This past Sunday was a busy one for Marblehead’s boys and girls cross country programs. They took part in the Northeastern Conference Championship Meet at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.
Despite Peabody taking the girls’ title once again, Marblehead impressed with a third-place finish. Star runner Marri O’Connell (18:05) repeated as individual champion, improving last year’s time by 20 seconds.
Continuing a theme of this season, Marblehead’s talent among underclassmen was on full display. Of the Magicians’ five varsity finishers, O’Connell was the only upperclassman.
Freshmen Ruby Assa (21:15) and Evie Becker (21:48) were Marblehead’s second- and third-place runners, finishing 19th and 22nd, respectively. They were followed by sophomores Jesslyn Roemer (22:07) and Evelina Beletsky (22:10).
Excluding O’Connell, the spread between Marblehead’s second and fifth runners was only 55 seconds, which bodes well for the Magicians in the upcoming Division 2A qualifying meet at Fort Devens in two weeks.
On the boys’ side, they finished second with 65 points, behind only Beverly (64). The Magicians were led by Will Cerrutti (2nd, 15:09), Nate Assa (3rd, 15:13), and Jacob Szalewicz (6th, 15:58). The three of them earned All-NEC honors.
BOYS SOCCER
Marblehead 0
Melrose 0
In a defensive battle between two strong programs, the Magicians fought to a draw against Melrose.
There were a total of six shots in the game (Marblehead: 4 shots). Goalkeeper Rory Zampese registered his ninth shutout of the season, while defenders TJ Kelly and Adam Laughlin played well and stifled Melrose’s attackers.
According to Magicians’ coach Elmer Magaña, London McDonald, David Magen, Marc Grazado, and Ilan Druker played well.
Marblehead finished the regular season with a 10-2-6 record, all while playing eight Division 1 teams. Now, the waiting game begins ahead of bracket releases.
St. John’s Prep 0
La Salle 0
In a scoreless showdown at Glatz Field in Danvers, St. John’s Prep goalies Ceyln Heslin and Matt Droggitis combined for the shutout. Senior midfielder Jack Quigley, as well as senior wingers Jack Neal and Matt Foley played well for the Eagles, according to coach David Crowell.
GIRLS SOCCER
Marblehead 2
Newton South 2
The Magicians held a 2-0 lead at halftime, but couldn’t walk away with a win.
Marblehead opened the scoring after a Sydney Ball shot was saved, but the ball fell to Lucy Church for a rebound goal (1-0). Then, Ball scored Marblehead’s second with an assist coming from Ashley Mortensen.
In the second half, Newton South scored two goals to knot things up. Hailey Gilmore made 13 saves for the Magicians.
FOOTBALL
Catholic Memorial 34
St. John’s Prep 0
Five defensive takeaways will typically do the trick – such was the case for host Catholic Memorial on Saturday. The Knights took down powerhouse St. John’s Prep, 34-0, with Jackson Tucker and Liam Conlon going home with interceptions. Add 244 yards rushing from do-it-all Mekhi Dodd, and that would do it.
VOLLEYBALL
Marblehead 3
Swampscott 0
Swampscott paid a visit to Marblehead Thursday (Oct. 24), but returned home empty-handed in set scores of 17-25, 19-25, and 18-25. Lila Moniz led the Magicians’ offense with 13 kills, while Greta Sachs and Sammy Walker each added another eight. Setter Erin Wilder ended the evening with 20 assists.