The home stretch of the spring sports season has begun.

Thanks to cooperative weather, local teams had a full week of action last week and it’s now a full sprint to the finish line, with much still to be determined.

Here’s a glimpse:

Baseball

Falmouth’s baseball team continued to solidify its standing as the Class A South favorite last week, extending its win streak to seven games by downing visiting Portland (10-0, in six-innings) and host Windham (6-2). Against the Bulldogs, Peyton Mitchell had three hits and three RBI, Miles Gay added two hits and two RBI and Eli Cowperthwaite dominated on the mound, throwing a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts. In the win over the Eagles, Brennan Rumpf earned the victory, not allowing an earned run and fanning 12. Jacoby Porter had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run. The Navigators (7-1 and second to Scarborough in the Class A South Heal Points standings at press time), hosted Westbrook Tuesday, go to Biddeford Thursday, visit Sanford Saturday and play host to Massabesic Monday and Marshwood Tuesday of next week.

In Class B South, Yarmouth extended its win streak to six games and improved to 7-2 after defeating visiting Gray-New Gloucester (9-1) and Wells (8-1) and host Mt. Ararat (5-3) last week and beating host Greely (12-2) Monday. Against the Patriots, Jack Janczuk drove in three runs, while Jonny Cody, Matt Gautreau and Sam Lowenstein all had two hits. Liam Hickey earned the victory, striking out nine. In the win over the Warriors, Lowenstein dominated on the mound, striking out five. David Swift had three hits and drove in four runs and Stevie Walsh had two hits and two RBI.

“We knew (Wells is) a really good hitting team,” Lowenstein said. “They’ve hit well all season. My approach to get them out was just to change eye levels, change speeds, keep them off balance.”

“I wanted to be aggressive early,” Swift said. “I was looking for a fastball, first pitch. He threw me a curve and I still liked what I saw, so I sat back and drove it. It took us a longer longer to get going (this season), but we’re starting to roll now. We’re feeling good about ourselves.”

Against the Eagles, Swift and Andrew Cheever combined to earn the win and Cheever, Cody and Janczuk all had two hits. Monday at Greely, Cheever had a career-high five hits, drove in three runs, scored three times and pitched the final inning in relief of Liam Hickey, who earned the victory. Swift added three hits.

“I think I had a couple four-hit games before, but never a five,” Cheever said. “The other day, I had a bad game and after the game, I grinded in the cage for two-and-a-half hours or something, just working on little things. I finally figured out to just keep it simple and get the barrel down and smack the ball. I was coming up with four hits and I was not going to go 4-for-5, so I was determined to get another one. It felt great.”

The Clippers (second behind Cape Elizabeth in Class B South) are at Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, host Poland Friday, welcome Freeport Monday and go to Class A contender Oxford Hills Tuesday of next week.

“All-around, I think we’re super-solid,” Cheever said. “Once we get going, there’s no stopping us. We just have to focus on the little things and keep things simple and keep hitting the ball.”

“We have highly competitive kids who happen to be pretty good at baseball,” Halsted said. “They love to compete in all sports. They’re so much fun to be around. They’re excited to come to practice, they’re excited to be on the bus, excited to go play.”

Greely was 6-5 and fifth in Class B South after a win at York (11-1, in five-innings) and losses at Cape Elizabeth (3-2, in 10-innings) and at home to Yarmouth (12-2). Against the Wildcats, Sam Almy homered, Marky Axelsen and Cam Irish both had two hits and Keeler Vogt threw a three-hitter, striking out seven. In the loss to the Capers, the Rangers were one strike from victory in the bottom of the eighth, but couldn’t hold on. Axelsen and Liam Coull drove in the runs. Wyatt Soucie had two hits and stole two bases and Almy allowed just one run in seven innings of work, fanning nine.

“It’s important for us to have these tight games,” said longtime Greely coach Derek Soule. “Dealing with emotions and high-pressure at-bats and pitches and making defensive plays in high-pressure situations should only benefit us. We’ve had two one-run games against (Cape) and we know we can compete.”

Against the Clippers, the Rangers made five errors.

