Spring tryouts have kicked off at Marblehead High, and it got me thinking about upcoming matchups that should be worth the wait.
First, we’ll start with the girls lacrosse team, with the Magicians, once again, led by Coach Annie Madden. Last year, Marblehead played in some high-scoring games, but one that stuck out to me was its Senior Day win against Winthrop.
Despite only being a junior, Ramona Gillett came up big for the Magicians, finishing with four goals and four groundballs to help lead Marblehead to a 13-4 conquering of the Vikings. If Gillett put up that type of performance as a junior to make sure her seniors left the field with a win, I can only imagine the kind of performance she’ll have this time around.
The girls play their final regular-season home game May 14 against Masconomet.
Next, we shift to the boys lacrosse team. The Magicians made the postseason last year with a 14-4 regular-season record. There’s one day I’d circle right away: May 22, the last game of the regular season in Swampscott, a traditional archrival.
Why this game? Well, the last time the Magicians went to Blocksidge Field, they lost 10-9, snapping their 62-game Northeastern Conference winning streak. Players who remain on the team will be looking to avenge that loss, and under the lights at 6:30 p.m. calls for primetime lacrosse.
From the field to the diamond we go.
The softball team had a season to remember last spring. Playing in memory of Assistant Coach Todd Norman, the Magicians not only made the postseason as the No. 9 seed with an 18-4 regular-season record, but took down top-seeded Silver Lake Regional en route to the Final Four.
So, which game am I looking forward to most? It has to be the April 16 showdown in Peabody. Both are Northeastern Conference powerhouses and give each other their best.
The Magicians bring back their ace, Tessa Francis, who is a strikeout machine from the mound, but also dangerous at the plate. Against Nashoba last year, in the state tournament, Francis struck out 10 batters and homered to help Marblehead advance.
In baseball, Marblehead delivered a solid regular season. The Magicians went 15-5 to earn the No. 24 seed. Despite losing to No. 9 Westwood, it was still a strong campaign from Coach Mike Giardi and company.
This year, the schedule isn’t too kind for Marblehead. Four of its opening five games are on the road, including trips to Newburyport, Salem, Manchester-Essex, and Peabody. In addition to the tough start, the one home game that’s sandwiched between the away games is against the Big Blue.
Baseball is a long season, but if the Magicians get out to a strong start – and, maybe, win four of their first five games – they will put themselves in an incredible position moving forward. Even if it doesn’t go their way, they have three straight home games (Beverly, Saugus, Danvers) before they turn their sights to an in-season tournament at Fraser Field in Lynn.
For the tennis teams, I’m looking forward to matches against Lynnfield on May 21. The girls are away, while the boys welcome the Pioneers to Marblehead.
The Pioneers are proven winners in Division 4. The girls reached the Sweet 16 last spring, while the boys were the No. 1 ranked team and got all the way to the finals, but narrowly missed out on becoming state champions (3-2 loss to Manchester-Essex).
I like how the two schools decided to play each other near the end of the season – just in time to sharpen things up ahead of the tournament. Both the boys and girls matches should be special watches.
With loads of events to attend, those are just a few that caught my eye. I can’t wait for the weather to be warmer and to do what I love.
See you all soon.