This Week in Athletics

March 22, 2024

Billie Jean King

Spring on the Mesa at Cate School has been a whirlwind of athletic prowess and determination, with each team demonstrating resilience and a drive for excellence. From the courts to the pool, to the fields, and to the track, Cate student-athletes have showcased their skills, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to success. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognize the pivotal role of female athletes in shaping the landscape of sports and advocating for equality. In the words of tennis legend Billie Jean King, “Sports are a microcosm of society,” reflecting the ongoing struggle for gender equality both on and off the field.

Even Steven: Cate Boys Tennis Sits at 2-2 Midseason

Ethan Bloom ’24. Image by Katie Browne ’19

In a journey marked by growth and resilience, the Cate boys tennis team rebounded from early defeats to secure a convincing 16-2 win against Bishop, improving their overall record to 2-2 and maintaining a perfect 2-0 record in league play. Despite initial challenges, individual standout performances such as Kakeru Hirofuji’s ’27 strong debut and Ethan Bloom’s ’24 consistent excellence showcased the team’s potential. While facing formidable opponents like Newbury Park and Dos Pueblos, the team exhibited determination and teamwork, with notable contributions from players like Felipe Blanco ’24 and the doubles teams of Alex Gallegos ’26 and Kaden Greene ’27, Elias Lieser ’25 and Graham Clinger ’26, and the Koh brothers(Nathan ’27 and Nicholas ’25). With each match, the Rams demonstrate their commitment to learning and improvement, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.

Image by Katie Browne ’19

Swimming Dominates Early Season Meets

Cate Swimming kicked off its season with impressive victories in consecutive meets, showcasing their strength and depth in the pool. In the first meet against Foothill Tech and La Reina, the boys secured a resounding win, led by captain’s Zach White ’24 and Joba Samson ’25, while the girls displayed their prowess with stellar performances from captain’s Stella Rogers ’25 and Angie Zoric ’24. The momentum continued in the invitational meet against Bishop Diego, Dunn, Laguna Blanca, and St. Bonaventure, with both varsity and JV squads securing wide-margin victories. Freshman standouts Wil Rivera ’27, Josiah Hansen ’27, and Devon Liang ’27 led the boys’ team, while upperclassmen anchored relay victories. The girls’ team saw stellar performances from Madeleine Kollock ’27, Jen Won ’26, and Michelle Wu ’27, securing wins across various events. With notable achievements and promising talent, Cate Swimming looks poised for a successful season ahead, with eyes set on future competitions.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Navigates Season’s Peaks and Valleys

Riley Pan ’24. Image by Katie Browne ’19

The Cate girls varsity lacrosse team has displayed a mix of resilience and learning throughout the season’s early matchups. Starting strong with a narrow victory against Royal, the team showcased its potential led by standout performances from Riley Pan ’24, Lucy Guilbert-Neil ’25, and Sophia Ospina ’25. Despite a setback against Saugus, the team showed promise, with Maia Holmes ’26 shining in midfield. Their Channel League debut against Santa Barbara brought a convincing win, propelled by the sophomore cohort’s dominance, particularly from Lauren Hubbs ’26 and Carmen Lack ’26. However, facing San Marcos, while displaying determination, the team encountered challenges, with goalkeeper Sanai Edwards ’25 standing out for her impressive saves. As they continue to learn and grow, the team remains determined, led by their juniors and sophomores, poised for future success.

Quinn Pullen ’25. Image by Katie Browne ’19

Cate Rams Baseball Displays Resilience and Improvement Throughout Early Season Challenges

The Rams baseball team commenced their season with mixed results, demonstrating notable progress and fortitude amidst challenging matchups. Despite a tough opening loss to Thacher, standout performances from Quinn Pullen ’25 and solid defensive plays hinted at the team’s potential. Although facing another defeat against Thacher, pitcher Peter Lehman ’25’s stellar performance showcased the team’s resilience. The Rams’ first win against Newbury Park Adventist, highlighted by Pullen’s dominant pitching, marked a significant step forward. Subsequent victories against Nordhoff and Ojai Valley School underscored the team’s determination and ability to overcome adversity, with Lehman and Pullen leading the charge on the mound. Despite acknowledging areas for improvement, including offensive consistency and defensive lapses, the Rams’ collective grit and tenacity promise a competitive season ahead, reflecting their growth and commitment to success.

