This Week in Sports - Week #34

Dave Levy, Athletic Director

Overtime Sudden Victory Highlights Historic Season for Tandem Lacrosse!

Just as he has done a million times before, Oscar drew back his stick and cocked his arm. This shot was different: it came with the game on the line, tied 7-7 against FUMA, in overtime, in the final game of the 2025 season. With pinpoint precision, Oscar's powerful shot sliced through the air like a comet, leaving the goalie in disbelief as the ball pierced the back of the net! Oscar truly Badgered up: his goal gave Tandem the victory in an exciting back and forth contest, putting the finishing touches on a historic season for Tandem Lacrosse.
 
The Badgers trailed 4-3 after the first quarter, 5-4 at halftime and 7-6 late in the fourth quarter. As they have done all season, Tandem stayed the course, battled back, and forced an overtime period - sudden victory on the line. In many ways, this is emblematic of all the hard work this special team has put in throughout the year. It was six degrees outside in mid-December, and nobody had been on the field in months. Nobody, that is, except for Coach Tony and his determined group of off-season warriors, perfecting their craft and working on new skills. That hard work has paid off.
 
As the calendar approached February, Jack and I met and looked at the roster. The team had ten players, not enough for a full team this season. "I swear I can get him to play," Jack assured me, "we will have enough!" He and Oscar were constantly updating me on the depth of our roster, and some new players he had convinced to put on their pads and give Lacrosse a try. On the first day of official practice, we had seven players. "Basketball isn't over yet," Jack reminded me. "I'll get a bunch of those guys to play, too."
Just as he delivered the first goal of the game today, only 21 seconds into the contest, Jack came through on his promise. Tre'Sean, Seamus, Derion and Mason G went right from the basketball state quarterfinals to the lacrosse field, and it was a success right from the beginning. After Coach Tony and I met to rearrange the schedule (and Tony put a lot of work into that process), the Badgers were poised and ready to play our first game. Tandem travelled to Fishburne for our first contest. Tandem dominated, winning 11-1! Oscar finished the game with five points (5 goals and 1 assist), while Jack chipped in four goals and Peter had 2! Everybody logged at least one ground ball - Mason W had 3, and Eli was fabulous in the goal. The Badgers outshot their opponent 27 to 6!
 
The team continued their success with back to back home victories against big public schools - first against CHS and then against Ablemarle, before taking their 3-0 show on the road. Tandem played two tough games against Rockingham and Veritas. The next two contests were super close - first a one goal battle at Wakefield (our closest GPAC game in three years) and then a 13-9 loss to Woodberry, each an indicator of significant improvement! With all this experience in their back pocket, the Badgers were ready to finish the season in style.
 
For three years, Coach Tony has been pining for a close game - and tonight he got one - right from the start. Jack scored two goals in the first minute, the second of which was assisted by Mason W! Jack jabbed to his left, drew the goalie out of the crease, and put one in the back of the net. It felt like Tandem might pull away with this one, but FUMA responded with three consecutive goals.
 
Late in the period, Jack made a beautiful pass to Oscar across the goalmouth. Oscar wasted no time, firing his shot low to tie the game. FUMA closed out the quarter with another goal, and the score was 4-3 after 1. The second period was highlighted by great defense. Derion was everywhere, tracking his opponent with his stick, forcing them outside to Anthony as he checked the ball loose. On the other side of the net, Amari drilled his opponent, jarred the ball to the ground, and Mason beat his opponent to the sideline - giving Tandem extra possessions. It was 5-4 at halftime, FUMA in the lead.
 
In the second half, Eli was incredible. FUMA came out firing shots on goal, and Eli got in front of them and knocked them away. With the ball up for grabs close to the goal mouth, Amari, Anthony and Mason scrapped for the ball. On FUMA's next possession, their attacker passed the ball across the field. Derion intercepted it, fired it to Oscar, and he attacked the goal, using a slick swim move to get around his defender and put one in the back of the net! 
 
