Spring sports preview

SPRING SPORTS BLOOM

JOSH BASS COPY & SPORTS EDITOR | NICKY VARELA MANAGING EDITOR

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

The baseball and softball squads finished with dueling 17-6 records in 2019, along with losses in the regional quarterfinals to end their seasons. Hungry for revenge, both teams, led by coaches John Dowling and Maurice Tawil, respectively, are looking to continue their streak of dominance over the rest of the Liberty Conference.

CREW

The girls and boys varsity teams missed out on potentially adding another state title to their resumes due to the pandemic. Winter conditioning has prepared the athletes for a demanding season on the water. Sophomore Qais Sarsour works on his throwing during infield practice at baseball tryouts on April 13. The team is looking to chase another Liberty District Championship following their successful 2019 season.

Junior Melanie Lindsey tries out for the girls lacrosse team on April 13. The girls lacrosse team tryout featured several agility drills to prepare athletes for the season.

Junior Abigail Esin practices high jumps at tryouts for the track & field team on April 13. The team will take on Langley and South Lakes at their first home meet on May 5.

LACROSSE

The boys, boasting an impressive group of seniors, will begin their season with an away game against Marshall on April 26. The girls are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2-10 campaign in the spring of 2019.

SOCCER

The girls, led by Howard University commit Kyra Bolden, will open their season versus Yorktown on April 27. The boys roster features returning stars Adam Kunz and Kobe McCowan. Both teams are looking to build off of their 2019 season .500 records.

TRACK & FIELD

Head coach Kyle Jemison, joined by his state champion son Xavier Jemison, is seeking his first Liberty District championship as varsity head coach. The team will kick off the season with a meet at WashingtonLiberty on April 27.

TENNIS

The tennis squads, often among the strongest in the McLean athletic program, haven’t won a state championship since 2017, but stars Brandon Winegarden and Michelle Martinkov will do their best to return McTennis to its rightful spot on the podium.