Category Archives: Masconomet

October 22, 2016 · 9:42 pm

Masco runs streak to four with 15-14 win over Triton

Josh Anderson (47) brings down Lewi L’Heureux to finish the game

Time left on the clock when the game resumed

(Byfield MA) Josh Anderson of Masco stopped one Triton drive with a fumble recovery and ended the game by tracking down elusive Vikings’ QB Lewi L’Heureux.

Josh’s heroics on Saturday night were part of the resumed ten minutes of the Cape Ann League matchup. The night before thunder/lightning put an immediate halt to the game with over ten minutes still left.

Triton (5-2) started the resumed play with the wind in its face and a 4^th down on their own ten yard-line. A gutsy pass play worked between Lewi L’Heureux and Tom Lapham to extend the possession for the Vikings.

In that extended possession, however, Lewi L’Heureux fumbled the exchange and senior Josh Anderson made the recovery.

Tim Beliveau (23) followed excellent blocking for two first downs late in the game.

Masconomet (5-2) followed with several clock-killing first downs aided by a nice scramble by QB Declan Judge and some well-blocked runs by Tim Beliveau.

Triton did get the ball back on downs in the last minute but the combo of wind and Masco’s prevent defense would not allow the home team to get out of the own end.

The game concluded with Lewi L’Heureux scrambling left and then right before Josh Anderson caught up to him and ended the contest.

I was impressed by the number of folks who came out on a cold/windy night to watch ten minutes of football. The final ten minutes lasted only twenty minutes.

Will Hanson (28) chases Tom Lapham out of bounds

The Chieftains have now won four straight.

Hard to figure: Masco loses to Newburyport and defeats North Reading while Triton defeats Newburyport and loses to North Reading.

Masconomet was 4-7 in 2015.

Last season Triton topped Masco by a point.

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Triton QB Lewi L’Heureux runs for his life on the last play of the game.

The celebrating begins for Masconomet

Tom Lapham gets a first down in front of Masco’s Danny Monagle

Ball on the ground with Josh Anderson (47) set to recover

Ball on the way to Danny Monagle (10) with Lewi L’Heureux defending

Declan Judge (11) breaks away from John Falasca (75)

Tim Beliveau (23) heads up the middle

Lewi L’Heureux (19) gets great protection from Kenny Shute (59), John Falasca (72), and Jack McCarthy (58).

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Filed under Masconomet, Triton

Tagged as Declan Judge, Josh Anderson, Lewi L'Heureux, Tim Beliveau

January 10, 2016 · 9:31 pm

Paige Amyouny (23 points) stars in Masco’s 45-27 win over Pentucket

Paige Amyouny, here guarded by Maddi Doyle, had almost everything to do with Masco’s win over Pentucket

Pentucket had 32 turnovers including this one.

(Topsfield MA) Sophomore Paige Amyouny (23 points/8 rebounds/5 steals) was awesome everywhere leading Masconomet to a surprisingly easy 45-27 win over Pentucket on Sunday afternoon.

There was plenty of in-your-shirt defense all over the court but on this rainy afternoon it was Pentucket that flinched recording a stunning thirty-two turnovers by my count.

In a 32-minute game that was too many miscues to overcome even for the previously undefeated Sachems (7-1).

Masco (5-3) never trailed. The Chieftains were much better in the offensive end with Paige handling in almost every possession. They did have their own troubles with the ball (24 turnovers) but they had enough productive possessions to pull away early from the less-productive visitors.

Masco triple team

In a low-scoring game, Masco’s six points in the last minute of the first quarter (two layups Paige, one by Kailey Crothers) were big as they put the Chieftains ahead, 14-7.

Pentucket was still within comeback range (19-12) with just under three minutes left in the second quarter.

The next ten minutes of playing time, extending into the third quarter, did in the Sachems. Masco outscored the visitors, 13-1, and the hopes of staying competitive vanished. Pentucket had eight turnovers and one Carolyn Modlish free throw to show for the disastrous segment.

The 32-13 score didn’t lessen the defensive pressure by either team no matter what players came into the action.

The rest of the way Pentucket did get 3-pointers from Bella Doyle, Maddi Doyle, and Jess Galvin but eight of ten free throws by Masco kept the lead from shrinking very much.

