It’s been a season of change for the Concord girls’ lacrosse team. The Crimson Tide lost its leading returning scorer to injury within the first 10 minutes of the first game. A few games later, the Tide lost its starting goalie.
“Those are two impact players that we no longer have, so it’s just been a constant adjustment for everybody,” Concord Coach Steph Johnson said. “But people have been working hard and doing what it takes to get through things.”
That work showed on Friday as the Tide (3-4) snapped a two-game losing streak with a 14-8 win at Manchester Central (1-6).
Concord had started slow in its previous game, an 11-7 loss to Hollis-Brookline on Tuesday. The Tide was down 6-1 at halftime in that one, but then, “we had a great second half and I think that carried over to today,” Johnson said.
That carry-over momentum led to a quick 4-0 lead for the Tide against Central, and all four Concord goals came from four different players – Christina Soule (two goals), Tori Pelletier (two goals), Brenna Vandersea (two goals) and Steph Resnick (three goals). What’s more, none of those girls were the team’s high scorer. That honor belonged to Becca Proulx, who finished with four goals.
“I think this was one of our best games of the season because of how well we played as a team,” Johnson said. “We were able to work to find the open girl and then make the shot. We weren’t dependent on one person to make or break something for us. If we spread out the scoring like that other teams can’t mark just one person and leave us with no options, we’ll have lots of options.”
Johnson was also pleased with the play of her goalie, Morgan Sisson, who stepped into the position when the Tide lost its starting net minder.
“She’s never played goalie before and she’s doing an awesome job,” the coach said.
It seems like Concord has overcome its personnel losses and come together as a team at just the right time. The Tide is scheduled to play seven games in the next two weeks.
“That’s like the bulk of our season in two weeks,” Johnson said. “I’m just going to have to make sure that they stay healthy and rested as best they can given the situation. I’ll try to sub them as much as I can to keep them fresh. But I do think people are really stepping up and we’re learning from each game and moving forward with the things we need to work on.”
From coaches’ reports
John Stark 6, Goffstown 3
Key players: John Stark – Sam Porter (11 saves), Lizzie Brandt (3 goals), Katie Waligura (3 goals), Jill Douzanis (good midfield play), Mackenzie Nase (good defense), Emily Patten (good defense)
Highlights/key moments: Stark opened with a 3-0 lead despite having even more scoring chances. Goffstown rebounded and Stark had a 4-2 lead at halftime. After an early Grizzlies goal to put them within one, Stark scored twice and controlled the pace of the game to capture the win.
Coach’s quote: “The girls played great team defense throughout to hold on to a win versus a hard-working Goffstown team. This was a good, solid win.” – John Stark’s John Warner
Records: John Stark 4-3; Goffstown 3-4
Hopkinton 15, Plymouth 3
Key players: Hopkinton – Amelia Bassett (5 goals, assist), Lyndon Flanagan (2 goals, 3 assists), Hannah Wood (3 goals), Chloe Wood (2 goals), Anna Hoffman (goal, assist), Hannah Bassett (goal, assist)
Highlights/key moments: Hopkinton scored early and often to build a big lead against Plymouth. The Hawks have won two in a row after a three-game losing streak.
Records: Hopkinton 3-5; Plymouth 1-6
Laconia 14, Kearsage 3
Key players: Kearsarge – Anna Stowell (2 goals), Leslie Angus (goal)
Highlights/key moments: Laconia continued its undefeated season with a convincing win over Kearsarge. The Cougars suffer their first loss since April 13.
Records: Kearsarge 6-2; Laconia 7-0
Derryfield 19, Bishop Brady 7
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sam Will (4 goals), Mary Anne Wiley, Alex Sacco, Dana Beauregard, Emma Caveney, Kristina Vo, Emma Windsor (10 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Giants trailed 13-3 at halftime and couldn’t chip away in the second half.
Coach’s quote: “Tonight we played with so much heart. We played a very strong team who has great talent. We knew it was going to be a hard game, especially since we were missing four starters for a senior trip, but I was proud to see how supportive the girls were and how well they played together.” – Bishop Brady’s Kate Hohenberger
Records: Bishop Brady 2-6; Derryfield 7-1
Bow 17, Campbell 1
Key players: Bow – Taylor Darrell (5 goals, assist), Zoe Jukoski (4 goals, assist), Amanda Murray (3 goals, assist), Emma Gagne (2 goals)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons won their second consecutive game, handing the winless Cougars their seventh straight loss.
