Category Archives: Triton

October 29, 2018 · 10:01 pm

North Reading and Triton finish with a 1-1 tie in girls soccer

Madison DiNapoli (22) and Bella Lesinksi (29) battle in the closing minutes

Anna Behringer (left) and Gabbie Barker (right)

(Byfield MA) North Reading (4-9-4) and Triton (5-11-1) ended in a 1-1 tie this afternoon in Cape Ann League girls soccer.

Not a win, but in a season with few of them for both teams, the ending was better than it might have been.

The Vikings entered the game having lost seven straight.

The Hornets nearly pulled this one out in the final three minutes. “We had some good chances at the end,” said North Reading coach Sean Killeen afterwards.

In that high-opportunity final minutes a brilliant rush by Hornets freshman Madison DiNapoli was only thwarted because of an even better defensive effort by Vikings senior Bella Lesinski. Bella was able to stay with Madison as she raced down the middle and force a shot that was barely wide right.

Bella Lesinski (29) heads away a corner kick

That dangerous play was followed immediately by another scoring chance on a corner kick. Alyssa Prusik took it and sent it in the middle where Triton’s Bella Lesinski stepped up and drove the ball back with a header.

Triton cleared the ball toward the other end, but it was only there momentarily. Back came the Hornets and this time they were awarded a direct kick from straightaway in the closing seconds. Junior Joanna Kellogg took the kick but sent it wide left as the final whistle sounded.

Not surprisingly, Triton was happy at the end (they survived) and North Reading a bit frustrated (they had serious late-game chances).

But in the bigger scheme of things, neither team lost.

The Hornets started the game with the sun in their eyes and the wind at Triton’s back. The home team cashed in three minutes into the game.

“We’ve been working on getting our crosses better,” explained Triton first-year coach Dave Ducharme after the game. Sophomore Kyla Prussman served a textbook cross from the right.

“Elisabeth (Lindholm) collected it and got a good angle to score,” added Coach Ducharme.

Elizabeth Lindholm (24) shoots past several Hornets

Elisabeth Lindholm’s shot rolls into the net with Julia Boyle (21) there to make sure

Twenty minutes later in was North Reading’s turn to execute a well-placed crossing pass.

Madison DiNapoli was the passer, after a strong run down the right side. Madison’s pass was far enough out from the goal that Triton keeper Darcie McDonough couldn’t intercept it. NR sophomore Katelyn Gorgenyi was where the ball was headed but before it got to her it was deflected accidentally by Triton defender Haley Morland into the net.

Madison DiNapoli wth room to execute a crossing pass

Ball deflects in off Haley Morland (14)

“We had a little bit of a breakdown on their goal,” said Coach Ducharme. “It’s called an own goal.”

The final fifty-seven minutes of play largely avoided the goal-scoring areas until that exciting final three minutes in the Triton end.

Joanna Kellogg (10) finishes the game with a direct kick

Senior Bella Lesinski (CAL All-Star last year) saved the day for the Vikes in the final minutes.

Morgan Hall between Mia DeNofrio (23) and Julia Boyle (21)

I was impressed with Triton freshman Morgan Hall. Not tall, but a very skillful dribbler and passer. “Morgan has rarely been out of any games we’ve had this season,” said Coach Ducharme.

In the first meeting of the two teams (September 21^st) Triton was the winner 1-0. Morgan had the goal in that one assisted by Emily Colby.

North Reading had qualified for the post-season five straight seasons before this year.

Triton won as many games this year (5) as they totaled over the past two seasons. Their last winning season was the 14-7-2 one they had in 2014.

Very impressed with Triton’s turf field. Their lights are excellent too.

I’m guessing that a lot of attendees were a bit groggy after witnessing yet another World Series title become a reality late last night.

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

NR goalie Alyssa Crugnale

Darcie McDonough

Elizabeth Lindholm (24) and Kyla Prussman (13) after goal

Elisabeth Lindholm looks for a rebound

Julia Beauvais (left) and Joanna Kellogg (right)

Kaitlyn Shevlin (6) pressed by Vikings

Katelyn Gorgenyi

Madison DiNapoli

Shot on net – Kyla Prussman (13), Abby Martin (2), Abby Griffin (4)

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Filed under North Reading, Triton

Tagged as Bella Lesinski, Madison DiNapoli, Morgan Hall

October 24, 2018 · 9:17 pm

Triton volleyball falls in 5th set to Wilmington

Gabby Bond (20) and Gianna Brunetto (7) up to block for Wilmington

Colleen McCarthy, Caitie Rooney, Savannah Nolan, and Molly McInning

Gabby Bond (20) hits

(Byfield MA) I tell you, it’s that senior night thing!

Once again, the celebrating team (Triton in this case) falls short and the visitor (Wilmington) is celebrating when the match ends.

In a rematch, Wilmington escaped with a 3-2 win on Wednesday night in non-league play.

The Vikings (4-14) had been shut down 3-0 in the previous meeting with the Wildcats (7-12).

Hands on the ball

This time around Triton was more of a challenge to Wilmington, although it didn’t start out that way.

The team from the Middlesex League rallied late to sweep the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-20. Looked like a short night for the Cape Ann League entry.

But not this time. The Vikings pulled away from an 18-18 tie to take the third set and then dominated the 4^th set 25-16.

That momentum continued into the last set for Triton. They started out 9-6 and looked to be heading for a very happy ending.

But the Wildcats had other plans. “We were playing not to lose,” recalled Wilmington coach Bruce Shainwald. “We needed to attack and that’s what we did.”

