April 15, 2019
Varsity player junior Cameron Shields observing the field at the game against Powhatan on April 10. Photo courtesy of Fluvanna Photos.
Speech
Ending another highly-successful season, the FCHS speech team won their third state championship on March 30. Of the 17 Flucos that attended, 14 made it into the finals (third and second place) and nine of the finalists won state champion titles. Finalists included the following: junior Alex Pellicane (State Champion in Extemporaneous); sophomore Ally Hansen (State Champion in Dramatic Interpretation); sophomore Maddie Scopelliti (State Champion in Poetry); freshman Evie Benson (State Champion in Prose); seniors Jakob Shiflett and Justin Hamill (State Champions in Humorous Duo); senior Lily Dobrin and sophomore Hollyn Grace (State Champions in Serious Duo); sophomore Simon Skinner (State Champion in Storytelling); senior Trinity Haynes (second in Serious Duo); sophomore Delaney Hammond (second in Serious Duo); junior Danielle Sumner (second in Original Oratory); senior Cameron Taylor (third in Dramatic Interpretation); freshman Caroline Fields (third in Impromptu); senior Emily Sprouse (fourth in Humorous Duo); senior Tess McCormick (fourth in Humorous Duo); and senior Paul Nazari (fourth in Humorous Interpretation).
“In the beginning, it was hard to get a grasp on everything, but by the end, it was amazing to see more than half the team make to States and win,” said Scopelliti. This is the team’s third state win in the last four years under the oversight of Coach Craig Edgerton.
Boys’ Soccer
The varsity team was scheduled to play a home game against Charlottesville on April 8, but the game was cancelled due to thunderstorms. On April 11, they played a home game against Powhatan. In anticipation of that game, goalie Ryan Holeman said, “I haven’t won against Powhatan. I have a feeling this year is the year we take them. I believe we will be able to go to States.” Despite his hopes, and a strong effort by their team, the Flucos ultimately lost the game by a score of 2-3.
Meanwhile, the JV team was also scheduled to play on April 8 against Charlottesville, but that game was also cancelled due to thunderstorms. Like their varsity brothers, they took on Powhatan at home on April 11. Sophomore Daniel Bustillo was positive in his assessment of their chances before the game. “I feel pretty confident in my team for tonight. It’s definitely going to be a really tough, physical game,” he said. After a fairly even match, the Flucos lost by a score of 0-1. Both teams looked forward to matches against Albemarle and Western the week of April 15.
Girls’ Soccer
On April 8, varsity played an away game at Charlottesville, where they lost 0-3. Three days later, they traveled to Powhatan, where they tied the Indians with a score of 1-1. “We’re trying out a new formation and switches around some positions, so I’m excited to see how that turns out,” said sophomore Allie Hanson.
As for JV, they lost their game against Charlottesville by a score of 0-3. Hoping for a better outcome in their game against Powhatan, they were disappointed by a loss of 0-1. “There’s definitely been a lot of progress, especially with all of our younger players, and of course there’s still more progress to be made, but we’re just going to take it one step at a time. After all, we are one of the youngest teams in the league,” said freshman Riley Yowell. Like the boys, both varsity and JV girls have games against Albemarle and Western the week of April 15.
Boys’ Lacrosse
In what has been a challenging season thus far, varsity hosted a home game against Monticello on April 9. The score was 3-20, with Fluvanna ending on the bottom. “We held together pretty well in the first quarter against a good team, only being down 3-5. However, we came out of spring break rusty, unconditioned, and short in numbers. Then they starting to run up the score,” said sophomore Sam Singer.
Meanwhile, the JV team also took on Monticello on April 9, but lost 2-8. Still, team members tried to focus on the positive. “The team never gave up. We just need some time to work on some defensive structure in practice,” said sophomore Ryan Elliott. Both teams anticipated games against Charlottesville the week of April 15.
Girls’ Lacrosse
Taking on Monticello on April 9, the girls’ varsity team lost by a score of 7-21. The next day, they redoubled their efforts in an away game at Patrick Henry, but came away with a loss of 3-20. Sophomore Rebecca Taylor, who plays attack, was positive, despite the results. “I [feel] we’re already improving this semester. We’ve played really tough teams,” she said.
The JV girls’ team also had a challenging game against Monticello, which ended in a loss. The score of this game was 11-3, where he Flucos took another loss. “The team really tried their hardest. We might be struggling, but we can work harder to get the next time,” said freshman Taylor Parker.
Tennis
On April 9, the Lady Flucos tennis team had a successful match against Charlottesville. They left with an overall victory of 6-3, including singles wins by senior Adora Gamage, junior Sarah White, freshman Anja Bajs, and senior Lydiah Napier. Doubles match winners included the teams of Gamage and White, and Napier and Saige Patchett.
Gamage said she felt that the match was in their hands from start to finish. “We started out pretty strong and kept the same momentum throughout the match,” she said. White agreed. “We had plenty of control, and we stayed up by a lot.” The girls feel that they are in a good spot as a team at this point in the season. “I think we’re doing really good as a team so far. We support each other. But there is always room for improvement,” said Gamage.
For their game against Powhatan on April 11, the team was missing starters #5 and #6, as well as their 7th seed. As a result, Taylor Watson and Catherine Napier subbed in for match play.
Napier and Watson easily won their singles matches 10-2 and 10-6. Freshman and 3rd seed Anja Bajs came from and down 6-1 to win the next nine games and win the match 10-6. Meanwhile, in doubles, the team of Gamaage and Bajs won 8-2, while the sister team of Lydiah and Catherine Napier won their match 8-5. Overall, the team’s record for the season is 5 and 1.
As for the boys’ team, their lost their game against Powhatan on April 11, in part because they were missing their first seed or another key player, forcing them o forfeit at least one of their matches.
Baseball/Softball
The varsity baseball team traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC, during spring break to compete against teams from as far away as Kentucky and Tennessee. Jacob Critzer hit four home runs, including two in a single game. Overall, the team ended the tournament with a record of 4-1. “Overall, we were in control of the game. We did all the little things right. We could’ve stuck together as a team better, but we got the wins,” said junior Toby Sherman.
Varsity also played against Powhatan home on April 10, winning their game 6-3 and securing a season record of 6-3 as of that date. “The [Powhatan] game was tough. Powhatan is just a good team themselves overall. But in the 6th inning we did six runs, which gave us the victory,” said Sherman.
The girls’ softball game was cancelled the week of April 8 due to inclement weather.
Tyler is a senior in his third year of journalism. He enjoys swimming, the outdoors, and video games.
Thomas is a sophomore and in his first year of Journalism. He enjoys working out, playing basketball, collecting shoes, and playing video games in his...