Records: Bow 4-2; Campbell 0-7
Bow 14, Keene 6
Key players: Ben Podis (4 goals, 2 assists), Jared Reynolds (4 goals), Colin Buck (2 goals, 4 assists), Brendan Ulrich (2 goals), Ryan Tobeler (goal), Alex Killion (goal)
Highlights/key moments: Bow built a 6-2 lead at halftime and scored four more times to start the third, never looking back. The Falcons snap a three-game losing streak with the win.
Coach’s quote: “We started off slow, but I was pleased with how we finished the game.” – Bow’s Kyle Tracy
Records: Bow 2-4; Keene 0-9
Bishop Brady 14,
Manchester West 1
Key players: Bryce Johnson (4 goals, assist), Rich Sullivan (2 goals, 3 assists), Connor Dougherty (3 goals), Cooper Nadeau (2 goals), Aidan Plumpton (goal), Nick Stuart (goal), Kyle Cioffi (goal, 2 assists)
Highlights/key moments: Brady played consistently, scoring four goals in the first and second quarters and three in the third and fourth quarters. Brady looks to extend its four-game win streak against ConVal on Monday.
Coach’s quote: “West showed a lot of heart today. They had just 10 players, meaning no one could sub off for them. It’s always difficult to compete with numbers like that, but they showed up and scored on a man-up chance. We were lackadaisical at times, but were able to spread the ball around and get kids in who haven’t seen a ton of time this year.” – Bishop Brady’s Justin Loring
Records: Bishop Brady 5-3; West 0-8
Plymouth 10, Hopkinton 8
Key players: Hopkinton – Owen Kanter (4 goals), Joe Cullinan (3 goals), Tim Jones (goal, 2 assists), Gerry Donahue (9 takeaways), Jake Hemmerlein (7 takeaways), Derek Amoth (8 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Plymouth mounted a 5-0 lead early on and built it up to 9-5 at halftime. Hopkinton’s offense stormed back and the defense stymied the Bobcats offense, but were ultimately done in by untimely penalties and turnovers.
Coach’s quote: “We put forth a valiant effort against a talented Plymouth squad. Persistence and hard work gave us a surge in the second half, but it wasn’t quite enough. We caught a few tough breaks, but I am proud of the way we pulled together as a team and overcame them.” – Hopkinton’s Deacon Blue
Records: Hopkinton 4-3; Plymouth 6-1
Laconia 12, Kearsarge 8
Key players: Kearsarge – Justin Norris (4 goals), Lucas Muzzey (2 goals, 2 assists), Tate Nurme (goal), Gunnar Nurme (goal), Jakob Arnold (16 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars fought back from a 6-3 deficit to tie the game at 7 after three quarters, but fell off the pace in the final quarter.
Coach’s quote: “We gave great effort and showed a lot of grit getting back into the game after being down. . . . Unfortunately, Laconia made more plays than we did down the homestretch.” – Kearsarge’s Zach Matthews
Records: Kearsarge 6-2; Laconia 7-0
Timberlane 15, Pembroke 12
Key players: Pembroke Mike Bourman (4 goals, 2 assists), Alex Passafume (5 goals), Alex Licata (2 goals, assist), Jacob Donovan (good clearing)
Highlights/key moments: Timberlane built a big 7-0 lead in the first quarter and took a 9-1 lead into the halftime. After another Owls goal, Pembroke rattled off seven straight to cut the lead to 10-8. The teams traded punches through the final quarter for a 15-12 final.
Coach’s quote: “There is no such thing as a good loss, but we were able to adjust and adapt. Timberlane is well-coached and Ken was able to rally his guys to get a big stop and put in a couple insurance goals. This one will sting for a couple of days, but we are back to work next week.” – Pembroke’s Tim Vasconcellos
Records: Pembroke 3-4; Timberlane 2-5
ConVal 14, Coe-Brown 1
Top players: Coe-Brown – Ben Watson (goal), Liam Taylor (assist), Jacob Switzer (16 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars put up four goals in both the first and second quarters to put the game away early.
