It was a good day for OVS sports.
Last Wednesday, Ojai Valley School had a productive afternoon in the athletic department, with the lacrosse, baseball and track teams each turning out impressive performances.
The lacrosse team was successful in a very close game against the Dunn School by a score of 7-6. The team entered the fourth quarter down 6-4 and was able to score three quick goals.
Leading the goal scoring for the day was senior Henry Mooney, who put five shots into the net. Sophomore Grant Spencer returned from a concussion and scored two goals to add to the Spuds’ offensive attack.
On defense, the unit of senior Gavin Silver, sophomore Keaton Shiffman and juniors John Olivo and Jason Chang was able to hold strong against the powerful Dunn attack in the final eight minutes of the game. Junior Phanuphak Jarusombuti also contributed with some very impressive goaltending.
Head coach Brad Weidlich addressed his team following the celebration.
“I hope you guys enjoy this big win,” Mr. Weidlich said.
Also on Wednesday, the Spuds’ baseball team was victorious against Calvary Christian School by a score of 15-5 in six innings of play. The team took an 11-0 lead after three innings.
Starting pitcher and freshman Santiago Vina struck out seven batters in five innings of work while only walking four batters and allowing four hits. Freshman Connor Floyd provided some solid offense for the team with four hits, four RBIs and two doubles.
Sophomore Cameron Cuthbert expressed pride in his fellow teammates following the game.
“I think it was great that we got a big win after a tough loss last weekend,” said Cameron. “Obviously, it’s always more fun to get the big win, so it was a big game for us.”
Finally, the OVS track team competed in Condor League finals at the Thacher School, with runers earning some very solid accomplishments across the board.
Senior Reika Kijima continued her dominance on the track, breaking the Condor League final record for the 800-meter run with a time of 2:25.46. Along with winning the 1600 and 3200 meter events, Reika was named the girls’ Condor League meet MVP and will go on to run the 800 and 1600 meter runs in the CIF preliminary meet.
Reika later reflected on her record-setting performance.
“I wasn’t expecting to break a record today, but I’m really excited I did,” said Reika. “It was such an honor to be named the MVP for the season. I couldn’t have won without the OVS community’s support for me.”
In the 4X100 relay, both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished second place in their races.
Junior Tim Waian ran his personal best of the year in the 400-meter race and finished in third. Senior Chris Lee put forth an equally valiant effort, finishing third place in both the 100 and 200-meter races.
In the 4X400 relay, the team senior Jack Liu and juniors Tim Waian, Louis Medel and Jason Lu finished in second place to conclude a very successful day of OVS sports.
Coach Fred Alvarez showed some serious pride in his squad following the meet.
“Every one of my athletes made me proud on Wednesday,” Mr. Alvarez said. “It was a great meet and a great way to end the season.”
Story by John Olivo, Class of 2013