HS Soccer Dinner Buffet November 11th

The High School Soccer teams and their families will be getting together on Tuesday, November 11th at 6:00pm in the RA cafe to celebrate the successful season that we all enjoyed being part of. The evening will kick off with appetizers that will be provided by the sophomore players, followed by the main dish offerings of the freshmen class. Beverages are being brought in by the juniors and the seniors will be amazing us with their creativity by capping off the meal with dessert offerings.

After dinner, the teams will split up, with their respective coaches and family members for the team awards portion of the evening. The evening finale will feature a slide show presentation of the season. Please plan on joining us for a fun and eventful evening. Thanks to all the Parents who are making this event possible.

Three RA soccer players earn All State honors

Three of our HS players have been honored as members of the Vermont All State Soccer teams for the 2008 season. Jess Steketee, Jesse Oakes, and Tyler Wood were named as members of their respective girls and boys All State teams at the Vermont Soccer Coaches meeting that was held in Middlebury last weekend.

As a result of being All State honorees, the players have been invited to try out for the Vermont Lions Cup teams. Those players that are selected will compete against the New Hampshire teams next summer. Well done Kids!! Thanks for representing us so well.

HS Soccer players earn CVL honors

The RA High School Soccer teams were very well represented at the league level as a significant number of our varsity boys and girls received 1st and 2nd CVL team honors.

For the girls, Kye Ameden, Autumn Brooks, Deva Steketee, and Jess Steketee were placed on the 1st team and Amber Brooks, Shelby Brooks, and Erica Preston earned 2nd team honors.

The boys also placed four players on the 1st team as Evan Madden, Jesse Oakes, Tyler Wood and Aaron Hibbard were recognized for their achievements. 2nd team honors were presented to Cody Kendall, Shane Kilduff, Dylan Pelletier, and Michael Langely.

Congratulations to all of our honorees and all the other athletes that represented Rivendell Academy so well this season.

Varsity Soccer teams suffer first round losses

The Varsity Boys soccer team travelled to Peoples Academy on Tuesday and were handed a 7-0 prelim state tourney defeat. Although the Peoples side was certainly stronger both technically and tactically, the Raptors played nearly even ball for the first thirty minutes of the contest. Trailing 1-0, the flood gates opened as Peoples scored four goals in a six minute span leading up to the intermission. The boys regrouped and regained their composure during the break and played fairly well during the second half but gave up two goals late in the game. Although it was a tough way to conclude, it didn't take away from the gains and success that the boys experienced throughout the regular season.

The Varsity Girls team journeyed to Enosburg and fell 2-0 to a very good squad. After giving up two relatively early goals, they played even ball for the last sixty four minutes of the contest. At times, the girls carried play and put considerable pressure on the Enosburg defense. The played hard and competed right up to the finish, as Deva drilled a shot on net at the final horn. Congratulations for a season well played by the Raptors side. Considerable achievements were experienced by all members of the team throughout the season.

varsity soccer pairings set

The VPA has published the pairings for the girls and boys State Soccer Tournament. The varsity boys finished 9th overall and travel to Peoples Academy tomorrow ( Tuesday ) for a 3:00pm match up. If they win they will play the winner of South Royalton and Thetford on Friday at 3:00pm.

The girls finished 10th overall and travel to Enosburg on Wednesday at 3:00pm. If they win they will play the winner of BFA Fairfax and Windsor on Saturday at 3:00pm.

Varsity Soccer teams complete the regular season

The Varsity Soccer Boys and Girls teams finished their regular season schedules on Saturday by hosting the South Royalton sides. The boys won their encounter by a score of 2-1 to finish at 10 wins and 4 losses. The girls lost a hard fought match 3-1 and finished at 9 wins and five losses. Both teams are awaiting the final seeds to determine where they will placed for State Tournament play. Pairings are scheduled to be released some time on monday. The boys prelim game will be played on Tuesday and the girls on Wednesday. Opponents, game sites and starting times will be posted later.

The girls lost a tough game as Autumn Brooks recorded their only score of the game. Jess Steketee hit the crossbar twice, however, neither ball crossed over the line.

