Sports 04-26-2018

WHS sports roundup

WHS baseball team tops Somerville, 13-6

The Winthrop High baseball team received a complete game from Christian Natareno to earn a 13-6 triumph over Somerville last week.

Christian fanned nine Highlander opponents and yielded only three earned runs over his seven innings of work.

At the plate, the Viking attack was led by Dan Gillis, who had two RBI and scored three runs. Miles Albert, who “has been an absolute rock behind the plate,” according to veteran WHS head coach Frank DeMarco, delivered three teammates across the plate. “Miles has been outstanding all year, and is truly one of the emotional leaders on the team,” added DeMarco.

In a contest that DeMarco termed “our best effort of the season,”  the Vikings came up short against Danvers, 3-0, this past Monday. Winthrop received a superb outing on the mound from Dan Gillis, who pitched a complete game in which he threw only 82 pitches.

Gillis fanned only one Falcon batter, but received outstanding defensive support from his teammates that included two diving catches in the outfield by Tyler Mignosa and AJ Massa, both of which occurred in the fourth inning.

Albert threw out two runners stealing in one inning.  Angelo Robertson was solid at third and Jake Adamson had five assists in the field.

“Although I do not believe in silver linings, we reached the level of competitiveness needed to compete and be successful,” said DeMarco. “We have been waiting for this kind of an effort and we are hoping we can continue to put nine men on the field who are willing to fight for all 21 outs.  It is what we need to stand for as a team.”

Last Friday in a loss to Salem, freshman Bobby Hubert tossed four innings, allowing four earned runs. Sid Albert came on to pitch the last two and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs and striking out six.  Jake Adamson had three hits and Mike Upton added two safeties.

DeMarco and his crew were scheduled to play at Everett today (Thursday) after , Mother Nature forced a cancellation of the original Wednesday date. The Vikings will host Revere tomorrow (Friday) and trek to Malden on Monday for a contest under the lights. They will return home Wednesday to face Marblehead.

 

WHS girls lacrosse defeats Salem, 15-3

The Winthrop High girls lacrosse team improved to 4-3 on the season with a 15-3 victory over Salem this past Tuesday.

The Lady Vikings received excellent offensive performances from a host of girls, including Soneida Dahlquist-Martinez, Emma Carleton, Maura Dorr, Alyssa Ferrara, and Gabby Ford.

The Winthrop defense was solid in front of goalie Gemma DiMento, who stepped up to fill in for regular goalie Fatma Tufa, who was sidelined with an illness

Last week the Lady Vikings dropped a 9-4 decision to St. Mary’s of Lynn. Maura Dorr netted a hat trick and Alyssa Ferrera added a marker, Alyssa’s fifth goal of the season.

“The team continues to improve,” said WHS head coach Ben Cimmino.

The Lady Vikings are scheduled to host Fontbonne Academy today (Thursday) at Miller Field at 4:00. They will entertain Gloucester tomorrow and Matignon on Monday before trekking to Malden on Wednesday.

 

WHS boys lacrosse

team stands at 4-4

The young Winthrop High boys lacrosse team got back to the .500 mark with an 11-6 victory at Salem this past Monday.

The Vikings now stand at 4-4 on the season. In addition to the Salem triumph, Winthrop has recorded wins of 13-1 over Everett, 7-2 over Lynn, and 13-4 over Malden.

The Vikings are led for the 2018 campaign by senior captain defenseman Christian Lyons and junior captain attack Patrick Sennott.  Standouts thus far this season for coach Brian Donnelly’s squad include sophomore middie Joe Mahoney and junior Luke Evangelista.

“On defensive long pole, Jack Silva has been a great help and as always, our goalie, Andrew DiMento, has been solid in the net,” said Donnelly.

Winthrop was scheduled to play Pope John yesterday (Wednesday). The Vikings travel to Everett today (Thursday) and will host Lynn on Monday. They will entertain Medford next Thursday.

 

WHS girls tennis

earns first victory

 

The Winthrop High girls tennis team posted its first win of the season with a 5-0 shutout of Lynn English.

