 to 5. Darien dominated the second half of the game, ending with a score of 14 to 7. Sophomore Varsity Player, Kennison Harmon expressed that “the game was by far (their) most challenging of the season”. JV player Brianna Lyons agreed, stating, “it was an intense game”. Yet, the girls played a strong game, and emerged triumphant. The team will progress on to FCIAC finals.

Some key players in the game were sophomore Varsity player, Ashley Humphrey, who scored more than three times, Varsity player, Katy Elders who played an active and aggressive defense, and Varsity player, Maggie Brooks who blocked numerous shots.

Sophomore Varsity Player, Catie Dugan (Photo courtesy DAF)

Darien Boys Lacrosse Beats Ludlowe

Alix Platt

Darien Boys Varsity Lacrosse played Fairfield Ludlowe on Monday, May 21. For the FCIAC quarterfinals, boys lacrosse was able to maintain their 71 game winning streak. Having already played and beat Ludlowe earlier in the season, 12-6, the boys had to come back again and pull a win. The team won 20-2. This score was significantly better than their prior game against Ludlowe. Junior Jack Bogdan, with 2 assist, said, “It’s cool seeing how competitive everyone gets in order to make it to the finals.” Go support Darien Boys Lacrosse today, May 23, at 7 at McMahon High School. 

Junior Tommy Hellman, who scored one goal at the Darien vs. Ludlow game.  (Photo courtesy DAF)

Varsity Baseball Advances to FCIAC Semis in Pitching Duel Against Trumbull

Jack Tierney

In what may have been the quickest game of baseball ever, the Blue Wave narrowly defeated Trumbull on Monday May 21st 1-0. The headlines of the game were the two pitchers Junior Henry Williams on Darien and Trumbull’s Ben Fero. Fero pitched a no hitter and Williams allowed no scores on the day.

The Wave lacked confidence early on at the mound but late in the 6th inning Henry Williams got to first on a fielding error. Nonetheless this sparked momentum and led to a controversial run that many, players included, were confused about. However Darien played a flawless defensive game and showed why they are one of the best teams in the state.

Senior captain Justin Jordan mentioned, “We played strong all season and we’ve been in a lot of close games. This was nothing new.” Darien have fought for every win and they will continue their fight at Cubeta Stadium in the FCIAC Semi Finals tonight at 5 pm against the 8 seed Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons.

Senior captain Arthur Xanthos has had a strong season at catcher and looks
to bring his powerful hitting ability into the rest of the playoffs. 

Varsity Baseball Wins on Senior Day

Jen Tomaj

Senior day for Blue Wave Baseball took place on May 17th; however it was originally supposed to be held on the 16th but got pushed back because of the weather.

Senior Art Xanthos steps in for his at-bat. 

It was important game for the team as the Wave had to win to get home field advantage in the first round of FCIACS.

 The Wave ended up besting Norwalk 11-1. Seniors Nate Hadlow and Brendan Ross came through with soild base hits that enabled both seniors to come around to score.

After the game the team held a senior day ceremony that celebrated the eleven seniors on the DHS baseball team. Seniors Justin Jordan, Sean O'Malley, Nick Conte, and Arthur Xanthos celebrated their recruitments to play baseball in college at the event. This senior class was lucky enough to be part of the 2016 FCIAC championship as sophomores, and working to win a second championship in three years.

The FCIAC quarterfinals should begin on on Monday, May 21st, times and locations TBA.  Cheer on the baseball team as they look to improve their already impressive résumé.

The seniors pose with their parents for a photo. 

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Beats Fairfield Warde

Brianna Lyons

The saddest part about the end of a season, is realizing that as a senior you may not play another game in that sport for the rest of your life. This is not the case for the Darien Girls Lacrosse teams Senior class, because they have made it into the FCIAC and States once again. WIth a crushing win against Fairfield Warde. Before the game, the Varsity girls lacrosse team had already clinched a spot in the FCIAC but this game was the deciding factor on whether or not the team would place first in the tournament.

With a huge win against Fairfield Warde, Varsity starts the post season off right, by being ranked number one in the tournament. The first game is set to play on thursday, and a time has not been announced.

Varsity has also qualified for states this season and will be starting that tournament after the end of FCIAC and continue until Darien ethier losses or wins the whole thing. We all are hoping for the second options. 

Seniors (left to right) Kendall Wisinki, Katie Ramsay, Emma Jaques, and
Christine Fiore get the team fired up. 

Varsity Softball Loses Tough Game to St. Joseph's

Isa Nuissl

Freshmen Grace Karas pitching against
St. Joe's. (Courtesy DAF)

On Monday, the Darien High School softball team lost to St. Joe’s in Trumbull. The Cadets beat the Blue Wave 12-0 in the 6th inning. Although the Blue Wave has 8 wins and will be playing in the state tournaments in the coming weeks, but will not be competing in the FCIAC tournament. Senior Stefani Gentile and sophomore Rosali Pirone had the only two hits of the game, while St. Joe’s had many hits including a two run homerun and a three run homerun.

