Soccer (Varsity)
vs. Marianapolis Preparatory School

On Saturday afternoon, Walker’s varsity soccer team took to the road for another WNEPSSA contest against fellow Class C opponent, Marianapolis. Walker’s came away with a 4-3 victory in a game that was back-and-forth right from the opening whistle.

Ayden Riendeau ’27 started the game with a goal just 64 seconds after the kickoff. Marlo Meador ’25 recorded her first assist of the season when she slipped in Riendeau over the top for a breakaway and a calm finish to the left corner. It was just the beginning for Riendeau.

Despite the fact that the Wildcats created a handful of other chances, the home side tied the game at one apiece 16 minutes later. Riendeau gave Walker’s their second lead of the game 11 minutes before halftime when Martha O’Donnell ’23 won a tackle in the middle of the field and found Riendeau at the top of the box. She finished in the upper near corner.

The Knights once again tied the contest – this time less than five minutes before halftime, and the teams went into the break knotted at two-piece. O’Donnell opened the second half by scoring 15 minutes after the kickoff when she received a pass from Sophie Martinelli ’25. O’Donnell’s first touch was perfect into the box, and her left-footed shot beat the keeper in the top corner on the back post. It was Martinelli’s first assist this season to go along with her six goals.

This time, Walker’s would not relinquish the lead again, and Riendeau completed her hat-trick with three minutes left on the clock. O’Donnell recorded her second assist of the afternoon on the goal as Walker’s would come away with their second straight victory. On the season, Riendeau now has six goals to go along with her team-leading five assists, while O’Donnell has two goals and three assists this fall. Marianapolis put one more in the net with less than 90 seconds on the scoreboard on a rocket to the top left corner from 25 yards out.

The Ethel Walker School will have a full week before their next contest when they host Miss Porter’s. Kick-off on Saturday, September 29 is set for 2:00 p.m. in Simsbury.