Lewis vs. Pangborn — Tobias Hoonhout
As the first round of interhall football continues, Lewis and Pangborn square off Monday night.
Entering the contest, expectations are high for both teams, but both Lewis and Pangborn are entering their first game with a lot of questions. Pangborn senior captain Mary Gallagher said they are looking for younger players to step up.
“We lost a lot of playmakers when the class of 2015 graduated, including our quarterback,” Gallagher said. “We have a lot of places to fill with younger players on both sides of the ball, but we are really excited to see what this season holds.”
Pangborn is coming off an appearance in the championship last year, and Gallagher said they are looking to get back to the promised land of Notre Dame Stadium.
“I think we know what it takes to get back there,” Gallagher said. “[It] is something that we really want to do.”
Lewis is entering the season with a lot of energy, but also a serious dedication to having a successful season, Lewis senior captain Penny Vorissis said.
“Lewis plays for fun, but Lewis plays to win,” said Vorissis. “We put a lot of heart into our games, and we really lay it all out on the field.”
Vorissis said the defense looks solid, with fellow co-captain senior Dorothy Schlueter helping her anchor an experienced unit that will try to carry the team. The coaching staff is also looking to play a key part this year and will try to catch opponents off-guard with plays on both sides of the ball.
The matchup Monday looks to be an intriguing one, with both teams entering the season with high expectations but also with key questions about their squads. Only time will tell if those questions are answered as Lewis and Pangborn square off tonight at 10 p.m. at Riehle Fields.
Farley vs. Howard — Richard Iannelli
Under the lights at Riehle Fields on Monday night, Farley will take on Howard in an opening-week matchup.
Having only lost four starters from last year’s squad, Farley (1-0) will come into the game with plenty of experience. Howard will also return many veterans to the field from last year’s team, but senior captain Stephanie Peterson also said she is looking for her younger players to shine.
“[We have] some good, new freshmen talent,” Peterson said.
Not having played one another last season, there is not much Farley and Howard can prepare for. Farley senior co-captain Ali Buersmeyer said her team is not sure what to expect.
“With lots of coach and player turnover year-to-year it's hard to know what to expect,” Buersmeyer said. “[Our defense will] definitely be flexible going into the game versus Howard.”
Both teams will enter the game with big goals for the season. Farley co-captain senior Michelle Summers said the team wants to get to the championship.
“[We are] looking to return to the stadium in the championship game,” Summers said. “Many of our current players have been to the stadium with Farley's ‘B’ team, and it's definitely an experience we hope to repeat as upperclassmen.”
Peterson said the Ducks want to start the season off right.
“It’s a chance to show what we’re capable of and will set for our team an expectation of winning,” Peterson said. “No need to sugarcoat it — our goal is to win and winning a night game under the lights is even better.”
The Finest and the Ducks will get underway at Riehle Fields tonight at 10 p.m.
Pasquerilla West vs. Cavanaugh — Alex Bender
Cavanaugh takes on Pasquerilla West on Tuesday at Riehle Fields in a game between two teams with high expectations for their seasons.
Despite only being a week into the season and having not played a game yet, Pasquerilla West senior captain Maddie Bray said she has little doubt in her team’s ability to perform in this game.
“I feel really confident,” Bray said. “We have a good mix of new and returning players and we have a lot of depth so we feel good about our chances in this game.”
Cavanaugh senior captain Katie Kaes echoed a similar message as her team prepares for this showdown.
“I’m definitely very excited,” Kaes said. “It will be our second game so between those two it will be a good way to start off the season, and obviously, I believe that we will win.”
When asked what might be the keys to success in this game, both captains emphasized the need to stay calm, cool and collected.
The two teams will kick off Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the season opener for Pasquerilla West and the second contest for Cavanaugh.
Welsh Family vs Walsh — Elizabeth Greason
On Tuesday evening, Walsh will take on Welsh Family to wrap up the first week of play this season.
Welsh Family captain, junior Sharon Chiang, has high hopes for the upcoming season, especially as last year’s loss in the championship is still fresh in returning members’ minds.
“We have an amazing group of women this year,” Chiang said. “Last year, we made it to the championships and unfortunately, we fell short. So this year we're looking to redeem ourselves.”
In its pursuit of a successful season, Walsh will rely heavily on a young team, but Wild Women sophomore captain Maryanne Fisher has high hopes.
“A lot of our seniors graduated last year so we needed people to step into their roles which were pretty big shoes to fill,” Fisher said. “We’re really proud of the freshman and new players who have learned the game in a short amount of time and also for returning players who have built on their skills and helping new players.”
Both captains are excited to show off what their teams have been working on so far this preseason.
“Both the offense and defense are looking really strong,” Chiang said. “We're looking pretty sharp.”
While Walsh and Welsh Family are looking to win the game, both teams have another common goal: having fun.
“We’re going to go for the win and have fun along the way,” Fisher said.
Chiang said, "We're going to play our absolute best every time, and of course, have a ton of fun doing it."
Walsh and Welsh Family will play Tuesday at Riehle Fields at 7 p.m.
