WHS Sports Roundup

WHS Boys Soccer Opens With 8-1 win

The Winthrop High boys soccer team got its 2021 season off to a smashing start with an 8-1 victory over Northeastern Conference rival Saugus this past Tuesday afternoon at Miller Field.

The Vikings scored the opening goal of the contest, reaching the back of the Saugus net in the first minute of play. Saugus brought the match back to level with a marker a minute later, but Winthrop responded immediately within the next minute and proceeded to add three more unanswered tallies to carry a 5-1 advantage into the intermission.

The Vikings kept their foot on the gas in the second half, adding three more goals for the 8-1 finale.

Gustav Hemmingsen, an international student from Denmark, figured in six of the Winthrop goals, scoring five himself and contributing an assist.

Senior captain Juan Guauque had a goal and three assists,  Spanish international student Damian Vidal scored a goal, and junior Esteban Alvarez contributed a goal and an assist.

Senior captain JD Parker, junior Loert Mana, and sophomore goalkeeper Mateo Martinez also were credited with assists.

“It was a great start to the season,” said WHS head coach Kyle Gagin. “We were moving the ball around really well. It was great to finish our chances in the first game and it will hopefully give us confidence for the rest of the season.”

Gagon and his crew are scheduled to trek northward to face NEC rival Marblehead today (Thursday). They will entertain non-league rival East Boston on Monday and host Beverly on Tuesday.

WHS Girls Drop Opener at Saugus, 4-2

The Winthrop High girls soccer team turned in a strong performance against long-time Northeastern Conference rival Saugus, but came up on the short end of a 4-2 decision in the season-opener for both teams Tuesday afternoon.

The contest was a see-saw battle from the outset. Speedy Nora McCarey, assisted by Maddie Stiglets, earned the distinction of scoring the first goal of the 2021 campaign for the Lady Vikings when she reached the back of the Saugus net early in the first half, but the home team scored the next two goals to move out to a 2-1 lead.

However, Emma Holmes beat the Saugus keeper after receiving a nice crossing pass that was delivered by captain Mia Martucci to bring the contest back to level before the intermission.

Saugus grabbed a 3-2 advantage early in the second half, but the Lady Vikings just missed on some nice chances to notch the equalizer. With Winthrop pressing on offense, Saugus was able to put the game away with a goal with a minute left to play in extra time.

“Saugus is always tough competition for us, so to be tied with them at the half felt pretty good,” said WHS head coach Tracey Martucci.  “After we went down 3-2, we had an opportunity to tie it up, but just missed a goal.

“Our defense had to put in a lot of work on the day, so I have to give them a lot of credit,” Martucci added. “We battled in the heat and overall I was happy with our performance. I‚Äôm excited to see us develop in the coming weeks as the season gets going.”

Martucci’s 2021 edition of the Lady Vikings features 13 seniors, led by a trio of captains, Mia Martucci, Summer Tallent, and Julia Marcoccio. The remainder of the senior crew are Brianna Marley, Grace Arena, Miya Grein, Samantha Galuris, Ava Martello, Stefania Spinazzola, Emma Forsyth, Manuela Mejia, Nora McCarey, and Kendall Brant. The juniors are Mia Norris, Maddy Stiglets, Lily Tallent, Cori Powell, Lizzy Quinn, and the Holmes trio of  Emma, Julia, and Abby. The lone sophomore is Reese Brodin.

The Lady Vikings will be on their home pitch this evening (Thursday) when they host Marblehead under the lights at Miller Field for a 6:00 kick-off. They will make the long trek to Beverly on Tuesday.

Golfers Set to Start Season

After rain forced the postponement of their season-opener last Thursday, the Winthrop High golf team, under the direction of new head coach Weston Lazarus, is set to engage in a busy stretch of competition.

The Vikings took on Saugus yesterday (Wednesday) and will play at Masconomet today. They will trek to Beverly next Monday and entertain Gloucester at the Winthrop Golf Club next Wednesday.

Lazarus and his crew will complete a string of five matches in nine days when they play at Danvers next Thursday.

The WHS volleyball team, under the direction of head coach Lauren Kelly, is scheduled to open its season today (Thursday) at Malden Catholic. The Vikings will entertain Swampscott next Tuesday and host Watertown next Thursday.

The WHS cross-country team, headed by coach Mark D’Amico, gets its season underway today (Thursday) at Beverly and will host Salem next Wednesday at the Deer Island course.

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