WHS sports roundup
WHS boys soccer defeats Everett, 3-2
The Winthrop High boys soccer team earned what head coach Kyle Gagin termed “probably the biggest win in the program’s history†with a 3-2 triumph over Everett last Thursday on the local pitch.
The Vikings had dropped a 6-1 decision to the Crimson Tide in the opening game of the season at Everett Stadium, but turned the table on the visiting Tide, A Division 1 school that reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament last year, in the rematch.
Viking junior Reno’s Cahani put Winthrop on the board 10 minutes into the contest, and Junior Jaylin Cordes reached the back of the Everett net a few minutes later to make it 2-0 after taking a nice through-ball from junior Brazilian exchange student Fabricio Berlatto.
Everett scored at the 30-minute mark to leave matters at 2-1 at the half, but Winthrop regained its two-goal edge shortly after the intermission.
WHS junior captain Tony Nargi won a header which Everett then cleared with another header. The ball fell to Berlatto, who delivered a volley from 25 yards out into the top corner.
“This definitely was the goal of the season,†noted Gagin, who described Fabricio’s delivery as, “worthy of ESPN’s Sports Center’s Top 10.â€
Everett drew within a goal with 12 minutes to play, but the Viking defense and keeper Corey Cherico, who made what Gagin termed “a pair of unreal saves toward the end of the game,†held firm to preserve the victory. “Our defense was very disciplined and worked hard,†added the coach.
The Vikings did not fare as well in a pair of home-and-home encounters with New Mission. Winthrop traveled to New Mission’s home field in Mattapan last Wednesday — which meant sitting in the afternoon traffic for more than an hour — and dropped a 7-1 decision.
The Vikings fell behind early and trailed 5-0 at the half. New Mission added two more markers after the intermission, and Cordes broke the shutout by making good on a penalty kick.
New Mission came to Winthrop Saturday, and though Winthrop put up a stiffer battle, the Vikings fell short, 4-2.
New Mission jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but Cahani drew the Vikings back to level to leave matters deadlocked at 1-1 at the half.
New Mission scored two quick goals after the break to make it 3-1, but WHS senior captain Steve Tracy scored off a corner from Cordes. However, New Mission put the game away with an insurance goal with about 10 minutes to play.
This past Tuesday, the Vikings came up on the short end of a 3-0 decision to Malden. “We couldn’t get anything going and struggled throughout,†said Gagin. “The only main shining points were Tracy and then Cherico, who bailed us out many times in net with countless saves. We were able to keep Malden off the board for about 70 minutes, then eventually they scored three goals in four and a half minutes.â€
With the twin losses to New Mission, a fellow Division 4 school, the Vikings are all but eliminated from qualifying for the post-season state tourney. However, Gagin said the squad will be looking to finish out the season in strong fashion.
“Although we may not reach the playoffs, we are still going to try and get the most wins in the program’s history and play the spoiler role for other teams that are looking to qualify for the post-season,†said Gagin. “We still have lots to play for.â€
WHS volleyball teams defeats Mt. Alvernia
The Winthrop High volleyball team earned its third win of the season with a 3-0 shutout of Mt. Alvernia, 25-9, 25-19, and 25-11, last week. Leading the way for the Lady Vikings were Fatma Tufa, who struck for six kills, and Blinere Bytiqi, who spiked four kills. Senior Lacey Scott served nine aces and set 15 assists for her teammates. Defensively, Amanda Kokoneshi led Winthrop with seven digs and teammate Adela Hoxha made five digs. In a 3-0 victory over Saugus (25-9, 25-10, and 25-10), Tufa led Winthrop with five kills. Scott played a fine, all-around game with 10 aces, 16 assists, and five digs. The Lady Vikings defeated Lynn English, 3-1, 25-10, 24-26, 25-15, and 25-18. Deanna Pucillo smacked eight kills, and Caroline Earl added five kills. Scott delivered 12 aces and Hoxhaj struck for five aces. Stephanie Strangie was immense on defense with nine digs, while teammates Julia Driscoll and Scott contributed five digs apiece. Scott also set 17 assists for her teammates. The Lady Vikings, who stand at 3-8 on the season, have a busy week ahead. They trek to Somerville today (Thursday) and to Malden tomorrow. They will stay on the road to Medford Monday before returning home to host Salem Wednesday.
Salem Witches cast a spell on the Winthrop Vikings
By Jim Lederman
The Salem Witches behind the record-breaking performance of Vinnie Gaskins handed the Vikings a (46-7) defeat.MISC
Gaskins scored five touchdowns to set a new Salem High single-game scoring record at Bertram Field in Salem.
Gaskins finished with 186 yards rushing and 106 more through the air. The Witches improved to (4-1) and play undefeated Lynn English on Friday night at Manning Field.
The highlight for the Vikings was a 68-yard touchdown run by freshman Bobby Hubert. Calvin Tufa kicked the extra point with four minutes remaining in the game.
Salem was dominant and lucky. Late in the third quarter, Salem had a 10-play, 52-yard drive. Gaskins broke out from the 30-yard line. Freshman quarterback Thomas Beauregard (five for 6-155 yards) decided to drop back to pass and launched a pass in Gaskins direction. The ball wound up bouncing off a Viking defenders helmet at the goal line, landing safely in Gaskins hands for six points.
Individual Stats
Rushing-Winthrop – Bobby Hubert 2-70, Jaidon Brown 12-21, Feedle Small 4-14, Tyler Chiudina 2-6, Tyler Rockefeller 1-5.
Salem – Vinnie Gaskins 14-186, Jeffrey Holloway 3-71, Jeffrey Rodriguez 3-29, Ruben Baez 4-8.
Passing – Winthrop Adamson 6-10-61, Salem – Beauregard 5-6-155.
Receiving- Winthrop, Brett Sheehan 1-29, Andrew Love 4-21, Feedle Small 1-17. Salem – Gaskins 3-106, Rodriguez 2-47.
Friday night (7 p.m.) under the lights at Stackpole Field two teams (0-5) will battle for their first win of the season. In 2016, the Vikings defeated the Sachems (22-16).
Let the Games Begin!