This Week in Athletics
March 28, 2025
Cate Athletics is off to a thrilling start this season, with teams across multiple sports making their mark through impressive performances, record-breaking achievements, and hard-fought battles. From the volleyball court to the lacrosse field, the Rams have showcased skill, resilience, and determination, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. With key players stepping up and teams finding their rhythm, Cate is proving to be a formidable competitor in every sport.
Cate Boys Tennis Starts Season Strong with Three Straight Wins
The Cate Rams opened their season with dominant victories over St. Bonaventure (15-3), Newbury Park (12-6), and Thacher (14-4). Against St. Bonaventure, the Rams swept most sets, with Noah Bien stepping up in singles and multiple players making their varsity debuts. Cate avenged last year’s loss to Newbury Park, overcoming a slow start to secure a statement win led by clutch performances from Bruce Li ’28, Kakeru Hirofuji ’27, and the doubles teams. The Rams continued their momentum against Thacher, with Hirofuji sharpening his net game, the freshmen duo of Andrew Jayich and Kendrick Suen going undefeated, and the team embracing the competitive spirit. With resilience and depth on display, Cate looks forward to their next challenge.
Cate Swimming Opens Season with Record-Breaking Performances
The Cate Swim Team kicked off the 2025 season in dominant fashion, securing victories over Bishop Diego, Dunn, and Laguna Blanca. Freshman Emi Kanda-Gleeson (‘27) stole the show, setting a school record in the 200 IM (2:20.70) and becoming the second-fastest 100 breaststroker in Cate history. The boys’ team also delivered standout performances, with Wil Rivera (‘27) and Joba Samson (‘25) establishing themselves as all-time top performers. Despite recent challenges, the Rams continued their winning streak against Villanova, St. Bonaventure, and Oak Grove, sweeping the relay events and showcasing their depth. With a strong start, Cate now looks ahead to the Tri-County Invitational on April 10.
Cate Track & Field Shines with Relay Wins and Individual Victories
Cate Track & Field delivered a dominant performance at Carpinteria High School, securing multiple event wins against Villanova, Thacher, Foothill Tech, and Carpinteria. Both the boys’ and girls’ 4x100m relay teams opened the meet with victories, while standout individual performances included Zach Goins (‘25) winning the triple jump, Ati Zwieback (‘27) taking first in both the 800m and 1600m, and Sloan Harwell (‘28) sprinting to victory in the 100m. Team captains Francesca Sutch (‘25) and Emerson Evans (‘26) anchored strong relay finishes, helping the girls’ 4x400m team close the meet with a dominant win. With personal bests and first-place finishes across the board, the Rams are building momentum for the rest of the season.
Cate Baseball Battles Through Early Season Ups and Downs
The Cate baseball team has faced a mix of highs and heartbreaks to open the season, sitting at 2-3 after a series of competitive matchups. The Rams picked up decisive wins over Ojai Valley and Valley Christian Academy, highlighted by explosive performances from Peter Lehman (‘25) and Quinn Pullen (‘25), who combined for four home runs in the victory over VCA. However, Cate has also suffered narrow losses, including a tough 9-8 walk-off defeat to Dunn in their league opener. Strong pitching performances from Lehman, Pullen, and Chase Meyer (‘26) have kept the Rams in every game, while the offense has shown flashes of dominance. With league play heating up, Cate looks to sharpen their execution and turn close losses into wins.
Cate Volleyball Stays Hot with Strong Start to the Season
The Cate boys’ volleyball team is off to a dominant start, securing multiple wins, including a pair of 3-0 victories over Dunn and a hard-fought 3-1 win against Providence. Led by standout performances from Mack Nieman ’25, Hudson Bonsignore ’25, and Lucian Tann ’25, the Rams have showcased a balanced attack and strong defensive presence at the net. Setter Zadin Stephens ’25 has been a key playmaker, racking up assists while also contributing from the service line. With a mix of powerful hitting, tough serving, and solid defensive play, Cate is proving to be a force early in the season as they continue their winning ways.
Cate Boys Lacrosse Secures First Win After Gritty Start to the Season
After a tough 0-2 start, the Cate boys’ lacrosse team broke through with a hard-fought 8-7 victory over San Marcos, holding off a late comeback to secure their first league win. The Rams showed resilience in earlier matchups, battling back in the second half against Grace Brethren behind captain Cody Mast’s ’25 leadership and pushing Santa Barbara High in a close 7-9 loss. Goalie Braedo Parker ’26 has been a steady presence, and junior attackman Quincy Thorne has contributed key goals. With a young roster adjusting to new systems, Cate is showing promising growth as they prepare for their next challenge against Thacher.
Cate Girls Lacrosse Off to Strong Start with 2-1 Record
The Cate girls’ lacrosse team is building momentum early in the season, securing dominant wins over San Marcos and Nordhoff to improve to 2-1. In their most recent matchup, the Rams controlled the game against Nordhoff, cruising to an 11-4 victory behind a strong offensive attack and disciplined defense. With a balanced team effort and steady leadership, Cate is showing early-season promise as they continue to refine their play and prepare for the challenges ahead.
As the season progresses, Cate teams continue to build momentum, gaining valuable experience and pushing themselves to new heights. With strong leadership, emerging talent, and a commitment to excellence, the Rams are poised for even greater success in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned as Cate Athletics looks to keep the energy high and bring home more victories! Go Rams!