<b>Ireton, Episcopal Lacrosse Split</b>
As part of its fifth-annual youth lacrosse day this past Saturday, Bishop Ireton hosted Alexandria rival Episcopal in both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse games. The festivities also included youth league games scheduled between the two varsity contests.
The Ireton girls, one of the best teams in the area, improved their record to 14-2 this season with a dominating 19-7 victory over the Maroon. Leading the charge was senior Ashton Hellmuth (Lehigh) who finished with 6 goals and junior Janet Tela (five goals, three assists). Senior Maria Bowman’s (Villanova) also chipped in with a four-goal one-assist performance.
The score could have been even more lopsided if it weren’t for the play of Episcopal’s goalie, MC McClellan, who finished with 16 saves. Ireton has already wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the upcoming WCAC playoffs and is currently ranked No. 2 in the Virginia Independent School League poll. The Cardinals have senior day for their 11-girl graduating class Friday at 4:15 p.m. when they host St. Catherine’s of Richmond.
In the boys’ game that followed, Episcopal recovered from an early 3-1 deficit against Ireton and scored eight of the contest’s next 11 goals en route to a 9-6 victory. For the Maroon, Hunter de Butts, Nick Weeden, and Connor Gallegos all finished with two goals. Leading Ireton were Tommy Skelly and Mike Larrabee with two goals apiece.
Episcopal takes on IAC and Alexandria rival St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes Friday before heading into conference tournament play next week.
<b>Golfers Shine in IAC Tournament</b>
Episcopal’s Adam Stowe posted three-straight birdies on the closing holes to boost him to within one shot of winning the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) championship on April 28. The junior’s 2-under 69 almost landed him in a playoff with Matt Brown of Georgetown Prep. But Brown sank a tough 6-foot putt on the last hole for his 68 and the individual title at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Heavily favored Prep won the team championship by 18 strokes over runners-up Bullis and Landon.
Senior Joe Curley of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes shot a tidy 33 on the back nine for a 1-over 72 and a tie for third. His teammate David Budway tied for 18th along with Episcopal’s Hill Dubose.
In the IAC team competition, Episcopal finished in fourth place, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, fifth.
<b>T.C. Tennis Makes Regionals</b>
<>With a 5-4 win over West Potomac Tuesday, the T.C. Williams boys’ tennis team secured a spot in Northern Region AAA championships for the second time in three years. The Titans went 12-2 this season with their only losses coming to undefeated Lake Braddock.
Leading the charge was senior Tarik Kottir, who finished the season 14-0 in singles play and 12-2 in doubles matches alongside freshman Kyle Hairston. Co-captain Max Rickett was also impressive, going 12-2 in both singles and doubles this year. His partner was fellow senior Evan Hulehan.
The T.C. Williams boys’ tennis team includes: Haider Arshad, Abe-Melek Bekele, Scott Cohen, Fedel Estefanos, Kyle Hairston, Evan Hulehan, Tarik Kottir, Karlo Oehring, Jack Peisch, Evan Pfeiffer, Max Rickett and Rob Reese. The team is coached by Mike Vitez.