The boys play was somewhat sporatic as they outscored So. Ro. by one which was good enough to move them up to ninth place in the state standings. Evan Madden and Tyler Wood notched goals with Evan and Jesse Oakes being awarded assisits. Team play was brilliant at times and uninspiring at other times during the run of play.

Varsity Girls stun Chelsea

The Varsity girls brought their complete package to the game field yesterday as they hosted the Red Devils from Chelsea in a rematch from earlier in the season. The first game resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Chelsea side, but yesterday, the Raptors desire and enthusiasm resulted in a double overtime 3-2 victory as Jess Steketee deposited a corner kick into the side net.

Although controlling play for most of the half, the only scoring came off the head of Deva Steketee as she took a corner serve from "younger"sister Jess. Early in the second half, a skipper of the wet surface found the Raptors net and Chelsea knotted the score at one apiece. A few minutes later Chelsea scored once again on a twenty five yard chip shot over the out stretched hands of Erica Preston. Late in the contest, Hope Amanatidis took one for the team as she was aggressively taken down outside the box. Deva neatly deposited the direct kick into the side net to even the score at 2-2. Erica made one more sensational save that allowed the game to go into overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime of play, Jess scored the winner moments into the second to clinch the game. The win runs the girls record to 9-4 as the head into the final game of the regular seson vs. South Royalton on Saturday at 2:00pm.

JV Boys finish their season on a great note

The JV Boys Soccer team finished their season in great style by compilying a 5-0 victory vs. The Sharon Academy. The teams had tied earlier in the season but the Raptors showed the benefits of their hard work throughout the season by scoring consistently throughout the game and playing a disciplined and coordinated style of defense. Daniel Gray started and completed his first game as a keeper and earned the shut out. On the offensive end of the field, Johnny Milnes (2), Dylan Pelletier, Kyle Huntington, and Mark Frazee recorded. goals. Congratulations to Coach Huntington and his boys for a terrific season.

MS Teams split vs. Oxbow

The MS Soccer teams hosted Oxbow on Wednesday and two very exciting games were played. On the Girls field, timely offense and a stingy defense were the answer to a 2-0 win for the Raptors. Meanwhile, on the Boys side, aggressive spirited play on both halves of the field resulted in a 2-1 double overtime win for Oxbow. The teams close out their seasons at home vs. Lisbon on Friday. The game is scheduled for 4:00pm, but will start a few minutes late due to bussing conflicts at Lisbon.

High School Soccer teams have a dinner date tonight

The High School Boys and Girls Soccer teams, and their families, will feast on a pasta dinner this evening at 6:30pm in the Academy cafe. The event has been organized by Michelle Oakes and the other Parents of our teams captains and is an opportunity to continue the efffort of exemplifying the total program concept. It has been a terrific season for both the Girls and the Boys as each group has experienced success and recognized and supported each others efforts and accomplishments. Thanks so much for the Parent's support throughout the season and for their efforts that make evenings such as this one possible.

Varsity Boys victorious over Concord

Perhaps remembering last year's disappointing tie at the end of the season, the Raptor boys took care of business early vs. an undermanned Concord squad on Tuesday as they ran their record to 9 - 4 with a 9-0 win. Goals were scored by Evan Madden (2), Jesse Oakes (2), Aaron Hibbard, Shane Kilduff, and Tyler Wood. Also finding the net with their first varsity goals were Daniel Gray and Dylan Pelletier. assisting on the oals were Aaron (3), Shane, and Tyler Wood. Mark Frazee and Jesse shared the shut out in net. Next game is Saturday at 2pm vs. ever dangerous South Royalton.

Varsity Girls have their way vs. Concord

The Varsity Girls team scored early and often against Concord on Tuesday as they coasted to a 6-0 win. It was the girl's third consecutive victory which ran their record to 8 - 4. Goals were scored by Deva (2), Autumn (2), Jess, and Alexis. Assists were awarded to Jess (2), Alexis, Tori, and Haley LeBlanc. The team held a 40 - 4 advantage in shots taken and took a whopping 16 corner kicks.

