The Agganis All-Star Games took over the City of Lynn this past week, with a nine-game stretch across four days. Marblehead student-athletes and town natives were all in on the fun.
In the 26th softball game in Agganis history, Ruby Calienes of the Magicians was a part of South’s monstrous 14-4 win against North at Fraser Field.
Better yet, the ace earned the win. She pitched the middle three innings and shined, allowing one run on one hit. Lynn English’s Arianna Laboy came on in the sixth to close and didn’t disappoint, setting down the last six North batters in order.
“The decision was mainly because of the heat, for her to go a couple of innings and then get a little break and then come back,” said South coach Colleen Newbury, of St. Mary’s. “Ruby did an excellent job for us. Both girls pitched extremely well on a really hot day, which was tough.”
In the 12th boys lacrosse game, Marbleheaders were running all over the Manning Field turf. They were Charlie Grenier, Wilson Bullard, JJ Pollender, and Cam Waldman, all sporting South jerseys.
They fell, 13-11, to North, but not without positives.
Grenier got in on the action early, tucking an underhand, low-to-high ball into the mesh for South. He netted another goal late in the game to complete a two-goal performance.
South coach Geoff Kennedy, of Gloucester – whose game plan is, normally, to stop guys like Grenier – couldn’t have been happier.
“It was good to see some Marblehead guys… who we normally play during the season,” he said. “It was nice having them on the same squad, instead of having to dodge them.”
Soccer time. In the 28th boys game, Jack Burke represented Marblehead in North’s 2-1 win against South. Lynnfield coach Brent Munroe, who lives in Marblehead, was Burke’s coach for the evening.
“I didn’t have any Lynnfield guys here, but I got to coach some guys I normally face in our league. I live in Marblehead and I got to see some Marblehead guys here,” Munroe said. “It was interesting to see them in a different setting. I was surprised by some of the guys we faced during the season. I guess I didn’t realize they were as good as they are. They’re all very talented.”
“Seeing the kids who I normally see on the other side, I think I appreciate it more in this type of game,” Munroe added. “You spend most of your time figuring out how to stop them, but in a game like this, you can appreciate them.”
Suiting up in the football game was St. John’s Prep’s Matthew Callahan, of Marblehead, who was also fortunate enough to sport Harry Agganis’ No. 33 during the game (score, stats unavailable by press time).
At the end of the day, the Agganis Games have seen nearly 9,500 athletes and 235 games across their decade-long history. This spring, Marblehead sure left its mark.
