Deerfield Closes the Weekend 4-1 over Rival Choate

It was a big weekend for the Big Green as they faced rival Choate in 5 different contests – boys varsity & JV lacrosse, girls varsity & JV lacrosse and softball. The Big Green teams were victorious over the Wild Boars as both boys lacrosse teams, girls JV lacrosse and varsity softball earned commanding wins.

Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Choate: Win 17-4

Eric Goodchild, the dedicated Master Bagpiper of the Deerfield Academy community, led the Big Green onto Jim Smith Field for Saturday’s contest playing a classic tune that resonates strongly in the Pioneer Valley: A victory for Deerfield.

Ted Sullivan ’17

Eric’s playing was inspirational to the team, as they took an early lead against Choate and never looked back. Bubba Fairman ‘17 had a good day, while Jordan Ginder ’18 had a great day against a good face-off opponent.  The Deerfield Academy defense held together and displayed their strong communication and rapport to hold the Wild Boars to only 4 goals. The win improves the team’s record to 4-1.

Boys JV Lacrosse vs. Choate: Win 17-5

Boys JV lacrosse team put on an offense show Saturday afternoon against archival Choate in Deerfield. Eight different players scored goals in the decisive 17-5 victory, which saw all members of the team participating in the game. Leading the scorers was Teddy Durfee with 4 goals, followed by Nolan Zusi and Zach Davis both with 3 goals each. Will Dale and Parker Luber both found the net twice during the game and single tallies came from Garrett Alexander, Chris Goranov and Nicky Hay. All three of Deerfield’s goalies saw action in the contest, combining for 10 saves between them were Thanasi Tsandilas, Will Savage and Alex Leong. Deerfield JV is now 4-1 on the season.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Choate: Loss 11-13

Olivia Jones ’18 – Player of the game for the Big Green

The Big Green hosted the Wild Boars for their annual rival contest. Choate jumped to an early 4-0 lead early in the first half, and their goalie can be credited with coming up with some strong saves. With dogged effort and a resolute, never-quit mentality, the Big Green swung the tide back in their favor and steadily climbed out of the deficit as the half progressed.  The Deerfield defense, in particular, rose to the day’s challenge and achieved success in offering forceful pressure on their opponents.  The 2nd half was balanced and hard-fought, with both sides trading goals.  With three minutes remaining, a Deerfield score brought the game to an 11-11 tie.  Though the last minutes of the game did not fall in favor of the Big Green, they left the field with heads held high for a ferociously fought contest. The team record is 2-2.

Girls JV Lacrosse vs. Choate: Win 11-3

The girls JV lacrosse match-up was evenly paced in the first half and included early goal scoring exchanges between the two teams. The Big Green held the advantage at the half, 6-2 and further extended their lead in the 2nd half. The team only conceded 1 goal in the second half to earn the win and finish the day with an 11-3 final score to improve their early season record to 2-1.

Softball @ Choate: Win 22-0

Ireland Miessau ’17 pitched a 5-inning shutout to lead the Big Green over the Wild Boars on Saturday afternoon in Wallingford, CT.  Deerfield did not allow a base runner past 2nd base in the 22-0 victory over rival Choate. Miessau only needed 60 pitches in the blowout win.

Miessau, Kathryn Hioe ’20, and Suzy Mazur ’18 lead the hitting attack, combining for 10 of Deerfield’s 18 hits on the day. With a big week ahead, the Big Green hold a 4-1 record.