O’Connell, girls cross-country team gets off to flying start
The Marblehead High girls cross-country team defeated Salem by default because the Witches only had four runners and a team needs at least five harriers to figure into the final score. But Marblehead’s top seven showed that they are ready for the local haul.
Last year’s freshman sensation Marri O’onnell captured the top spot in the Salem meet. Cat Piper recorded a second-place finish. Maren Potter was third, followed by Shannon Hitscherich in fifth, Jesslyn Roemer sixth, Abbie Goodwin seventh and Willow Waddington eighth.
The Marblehead girls will next go up against Beverly at Gatchell’s Sept. 13, starting at 4 p.m., hoping to make it two straight wins to start the 2023 season off right.
Boys cross-country shuts down Salem
The Marblehead High boys cross-country team defeated Salem by a virtual shutout, 15-50 to begin a brand-new season at Gatchell’s Park on Sept. 5.
Senior captain Ryan Blestowe crossed the finish line first, ahead of fellow senior captain Nate Assa, Isaac Gross, Will Cerrutti and Henrik Adams.
The Marblehead boys then participated in the annual Clipper Relays at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport on Sept. 9. More on that coming up, along with coverage of the Northeastern Conference meet against Beverly at Gatchell’s on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Golfers perfect after three matches
Veteran Marblehead High golf coach Bob Green’s team has begun its season with a perfect 3-0 record. Their latest triumph was against rival Danvers, 44-28 at Tedesco on Sept. 5. They previously took care of Peabody (44-28) and St. Mary’s of Lynn (196-182 in stroke play) at the end of August.
A total of five Magicians won their matches against Danvers, including Simon Quicken (6-3, shot a 40), Jacob Hershfield (5.5-3.5, 38), James Bickell (7.5-1.5, 40), Matt Mahan (6.5-2.5, 42) and Toby Grenier 6.5-2.5, 42). Charlie Grenier (37) and Marty Ryan (39) tied their respective matches, 4.5-4.5.
Upcoming schedule on the links
The Magicians will host Saugus on Sept. 12 before heading to the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club on Sept. 13 to go up against the Panthers, starting at 4:30 p.m. They will return to Tedesco Thursday, Sept. 14, to host Salem at 4 p.m.
