Varsity Girls Volleyball Beats Glastonbury in Quarterfinals

Natalie Vasileff

The Varsity Girls Volleyball team played against Glastonbury in the Quarterfinals on Saturday the tenth. The girls beat them in four sets, winning the first and second, but then losing the third. However, the girls got back up and won the fourth set. Middle blockers junior Hassana Arbubakrr and freshman Aerin Bowman both played a huge part in stopping the other team’s attacks. The girls were ready to pick everything up and not let any balls hit the ground. They have been playing together as a team and it has worked out in their favor.

“The energy we had tonight was great,” said captain senior Gaby Highton , “and we took a lot of buzz from our home crowd.”

“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. If we play every point and every game the way we need to, the rest, including our legacy, will come,” said senior Cristina Ecsajadillo.

The team celebrates after scoring a point, Courtesy of DAF.

Preview Indoor Track

Nina Rodriguez

On November 29th, Indoor Track officially begins. This year’s captains, seniors Cameron Appleby, Daphne Cutler, Eva Finn, and Marley Garfield, have been training during the pre-season, and are looking forward to starting for the season.

The meets who will consist of spring events (100 and 200 meters and hurdles), long-distance events (800, 1600, and 3200 meters) and field events (high jump, long jump, pole vault, triple jump, discus throws, and shot put) at either Wilton or Staples’ indoor track.

For junior, Brianna Lyons, this will be her first time participating in indoor track, and she plans to run in the sprinting events. “I am excited for the meets, I heard they last all day, and I have never participated in a sports event for that long,” Lyons said.

Senior Anna Fox was prepared to pass her baton  2016 indoor track event. Courtesy of Darien Athletic Foundation.

The team is excited for an amazing season. The Neirad staff wishes them the best of luck!

Rams Take the Turkey Bowl Again

Eva Criscuolo

This year, for the 14th year in a row, the state football playoffs included Darien High School, and historic rival, New Canaan High School, in the annual, and legendary Turkey Bowl Thanksgiving morning game. This year the game took place in Stamford’s Boyle Stadium. Darien entered the game with an undefeated record of 9-0, while New Canaan entered with a respectable count of 7-2. The New Canaan Rams went into the game seeking a spot in the playoffs, while Darien Blue Wave desired a secure spot at hosting the quarterfinal playoff game at home. Darien desired payback for their shutdown by New Canaan in the previous year’s match up of 27-0. However, despite a valiant effort on the part of DHS, New Canaan bested us, 17-14. The team’s loss in the Turkey Bowl marked its first loss all season, leaving the team 46-2 over the past four seasons with only two defeats that both came in the last two Turkey Bowls. The issue that marked this year’s game was turnovers. The Wave lost the ball on three interceptions. Two were lost to new Canaan player, Charlie Cunney, and one was lost to New Canaan player, Drew Guida. Defense played a strong game on Darien’s part, but offense lacked the strength necessary to take down the Rams. The game reached a turning point on a pair of fumbles in the fourth quarter, both, unfortunately, went New Canaan’s way. With DHS leading 14-7, New Canaan running back J.R. Moore broke free for a 10 yard run, yet the ball had jarred loose, due in part, to a tackle by Darien linebacker Sam Wilson. Wave player, Will Bothwell, emerged out of the pile with the ball, however, after a conference, the referees rewarded possession to New Canaan. Darien’s defense managed to keep the Rams from entering the end zone, however, kicker Nicholas  Radman booted a 28-yard field goal to close the gap to 14-10, with only 9:47 remaining. New Canaan's Harrison Skyrm sacked DHS quarterback Cooper Hancock, leading to a forced fumble. The fumble was quickly scooped up and returned by Kieran Buck to the Wave 20-yard line. Two plays passed, and Pyne discovered Wilson was wide open for the go-ahead touchdown with about seven minutes remaining. Darien’s next possession ended up going nowhere, however, on the team’s final drive, Hancock managed to hook up with receiver T.J. Cornacchia for a 50-yard pass to New Canaan’s 20-yard line. Hancock proceeded and hit Herget for 10 yards and a first down at New Canaan's 10 with only a minute left. New Canaan’s defense, unfortunately, greatly stepped up their efforts, and the game came to an end when Kirby’s field goal attempt went wide. Team member, Sofia Bender, said, “I feel like the Varsity team had a lot of pressure on their shoulders because they wanted to defeat their rival in the biggest game of the year. The team also wanted to meet the coaches expectations. Yet, at the same time, the team played really well, considering the amount of pressure they had on top of them. They played a tough opponent and the score was super close, which shows the huge amount of effort they put throughout the game”. The team has had a good season, and played a good game despite their loss. Hopefully, they will do well in with what is left of the season.