This was my first look this season at either team. I could really see the value of a go-to player. Masco had Paige and Pentucket does not have that player yet. A year ago, Kelsi McNamara would dribble well against pressure, make shots, and get to the foul line. With Kelsi at St. Joseph’s in Standish (ME) the Sachems have to find a replacement when they face the strong defensive teams ahead.

Pentucket block by Jilliam Hegarty

I appreciated getting a stat sheet from Masco GB website director Andy Tapparo.

Stephanie Mini was unavailable for this game.

Kailey Crothers had eight rebounds for the Chieftains.

Next for Pentucket is an away game at Georgetown on Tuesday. On the same night Masco is at Amesbury.

The non-stop energy on the court is this game is certainly no surprise with the non-stop energy exhibited by the two coaches; John McNamara and Bob Romeo.

Masco boxscore

Pentucket boxscore

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Lily Polakiewicz draws two defenders

Long afternoon on the Pentucket sidelines

Kailey Crothers guarded by Taylor Moore and Riley Holden

Boo Torrisi covered by Paige Amyouny

Game on!

Bella Doyle (#14) on the move

Lily Polakiewicz heavily defended

Taylor Moore guards Paige Amyouny

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Filed under Masconomet, Pentucket

Tagged as Bella Doyle, Kailey Crothers, Lily Polakiewicz, Paige Amyouny

October 31, 2015 · 9:03 pm

Manchester-Essex (girls) and Masco (boys) win Cape Ann League XC championships

Masconomet captains with 2015 championship plaque

Manchester-Essex: 2015 Cape Ann League cross country champions

Maddie Quigley (Triton) finishes first

(Topsfield MA) The Manchester-Essex girls and the Masconomet boys came out winners at the Cape Ann League cross country championships held Saturday at Bradley Palmer State Park.

Maddie Quigley (Triton) and Joe Molvar (Newburyport) were the top finishers in each division.

The ME girls edged arch-rival Hamilton-Wenham in several head-to-head races within the race to get the title, 40-50. During the regular season HW got by ME by a one slim point to keep their dual-meet streak (129 straight) alive.

The Masco boys had too much depth for the rest of the CAL field. Newburyport took the top two spots (Joe Molvar and Jack Carleo) but the Chieftains still won, 60-73. Masco’s Daniel Cosgrove finished third.

Senior Maddie Quigley was behind fast-starting Emily DeMarco (Ipswich) for part of the race but had a good lead over Eve Feuerbach (ME) at the finish. Maddie finished 7^th in 2014.

Joe Molvar near the finish

Senior Joe Molvar trailed teammate Jack Carleo for part of the boys’ race but also ended up with a commanding lead over his Clippers’ teammate at the end.

An important last-second rally by ME’s Holly Fossa got her past HW’s Olivia Horgan and into sixth place.

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Boys top finishers

Jack Carleo and Joe Molvar

HW coach Steve Sawyer gets “special” award

Maddie Quigley comes forward to get award afterwards

Grace Sousa (Georgetown) 10th

Girls top finishers

Jack Carleo (Newburyport) 2nd

Daniel Cosgrove (Masco) 3rd

Eve Feuerbach (ME) 2nd

Grace Moroney (HW) 4th

Evelyn Lantz (ME) 5th, Olivia Horgan (HW) 7th, Holly Fossa (ME) 6th

Hailee Gibadlo (Amesbury) 9th

Chris Chabot (Amesbury) won the boys JV title

Emily DeMarco (Ipswich) 10th

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Filed under 2015 Cape Ann League XC Championships, Amesbury, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Manchester-Essex, Masconomet, Newburyport, North Reading, Pentucket, Triton

Tagged as Eve Feuerbach, Jack Carleo, Joe Molvar, Maddie Quigley, Manchester-Essex, Masconomet

December 19, 2014 · 11:20 pm

Strong second half gets Masco a win over Newburyport 59-33

Emily Pettigrew saw plenty of Masco defense

Meghan Collins had 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals for the Lady Chieftains

(Newburyport MA) Masconomet ran away from Newburyport in the second half and defeated the Clippers, 59-33, on Friday night in Cape Ann League play.

