BASEBALL
After an underwhelming 2023 season, Brett Mooney’s varsity baseball team set their eyes on another trip to the Class 5 Region C regional playoffs, with hopes of making it into the final and qualifying for the state tournament. In the 2022 season, they reached the regional semifinal but just fell short. The squad this year looks very promising for a good run. With standout players like Richard Bland College commit Connor Powell, Averett University commit Preston Corbitt, and Carter Bercume. Sophomore outfielder Carson Hupp has faith in this team, believing there is an assortment of strengths.
“I would say our defense is going to be very strong and our offense will be much better than last year,” said Hupp.
SOFTBALL
The returning state tournament semifinalists, Clover Hill Softball are primed for another triumphant season. This team is coming off an outstanding year, finishing the 2023 season with a 13-5 record in the regular season, finishing as the runners up in the regional tournament, and a great showing in the state tournament, only losing to a stacked Woodgrove High School side who went 27-0 against in-state opponents and eventually won out in the class 5 state tournament. This time around, the Lady Cavs are ready to give their all to state home the state tournament title. With a schedule which sets them up to face dominion district powerhouses such as Midlothian, Cosby, and Powhatan two times throughout the season. With University of Virginia commit Addison Thompson leading this squad, a massive season is on the horizon, beginning with a road game against Hanover High school on March 11 at 6p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
This talented squad finished the 2023 season with a 10-7-1 record and a playoff appearance. This year is pivotal for the success of this team, being a last ride for many skillful seniors. Junior goalkeeper Gibson Hensley believes this senior class has changed the program for the good.
“The seniors we have this year are incredibly talented and very important to our success on the pitch,” said Hensley. “They have all helped the younger guys get a lot better.”
After losing a heartbreaking match on penalties in the first round of the Class 5 region C playoffs against Douglas S Freeman high school, these boys hope to make it further into the playoffs.
GIRLS SOCCER
Finishing last season with a 9-9 record and a playoff win, several seniors were lost, including Queens University of Charlotte center back, Maddy Cheatham. In addition to the loss of seniors, University of Lynchburg commit Ellie Diehl, and Christopher Newport University commit Rylee Wampler have both opted to sit out their senior season to avoid injury before they continue their soccer careers in college. Young leadership is essential for this team’s success. Sophomores Ava Mojaddidi, Kate Corizini, and Camden Pringle, who were all on varsity as freshmen are going to be key players this year. Sophomore captain Ava Mojaddidi thinks that the young players will rise to the occasion.
“[Sophomores] and the freshman are the base of the team,” said Mojaddidi. “We need to support our few upperclassmen and rise to the occasion if we want to have a successful season”
BOYS LACROSSE
Improving on their 2022 record of 1-13, the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team finished the previous season with a 7-9 record. This team is continuously growing with the help of veteran leadership, senior Rodrigo Avalos, junior Everett Aileo, and senior CJ Brooks. The loss of all metro honorable mention attackman Cameron McCann is going to be a challenge for this squad. However, filling Camerons spot is Rodrigo Avalos, who made the switch from defense to attack this offseason. Losing talent does not seem to be affecting the team in any super negative way.
Junior Michael Wilson believes the team will be able to make up for lost players
“We are a really talented team,” said Wilson. “If the offense can get rolling we’re going to shock some teams.”
GIRLS LACROSSE
Coach Rhonda Clompton’s team earned a 9-5 record during the regular season and a 4th place finish in dominion district play. Many girls contribute their success to the unity and friendship of the team. The current team have all played together since being freshman on the JV team. With a substantial amount of departing seniors, attack duo Caroline Walker and Bailey Burket will be paramount in scoring.
GIRLS TENNIS
After not having a permanent coach and having to have mothers of players step into that role, the Girls Varsity Tennis team is attempting to become a powerhouse in Class 5. Coach Fahim Rahman is anticipating a successful year.
“We’re looking to make big steps in the region,” said Rahman “Playing Midlothian will be a good test of how good we are relative to the other.” With 14 regular season matches throughout Spring, the girls are ready to give it their all.
BOYS TENNIS
Finishing 7th place in the Class 5 region C after regular season play, Boys Tennis is taking some big steps. Most importantly, a new coach was hired, Marley Guidry. Guidry, a gym teacher who has a passion for tennis stepped into the role. With the region realignment, new faces in the region are quite promising for a deeper run into the playoffs. With matchups against Hermitage high school and James River High School, they are expecting a successful season.
