In its first match against other schools early this month, the fledgling ACPHS Mock Trial Team held its own in a highly competitive field at Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, N.J.
The team of eight, including five who were brand-new to mock-trial competitions, had much to contend with at the regional competition, including car trouble on the New York State Thruway that delayed their arrival in Newark. They lost a couple of members due to illness leading up to the event. And because their team was smaller than some others, members had to assume roles on both prosecuting and defense sides of their case study.
Still, they went toe to toe against outstanding pre-law students from Ivy League schools like Yale and Columbia. Co-captain Bridget Rakoczy was most pleased with the kudos they received from judges who were surprised to learn where they were from, after their second and third rounds.
“One judge specifically said, 'For a first-time team, you did great,' ” Rakoczy beamed.
Most important, they had fun all around, especially in a heated match against the University at Albany. Some team members from ACPHS and UAlbany had competed together on a mock trial team when they attended the now-closed College of Saint Rose. So the friendly competition was also a reunion.
Looking to find out what this new Panther club is all about? Check out our previous story. Or meet up with them some Friday from 2-4 at PCL 008. For more information anytime, email Co-captain Bridget Longden.
Kemani Scott and Autumn Chow review their roles.
Katerina Fonseca, Emily Luke and Bridget Langdon
The team refuels.