The Newburyport (0-2) deficit was only six (22-16) after junior Emily Pettigrew (16 points) broke free thanks to a nice pass by Shelby O’Brien early in the third quarter. However, consecutive three’s by senior Lauren Sorel (13 points) sent the Lady Chieftains off on a 24-6 run that stretched into the final quarter. Senior Meghan Collins (18 points) added nine points in the breakaway segment.

Newburyport was hurt badly by turnovers……twenty-two by my count. At least half of the TO’s were unforced.

The Clippers wanted to get Emily Pettigrew (6′) as many touches as possible. Emily had 24 points in the Clippers opening game loss to North Reading. Masco’s Kate Kitsakos (16 points) covered Emily tightly and, despite giving away five inches, made passes inside difficult.

Meghan Collins (First team CAL All-Star last year) had a terrific second half for Masco. Meghan had twelve points in the final quarter hitting from long range and driving to the basket. The 5-7 senior guard also collected twelve rebounds for the Lady Chieftains.

Neither team played very well in the first half. Masco (1-1) led 18-13 but had eight turnovers. The Clippers had eight turnovers in just the first quarter and struggled to run offense that would turn up high-percentage shots.

Lauren Sorel (13 points) had 3 more 3-pointers for Masco

Masco continued with the solid man-to-man defense in the second half and when their shots started falling the Clippers were doomed. Masco’s good outside shooting forced the home team to expand their defense opening up drives to the basket for the visitors. Meghan Collins and Kate Kitsakos were quick to take advantage. The Lady Chieftains ended up with twenty-eight points in the paint.

Meghan Collins found foul trouble in Masco’s loss in their opener to Pentucket but not this time. Teammate Stephanie Mini had three fouls in the first half versus Newburyport and saw her playing time limited as a result.

Both teams were underwhelming at the free throw line. NHS was 9-for-19 while Masco was 6-for-16.

Emily Pettigrew (16 points) drives on Kailey Crothers

Lauren Sorel clicked three times from long range against Pentucket and Newburyport. Someone better start yelling, “Shooter!” when she gets the ball.

Thanks to Andy Tapparo, who runs the Masco Girls Basketball website, for help with statistics.

Next game for Masco is home on Monday against Triton. Newburyport will be on the road versus undefeated Pentucket on the same evening.

The Clippers of Coach Gregg Dollas were 13-7 last season while Bob Romeo’s Lady Chieftains were 21-2.

Newburyport box

Masconomet box

Any errors? Let me know. Blogs are very easy to edit.

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Stephanie Mini gets to the basket

Morgan Johnston and Lauren Sorel (13 points) look for a rebound

Kate Kitsakos (16 points) looks to shoot over Emily Pettigrew

Olivia Olson gets fouled by Mary Erb

Amy Fogarty drives the lane

in bounds play

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Filed under Masconomet, Newburyport

Tagged as Emily Pettigrew, Kate Kitsakos, Lauren Sorel, Meghan Collins, Stephanie Mini

May 28, 2014 · 4:33 pm

2014 Cape Ann League All-Star softball team (pictures)

Alexi Boswell

Rachel Cyr

Autumn Kligerman

Jen Nutter

Maddy Crateau

Meredith Kercher

Hannah Travers (#20)

Paige Zeval

Julianna Kostas

Alex Mendelsohn

Kylie Currier

Vicki Allman

Ashley Hodge

Catcher Sophia Warner

Kassidy Kennefick

Maddie Binding

Kayla Parisi

Mara Spears

(Annika Han, Melanie Carter, and Jackilyn Murphy also made the team.)