Led by server Anna Rideout, the Wildcats rolled off seven unanswered points to go up 13-9. Triton put a stop to the run briefly, but the Wildcats finished strong to win 15-11.

Colleen McCarthy sets

“It was a good match,” said Triton coach Bob Van Etten afterwards. “We showed good fight coming back after being down two games and we had the lead in the final set.”

“We were determined not to lose that last game,” Wildcats Gabby Bond told me after the match. The Wilmington senior is hoping to go to UConn next year and train to be a physician’s assistant.

Triton honored four seniors before the game; Colleen McCarthy, Caitie Rooney, Savannah Nolan, and Molly McInnis.

Savannah had a strong game for the Vikings on the front line.

“I am looking forward to next year,” said Coach Van Etten. “We had a very successful JV team, so we’ll be adding some good girls to the varsity next year.”

Caitie Rooney keeps the ball in play

The hardest replacement? “Caitie Rooney, she’s an awesome setter.” Caitie was a Cape Ann League All-Star last year.

I was impressed with Wilmington’s setter, Britt Cimaglia. “She is very good but she was getting tired at the end,” said Coach Shainwald, “and she was having trouble setting the ball up high enough.”

Both Britt and teammate Maeve Cadogan were excellent at serving.

This is only Triton’s fifth season having volleyball. Their best season so far was 2015 when they went 5-11.

Server Anna Rideout

Neither team tonight had devastating hitters. That forced longer volleys and more excitement in my opinion.

The Wildcats were 9-11 last season. 2004 was the most recent season that they qualified for the post season.

I will not attempt to dazzle you with any stats since I didn’t pick any up after the game.

Congratulations to the Red Sox for the Game 2 win. I will never learn that watching a game on TV and writing up a game at the same time, limits both activities!

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

Setter Britt Cimaglia

Savannah Andersen (5)

Savannah Nolan and Gianna Brunetto (7)

Wilmington back row

Gabby Bond (20) returns

Julia Willson (10) hits

Linda Freeman (26) and Maeve Cadogan (3)

Maeve Cadogan hits while Savannah Nolan (7) waits to block

Maeve Cadogan serves

Freshman Mia Berardino (13) elevates

Nicole Trotta hits

Paige Volpone ready to help

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Filed under Triton, Wilmington

Tagged as Britt Cimaglia, Caitie Rooney, Maeve Cadogan, Savannah Nolan

October 22, 2018 · 10:08 pm

Triton volleyball sweeps Newburyport 3-0 in rematch

Colleen McCarthy (5), Mia Berardino (13), and Caitie Rooney (15) had big games for Triton

Newburyport seniors honored before the match

(Newburyport MA) Call it the curse of Senior Night if you will.

The Clippers celebrated their seniors and then lost three straight sets to rival Triton on Monday night in Cape Ann League volleyball.

“It was extremely disappointing,” said NHS coach Lori Solazzo afterwards. “We didn’t come out the way we usually do.”

Evelyn Pearson

The Vikings (4-12) took advantage of Newburyport subpar play in game one as they broke an 8-8 tie with ten straight points. Evelyn Pearson was the server for Triton during the run. Caitie Rooney tipped in several winners for the Vikings. The Clippers (4-13) lost the first set, 25-12.

The second set was much more competitive after Triton raced off 22-14. Paige Volpone and Colleen McCarthy paced the Vikings to what looked like a comfortable spread. But sophomore Abby Gillingham served the home team into contention and forced a Triton timeout. The Clippers would get to within a point (24-23) on big plays by Melaina Lucci and Sydney Yim. The visitors nailed down the final point after a lengthy, exciting volley to grab the second set 25-23.

Sophomore server Sydney Yim carried the Clippers to leads of 10-4 and 21-13 in the third set.

Abby Gillingham up to block

“We didn’t give up even though down 21-13 in the third set,” recalled Triton coach Bob Van Etten. “We just picked away and came back and took it.”

The Vikings put nine unanswered points together and after a Colleen McCarthy winner led, 22-21. An Abby Gillingham block gave Newburyport the serve with a 24-23 deficit but again after a long volley the Vikings gained the point they needed to win the set and the match.

Viking captain Caitie Rooney was excited about the win. “A win over Port is always a big win. Everyone stepped up especially Mia (Berardino), Evelyn (Pearson), and Colleen (McCarthy). Those were our hitters and they played like out of the park tonight.”

Coach Van Etten: “It was very much a team effort but Caitie Rooney had an outstanding match.”

Coach Solazzo: “We let them in several times, point by point. Volleyball is such a team sport that you have to trust that your teammate will be where they’re supposed to be. Once that trust gets lost it gets into your head and you fall apart a little.”

Caitie Rooney serves

The Vikings and the Clippers met previously on October 1^st. Triton took that one 3-1. “It was a close match that could have gone either way,” recalled Coach Van Etten.

Newburyport is in its second season of volleyball. Last year the brand-new Clippers finished 1-15. Their win? The last game of the season against Triton. Excited? “It was a five-set match and it was like winning the World Series for us,” said Coach Solazzo.

Full disclosure. This was the first volleyball game I have ever covered. If you’re looking for digs, reception errors etc., you’ve come to the wrong place. Even taking pictures was a challenge because the game is very fast, and the players closest had their backs to me. It was an adventure for sure, but I enjoyed it.