The team meets a much tougher foe tomorrow as they host the undefeated Chelsea side at 4PM.

JV Boys show well vs. Twinfield

The JV Boys Soccer team played very well vs. a determined Twinfield side on Saturday morning . On the strength of scoring during a corner kick, they went into the break sporting a 1-0 lead. However, Twinfield scored mid way through the second half to even the score and notched another with only two minutes remaining to earn the victory. It was a great effort by the Raptor side. They distributed the ball well and played solid defense throughout the match.

Varsity Boys get back on track vs. Danville

After suffering consecutive losses for the first time all season, the Varsity Boys returned to the win column with a convincing victory vs. Danville. Tyler Farnham set the pace six minutes into the game by finding the back of the net after collecting a pass from Evan MAdden. Shane Kilduff upped the score to 2-0 seven minutes later as he netted a blast from twenty five yards out.

In the second half Jesse Oakes scored on the best offesive play of the day as he one timed a great crossing pass from Evan into the back of the net to extend the lead to 3-0. A bit of a mental lapse allowed Danville to get on the scoreboard at the seventy eighth minute, but all in all, it was a solid and complete game for the Raptors as they ran their record to 8 wins and 4 losses.

Varsity girls cruise by Danville

The Varsity Girls Soccer team won their second consecutive game with a convincing 6-2 victory vs. Danville. After allowing a goal :30 seconds in to the game , the ladies stormed back and took a 5-2 lead into the intermission. Autumn Brooks (3), Hope Amanatidis ( 1st career goal), and Deva Steketee all found the net in the first half with assists going to Amber Brooks, Autumn, Melanie Emerson, and Alexis Pratt. Deva scored again later in the game after taking a feed from sister Jess.

The second half was all about defense as Amber was moved back and worked along with Marie Wurtz, Kye Ameden, Deva, and Shelby Brooks who all combined to keep the goal area free from dangerous attacks. Keeper Erica Preston did not have to face a shot in the second half of play.

The victory was historic in that Coach Tenney collected his 400th career win. He was pleased to share his accomplishments with his friends, and co-coaches, Heidi Nichols and Tim Goodwin, and with this Rivendell team that has responded so well to the demands and expectations that have been asked of them.

team picture day

Reminder that team picture will be taken today for all of our fall teams. The MS teams will have their shots taken at 2:15 and will board the bus between 2:30 and 2:45 for their respective games vs. Sunapee.

Varsity Boys fall vs. Oxbow

The Varsity Boys played host to the Olympians on Tuesday and lost 4-1, as Aaron Hibbard recorded the only score of the day for the Raptors.. The Oxbow side was very deserving of their first win as they hustled and communictaed very effectively throughout the contest. The Raptors demonstrated very little of the emotion and desire they expressed vs. Thetford. Perhaps this will be a good wake up call for the team as they enter the last week of the regular season in preparation for the state tournament. Both Varsity teams host Danville on Friday.

MS teams tie Lisbon up

The MS soccer teams travelled to Lisbon on Monday and competed very strongly vs. the Panthers. Playing what Coach Hibbard called their best game of the season, the boys result was a 2-2 tie on the strength of excellent defensive play and team work. Jack steketee and Nathaniel Eastman netted the goals for the Raptors.

In a similar fashion, the girls went into two overtimes and came away with a hard earned 1-1 tie. The two sweeper defensive system continues to be impressive as does the hustle and overall performance of all the players involved. Coach Pierson and Coach Hibbard are doing a great job of preparing their teams for the next level of play. Their next game is today at Sunapee.

VG score huge win over Mill River

The Varsity Girls Soccer team travelled to Division II Mill River on Monday and came home with a tremendous 3-2 victory over their 4th ranked opponent.

The girls needed a win after suffering two tough losses last week in games where they controlled the tempo but had difficulty in finding the net. Despite having played very well, the Lady Raptors found themselves down 2-0 by halftime yesterday. The ladies came out in the second half with a positive attitude and began dominating play. In the :44 minute Jess Steketee found the back of the net after taking a terrific pass from from sister Deva to make the score 2-1. Mill River pressed and got a point blank shot moments later but was shut down on the attempt by a great stop by keeper Erica Preston.

