Whitman-Hanson Athletics Weekly Newsletter
A Note of Gratitude
Before diving into this week's athletic highlights, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the parents who have been attending their children's games this week. Your exemplary behavior in the stands and unwavering support for our student-athletes has been truly commendable. Your positive presence creates an atmosphere that not only enhances the experience for everyone in attendance but, most importantly, means the world to your children as they compete. Thank you for being such outstanding ambassadors of Panther pride.
Golf Team Shows Grit in Busy Week
The Whitman-Hanson varsity golf team had an action-packed week with five matches in seven days, demonstrating remarkable resilience and consistency throughout their challenging schedule.
The Panthers opened the week with a thrilling 236-238 victory over Marshfield at Green Harbor Golf Course in a match that truly came down to the wire. Senior Captain Cam Nehiley once again led by example, earning medalist honors with an even-par 36. Senior Captain Ryan Christensen and juniors Ben Tappa and Mason Bergeron each contributed solid 39s to secure the team victory.
Following up on that success, the team faced Plymouth South at home at Ridder Farms Golf Course in another nail-biting contest, ultimately prevailing 228-234. Nehiley continued his stellar play as the low scorer with a 1-over-par 35, while junior Mason Bergeron added a strong 36. The win brought the Panthers to 3-4 on the season.
The week's most heartbreaking result came against Pembroke, as the Panthers fell just short in a 239-243 defeat at Ridder Farms. Captain Cam Nehiley fired an impressive 2-under-par 34, with juniors Matt Miller and Mason Bergeron, along with sophomore Nic Beltramini, all shooting 40s in the losing effort.
The busy stretch concluded with a 225-255 loss to a strong Duxbury squad, also at Ridder Farms. Nehiley remained the bright spot for the Panthers (2-4), posting a 2-over 38 on the back nine, while Ryan Christensen, Ben Morgan, and Nic Beltramini each shot 43s.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will attempt to return to .500 when they face East Bridgewater at Ridder Farms on Sunday afternoon.
Field Hockey: Mixed Results Against Quality Competition
The Whitman-Hanson field hockey team experienced both sides of competition this week, showcasing their offensive capabilities while also facing top-tier opposition.
The Panthers dominated their road matchup against Brockton, cruising to a convincing 9-0 victory. The offensive explosion was a true team effort, with senior forwards Abby Nash netting two goals and Tessa Feeley adding one. The junior class made significant contributions as well, with forwards Maeve Gavin, Paige Sampson, and Captain Cami Walsh each scoring twice to round out the scoring barrage.
However, the Panthers faced a much stiffer test when they hosted the Hingham Harborwomen, ultimately falling 7-0 to the highly skilled visitors. Hingham's impressive offense struck early, scoring twice in the first quarter and adding a third goal before halftime. Despite the challenging circumstances, several Panthers distinguished themselves in the defeat. Senior midfielder Shannon Balfe worked tirelessly to fend off offensive rushes while driving the ball upfield to her forwards, while junior defender Sophey Cocio was a standout on the back line, successfully carrying numerous balls out of the defensive zone. Perhaps most impressively, junior netminder Calliegh Vurpillatte made 25 saves throughout the contest, many of which extinguished multiple scoring opportunities for the talented Harborwomen.
Volleyball: Building Momentum with Strong Team Play
The Whitman-Hanson volleyball team demonstrated both their potential and their resilience this week, earning a statement victory while learning valuable lessons in a road defeat.
The Panthers bounced back impressively with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Plymouth North (25-23, 25-19, 25-19) in league play. Senior captain Brooke Steele led the charge with nine kills and eight aces, showcasing the kind of leadership expected from a team captain. Junior Emily McNaught was equally impressive, contributing six aces and 13 assists, while senior captain Leah Barnett added five aces and 12 assists. Sophomore Nguyen Vo anchored the defense with 15 digs, and senior Samantha Ransom delivered the game-winning kill from the back row to seal the victory.
Earlier in the week, the Panthers fell to Scituate on the road 1-4 (26-24, 19-25, 17-25, 20-25) in a league matchup that saw them battle hard in the opening set before ultimately succumbing to their hosts. Steele again led the Panthers with nine kills, while junior Presley Giannino added five. Vo continued her strong defensive play with nine digs, and Steele and McNaught each contributed six digs of their own. McNaught also recorded 10 assists in the effort.
With the victory over Plymouth North, Whitman-Hanson improved to 2-4 overall and in league play. The Panthers will look to build on their momentum when they host Oliver Ames in a non-league matchup on Monday.