The score was tied 5-5 when FUMA fired another shot on Eli. Unperturbed, he deflected the ball to the outside. FUMA rebounded it, but ran into Luca, who checked their stick and forced the ball back to the ground. Eve sprinted onto the field as Luca scooped it up, planted his foot, and delivered the kind of spin move that is normally reserved for the "O" button in a video game. His defender was left in his dust, mouth agape, as Luca found Jack for another fierce shot on goal. After 3, the score was tied 5-5.
 
In the fourth quarter. Mason G eliminated a scoring opportunity - whacking the ball loose and sending it deep to Oscar, who drew a whistle. After the short stoppage in play, Oscar used the space to fire a massive shot for a goal and the Badgers took a 6-5 lead! On the ensuing faceoff, Peter controlled the ball and made an excellent pass to Seamus. The Badgers attacked the goal, but FUMA stole it away, eventually scoring to tie the game with four minutes to go. FUMA would score again moments later, giving them a 7-6 advantage with 3:15 remaining on the clock.
 
FUMA won the faceoff and made an aggressive run for a third goal in a row. They passed the ball over the midline. Jack snagged it into the pocket of his stick and ran the length of the field. Jack positioned himself behind the goal, and passed it to Oscar, who fired it hard, but the goalie made a great save. Oscar got his own rebound and tried again - this time getting it past the netminder and tying the game!
 
The Badgers called a timeout to set up a play with five seconds to go, but their shot went wide, and it was overtime on Spring Day! FUMA attacked first - they had an advantage with Luca off the field for a penalty - and FUMA fired a shot on goal that Anthony took directly in the chest. FUMA got the rebound, launching a shot at Eli, who sent that ball to the outside. Jack scooped it up, passed it to Oscar, and the rest is history! Tandem finishes the season with a .500 record, a three game win streak, and an epic overtime victory!
 
Congratulations to all of our Badgers on an incredible 2025 lacrosse season! Physical, tough and spirited, this team went through the gauntlet - literally. They crab walked, bear crawled, and ran hill sprints - all while learning and perfecting their throwing, catching, hitting, shooting and positioning. The final product: a well-oiled and very competitive machine! 
 
Thank you so much to Coaches Tony and Max for all of the work you have put in dating back to the winter! You have been wonderful role models and mentors for our young athletes and we are so grateful for you both! You are building a program - and the rest of Central VA should be on notice! (There are no seniors on this team... so beware!)
 
Thanks also to Jocelyn for running the shot clock and scoreboard at all of our home games, and to Lila for being her apprentice. Thanks to Renee for taking care of our players, to Sam for helping run and set up for the games. Thanks also to Roger, Solomon and Travis for getting the fields mowed and ready for play! And of course, thanks to all of our families for their support! Go Badgers! We are all very proud of you!

MS Girls Soccer Finish the Season in Style!

There were 10 minutes left in the second half when Kanice found Zoe streaking up the right side of the field. Zoe has been on fire lately, and she picked up right where she left off in the Covenant game (what a blast that shot was). With defenders in her path, Zoe dribbled her way into some open space, and fired the ball right to left all the way across the goal. Waldorf's netminder dove, but Zoe's powerful kick made its way past her into the back of the net. Tandem took a 2-1 lead on the strength of Zoe's right foot, fighting to the finish as the team has done throughout the season.
 
The action began way back on March 3rd, when this strong 2025 Tandem team took the field for the first time. The Badgers are led by an impressive eighth grade class - six members of this team wrapped up their middle school athletic career in style! Hattie has been exceptional as a striker, and yesterday was no different. She had a number of offensive chances, converting late in the first half. Hattie was assisted by Libby, and Hattie's shot had so much power that it went through the hands of the goalie - who managed to get a finger on the ball but not enough to stop it. Hattie also scored twice on the road at Grymes this season!
 
