A Sweet 3-Peat for Field Hockey

-By: Jack Bushell-

Girls' field hockey snagged its third straight state title against New Canaan 3-0 on Saturday(11/21)! This is the team's third title in three years. The game took place in Wethersfield Conn. Both teams had to travel quite far, but it was worth it for the Blue Wave. Prior to this win, the girls had also just won the FCIAC title as well: better make room in the trophy case! The team went 22-0 during the entire season only giving up five goals during that stretch. The offense also played a huge role as the team scored 104 times. Senior Aimee Rich was the core of the defense shutting out the opponent 18 times, which is more games that some of the other teams have won. The entire defense only let the opponent shoot 72 shots on goal for the season, meaning when the opponent shoots they only have a 14.4% chance of scoring. Defense definitely wins championships as proven by the field hockey team. Congrats girls!!!

(picture taken by Steve Buono)

Field Hockey Gears up for Third Straight State Title

-By: Darius Majd-

For the second year in a row, the Darien Blue Wave field hockey team will enter the CIAC class M state championship as the undefeated favorites this weekend. The 18-0 Blue Wave will face off against top rivals New Canaan Rams. The Wave handed the 15-2-1 Rams their only two losses of the season, and neither were close. In the regular season, the Blue Wave prevailed 4-1, giving up one of only five goals they have conceded this year. The second contest, in the FCIAC championship, was just as one-sided as the Wave trounced the Rams 3-0.

The finals will take place on Saturday at 10am at Wethersfield High School in Weathersfield Conn.

Pictured: Senior Captain Anna Heck

Breakaway Talent Hits the Ice

-By Sam Nelson-

Junior Doug Miller(pictured) is moving fast up the DHS hockey ranks. He will join senior Mike Foresta as assistant captain on the team this month. It took a lot of work to get to this position. Doug has been playing defense in hockey since he was five. Doug’s first real experience came at just eight years of age on the Mite B travel team. Looking up to Joe Sakic, a former player for his favorite NHL team the Colorado Avalanche, Doug made his way to the top. Fast forward to 2009: “the goal for this year is to win FCIACs and to win States.” Looking for Doug on the ice will not be very hard, as he is number 24, and a great defender. Doug loves his position of defense he likes making the long breakout pass and creating a breakaway for his team.
You can check this ice star out at the first game on Dec. 16, at 6 pm against Hamden High School at Hamden Rink. The first home game takes place Dec. 23 at 8:30 pm against Trinity Catholic High School at Darien Ice Rink.

Gymnastics Gearing Up

-By Laura Durham-

Junior gymnastics captain Charlotte Morgan has had to overcome quite a lot before her reign has even begun this month. There will only be 10 girls competing this year. The squad lost seven graduating seniors, and there are only five incoming freshmen: Lauren Medwid, Andrea Tishman, Caroline Congdon, who will serve as manager due to injury, Beau Taylor, and Marya von Schmidt will be joining the team this year. Also, when they begin to practice on Nov. 30, the gymnastics will need to transition to a new coaching style. Middlesex Middle School gym teacher Tovah Vincent who has been the coach for the past several years unfortunately moved further upstate. Selina Tavella, also the Weston High School coach, was hired to coach the girls. Charlotte believes Coach Tavella will help the team run smoothly. The gymnastics team will have under a month to prepare for their season because their first competition is on December 22. Neirad wishes all of the girls a safe and successful season!

Girls' Swimming Wins States

-By Kevin Cassidy-

The Girls' Varsity Swim Team won States on Tuesday night. (11/17) The team competed on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University for the CIAC Class M Championship. After a close loss to Wilton last year the Blue Wave was able to take back the championship. The girls slipped past New Canaan with a score of 873.5 to 840. Junior standout Lindsey Tyler said “We really wanted to do it for the seniors”.
The team was lead by seniors Katie Orem, Sam Berizzi, Katie Rohn, Cali Ceglarski, Paige Gasparino, and Kelsey Harrison who all picked up big points in the Blue Wave victory. We congratulate the team on their FCIAC and CIAC victories.

Blue Waves Hockey Beats Westport

Blue Wave Fall Hockey Team beat Staples High School with a final score of 4-2 on Saturday. The game was played at Terry Connors Ice Rink in Norwalk. Darien came out flying with a quick goal scored by junior Christian Nielsen off of a two on one fore-check. Continuing the assault on the Staples' goaltender, junior Garren Fritz followed up five minutes later with a breakaway goal, ending the first period with Darien on top 2-0. After making his way through four opposing players, senior Luke Shea dialed in a backhanded goal at the start of the second period. The puck seemed to remain in Staples' zone for the remainder of the period, and with three minutes remaining sophomore John Baker sniped a shot to close the period on a high note for Darien. With the help of some unfortunate penalties, Staples managed to capitalize and score two goals during the third period, ending the game with a score of Darien -4, Staples -2. Next week Darien gets a by to the semi-finals against a team that has not yet been named.

Turkey Bowl Next Week

-By Ben Preston-

Thanksgiving Day won’t just be a day for stuffing and turkey, but also for the fiercest rivalry in Connecticut football. With only two games remaining in the regular season, the Blue Wave is preparing for its toughest test: New Canaan. Varsity football must win its last two games to make States. New Canaan’s perfect season was ruined by Bridgeport Central last weekend. This means Darien has to capitalize on the success Central had over the advanced passing attack of New Canaan. “We need to shut down the pass game. Our secondary needs to play well. They have done a great job causing turnovers and can hold New Canaan,” junior Anthony Donato (pictured) said. Anthony believes the defense can hold New Canaan’s offense to little points while Darien’s run game will take control of the game. “The offense has been rolling son, we got to be nice. Got to score some points,” Anthony said.
Be sure to check out the Thanksgiving game on Nov. 26. The game kicks off 10:30am at Dunning Stadium in New Canaan. Tickets will be on sale at the front desk beginning Thursday morning. (11/19) The cost is $3 students; $5 adults; seniors citizens are free.