Cate Boys Varsity Volleyball Shows Promise Despite Setbacks, Eyes Improvement in League Play

Mack Nieman ’25. Image by Katie Browne ’19

The boys varsity volleyball team has showcased resilience and improvement throughout the early stages of their season, despite encountering some challenging matchups. While the season opener against Laguna Blanca resulted in a sweep, the team displayed commendable effort and fought hard until the end, led by standout performances from Ben Richmond ’24 and Lucian Tann ’26. The subsequent victory against Foothill highlighted the team’s ability to regroup and secure a convincing win, with Setter Zadin Stephens ’25 orchestrating the offense effectively. Further wins against Dunn and St. Bonaventure underscored the team’s cohesive gameplay and mental toughness, with notable contributions from various players such as Mack Nieman ’25, Henry Bouma ’25, and Max DeVore ’25. Despite a setback against Laguna Blanca post-spring break, the team demonstrated improved passing and offensive execution, showcasing their potential for growth. With a focus on making adjustments and building intensity, the team remains optimistic about their prospects as they continue league play.

Kristian Scurtis ’24. Image by Katie Browne ’19

Boys Lacrosse Dominates Season Openers with Stellar Performances

The varsity boys lacrosse team has kicked off their season with impressive victories, showcasing their skill and teamwork on the field. In their opener against Santa Barbara, the Rams displayed dominance with a commanding 15-2 win, led by standout performances from Johnny Foster ’25 and Cody Mast ’25. The team’s cohesive defense, anchored by Burak Yanar ’24 and Kristian Scurtis ’24, proved formidable, while the offense capitalized on opportunities to secure a decisive victory. Subsequent matchups against Viewpoint and San Marcos saw the team maintain their momentum, with notable contributions from Quincy Thorne ’26, Elliott Murray Osborn ’24, and newcomer Julian Lee ’24. Despite challenges, including injuries to offensive starters, the team displayed resilience and determination, emerging victorious with impressive displays of skill and teamwork. With a strong start to the season, the Cate Rams are poised for success as they continue to showcase their talent in league play.

Left to right: Oyin ’26, Emerson ’26, Elise ’26, Josie ’24

Track & Field Makes Triumphant Return with Standout Performances

The Cate Track & Field team made a triumphant return, setting the track ablaze with personal records and stellar performances against Bishop Diego, St. Bonaventure, and Foothill Tech. Standouts included Precious Adjei, Emerson Evans, Oyin Opawumi, and Sophie Blank, who dominated their events with lightning-fast times and impressive victories. Christian Rhee and Ethan Rehnborg showcased their speed in the sprints, while Samuel Young delivered a remarkable performance in the distance events. With their sights set on Carpinteria HS next Wednesday, the Rams are poised to continue their winning streak. Rams fans, mark your calendars and come cheer on your team as they strive for greatness on the track!

Cate School’s first girls lacrosse team, Spring 1984.

As the spring season unfolds, one thing remains abundantly clear: the athletes of Cate School are a force to be reckoned with. Through victories and defeats, they continue to push themselves to new heights, displaying resilience, determination, and unwavering team spirit. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of female athletes but also reaffirm our commitment to equality and inclusion in athletics and beyond. With promising performances and a hunger for success, the Rams are poised to make their mark in league play and beyond, leaving a legacy of excellence on the Mesa for years to come.

For more details to our game recaps each week please visit our website at Cate.org/news, our NEW Cate Athletics Instagram, and NEW Cate Athletics Facebook page.

-By Coach Peterson