This Week in Sports - Week #8

Dave Levy, Athletic Director
It was an exciting week for Tandem Athletics! The Middle School Volleyball team travelled to STAB and won on the road, while the Middle School Soccer team scored seven goals against Waldorf at home! Varsity Volleyball played a tight match in front of a large crowd on Tuesday vs Highland, and Varsity Soccer played an exciting game on the road at RMA. Middle School Cross Country achieved great success at Darden Towe yesterday - Varsity Cross Country returns to Panorama Farms tomorrow. Thanks!

Middle School Cross Country Shines at CCS Invite  - 10/11/24 - MS XC

Steep and difficult, the mile mark at the Darden Towe Cross Country Course presents a serious challenge to runners as they approach. That did not stop Tandem from flying at full speed!  The Badgers have been training hard with Coaches Melissa and Casey for weeks on significant inclines!  As a result, the team was well prepared for the first competition on Thursday afternoon!  Over fifteen teams toed the line at the Charlottesville Catholic Cross Country Invitational, and as the whistle sounded to begin the race, it was clear that Tandem was up to the task.
 
Working together, the speedy pack of Riley, Eleanor, Raquel and Aislin pushed themselves to new heights!  Running their own race, this pack ran evenly throughout, including up an enormous hill as the halfway mark. Riley was flying through the mile mark! Passing runners as they ran, their consistent effort and smooth stride guided them each to new personal records!  Raquel finished the 3K race in 16:24, with Aislin (16:26) and Eleanor (16:30) close behind! Pack running is an essential strategy in cross country and it allowed these athletes to push each other to new heights!
 
Only a fifth grader, Willa's Cross Country debut was a sight to behold... and if you blinked you missed it.  Willa shot off the line like a gazelle, and got faster as she ran. Willa was constantly making moves and gaining confidence, and finished in a speedy time of 15:51 and was 61st out of over 140 runners!  Congratulations also to Elodie, who has been flying in practice, and broke 20:00 for the first time! Elodie's time of 19:56 is a tribute to her work ethic. It was quite a performance as she zipped around the trails!
 
Ellie (18:05) and Emma R (18:52) also worked together - running in tandem as they navigated this challenging course.  Coming down the home stretch, they showed they still had a lot of energy in their legs, putting in a big sprint as they crossed the line with new personal records in tow! Cora and Francesca (23:20) worked together! They had a strong start, Cora paced herself beautifully off of the line to start the race! Francesca was particularly strong on the downhills, opening up her stride and letting gravity do the work!  She had an amazing second half of the race, showing no fatigue after the hill and cruising home with ease! 
 
In the second race of the day, Ethan and Luke looked strong among fierce competition. Flying off the line, they both earned a strong position, passing runners as they went.  The mile mark presented a challenge to many, but Luke was gliding up the hill, hitting the halfway point in 6:43.  Ethan was hot on his tail, constantly making moves and passing opposing runners. Luke finished the day with an amazing kick, shooting down the home stretch in a time of 12:31, finishing 36th overall!  Shortly thereafter, Ethan showed off a big kick to his exciting race in a time of 13:19!
 
Congratulations to all Middle School Cross Country Badgers on a great season debut!  The team gave a great effort, worked together, supported one another and earned personal records along the way! Off to an awesome start!  They return to action Wednesday at Grymes. 

Playing With No Fear: Badgers Push Conference Champs to the Brink - 10/8/24 - V Volleyball

Throughout the last month, the Tandem Badgers Girls Varsity Volleyball team have dominated all of their competition.  Tonight, in front of a spirited crowd and an equally enthusiastic Badger, Tandem played like the incredible team they are - with no fear - and pushed the defending conference champions to the brink. Practice was different last night - Zella, Elisabeth and Beatrice brought it - and the team was locked in as the Badgers prepared for Tandem vs Highland round 1. Yes, Highland is a good team. That said, these Badgers played with a toughness and a fearlessness that proved we are just as good (if not better!) and entirely up for any challenge. This was one step on the path of getting the team ready for what's sure to be an exciting stretch run!
 
