Well, you could say it’s finally starting to feel like spring. Even though the weather has been cold the last few weeks, there have been players and teams playing red hot.
Individual efforts
Caden Ross delivered a game he — or Swampscott baseball fans — won’t forget. Last Friday, against Winthrop, Ross homered three times to highlight a 16-2 win. His power and timing showed why he’s one of the best in the area.
St. Mary’s Nate Cutone is riding his own hot streak. After a pair of RBI against Milton, Cutone drove in four against Bishop Stang and another against Arlington Catholic. It’s safe to say that if Cutone comes to the plate with a runner in scoring position, there’s a good chance he will find a way to bring his teammate home.
Despite Monday’s 21-14 loss against Hamilton-Wenham, Lynnfield girls lacrosse standout Hayden Valiton delivered a superstar performance. She scored 11 goals and came at the Generals from all angles.
Age is just a number
Due to injuries and illnesses, Saugus’ softball team has relied on eighth graders to fill out its lineup. In a dramatic 24-15 win against Melrose, the Sachems received clutch hitting from Hannah Strout (4 RBI), Jenna O’Donnell (3), and Aubrey Demonte (2), all of whom are in middle school.
Hot starts here, there, and everywhere
Sometimes, with a new coach, it may take a few games for players to adapt to a new voice. That hasn’t been the case for Saugus and St. Mary’s girls lacrosse teams. Jessica Gambale (St. Mary’s) and Amanda Jacquier (Saugus) have enjoyed early success with their respective programs.
Gambale has the Spartans 4-0 after a strong performance against Archbishop Williams, in which St. Mary’s won 14-4. The Spartans are a complete team with a defense that’s just as strong as their offense. Look no further than Ava Nason and Alyssa Norden offensively; Keira Twomey and Emma Gustin defensively.
After dropping their opener against Winthrop, Jacquier and the Sachems rallied off four consecutive wins and scored 11 goals in three separate games.
Alyson Mabee has been a star for the Sachems, but she’s not alone. Teaghan Arsenault, Sydney Ferreira, Brooke Diaz ,and Natalie Justice have all been dangerous with the ball in their sticks. Between the pipes, Jordyn Ripley-Deminski has been stellar, especially during her last game against Salem (9 saves).
Bishop Fenwick’s baseball team has also enjoyed early success, recording four wins in as many tries. The Crusaders took down a solid Lynn English team last weekend before going on the road to beat Cardinal Spellman.
Andrew Kiricoples has done a bit of everything thus far. Against English, he was the starting pitcher and recorded four strikeouts. With Spellman in his way, he batted 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI.
Staying on the diamond, Lynn Tech has won four of its first five games. The Tigers have plated 60 runs across five games. Not bad.
And the bragging rights belong to . . .
The only thing better than winning a game: doing it against an archrival.
The Marblehead and Swampscott boys lacrosse team have already faced each other twice, with each side securing road victories.
In the first matchup, Swampscott got the better of Marblehead 10-9. The Big Blue trailed 7-4 at halftime, but scored six goals in the second half to complete a memorable comeback. Junior Ollie Braham was one of the key difference-makers for Swampscott, scoring four goals.
Marblehead didn’t have to wait long for revenge. Three games later, the Magicians went to Blocksidge Field and left with a 6-5 win. It was a balanced team effort with Kyle Thibodeau scoring twice and Colin Maniaci making 11 saves for the Red and Black.
On the volleyball court, Lynn Classical faced Lynn English on Monday with the Rams winning in four sets. Kenzel Lantano of the Rams compiled 33 assists to leave his mark on the classic rivalry.
