PEABODY — It’s one thing to feel due for a state tournament run. It’s another thing to play like it.
Tuesday at Steven E. Donaldson Stadium, the No. 3 Bishop Fenwick boys lacrosse team played like a group primed for something special in the postseason. The result was a 22-3 rout over No. 14 Northeast in the Division 3 North opening round- the first postseason win in coach Steve Driscoll’s tenure.
“This is our first tournament win in the past four years,” Driscoll said. “It’s nice to get the monkey off our backs. We played Newburyport our second year here and lost 10-3. Then we lost a heartbreaker to St. Mary’s last year, which I think I’ll always have with me. It’s nice to get that bad taste out of our mouths but it’s just the first step.
“We’re really journey-oriented,” Driscoll said. “We understand our routines and the things we do every single day builds the best team we can be. When Johnny’s and Joe’s care about each other and want to win as a team, the X’s and O’s take care of themselves. Our guys have bought into that team-first culture and it’s showing. We set the program record with 12 wins last year and 16 (this year) is even better. It’s great.”
This one belonged to Diego Alvarez-Segee, who scored a game-high nine goals.
“Diego’s from Saugus,” Driscoll said. “Northeast has a ton of kids from Saugus and Wakefield, we have a ton of kids from Saugus and Wakefield. Everyone kind of knew each other so it was a special one. Diego’s one of those kids that when the lights are on, he wants to show up. He definitely did (Tuesday). He knew what was at stake. We’re very happy to have Diego in black and gold.”
Nico Pasciuto and Nick Muzi scored four goals each. Ian Worthley scored twice, while Derek DelVecchio, Stefano Fabiano and Ethan Henshaw scored one apiece.
“It’s great to have the balanced scoring we have,” Driscoll said. “We pretty much run eight midfielders every single game and spin them through, which is awesome.”
Alvarez-Segee turned the opening faceoff into a 1-0 Fenwick lead just seven seconds in. He then proceeded to score Fenwick’s next two goals, stretching the lead to 3-0. Pasciuto and Muzi scored two goals apiece through the next seven minutes, leading Fenwick to a 7-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
And they didn’t stop there. Alvarez-Segee opened the scoring in the second quarter, making it an 8-0 Fenwick edge. The Crusaders tacked on six more goals before Northeast found the back of the net. Alvarez-Segee closed the half with a nifty back-handed tally and Fenwick carried a 15-1 lead at the midway break.
With a hefty lead, the Crusaders emptied their bench and cruised through the second half.
“Having a kid like freshman Kevin Wood jump in at LSM and pretty much play wherever we need him is huge for us,” Driscoll said. “Ethan Hentosh scored his first playoff goal as a freshman. He’s brand new to lacrosse. That’s important for us to build that program of kids wanting to play lacrosse and wanting to be part of our culture.”
Fenwick advances to Friday’s (5) sectional quarterfinal, when the Crusaders will host No. 6 Ipswich.
“We saw Ipswich against Hamilton-Wenham (Monday),” Driscoll said. “They’re a great team. They’re defensive, strong, good LSM, good faceoff kid. They have guys that won the state title before. Ben Yanakakis is a great scorer in the Cape Ann League.
“It’s going to be a great test to see where each team is,” Driscoll said. “I’m excited.”
GIRLS LACROSSE
Winchester 13, Peabody 12
The No. 11 fell into an early 7-1 hole in the Division 1 North opening round and couldn’t complete the comeback despite a valiant effort. Colleen Crotty led the offense with six goals. Hailee Lomasney (three goals, assist), Olivia Kiricoples (two goals, assist) and Maddy Lomasney (goal, assist) also scored. Catherine Manning and Amber Kiricoples had one assist each. Olivia LaValle made 17 saves.
Peabody wrapped the season at 13-6.
Central Catholic 19, Revere 6
The No. 12 Patriots end the season at 12-9 in the opening round of the Division 1 North state tournament.
GIRLS TENNIS
Marblehead 3, Arlington 2
Winners for the No. 3 Magicians in the first round of the Division 2 North state tournament were Michelle Shub (6-1, 6-3 at first singles), Hannah Porath (6-4, 6-2 at second singles), Simone Likterov/Cannan Whittier (6-3, 7-6 (7-4) at first doubles).
“It was a competitive match all around,” Magicians coach Tracy Ackerman said. “Arlington had some really good players and both teams showed great sportsmanship. My veterans on the team (Michelle, Simone, Cannan and Hannah), all came out and won in their positions. Being in states is obviously a more competitive environment and luckily I have players who’ve played under pressure before, and were able to step up for us and get the win.”
The Magicians host No. 6 Tewksbury Thursday (3:30) in the quarterfinal round.
BOYS TENNIS
Lynnfield 5, Wilmington 0
The No. 4 Pioneers advanced to the Division 3 North quarterfinal. They’ll host No. 5 Winthrop Thursday (3:30).