Darien’s Will Kirby goes head-to-head with New Canaan’s Dean Ciancio during the Turkey Bowl football game Thursday at Boyle Stadium in Stamford. — Scott Mullin photo

Credit: Darien Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2YWANpJ89w

DAF coverage of the entire game

Next game : November 27th

Girls Basketball Preview

Liliana Cullen

The season has just begun for Darien Girls Basketball. With a record breaking 13 freshmen trying out for the team, this is the largest the program has been in years. Under the leadership of Melba Chambers, Ian Bossert, and two new coaches, the girls team is destined for success. The four captains this year are seniors Penn Boucher, Caroline Krueger, Rachel Stobbie, and Kelly McKay. They are ecstatic for the upcoming season: “We are really excited to see what we can do this season especially with so many new girls joining the program”, Boucher said. “We are hoping to build off of last year and make FCIACs again and hopefully make a run in states”, Krueger added. “We can’t wait for a great season! We also have two new coaches which is very exciting. This is the first time we have had a freshman team in years, and we are so happy”, Stobbie remarked. Their first home game is December 10 against Kolbe Cathedral High School, so be sure to head to the main gym to show your support!

Courtesy DAF

BWFH Dominates in the State Quarterfinals

Tess Keating

After their first round win against New Canaan the Varsity Field Hockey Team advanced to the state quarterfinals against Hall High School. After leaving school at 12:10 on Friday November 9th, the team was in high spirits. After resting on the long bus ride to West Hartford, the girls were energetic and excited to play. Just as warm up began, it started to rain, and continually got heavier and colder as the game went on. Although the whether was less than ideal, that didn’t stop the Blue Wave from dominating, with a 4-0 win.

Goals were scored by 3 of the 4 senior captains, Shea van den Broek (2), Bridget Mahoney (1), and Katie Elders (1). Darien defeated the previously undefeated Hall Warriors, allowing them to advance to the semi finals on Tuesday November 13th at 6:00pm vs. Staples at Brien Mcmahon High School. The team lost to Staples in the beginning of the season, however they were able to beat them in the FCIAC finals for the championship title, so it should be a great game!

“Despite the bad whether, the energy was great, and I think that's what really kept us going,” says junior Catie Duggan.

Shea van den Broek in action in the 1st round of the state tournament vs. New Canaan. Courtesy of Dave Stewart (Darien Times).

Girls Soccer Loses in Quarterfinals

Brianna Lyons 

Darien losses against Ridgefield 1-0 in FCIAC quarterfinal game. This marks the end of the road for the Darien Girls Varsity soccer team. It was an incredible season for the team. Qualifying for states, Fciacs, and CIAC’s and winning more than half their games. This past Friday 11/9/2018 the team played against Ridgefield in a tough battle for the  final game on saturday 11/17.

The first half of the game was an incredible half for the Darien players. With incredible defense by Neil Kniffin, Courtney ball, Anna fox, and Eva Finn, the ball stayed away from the goal and ended the first half with a tie of 0-0.

During the second half, Darien had a lot of shots on the goal, unfortunately the ball would not find the back of the net. The offense pushed the defensive line of Ridgefield way back to the point that they almost let Darien slip in. With an encouraging talk during halftime by Leigh Parsons, the head coach of the  team and by the senior captains, Anna Fox, Eva Finn, Alaina Dolan, and Lauren Sulger, Darien started very strong against Ridgefield.