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

Triton wins the match

Triton wins a set

Abby Gillingham blocks

Caitie Rooney

Clippers coach Lori Solazzo

Colleen McCarthy

Colleen McCarthy serves

Jess Rosseau (8)

Julianne Heath

Julia Vachon (9) blocks Linda Freeman (26)

Julia Vachon

Kalli Doyle and Grace Shelley

Maggie Bowen

Paige Volpone

Senior Skylar Sneider

Sydney Yim (15), Melaina Lucci (5), and Abby Gillingham (15)

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Filed under Newburyport, Triton

Tagged as Abby Gillingham, Caitie Rooney, Coach Bob Van Etten, Coach Lori Solazzo, Colleen McCarthy, Evelyn Pearson, Paige Volpone

October 15, 2018 · 8:51 pm

Ipswich edges Triton 1-0 on second-half Justin Foye goal

Very busy afternoon for Triton goalie Mark Anthony Glickman against Ipswich

John Werner (15) lines up a shot

(Byfield MA) You knew it wasn’t Triton’s day when the best chance they had all game never happened.

The Vikings were awarded a direct kick from close to the right sidelines in the closing minute. Everyone moved in close to the goal, including the entire Ipswich team. The kick was about to be taken when the whistle sounded ending the game.

“They had that great opportunity at the end,” said a relieved Ipswich coach Greg Scruton afterwards.

The Tigers were winners 1-0 in Cape Ann League boys soccer on an overcast Monday afternoon. Rain was predicted but never happened.

Ipswich (3-8-2) had chances galore throughout this one but the combination of misfires and the goalkeeping of Mark Anthony Glickman frustrated the visitors.

The Tigers broke the scoreless tie eighteen minutes into the second half.

Chase Gagnon sets up the only Ipswich goal.

Justin Foye kicks the game winner

Tigers celebrate their only goal

The goal scorer (Justin Foye) drove home a shot that he never thought would go in. “I wasn’t expecting it to go in,” he told me afterwards. “I saw a kid in front of me and the goalie was behind him. I shot it anyway and it went through the defender’s legs and past the goalie.”

Senior Chase Gagnon set Justin up. Chase broke down the right side and put the ball back into the middle where Justin was wide open to receive the pass.

“We practice getting the ball to the winger and then cutting it back,” said Coach Scruton. “It was a great set up and a good finish. That was the first assist for Chase this season.”

Mark Anthony Glickman goes down for a shot by Justin Foye

The loss was a tough one for the Vikings (1-11-1) especially the way it ended with them missing out on the best chance they had all day.

“I thought we worked hard,” said Triton coach Dave Mitchell. “They had more of the advantage of play, but we hung in there well.”

Both coaches marveled at a second-half sequence in which sophomore defender Brendan Dennis refused to allow Ipswich a second goal. Justin Foye put a shot over junior goalie Mark Anthony Glickman that was heading for the net. Brendan kept that out and then blocked two other shots to deny the Tigers.

Defender Brendan Dennis (5) saves a goal

“He (Brendan) made three stops in a row,” said Coach Mitchell. “We practice situations like that.”

“We had plenty of opportunities to score,” added Coach Scruton. “Their goalie made some amazing saves and #5 (Brendan Dennis) kept the ball out of the net as well.”

Coach Dave Mitchell

Coach Mitchell is trying to bring back a soccer program that has won only four times in the last 2+ seasons. “We need to work on our first touches and our technical skills. Most of this group will be back next year and so we’re optimistic.”

The Vikings hustled and encouraged each other throughout the game.

Coach Scruton was pleased with his team’s defense: “We were disciplined today. Jacob (Eliopoulos) did well at center back and our two outside backs cut down any through balls for us.”

One thing there were plenty of in this game were corner kicks. All of them were by Ipswich and they were all taken by Jake Scruton. The Ipswich sophomore had the skill to put the ball right where teammates were in the middle of the box. GK Mark Anthony Glickman somehow managed to keep those Ipswich chances out of the net.

I like the turf field at Triton. It is fast with true bounces.

I asked senior goal scorer Justin Foye about his college plans: “My top two right now are Merrimack and Endicott. I am interested in engineering.”

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

Mark Anthony Glickman up for a corner kick

Tangled

Brendan Atherton (21), Jacob Eliopoulos (2), Alphonso Lopez (8)

Brendan Dennis takes one in the face

Cam Mallette heads

Chase Gagnon (12) and Ayden Jacobs (17)

Efrem Johanson

A shot gets past Ipswich goalie Nico Roesler…..in practice

Jake Scruton gets set for a corner kick

Jason Finkst

Justin Foye elevates for a header

Loose ball in close

Mark Anthony Glickman

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Filed under Ipswich, Triton

Tagged as Brendan Dennis, Chase Gagnon, Coach Dave Mitchell, Coach Greg Scruton, Justin Foye, Mark Anthony Glickman

October 10, 2018 · 10:35 pm

Newburyport boys and Triton girls stay undefeated in CAL cross country

(Newbury MA) And then there were two.

Three teams came into this afternoon’s boys/girls cross country meet undefeated.

Now only the Triton girls (7-0) and the Newburyport boys (8-0) are unbeaten.

Both squads dominated the top finishers at Old Town Hill in Newbury on a very hot/sunny Wednesday afternoon.

Ellie Gay-Killeen won by almost a minute

Sam Acquaviva wins another race

Ellie Gay-Killeen and Sarah Harrington were 1-2 for Triton while Sam Acquaviva, John Lucey, and Dreese Fadil were 1-2-3 for Newburyport.

The Triton girls won 25-30 while the Newburyport boys won 22-33.

