On the Road to the Championship

Our 6th grade soccer team went 9 wins and 1 loss during the regular season to end in first place prior to the playoffs. The team scored a total of 40 goals against their opponents and only allowed 6 goals to be scored against them. With 21 players on the team, 16 different players scored during the regular season. Dan Morrow came through as a top ranked goalie even stopping a penalty shot during the St Pius game.

Once the playoffs started, the 6th grade soccer team went into high gear with defense. Coach Rennie and Coach Buttimer could be heard saying, "goals win games but defense wins championships" and that was the case with our soccer team.

A day after our area’s first snowfall, the quarter-final playoff game was held at Bonner on Oct 30th. On a frosty AstroTurf field, SMM beat
Sacred Heart 4 to 0 with the first goal delivered by Delanie Rennie and additional goals scored by Spencer Panzo with two and Declan Buttimer.

The semi-final game was also held at Bonner on Nov 5 against a tough
St. Bernie's team. SMM would come out on top again with a score of 3 to 0 with goals scored by Spencer Panzo, Ava Leonhardt, and John Curran.

The championship game was held at Bonner on Nov 6 under the lights. Even though there was a chill in the air, it had no affect on the spirit of the team or their fans. St. Thomas the Apostle played a tough game and with the score still 0 to 0 by halftime. Coach Rennie and Coach Buttimer made a strategic offensive change by placing PJ Barker at midfield and Joseph Hassey in at defense. Minutes into the second half, PJ Barker scored the first goal of the game and the place went wild. A few minutes later, Ava Leonhardt scored the second goal. The Hawks won with a final score 2-0. Our Hawks continued their strong soccer program and are named this year's Region 25 Champions! Each player’s name was announced as they received their medals and team trophy. Smiles were on every players face as they are named "Champions".

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_The 6th grade JV Boys B basketball team recently took time before practice to make all of the ornaments for the Giving Trees in the church vestibule. The giving Trees (with your generosity) help benefit St. Katharine Drexel Food Cupboard, the BVM Church in Darby, City Team Ministries in Chester, and Joseph’s People. Coach Morow and the boys did a wonderful job.

The 5th & 6th grade JV Girls A basketball team recently took a shopping trip to Walmart and Toys’R’ Us for the 3rd Annual “Wish List” run by one of our graduates, Samantha Johnston-Twining. Samantha was in a serious accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. This has not stopped Samantha from giving back to those in need and inspiring our young athletes to do the same. We are thankful for her assistance in helping needy families enjoy Christmas. Coach Mayo, Coach Rennie, and the girls shopped until they dropped.

The 7th & 8th grade Varsity Girls B team won the SMM Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to Coach Bradley and the girls.