The GFA girls soccer team competed in the New England Class C tournament last week. The Dragons defeated The Wheeler School 2-1 in overtime (penalty kicks) in the quarterfinals, but lost in the semifinals to Brewster Academy 1-0. Against Wheeler, neither team could capitalize early. GFA displayed its speed in the midfield with senior captain Emily Caldwell (Fairfield) and junior Caroline Vanacore (Darien), as well as up top with junior Phebe Wong (Darien). The defense, with its normal stoppers of senior captains Kate Tomlinson (Darien), Sam Brown (Old Greenwich), junior Blair Pelley (Darien) and freshman Olivia Lennon (Southport), as well as Caldwell, who joined later in the half, turned away numerous balls from Wheeler, leaving them with only two shots on goal in the first forty minutes.

In the second half, Wheeler took the 1-0 lead with eight minutes left on the clock. GFA responded with immediate pressure as the Dragons earned a direct kick from the 45 - yard line. Caldwell found the back of the net placing a beautiful shot into the corner of the cage to tie the game at 1-1 and sending the game into overtime. Both teams played strong in overtime, but neither team capitalized on opportunities. In penalty kicks, GFA outshot Wheeler 5-4 to win the game with goals by junior Kiki Kauffman (Darien), Tomlinson (Darien), Vanacore (Darien) and Wong (Darien) with the game winner by Caldwell (Fairfield). Sophomore Caroline Kruk (Easton) had a diving save on Wheeler's second shooter.

Against Brewster Academy in the semifinals, Caldwell, senior Nora Flaherty (Norwalk) along with Wong, led the offensive end. The defense was led by Tomlinson and Brown, backing up Kruk, by sending balls out of the back and stopping many other balls from getting through. Although GFA outshot Brewster Academy 12-4, Brewster was able to register one goal in the first half when a crossed the ball founded its way into the corner of the net for the 1-0 lead. GFA's best opportunity came in the second half as junior Blair Pelley (Darien) sent a corner ball into the box where Vanacore hit it past a diving Brewster goalie; however, the goal was called back due to a handball, leaving the game at its final tally of 1-0.

 

Volleyball 

The GFA varsity volleyball team competed in the New England Class C tournament hosted by Miss Halls School on Saturday, Nov. 19 and finished Runner-Up. The Dragons defeated Cheshire Academy 3-0 in the semifinals and advanced to play conference rival King in the finals, a school that they had faced twice during the season and split games. In the final game GFA played well, posted a few comeback runs but in the end King won the match 3-1. The Dragons' season was one of great success, taking two Runner-up trophies, one in the FAA League finals and then the New England finals. The team also posted wins over a #1 ranked team in New Englands (KING) and an undefeated league Champion team (Greenwich Academy) in the semifinals of the FAA Tournament. During the New England Tournament, GFA was led by setter Sarah MacDonell (Westport) who recorded 30 assists, 18 kills and 12 blocks. Senior Kiera Wood (Redding) was stellar as well with 12 kills and five blocks, while junior Sarah Young (Stamford) had 15 kills and 12 digs. Sophomore hitter Laura Reul (Norwalk) was a big contributor chipping in 10 kills and 15 blocks. Defensively senior Lucy Hoffman (Fairfield) and junior Rachel Schwimmer (Westport) combined for 35 digs with help from junior Brooke Cirillo (Bedford, NY) with nine digs and five aces. Freshman Claire Comey (Westport) continues to impress adding six kills, five blocks and a team high nine aces.