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Filed under Amesbury, Cape Ann League, Georgetown, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Masconomet, Newburyport, Pentucket, Triton

Tagged as Alex Mendelsohn, Alexis Boswell, Annika Han, Ashley Hodge, Autumn Kligerman, Hannah Travers, Jackilyn Murphy, Jen Nutter, Julianna Kostas, Kaddisdy Kennefick, Kayla Parisi, Kylie Currier, Maddie Binding, Maddy Crateau, Mara Spears, Melanie Carter, Meredith Kercher, Paige Zavel, Rachel Cyr, Sophia Warren, Vicki Allman

May 28, 2014 · 1:09 pm

2014 Cape Ann League All-League softball team (pictures)

Amanda Schell (Player-of-the-Year)

Emily Dow (Player-of-the-Year)

Carolyn Lynch

Shortstop Rachel Gallagher

Maddie Kelly

Carley Siemasko

Cassidy Gaeta

Jen Castro and Tarah Reilly

Tyler Feeney

Hannah Lorden

Jess Collins

Kylie Gilroy

(Jackie Whelan of Lynnfield also made the CAL 2014 All-League team.)

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Filed under Amesbury, Cape Ann League, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Masconomet, Newburyport, North Reading, Pentucket, Rockport, Triton

Tagged as Amanda Schell, Carley Siemasko, Carolyn Lynch, Cassidy Gaeta, Emily Dow, Hannah Lorden, Jackie Whelan, Jen Castro, Jess Collins, Kylie Gilroy, Maddie Kelly, Rachel Gallagher, Tara Reilly, Tyler Feeney

May 21, 2014 · 10:21 pm

Masco gets two in the bottom of the 7th to defeat North Reading 7-6

Jordan Murray about to score the winning run on a wild pitch

Jordyn Murray about to score the winning run on a wild pitch

Tayla Murray slides across with the tying run in the 7th inning

(Topsfield MA) For 2 1/2 innings Masconomet looked like anything but a softball team on a twelve game winning streak.

The rest of the way? The Division 1 Chieftains (17-2) overcame a five-run deficit and overtook Division 2 North Reading, 7-6, with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.

The Hornets (14-5) carried a 6-5 lead into the top of the seventh inning and were in an excellent position to pad their lead as they loaded the bases with one out. But Masco’s complete game winner, Emily Dow, struck out Emma Santosuosso and got Bryanne Riley to fly out keeping NR off the scoreboard.

Masconomet celebration begins

Now Masco needed a run to tie and another run to win. They got both. Emily Dow hit a two-strike single on the ground up the middle. Tayla Murray ran for her. Jordyn doubled sending her sister to third with one out. Second baseman Carly Swartz opted to come home with Kylie Currier’s grounder but Tayla Murray slid home safely to tie the score. Her sister (Jordyn) reached third on the play. A fly to center wasn’t deep enough so Jordan held at third with two out. Jordyn did get home standing up on a Kendra Butner pitch in the dirt, that eluded NR catcher Sophia Warner, to give the Chieftains the win.

The victory gives Masco the Cape Ann League Kinney Division title.

Catcher Sophia Warner waits for the throw as Sarah Webster prepares to slide in with the first Masco run

I came away impressed with the Chieftains’ hitting. They collected thirteen hits and everyone in the lineup had at least one of those hits. Eight of the hits came in the final three innings.

Junior Sophia Warren was a perfect four-for-four. She also scored a run and had an RBI for North Reading.

Kendra Butner launched a no-doubter over the fence in left in the NR fourth.

The Hornets did get five runs in the first three innings but they also stranded five runners. Once the Masco bats came to life those stranded NR runners became very important.

Julianna Kostas paced Masco with two RBI. Maddie Kelly, Alex Mendelsohn, Emily Dow, and Kylie Currier had one RBI apiece.

North Reading captains Jen Castro and Tarah Reilly

Cassidy Gaetta, Tarah Reilly, Sophia Warren, and Kendra Butner had the RBI for North Reading.

Errors by shortstop Casey Maidment (fielding) and rightfielder Jordyn Murray (throwing) gave NR two unearned runs in the first inning.

The last Masco loss? 6-5 in nine innings at North Reading. The Hornets scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to send that April game into extra innings.

The other Masco loss? 4-1 to Newburyport in the season opener.

This was the fourth one-run loss for North Reading in the Cape Ann League. The other one-run winners? Amesbury, Lynnfield, and Pentucket

A young Masco fan was hit by a hot grounder. Two North Reading players were quick to bring ice packs. Somewhere they learned that there is more to life than softball.

Emily Dow

Emily Dow played the National Anthem with her trumpet.