Unfortunately, Ridgefield was able to find a crack in the defense and scored a goal making the game 1-0 Ridgefield. However, Darien did not give up. They started playing more aggressive and kept the ball in the other half the rest of the game. The teamwork was outstanding and Darien left it all on the field. Unfortunately, the ball could not find the back of the net.

Courtesy DAF

“It was a great game, and we fought till the very end,” says freshman Alexis Lyons.

Darien Girls Swimming Takes Second at FCIAC’s

Scotty Tuck

On Thursday, October 31, the BWSD Girls swam their way to an impressive second place performance at FCIAC Championships. With multiple best times and first time-finalists, the girls had an excellent meet. During the meet, three different swimmers cracked top 5 in their respective events, Freshman Kelly Dolce and Kaitlyn Holmes, along with Junior Cassie Maroney.

In the 200 Freestyle, Dolce threw down a huge time of 1:53.97, taking 3rd and breaking the school record in the event. In the 100 Freestyle, Dolce took 2nd place, going another school record breaking time of 52.69. In the 200 IM, Freshman Kaitlyn Holmes took 3rd, scoring big points for the team with a time of 2:08.75. In the 100 Breaststroke, Holmes took 2nd place, going a time of 1:07.03. Along with the two Freshman, Senior Cassie Maroney also made it into the top 3, going a time of 24.50 to take 2nd in the 50 Freestyle.Other big contributions made were the 4th place finish in the 200 Medley Relay, 3rd in the 400 Freestyle Relay, and 2nd in the 200 Freestyle.

Courtesy DAF

Make sure to show some support for the BWSD Girls as they prepare for the CIAC State Trials, which will take place on Saturday, November 10.

Girls Soccer Makes Quarterfinals

Megan Streeter

Girls varsity soccer had an important game against Suffield this Wednesday, November 7. 

According to junior Olivia Maniscalco, the girls, “went into the game knowing Suffield was undefeated, and hadn’t let a goal in all season.” Based on statistics, the odds seemed to be in Suffields favor. Maniscalco was not phased by this, saying, “Because of our success against teams like Staples and St. Joe’s...we were not phased by this.” The girls upheld their high spirits throughout the game. Maniscalco attributes the team’s success to their team, which did not falter through two halves of overtime playing. With their 1-0 win, they will now advance to the CIAC quarterfinal against Ridgefield. The game will take place at Ridgefield High at 4 pm this Friday, November 9.

Junior Olivia's Maniscalco defending goal (Courtesy DAF)

New Canaan Beats Darien 1-0

Brianna Lyons

On October 9, 2018, Darien lost to New Canaan. It was a hard fought battle, unfortunately, the outcome was not ideal. The team lost 1-0, but they did not give up till the very last whistle, ending the game.

The Darien High School Varsity team fought till the very end on the field. With New Canaan being Darien’s biggest rival, it came as no shock that the team came out ready to play. Unfortunately, the Rams came out as energetic as Darien, and started the game off very strong. Darien held their ground throughout the first half. Unfortunately, during the second half New Canaan slipped pass Darien scoring a goal making the score 1-0.

Courtesy DAF

“We fought as hard as we could. We worked really hard and never stopped playing” says freshman Alexis Lyons.

The Junior Varsity team also lost against New Canaan. Just like the Varsity team, the Jv team fought through the entire game. The whistle was blown and the game began with Darien keeping the ball in New Canaan’s half for most of the first quarter. Unfortunately, New Canaan broke the barriers of the strong defensive line of Darien and scored. The end score of the game was 3-2 New Canaan.

Girl's JV XC Earns 3rd Place

Nina Rodriguez 

On October 18th, Blue Wave Girl’s Cross Country went to Wickham Park in New Canaan, CT, to participate in FCIACs. The Junior Varsity course was 4000 meters, or 2.5 miles. The course was revised, due to muddy grounds from the rain. Out of 13 team, Darien placed 3rd, with 120 points; New Canaan got 2nd with 86 points; and Ridgefield won, with 52 points.

