WHS Sports roundup
“Play ball†Monday for WHS baseball, softball
The Winthrop High baseball and softball teams finally will get to hear the umpire instruct them to “Play ball†after four weeks of weather-induced frustration when they take to the field Monday afternoon (April 13) against Northeastern Conference South Division rival Danvers. Both teams will be playing at Danvers because of the unavailability of the local teams’ home fields.
“We are scrimmaging this week for the first time,†said WHS head baseball coach Frank DeMarco. “We have only been on a full diamond twice and have yet to take batting practice outside. We have three scrimmages planned for this week, so hopefully by then we will get to evaluate the players and make some decisions.â€
After the Monday season-opener, the Vikings will play at Gloucester Wednesday and at non-league rival Manchester-Essex next Friday.
As for the Lady Viking softball team, coach Dave Guffey’s crew has managed to play a couple of scrimmages at the indoor megaplex facility on Route 1 in Danvers.
“We’ve looked okay,†said Guffey of his team’s performances against Whittier Tech and Woburn. “Our line-up still is in a bit of flux.â€
Maddy Finga’a, who figures to be the Lady Vikings’ starting catcher, had three hits and scored two runs in the two contests. Jess Martin was impressive at the plate with two hits and two walks. Ali Scarfo, Maura Lanza, Gabby Kenniston, Taylor Thomas, and Nicole Pucillo all had base hits.
The Lady Vikings’ returning hurlers from last year, Maura Lanza and Taylor Thomas, who figure to be among the best 1-2 combos in the NEC this season, handled the pitching chores.
Haley Benson ends career UMass Lowell
Haley Benson began her soccer career at the age of five with Winthrop Youth Soccer. Her passion as a soccer player grew when she began her high school career. As a freshman, Haley made the Varsity squad, and over the next four years, she claimed NEC All-Star accolades and was recognized by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association of the Northeast as an outstanding athlete who exemplified commitment, perseverance and achievement.
The summer going into Haley’s senior year of high school, she was recruited by the University of Massachusetts-Lowell women’s soccer team, a Division I NCAA America East soccer program. Haley had also received an athletic scholarship. Entering UML as a freshman, Haley quickly earned a starting position in the center midfield. She received the RiverHawk Award after her sophomore season for outstanding hard work and dedication to the team, and was named captain of the team as a junior and senior. Despite having reconstructive ankle surgery before her last year as a RiverHawk, she still excelled as a senior and was the recipient of the Sara Leone award in recognition of her outstanding qualities as a soccer player and leader on and off the field. Haley also made the Dean’s List during this fall semester.
Haley’s major support system includes her parents Harry and Carol, older brother Harry, two younger sisters Holly and Heidy. Haley is now interning at a corporate fitness center in Cambridge, MA as she aspires to become an exercise specialist and personal trainer. She will be graduating from UMass Lowell with a bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Sustainability in the spring of 2015.
From the Press Box
Saluting Captain Kristen Siscamanis
By Jim Lederman
We salute Lady Vikings’ three-time NEC All-Star and League MVP, captain Kristen Siscamanis on her selection to the Boston Herald All-Scholasic Girls Basketball Team.
Kristen scored points in her career. She was superb in the MIAA Tourney, including a clutch 18-point performance that helped the Lady Vikings defeat St. Mary’s in the Division 3 North semifinals.
Kristen will play college basketball at Caldwell University in New Jersey.
Lacrosse Report
The WHS girls lacrosse program is in its third season. First-year coach Andrea Martucci and Angelina Favolaro are optimistic for the 2015 season.
Three seniors with plenty of experience will lead the team. Caroline McKinnon and Annie Mahoney were standouts for coach Butch Martucci’s Lady Bulldogs ice hockey team. Caroline scored more than 100 points and will skate for the Salem State University team next season.
Caitlin Page is the sister of Buddy PageWHS captain and NEC MVP in 2014. Her younger brother, Charlie Page, is a two-time NEC All-Star in hockey.
Junior Holly Benson and sophomore Flora English led the girls soccer team to the Division 3 North Sectional finals.
Winthrop will play a 16-game schedule with six games set for Miller Field.
Sean Gillis to attend WPI
Congratulations to two outstanding student-athletes from the Class of 2015.
 All-Scholatic football player and hockey standout Sean Gillis will attend Worcester Polytechnical Institute (WPI). Sean follows Matt Duplin, who played football at WPI.
Jonathan Grifftiths (hockey and lacrosse) will attend UMass/Lowell, where he hopes to play for the lacrosse team.
Faces in the Crowd
Spotted at Jac’s Café was Ashley McCormack, a WHS graduate and a Boston Celtics dancer for six years. Also at Jac’s was former Viking All-Scholastic and UNH football standout Chris Beranger.
Pat Todisco named      Herald All-Scholastc
Congratulations to Pat Todisco, who was named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic Hockey team. Patrick was the Most Valuable Player in the Northeastern Conference and will attend UMass in the fall.
Ten-Yard Penalty
I will take a 10-yard penalty for leaving off three-sport athlete Luigi Spinazzola. The Spinner is the third football player in his family (Anthony and Ben) to play football for coach Sean Driscoll.
The sophomore class has 17 players that coach Sean Driscoll is counting on to defend the NEC title.
Hall of Fame
Nomination forms are available for the Winthrop High School Hall of Fame, Class of 2015.
The forms are available at the offices of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop St.
The 2015 Induction Ceremony is November 27.
To be eligible a candidate must be a WHS graduate and have graduated 10 or more years ago. A team can be nominated. There is also an “Exceptional Service†awards category.