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Mia Nowicki struck out 18 and allowed just two hits in St. Mary’s win.
By KATIE MORRISON
St. Mary’s new coach Paige Licata earned her first win at the helm of the Spartans as the team rolled to a shutout victory, beating Woburn, 9-0, at home.
Mia Nowicki was nothing short of lights-out in her season debut, carrying a no-hitter through five innings. She went the distance, fanning 18 batters and allowing just two hits.
Vanessa VanBuskirk looked like a seasoned veteran in the field in her first game at shortstop after moving from first base, making an impact in the field and at the plate. Catcher Emily Stephenson was tested early, but caught a runner stealing in her first attempt.
Katie Terban smacked a double and scored twice, and Victoria DeCenso had some timely hits as well. Michaela Hamill had two hits, one being a bases-clearing double.
“It was nice to see it all come together,” said Licata, who joked that her players are in trouble because they’ve set expectations so high that Licata will expect that from them every game. “We wanted to set a precedent, to come out hard and strong, and we had a good day on both sides of the ball. Everyone played a part in the win.”
BASEBALL
Swampscott 3, Weston 1
The Big Blue’s season opener was delayed by just a day, as they traveled to Weston to make up a game originally scheduled for Friday.
Swampscott’s Gavin Sullivan tossed a complete game and the only run he allowed was unearned. Sullivan fanned 11 and didn’t walk a single batter.
Leo Wile provided the offense with a solo home run, going 1-for-2 and drawing a walk. Adrian Espinal went 1-for-3 with a timely hit.
St. John’s Prep 3, Haverhill 0
In the Eagles’ second game of the weekend, Colin Nye tossed a complete game shutout, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out 14 in a dominant performance.
Andrew Selima, Mike Yarin and Frank D’Orio drove in the runs for the Eagles, 3-0, who will face a tough test against BC High in a makeup game on Friday.
BOYS LACROSSE
Bishop Fenwick 15, St. Mary’s 6
The Spartans kicked off their season against a tough Bishop Fenwick squad at home. Alec Matho and Nick Napolitano scored two goals each, and Christian Lebert and Anthony DelVecchio each scored once. Goalie Brendan Donahue made 17 saves in the net for St. Mary’s, who has two tough games against Austin Prep and Winthrop, respectively, over the next two days.
Beverly 12, Malden Catholic 5
Sam Abate netted six goals as the Panthers rolled to a win over Malden Catholic in a non-league matchup. The Lancers struck first and led, 5-3, before Beverly turned up the heat and scored seven unanswered goals from the second period onward. The Beverly defense, led by Sam Traicoff, Jake Berry and Ryan Garrity shut down the MC attack throughout the entire second half, and Kevin Morency made 10 saves in net for the win. Keegan Kolbert, Matt Rawding, Kyle Chouinard and Chris Cole scored a goal apiece, and Jordan Rawding chipped in with two assists.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Lynnfield 13, Stoneham 1
The Pioneers jumped out to an early 8-0 lead midway through the first half, and went into the half with a 10-1 lead. Lynnfield, 2-0, won 11 of 15 draw controls. Liv Smyrnios scored four goals while Caroline Buckley and Meryl Braconnier added three apiece. Braconnier also added three assists, and Buckley led the Pioneers with four ground balls. Freshman goalie Lauren Vaccaro made two saves.
Beverly 14, Danvers 8
The Panthers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after a half thanks to a hat trick and an assist from Grace Otterbein. But the Falcons closed in late, trimming the gap to 11-7 toward the end of the second. Allie Zunick had four goals and an assist for Danvers.
Revere 11, Malden 4
The Patriots grabbed their second win of the season with a victory over Malden.