Sophie has stepped up enormously, playing tremendously on the defensive back line, and truly serving as a vocal leader. She worked closely with Bryn to eliminate a number of scoring chances from Waldorf yesterday - Bryn's kick was so powerful that the ball was all the way back to midfield in the blink of an eye. Libby has been everywhere, it is rumored that she can teleport, as she was effective tackling the ball from the opposition on defense and creating scoring chances on offense. Annie is as tough as they come - Waldorf focused on keeping the ball away from her - as they know how physical, high IQ and sharp Annie can be defensively. She also played goalie earlier this week - doing a great job in that role! Kanice has been steady in the midfield, she had three assists this season, and has helped her teammates to always be in the best position.
 
The Badgers had a talented group of 7th graders, including Aislin, enough for an experienced and talented goalie - who is a great communicator and is always in the right position. Sam had a great season in the midfield, Hadley has been a strong leader and Zoe has been getting it done offensively! The future is bright with our sixth graders as well - Cypress, Clara, Freya, Sunrise, Emma, Zaina and Aggie worked hard this season - improving their skills! And thanks to Willa and April for pushing the team in practice!
 
Congratulations to our Middle School Girls on an excellent season! They spent many of their games in tight, competitive situations, never shying away from a challenge. Under the tutelage of our alumni coaching duo, these Badgers improved, competed hard and had lots of fun! Enormous thank you to Coach Lauren and Coach Emma - we are incredibly grateful to you for all of your hard work, mentorship and role modeling!
 
Thanks also to Sam for running the scoreboard, Renee for taking care of our athletes, and to Solomon, Roger and Travis for keeping the field ready to play!
 
Well done Badgers! Way to Badger up!
 
Golds Galore: Tandem Takes the Podium at St Christopher's 

Asher had only run the 400 meters only once before. When the gun went off, he didn't think. Instead, he hit top speed in the first thirty meters.  By the time he had reached the back straightaway, Asher was in first place - by a lot. He maintained his form, held his position and pace, and won his heat easily in a school record time of 55.58!!  He held that record for approximately three minutes. The next heat of the 400 meters featured Gabriel, the previous school record holder, and he wasted no time in taking that record right back! Gabriel's time of 54.27 was a PR (and a school record) by a full 1.6 seconds! The 400 also featured outstanding performances from Owen (1:00), Kai (1:12) and Victoria (1:37) - who passed an opponent in the closing moments of the race!
 
After Asher and Gabriel each had record setting performances in the open 400 meters, it seemed only natural that these two elite sprinters would team up for one of the most incredible relay races in Tandem Track and Field history. Asher took the first leg, and just like in his open 400, he sped to the front.  With challengers from much larger schools on his back, Asher held them off - got faster as he went - and dropped in a 54 second first leg! Hayes kept the baton in his usual position - first place.  While St  Christopher's and Norfolk Academy were nipping at his legs, he came home in a 54 second split of his own!  Jack Blemker took the baton next, shooting down the back stretch, competing with everything he had left.  He got the baton to Gabriel in a perfect position, and he delivered yet another elite quarter mile.  The team finished in a time of 3:44.05, breaking the previous school record by six seconds!! Ned described that old record as  "one of our more impressive records."  It's old news now: add Asher, Hayes, Jack and Gabriel to the record books!  Tandem's second squad of Daniel, Lennon, Nico and Peter D ran 4:49 - defeating St Christopher's at the line! The girls team of Heloise, Malena, Claire and Lucy came through in second place - 5:12!
 
While the 4x400 was historical, the boys 4x100 meter relay was magical as well! The team of Aiden, Owen, Nari and Ian qualified for states with a time of 48.46! Their baton passes were smooth, each runner putting their teammate in a position to take the stick at full speed! 
 
