No. 1 St. John’s Prep took on No. 4 Pope Francis in the Division I semifinals at the Tsongas Center, and if Sunday showed us anything, it’s that anything can happen in the playoffs.
Prep was defeated 1-0, the first time it had been shut out all season. Nevertheless, it was a stellar season for the 20-3-1 Eagles – a team that was just one win away from the championship game at TD Garden in Boston.
Shots were even at 26 apiece, with Prep’s Brian Cronin playing strong between the pipes. But in the end, sophomore Nick Petkovich scored the only one the Cardinals needed.
His shot from the circle just barely rolled in with 6:13 remaining, and it proved to be the game-winning goal beneath the bright lights of the semifinal-venue. Despite some chances late for Prep, time ran out on the team favored to win Division I.
Goalie Nick Ritchie (26 saves) played a strong game for the Cardinals – especially in the first period when he fended off 14 shots.
In a class-act showing, Prep’s players raised their sticks to the traveling fans who love them most. With some young talent brewing within the program, next winter can’t come soon enough for the Eagles.
TRACK AND FIELD
It was a busy weekend for the Peabody track and field team at New Balance Nationals, and several Tanners did what they do best behind head coach Fernando Braz who, frankly, could not be more proud of his team.
Peabody had 15 athletes qualify with 12 contested events – six events in championship, and six in Rising Stars.
Brianna Ewansiha placed 13th overall in the high jump with a 5-4, and Aaliyah Callahan was crowned national champion in the Rising Star Division of shot put (39-05).
Logan Tracia opened up with a 12th place finish in the Rising Star mile, good for a career indoor record of his (4:22.9). It was also the third-fastest indoor mile time in Peabody history.
“It was a fortunate career exit with a personal record. It doesn’t always work out that way,” Braz said. “Great job by Logan.”
Savanna Vargas, Marissa Simmons, Yosmery Batista, and Sarah DiVasta impressed in the relay, recording a school record of 4:15.34 (breaking a 4:16.53 record).
Several St. Mary’s Spartans made this past weekend at New Balance Nationals one to remember. Lory Suriel (above) placed 17th with a shot put throw of 34’11”. Brett O’Brien placed 17th in high jump (6’0”), while Justin Jennings took home 25th place in the freshman division of the 60m dash, recording a 7.44.
