Lion Sports Update (Sept. 9)

The varsity water polo team traveled to Houston for a weekend of competition against some of the region’s top programs—Houston Consolidated, Strake Jesuit, Clear Creek (the reigning UIL Champions), and Brazoswood.

On Friday evening, after a long bus ride, the Lions opened against Houston Consolidated. St. Mark’s jumped out to a 5–1 lead behind goals from sophomore James McGinnis (2), senior Matthew Liu (1), sophomore Will Behnke (1), and senior Oliver Geheb (1). Despite turnovers in the second quarter, the Lions held Consolidated to a single goal, while junior Max Lee and senior Doan Nguyen each added one for St. Mark’s. The Lions extended their lead in the third with three more goals—Liu’s second and Geheb’s second and third. In the fourth quarter, Geheb added two more, finishing with five goals, while sophomore Eddie Stehel and junior Tyson Diep scored their first of the game. St. Mark’s secured a 14–9 victory.

In their second matchup, the Lions faced host Strake Jesuit. After trailing 3–2 in the first quarter, St. Mark’s responded with a strong second, shooting 5-for-8 to take a 7–6 lead at halftime. The Lions’ defense shined in the third, allowing just two goals on three shots while adding four of their own. They closed out the fourth quarter with four more goals and only one against, sealing a 15–10 win.

Against Brazoswood, the Lions fought through a challenging contest. Liu led the team with 10 goals, while Geheb added five and drew three penalties that Liu converted. Nguyen, Lee, Diep, and sophomore Luke Nguyen each added a goal, giving St. Mark’s a 19–14 victory.

In their final game of the day, the Lions faced Clear Creek. Tied 3–3 after the first quarter, St. Mark’s pulled ahead 5–4 at halftime, then broke the game open with a 5–3 third quarter and a 4–1 fourth. The Lions defeated the reigning champions 14–8. Next, St. Mark’s heads to Villa Park, California, to compete in the prestigious Villa Park Classic.

Last Friday, the varsity volleyball team hosted the Dallas One club team. Despite the visitors’ athleticism and power, the Lions’ discipline and polished play led to a straight-sets victory. The highlight came when senior middle Nathan Macktinger blocked the opposing middle hitter with one hand. Coach Darren Teicher remarked, “It was one of the most impressive blocks I have seen in my 19 years at the school.”

This weekend, the Lions travel to Houston to face Awty International and Kinkaid in their first SPC counter matches of the season.

On Friday, September 5, the Lions hosted the Cistercian Hawks for their home opener. Despite turnovers that slowed momentum, St. Mark’s trailed only 6–3 late in the first half before junior Braden Scott broke free on a 43-yard reverse for a touchdown, giving the Lions a spark heading into halftime.

In the second half, the defense shut out the Hawks while the offense found its rhythm. Quarterback Blaize Schumacher completed 14 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while Scott contributed 178 total yards and three touchdowns on the night. Running back David Dickson added 109 yards, and wide receiver Matthew Wier tallied 115 yards. On defense, senior Jack Levy was a force, recording 12 tackles and forcing three fumbles.

The 1–1 Lions now prepare to host the Greenhill Hornets this Friday night in what will be the 700th football game in St. Mark’s history.

The cross country team enjoyed a weekend off from competition. They return to action this weekend at Myers Park in McKinney for the Lucas Lovejoy Fall Festival.