The Menchville Scholastic Bowl Academic Team has been working hard despite the difficulties of virtual competitions.  After posting a 5-2 regular season showing, they are preparing for the 4A Regional Tournament will take place Saturday, February 13, hosted by Churchland High School.

“We will play anywhere from 1-5 matches depending on results, with a VHSL state berth on the line,” stated Kevin Murphy, the team’s co-sponsor.

The team had a successful season this year, wrapping up with a 5-2 finish. They began their 2021 season on January 21 with a 260-50 win against Denbigh. Senior Captain Shelby Woodward led the team with 80 points, followed by Junior Samuel Shepley with 70 points, Freshman Elizabeth McElfresh with 40, and Junior Kathryn McElfresh with 20.

Their next match on January 25, however, was not so lucky. The team lost 220-65 in their first “away” match against Glouchester, eliminating their chances of a perfect season. “One benefit to Zoom: playing Gloucester from my house,” remarked Murphy about the virtual away match setting.

They did not allow their first loss to defeat them and beat Heritage 270-30 two days later. Senior captain Shelby Woodward led the team with 110 points, which, according to Murphy, was “definitely a record for her.” Senior Cameron Tomaino and Freshman Elizabeth McElfresh followed with 40 points each, and Junior Kathryn McElfresh added an additional 30 points.

February began with a match against  Kecoughtan. They lost 280-150 against the team’s “strongest regular-season opponent.”  Senior captain Shelby Woodward had 60 points, Senior Cameron Tomaino had 30 points, and Freshman Elizabeth McElfresh had 20 points.

On February 3, the Scholastic Bowl team made up for their loss with a 265-120 win against Woodside. Senior captain Shelby Woodward led the team again with 80 points. Junior Samuel Shepley added 65 points, followed by Senior Cameron Tomaino with 50 points and Freshman Elizabeth McElfresh with 20 points.

Menchville defeated Warwick 245-160 on February 8, completing a sweep of the other Newport News high schools and bringing their record to 4-2. Senior captain Shelby Woodward scored 85 points, Senior Cameron Tomaino and Junior Samuel Shepley contributed 50 points each, and Junior Kathryn McElfresh had 10 points.

The regular season concluded on February 10  with a 265-70 win against Bethel. Senior Cameron Tomaino led the team “for the first time this season” with 70 points, followed by Junior Samuel Shepley with 55 points, and Senior captain Shelby Woodward with 40 points.