Over in the shot put circle, Tyler improved his PR by 2'!  "I was aiming to crack 27', but I just skipped 27', and threw 28' instead!" he remarked, reflecting on his incredible performance! Toby tossed the shot 27'3.25", Henry 26'11" (a four inch PR), Levie 25'6", Nina 18'7", Ana 16'2" and Alex 12'1"!   Ana also extended her school record in the discus, showing off excellent technique en route to a new PR of over 50'!  Cheers to Ana - her first year as a track and field athlete and she took on shot put and discus - and sprinting - and had an amazing season! Alex had a 9' PR, as well 37'3"! On the boys side, Ian's 67'3" was a 12' PR! And that's on top of his elite sprinting today in the 100 and 4x100!  Levie threw 62'8", while Toby tossed the disc 40'!
 
In the sprint events, our Badgers were CONSTANTLY winning their heat. Muriel took 1st place in her heat, running a new PR of 17.14! Maeve dropped another second off her time (16.15) while Laurel A. made her track and field debut in the 100 meters with a time of 18.54!  Ian also won his heat!  His time of 12.22 was a PR by .2, while Aidan ran a PR of 12.3, Nari 12.4 and Nico 14.2!  In the 200, Maeve capped off an epic rookie season - her time of 33.74 is her first time under 34 seconds - a tribute to all of her hard work! Ana had a 200 PR as well, 34.4! On the boys side, Aiden won his heat in a time of 24.94, leaving St Christopher's in the dust!  Nari (25.8) and Rey (26.2) were hot on his tail!
 
Want more trips to the podium?  In the 800 meters, Peter dusted the competition, putting in a huge move on the backstretch and outkicking his opponents as they approached the line. Peter's time of 2:18 is a new PR!  "That's the way to compete," Jason remarked as he watched Peter fly through the tape! Miles looked smooth and strong in his heat, running a three second PR of 2:09! Sheesh! Jack J and Van finished in 2:38 and 2:41 respectively, impressive considering they also ran the 4x800 with Miles and Peter earlier in the meet! On the girls side, Eloise's 2:54 and Malena's 3:05 are both PRs!  Dhruvi unleashed a furious kick to drop ten seconds off her previous best, while Laurel made her debut in the event at 3:30.
 
Hayes continued his prowess in the 1600, winning the race with a time of 4:32! Jack Blemker was hot in his tail - finishing 2nd overall in 4:38! Alexander made his season debut in the event in 6:02, while Zeke ran 6:09! Lucy found her joy - running the mile in 6:17, while Claire, her training partner and friend, finished in 6:28. Tandem's success in the distance events did not stop there - Brendan ran his first lap of the two mile in :76 - and earned yet another PR - a tribute to his hard work this season (and in the offseason!)  Brendan's time of 11:31 led the Badger 3200 meter field - while Will broke 12:00 for the first time! Bela, John, Sadie and Julia also came through with strong races!
 
Eli's debut in the 300 hurdles was worth the wait. He won his heat - his first ever race in the event - in a time of 51.6! Peter had a PR too - 52.4 and Julia ran 58.7!
 
As you can see, it was a highly successful day and regular season for the Tandem Track and Field team!  Podium finishes, school records, PR's, and a whole of fun at the St Christopher's invitational!  I know I speak for fellow coaches Jason, Ned and Melissa when I say how incredibly proud I am of this team - they have worked incredibly hard, pushed themselves to their limits, and improved throughout the season!  And of course, we've had a ton of fun! Congratulations to all Badgers on a great effort against tough competition from much larger schools!

While our regular season ended today, some speedy Badgers will compete on Friday and Saturday at the Dogwood Invitational at UVA, and VISAA States in a few weeks.  See you then!

Varsity Badgers vs Wakefield Country Day
 
Wakefield Country Day sped up the field and launched a through ball into the corner. Their striker hurried to get to the ball, but Maeve was already there, using her body to shield the offense away from regaining possession. She did this throughout the day - well positioned and physical - Maeve had an excellent game. Meanwhile, Maggie took the ball, smoothly maneuvered her way around the opponent, and passed it ahead to Althea. She spun and kicked it wide to Beatrice, who dribbled up the line before crossing the ball into the middle. Mary, just outside the 18', drew the defense towards her, and then fired it into the left side of the box, where Taylor was ready to attack. She turned her hips, pulled her foot back, and launched a vicious shot into the back of the net! It was a wonderful way for the Badgers to cap off a dominant effort on their home field! Taylor earned the "Badger Ball," for her first goal of her varsity career - a special highlight on a day that was full of exciting moments for Tandem!
 