The Lady Vikings’ top player, Sofie LaFratta, won her match at first singles in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. Kirsten Griffiths triumphed at second singles, 6-4, 6-0, and Hui Gao topped her Lady Bulldog counterpart at third singles, 6-0, 6-2.

The first doubles duo of Sara Fucillo & Olivia Driscoll crushed to a 6-2, 6-3 triumph, while the second doubles tandem of Sage D’Amelio & Sydney Mignosa won in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

“It was good to get our first win,” said WHS head coach Michael Nickerson. “ We have shown improvement in each match.”

In a 4-1 loss Danvers on Monday, 4-1 Gao triumphed at her third singles slot. The first doubles team of Fucillo & Driscoll lost a tough second-set tiebreak.

Nickerson and his crew will host Revere tomorrow (Friday); trek to Malden on Monday; and entertain Marblehead on Wednesday.

 

WHS boys tennis

team improving

 

Although the Winthrop High boys tennis team came up short in a 4-1 loss to Somerville last week, WHS head coach Marie Finn said her Vikings, though young and inexperienced, are working hard and improving.

“This is a great group of boys who give it their all in practices and in the matches,” said Finn. “We have had to make changes in our lineup because of the loss of Corey Cherico, who would have been our number one player, for the season (Corey suffered a fractured collarbone during the hockey season), but the other boys have stepped up.”

Kevin Dorr, who played at second doubles last year, is the Vikings’ number one player. Senior Henry holds down the number two slot and Chris Finn plays at third singles.

Captain Jake Langone and Sam Yarrow, who won their match at first doubles against their Somerville counterparts, are undefeated this season in four matches.

Rilind Bytiqi and Augie Cherico have been playing at second doubles.

“We have a number of boys further down the ladder, many of whom are playing for the first time, but who are improving every day and who are capable of stepping in to play in a doubles spot,” said Finn. That group includes senior captain Steve Holgersen, Andy Angulo, Alessia Naio, Michael Brooks, Joe and Nick Deeb, Joe Holgersen, and Jared and Michael Vecchio.

Finn and her crew will host Everett today (Thursday) and travel to Revere tomorrow (Friday). They will entertain Malden on Monday and trek to Marblehead on Tuesday.

 

 

 

From the Press Box

Raise the Stix

By: Jim Lederman

The Lady Vikings Lacrosse team has already won as many games as they won in 2017. Coach Ben Cimmino, in his second hear as lacrosse coach, has a ‘young and restless’ team of 40-Viking student athletes.

“We have twice as many players as were in the program last year,” said coach Cimmino. Ben played division one Lacrosse at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Ben is a guidance councilor at Winthrop high school. “The girls are very excited to play on the new turf field at Miller Field,” said Ben.

“We have a (3-3) record but we had many players away on vacation.” The Vikings lost a hard fought battle with archrival Revere (14-11) last week.

The young Vikings play two games this week at Miller Field. On Tuesday, the Vikings play host to Salem and Thursday they play Font Bonne Academy.

The rematch with the Patriots of Revere will be Monday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at Harry Della Russo Stadium. “We expect to defeat Revere on their home turf field,” said Coach Cimmino.

The Vikings senior captains are Alyssa Ferrara, Deanna Pucillo, Grace Carleton and Jen Guerra, Emma Carleton, the third member of the very athletic Carleton sisters, is the leading scorer for the Vikings.

Emma is a junior and has 25 goals in 2018 in only six games.

Abby Carleton was a 100-point scorer for Coach Cimmino’s “young and restless” lacrosse team. “The future is very bright and many of the players are new to this exciting sport,” said Coach Ben.

The junior class has seven players. The goalie is Fatima Tufa, Danny Zanelli, Emma Turner, Holly Vaccaro, Gabby Ford and Annabelle McAdams add strength to the squad. Five sophomores, Ryan Parker, Alex Vera, Devin Barry (young sister of David Barry a 100-point scorer who graduated, Juliette Millar and Soneida DelQuista-Martinez, continue to improve.

“I am extremely excited about our very athletic frosh (freshmen) players,” said the coach.

