Spring 2010 Varsity Sports Season Summaries

Boys Volleyball

The boys finished the season in 2nd place with a record of 11-3. They advanced to playoff finals, where they defeated York Prep in five close games to win the PSAA championship. “We had lost twice to York Prep, very early in the season,” says Head Coach Pippa Mayell, “so we were looking forward to meeting them again, having changed our line-up and system, and having improved considerably.”

Coach Mayell praised all three seniors for being “fantastic promoters of the program.”

Another big game for the boys was the late season rematch against Horace Mann, one they also won in five close games. “The Packer gym was packed, the Pelican mascot was there, and the atmosphere was fantastic,” recalls Coach Mayell. “It felt like a Championship game and was great preparation for the real one to come.”

Boys Baseball

Despite the return of the entire starting lineup from last year, the team got off to a slow start. “We needed to change things up,” says Head Coach Chris Ruck. “We rotated most of our defense, and it sparked a seven-game win streak.”

After losing a close game to Friends Seminary just a few days earlier, the team faced a must-win rematch in order to make the playoffs.  A first-inning grand slam led to a final score of 11-1. An overall record of 11-7 earned the team a 3rd-place finish in ACIS and a playoff berth. The team then advanced to the semi-finals, before ultimately falling to St. Ann's.

“Our offense has been the most explosive since I've coached the team,” says Coach Ruck. “Our seniors have been such a crucial part of the team success. There will be players stepping up and filling their roles next year, but this group of seniors will truly be missed.”

Girls Softball

A tough win over a talented Martin Luther squad led the team to a spot in the ACIS championship game, where they lost to Berkley Carroll. The girls finished with an overall record of 8-7.

Injuries forced many to play unfamiliar positions, but Head Coach Kristie DeSantis says the players were supportive of each other. “This season we focused on teamwork, leadership, base running,” she says, “The girls really earned the respect of opposing teams for their aggressive base running.”

Boys Tennis

An 8-2 record was good enough for 2nd place in the ACIS as Packer players won the ACIS doubles championship and the singles consolation.

“Our match against Portledge made us feel like we were one of the top teams of the league,” says Head Coach Matt Levy. “The fight showed by [our players] cemented us into 2nd place.”

Coach Levy was pleasantly surprised this year by the strong contributions of his freshmen. “I wish the best to all my seniors and hope to get another good freshman class next year,” he says.

Girls Tennis

“This was our first year in the AAIS league, we had a lot to learn,” says Head Coach Liz Ann Doherty. A 3-6 record belied a season that hinged on several close matches versus Spence, Nightingale, Marymount, and Hewitt. Just a handful of points could have flipped the team’s win/loss record to 6-3.

At the final tournament in Chatham, NJ, one player advanced to the third round, while two others ended up playing each other in the consolation semi-finals.

“I am very proud of the girls, most of whom were inexperienced match players,” says Coach Doherty. “I am excited to see the continued improvement and dedication that has developed over the course of the season.”

Boys Track

The boys reeled in 1st at PSAA Championships, 1st at ACIS Championships, and 3rd at NYSAIS, the highest finish ever for a Packer team in track and field.

For Head Coach Rob Martin, the defining moment of the season came at the PSAA Championships, where “despite false starts at the beginning of the meet, the team rallied with some surprising performances to help us repeat as PSAA Champs.”

Girls Track

The girls came in 1st in ACIS Championships, 4th in PSAA Championships, and 12th at NYSAIS.

Coach Martin will remember the ACIS championships in particular, as each member of the team helped to nudge the team to victory.

“The girls had many unknowns coming into the season, as three major contributors were sidelined with injuries,” he says, “but they still pulled off ACIS champs with a very young team.”

Packer sent two boys and two girls to the “Federations” state championships in Binghamton, NY.