Gators Girls Soccer Splits Opening Scrimmages

opened its 2011-12 soccer season with a loss and a win in scrimmages against Manchester Valley and Beth Tfiloh, Aug. 29 and Aug. 31, respectively.

After losing to Manchester Valley, 6-0, in 2010, SPSG's defense improved. This year, the team lost 2-0 against the big and physical Carroll County team. Manchester Valley dominated the first half, but the Gators rallied with chances to score in the second half, though none finished.

The Gators' Wednesday game against Beth Tfiloh gave coach Don Keener a chance to feel out his bench as SPSG dominated the game with a 9-0 victory.

"With a starting line-up of seven sophomores and one freshman, we will continue to gain the valuable experience needed to compete in the IAAM B conference," Keener said. "Our biggest strength is our depth. The team will carry a 12-man bench filled with quality players to help complete against a tough nonconference schedule."

The Gators' defensive unit looks to recover from . Keener said he expects improvement from sophomores Tiffany McKee in goal and forward Katerina Stavrakis, as well as from junior midfielder Courtney Wagner, a John Carroll transfer.

The Gators start their regular season Sept. 6 against North Harford at 4 p.m. and then travel to Park School Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

FIELD HOCKEY

St. Paul's field hockey team's first game was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene, but the girls beat Manchester Valley, 1-0, in their second scheduled scrimmage on Sept. 1.

Junior Sam Sine scored the lone goal for the Gators, but midfielder Allie Holle was voted Player of the Game by her teammates for contributing aggressively on offense and defense. Coach Gabrielle Mink said the junior controls the tempo well from center mid.

With 15 returning starters from last season, the team is a solid group of players with good chemistry. Mink said the team will utilize that experience in pursuit of a winning record.

"We want to go out and play every game for the full 60 minutes," Mink said. "Our biggest challenge is scoring more. We only scored in a few games last year, so our big goal for this year is to score in every game."

The team travels to Notre Dame Prep Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. before returning home to play Garrison Forest Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

St. Paul's School for Girls volleyball team returned from a five-day trip to Orlando where they competed in the KSA Fall Classic Volleyball Tournament.

St. Paul's defeated Circle Christian, 2-0, winning 25-17, 25-19.

The Gators return home to play Brooklandville rivals Maryvale Prep, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m., and then face Seton-Keough at 5 p.m. Sept. 9.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Remember, you can add photos and videos of any game we cover just by signing up with the site! For questions, comments or concerns, email editor Nick DiMarco at nickd@patch.com or by phone 443-621-2174.

Download the movie