Monthly Archives: October 2020

Volley Belles’ season includes state tourney play once again

Despite the challenges surrounding this year’s season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Volley Belles enjoyed success and advanced to the 6A State Tournament once again. The team entered the tournament as the 5th seed out of the Central Conference and ended up losing three hard-fought sets to Bentonville, the 4th seed out of the West Conference, in the first round on October 27. With an overall record of 9-8 – and 9-6 in conference play – the Volley Belles finished the 2020 season 4th in the 6A Central Conference, improving two spots from 2019.

 

A handful of players were recognized for their accomplishments on the court this year. Catalina Williams ’21 earned both All-State and All-Conference honors. Millie Allgood ’22, Shailey Jackson ’21, Katie Kaelin ’21, Riley Ray ’21 and Lily Williamson ’21 were all awarded All-Conference honors, as well. Additionally, at least three seniors will be playing at the college level next fall. Shailey and Catalina have plans to join the Warriors at Hendrix College in Conway, and Lily will play for the Panthers at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama. Both schools are members of NCAA Division III and the Southern Athletic Association.

 

This was the second season for Head Coach Jorge Martinez and the first for Varsity Assistant Coach Reyes Cordero. “Though the season ended sooner than we hoped with a tough loss in the state tournament to 2019 Champion Bentonville, there were many accomplished goals to celebrate,” Coach Martinez said. “Coach Cordero and I both feel like the program is on the right path and that there’s been nothing but progress in every aspect of the game. The future is bright, and we can’t wait for the next season!”

 

The Mounties also had a successful season. Led by Head Coach Jessica Crow and Assistant Coach Amber Pruss, the freshman team finished 2nd overall in the conference with a 7-2 record in conference play. Their season ended with a loss to North Little Rock in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

 

Congrats to the Volley Belles and Mounties, and their coaches, for great seasons!

 

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Senior class celebrates Ring Mass

It was a beautiful day for a beautiful, time-honored tradition. Joined by their family members, the Mount St. Mary Academy Class of 2021 was finally able to celebrate Ring Mass together on Wednesday, October 21. Typically held in late April during the students’ junior year, this year’s event was delayed until the fall of their senior year due to the COVID pandemic. Despite the mid-October date, guests enjoyed clear skies and warm weather during the Mass, which was held outside on the school grounds this year so everyone could safely gather for the special occasion.

 

Student Body President Sarah Cate Lay opened with the call to worship, and MSM Chaplain Msgr. Lawrence Frederick blessed the rings during the special Mass. As homeroom teachers announced all 131 names in the Class of 2021, each young woman stood and was presented her senior ring by a family member. The students will wear these rings as a symbol of their class unity and leadership just as previous years’ senior classes have done.

 

Congratulations to the Mount St. Mary Academy Class of 2021!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Tennis Belles successfully defend conference title

For the second straight year, the Tennis Belles are Conference Champions after successfully defending their title in the 6A Central Conference Championship at Rebsamen Tennis Center in Little Rock on October 6 and 7. The team advanced to the State Tournament on October 12 and 13 at the same location and ended up finishing fourth overall in the state in Arkansas’ highest classification.

 

Both doubles teams advanced to the championship game in the Conference Tournament. Libby Franks ’21 and Tasha Moreland ’22 defeated teammates Anna Grace ’22 and Libby Raffaelli ’22 to win the title of 6A Central Conference Girls Doubles Champions. Additionally, both teams finished among the top four pairs in the State Tournament. Their performance in both tournaments earned these four players All-State and All-Conference honors.

 

Caroline Lasley ’24 and Abby Whittaker ’24 also received All-Conference recognition. Caroline had advanced to the singles championship game in the Conference Tournament, where she earned runner-up.

 

“The whole team practiced and competed at the highest level all season. They are one of the best squads I have had over the past 37 years,” Coach Tim Glancy said. “They all should be proud of themselves for the way they have handled all the situations that have occurred over the past year.”

 

Congratulations on another successful season, Tennis Belles and Coach Glancy!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

2020 CHS Homecoming Court announced

Congratulations to the young ladies selected for this year’s Catholic High School Homecoming Court.

 

Front row (L to R): Bryn Bethel; Ella Brewer; and Hattie Cooper.

 

Back row (L to R): Sarah Cate Lay, Rockette representative; Hannah Denery; Vivian Pierce; Grace Weaver; and Mary Haven Hankins, Cheer representative.

 

The CHS Homecoming game will be Friday, October 23, at War Memorial Stadium with kickoff at 7 p.m. The Homecoming Ceremony, which includes the presentation of the court and the crowing of this year’s queen, will be held during halftime.

 

Congratulations to the 2020 CHS Homecoming Court! Go Rockets!

 

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

2020-2021 MSM student council elected

After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount St. Mary Academy finally held officer elections on Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25. Congratulations to the newly elected student council members for 2020-2021:

 

Student Body President: Sarah Cate Lay

 

Senior Class President: Vivian Pierce

Senior Class Vice President: Ella Brewer

Senior Class Officers: Fran Edwards, Chloe Gourde and Cabe Parrish

 

Junior Class President: Ellen Brady

Junior Class Vice President: Lucy Nimmo

Junior Class Officers: Mimi Baldwin, Zelenka Harts and Savanna Hindman

 

Sophomore Class President: Anna Mammarelli

Sophomore Class Vice President: Grey Parrish

Sophomore Class Officers: AnnaRose Boone, Olivia Bulloch and Eliza Spellins

 

Freshman Class President: Abby Whittaker

Freshman Class Vice President: Haven McCormack

Freshman Class Officers: Ashley Adams, Savannah Bosley and Eliza Jane Null

 

“It takes a lot of courage to run for student council. This year, speeches were recorded and emailed out, and I’m so proud of the 39 girls who ran,” Noël Gieringer, MSM English teacher and student council sponsor, said. “Our student council events will be very different this year, but I’m hopeful that these student leaders can still bring school spirit and service to this unique school year.”

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Young Golf Belles finish strong

The Mount St. Mary Academy golf team, coached by MSM science teacher Marty Perry, finished in 7th place in the 6A Girls Golf State Tournament in Bryant on September 30. After beginning play in early August prior to the start of the school year, this event concluded the 2020 season for the relatively young Golf Belles.

 

The competition began the previous day. The team placed 7th out of 15 teams to earn one of eight spots in the final round. With a personal best one-under par total score, Isabel Chaidez ’22 finished as this year’s 6A State runner-up. She persevered through the round after a shaky start and finished an eagle-birdie-par on the last three holes to secure 2nd place by one stroke. Her performance in the two-day tournament earned her All-Conference for the third year in a row and All-State for the second straight year. Additionally, she qualified for one of just 18 spots in the Arkansas State Golf Association High School Overall Championship, which will take place on October 15 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock.

 

Bella Finley ’22 and Savvy Straessle ’24 also shot personal bests during the 6A State Tournament. Other team members competing in the event were Audrey Darragh ’23 and Kennedy Griffin’24. Chloe Bartlett ’24 and Olivia Bulloch ’23 and were members of this year’s Golf Belles, as well.

 

Congrats on a great season, Golf Belles and Coach Perry! And good luck, Isabel!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.