Despite a 28-28 tie, Marblehead’s girls cross country team pulled out a narrow win against Swampscott that came down to a sixth-runner tie-breaker.
Marri O’Connell, once again, led the way with a first-place finish and a time of 18:56, which smashed the existing course record (Gatchell’s Playground) of 19:20. A breakout freshman star, Annabelle Averett (20:05), led Swampscott.
GIRLS SOCCER
Marblehead 1
St. Mary’s 0
In a battle between two strong programs, the Magicians left victorious from their home turf.
Both Marblehead and St. Mary’s sport strong defenses, so you could say it was going to take a bit of magic to score. Luckily for Marblehead, freshman Lucy McDonald had that magic, scoring the game-winning strike for her first varsity goal. The header came from Ainsley McDonald off a free kick.
Lily Heller and Hailey Gilmore combined to record their third shutout of the season.
Danvers 3
Marblehead 1
Callie Gilmore scored a goal for Marblehead with an assist coming from Lucy Church, but that’s all the Magicians got in this one. Hailey Gilmore (6 saves) and Heller (5) combined for 11 saves.
“Lily Heller made a fantastic save on a breakaway in the first half,” said coach Lisa Wales. “Ainsley MacDonald and Ava Machado continue to be solid on defense, but Danvers’ offense was a bit too much for us.”
BOYS SOCCER
St. John’s Prep 2
Xaverian 0
Make it six wins in as many games for the St. John’s Prep boys soccer team, which defeated Xaverian, 2-0, on enemy turf on Thursday, Sept. 19. Senior captain Matt Foley scored the game-winning strike, putting home a free kick from senior Jack Quigley by the back post.
Senior Jack Neal did it himself, unassisted, to secure the win in the second half. Junior keeper Matt Droggitis made eight saves to make it three consecutive shutouts. The Eagles remain perfect in the Catholic Conference at 4-0.
VOLLEYBALL
Notre Dame (Hingham) 3
Marblehead 2
In set scores of 24-26, 25-14, 25-17, 22-25, and 14-16, Marblehead’s record fell to 5-3.
Middle blockers Greta Sachs and Issy Browning dominated for the Magicians with 31 combined kills (Sacks: 23; Browning: 8). Setter Eva Burke was steady, running Marblehead’s offense and going home with a double-double (41 assists, team-leading 19 digs).
“The team has drastically improved since just two weeks ago,” said coach Killeen Miller.
Marblehead 3
Beverly 0
In set scores of 25-12, 25-9, and 25-8, Marblehead (5-2) worked its magic to tame the Panthers. Mari Modryznska (11 kills) and Sachs (10) led Marblehead’s offense, while Burke added 26 assists.
“All evening, our serve receive remained consistent and strong, giving us an opportunity to run a hugely-effective offense,” Miller said.
Megan Parkman also led the winning effort with seven digs.
“Megan’s communication and hustle as libero continues to enable Marblehead’s offense to become more consistent,” Miller said.
GOLF
St. John’s Prep 221
BC High 236
The Eagles upped their record to 7-1 with a win against BC High on Tuesday. St. John’s Prep saw four players (Brian Loughlin, Seamus O’Holleran, Jack Moriarty, and Zach Enners) shoot even-par. Enners (36) and Dominic Meyers (37) shot their season best.
Marblehead 59.5
Salem 12.5
The Magicians (8-2) put on a show at Tedesco Country Club, handing Salem a loss as Marty Ryan (35; medalist), Tyler Forbes, Jacob Hershfield, James Bickell, Greyson Leventhal, Max King, Will Macrina, and Dylan Whitman all won their matches.
FOOTBALL
St. John’s Prep 31
Central Catholic 24
Prep quarterback Christopher Vargas found Josh Haarmann to tie the game (7-7 after extra point) in the first quarter, and that was only the beginning of a scoring barrage.
After a field goal from the Eagles, Jordan Toribio broke off a 36-yard touchdown to give The Prep a 10-point cushion (17-7). He added another touchdown to make it 24-7 by halftime.
Central began a valiant comeback, but Vargas floated one to Merrick Barlow for a touchdown to put things out of reach.