With Lili's energy and a white out crowd, the Badger Den was buzzing from the very beginning Sofia set Tessa for a massive spike to earn the first point of the match. The opening set went back and forth, but there was one constant: Chloe's hitting was vicious. Rude. Mean. Downright nasty.  Down 3-4, Chloe smashed one of her patented hits right at both of the Highland blockers - who fell backward and lost their balance as they couldn't contend with her explosive force. She hit from the left side, the back row, and the service line, continuing to play with strength, energy and emotion that kept the scoring dead even. 
 
Maggie was equally locked in - she had a number of big blocks, including one that ended a service run for the opponent in the middle of the net.  Tied 6-6, Maggie changed the momentum, and Tessa had a strong hit to bring the Badgers within 2.  As the set went on, Mary's play proved to be clutch and critical.  She had an ace to make it 18-17, followed by a big block at the net. Tandem dropped the opening set 25-21, but it was a tight battle, and Highland knew they had their hands full tonight.
 
Due to the high level of play, the rallies were long and exciting.  Tandem got on the floor tonight - giving it their absolute all! Sofia had just as many aces as she did digs, sacrificing her body to keep the ball alive.  Maya flew out of bounds to keep it in play, and when it was time for a three ball, she launched it over the net. Tessa and Chloe got low, refusing to let the ball hit the ground, and Golden was excellent in the back row, keeping the ball in play and alive.
 
Lola made her presence felt in the third set - she had a sequence of effective serves and a powerful hit from the right side that left the floor shaking! During a key rally, Maggie blocked not one, not two but THREE consecutive hits - reminding the visitors that this is her house!! Tandem took a 10-8 lead as Sofia continued to put her teammates in position to win, setting Lola for another big swing and smash hit on the right side and Chloe for a whizzing, beautiful down the line laser beam on the other.  The Badgers led 18-17 late in the third set.  With the momentum going back and forth, Sofia showed off a beautiful push shot (she's been working on that in practice) and it was like poetry - and gave Tandem a service opportunity. Maggie took advantage and followed that up with an ace!  The Badgers took a 22-21 lead, before an opposing run ended the match 25-27.
 
With two of the three sets being decided by less than four points, Tandem played a terrific match this afternoon against the defending GPAC Champions. They played with talent, tenacity, teamwork and NO FEAR - and WHY SHOULD THEY? They are ranked in the top ten in the state and they just won 20 sets in a row!  I am incredibly proud of this team - and their effort - and I know they will continue to bring it as they move in the direction of the postseason. These teams meet again at the end of the season at Highland: I've already circled October 28th on my calendar. 

Tandem Lights Up the Scoreboard With a Big Win vs Waldorf! - 10/7/24 - MS Boys Soccer

It was a beautiful precision pass, as Thomas smashed a through ball to Hadley who was streaking down the left side of the field.  Waldorf had already grown frustrated trying to guard her.  She fired the ball at the net - a defender got in the way and it was time for a corner kick. With a high arc, Levi knocked the ball into the box.  The goalie batted it away, but Thomas swooped in for the first goal of the game!  
 
Despite the challenges of the last few weeks, our Tandem Middle School athletes have stayed active - flying all over the place at break, in PE and remaining ready for the time when the sun shined on the field and soccer could resume again. They were super ready today - with high energy and great teamwork - Tandem's offense was performing on all cylinders this afternoon.
 
Trenton, Eli, Charlie, Peter and Thomas formed a cohesive back line. Waldorf had an impossible time navigating it. On the rare occasion that they did, Eric cleared the ball down the field, straight toward Quinten, who launched a laser from the 18' box. 
 
Waldorf attempted to tie the game early, and they got loose for a 2 on 1. Levie played the situation perfectly, grabbing a beautiful save and sending the ball deep to Whitman. Whitman found Aven in the open field, and with fancy footwork, Aven snuck the ball under the outstretched arms of the goalie, tallying Tandem's second goal of the afternoon.  
 
Each time Waldorf tried to attack, they ran into Ryan or Trenton, who cleared the ball out. Trenton passed to Thomas, who fired another shot, before Levi set up Quinten for his first goal of the game! Three different Badgers, three goals and Tandem was up 3-0.
 