The mid field control play by Deva and Autumn Brooks allowed Jess and Alexis Pratt to keep pressure on the Mill River backs. At the :64 minute, Deva found Mel Emerson on a delayed run down the side line. Mel deftly one touched the ball to Jess who buried the ball to knot the game.
With 1:06 remaining, Coach Tenney called a time out in order to draw up a throw in play which was executed to perfection when Tori Hebb took a weak side pass fom Jess and scored the game winner with :59 seconds remaining. Terrific defensive play by Kye Ameden, Shelby Brooks, Brooke Maddock, Deva, and Marie Wurtz limited Mill River to six shots in the second half. Erica Preston was credited with seven saves, none bigger than the point blankstop.A great team effort on a cold, windy day.

reminder: team pictures on Thursday

Remember that team pictures for all fall sports will be taken on Thursday, October 9th. The MS teams will be taken at 2:15, prior to leaving for their games at Sunapee, followed by the Boys JV and Varsity teams at 2:30, X Country at 2:50 and HS Girls Soccer at 3:00.

All team should be dressed in their white uniforms for these pictures.

MS teams split vs. Haverhill

The MS Soccer teams hosted Haverhill on Wednesday and split the twinbill. The boys received restitution for an earlier season 2-0 loss as they responded by outplaying their opponents and racking up a 4-0 win. Although Coach Hibbard only has 13 to 14 able bodies on any given day, he credits his team as a hard working group of players who play well together and understand the concept of team play. Their next game is on Monday the 6th of October at Lisbon at 4:30pm..

The Girls lost a hard fought match by a goal but hustled throughout the contest and carried play for the better part of the match. They also travel Lisbon on the 6th.

JV boys defeat Twinfield

The JV Boys Soccer team travelled to twinfield on Wednesday and came home with a 3-2 victory. Kyle Huntington scored the winning tally just with just two minutes remaining in regulation. Daniel Gray was factor in all three goals scoring once and assisting twice. The boys have played very well lately and are beginning to mesh as a unit. Their next game is Wednesday, October 8th home vs. Lisbon at 4:30pm.

VG and VB teams get edged out by Thetford

Both the Varsity Girls and the Varsity Boys Soccer teams played very well vs. Thetford on Friday only to see their efforts result in identical 1-0 final scores in favor of the Thetford sides. Both games were decided in the second half of play as the Thetford Girls scored in the :56th minute of play and the Boys in the :59th minute of play. Jesse Oakes played in goal for the injured Mark Frazee and was very active between the posts while making a number of spectacular saves. The defense, especially Cody Kendall, did a great job in containing a number of the Panthers " dangerous " players. Aggressive and determined play kept the boys in the game and the result was in question up to the end.

On the Girls side, much was the same except that the Lady Raptors had the territorial and statistical edge throughout the match except in the goals scored column.

The atmosphere was electric as the best crowd of the season gathered to witness playoff type soccer. Congrats to both teams for games well played.

VG Soccer team nearly pulls off the upset of the season

The Varsity Girls soccer team came within a minute and a half of upsetting the Lady Olympians from Oxbow on Tuesday but came up short in overtime, losing 3-2. The Olympians came to town sporting a 6-0 record and had only given up one goal thus far this season. After a hard fought, scoreless, first half of spirited play, the Lady Raptors came out and scored twice in the first nine minutes of the second half. Melanie Emerson was credited for both goals with Jess Steketee assisting on the first. The Olympians pulled within one goal at approximately the :63rd minute and scored the equalizer on a disputed corner kick within the last 2 minutes of play. The game winner was tallied in the :82 minute. Coach Tenney was pleased by the overall play of his girls given that they were short handed as a result of a number of players being unable to play due to various injuries.

It was an awesome game to watch and the spectators were very actively involved as fans from both sides were very vocal in supporting their respective teams. The members of the Varsity and JV Boys teams did a great job in initiating schoolspirit from the student section. The girls play host to Thetford on Friday at 4:30.