The Marblehead High golf team won the program’s first-ever Division 2 North state sectional title at the Stow Acres Country Club on Oct. 24. They were able to secure four out of the top six scores to end up with 311 points, just ahead of Northeastern Conference (NEC) rival Gloucester (312) and Middlesex League foe Reading (313).
Jacob Hershfield led the pack with a 74. Charlie Grenier was five over par throughout the front nine, and then shot even par on the back nine to account for a total of 77. Simon Quicken finished with a 79, while Marty Ryan wrapped up the top four Marblehead golfers on this historical day with an 80.
Matt Mahan (84) and James Bickell (89) also competed in the state divisional sectionals for the locals.
“This was a great win for the team,” said coach Bob Green. “My message to them was to embrace the moment, and they did.
“Jacob Hershfield played great shooting a 75; Charlie Grenier rebounded in the back nine to get back to even par to help keep the team in contention for the title; Simon Quicken’s back was hurting, but he pushed on to secure a 79; and Marty Ryan double bogeyed the ninth hole and triple bogeyed the 10th hole, but still shot an 80 (+8) to finish in the top four for us,” added Green.
These Marblehead boys have since moved on to the Division 2 state championships on Oct. 30 at Brockton’s Thorny Lea after press deadline.
Girls soccer completes regular season
The Marblehead High girls soccer team (9-8-1) lost to non-league St. Mary’s of Lynn, 3-0 on Oct. 28.
“We had a good first half, giving up just one goal with 45 seconds to go before halftime, which was unfortunate,” said first-year coach Lisa Wales.
Goalie Kate Burns made 11 saves, coming up big several times, to keep things close on the scoreboard,” Wales added, “and Kate Twomey did an exceptional job on one of St. Mary’s top players all game long.”
Two days later, Masco then defeated the Magicians by the exact same score, 3-0.
“Burns once again had a terrific game in net, making 14 saves against a team that is currently ranked first in Division 2,” said Wales.
The Magicians got back on the winning track with a 6-0 triumph over the Winthrop Vikings on Oct. 25, Senior Day.
Goalie Rachael Albert only had to make three saves to record the shutout. The team’s leading scorer this fall Sadie Halpern paced the offensive attack against Winthrop. That was her 10 th goal this year.
Senior Sofia Grubor played very well to account for one goal and two assists. Her classmates Cassidy Lubeck and Katie Pyne were able to get their first goals of the season. Sophie Robinson also chipped in with a goal. Sydney Ball, Ashley Mortensen and Halpern were credited with one assist apiece.
Non-league Lynnfield took care of the Magicians the next day, 3-1.
The Marblehead girls trailed early on, 2-0, before trimming the deficit in half just before halftime on a goal by Halpern, and it was assisted by Sofia Grubor. Burns ended up with three saves in net.
“We came out strong in the second half, and controlled the play, but were unable to translate it into any goals,” said Wales. “Our team did not give up. They worked tirelessly to get back into the game. We just couldn’t convert on our opportunities. First-year player Ainsley McDonald continues to impress at the center-back position.”
As of Oct. 27, the Marblehead girls are ranked 20 th in the Division 2 power rankings. They will now be scrimmaging Hamilton-Wenham later today (Nov. 1, 4:30 p.m.) at Piper Field to stay sharp for the upcoming state tournament.
Volleyball team beats rival Swampscott to end regular season
The Marblehead High volleyball team (7-11) lost to Danvers in three sets on Oct. 24.
Deysha Amadis came up with eight kills, and Reese Friedman collected nine assists to lead the offense against the Falcons. On defense, Alyssa Gentile chipped in with 11 digs. Sydney Faris was close behind with nine.
Two days later, the Magicians ended the season the right way with a close win over longtime
neighboring rival Swampscott, 3-2.
Greta Sachs and Sammy Walker were the leaders in kills with 10 and 7, respectively. Eva Burke also enjoyed a fine match with 28 assists and four aces. Megan Parkman came through with 20 digs to go along with two aces.
The Marblehead girls are now getting ready for a play-in state tournament game as the 35th seed in Division 2, according to the Oct. 27 power rankings. There are 55 teams statewide in this division.