A key to the Masco win was limiting 2013 CAL All-League Tarah Reilly to just one hit. As shortstop, Tarah made a sure-handed play to end the sixth inning preserving NR’s one-run lead.

Maddie Kelly (2013 CAL All-Star) had a double, triple and scored a run.

Weather? Perfect with plenty of sunshine.

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Kendra Butner reaches home after a shot over the fence in left.

attempted steal

Tarah Reilly takes in a popup as baserunner Maddie Kelly ducks out of the way

Emma Santosuosso tries to bunt as first baseman Kylie Currier charges

Cassidy Gaeta

Kendra Butner

Maddie Kelly

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Filed under Cape Ann League, Masconomet, North Reading

Tagged as Emily Dow, Jen Castro, Jordan Murray, Kendra Butner, Maddie Kelly, Sophia Warner, Tarah Reilly

April 17, 2014 · 10:37 pm

Masconomet stays undefeated with 5-2 win against Newburyport

Tom Budrewicz (#11) heads home with second Masco run on Scott Webster balk

Will Twiss (six hitter with eight strikeouts)

Will Twiss (six hitter with nine strikeouts)

(Newburyport MA) Both teams continued to go in the direction they have been going.

Masconomet ran its winning streak to five as they defeated winless Newburyport, 5-2, in a cold Thursday afternoon/evening of Cape Ann League baseball.

The inexperienced Clippers (0-4) hung with Masco through four innings (2-2) before the Chieftains tallied two in the 5th and one in the sixth to pull away.

A key to the Masco win was the pitching of senior Will Twiss. Will allowed six hits with nine strikeouts and retired the last seven Clippers he faced. He only walked one batter.

Scott Webster started for NHS and lasted 4 1/3 innings. The sophomore struck out seven but also allowed six walks. During his stint runs were scored on a balk and a wild pitch. It was feast or famine!

Leighton Paradis tossed the final 2 2/3 for Newburyport and he was charged with an unearned run. Elias Varinos’ sharp single to left in the sixth inning got past Tom Isabel allowing Sam Hamburger to score all the way from first with Masco’s fifth run.

Caleb Stott leads off third in the first inning

Newburyport put up a run in the first. A double by Caleb Stott and a bloop single by Ryan Furlong had the Clippers in nice shape with no outs. Masco gave up an unearned run when catcher Mike Manni’s throw to second, as Ryan Furlong attempted to steal, was wild and Caleb Stott reached home from third. Will Twiss retired the next three batters (2 K’s and a groundout) to limit the damage.

The Chieftains took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Joe Klingensmith singled and stole second. Tom Budrewicz tripled to the fence in right center scoring Joe. Pitcher Scott Webster balked Tom home. Masco would load the bases after that with two walks and a hit batsman but Scott Webster K’d Dan Dempsey and had Sam Hamburger fly out to end the threat.

The Clippers pulled even in their half of the fourth inning. A walk and steal by leadoff batter James Nutter was followed by a single by Scott Webster. Tom Isabel put the ball in play and James came in from third with the tying run.

Elias Varinos caught in a rundown after driving in the 5th Masco run

The visitors collected the game winners in the fifth with two runs. Elias Varinos (2 hits) doubled to the right field corner leading off. Scott Webster then served up a wild pitch, a walk (Joe Klingensmith), and another wild pitch and Elias was home with Run #3.

Leighton Paradis relieved Scott Webster and walked Mike Manni to load the bases. Chris Rich’s sacrifice fly delivered Joe Klingensmith with the fourth Masco run.

The Chieftains collected their fifth run after a single and an outfield error in the sixth inning.

Scott Webster (seven strikeouts)

Newburyport pitching only allowed four hits but the walks (nine) and pitching miscues (wild pitches/balk) spoiled things for the Clippers.

The Clippers return tomorrow (Friday) for a 10AM game versus nonleague Beverly (2-3). Maybe that elusive first win will turn up.

Ryan Furlong paced the Clippers with two hits. Sophomore Elias Varinos had two of Masco’s four hits.

Masco was 19-6 last season and reached the Division 2 state semi-finals. They have won the Division 2 North title three times in the last six years. Their last state title was in 2000.