“Our energy level was not great today and I think that disappointed me the most,” said longtime Greely coach Derek Soule. “It didn’t seem like we were ready to compete. These guys are 16-, 17-, 18-year-old kids, so I think they can muster up energy despite Friday being a high-intensity game and a lot of them had the big Prom weekend, but that’s no excuse. We only get 16 games and you only get to play Yarmouth, your border-town rival, twice a year. I’m sad for the guys that we had a rivalry game and we didn’t bring the intensity.”

Greely was at reigning Class B South champion Freeport for a regional final rematch Tuesday, then go to Lake Region Monday of next week.

“We don’t have any time to feel sorry for ourselves,” Soule said.

Reigning regional champion Freeport was 5-5 and seventh in Class B South after last week’s 4-3 loss at Poland. Aaron Converse only allowed one earned run, but was the hard-luck loser. He also drove in a run. The Falcons hosted Greely Tuesday, welcome undefeated Cape Elizabeth Friday and go to Yarmouth Monday.

The undefeated run of the Waynflete/North Yarmouth Academy co-op squad came to an end Friday with a 12-1 (six-inning) home loss to Sacopee Valley. The teams had previously defeated host Old Orchard Beach (5-3) and Maranacook (12-2). Against the Seagulls, Cal Nice and Daxton St. Hilaire each had a pair of hits and Jack Byrnes drove in two runs while Tanner Anctil and St. Hilaire combined for the victory on the mound. In the win over the Black Bears, Cooper St. Hilaire had three hits and scored three times and Anctil (three runs scored) and Daxton St. Hilaire added two hits apiece. In the setback, Nice drove in the lone run. Waynflete/NYA improved to 9-1 and fifth in the Class C South Heal Points standings after a 7-2 win at Traip Academy Monday. Oscar Twinning pitched six innings, not allowing an earned run, and Nico Herrera hit a home run. The Flyers go to Maine Central Institute for a doubleheader Saturday, then play host to Old Orchard Beach Monday of next week.

Softball

NYA’s softball team improved to 8-0 and first in Class D South following recent wins at Maranacook (9-0), at home over Sacopee Valley (7-2) and at Traip Academy (15-2, in five-innings). Against the Black Bears, Lily Rawnsley threw a three-hitter with seven strikeouts and added three hits, while Jordan Nash had three hits and two RBI and Cami Casserly also drove in two runs. In the win over the Hawks, Michala Wallace had three hits, Nash had two RBI, Tori St. Hilaire drove in two runs and Rawnsley went the distance, fanning five. In the win over the Rangers, Nash had three hits and three RBI and Rawnsley also drove in three runs. The Panthers hosted Richmond Tuesday, go to St. Dom’s Wednesday, play two games at Maine Central Institute Saturday and welcome Old Orchard Beach Monday of next week.

In Class B South, Greely snapped a seven-game skid last Friday with an 18-7 win at Cape Elizabeth. The Rangers were coming off a 14-4 (six-inning) loss at York. Against the Capers, Maia Wright had three hits, scored three times and had four RBI. Fiona MacArthur added three hits and two RBI. Monday, Greely improved to 3-8 with its second straight win, 8-0, over visiting Yarmouth. Wright hit a home run and Avery Butler threw a shutout and had a pair of hits. The Rangers (ninth in the Heals) were at Freeport Tuesday and visit Lake Region Monday of next week.

Yarmouth was 3-6 and 13th in Class B South following a 13-2 (five-inning) home win over Gray-New Gloucester, a 10-5 home loss to Wells, a 12-9 win at Mt. Ararat and an 8-0 loss at Greely. In the win over the Patriots, the Clippers scored six runs in the first and five more in the third. Emma Butsch drove in three runs, Cat Rich scored three times and Leah Muentener had two hits and two RBI. Against the Warriors, Butsch had two hits and scored twice. In the win over the Eagles, Butsch doubled twice, singled twice and had five RBI and Julia Brown, Julia Lawwill and Drea Rideout all added three hits. Yarmouth goes to Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, hosts Poland Friday and Freeport Monday, then visits Oxford Hills Tuesday of next week.

