Although traditional seasons were cancelled, some of the fall and winter sports were able to compete in one competition this past month. CLICK HERE for some pictures from throughout the spring. Below is a roundup of the results:
Equestrian – IHSA
The IHSA team traveled to URI for a scrimmage against the host school. Some notable results are listed below.
Results:
Captain Jennifer DePietro - 1st Flat and 2nd Fences
Kiara Spadafore - 1st Fences and Flat
Emilia Pronckzuk - 1st Fences and Flat
Kelsey Barker - 1st Flat
Haley Poole - 1st Flat
Zoe Zuerner - 1st Flat
"The URI Team hosted a nice event," says Coach Dirk Fogg. "The team was excited to get out against another university and be able to compete. The team rode well and everyone enjoyed the day."
Women's Soccer
Women's Soccer hosted Southern Connecticut State University on Thursday, April 22. The team played well against a highly rated Division II school. The final score was 2-0 SCSU, but the overall level of play was good given that the Wildcats hadn't played since their NCAA tournament game at MIT in the fall of 2019. The Wildcats were able to get everyone game experience with 11 first-year students wearing the JWU jersey for the first time. The Wildcats had a few solid scoring chances that were saved by an athletic group of SCSU goalkeepers.
Head Coach Chris Flint notes, "The team was so excited to play a game and are looking forward to the fall 2021 season. August can't come soon enough and the expectations are high with 28 returning players."
Women's Volleyball
The women's volleyball team traveled to Roger Williams on April 15 and won their match 3-1, the first since playing in the NCAA Regional finals on November 17, 2019.
"Considering we haven't played 6 x 6 all year, due to COVID restrictions and roster size, I was pleased with our performance," says Head Coach Nancy Somera. "We passed pretty well and our offense got better and better as the match went on."
Some key offensive players were Sarah Miller and Peyton Oliver and Tiah Scott. First year setter Amber Rose Ford ran the offense. "We started out pretty simple, but once Amber got back in the flow of serve receive and play calling, our offense picked up and we started running some different play sets."
Bringing solid backrow performances were Samie Senske, Emily Corbett, Mia Sadler and Halle Medici whose job was made easier by stable right side blocking by Amanda Koch and Kelly Delaney.
"The scrimmage was an opportunity to get some feedback related to this new group and set a direction for what to work on in preseason next August," says Somera.
Field Hockey
The field hockey team hosted Lasell on April 17 and came away with a 4-1 victory. According to first-year Head Coach Lisa Lopes, the team adjusted well, despite playing 8 v 8 with lots of space to cover and no subs. Jillian Miele had a hat trick with first year Mya Bolk putting in a goal after a back and forth in front of the cage. The team improved each quarter, with defense holding strong by keeping shots to a minimum and not allowing any penalty corners.
"I am so proud of the way this team has been so adaptable given the circumstances this past year," says Lopes. "They were just willing and excited to get on the field in any capacity they could. The improvements they have made are a direct reflection of their effort and commitment to get a little better each day. It was fun being able to see their hard work showcased in the scrimmage and the smiles on their faces from being able to put on the JWU uniform. This group has made great strides and built a solid foundation to head into the summer and next season."
Men's Soccer
The Men's Soccer team completed what Head Coach David Kulik describes as a successful spring with a 4-1 victory over Nichols College on April 18. The match marked the first time the Wildcats played a game in more than 17 months, since their NCAA tournament match against Middlebury College in November of 2019. Coach Kulik was pleased with the overall performance and thinks the opportunity for the one match was important for team morale moving into the summer.
"Having the match against Nichols allowed me to see the first year players in a real college environment, and coming back with four goals after falling behind early was a feel good for everyone," shares Kulik. Against Nichols, JWU started four players that competed in the 2019 NCAA tournament match, with one of those being graduating senior Braeden Krakosky. Junior forward Ricky Africo led the offense with two goals on the day.
"We are excited for the fall of 2021 with a recruiting class of eight players that will help us remain competitive in our region."
Men's Ice Hockey
JWU Men's Hockey played Stonehill College on April 12 in an exhibition game. The two seniors who played, Graham Day and Anthony Scarcella, were recognized before the game along with the Stonehill seniors.
With both teams playing their first game of the season, the pace of play started slow but picked up as teams settled in. Stonehill went up with the lead early in the game, but JWU battled back and tied the game 2-2 heading into the third period thanks to two Anthony Scarcella power play goals. Stonehill scored early in the third period to go up 3-2, where it remained until late in the game. As JWU was pushing to tie it, Stonehill scored two late goals to take a 5-2 win.
"After a long year of practicing and focusing on skill development, we were excited to finally play a game," says Head Coach Eric Graham. "We played well, and it was great to get a final game for our seniors as well as some college experience for our first-year players. The highlight of the night was Anthony Scarcella scoring two goals in his final game as a Wildcat."
Women's Ice Hockey
"As a team this semester we really just came together," says Head Coach Kat Hannah. "We met as a small group of 8-10 and did not take a single day for granted. We got to know each other, work on the game we love, fundraised, spread the word of JWU hockey in our communities, connected with incoming first year students and really set a foundation for our future."
"We started in November and ended on the 21st of April. It was great to have the opportunity to meet, practice and learn more about one another as we continue toward our goals for next year and the future of JWU Women's Ice Hockey." noted Hannah
Women's Basketball
On April 24, Women's Basketball matched up against Mt. Holyoke in its single outside competition this season and came away with a 62-41 victory. Victoria Russian led all scorers with 16 points, and Naheema Walker assisted with 10 of her own points. "It was a great showing of team chemistry and work ethic from the entire team and a really nice win," explains Head Coach Kim Dweck.