“Our girls were tough in the heat,” said Vikings coach Joe Colbert. “The conditions were brutal. We run this course well. It was a great win for us because Newburyport (7-1) is a very good team.”

The 3.1 mile course gave the Clippers problems. “It was super hilly,” said 4^th place finisher Ellie Schulson afterwards. “The sun was in your eyes when you were going up the hill and you couldn’t see your footing. I fell down.”

Ellie Schulson

“They had those two girls up front that are tough to beat,” added NHS coach Don Hennigar. “If you go 1-2 it doesn’t seal it but it’s awfully tough to come back. On another day, at another place, it could all be different since the teams are that close.”

The race winner (Ellie Gay-Killeen) agreed with the consensus about the conditions: “It was a tough, tough race but I have always gained ground on the hills here. I was not on my best pace at all but we’re still undefeated.” Ellie finished nearly a minute ahead of teammate Sarah Harrington.

Coach Colbert said he wasn’t surprised by the 1-2 finish although he said that Newburyport runners (Lindsey Roberts and Ellie Schulson) pushed Sarah Harrington.

Coach Colbert gave credit to Kylie Lorenzo (5^th) and Kerry Powers (7^th): “Kylie and Kerry had huge days for us. They passed some girls in the end and it really made a difference.”

Senior Sam Acquaviva hasn’t lost a race in Massachusetts in a while and that run of top finishes continued today. “I wanted to get the lead early and keep it,” Sam told me afterwards. “The course was tough. As a team we wanted to win this one badly and we did.”

Sam told me that he had just taken a visit to MIT. “I like the cross country team there,” he said, “but to get into MIT is a task unto itself. I am interested in engineering, so it would be a good fit for me.”

Dreese Fatil finished 3rd

Getting the top three places was key for the Clippers. “They all stepped up,” said Coach Hennigar. “Dreese Fatil getting third was huge for us. To beat Triton on their course was special.”

Keegan Ritchie, Diego Fernandez, and Tyler Stranc finished 4-5-6 for Triton (6-2) but to win this meet they needed someone to break into the top three and that didn’t happen on this afternoon.

All sorts of side things went on during today’s meet. The heat caught up to several participants and several ambulances were put to use. There also was a vehicle accident on Newman Street during the meet.

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

Triton girls team picture

Triton boys team picture

Kylie Lorenzo 5th

Sarah Harrington 2nd

Lindsey Roberts (3rd) and Ellie Schulson (4th) finish together

Keegan Ritchie 4th, Diego Fernandez 5th, and Tyler Stranc 6th

Caroline Walsh 6th and Kerry Powers 7th

Cam Lasson 7th

Ellie Gay-Killeen leads early with Sarah Harrington close behind

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Filed under Newburyport, Triton

Tagged as Coach Don Hennigar, Coach Joe Colbert, Dreese Fatil, Ellie Gay-Killeen, Ellie Schulson, John Lucey, Sam Acquaviva, Sarah Harrington

October 10, 2018 · 9:25 pm

Triton’s Ellie Gay-Killeen: More than a runner

Ellie Gay-Killeen

(Newbury MA) I went to an important cross country meet today between two of the area’s top teams (Triton and Newburyport) but came away marveling at the wonderful actions of one of the participants.

The grandparent in me said, “What she did is role model material. Write about it and later do a separate entry on the running results.” And so I will.

The temperatures were in the 80’s at Old Town Hill in Newbury where Wednesday afternoon’s meet was held.

“It seems as if every time we run this season, it’s been hot, but it doesn’t make it any easier doing it,” said Clippers coach Don Hennigar afterwards.

Most of the Cape Ann League courses are in the woods where, even on a hot day, it’s shady.

So the heat was on. It would have negative effects on many of the participants.

For Newburyport senior Katherine Sheehy the heat turned nightmarish and down she went about fifty yards from the end of the 3.1 mile race.

There were adults quickly on the scene and medical help was soon there. But beyond that there came a runner from Triton.

I wanted to talk to that runner because she had minutes before won the girls’ race. But she wouldn’t leave the side of a Newburyport girl stretched out near the finish line.

I then assumed that the Newburyport girl was a friend of hers. After all there is plenty of interaction between the teams.

Finally an ambulance arrived and the Newburyport runner was lifted to the ambulance with the Triton runner on hand making sure that the Newburyport girl was taken care of.

A few minutes later I was able to talk to the Triton runner (Ellie Gay-Killeen) about what had happened. This is what she told me: “I didn’t really know the girl very well, but I’ve known her from track. I think her name is Katherine (Sheehy). I would always try to help someone in that situation. It’s good sportsmanship. Seeing a girl down for forty-five minutes makes my heart throb. I stuck with her the whole time to make sure she was okay. I don’t know her well but she’s a talented athlete. Seeing her collapse before the finish line meant she was obviously hurting, so I had to do something. Someone said that I shouldn’t touch her, or I’d be disqualified but I didn’t care. She needed help, so I ran over and helped her.”

Remarkable stuff from a high school freshman, don’t you think? The young lady is already the kind of caring person you must admire. I’m quite sure that most of you parents and grandparents out there would agree with that.

Ellie Gay-Killeen – Thanks for exhibiting such care and kindness. You are indeed a good role model.

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Filed under Newburyport, Triton

Tagged as Ellie Gay-Killeen, Katherine Sheehy

June 10, 2018 · 7:55 pm

Burlington gets past Triton 2-1 to reach D2 North softball semifinals

Christina Clark slides home with the second Burlington run as catcher Liv Doane waits for the ball to arrive

Christina Clark pitched a one-hitter with nine strikeouts

(Byfield MA) A year ago Burlington’s Christina Clark struck out seventeen Triton Vikings on her way to a 9-0 first round win in the D2 North softball tournament.