Maura Dorr is second in scoring on the team, sister Jenna, were outstanding hoop players, Caroline Earl, Caroline Kinsella, Grace Galuris (five Lady Vikings hoop players) and Kaiya Rodriguez. “The squad has many three-sport athletes. Our program will make their mark in the league.” We are a new program new sport, but Viking athletes rise to the top, we might be underdogs but we are Vikings! Lauded coach Ben.

“Four outstanding three-sport eighth-grade players – Mia Martucci, Brianna Marley (young sister of hockey captain Tyler Marley) Bri scored two goals in the loss to Revere.

Sophia Kennedy is another Lady Viking hockey player, now raising the Lacrosse stix.

Raise the Stix

Let’s Go Lady Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

Mr. Big Blue

I often compliment Vikings teams, players and coaches. Today I will pay a tribute to one of the finest coaches in the history of the Northeastern Conference Richard ‘Dick’ Lynch.

A three-sport coach at Swampscott High from 1954 to 1973 Dick was the backfield coach for Swampscott’s 1972 team that captured the first Division 2 Super Bowl games and was the head basketball coach of the 1968 team that captured the Big Blue’s first Eastern Mass Class B title. Coach Lynch was the architect and brains behind the success of Stanley Walter Bondelevitch (a.k.a. Bondy) teams that ruled the NEC in football.

The rivalry between Winthrop and Swampscott (two schools that won more football and basketball tittles in the 50s-60s and 70s than any school on the Northshore.

The rivalry was stronger than the present Winthrop vs. Revere rivalry.

The old Swampscott High school was situated high up on the hill over looking Swampscott Harbor. The Big Blue had a 49-game-home winning streak until the WHS Vikings hoop team coached by the late Henry McCarthy invaded town.

I drove up the hill to the Swampscott gym (aka – the Band Box) to cheer for Winthrop. The Vikings and ‘Big Blue’ were fighting for the NEC title. Final score Winthrop 72 – Swampscott 59. The balloons exploded like the night at the LaForum when Don Nelson sank a basket to lead the Celtics to another NBA championship.

Nick and Chris Tsiotos combined to score 42-points. Swampscott standouts Larry Moran (Big Blue football quarterback), Jon Levine and Chip Fromer were three-sport Swampscott legends.

The Vikings won the 1972 championship and four titles in the 70s. The football team defeated the Vikings in a ‘classic’ at Blocksidge Field. Chuck Flanagan was a Viking linebacker and had a huge game for Winthrop.

Dick Lynch was the athletic director at Danvers High School and built a sports program that is still very strong in the NEC.

In 2014, the gymnasium at the Swampscott High School and field house was named the Dick Lynch Gymnasium.

Dick Lynch’s son Michael was a three-sport standout for the ‘Big Blue’. Mike is the principal sports anchor at WCVB-TV Channel 5.

Frank DeFelice was the line coach with Dick Lynch and a legendary baseball at Swampscott high (450 wins) Frank served as assistant hoop coach to Dick Lynch.

“Dick was a longtime friend and neighbor.” Dick was a tremendous tactician and a mentor. Dick was a positive influence on others.

Coach Frank DeFelice is a member of the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Lynch coached Dick Jauron, Swampscott greatest player and former NFL player and NFL head coach.

The last time I spoke with the ‘Big Blue’ legend he was cheering for his grandson at the Rockett Arena on the campus of Salem State. Michael Kalinowski was a captain on the Marblehead championship hockey team a couple of years ago.

The North Shore lost a coaching legend!

‘Mr. Big Blue’

 

 

The Lost Weekend

The Boston Sports enthusiasts had a tough weekend in the City of Champions.”

The Celtics lost a two—point (104-102) decision to Milwaukee on Sunday. The series returned to Boston on Tuesday night. I predict the ‘Green Team’ will win the series.

The Bruins had a chance to end their playoff series with Toronto, leading (3-1). The Bruins out shot their arch rivals (40-20) and will win the seven game series at the ‘TD Garden.’

 

 

The First Place Boston Red Sox

(17-4) started the weekend on the West Coast in first place two losses to the Oakland Athletics, including a no-hit Oakland masterpiece left the Sox with a two-game losing streak.

After an awesome month of sports in Boston, three teams went off script in a wicked 18-hour stretch from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon. The Celtics two-point heartbreaker, after the ‘green team’ overcame a 20-point deficit, was touch to take.

