Ravens Roundup: October 2023

A compilation of Portsmouth Abbey’s Athletic News and Notes.

Raven Alumni Sail for Success During Rolex Cup

Lucy Wallace ’07 and Robert Savoie ’10 were part of a strong team representing the San Diego Yacht Club in its victory during the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup held in Newport in September.

As noted by writer Christian Winthrop in Newport Buzz, 19 teams from 14 countries competed in the biennial regatta hosted by the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court. The event was first run in 2009 and now attracts top amateur sailors from 51 of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs from 22 countries.

Helmsman Tyler Sinks and Wallace raced together at Boston College and the remaining crew members are connected by time spent together in youth sailing. Several members were named collegiate All-Americans several years in a row. Teams sailed in the IC37, designed by Mark Mills. The strict one-design nature of this purpose-built class and the fact that each boat is owned and maintained by the New York Yacht Club ensured a level playing field among the teams.

Fall Season Underway for Raven Teams

Cross Country

The Portsmouth Abbey Cross Country teams are readying for their fourth meet of the season this week at home against Dana Hall School, Wheeler School, and Concord Academy. Both the girls' and boys' teams are performing well despite having to deal with some early Autumn heat and various insects. We can expect to see some strong performances leading to the championships on November 3.

Field Hockey

The varsity team looks to increase their record this week to an even 5-5. The team is working hard to rebound after losses with great effort from returning and new players. The JV players continue to build their skills and play again on October 18.

Football

The varsity football team earned its first win of the season at home against Albany Academy on October 7. After struggling to score during the first two games, the Ravens scored TDs on their first three drives. The offensive line played physically all day long, allowing others to make big plays. Defensively, The Ravens played fast and physically all afternoon. The team will face a talented Greenwich Country Day School team at home during Parent's Weekend on October 14. JV players continue to develop their skills, showing some talent for future rosters. They play St.George's on October 18.

Boys’ Golf

With the beautiful Aquidneck Club as its home base, boys’ golf continues to see significant improvement and looks to tilt its tied record of wins and losses in a positive direction this weekend.

Boys’ Soccer

With five wins this season, the varsity team looks to improve its record during the remainder of the season. New Head Coach Sebastian Gonzalez is pleased with the effort put in by his team and the way they support each other both on and off the field. JV players continue to see positive progression and will face Beaver Country Day during Parent’s Weekend on October 14.

Girls’ Soccer

After a brutal, gut-punch loss in the final seconds at Beaver Country Day earlier last week, the varsity team rebounded like true Ravens and earned a hard-fought win against Concord Academy on the road, 1-0. The rain couldn't dampen the team's resolve to get back on track, and they executed some tactical changes very well to keep the dangerous Concord counter-attack off-balance. The Ravens look forward to 2 more EIL games against Dana Hall and a rematch against Beaver this week during Parents’ Weekend. The JV team has seen success during their last three match-ups, to even their overall record to 3-3. They look forward to more competition this week.

Volleyball

Abbey varsity volleyball improved their record to 7-2 on Saturday, October 7, with a 3-0 EIL win at Concord Academy.  The team continues to put forth tremendous effort and is preparing for more EIL play this week. JV players look to tilt the balance in their favor with wins this week after a tied record of wins and losses thus far this season.

For more Athletic News and recaps of weekly contests, visit team pages at https://www.portsmouthabbey.org/learn/athletics/team-pages