In the second half, Dalin and Jackson were particularly strong on the sidelines.  They set up Levi, who fired a heavy shot toward the goalie. He got a save, resulting in Hadley's rebound, and while that was saved as well, Levi followed it up with yet another tally for the home team. What an effort for the Badgers... and only moments later, Julian's deep goal gave Tandem a considerable margin on their opponent.
 
The Badgers improved to 3-1, scoring 7 goals on the day. Under the instruction of Coach Lauren and Tony, this team is soaring to new heights! Congratulations on a great game! Thanks to Roger, Solomon and Travis for keeping the field ready for us and to Sam for running the scoreboard.  And of course our families for all of their support!

Badgers Excel at Panorama Farms! - 10/5/24 - V XC
 
Gliding up a huge hill, with the wind at his back, Oscar made his move.  He was a mile into the race and he looked relaxed, strong and confident, picking off opposing runners as he went.  By the time he hit the two mile mark, his pace quickened and his stride lengthened, digging deep to accomplish something special. In the final 400 meters, much of it at a steep incline, Oscar unleashed his kick, blazed by three runners, and crossed the line in a new PR time of 24:08, a 33 second improvement from his time at Quantico on Tuesday (and on a much more challenging course!) What a performance!
 
Only a year removed from hosting NCAA Division 1 Cross Country Championships, Panorama Farms has served as the host to big time Cross Country competition - and the Badgers proved worthy on this glistening October morning, perfect for our favorite sport. Full of beautiful rolling hills (some call them "opportunities," Tandem took advantage of their first chance to run on a world class course - and to understand it - as we will return there next weekend as well.  The Badgers shot off of the line, with Hayes and Blemker positioning themselves towards the front.  They approached the mile mark on a mission, Hayes flying through in 5:10, while Blemker was hot on his heels in 5:18. Both runners truly competed - using their competition to pace off of and to push themselves as they got deeper in the race.
 
Running on the shoulders of STAB's defending state champion, Hayes held his position, stayed consistent throughout the race, and showed off his will to win in the homestretch. For the second time this season, Hayes outkicked his rival, finishing third overall in a new PR time of 16:19 - 6 seconds faster than his time at Quantico! This is a very difficult course to run a PR, and much tougher than Quantico, but Hayes was locked in. Blemker had the race of his life, fighting through the second mile and finishing 7th in an impressive time of 17:20!
 
Responsive and consistent, Miles used the peak of every hill to make a move, passing several runners in the process.  His time of 18:30 placed him 20th, setting Tandem up for success.  The rest of the top seven were truly competing and working together. Fun fact: a pack of Badgers is called a colony - and the colony of Peter (20:17), Jack Nachbar (20:25) and Jack Johnson (20:28) truly competed this morning, closing the door on the Tandem scoring. Gabriel's 20:55 was his best effort of the season, he has been consistent in every race!
 
Will was in attack mode, sharply following the moves of any runner who challenged him.  He finished with a big kick, and nearly matched his PR in a time of 21:08. Orro was locked in today! His colony included Kai (22:52), Jude (23:33 - five seconds faster than on Tuesday) and John (23:36.) Orro knocked 31 seconds off his previous PR - 23:22!  With strong finishes, Brendan (25:11) and Kai (22:52 - three seconds faster than at Quantico) closed it out for the Varsity Boys - placing two in the top ten and finishing 3rd overall - ahead of cross-town rival STAB.
 
Lucy came into the race with a game plan and was determined to achieve it.The first step was to get out hard, and she did just that, establishing herself as the elite runner she is.  Lucy hit the mile in 6:50, right on target, and battled through the all painful second mile while passing runners around her. When it was kicking time, Lucy reached for another gear and showed off her speed, dusting the competition and giving it her all.  Lucy's time of 23:32 is a pace of 7:34 and 26 seconds better than her time from Darden Towe! October Lucy - well - when she returns to the course next week, well, she'll be one to watch!  Julia, running the 5k for only the second time, pulled through in an impressive 26:17. Julia is just starting to tap into her abilities, and her final sprint showed her strength - leaving her opponents in the dust. Hot on her heels, Claire (who paced Julia for the first two miles) finished in a strong time of 26:17. 
 