Joe Klingensmith and Tom Budrewicz made the Cape Ann League All-League team last year. Greg Dougherty was a CAL All-Star.

Greg was rung up three times by Newburyport pitching.

Masco’s next game is at 10AM on Saturday at Saugus.

Tom Isabel made a terrific catch in the first inning on a deep fly to left center by Greg Dougherty. The wind may have helped keep it in the park.

Joe Klingensmith (D1 scholarship to UMass Amherst)

Joe Klingensmith has a scholarship to D1 UMass Amherst next season. He had four homers and seventeen RBI last season. He had a hit (single) and scored two runs today against the Clippers.

You get used to fans complaining about balls and strikes even though they’re usually in poor position to see where the pitch ends up. Today the complaints were a bit different: “That was a strike. It’s cold out here!”

And cold it was. Winter is not over. Even the sun doesn’t help if the wind is blowing. “You want some cheese with that whine?”

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Joe Klingensmith about to turn third

Tom Budrewicz (CAL All-League)

Dan Dempsey

James Nutter slides into second

Tom Isabel takes a cut

Leighton Paradis

Greg Dougherty (CAL All-Star in 2013)

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Filed under Cape Ann League, Masconomet, Newburyport

Tagged as Caleb Stott, Greg Dougherty, Joe Klingensmith, Leighton Paradis, Scott Webster, Tom Budrewicz, Will Twiss

February 4, 2014 · 1:08 am

Masconomet barely beats Pentucket 39-38 to remain undefeated

McKenna Kilian (17 points) defends Nicky Femino (12 points)

Riley Holden faces defender Stephanie Mini in the closing seconds

(West Newbury MA) Pentucket had two shots in the lane in the last thirty seconds but came up empty and undefeated Masconomet (14-0) survived, 39-38, on Monday night in Cape Ann League action.

Hannah Kiernan’s free throw with thirty-six seconds left proved to be the game winner.

The Sachems (12-4) went down by six (38-32) with three minutes left. However, tireless Kelsi McNamara (17 points) hit a runner in the lane, McKenna Kilian (17 points) made one of three free throw attempts, and Kelsi launched a game-tying three (38-38) with 1:06 left.

The momentum had clearly shifted to Pentucket. I thought that Masco might be in trouble because they hadn’t been in a tight game all season plus this was only their fifth game on the road.

Hannah Kiernan gets to the basket

The Chieftains’ Hannah Kiernan got into the lane, got fouled, and gave Masco the point that decided this one with thirty-six seconds left.

Trust me, that lone point came close to not holding up the rest of the way. First, McKenna Kilian misfired on a runner in the lane. Then, after a Hannah Kiernan traveling violation, the Sachems were able to get back in the lane again. This time it was Riley Holden’s chance but freshman Stephanie Mini blocked her shot with just a few seconds left. The Chieftains were then able to run out the clock without giving Pentucket any more opportunities.

The Sachems had won eleven straight since a December 27th, 66-40, loss to Masconomet.

Masco’s last defeat was on March 2nd (2013) to Billerica (64-42) in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

Meghan Collins had the unenviable task of guarding Kelsi McNamara most of the game. In almost every picture I took of Kelsi dribbling, there was not only Meghan but also one or two other Masco defenders ready to help. What that defense did was to keep Kelsi from driving and either scoring or getting fouled. Kelsi did, however, make the Chieftains pay by hitting shots from the outside.

Kelsi McNamara saw little daylight in the last minute

I think that the key to the Masco win was their ability to keep Kelsi from getting another shot after she had tied the game from downtown with 1:06 left.

Pentucket had the lead or was tied into the fifth minutes of the second quarter. Then a layup and two free throws by Nicky Femino (12 points) put Masco in front, 16-13.

A Kelsi McNamara three, a fall-back jumper by Kelsi, and two McKenna Kilian free throws put the home team back in front 20-16 with 1:43 left in the second period. Pentucket led, 20-18, at the half.

I had a sense at halftime that Masco would pull away in the second half. They had been able to get to the basket but not finish as often as they should. Pentucket had shown only two scorers (McKenna Kilian & Kelsi McNamara) and if either cooled off matching points with Masco would be very tough.

