Sports

The BHSEC boys soccer team remained a strong presence in the New York City B-division this year despite a disappointing loss in the playoffs. The Bard Raptors won an impressive eleven out of twelve games during the season and made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs. With only two losses in the past three years, the Raptors have shown consistent dominance in the B-division. The PSAL has taken notice and recently invited the Raptors to join the A-division.

Although both the girls and boys soccer teams had great seasons they were cut short by playoff losses. The girls got further than ever before in the A division and the boys lost only in overtime. Both matches were fought hard and, despite the end result, proved the strength of Bard’s soccer program.

Last week, The Bard Raptors had their second round playoff game. Beating Hunter High School in the first round 2-0, Bard was more than ready to play against Grand Street Campus who finished second in their division. Although it was raining heavily before the game, Bard was prepared for the challenge. All the players were fired up, knowing full well that every game in the playoffs could be their last.

Saturday, the Bard Raptors began their highly anticipated playoff run against Hunter High School. Having played scrappily the last few games, the Raptors were careful not to underestimate their opponent. Coming out strong, the Raptors dominated much of the first half. Though starting center midfielder Gabriel Wirz was out due to an injury, the team quickly adjusted. Despite the wind and rain, the Raptors were still able to control the ball.

This past, Thursday the Girls Volleyball team played Murry Bergtraum. The team won 2-0, in an excellent start to what’s shaping up to be an exciting season. The first match proved relatively easy for the Lady Raptors, who won 25 to 16. Although the second match was slightly more challenging, the Raptors outscored Murry Bergtraum by 6.

The boy’s tennis team has narrowly escaped what could have been their demise. Since the team started the season with only 7 players (the minimum by PSAL rules), when several players realized they had prior commitments, consequences followed. PSAL Tennis rules state that a team that does not show up with enough players to a game by the given time will receive a forfeit. Thus, the absence of singles players Lucas Howard and Givi Bashishvili would force the Raptors to forfeit a large number of games. Enough games in fact, to make the sports commissioner consider kicking the Raptors out of the league and even suspending them for the following season.

This Wednesday the Lady Raptors faced LaGuardia on Randall’s Island. It was a difficult game played in bad weather and in the end the Raptors lost 5-1. Maya Osborne, Bard’s goalie, made many daring saves, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the two goals scored by LaGuardia in the first half of the game. Despite the admirable attempts of the Raptor defense, LaGuardia’s strong passing ultimately resulted in the loss.