The Peabody/Lynnfield/North Reading girls hockey team defeated Andover 3-1 at McVann-O’Keefe Rink Saturday. PLNR, helmed by first-year coach Guy Angiuoni, upped its record to 3-4-1, while Andover dipped to 2-4-1.
Eleni Spack (2 goals) and Sydney Zizza scored goals with Melania DiVirgilio and Zizza joining the assist department. Netminder Sophia Downing earned her third win between the pipes.
A challenge awaits, however, as PLNR faces Algonquin Regional (10-0) Wednesday with puck-drop slated for 6 p.m. at New England Sports Center in Marlborough.
GIRLS HOCKEY
St. Mary’s 3
Arlington Catholic 3
The Spartans (6-0-1) drew even against Arlington Catholic, which is coached by former St. Mary’s hockey star Michelle Roach. Alyssa Norden (2 goals) and Emma Doucette found the back of the net.
BOYS HOCKEY
St. Mary’s 7
Pope Francis 3
No home ice, no problem for the Spartans (5-4), who clipped Pope Francis by four goals after Matthew Boyer turned away 31 shots. Ryder McGonagle netted his first varsity goal, joined offensively by Stephen Nason (2 goals), JJ Avery (goal, 2 assists), Aiden St. Pierre (goal, assist), Geo Capo (goal), Finn Racki (goal, 2 assists), Kalen Huddle (2 assists), Evan Toto (2 assists), and Cole Alexander (assist).
“The buy-in from this group continues to inspire me,” said St. Mary’s coach Matthew Smith. “It was nice to see them finally get the reward of victory against a top team. Their commitment to the process is the reason we achieved that result.”
Medford 5
Lynn 1
Despite a goal from Aaron Cook, assisted by John Briggs, the Jets (4-5) met their match at Connery Rink in Lynn.
“Another solid first and second period with a lot of offensive-zone time, and we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” said Lynn coach Brian Boisson. “Unfortunately, we fell apart again in the third period.”
Lynnfield 3
Newburyport 3
The host Pioneers and Clippers fought to a tie after Lynnfield (3-3-3) led 3-1 through two periods. Nick Kelter, CJ Anderson, and Anthony Calla ripped consecutive goals.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Swampscott 81
Agawam 55
Make it eight games, eight wins for Swampscott, which handled visiting Agawam with ease Saturday evening. The Big Blue — who showed off a versatile offense — were led by Teddy O’Neill (24 points), Chase Groothuis (22), Connor Chiarello (19), and Mike Lutko (12).
WRESTLING
Saugus-Peabody improved to 11-0 with three wins against Lynnfield/North Reading, Bedford/Acton-Boxborough, and Bishop Fenwick/Northeast Metro Saturday morning.
Saugus-Peabody winners against Bedford/Acton-Boxborough were Brayden Lawler, Cesar Cruz, Jackson Deleidi, Jaden Ceac, Jake Murray, Justin Bremberg, Matthew Dresser, Michael Maraio, Trey Riley, and Tucker Landry.
TRACK AND FIELD
MSTCA Northeast Invitational weekend saw some St. Mary’s success. On the girls’ side, Kelsey Kwiatek qualified for New Balance Nationals in the mile (5:06.92 – U.S. No. 33) and 2-mile (10:58.04 – U.S. No. 13) alongside school records from Lea Deronja (300m – 42.68; long jump – 16-6.75) and Mirabelle Calaunan (55mh – 10.00). The boys saw personal bests from Jimmy Jennings (300m – 37.45 – school record), Will Potter (600m – 1:30.69), and Jed Ocio (long jump – 19-5). Devin Duval placed sixth out of 300-plus athletes in the 55m.