Eloise was at it again in the JV combined race. It's no longer a secret that she is a force to be reckoned with, as she did it on the GPAC stage and now at a big invitational this afternoon.  She's got the hardware to prove it, as Eloise finished third overall in a time of 26:27! Sadie, making her invitational debut, finished in a strong time of 28:41, looking strong throughout. Nico (29:52) and Fletcher (30:27) ran as one Badger colony while Daniel (31:10), Malena (31:55) and Laurel (32:04) competed in another!
 
Dhruvi took on the hills as they came. She was in the moment, focused on a simple goal of just keep running.  As a result, Dhruvi ran her best race of the season, finishing in a strong time of 31:18 and giving her the confidence that when she's back next week she can take it one step further. Working closely with Nina, Avery (33:18) and Annie (33:25) continue to impress. This was a tricky course - wet, with limited shade and lots of rolling hills, but they did not quit! The same can be said for Tyler (36:13) who had a very strong, consistent race.
 
It was a great day for the Tandem Badgers!  Hayes and Heloise each finished third in their divisions, the boys finished third overall, and there were lots of PR's to boot. The support of friends and family was wonderful - thanks to all who came to cheer on this outstanding group of student athletes! Additionally, the team got the experience of running at Panorama Farms - home of Virginia State Championships 2024 - and the Western Albemarle Invite and the Ragged Mountain Cup.  The team will know the nuances of the course, and they'll be stronger, as we return to Panorama next Saturday morning. 

Strong Play from Varsity Soccer on their Home Field - 10/5/24 V Boys Soccer

Regents had a corner kick, but Mason got control of the ball and immediately launched it out to Oscar at midfield. With fancy footwork, Oscar got by one defender, creating a 2 on 1 situation.  As the other defender approached, Oscar placed a perfect touch on the ball, finding Owen for the equalizing goal!! With a loud cheer from the crowd, Tandem's offensive push was in full force and the game was tied at 1-1.  The second half featured several quality chances created by Shaan, who used his body to shield the ball and spun away from the defender.  Then, with lots of traffic around him, he elevated the ball for a beautiful shot, hitting the crossbar, and resulting in a corner kick. Later, Shaan set up Van for another strong shot.
 
With strong leadership and passion, the Tandem Boys Varsity soccer season started with a bang! Captains Oscar, Shaan and Owen have been pushing their teammates since way back in August in the sweltering heat! Making incredible headway, the Badgers roster grew - in numbers and in skill - and were poised for a busy schedule of games ahead.  Then it started to rain. Games were cancelled, but Coach Nemanja and the team stayed focused - working out in the deep corner off of the side of the field, the weight room, the front lawn - honing their technique as best they could for when the sun finally broke through.  There was true mud, sweat and tears today as their effort was on full display in front of a large crowd on the Varsity Field. 
 
Right off the bat, Luca's goalkeeping was aggressive.  He shot out of the net, breaking up scoring opportunities for the opponent.  Throughout the game, he forced a number of shots wide and had several quality saves. With Owen, Mason, Grayson and Henry in front of him, they formed a wall, quick to pass the ball up the line to their teammates. Each defender was quick to push Regents off their spots, forcing the ball out of the middle and providing transition opportunities for the Tandem strikers.  
 
Aiden was constantly pressuring the opponent, forcing them to give up possession.  Asher is strong and quick - and he was terrific in the middle of the field, with smooth passes to Caleb and Shaan, whose dribbling prowess was on full display.  Early in the first half, Shaan was everywhere in the middle, setting up Owen on the right side of the field.  Owen sent a strong cross to Van for a quality shot - one of the Badgers many shots inside the 18' box on the day.
 
After several long weeks, the Badgers were aggressive, physical and precise in their first home game vs Regents.  It was an exciting game - and great to see all of the teamwork and skill on display after such a long stretch of rain.  Special thanks to Sam, Roger, Solomon and Travis for making this possible. Soccer is back - and it's going to be sunny all of next week.
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Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
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