Senior Girls during homecoming week. Courtesy of Penn Boucher

Darien’s top runner for JV, senior Kate Dempsey, earned a time of 16:58. Other notable runners, are junior Suzanna Alliegro (17:21), and sophomores Georgia Sheehan (17:23) and Charlotte Van Ingen (17:23).

“Darien did very well compared to the boy’s team. Everyone tried very well on their last race, which is something I’m proud of,” says Dempsey.

Darien’s top seven runners will attend CIACs on October 26th at Wickham Park. We wish the team the best of luck!

Boys Soccer End Their Season

Alix Platt

Boys soccer has had a fantastic streak this year. Sadly, during the first game of the state tournament, Boys Varsity Soccer lost at Wakeman Turf. In a suspenseful tied game of 1-1, the boys lost during penalty kicks in over time. The only goal was made by junior Charlie Sears, assisted by senior Connor Olson. Their record was 7-4-5 for this season. The boys all had a fantastic year together, yet again. 

Senior Max Marcin fighting for the ball. Courtesy DAF

Senior John Reid said, "It's so sad we lost but this season was really awesome, wouldn't have changed it."

New Canaan Beats Darien 1-0

Brianna Lyons

On October 9, 2018, Darien lost to New Canaan. It was a hard fought battle, unfortunately, the outcome was not ideal. The team lost 1-0, but they did not give up till the very last whistle, ending the game.

The Darien High School Varsity team fought till the very end on the field. With New Canaan being Darien’s biggest rival, it came as no shock that the team came out ready to play. Unfortunately, the Rams came out as energetic as Darien, and started the game off very strong. Darien held their ground throughout the first half. Unfortunately, during the second half New Canaan slipped pass Darien scoring a goal making the score 1-0.

“We fought as hard as we could. We worked really hard and never stopped playing," says freshman Alexis Lyons.

The Junior Varsity team also lost against New Canaan. Just like the Varsity team, the Jv team fought through the entire game. The whistle was blown and the game began with Darien keeping the ball in New Canaan’s half for most of the first quarter. Unfortunately, New Canaan broke the barriers of the strong defensive line of Darien and scored. The end score of the game was 3-2 New Canaan.

Courtesy Darien Athletic Foundation

Girl's JV XC earns 3rd Place

Nina Rodriguez

On October 18th, Blue Wave Girl’s Cross Country went to Wickham Park in New Canaan, CT, to participate in FCIACs. The Junior Varsity course was 4000 meters, or 2.5 miles. The course was revised due to muddy grounds from the rain. Out of 13 teams, Darien placed 3rd, with 120 points; New Canaan received 2nd place with 86 points; Ridgefield won with 52 points.

Senior Girls during homecoming week. Courtesy of Penn Boucher

Darien’s top runner for JV, senior Kate Dempsey, earned a time of 16:58. Other notable runners, are junior Suzanna Alliegro (17:21), and sophomores Georgia Sheehan (17:23) and Charlotte Van Ingen (17:23).

“Darien did very well compared to the boy’s team. Everyone tried very well on their last race, which is something I’m proud of” Dempsey said.

Darien’s top seven runners will attend CIACs on October 26th at Wickham Park. We wish the team the best of luck!

Darien Field Hockey Defeats Staples

Lily Genovese

Darien beats the undefeated Staples on Thursday, November 1.

Senior Captain Katie Elders with the Ball (CCourtesyDAF)

After losing to Staples in the regular season, BWFH unified to defeat their biggest rival. As stated in CT Post, Captain Shea Van den Broek states, “We worked so hard and to come this far is so exciting for our team, we’ve improved so much since we first played them in the first game of the season. This just sums up the accomplishments we’ve worked toward this year.”

First goal was shot by Staples junior Kyle Kirby, less than eight minutes into the game on a penalty stroke. However, BWFH fired back when Shea Van den Broek scored with 18 minutes left in the first half.

At halftime, the game was tense, with the score 1-1 in a tie.

However, the second half was where Darien shone. Molly Helman scored a quick goal just six minutes into the second half, shifting the score to 2-1.

Later, Darien held opportunities for three penalty goals. They also shot 9 shots on goal.