Kelsi McNamara eyes the hoop

The Chieftains moved ahead, 23-22, on a Nicky Femino long shot three minutes into the second half. That lead would be extended to 34-27 on a buzzer-beating three by Amy Fogarty early in the fourth quarter.

McKenna Kilian brought the Sachems within two (34-32) with a three and a floater in the lane with six minutes left.

Stephanie Mini put in a layup (nice pass from Hannah Kiernan) and Nicky Femino got to the hoop for two putting Masco on top, 38-32, with three minutes remaining.

Then it was Kelsi and McKenna combining to tie the score before Hannah Kiernan’s free throw gave Masco a one-point win.

tongue tied

Looking ahead, I suspect that Pentucket will continue to struggle to score points. I also suspect that every opponent they face will struggle against their defense. The Sachems give the opposition little breathing room. Do they have enough offense to defeat Division 2 teams in the tournament?

Division 1 Masco is legit. The two things about them that impressed me in this game were their ability to get the ball to the basket and their gusto getting after rebounds. In this game they had four second-chance baskets and nine scores on layups.

Masco will play five of their last six games away from home. Undefeated? The tournament at the end of the season at St. Mary’s could settle that especially if they get up against the powerhouse host team in it.

Masconomet box

Pentucket box

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Kelsi McNamara breaks on Hannah Kiernan

Stephanie Mini blocks Carolyn Penney

Kelsi McNamara and Meghan Collins

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Filed under Masconomet, Pentucket

Tagged as Hannah Kiernan, Kelsi McNamara, McKenna Kilian, Nicky Femino, Stephanie Mini

April 11, 2013 · 9:12 pm

Newburyport wins third straight downing Masconomet 4-1 in Cape Ann League softball

Lauren Singer, caught in a rundown, escaped and later scored as Coach Lori Solazzo looks on.

Victoria Allman gets congratulated by Kendra Dow after her third win of the season

(Newburyport) Last year these two teams met at Cashman Park in early April and there were thirty hits and Masconomet left with a 9-6 win in nine innings.

Not this time. The hits were scarce (eight) and the Clippers won, 4-1, in Cape Ann League action on a cold/bleak Thursday afternoon in Newburyport.

Newburyport (3-0) is off to a perfect start with Victoria Allman showing that she can handle the every-game pitching assignment.

Victoria gave up three singles and one unearned run.

This was the opener for Masconomet. They did have several scrimmages leading up to this game. The Chieftains were 17-3 last season under first-year Mike Gibeley. Mike was named coach-of-the-year for his terrific season.

Pitcher Rachel Shamon leaves the game with an injury.

Rachel Shamon (CAL D1 player-of-the-year) started for Masco but went out after 2 1/3 innings after getting a finger in the way of a ground ball. Emily Dow came on to pitch one-hit ball the rest of the way.

The Clippers picked up a run in the first, two in the second, and another in the fifth.

In the first, Lauren Singer doubled to right center and reached third after a liner by Meghan Stanton was dropped by Rachel Shamon (pitcher). Meghan took second uncontested. Kendra Dow then grounded back to Rachel. Rachel faked the throw to first then tried to get Lauren Singer off of third. She couldn’t and the bases were loaded with one out. Carley Siemasko worked Rachel for a walk and the Clippers led, 1-0.

Molly Stanton heads home with second Clipper run

In the second, Victoria Allman walked (Molly Stanton ran for her). Meghan Stanton lined a 2-out triple over the head of leftfielder (Sarah Webster) scoring her sister. Lea Tomasz singled to the right of second base driving in Meghan and giving Newburyport a 3-0 lead after two innings.

The Chieftains picked up their lone run in the fifth. Sammy Martin walked and Alex Mendelsohn reached on a single to deep short. Rachel Shamon’s grounder to third (Meghan Stanton) went through the sophomore’s legs allowing Sammy Martin to score an unearned run.

The Clippers got that run back in the bottom of the fifth. Kendra Dow doubled to right and reached third on Casey Barlow’s sacrifice grounder. Shelby O’Brien walked but on ball four the ball got away from catcher Alex Mendelsohn allowing Kendra Dow to slide in with the fourth Newburyport run.