Receiving two goals apiece from Winnie Welch and Lola Tirabassi, Greenwich Academy began its season with a 5-1 win over visiting Greenwich Country Day School in an FAA soccer game held on Saturday.

“It was a really good way for us to start the season,” GA coach Alistair Lonsdale said. “Greenwich Country Day School is really good, they’re a strong side. We came out strong, after playing well during the preseason.”

Lauren Harteveldt, a senior captain, tallied one goal and two assists for GA (1-0), which held a 4-0 halftime lead. Welch scored the game’s first goal, tallying off a pass from Harteveldt. The same combination gave the home team a 2-0 lead, as Harteveldt set Welch up for a tally in the opening half.

Tirabassi tallied off a pass from Maya Tillman later in the opening half and Harteveldt scored off a header on a corner kick, putting GA on top, 4-0, at halftime. Ali Jaquiery assisted on Harteveldt’s goal. Greenwich Country Day School, which also opened its season, scored its goal in the second half.

Tirabassi sealed the scoring, tallying in the second half for GA, which received five saves from goalie Este Tejpaul.

Greenwich Academy visits Masters School Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. for another FAA matchup.

GREENWICH ACADEMY FIELD HOCKEY

In a tight, well-played, back-and-forth game, host Greenwich Academy was edged by Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child from Summitt, N.J., 3-2, in its first game of the season on Saturday.

“Both teams came out quick, and the pace of the game didn’t slow down at all,” Greenwich Academy coach Jamie Brower said. “Oak Knoll is a very talented team, with tight stick work, very nice passing, and a quick transition game.”

With 8:33 left in the first quarter, Julia Ramsey scored off a scramble in front of the goal, giving visiting Oak Knoll a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute later, Greenwich Academy senior captain Cameron Brower ripped a reverse shot from the top of the circle off a great pass from Sienna Tejpaul and it found the back of the goal, tying the score at 1-1.

The visitors regained its one-goal lead with 5:10 remaining in the second quarter. Dribbling the ball following a penalty corner, Lea Good converted a shot, putting Oak Knoll ahead at halftime, 2-1.

Greenwich Academy knotted the score again in the third quarter. Sarina Kulsakdinun scored off a cross pass from Caroline Busler, evening the score at 2-2. Oak Knoll then scored off a rebound for the go-ahead tally, making it 3-2. That is where it stayed till the end. 

“Our defense played excellent, especially Ellie Volpe in goal for us, she had 21 saves,” Brower said. “We were proud of our team’ grit and effort today and we want to thank all the fans for coming out to cheer us on. “What an exciting afternoon for GA field hockey.”

Greenwich Academy is in action again Tuesday against Greenwich Country Day School at 4 p.m.