Coaches Nemanja and Carolyn have been pushing this team to their limits. Every moment of practice has been intentional - and intense - as the Badgers have continued to improve. This afternoon, Tandem's skill set was on display from the opening kick-off. Wakefield Country Day sent the ball straight to goal, where Lili nonchalantly snatched it off a bounce. Today was her third shutout of the season, and despite a barrage of shots from WCDS in the first half, her play was flawless between the pipes. It helps to have a defender like Juli - who is tough as nails - and always forces the ball outside of the box. In this early sequence, Lili punted the ball to Elisabeth, who worked with Kaylee to push it up the right side of the field. Althea fired a pass to Emma, who managed to get her foot on it and control it with elite level precision. She sent it back to Althea, who fired a laser beam at the netminder.
 
Tandem had a ton of shot attempts, constantly putting pressure on their opponent. The defense was focused on Ruthie on the left side, opening up opportunities for other Badgers on the right. At the 13:00 mark, Beatrice fired a beautiful cross to Mary. The goalie ran after it, and Mary did the same, fighting through the defense to get into the box. Mary beat the goalie to the ball, firing in Tandem's first goal of the afternoon, beautifully assisted by Beatrice. 
 
Trailing by one goal, WCDS was determined to tie it. They had a breakaway, or so it seemed, before Maggie caught up with the striker and forced an errant shot over the net. On the other end of the field, Emma bent it like, well, like Emma as she sent a fireball beyond the defense and the outstretched arm of the goalie. WCDS had a late corner kick, but Madeline and Althea jumped in and stopped the attack. The Badgers led 2-0 at the half!
 
In the second stanza, the pressure from Tandem was relentless. The WCDS coach was constantly screaming "get on #11!!" as Beatrice set up her teammates for scoring chances. On one occasion, she found Ruthie, who assisted Emma for her second goal of the game! Between that and Taylor's exciting tally at the end of the game, the Badgers earned a 4-0 win - truly putting it all together as they prepared for their last GPAC regular season game on April 30.
 
The Badgers played with a light bench today, and each player logged significant minutes in the heat! It was an exciting and fun effort for Tandem! Thank you for coming out and making the environment so much fun!
 
MS Badgers vs Covenant
 
There were no questions asked for Emma, who took on the challenge and pressure of the goalie position without any hesitation. For the first fifteen minutes, the Badgers held Covenant scoreless! Emma dove on the ground - left and right - covering up the ball and turning her back to the opponent. The defense provided excellent support. With Covenant streaking down the left side, Sunrise and Aggie blitzed towards the striker, forcing a cross that went wide of the net. Sophie, an excellent veteran leader, routinely sent the ball out of the middle.
 
Showing great control, Clara was strong in the midfield. She set up Zaina, who passed the ball to Zoe, who launched a shot across the goal with enormous power! Covenant's goalie leapt after the ball, but Zoe - for the second time in as many games - fired a laser through the net! As the Badgers battled for possession, Hattie was physical. She tackled the ball away from her opponent, setting up Libby, who started a breakaway towards the net!
 
Kanice was everywhere, constantly pushing the ball ahead. On one occasion, she showed off fancy footwork, maneuvering around the defense and sending the ball ahead to Sam - and eventually to Hattie - who attacked the net! Defensively, Annie took over the role of goalie, and did a fine job. Working with Bryn and Cypress, they were able to play the ball routinely out of the middle. 
 
The Badgers played a strong game this afternoon against a tough opponent, and they return to action one final time - May 1 at 4:15 vs Waldorf at home. We look forward to seeing you then!
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Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
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