The Week in Sports

February 1, 2018

There are many educators who believe the best way to learn is by doing, that through hands-on action, one can pick up concepts quicker and more efficiently. For Cate’s sports teams, there have been plenty of chances to learn through playing. With the shortened and packed scheduled due to the Thomas Fire and floods, each of our teams has played about three games per week; in some cases, it’s even more. While this does take away time from practice, the Rams have been great about learning on the job.

Like everyone else, the girls varsity soccer team has packed plenty of action into not a lot of time. The Rams have recently been highlighted by a solid 4-2 win over Bishop Diego and a 3-0 win over Santa Clara. In those games, Isabella Montes de Oca ’18 scored three goals, with Neema Mugofwa ’20 chipping in two. Lily Riehl ’21 has been a major offensive weapon for Cate, with Taylor Kane ’21 holding down the duties in goal. The Rams have 4 regular season games left with their sights firmly set on the playoffs. They’ll have to fight some tired legs to get there but this team has shown a great fighting spirit all season long.

The girls varsity basketball team has seen its share of heartbreakers and tight contests this season. Unfortunately for the Rams, a couple of those haven’t gone their way, as the team has dropped close games to both Thacher and Nordhoff recently. The Rams did have a thrilling win in front of a passionate home crowd against Villanova earlier this month. These close games are all learning opportunities for the young Rams, as the roster loaded with returning players for next season has plenty of chances to learn. Lily Zanze ’21 and Elle Smith ’19 have been key for the team, providing a nice 1-2 punch from the guard and post positions. Maya Blattberg ’20 and Sarah Polowczak ’19 have also been key for Cate this season.

Like every team, the boys varsity soccer team has had some ups and downs this year. The Rams are a tough bunch, however, and after letting a lead slip away against Grace Brethren at home, the Rams turned around just three days later to beat the Lancers at their place. Ben Jessup ’18, Bailor Jalloh ’19, and Buba Fofanah ’20 have all been major contributors for the Rams.

Boys varsity basketball is eyeing a major push towards the playoffs, with four regular-season games remaining. After wins over Villanova and Grace Brethren in recent weeks, the Rams have put themselves in a great position for post-season play. Marko Pliso ’18, Khadim Pouye ’20, and Patrick Armstrong ’18 have led the way for the team.

The girls varsity water polo team currently has an even two wins and two losses in the shortened season so far. With big wins over cross-town rival Carpinteria and league foe Fillmore, the Rams have put themselves in a good position to reach the postseason. Their two losses on the year are by a combined five goals, showing that the Rams have been in every contest this year. Ella Hendriks ’19, Celia Foster ’19, Tilly Bates ’18, and Jasmin Estevez-Rosas ’18, have paced the Rams on both offense and defense.

The 62nd Annual Cate Junior Squash Tournament took place on January 26-28. With 64 entrants, and seventeen of those from Cate, there was plenty of chances for the Rams to test their skill against different levels of competition. Dylan MacFarlane ’20 had a great day for Cate, winning the boys under-17 division. His brother, Ian Macfarlane ’18, was great in his own right, placing second in the boys under 19 field. Ryan Suh ’21 placed third in the boys under 17 division. On the girls side, Kate Bradley ’19 and Jackie Cai ’18 finished second and third respectively in the girls under 19 bracket. The Rams will compete in the 62nd Annual Cate Invitational on February 17-18.