With the end of the first quarter, the fall sports teams (Cross Country, Varsity Field Hockey, Junior Varsity Football, Varsity Football, Varsity Golf, Varsity Girls Volleyball, Varsity Boys Volleyball, and Competition Cheer) have brought their seasons to a close, while Sideline Junior Varsity Cheer and Sideline Varsity Cheer have started to gear up for their year.

Cross Country

Cross Country had an exceptional season with multiple runners setting new personal records at invitationals and meets. Sophomore Adyson Jordan had a breakout season that was nothing short of amazing, as she placed 2nd in the Girls 5000 Meter Run at Beach District Meet #4 and 4th in the Girls 5000 Meter Run at Southeastern District Cross Country Invitational. Sophomore Aiden Thurman placed 2nd in the Boys 5000 Meter Run at both the Southeastern District Cross Country Invitational and Beach District Meet #4, where senior Matthew Sterbenz placed 3rd and junior Gary Sapinoso placed 4th. 

“We have improved greatly since the beginning of the season with a tremendous amount of personal records and placements at meets,” said junior Megan Bishop. “The team has been training nonstop and it is a joy to see that work pay off on the course. Even though we haven’t known each other long, we are like a big family and I treasure the friendships that I have with the girls. I truly look forward to going to practice every day.”

Cross Country ended their season at the VHSL Class 5A Regional Cross Country Championship on Saturday, November 4th. These athletes should be proud of their efforts and personal achievements this season.

Varsity Field Hockey

Ending with a 4-7 regular season record, Varsity Field Hockey concluded their season with a first-round regional playoff loss to top-seeded First Colonial on Wednesday, October 25th. Despite the loss, the ladies played their hearts out and have lots to celebrate, such as the accomplishments of senior Nicole Byrd, who is committed to Eastern Mennonite University as a dual-sport (field hockey and lacrosse) athlete.

“The team [has] most definitely improved as a whole,” said sophomore Madison Littleton, who returned for her second season. “We all learned how to work together.”

Coached by Kristyna Lange and Jordan Barbee, the ladies racked up wins against Tallwood, Green Run, and Landstown, and kept spirits high when down against tough opponents. Amazing victories on and off the turf for our SunDevils.

Junior Varsity Football 

Junior Varsity Football had a spectacular season with a 24-0 blowout win over Landstown and a nail-biting 20-18 victory over First Colonial. The boys fought hard against Kellam, Green Run, and Bayside, but ultimately fell short. 

“My favorite part about being on the team is the connection with my teammates and [experiencing] what football is all about,” said sophomore Matthew Douglas.

Congratulations to our Junior Varsity Football athletes on a great season characterized by persistence and dedication. 

Varsity Football

Despite being plagued with offensive injuries, Varsity Football finished with a 6-4 record. The team rolled to easy victories against Princess Anne and First Colonial and managed to secure a very tight win over Ocean Lakes with senior Princeton Ortiz’s game-winning field goal. The team also put on an exciting show for the large crowd at the Homecoming game, where they defeated Kellam 17-13.

“We overcame adversity this year [by] being able to win tough games without our starting quarterback and right tackle,” said senior Paul Piche. “We definitely improved throughout the season.”

On November 9th, the boys advanced to the second round of playoffs with a 39-14 win over Tallwood. They will face Green Run in the region semifinals on November 17th with the chance to advance to the class 5A region finals. 

Varsity Golf

Varsity Golf had a great season and competed in many close, tough matchups. Ending their season on September 21st with a loss to Bayside and Ocean Lakes, these golfers persevered and kept their determination in competitive rounds. Junior Cole Cooper medaled multiple times for the SunDevils, with an even-par 70 against Tallwood.

“[We] created a lot of fun memories,” said Cooper. “We had a lot of fun at practice [and] we were always laughing. The team put in a lot to improve throughout the season. Our scores improved, but also our attitudes in bad rounds. We worked on staying positive no matter what.”

Congratulations to our golfers on an awesome season, and be sure to keep an eye out for coach Richard Hudak and his team on the course next fall.

Varsity Girls Volleyball 

Led by seniors Alexis Morgan, Brianna Ramsey, Lucille Elmquist, Nora Christian, and Jersey Phelps, Varsity Girls Volleyball totaled up seven wins and nine losses this season, improving on their record from last year. The ladies also went 5-0 at the Endless Summer High School Tournament in September, where they won their division by topping teams from all over the state, including Grove Christian School and Manassas Park.

“My favorite part about being on the team was building new relationships and bonding,” said freshman Kaliana Fielding-Cuffee. “The team improved by communicating and being coachable, [and] a funny moment is when our captain got hit in the face by the other team.”

The conclusion of their season came with a first-round regional playoff loss to Great Bridge on Tuesday, October 31st. Kudos to the Varsity Girls Volleyball team on an amazing season filled with sportsmanship, dedication, and lots of laughs. Keep a close eye next fall, as coach Helen Costulis has five open roster spots to fill.

Varsity Boys Volleyball 

Varsity Boys Volleyball ended their season with a 9-7 record and also went 3-2 at the Endless Summer High School Tournament in September. The boys sailed to comfortable wins against Bayside, Landstown, Green Run, Princess Anne, Cox, King’s Fork, and Norfolk Christian and fought hard against Ocean Lakes and Great Bridge. 

“My favorite part about being on the team was being able to help people new to the sport improve and develop friendships with the players,” said senior captain Nassir Foster. “[We] not only improved in skill but also in chemistry. We learned how to play together and simply grow as a team.”

Exiting with a first-round regional playoff loss to Kempsville, Varsity Boys Volleyball will turn to younger talents in high-pressure situations next season with the departure of nine seniors. Congratulations to our volleyball players on a great season.

Competition Cheer

Returning junior Victoria Alexander and returning senior Lucille Ritchotte-Ezell paved the way for new additions and led the competition cheerleaders to a fun, exhilarating season. The team is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, as their performance at the fall pep rally indicated.

The Region 5A Cheer Competition at Green Run High School on Saturday, October 28th marked the end of their season, where they placed 8th overall. Nice job this season, ladies.

Sideline Junior Varsity Cheer

Sophomore captain Lauryn Jackson and sophomore co-captain Ayana Wright guided the junior varsity cheerleaders through an exciting fall sports season, where they cheered for Junior Varsity Football. They will cheer for Junior Varsity Basketball this winter.

“I’m most excited for trying new things cheer-wise and making new friends,” said freshman Kylie Cohoon, a new addition to the team this year. “My favorite part [about] the team is the bond we have with one another.”

The ladies continue to prepare for their winter sports season, so be sure to cheer them on in the stands if you happen to venture out to a Junior Varsity Basketball game this winter. Good luck this coming quarter, ladies.

Sideline Varsity Cheer

Led by senior captain Aiyana Jenkins, senior co-captain Lucille Ritchotte-Ezell, and senior co-captain Jazmin West, the varsity cheerleaders had an amazing fall sports season, where they cheered for Varsity Football. They will cheer for Varsity Basketball this winter.

“I am most excited for the energy at games because we sound like a powerful force and always catch people’s attention; I enjoy the more fast-paced cheers,” said junior Aubrey Manley. “My favorite part about being on the team is meeting new people and creating bonds with them throughout the year.”

The ladies continue to get ready for their winter sports season, so be sure to cheer them on in the stands if you happen to venture out to a Varsity Basketball game this winter. Good luck this coming quarter, ladies.