The Nantucket Current sports roundup continues to showcase the impressive performances of local teams. This week, the Nantucket Whalers excelled across football, field hockey, and volleyball, building momentum as they head into the latter part of the season.
Football: A Dominating Presence on the Field
The Nantucket football team solidified its undefeated status with a resounding victory over the Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins, finishing the game at 49-22. Under the leadership of senior captain Arann Hanlon and junior running back David Guillen-Taveras, the Whalers have demonstrated a powerful offense. Hanlon was instrumental in the game, rushing for 186 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Guillen-Taveras added to the score with one rushing and one receiving touchdown, raising his season tally to an impressive eleven.
Head coach Reese Everett expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, despite acknowledging that there is room for improvement. "We can’t give away free touchdowns," Everett noted, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes as they approach state tournament time. The team currently ranks #7 in the Division 6 state tournament bracket and has outscored its opponents by a significant margin—244 to 58 over six games.
Everett highlighted the team’s collective effort on defense. "It’s 11 heads to the ball," he remarked, indicating a strong sense of unity and teamwork that has contributed to their success. The Whalers are gearing up for their homecoming game against the Sandwich Blue Knights on October 25, where they aim to extend their perfect record to 7-0.
Field Hockey: A Resilient Comeback
The Nantucket field hockey team has staged a remarkable comeback after a challenging stretch in mid-September, where they struggled with four losses out of five games. Recently, the Whalers secured back-to-back victories, improving their season record to 9-4 and extending their win streak to four games.
One standout performance came from senior Sadie Paterson, who scored two goals in both the 3-2 win against St. John Paul II and the 7-0 thrashing of Sharon High School. Coach Dan Weber expressed pride in his team’s ability to regroup and show resilience. "It’s hard to see your teammates go down…but the girls did a good job staying focused," he praised, noting the team’s composure amid challenges, including injuries to key players.
The Whalers aim to achieve their tenth win of the season during an upcoming matchup against the Falmouth Clippers on October 20. The ability to rebound after tough moments has become a defining characteristic of the team’s season.
Volleyball: A Promising Victory for the Young Squad
The Whaler volleyball team celebrated a much-anticipated win against the Rising Tide Herons, finishing the match comfortably at 3-0. The teams distinguished themselves with sets of 25-7, 25-12, and 25-7, a decisive result that follows a string of close matches that had not gone in their favor.
The match also served as senior day, recognizing the contributions of two seniors: captain Mariana Silva and Lee Moore. With a young roster, the team’s performance against Rising Tide is encouraging as they transition deeper into the season. At 3-9 currently, the Whalers have the opportunity to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against St. John Paul II.
Upcoming Schedule Highlights
The upcoming week features several exciting matchups for Nantucket sports teams:
October 20:
- Boys soccer vs. Nauset at 3:30 p.m.
- Volleyball vs. St. John Paul II at 4:00 p.m.
- Field hockey at Falmouth at 3:15 p.m.
- October 21:
- Volleyball vs. Mashpee at 4:00 p.m.
- Cross country racing at Monomoy Sharks at 4:00 p.m.
- Field hockey at Nauset at 4:00 p.m.
The community’s support plays a crucial role in motivating these talented athletes. Fans and families are encouraged to attend games, rallying around the teams as they strive for excellence.
Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Team Spirit
As the Nantucket sports teams perform exceptionally this season, the sense of community surrounding them only grows stronger. Football’s formidable offense, field hockey’s gritty resurgence, and volleyball’s resilience are testaments to the hard work and commitment of athletes, coaches, and supporters alike. As they continue to navigate a challenging season, the Whalers’ journey is both inspiring and a source of pride for the Nantucket community. Keeping an eye on their progress will be exciting as playoffs loom on the horizon.
Stay connected with the Nantucket sports community through social media for continuous coverage and updates. This season is far from over, and the Whalers are ready to make their mark on the continued journey ahead.
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