On Saturday, April 23, four Tiger JV teams shone at the annual Friends Schools League JV Tournament. JV Lacrosse and JV Tennis captured first place; JV Softball finished 2nd, and JV Baseball finished a solid 3rd.

The Friends Schools League tradition of JV tournaments each season sets the league apart from most others, which focus primarily on varsity programs. While the tournaments provide JV athletes with a series-format experience, they also celebrate the importance of participation in sports for emerging athletes. 

JV Lacrosse posted a 5-4 comeback win over Shipley in the Championship, after dropping to the Gators earlier in the day. The Tigers also showed their grit beating George School 9-4 at the tournament after losing to them 2-3 earlier in the regular season. First time goalie Halle Smoger ‘25 recorded 9 saves, including one to preserve the win. Every player contributed to the championship win including last-minute guest player Emmie Day ‘26. 

Congratulations to the JV Team: Mia Adams '24, Juliette Kang '24, Belle Levy '25, Anna Pendse '25, Maddie Daniel '24, Persi Coes '25, Miya Moriuchi '24, Izzy Spaniel '24, Ally McNally '24, Claire Meyer ‘24, Ali Levy '25, Kylie Mahler '24, Day, Smoger, and manager extraordinaire Cici Spaniel '24.  

JV Baseball went 1-2 on the day including their first win of the season. “It was a thrilling, come-from-behind 8-4 win over Shipley! Down 4-2 heading into the last inning, the Tigers loaded the bases and got a key, two-run single from Zury Mitchell ‘25 to tie the game at 4. After wild pitches plated Mitchell and Adrian Pennick ‘23, Rowan Ziegler ‘23 capped off the rally with an RBI double that scored Ben Carr ‘25. Ziegler then scored in dramatic fashion on a throwing error from the outfield, sliding head first into home to score the Tigers 8th and final run,” said JV Head Coach Jamey Cooper. 

Manny Heyer-Rivera ‘24 pitched effectively for the Tigers, tossing a complete game while striking out three Shipley batters. He also added a single and a walk to help his own cause. 

The Tigers dropped the first game to a very strong Friends Central team, 13-5. “The Tigers got off to a tough start but were able to get their offense going in the last inning, and the momentum certainly carried over into their game two win over Shipley,” added Cooper. 

In game three, the Tigers played a split squad game with The George School and ANC. “We came out on the losing side but it was nice to share our dugout with some of our George School friends and build camaraderie with the other members of our league!" 

The JV Tennis team not only finished the day ast FSL JV Champions but all but one team member went unbeaten throughout their brackets. Congratulations to the following student-athletes on their outstanding performance: Julian Abbell ‘25, Caleb Ash ‘22, Calder Cook ‘24, Dylan Lutey ‘23, Ben King ‘22, Noah Kruemmling ‘25, and Moss Lempieri ‘22. 

JV Softball posted a record of 2-1-1. “It was a great experience for all the girls and some fun and team bonding.They played hard and didn’t give up trying,” said Coach Lackman.

This year, games were hosted by George School (JV Baseball), Academy of the New Church (Softball), Friends’ Central (JV Lacrosse) and Westtown (JV Tennis).