Athlete of the Week: Elizabeth Olson

Athlete of the Week: Elizabeth Olson

Nickname: Lizzie

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 128

Sport Position: Volleyball/Libero

Class: 2012

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Nothing in particular, I hate wearing black socks with white kneepads and visa versa, if that counts. So I make sure that never happens before we play.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Hmm... don't really have one.

What are your expectations for this season?

I'm just hoping to have a good time senior year, and come out with more wins than losses haha. So far, it's been a lot of fun, so I'm hoping the trend continues.

What classes are you taking as a senior?

Band, Lit, World, Calc, Chem, and French Lit

What do you want to do after high school?

College! Unless I can convince my parents to let me take a gap year. I'm just trying to get accepted to schools for the time being. Planning for that will come later.

If you could travel one place, where would you go?

I'd go back to Tanzania. It was the best experience I've ever had, and I'd love to visit the kids again and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What is one thing you can't live without?

Peanut butter and fluff sandwiches

What is something not many people know about you?

I hate onions.

East Field Hockey Opens Season Looking To Defend Titles

East field hockey begins regular season play this week as they look for a fourth consecutive state championship. They will begin their season against local rival Carrboro in a home game on Tuesday. East has been a dominant force during state playoffs in the past few years defeating their biggest rival Chapel Hill in all three championship games. A few early season injuries to key players Julie Canon and Margo Richardson looked to make the season start rough, but Canon was cleared to play earlier than expected and Richardson may be cleared after as little as one game. Along with these returning seniors, junior Sydney Holman, who made an all-tournament team with Richardson, will play a key role in the Wildcats quest for a fourth straight title. A new face in the crowd, freshman Marissa Creatore, has had success in the early going with several goals in a starting role for East during preseason play. It looks to be another exciting season for the Wildcats so come support them starting this Tuesday.

East to Play in Big Cat Kickoff Clash at Kenan Stadium

After a previous cancellation of the Big Cat Kickoff Clash, the games are back on in a much hyped-up preseason event that will take place in UNC's Kenan Stadium. East Chapel Hill will plan against Enloe High School at 9:00 PM on August 11th as part of preseason scrimmages that include local high school teams Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Games start at 6:00PM and all will be free of admission.

East Women's Soccer Capitalizes On Double Overtime Goal To Beat Broughton

East fought back from an early 1-0 first-half deficit to beat Broughton in their second straight double overtime victory of the state playoffs. Farrell Sweeney scored another game winner for the Wildcats and also scored the equalizer in the second half, assisted by Lauren Douglass. East looked to have sealed their victory when Abbey Underwood scored with just over five minutes remaining in the second period of overtime, but Broughton tied things up again by scoring with 55 seconds remaining. Farrell would score the game winner on a break away as the ball bounced past the keeper to advance East to the fourth round of state playoffs. And will play their quarterfinals game away this Friday against the winner of Leesville Road vs Green Hope starting at 7:00.

East Women's Soccer Defeats Wakefield On Penalty Kick in Double Overtime

After several missed opportunities from both teams throughout the game, East was able to prevail 1-0 on a penalty kick goal by Farrell Sweeney in the second period of double overtime. When asked what was going through her mind before the penalty kick, Sweeney said she felt that, "[She] had to make it." The penalty was drawn by Olivia Veneziano, who was pushed by a Wakefield in the box. Sweeney had this to say of the team's performance: "Everyone did what they needed to do individually to come out with the win." With the victory East advances to the third round of state playoffs playing Broughton High School on Wednesday, May 18 at home, start time to be announced.

East Men's Lax Falls To NW Guilford Because of Poor Start

East fell behind 7-0 after a dismal first quarter and could never really find it's groove in a 13-8 loss to Northwest Guilford during the state championship game. Ryan Lucey put East on the scoreboard early in the second quarter with his only goal of the game off of an assist from Chandler Zirkle, who finished with two assists. After falling behind 12-3, East scored five straight goals, including four goals by Steven Augustine and one by Ryan Dotson, to pull within four goals. Augustine also scored earlier off on an assist from Mark Trogdon and won 17 of 24 face-offs. Leo Moran also scored for East and Jackson Boyer recorded an assist. Congratulations to East on a fantastic season and especially to the seniors on their extremely successful careers at East.

East Women's Soccer Wins Close Match Against Cary in First Round of States

East advanced to the second round of state playoffs after Farrell Sweeney scored off of her own rebound to score the only goal of the game. Abbey Underwood was credited with the assist on the goal as she and Sweeney lead the offensive attack for the Wildcats taking 11 of the teams 17 shots (six of the nine shots on goal by the team). In a close game with low scoring, the defense played a huge roll in keeping East in the game. Sweeney had this to say of the team's play: "I felt good about it. I especially felt like our defense really stepped up and did a good job." The defense did a wonderful job at preventing Cary from taking shots, only allowing four in the game. When they did get shots off, goalkeeper Riley Foster was there, saving all four shots, including three after East took the lead. Katy Pugliese had a great opportunity in the first half at scoring off a free kick, when she got past Cary's goalkeeper and hit it off the post. East will play Wakefield High School at home on Saturday, May 14. The game will start at 7:00.