With that in the back of my head, I went over to Triton today wondering what to expect a year later in a quarterfinals matchup between the same two teams.

Burlington (17-4) prevailed, 2-1, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and will go on to face Gloucester in the D2 North semifinals.

As far as pitcher Christina Clark is concerned, she’s still an overwhelming presence. Today she recorded nine strikeouts and allowed only one hit. The Vikings had only three baserunners and little good contact off the junior.

“When it comes to softball it’s all about pitching,” said Triton coach Dave Dupere afterwards. “Their pitcher (Christina Clark) was tough to hit. She hit her spots, changed speed and had a good curve ball. We don’t see her speed very often.”

“Christina did well today getting ahead of hitters,” said Burlington coach Kristen Farrell.” Even the balls they put in play weren’t necessarily hit hard.”

Katherine Quigley allowed five hits and one earned run

Lost in the deserved excitement over the pitching of Christina Clark was Katherine Quigley’s performance for the (17-3) Vikings. The sophomore limited the Devils to five hits and retired the last eight batters she faced.

“It was huge for us to do so much better than last time against them,” said Katherine. “I felt that I threw a lot harder today than I did in the win over Saugus. I was more confident and relaxed today.”

Christina Clark retired the last eleven Vikings she faced. “I was feeling the energy of the team as the game went on,” said Christina. “I knew that I had a great defense behind me.”

The Devils had only one error (3B Sydney Shinopulos throw) and Triton turned it into a run in the second inning. Bridget Sheehan walked and reached 3B when Sydney’s attempt to turn a grounder into a force-out went past second allowing Bridget to reach third with one out. Senior Liv Doane’s slow roller to second enabled Bridget to score.

Erin Browne steals second as Emily Karvielis takes the throw

Burlington came back to tie the game in the top of the third inning. Erin Browne’s bunt (down the first baseline) forced a wide throw by catcher Liv Doane. Erin stole second with two outs and came home on Chloe McGonagle’s single to right.

The visitors put together the eventual game winner in their half of the 4^th. Christina Clark reached on a leadoff blooper over third base. Fran Rubino sacrificed Christina to second before freshman Sydney Shinopulos dropped an 0-2 single into right scoring Christina. Christina slid in but as my picture above shows she was in well ahead of the throw.

“Getting a runner in scoring position with Chloe up or Sydney up, you know things could happen,” said Coach Farrell. “We have not had a lot of timely hitting this season.”

The improved defense was a factor for Triton in their very successful season. LF Grace McGonagle made several nice running catches for the Vikings. “Our defense was lights out again,” said Coach Dupere.

Shortstop Bridget Sheehan squeezes a popup

Both Coach Farrell and Christina Clark commended Triton.

“Triton hung tough,” said Coach Farrell.
Much improved over last year.”

“This was a very different game than last year,” said Christina. “They had a good defense.”

The Devils now return again to the D2 North semifinals and will face Gloucester on Wednesday in Lowell. North Reading will also be in the semifinals at the same place and on the same date.

Burlington line of defense

Encouraging for Triton that the three losses this season were against two teams (North Reading & Burlington) which have now reached the D2 North semifinals.

“Burlington was probably the best team we’ve faced all year and we probably played our best game of the year,” recalled Coach Dupere.

Coach Dupere: “Katherine (Quigley) changed her speeds. She’s got three different speeds. She’s tough to hit.”

Coach Farrell: “Any win in the postseason is a good win. Our defense was solid, and our pitcher had a really great game. She had big strikeouts when we needed them.”

Coach Dupere: “I came into this season with high expectations, but the girls exceeded them. We’re losing four important seniors, but we have the nucleus back and we have some good players coming up. We’re going to be a force to be reckoned with next year.”

Plenty of sunshine today but the game was so quick that the tanning/burning was limited!

Sydney Shinopulos (batting) drove in the eventual game winner in the 4th inning

If I could give Triton softball two pieces of advice they would be these: Schedule twenty games instead of eighteen. Seventeen days off before the playoffs is unconscionable. The other thing would be to get a perennial tournament team like St.Mary’s, Burlington, Whittier on the schedule to prep Triton for tournament pitching and hitting.

Nice to see some of the Pentucket players on hand. They lost in the first round to Burlington, 5-1.

Burlington has been the champs of the Middlesex League for seven straight years.

Sophomore Chloe McGonagle was the only player with two hits in the game.

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

Triton pregame

Burlington pregame

Catcher Meaghan Gurska and pitcher Christina Clark before the game

1B Taylor Penniman catches a foul pop

Meghan Gaffney

1B Jordan Ferullo handles the last out of the game

All smiles for Burlington after 2-1 win

Kat Nikolopoulos

Bridget Sheehan takes 3B after a Burlington throwing error

Erin Browne

Erin Browne scores standing up

Christina Clark reaches 3B as Sydney Shinopulos’ hit is fielded by RF Dani West

Katherine Quigley throws out a runner at first

Bridget Sheehan had Triton’s only hit on this very close play.

Shortstop Bridget Sheehan throws to 3B Colleen McCarthy to force Meghan Gaffney

Senior Liv Doane (batting) drove in Triton’s only run

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Filed under Burlington, Triton

Tagged as Bridget Sheehan, Chloe McGonagle, Christina Clark, Coach Dave Dupere, Coach Kristen Farrell, Katherine Quigley, Sydney Shinopulos

June 8, 2018 · 10:46 pm

Triton recovers from time off to defeat Saugus 4-1 in D2 North First Round

CF Emma Howard makes a terrific running catch to end the Triton 3rd inning

Shortstop Bridget Sheehan starred in the field and at the bat

(Byfield MA) It had been a long time.

