Harvey School Fall Sports Preview

By Chris Del Campo

The start of classes this week at The Harvey School means the athletic teams are gearing up for their fall season. The girls varsity soccer and volleyball teams get their first taste of competition this week.

Boys Soccer Banking on Experience

Inexperience was a key factor that dashed the hopes of last year’s boys 2-12-2 varsity soccer team as underclassmen were asked to step up and play key roles as a result of a number of season-long injuries. Coach Alex Morse is hoping the infusion of eight new players and the maturing of those who were on the team last season will make the squad competitive this year. “I’m expecting we should see greater success than last year,” said Coach Morse. “Experience could play a key role in helping us improve upon last year’s showing,” he added.

Seniors Tyler Levy, Adam Penino and junior Colin Nardi return as starters from last year’s defensive unit. They will be asked to do the majority of the marking in the back third. Levy, the team MVP in 2014, was a WNEPSSA All-Star and HVAL All League Honorable Mention last year. Penino was also selected as HVAL All League Honorable Mention in 2014.

This year, senior Drew Homola will lead the offensive attack as a highly skilled forward. He will be aided by senior Brian Benjamin and newcomers Kevin Dorf and Isaac Cullity Vieux. Several returning players and new students are competing for positions in the midfield.

The boys open their season at home Tuesday, Sept. 15, against Poughkeepsie Day School.

Girls Soccer Looking to Improve

As the fall season begins for Harvey’s girls varsity soccer team, second-year head coach Greg Janos says he expects “speed and tenacity” to be the strengths of this year’s squad. Christina Binns and Kamar Brown will join the coaching ranks to help the Lady Cavaliers compete against teams in both the Housatonic Valley Athletic League (HVAL) and the Women’s Western New England Prep School Soccer Association (WWNEPSSA).

The coaches are counting on a number of key returners to help Harvey have a winning season this year.

Senior Jasmine Brouwer and sophomore Sydney Lunder, captains on defense, both had outstanding seasons last year and will be expected to provide a solid line of defense. Brouwer was a WWNEPSSA All-League selection last season. Lunder was named a New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) All-Star.

Senior captains Julia Frisch and WWNEPSSA 2014 All-League Hannah Morris will be the key midfielders called upon to be the leaders and workhorses on offense as they were last year. “Both Frisch and Morris played every minute of last season demonstrating a ‘never say die’ attitude,” said coach Janos. “Their heart and commitment to win will be a huge spark in this year’s team,” he added.

Sophomore Kelly McMorrow will mind the net for Harvey. “Kelly has gotten better and better as goalie every day and we’ll be looking at her to make some key saves this year to secure victories for us,” said the coach.

The Lady Cavs will have a few key newcomers to this year’s team. Freshman forwards Charlotte Levy and Morgan Chapman are being counted on to spark Harvey’s offense. “With Charlotte’s speed, strong foot and toughness up front, we see her scoring some big goals,” said coach Janos. “Morgan will be a force to be reckoned with this season, too,” said the coach. “Her preseason performance has demonstrated her knowledge of the game and overall talent,” he added.

Coach Janos believes this year’s team should find greater success than last year’s 3-9 squad. “We have a lot of new players and a whole different attitude and game plan. With the amount of talent I’ve seen thus far, I’m expecting a much better outcome this year.”

The Lady Cavaliers open their season at home against Storm King School Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Volleyball to Build on Last Year’s Success

The varsity volleyball team suffered a tough semifinal loss in the HVAL playoffs against the #1 seed last year, but finished with a winning season overall, earning the best record of the program’s eight-year history at 8-7.

Head coach Dave Ketner will guide the team for his seventh season with bench help from Melissa Zeffer starting her third season as his assistant.

Coach Ketner sees the team’s strength this season coming from the returning setters and a strong team defense. Harvey is counting on senior setters Tessa Knorr and Emily Sirota. They are also expected to make the team strong as outside hitters along with returning sophomore Sasha Fox.

The coach says the team’s fortunes should also improve with the arrival of four new juniors who have experience. The Lady Cavaliers see Sara Steinberg and Katerina Pantginis as a strong pair of hitters. Another newcomer, Talene Boyajian, will play setter while Ava Cohn is expected to make key contributions on defense. Coach Ketner believes the team’s 6-2 offensive scheme initiated with success last year should also play a key role in Harvey’s battles with some tough HVAL opponents. He sees Christian Heritage and Chase Collegiate as the teams that will be the toughest to match up against.

Coach Ketner says the team is looking forward to the start of the season. “I am very optimistic and hopeful, as are the girls, about the upcoming season. With our new players, I’m looking forward to the team gelling and putting it all together.”

The Lady Cavs open their volleyball season at home against Wooster School Wednesday, Oct. 9.

Cross-Country Looks to Make Strides

Harvey’s cross-country track team is relying on key returning runners to reach its goals this season. Fourth year coach Michael Lauria and assistant Rosana Lindoro look to senior captain David Solano to step up and lead the effort to improve every runner’s time in the team’s schedule of meets.

Coach Lauria says Solano and Justin Tebbutt will serve as the core of the team. “They will be called upon to help guide the younger and less experienced runners,” said the coach. “Our overall goal is to continue improving and growing as a program,” he added.

Coach Lauria sees Forman and Chase as Harvey’s toughest opponents this season. The Cavaliers will get their first taste of competition on the road against Watkinson Oct. 7.

Photo: Harvey volleyball player Emily Sirota. Photo credit: Contributed