Freeport fell to 2-8 and 15th in Class B South after a 21-2 (five-inning) loss at Poland last week. Norah Albertini had two hits and an RBI. The Falcons hosted Greely Tuesday, welcome Cape Elizabeth Friday and go to Yarmouth Monday of next week.

Falmouth fell to 0-10 and 15th in Class A South after losses at South Portland/Westbrook (14-1, in five-innings), at home to Portland (21-12) and at Massabesic (18-3, in five-innings). Against SP/Westbrook, Tabby Worthen drove in the run. In the loss to the Bulldogs, the Navigators took a one-run lead to the seventh inning, but surrendered 11 runs. Worthen had five RBI and Justine Means had three hits. Falmouth hosts Kennebunk Wednesday, welcomes Biddeford Friday and goes to Cheverus Monday.

Boys’ lacrosse

Falmouth’s boys’ lacrosse team enjoyed its biggest victory of the season to date, a 19-7 win at South Portland Saturday. The Navigators were coming off a 19-4 home triumph over Portland. Against the Bulldogs, Gio Guerrette scored five goals, Cyrus Boothby added four and Hayden Davis and Joey Guerrette finished with three apiece. In the win at the Red Riots, Gio Guerrette led the way with five goals, Cole Allen and Joey Guerrette each added four goals. Boothby and Davis scored twice and goalie Drew Noyes made 13 saves. Monday, Falmouth improved to 8-1 and second behind Cape Elizabeth in the state-wide Class A Heals with a 14-9 home win over Yarmouth. Gio Guerrette scored five goals and Davis added three. The Navigators welcome Marshwood Wednesday, have a home showdown versus Cape Elizabeth (the lone team to beat them this year) Saturday (see our website for game story) and visit Westbrook Tuesday of next week.

In Class B, Yarmouth was 6-3 after sandwiching losses at home to Cape Elizabeth (14-6) and at Falmouth (14-9) around a 21-7 home victory over Scarborough. Against the Capers, the Clippers fell behind, 6-1, after the first quarter and couldn’t rally. Colter Olson and Aksel Yeo both scored twice, but Yarmouth turned the ball over 23 times.

“We had too many unforced errors throughout the whole game,” Clippers coach Jon Miller lamented. “We had our chances down four, but we made mistakes that killed our opportunities to score. They do play aggressive on D, which forces mistakes, but most of the turnovers were self-inflicted. The boys started feeling desperate and tried to force passes that weren’t there. I tried to calm them down and tell them to be patient, but it’s tough to play from behind. Tomorrow, we’re going to pass and catch for two hours and I’m not kidding.”

In the win over the Red Storm, Olson and Killian Marsh both scored six times. Against the Navigators, Marsh scored a team-high four goals. Yarmouth (second to York in Class B) hosts Freeport Thursday and goes to Fryeburg Academy Saturday.

“We have great players and a strong team and I think we’ll rebound from this loss,” said Miller. “We have a good schedule. It’ll be a good stretch to finish.”

Greely improved to 4-5 and ninth in Class B after a 16-6 home win over Gray-New Gloucester last week. The Rangers host Wells Wednesday and go to Freeport Saturday.

In Class C, NYA improved to 5-3 after a 9-5 win at Freeport last week. Zach Leinwand led the way with four goals. James Brogan-Provencher added two goals and four assists and Brayden Warde had two goals and three assists. The Panthers (fourth in the Heals) visit Lake Region Wednesday and host Oak Hill Friday.

Freeport was 4-5 and eighth in Class C after losing at home to NYA (9-5) and beating visiting Morse (14-1). In the setback, Jordan Knighton and Logan Schulz both scored twice. The Falcons play at Yarmouth Thursday, then host Greely Saturday.

Girls’ lacrosse

On the girls’ side, reigning Class B champion Greely takes a 9-1 record and an eight-game win streak into a showdown at Yarmouth Wednesday (see our website for game story) after defeating host Waynflete (15-9) and visiting Fryeburg Academy (16-1) last week. Against the Flyers, the Rangers nearly let a five-goal first half lead slip away before pulling away late. Charlotte Taylor scored five goals and Jane Flynn and Asja Kelman added three apiece.