Men's Basketball
In an exciting and highly competitive game, the men's basketball team was edged in the end by Eastern Nazarene College, 65-72.
Top performers:
Justin Bullock: 23 pts, 5 asst, 3 steals, 7 rebs
Aireus Raspberry: 17 pts, 4 stls, 6 rebs
Bryan Davis: 14 pts, 14 rebs
In addition, Head Coach Jamie Benton saw key contributions from Michael Rogers, Griffin Buckland and Tyreek Jones. "After the loss of the 20-21 basketball season and a challenging year, it was truly a most memorable moment as a coach to see each player's joy and excitement to be competing for the first time in 14 months."
Spirit Squad
The JWU Spirit Squad, comprised of the cheerleading and dance teams, Willie the Wildcat and the JWU Pep Band, was able to still find a way to show their Wildcat spirit even during a non-traditional semester without sidelines, halftimes or competitions. The cheer team focused on improving skills and was able to begin stunting in small groups. The dance team also was able to work on choreography and take technique classes with team choreographer, Alicia Wilder. The beginning weeks set the Spirit Squad up for their spring project: a showcase video, with special thanks to Wilder for filming and editing.
Filming took place April 16 and 17 inside the Wildcat Center due to poor weather. "Filming our showcase video gave the team an opportunity to have a goal and truly work together," shares Head Coach Cassie Dib. "Seeing each athlete in uniform this year was moving. It had been over a year since our returning members had put on their Wildcat uniforms and it was the first time for our rookie team members." April 16 was also a day of celebration as the team honored its seven graduating seniors. From the Dance team: Isabella Matei and Meagan Filkowski. From the Cheerleading team: Julie Correia, Lisa Palka (captain), Gabriella Kandoyan (captain,) Devyn Shannon (captain) and Ana Varela.
"I'm so proud of each athlete and their dedication to themselves, their team and to JWU. I look forward to what next season holds for this talented group of student-athletes."
CLICK HERE to see the video the team produced!
Equestrian IDA
Although the IDA team wasn't able to get a spring competition in, they did resume practices in February while adhering to Covid-19 guidelines. The team worked hard to refine and strengthen skills, test ride and connect as a team again. The team gained valuable additions after tryouts in February, and say farewell to the graduationg seniors: Sam Kondej, Allison Bullman, Lexi Milich, Lois Campbell and Abbey Dwyer. Head Coach Crystal Taylor remarks, "I am looking forward to competitions in the fall and know the team is too; we are ready to go and stronger than ever."
Wrestling
The NUWAY Wrestling Association held its D3 National Tournament in Pennsylvania from April 21 to 23 for any current DIII athlete and any 2020 national qualifier that missed his chance at a national title a year ago when the NCAA cancelled the 2020 championships. The Wildcats sent 25 student athletes to this competition, including 2020 returners Michael DiNardo and Da'Mani Burns. The wrestlers made the most of their only competitive opportunity of the year with three wrestlers crowned National Champions and 15 more receiving All-American honors.
Hayden Brown, at 141 lbs, highlighted the team becoming the first national champion. In the most difficult and deep weight class, Brown secured wins over the #1 seed and returning All-American from Wisconsin-Whitewater, and then followed it up with a pin in the finals against the #2 seed and two-time All-American from Alma College. Brown, who was the #4 seed at the weight, was chosen as the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament. Brown went 4-0 with three pins on the weekend.
Returning All-American and #2 seed Michael Ross, 165 lbs, went 4-0 on the weekend earning a 16-0, pin, 16-0 and a 6-0 win in the finals against the #1 seed and All-American from Wisconsin- Whitewater to finish out the tournament unscored and the second national champion for JWU.
Mike DiNardo, 285 lbs, was poised to do big things at the 2020 NCAA championships after coming off a phenomenal weekend at the National Qualifier going 5-0 with five pins. Instead, he was forced to wait a year before picking up where he left off. DiNardo would go 5-0 with three pins and win that elusive national title. In the finals, he hit an inside trip for the only takedown of the match to top the #1 seed from Central Iowa. DiNardo finishes his career as a Wildcat wrestler as the all-time winningest wrestler with 156 wins (Jay Albis 151) and tied for the most pins all-time at 78 (Colin Lenhardt 78).
In the finals at 149 lbs, 2020 national qualifier and #1 seed Da'Mani Burns was rolling with four straight pins going into the finals. It was a barn burner against the #2 seed from Averett college that had the score at 11-9 going into the second period. The action continued to fly, but it wasn't to be for Burns as he got caught on the wrong side of the throw and would have to settle as the national runner-up.
The group of JWU wrestlers had more fine performances as 125 lbs Justin Lopez went 4-1 to place third. William Hughes, 157 lbs, had to battle teammate Darius Joyce in the third/fourth place match up. Hughes would be victorious in that bout going 4-1 on the weekend. Also grabbing third was 149 lbs Gabe McDaniel who went 6-1. Other All-Americans included: 133 lbs Nick DeSola, 141 lbs Jordan Robinson, 157 lbs Darius Joyce, and 197 lbs Tommy Wrzesien, all taking fourth place honors. Placing fifth were 133 lbs Gabe Leo , 141 lbs Freddy Eckles, 165 lbs Steven Ocampo and 285 lbs Liridon Leka. Placing sixth were 125 lbs Ryan Parmenter and 149 lbs Matt Garcia. Placing eighth was 157 lbs Tyler Albis. Others that competed were Craig Sampson, Jordan Suarez, Josh Roberts, Quincy Howard, Gabe Degraffinreed, Bailey O'Brien and Maxx DeCapua.