Seventeen days away from actual-game activity slowed down Triton for a while, but the Vikings rallied to take out Saugus 4-1 in the D2 North First Round.

New territory for Triton. The Vikings last won a game in the MIAA softball tournament in 2006.

“It was weird not to play for so long,” said senior Zoe Cesati afterwards. “When we scrimmaged yesterday I almost felt like I had never played softball before.”

The home team erased a 1-0 deficit with two runs after two were out in the third inning, driven in by Zoe Cesati and Bridget Sheehan.

Triton (17-2) would add two more (again with two out) in the fifth inning. This time Zoe and Bridget scored the runs after a 3-base error by RF Nystasia Rowe.

It was a frustrating loss for the Sachems (11-10). “The difference today was our inability to get timely hits,” said Coach Steve Almquist. And who could argue? Saugus had two runners in scoring position in four different innings (twice with no outs) and scored just one run.

Bridget Sheehan gets an assist from her knees

The defense of Triton shortstop Bridget Sheehan had plenty to do with the multitude of stranded runners. The Vikings junior had four putouts and four assists. Two special assists were one from her knees, and another from deep in the hole to her right that required a tough stop and a long/strong throw.

None of the Bridget’s defensive highlights were news to Coach Dupere. “That’s Bridget all year. She is in my opinion the best player in the Cape Ann League. Nothing surprises me with her.”

At the plate, Bridget was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

The Sachems (Northeast Conference) scored first. In the second inning, a single, a walk, and a wild pitch set up two of the visitors in scoring position with no outs. Sophomore Taylor Bogdanski drove across pinchrunner Cat Schema with a single to center. Taylor stole second to again put two runners in scoring position, but Triton pitcher Katherine Quigley retired the next three Sachems.

1B Sadie DiCenso made a nice catch for Saugus

“We started off a little shaky,” explained Katherine. “I needed a couple of innings to settle in.”

The Vikings took the lead in the third inning with two runs, but anyone at the game will tell you that they would have had more but not for a terrific 2-out running catch by CF Emma Howard.

The Sachems had two on (Taylor Bogdanski and Madison Niles) with one out in the 4^th but 3B Colleen McCarthy handled two straight chances to end the threat.

The Vikings gained a 3-run advantage in the 5^th on the 3-base error in the SHS outfield. I wanted to credit the batter (Emily Karvielis) with a triple but Coach Almquist said it was an error. “The sun was tough, but it had been that way the whole game. She should have adjusted to the sun by the fifth inning.” Emily’s fly appeared to hit Nystasia glove and then roll away allowing two Triton runs to cross.

The happenings in the Triton 5^th impacted what Saugus did in the top of the 6^th inning. After Sadie DiCenso reached on 3B Colleen McCarthy’s throwing error, freshman Kyleigh Dalton was sent in to pinch run. When Taylor Bogdanski walked, the Sachems had the makings of a productive inning. Not on this day. “We would normally have bunted,” said Coach Almquist, “but down three runs we had DJ Munafo hit away.” DJ hit the ball on the ground toward short and Kyleigh couldn’t get out of the way and was hit by the grounder for the first out. A fielder’s choice moved both runners up with two outs. This was where Bridget Sheehan flagged down Ashley Shaw’s grounder and threw an inning-ending strike to first.

Saugus baserunner Kyleigh Dalton (1) ruled out after a grounder hit her.

Triton continues their season on Sunday against Burlington at 1PM at Triton.

Good crowd. I arrived in the rain but before long we had a “typical” June afternoon.

Coach Dupere: “Saugus was scrappy. We knew it would be tough. We had hits when we needed them, and our pitcher did her job. During out days off, we hit fourteen days but only saw live pitching once.”

Coach Almquist: “Caitlin Wood (6 K’s) pitched every game for us. We didn’t give her enough run support today. We lost five 0ne-run games during the season. This is the third straight year we’ve made the tournament. We only graduate one player.”

Zoe Cesati gets 2B as Taylor Bogdanski applies a late tag

Triton catcher Liv Doanes: “I was a little worried at first because we weren’t hitting. We usually start hitting once we get through the batting order. Bridget (Sheehan) has saved us quite a few times.”

Liv told me that she will be attending UMass Boston and hopes to play softball there.

Caitlin Wood and Taylor Bogdanski paced Saugus with two hits apiece.

Senior Zoe Cesati had a hit, and RBI, and scored two runs.

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

Pitcher Caitlin Wood

Shortstop Taylor Bogdanski

Eve Paicos

Triton pitcher Katherine Quigley

Cat Schena scored the Saugus run

2B Alexa Ferraro dives for a grounder

Carissa Boyle slides under the tag of 3B Brittney Sudanowicz

LF Grace McGonagle takes in the final out

Emma Howard slides into 3B

Pitcher Caitlin Woods looks for the handle

Bridget Sheehan makes contact

Coach Dave Dupere holds Zoe Cesati at 3B

Fly ball gets away from RF Nystasia Rowe

Bridget Sheehan (3) handles a 2-out grounder with two runners in scoring position.

