Classical opens volleyball season in fine fashion

Classical opened its volleyball season on a resounding note with a 3-0 victory over Winthrop at home, with scores of 25-21, 25-6, and 25-6.The Rams had opening-night jitters in the first set but were saved by tri-captain Michelle Nwogu who scored six straight service points to edge Winthrop.Tri-captain Ivy Martin scored 10 straight service points to end the second set, while sophomore Lindsey Tobin added 7 in her first varsity match.Martin added 11 consecutive service points in the third set, while tri-captain Casssie D’Agostino added four and sophomore Meredith MacDonald ended the set with three straight in her first varsity match.Classical got a huge contribution off the bench from MacDonald, Katrina Syrakos, Kayla Arsenault and Linda Khuth who all played well in the front line. Christine Alcalde and Sarina Soth did an outstanding job digging for the Rams.Classical’s next game is Monday (5) at Salem.Peabody 3, English 0At Peabody, the host Tanners opened their season on the right foot, winning in straight sets (25-12, 25-14, 25-20) over the Bulldogs (0-1). Olivia Summit’s seven kills led the way for Peabody while Hailey Hanrahan (four kills) and Jillian DeFelice (four aces) also had strong games.English played a strong final set that left their coach Laurie Wentzell with plenty of optimism. “We stuck right with them in third set and I thought we did a lot of things right against a very good team,” she said. The Bulldogs got a standout performance from junior Phallika Mon who had several nice digs according to Wentzell and “played a really solid all-around game.”FIELD HOCKEYBeverly 4, Swampscott 1At Swampscott, Molly Pitman scored twice for the Panthers, with single scores by Hannah Silvestri and Mary Cate Flaherty.Tori Thistle scored the only goal for the Big Blue.Beverly coach Trish Murphy said Nicole Woods played well. Swampscott’s Toby Channen said, “I have to give thumbs up to the entire team. Everyone played and everyone worked well together.”Fenwick 7, Dracut 0At Fenwick, Erinn Johnson had four goals and an assist to lead the Crusaders in their opener. Amanda Pollard has two goals and an assist and Brianna Trodella scored once.Fenwick is at Medfield FridayPeabody 7, Salem 0At Salem, Jenna Ferullo had three goals, and the Tanners, 1-0, got others from Evie Anderle, Dayna Collins, Sarah Blanchette and Haley McCarron.Tanner goaltender Ally Daly made two “phenomenal” diving saves, coach Pam Grant said.Saugus 1, Pentucket 1At Amesbury, the Sachems fought their way to a season-opening draw. After falling behind 1-0 three minutes into the second half on a goal from Meghan Brefhahan, assisted by Taylor Racca, Saugus’ Sophia Cogliano tied the score at the 19:36 mark on an assist from Katie Italiano. Lynnfield 1, Manchester 1At Lynnfield, the Pioneers trailed by one late into the second half until junior Bailey Fanikof scored 23 minutes in to knot the score. In what Lynnfield coach Mamie Reardon called “a terrific, back and forth contest,” the Pioneers relied on solid goaltending from senior Rachel Goodwin (12 saves) as well as steady play from the defense in front of her who limited the Manchester attack.BOYS SOCCERBeverly 4, Fenwick 0At Beverly, the Panthers, 1-0, got goals from Ryan Santo, Savio Polini, Elesio Kanani and Ralph Ferrigno. Justin Carnavalle got the shutout in goal.St. John’s 1, Masconomet 1At Danvers, the Eagles settled for a draw after taking the lead 15 minutes into the first half as senior midfielder Liam Welsh converted a pass from Anthony Vigliotta. Masco got the equalizer ten minutes later on a tally from Max Craig. Senior goalie Bobby Holmes made four saves for the Eagles. “This was a great early season match against a quality team. I think we learned a lot about ourselves tonight,” said Prep coach Dave Crowell.