“St. Joe’s is always a tough team to beat and unfortunately we lost this year after winning both games we played against them last year. We are using this loss as motivation to work hard at practice and to win against Norwalk tomorrow” said senior Stefani Gentile.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Beats Ludlowe 20-2

Julia Clarke

May 14th 2018 Darien High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse stole the win from Fairfield Ludlowe Varsity team 20-2 on Senior Day. It was senior day and all of the DHS seniors started the game and played for the majority of it.

Senior Emma Jaques scored three goals, senior Lindsey Ferreria had plenty of saves in goal, and senior Katie Ramsay was key in winning the draws.

One of the Wave's top scorers, Ashley Humphrey,
takes the ball up the field. (Courtesy Dave Stewart) 

“The team played really great together and it was a bittersweet moment for all of the seniors on the team. I am definitely going to miss the team, over the past four years we have really become a family” said Team Manager and previous field player Lindsey Wallach.

Boys Varsity Baseball Takes Down New Canaan in Pitching Duel

Will Pegler

On Monday, May 7th the Boys Varsity Baseball team took on border rival New Canaan at the DHS turf field. The Wave beat New Canaan by a score of 3-2, improving to a 13-3 record and a 3rd place position in the FCIAC, clinching a spot in the playoffs. Coming off of a busy week with five games in a row and a tough loss to Staples in their last outing, the team was poised to get back on track against their rival.

Duke commit Henry Williams got the start on the mound and did not disappoint, allowing just two runs to the Rams and a mere three hits. Sacred Heart commit Justin Jordan got the save, coming in for the 7th inning and sitting down three Ram hitters with ease. Jordan, a senior captain, definitely noticed the sizable crowd of DHS students behind the right field fence who were loudly supporting their team, telling me, "It was awesome to see so many people come out. Everyone knows the New Canaan game is always huge, and it always helps to have a crowd in your corner. I loved my new nickname 'The Ocho', I heard it when I was playing center field."

Junior Henry Williams tosses yet another gem with plenty of rowdy DHS students in attendance.
(Courtesy Dave Stewart) 

Despite their strong defensive effort, the Wave's offense was fairly quiet throughout the game, only mustering up five hits. They were still able to push enough runs across for Williams to work with, though. Senior Sean O'Malley led the offense with three of the teams five hits, including a clutch RBI double that put Darien ahead by a run late in the game.

With yet another win, Darien continues a strong 2018 against their border rivals. The varsity team's next game will be this Friday against Westhill.

Girls Tennis off to a Great Start

Kate Dempsey

Junior Lily Ma playing against her Staples
opponent for the varsity team. (Courtesy DAF) 

The Girls Tennis Team took on Staples this last Tuesday (5/1) at the Darien High School tennis courts. The start of its season has shown them to be off to a great start as they have won almost all of its matches.

“We’re off to an amazing start this season; so far we’re 11-0 while just beating our biggest rival, Staples, 5-2 yesterday,” said junior Lilly Ma. “I feel the team has really been working together especially in supporting each other on and off the court. We’re looking forward to finishing the season strong while heading into FCIAC’s and states.”

Even after losing a few seniors from the team, they have been able to continue on the legacy of having a great season.

“Though we did lose a few seniors, we were able to make up for it by taking on new teammates. We are a very close team and everyone is always friendly with one another which really benefits us especially when we play our matches,” said Lilly Ma.

Its next game is Tuesday (5 /8) against Westhill at the DHS tennis courts at 4:00 p.m.

Cardiac Kids: Blue Wave Steals One From Wilton

Jack Tierney

 The Darien Boys Varsity Baseball continued their insane start to the season with a walkoff win home against Wilton on Tuesday May 1st.

Good teams win the games they should win. Great teams find ways to win no matter the circumstance. It took until the 6th inning for the boys to truly escape the dreadful start they endeavored. Trailing 2-0 bottom of the sixth until Henry “hank” Williams hit a rocket to the left field fence and got an absolutely crucial double. Big game players step up when they’re needed most.

Relaxing views from Center Field. Right before
the chaotic and exciting end that got everyone on their feet.

In the bottom of the seventh, the fourth quarter, or whatever you need to call it to comprehend the magnitude of this moment. Senior Fin Batson singles to center on a pinpoint line drive. With Fin on first Senior Captain and Sacred Heart commit Justin Jordan walked up to the plate. With every fan on the edge of their seats he delivered the most beautiful bunt ever to grace the Blue Wave baseball field. Something so normally boring, gross, or downright underutilized was executed to perfection. It’s simple beauty inevitably led to sheer chaos. Wilton tried to make the tough play by swinging the ball to third only to overthrow the panicked first basemen. At this point Batson’s knees were at his chest in an all out sprint to go home. Finally Wilton recovered the ball and threw home but Fin’s speed was too much and while he scored Justin found third. At this point the score is 2-2 and the momentum has swung wildly in Darien’s direction.

Lastly Henry Williams found himself up to the plate again and it was clear at this point Darien was finding a way to win. Henry hit a sac fly to right field sending Justin home and capping off an incredible win.

Pitching today was Justin van de Graaf only giving up 4 hits and doing a very good job keeping the Blue Wave alive to have this crazy ending. “It was great to stay on the mound today even though we had a tough start. This team never gives up and we love it.” said Justin.

Composed as ever this team is going places and strong performances like this will mean postseason success later on. Come check them out next week against rivals New Canaan on Monday May 7th.