Soccer (Varsity)
vs. The Hotchkiss School

On Wednesday afternoon, Ethel Walker’s varsity soccer team earned their first win of the season when they hosted Hotchkiss in a Founder’s League contest. The visitors scored the lone goal of the first half and doubled their lead three minutes after halftime. Walker’s stayed on task though and scored three unanswered goals to secure a 3-2 win.

Jenna Hamel ’25 recorded four saves in the first half as the teams played a back-and-forth opening 40 minutes. Hotchkiss scored 10 minutes before the break when they broke down the right side of the field and found an open player at the top of the penalty box. She slotted home for a one-goal cushion. Hotchkiss continued their momentum into the second when they scored after an initial save from Hamel to take a 2-0 lead with 37 minutes left on the clock.

Walker’s worked hard to get back into the contest and Gigi Peña ’26 scored her first of the season just two minutes later when she finished a cross from Alison Hayes ’25. Peña became the provider quickly thereafter and Hayes evened the scoreline at two apiece with her second goal this fall. The score remained tied at two apiece until there were seven minutes remaining when Maddie Hemmerich ’27 scored her first career goal for Walker’s. Ayden Riendeau ’26 broke free when she stole the ball near midfield and after Hotchkiss’s goalkeeper made a save Riendeau tried to put home the rebound, but her second shot deflected into the path of Hemmerich. She stayed calm and collected and found the back of the net for the game-winner.

Hotchkiss created a handful of quality scoring opportunities over the final five minutes, but Hamel stayed focused and finished the game with 11 saves. Emily Sanchez ’26 and Caroline Hayes ’27 held strong all contest in the central part of Walker’s defense while Marlo Meador ’25 and Lily Devine ’27 held firm on the width.

Walker’s will return to action on Saturday when they host Kent in another Founder’s League matchup. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 in Simsbury.