Shortstop Taylor Bogdanski chases a popup into centerfield

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Filed under Saugus, Triton

Tagged as Bridget Sheehan, Coach Steve Almquist, Emma Howard, Taylor Bogdanski, Zoe Cesati

May 24, 2018 · 11:00 pm

Triton scores twice in last inning to edge Manchester-Essex 12-11

Ryan O’Connell heads for third as SS Tommy Lapham and 3B Marc Wood chase a grounder

Robbie Sarmanian rounds third after a first-inning homer

(Byfield MA) There were so many baserunners in this game that at least twice they had to delay the game while the bases themselves were repaired!

Not really, although two of the bases needed help.

Triton rallied for two runs in their last at-bats to overtake Manchester-Essex, 12-11, on a sunny/breezy Thursday afternoon of Cape Ann League baseball.

This game radically changed complexions three different times. “You talk about highs and lows,” said Triton coach Ryan McCarthy afterwards.

The Vikings (11-6) were down 3-0 after three Hornets (12-6) had batted. However, by the end of the fifth inning Triton led “comfortably” 9-3. The next three outs saw thirteen Hornets bat and unleash an 8-run inning that pushed them ahead 11-9 after six innings. The Vikings got a run back in the bottom of the 6^th to get within one and then grabbed the W in the final inning.

Kyle Odoy homered in the Triton 5th

“You can see that we can swing the bats,” said ME coach BJ Weed reflecting on his team’s eleven runs, which included two homers. “Our problems all year have been defensive miscues and pitching.”

ME’s Mitch Paccone (2B) threw past second in the 3^rd inning allowing two runs to score. In the final inning a bad throw to first set up, in scoring position, the tying run and the winning run.

The Triton defense had its problems too. Errors by 1B Kyle Odoy and SS Tommy Lapham enabled the Hornets to get some extra at-bats during their eight-run sixth inning.

Vikings starter Tommy Lapham was victimized by Robbie Sarmanian’s 3-run shot in the first. “He’s a very good player,” said Tommy afterwards. “I told myself after the homer to keep going. It’s a long game.”

Tommy Lapham reached base five times and scored three runs

Tommy did settle down allowing just three hits into the sixth inning. Meanwhile, after a scoreless first inning, the Vikings began to put on runners and put up runs.

The Hornets used five different pitchers (Dylan Wilson, Will Janowicz, Casey Fackre, Gavin Glass, and Cosmo Pallazola) during the game. None of them pitched longer that two innings. “We’ve got injuries and we’re trying to find out what we will have for pitching in the playoffs,” said Coach Weed.

The ME pitching struggled during innings 2-5. In the second, two hit batsmen started a one-run inning. In the third, an error paved the way for four runs. In the fourth, a wild pitch scored one of Triton’s two runs. And then there was freshman Kyle Odoy’s homer in the Vikings’ two-run fifth inning. It looked all downhill for the visitors after five innings down 9-3.

“Manchester-Essex stuck around, and fought, and then went up,” recalled Coach McCarthy.

You wouldn’t have guessed that it would happen after watching five innings of this game.

“We’re a really good hitting team so I knew that we weren’t entirely out of it when we were down 9-3,” said Coach Weed. And right he was.

Bennett O’Leary (10) homered to left starting the 8-run Hornets sixth inning

The Hornets started that productive sixth inning with a Bennett O’Leary homer. Then ME put three singles and a walk together for another run. Out went Tommy Lapham and in came Mark Glickman. Two errors, two hits, and another walk and the Hornets caught the lead. Cosmo Pallazola’s sacrifice fly padded the lead to two runs heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

More pitching problems developed for ME. Gavin Glass gave up a single to Tyler Godfrey. Max McKenzie was the pinchrunner. Max took second on one wild pitch and third on another. Ross Lojek’s fielder’s choice brought Max across to make this a one-run game.

After a 1-2-3 top of the 7^th, the Hornets brought on Cosmo Pallazola to attempt to hold onto that one-run lead. A single, an infield error, and a sacrifice fly (Cam Gilroy) tied the score. With Marc Wood (reached on the error) on second the Hornets intentionally walked Tommy Lapham. A wild pitch moved the runners to 2B and 3B. Another intentional walk loaded the bases with one out. Another wild pitch brought Marc Wood home with the winning run.

Ross Lojek drove in three runs and scored two

Plenty of hits. Triton had twelve including two doubles and a single from Tommy Lapham. ME collected ten hits including two each from Robbie Sarmanian, Cosmo Pallazola, and Will Janowicz.

Ross Lojek had three RBI for the winners.

Kyle Odoy (1B), Dylan Shute (2B) and Cole Lojek (RF) had solid defensive plays in the first three innings.

Shortstop Tommy Lapham showed good range to get to a ball in the 7^th inning and a strong arm to toss out the runner.

The Hornets have now lost four straight to Triton.

The Hornets were 19-4 last season reaching the Division 4 North finals.

The Hornets hadn’t lost in three weeks until today when their 8-game streak ended. “I would rather lose now than in the playoffs,” said Coach Weed. “We’ve got some work to do.”

The Vikings had lost 3-of-4 before today’s win. “We’ve been down lately,” said Coach McCarthy. “We needed this one and we fought back to get it.”

“Mark Glickman came into a tight situation in relief and did a great job,” said Coach McCarthy.

Sunny day with the wind definitely blowing toward left. Three homers (Robbie Sarmanian, Bennett O’Leary, and Kyle Odoy) went that way.