Cross Country: Individual Excellence Shines
Both Whitman-Hanson cross country teams faced strong Hingham squads this week, with individual performances highlighting the talent within each program despite the team results.
The boys' team dropped to 0-2 on the season with a 21-36 loss to Hingham on their challenging 2.98-mile course. Senior Captain [name not provided] continued his excellent start to the season, taking first place overall for the Panthers for the second consecutive week with a time of 16:34. The scoring was rounded out by Senior Captain Luke Morse (6th place, 17:56), sophomores Jackson Delue (8th, 18:26) and Dylan Meredith (10th, 18:48), and junior Zack Geagan (11th, 18:50). The team will travel to face Marshfield Tuesday.
The girls' team also fell to 0-2 after their encounter with Hingham's strong squad. Senior Kaitlyn Howard delivered an outstanding performance, winning the race with a time of 22:09 on the 2.98-mile course. The scoring was completed by freshman Julianna Delue (6th place, 22:44), junior Lindsey Brzuszek (10th place, 22:51), junior Kaylah Randow (13th place, 23:30), and sophomore Lilly Smith (23:49). Like their male counterparts, the girls will face Marshfield in their next meet.
Girls Soccer: Defensive Strength Leads to Success
The Whitman-Hanson girls soccer team split their week's action, showing both their defensive capabilities and the fine margins that often determine results at the high school level.
The Panthers fell 1-0 to Hanover in what was described as "a tale of two halves." Despite applying strong pressure in the second half, the Panthers were unable to find the equalizer they desperately sought.
However, the team bounced back with an impressive 1-0 road victory over Plymouth North in Patriot League action. The defensive unit of Devin Olszewski, Shelby Bell, Milley Mahoney, and Calleigh Mahoney were outstanding in front of goalkeeper Addison Hughes, who earned her third shutout of the season. The lone goal came from Keira Manchester, who converted a perfectly placed feed from Elizabeth Kowlski for the game-winner.
With the victory, the Panthers improved to 2-2-1 on the season, demonstrating the kind of defensive consistency that often translates to postseason success.
Boys Soccer: Competitive Spirit Despite Results
The Whitman-Hanson boys soccer team continued to show improvement and competitive spirit this week, despite facing challenging results that don't fully reflect their growth as a team.
Against Hanover on Thursday, September 18th, the Panthers fell 3-0 in league action, dropping their league record to 0-4 and overall record to 0-5. However, the team started strongly in the first half, keeping the contest close and making things challenging for their opponents defensively. Senior Captain Cam Mackay moved to a forward position to create changes in the attack, while Dylan Fencer and Rhys Jackson were dangerous at times in their forward roles.
Earlier in the week, the Panthers battled Plymouth North on Monday, September 15th, ultimately falling 3-1 in a highly competitive league contest. The Panthers showed tremendous discipline throughout the match and managed to answer an early Plymouth North goal with a spectacular strike from Dylan Fencer, who fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner off a perfect split pass from Sid Monagari between the Plymouth North defenders. The teams went to halftime tied 1-1, but luck wasn't on Whitman-Hanson's side in the second half despite creating several quality scoring opportunities. Freshman James Sousa was particularly impressive playing in the defensive line, showing the kind of composure that bodes well for the program's future.
Most importantly, the team has continued to play with tremendous pride and determination, never giving up regardless of the circumstances. The coaching staff has noted consistent improvement and increased competitiveness game after game. The Panthers will look to continue their progress when they face Marshfield on Tuesday.
Football: Offensive Highlights in Tough Loss
The Whitman-Hanson football team (0-3) fell to Plymouth South 40-22 in a game that showcased several bright spots for the Panthers' developing program. It was once again a huge crowd as the student body came out in their best COUNTRY CLUB attire and brought great energy to the stadium.
Offensively, the Panthers were led by the impressive aerial connection between quarterback Jack Martin and receiver Pat Ryan, who hooked up for two touchdown passes. Brody Getchell added a rushing touchdown to the scoring effort. Quinn Frazier was particularly impressive throughout the contest, securing a long kick return that directly set up one of the Panther touchdowns while also contributing valuable yards as a runner, receiver, and passer on offense—a true display of versatility.
Defensively, the Panthers were anchored by the strong play of Anthony Baker, Jackson Alexander, and Bobby Walker, who consistently made tackles and disrupted Plymouth South's offensive rhythm.
The Panthers will use their bye week next week to rest, recover, and continue preparing for the remainder of their season.
