Roundup: Prep runners excel at N.Y. invitational

The St. John?s Prep cross country team is rounding into tournament season form based on its first-place finish in the Dr. Sweeney Varsity C race of Saturday?s Manhattan College Cross Country Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx.Competing against 30 teams from five states, the Eagles claimed the top spot with 91 points. Seniors Tim Loehner (11th, 13:29) and Liam Dow (12th, 13:31) and sophomore Luke Bugler (13th, 13:35) completed the 2.5-mile course separated by six seconds, providing the Eagles with a decisive early pack.?Our kids performed pretty well on quite a big stage,” Prep coach John Boyle said. “There were several good teams in our race. I?m hoping we can build from this performance and get stronger before the EMass meet.There are several very good teams in Division 1 this year and we hope to join them.”Colin Monahan (22nd, 13:58) cracked the Top 25 and Evan MacMullin (33rd, 14:08) ran inside the Top 35 to put the Eagles over the top in one of eight varsity level races held during the day.St. John?s can clinch the Catholic Conference title tomorrow when it completes its dual meet season against Malden Catholic at Franklin Park. The Eagles then compete in the Catholic Memorial Invitational Saturday, also at Franklin Park.BOYS SOCCERSt. John?s 1, Xaverian 1At Westwood, the Eagles (9-1-2, 5-0-1) battled back to secure the tie on senior Mike Lanza?s goal with six minutes to play. Pat Foley drew the assist. St. John?s held an 18-5 edge in shots on goal.?Xaverian played well. They got the early goal they wanted, then played the counter-attack,” said St. John?s coach Dave Crowell.Midfielder Harry Cusack and center back Cory Lang stood out for the Eagles, who take on Danvers at home this afternoon, and then can clinch the Catholic Conference crown with a win at BC High Wednesday.Beverly 3, Nantucket 1At Nantucket, the Panthers (8-5-0) won their fourth in a row on goals from Sean Curtin, Elias Crandall and John Loretti. Center-mid Leo Feingold and sweeper Christian Goodwin both had strong games. Beverly plays Classical today at Manning Field (noon).GIRLS SOCCEREnglish 2, Everett 1At Manning Field, captain Rachael Ray scored on a 30-yard free kick and leading scorer senior Veronica Uk tallied on a rebound as the Bulldogs (6-9-0) built a 2-0 halftime lead and turned matters over to goalie Catelyn Nadeau after the break. English faces Salem tomorrow at Manning (5:15).Newton North 5, Beverly 0At Beverly, the Panthers (9-3-2) were shut out for the second consecutive game. Beverly couldn?t contain unbeaten Newton North (11-0-1) standout Christina Callahan, who buried four goals.Fenwick 2, Stoneham 1At Stoneham, the Crusaders (6-5-2) got goals from Danielle DelTorto and Colleen Corcoran. Emily Rocker was in net. The score was tied 1-1 at halftime.FIELD HOCKEYBp. Fenwick 3, Central Catholic 2At Lawrence, the Crusaders (8-5-0) snapped a two-game skid and swept the season series. Fenwick trailed at the half, 2-1, before rallying behind Erinn Johnson?s two goals. Rachael Fisher scored in the first half while midfielders Jacqui Hart and Kathleen Moran and defender Victoria Hernandez played well. Fenwick needs one win to qualify for the post-season.VOLLEYBALLRevere 3, Beverly 2At Beverly, the Patriots (10-4) clinched a tournament berth.Revere won 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 16-25, 15-13. Natalie Colon-Martins had her best game of the season with 10 blocks, 3 kills, and 4 aces. Shannon Spillane had 10 digs while Ally Hinojosa had 6 digs.