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

Tommy Lapham jumps over 3B Marc Wood charging a grounder

Senior Marc Wood (4) mobbed after scoring the winning run

Kyle Odoy scores to tie the game in the 7th

Mitch Paccone ties the score at nine in the 6th inning

Dylan Shute avoids the tag of Cosmo Pallazola

2B Mitch Paccone in the middle of a 6-4-3 double play

Robbie Sarmanian greeted at home after a 3-run blast

Dylan Shute retrieves an infield bobble

Sophomore Mark Glickman was the winning pitcher

Cole Lojek out stealing

Ball drops in short right among three Hornets

Tommy Lapham and Bennett O’Leary

Finding the handle

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Filed under Manchester-Essex, Triton

Tagged as Bennett O'Leary, Kyle Odoy, Mark Glickman, Robbie Sarmanian, Tommy Lapham

May 21, 2018 · 10:53 pm

North Reading cools off Triton 5-2 to remain undefeated

Grace McGonagle tagged out at home by Tara Driver after a great throw from RF Guiliana Peppe.

Winning pitcher Cassie Pascucci struck out seven Vikings

(Byfield MA) Not so fast, Triton!

North Reading was the opponent today riding an undefeated season and a win in April against Triton.

The Hornets (16-0) re-asserted themselves as the best team in the Cape Ann League defeating the Vikings, 5-2, on a sunny Monday afternoon. Triton had won twelve straight games.

Using Mascores as my source, I figured out that NR has now won fifty straight CAL softball games. Last loss? May 18,2015 (5-4) to Pentucket.

North Reading defeated Triton 6-2 earlier this season and catcher Tara Driver launched three homers in that one.

This time around Triton was not going to let that happen. In all four at-bats, Tara was intentionally walked.

Tara Driver was intentionally walked four times. She will play at D1 Niagara next year.

But we learned today that there’s more to the success of the Hornets than Tara Driver (commit to D1 Niagara).

“We took advantage of the little things,” explained Coach Michelle Morales. “Cassandra did a great job pitching. She got the outs when she needed them, and she pitched around their bigger hitters.”

Triton coach Dave Dupere narrowed the loss to timely hitting, “They got a couple of timely hits and we didn’t.”

The Vikings (15-2) picked up single runs in the last two innings but stranded eight baserunners in the first five innings.

The visitors took the lead in the third inning when junior Cassie Pascucci doubled in Jess Ferrazzani from second.

The home team looked to have the equalizer in their half of the 3rd but a terrific throw by RF Guiliana Peppe nailed Grace McGonagle at the plate.

This game got away from Triton in the NR fourth inning. The Hornets put together three runs and I wish that there was instant replay of that inning so that I could be sure that I have what happened right! North Reading loaded the bases (singles Julia Howse & Abby Paine, walk Christina Simblaris) with no one out. Then the “what happened” part kicked in. Shortstop Bridget Sheehan fielded a grounder and tagged out a runner. No run scored, and the bases stayed loaded.

2B Emily Karvielis then made a wild throw to first scoring two runs. The play wasn’t over, however. Jess Ferrazzani got into a rundown between third and home and scored. The play still isn’t over. Courtney Luker also got into a rundown between third and home and pitcher Katherine Quigley tagged her out at third.

Shortstop Bridget Sheehan in the middle of a 4-6-3 double play

“I told my assistant coach that it was one of those wacky plays that can happen in girls’ softball,” said Coach Dupere. “It was weird and unfortunate for us.”

Triton broke into that 4-0 deficit with a run in the sixth inning. It was another inning that instant replay would have been appreciated.

Colleen McCarthy and Liv Doane started the inning with hits. Dani West moved them up with a fielder’s choice. Eve Paicos hit a grounder to SS Julia Howse. Julia tagged the runner near her and threw widly home, allowing Colleen to score. Catcher Tara Driver found the bad throw and picked Eve Paicos off first base. The potential for more than one run was wasted.

NR padded their lead to 5-1 in the top of the seventh. Pinchrunner Elinor DeCleene was driven home by freshman Julie Howse. This was the only time that intentionally walking Tara Driver hurt the Vikings.

Fay Paicos turns for home in the 7th inning

Another wasted big-inning chance in the Triton 7^th. The Vikings had a run in on CF Abby Paine’s drop of Zoe Cesati’s deep fly to center with only one out. But Cassie Pascucci K’d Bridget Sheehan looking and got Emily Karvielis to ground out to end the threat and the game.

The Vikings had only two runs in their first meeting with NR. Both Triton runs today were unearned.

Wasted chances for Triton not only involved hitting but also baserunning.

Coach Dupere: “That team (North Reading) is undefeated for a reason. They’re a good team but we only lost 5-2. I would love to play them one more time because I think that we could beat them. I am proud of our girls. From where they were three years ago to now, I couldn’t be happier.”

Coach Morales: “Tara (Driver) has been walked a lot. In the past Tara has swung at bad pitches but I told her today to take the walks. I told her to look south for a college to play for because of the warm weather.”

No strikes for Tara Driver today

Tara Driver: “I’m not bothered that they walk me. It shows respect. Sometimes it’s frustrating when we’re not hitting, and they won’t pitch to me.”

Carisa Boyle ready to run

Tara on winning pitcher Cassie Pascucci: “She is very consistent. Her changeup was good today and she threw a lot of curves.”

Bridget Sheehan: “North Reading is a good team. They outplayed us today.”

The Vikings have a game left with struggling Hamilton-Wenham. NR has four non-league games to play.

Both Triton and the Hornets are in Division Two so Coach Dupere’s wish to face them again could come true. The Vikings have set themselves up for at least one home game in the postseason.

The weather was wonderful. There may have been a few sunburns handed out!

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