After some challenging first few weeks of the spring season, due to outdoor conditions, the weather is heating up – and so are these individuals from Marblehead High.
Starting on the boys lacrosse turf, the Magicians have sustained success over the years under Coach John Wilkens, but even he’ll say it’s his players’ hard work and determination that makes his program successful.
One player who has stepped it up this season is Will Sullivan. Against Northeastern Conference foe Peabody, Sullivan led his team in scoring when he scored six of the team’s 12 goals in a 12-3 victory over the Tanners.
Even in defeat, Sullivan steps up when his team needs him. Although the Magicians lost to Wakefield, 11-9, he led the team in scoring again – this time, scoring four goals to pace the Red and Black.
Staying on SSG Christopher N. Piper Field, Maddie Forbes is putting together a senior season to remember. Forbes, one of the three captains, is leading by example each and every evening.
In a 17-5 win against Danvers, Forbes tallied six goals and an assist to power the Magicians. Then, in a big NEC matchup against Peabody, Forbes scored the game-winning goal with three seconds remaining to catapult Marblehead to an 11-10 victory. She had four goals and three assists.
From Piper Field to Seaside Park, where Coach Mike Giardi’s baseball team has been playing well this spring. Against Swampscott, Colt Wales stepped up big time, going 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI in a 12-2 win over, frankly, the ultimate archrival.
On the softball diamond, Tessa Francis is showing why she’s not just one of the best pitchers in the state, but best all-around players. Against Ipswich, she pitched a perfect game that included 10 strikeouts. Francis also hit a two-run triple and two-run home run that evening. Then, against Swampscott, she struck out 16 batters en route to another victory.
To the tennis courts we go. The doubles duo of Lani Gilmore and Reese Friedman has shown off some stellar chemistry. Needing to know where your partner is at all times, this duo has been a big factor in Marblehead’s success. Against Beverly, the pair beat the Panthers’ doubles team 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-6 (7-5). Gilmore and Friedman were behind in the third set, but didn’t give up en route to victory.
On the boys’ side, let’s talk about a 5-0 win against Winthrop, in which junior TJ Kelly won effortlessly 6-0, 6-0 against his opponent at first singles.
However, Kelly has shown his versatility, too, playing at second doubles this spring. In a 5-0 win against Gloucester, Kelly teamed up with Alex Boehning and the pair took down Gloucester’s Ethan Parisi and Henry Harrison 6-0, 6-2. That win was Boehning’s first of his varsity career.
Marbleheaders, with tournaments right around the corner, let’s finish strong.