“We pivoted really well today,” said Taylor. “I feel like there’s a lot of trust that we can come back. We have a lot of faith that a few goals won’t define how the game will go.”

“It’s the same team this year, but it feels like a different team,” said Rangers coach Becca Koelker. “The confidence that comes from winning a championship, the girls are just riding that and they’re working so hard every day to get better.”

Kelman then scored four goals and Lauren Dennen and Jenny Medrano added three apiece in the win over the Raiders. Greely (second to Brunswick in the Class B state-wide Heals) welcomes Cape Elizabeth Friday, then has a home showdown versus Class A power Falmouth Monday.

“Our team really does want it,” said Taylor. “Our next step is to keep our eye on the Class A games. I love the competition. It keeps our heads in the game and keeps us from getting comfortable.”

“We still have some big games coming up, so we’ll be in good shape for playoffs,” said Koelker. “We’re getting some momentum.”

NYA, last year’s Class C champion, improved to 4-3 after home wins last week over Lake Region (17-5) ad Gray-New Gloucester (19-5). Against the Lakers, Vy Tran had six goals and four assists and Lyla Casey added four goals and two assists. In the win over the Patriots, Tran had three goals and five assists, while Emma Bowden and Lauryn Casey each added three goals and two assists. The Panthers (fourth in the region) were at Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, host Gardiner Thursday and Freeport Saturday, then visit Lake Region Monday and go to Traip Academy Tuesday of next week.

Freeport improved to 8-1 and first in Class C following victories at Traip Academy (15-4) and at home over Waynflete (13-7). In the win over the Rangers, Kate Tracy led the way with five goals while Lana Dirusso finished with three. Against the Flyers, Dirusso scored five goals and Tracy added four. The Falcons go to York Wednesday and visit NYA Saturday.

In Class A, Falmouth improved to 6-1 and extended its win streak to six games after downing host Gorham (13-6) and visiting Scarborough (14-2) last week. Keira Alcock and Maeve Ginevan both scored three times against the Rams. In the win over the Red Storm, Sloane Ginevan led the way with four goals and Lucy Taylor added three goals.The Navigators (second to Kennebunk in Class A) were at Windham Tuesday, go to Yarmouth Thursday for a playoff rematch (see our website for game story), visit Marshwood Saturday, then play at Greely Monday.

Yarmouth was 6-2 and fourth in Class A entering Wednesday’s home showdown versus Greely. Last week, the Clippers won at York (15-5). Yarmouth hosts Falmouth Thursday and goes to Cheverus for a playoff rematch Monday.

Track

On the track, Greely joined Fryeburg Academy, Lake Region and St. Dom’s at Sacopee Valley last week and both the boys’ and girls’ teams came in first.

Yarmouth and NYA joined five other teams at a meet in Wells. The Clippers boys and girls were both first. The Panthers girls were runners-up, while the boys placed sixth.

Falmouth hosted Bonny Eagle and Massabesic. The Navigators boys and girls were both first.

Tennis

Falmouth’s Gwen Long and Elise Gearan won the Joseph Kilmartin SMAA girls’ doubles tennis tournament last weekend, defeating teammates Audrey Holland and Jenna Nunley, 7-5, 6-1, in the championship match.

In team tennis, Falmouth’s boys and girls swept Scarborough Monday to improve to 9-0 on the season.

Freeport’s boys fell to 1-8 after a 4-1 loss to Mt. Ararat Monday. The girls were 1-9 after a 3-2 loss to Mt. Ararat.

Greely’s girls improved to 11-0 after blanking longtime rival Cape Elizabeth Monday, 5-0.

The Rangers boys improved to 4-6 Monday after a 4-1 win over York.

NYA’s boys and girls each fell to 4-6 after a 5-0 loss to Brunswick Monday.

Yarmouth’s defending Class B champion boys improved to 10-0 Monday with a 3-2 win over 13-time reigning Class C champion Waynflete.

The Clippers girls also defeated the Flyers 3-2 Monday to improve to 6-4.

The state singles tournament will be held this coming weekend.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.

« Previous

Cape comes alive late, beats TA to stay perfect

Next »

Portland: Spring sports season passes midway point