It will again be a matchup between the Classical and St. Mary’s volleyball teams in this year’s Lynn City Volleyball Tournament championship. The Spartans topped English, 3-0, while the Rams beat Tech, 3-0, in first round games Friday at St. Mary’s.
Classical swept the Spartans in 2016 to claim the title.
The Spartans tipped off the afternoon with a win in straight sets, 26-24, 25-13 and 25-19. While the first set was a battle, St. Mary’s was able to hold off the Bulldogs in the final two. St. Mary’s Grace Fielding had 11 service points with four aces. Alyssa Grossi added nine service points with three aces and five kills.
St. Mary’s coach Erin Menard said that the team’s looking forward to the championship against Classical, and that the Rams are “a well-balanced team, and it’s going to take a team effort from us” to top them.
For English, coach Mike Haddad said the match was one of the stronger ones his team has played this year. Sarah Abdelrahman added 10 kills, and libero Andy Nhiv was the team’s strongest passer and server, logging eight aces.
In the second game, Classical took down Tech by scores of 25-13, 25-10 and 25-19. The first set was tight until Classical’s Pamela Diaz broke it open with 10 consecutive service points, including seven aces.
“Pamela really came through for the team in the first set,” Rams coach Frank DeLuca said. “She started her serve with the score 13-11, and ended it at 23-12. She was clutch.”
In the second set, the Rams had three service points each from Diaz, Yaritza Zorrilla, Emily Silva, Shanelle Belmer-Barry, Jenna Tobin, and Josh Severe.
“It was nice to see a well-balanced consistent serve from all our servers in one set,” DeLuca said.
In the third set, Diaz and Kristen Brazell led the Rams with five service points each. Brazell had 4 aces while Diaz added 3. Skyler Crayton had 2 kills in the set while Lyla Nguyen and Selisha Pimentel submitted strong performances in the set.
For the match, Diaz led the Rams with 19 service points including 10 aces. Up front, Belmer-Barry had six kills, and Rhode Alcindor led Classical with two blocks while Maggie McHale and Skyler Crayton had three assists each.
“I was happy to see so many different players contribute to the win. I know tomorrow will be a real tough battle against a strong St. Mary’s team for the championship,” DeLuca said.
The consolation game between Tech and English is set for 10, while the championship will take place at 11:30, both at St. Mary’s.
Peabody 3, Swampscott 1
Set scores were 28-30, 25-19, 25-18 and 25-19. Peabody’s Julissa Daley logged four kills, Jillian Alimonte added seven kills, Bianca Chouinard contributed with four kills and two aces.
GIRLS SOCCER
Classical 3, Winthrop 3
With the tie, Classical (7-8-2) will need a win against Gloucester Monday at home to clinch a spot in the tournament.
Fatima Girdia, Izzy McGaughey and Sydney Spiess all scored.
Marblehead 2, Swampscott 1
The Magicians topped rival Swampscott behind goals from Meeghan Cronin (Lexi Bostley assist) and Grace Arthur (Gabriella Mark assist). Swampscott’s goal was scored by Haley Bernhardt and assisted by Grace DiGrande, who also played a strong game at midfield.
Defensively, the Magicians were led by center backs Maeve Bostley and Anna Rigby, as well as goalie Hannah Garthe.
Malden 2, English 0
The Bulldogs wrap their season at 4-11-4. Tommi Hill played well in net, recording 14 saves, while seniors Lauren Moorehouse, Grace Gately and Sydney Denham had strong games as well.
Danvers 8, Somerville 0
The Falcons clinched the Northeastern Conference/North title with a decisive win over Somerville. Danvers (14-2-1) awaits the playoff seedings next week.
BOYS SOCCER
Gloucester 4, Saugus 1
Ryan Pugh was the lone goal scorer for the Sachems (8-5-2). Saugus wraps its regular season Monday for senior day.
FIELD HOCKEY
Fenwick 3, Swampscott 2
The Crusaders (7-8-2) got goals from Cailyn Wesley, Nicole Modica and Kerry Kircher, while Kat Clancy played well on defense. Fenwick takes on Gloucester today.
