rare reminder Starting Five - Athletes of the Week

Julia Laabs - Wethersfield High School (Volleyball): Laabs has been a leader on the court for a Wethersfield team that has qualified for the state tournament with a recent five-game winning streak. Laabs, a senior captain, was instrumental during the five games, racking up a dozen kills in a win over Enfield. She also posted six aces and another eight kills, six aces, and three blocks in a win over East Catholic. The Eagles host Newington this upcoming Monday, Oct 23 before closing the regular season with a home match against Norwich Free Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Both matches start at 5 p.m.  

Brian Smith - Rocky Hill High School (Cross Country): Smith placed third overall as the Terriers won the Small School Division at the 11th Annual Winding Trails XC Invitational in Farmington. Smith, a sophomore, ran a 17:02 to finish ahead of 84 other competitions at the invite and was one of four Terriers to place in the top-eight. Corey Christensen (5th / 17:21), Ayden Collura (6th / 17:24), Nathan Peskin (8th / 17:28) rounded out the top four Rocky Hill runners as the Terriers easily bested the 12 other schools to win the competition. 

Ben Burdick - Cromwell High School (Soccer): Burdick scored late in regulation to secure a 2-1 win over Old Lyme last Monday. Burdick, a freshman, scored the decisive goal and junior Ethan Went got things started with a first-half goal to help Cromwell pick up their fifth win. The Panthers next host Valley Regional tonight (Thursday, Oct. 19) for a match at 6 p.m. 

Anaya Farmer - Newington High School (Volleyball): Farmer had a career-high seven aces as the Nor’easters beat Rocky Hill in three sets last month. Farmer, a junior who leads the team in blocks this season, then had seven kills and a pair of aces in the following match – a four set victory over South Windsor as Newington picked up win No. 5.  

​Tess Parker - Wethersfield High School (Field Hockey): Parker, a senior goalie, made 15 saves as the Eagles knocked off powerhouse Hall 3-2 on Oct. 10. WHS head coach Colleen Budaj praised the performance of Parker and fellow senior Sadie Ruiz — who scored a pair of goals — while senior Brynn Lisella added the team’s only goal. Wethersfield starts a four-game home stand this Saturday, Oct 21 when they welcome Enfield to Cottone Field for a game at 12 p.m. They also play host to Glastonbury (Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 3:45 p.m.), South Windsor (Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.), and Newington (Monday, Oct. 30 at 3:45 p.m.)