The Celtics and Bruins will win!

Go Sox!

Go Bruins!

Go Celtics!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Boston Marathon

The rainy weather for the 126^th legendary Boston Marathon was the worst in the history of the ‘iconic’ event. Cold with strong winds and rain! Fifteen brave Winthrop runners finished the marathon. Four female runners from Winthrop completed the run. Four ex-Viking athletes braved the poor conditions to finish the 26-mile run.

Nicole O’Brien had the fantastic time of three hours: 32 minutes. Marie Hamilton, owner of RPM Fitness Gym, was the Winthrop standout with a time of four minutes six second (4:06.30) at the young age of 56!

Shelagh O’Connell ran her third marathon and posted her very best time of four hours, 18 minutes.

I spoke with a smiling Shelagh on Wednesday at JAC’s Café, while she celebrated with a ‘blue berry muffin’ and ice coffee.

Shelagh was on vacation from her teaching job in Saugus. ‘I had my best time despite the wind and rain.” The rumor was the ‘Pizza Lady’ Ms. Danielle Cadigan was offering free pizza at the ‘Pizza Center.”

Raise the American flag and lets sing the National Anthem (why was Rene Rancourt, not singing after the first American female runner captured the race?)

Ready on your mark-go!

Let the Marathon Begin!

WE salute the Winthrop participants!

 

Big Jim

Winthrop has lost another m ember of a well-respected family. Jim Matarazzo passed away last week. He was the oldest in the family of four.

I played football with ‘Jimmy’ starting in 1957. I looked up to the tall center on the football team and I called him ‘Big Jim’. He played on a team with his next-door neighbor, Captain Frank ‘Buster’ Ferrara.

Jimmy’s younger brother Michael was the starting center on my 1959 WHS team. Three years in a row-Matarazzo’s at center!

Jimmy always had loads of confidence, he entered Boston College and despite the fact many of his teammates were on scholarship, he was a ‘Walk On’ that played on the BC frosh team.

Jimmy had a distinguished professional career as a ‘professor for 49-years at Simmons College. He was elected as a library trustee in Winthrop. He was highly respected, a first-class citizen in Winthrop.

Winthrop has lost two members of another great family.

Condolence to the Matarazzo family

May he rest in peace.

 

On Second Thought

Trivia answer: The ‘Cowboy’ in Boston is Marcus Smart. Ex-Oklahoma State basketball standout. The ‘orange’ worn by pro-golfer Rickie Fowler – is in honor of his alma mater – O.K. State. We miss the injured Boston Celtics defensive standout – Go Celtics! I just walked by the former home of Channel 5 – Chronicle reporter Ted Reinstein. I remember Ted speaking at a huge-Viking Pride fundraiser in 2004!

Twelve thousand automobiles in Winthrop and the road in Beachmont to leave town was closed to times this winter-spring.

We need a ‘public safety center’ new police and fire station at the site of the old middle school. I applaud the statement from fire chief Paul Flanagan at the public forum at Winthrop High School.

Five months until the 2018 WHS Vikings play four games at Miller Field in September!

Get Well prayers for one of the Vikings ‘number one’ football fans. Rich and ‘Dick’ Dimes is recovering from a serious illness. I sat with Dick on Thanksgiving Day at the opening of Miller Field.

 

 

Viking Sports Schedule

Home Games

 

Friday, April 27

Baseball vs. Revere at Veterans Field – 4 p.m.

 

Tennis – Girls varsity vs. Revere at McClean courts.

 

Lacrosse – Girls vs. Gloucester at Miller Field – 4 p.m.

 

Monday – April 30

Softball vs. Malden – Little League Field – 4 p.m.

 

Tennis – Boys vs. Malden at McClean Courts – 4 p.m.

 

Lacrosse – Boys vs. Lynn Classical – Lynn English at Miller Field – 4 p.m.

 

May 1

Tennis – Girls vs. Marblehead at McClean Courts – 4 p.m.

 

Wednesday, May 2

Baseball vs. Marblehead at Veterans Field

 

Thursday, May 3

Lacrosse – Boys vs. Medford – Miller Field – 4 p.m.

 

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!