Coach’s quote: “ConVal moves the ball very well. They’re definitely a team that’s established. . . . We have some injuries, and it was definitely exposed tonight.” – Coe-Brown’s Ryan Hanavan
Records: Coe-Brown 2-4; ConVal 3-1
Alvirne 3, Concord 2
Key players: Concord – Griffin Gilbert (7 IP, 5 hits, 6 K), Stephan Moran (2 hits), Matt LaTourette (RBI), Zachary Morrissey (RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Concord held a 2-1 lead early on, but let up two runs in the top of the fifth. Concord stranded two runners in the seventh inning to end the game.
Coach’s quote: “Gilbert pitched great for us today. We had our chances, but came up short. We are knocking on the door.” – Concord’s Scott Owen
Records: Concord 4-6; Alvirne 9-2
Coe-Brown 5, St. Thomas 3
Key players: Coe-Brown – Alex Bussiere (2-run home run), Will Ohrenberger (squeeze play), Taylor Dow (5 IP, 2 runs), Jayson Cleveland (win, 2 IP, 3 K, 1 BB)
Highlights/key moments: Bussiere hit a two-run homer to left field to break a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning and Joel Boulanger scored on an Ohrenberger squeeze play to give the Bears some insurance.
Coach’s quote: “We played very well defensively. We had some timely hits. It was a good win for us.” – Coe-Brown’s Sean Ashley
Records: Coe-Brown 7-3; St. Thomas 3-5
John Stark 8, Kingswood 2
Key players: John Stark – Egan Nickerson (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 2 SB), Leif Mailloux (2-for-3, triple, 2 runs, SB), Jeremy Aubin (win, 4 IP, 2 runs, earned run, 3 BB, 3 K), Wesley Lamphere (save, 3 IP, no runs, no hits, 3 K, BB)
Highlights/key moments: Down 2-0 entering the fourth, the Generals scored four runs thanks to big hits from Nickerson and Derek Goldrick. Mailloux hit a leadoff triple in the fifth and scored on a Nickerson single to give the Generals a 5-2 lead. The Generals added some insurance through errors and walks. Lamphere’s three innings of shutout relief shutdown the Knights offense.
Coach’s quote: “We had a very sluggish start both offensively and defensively today. Aubin was huge keeping us in the game early. We got fired up and surged offensively in the middle of the game. I thought our aggressive base running made a huge impact in the game. Wesley was pretty much lights out finishing the game for us.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: John Stark 7-2; Kingswood 5-4
Bow 11, Stevens 3
Top players: Bow – Jeff Bell (4-for-6, run, 4 RBI; 7 innings in relief, 6 Ks, 6 H, 1 run), Jack Corriveau (2 hits), Mac Kimball (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments: A 3-3 tie went until the 10th inning – and then everything went wild. Connor Lorenz and Corriveau had RBI triples to put Bow ahead, and run-scoring hits by Kimball, Connor Blandini, Austin Beaudette and Bell turned it into a rout. Bell put the Falcons in position with over seven innings of solid relief, getting out of a ninth-inning, bases-loaded jam to keep the game going.
Coach’s quote: “Jeff Bell was the hero of the game. He did it all. . . . He bore down in the ninth inning.” – Bow assistant coach Dennis Ordway
Records: Bow 5-2; Stevens 2-4
Bishop Brady 14, Somersworth 1
Key players: Bishop Brady – Mario Fusco (complete game, 5 K, 4 hits, 1 ER), Tom Blandini (grand slam, 5 RBI), JP Nemcovich (2 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Max Lamora (3 RBI), Alex Andrews (2 hits, 2 runs, RBI), Alex Gamache (2 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Brady got off to a quick start with four runs in the first and broke it wide open with Blandini’s grand slam in the sixth, leading to nine runs in the frame.
Coach’s quote: “It was a great team win on the road against a quality opponent. The bats came alive for us today with contributions from everyone in the lineup. Mario stepped up big for us on the mound, working out of several bases-loaded jams to go the distance. Once again, our defense was solid behind him.” – Bishop Brady’s Skip Foy
Records: Bishop Brady 4-4; Somersworth 2-5
Belmont 15, Gilford 4
Top players: Belmont – Cole Contigiani (5 innings, 9 hits, 4 Ks, 4 earned runs), Corey Derosier (2-for-2, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 4 runs), Caleb Drouin (3-for-3, RBI, 3 runs), Doug Price (3-for-4, 2 runs), Matt Pluskis (2-for-2, 3 RBI, 2 SBs, 1 run), Tyler Fleming (3B, run)
Highlights/key moments: Six first-inning runs and five in the second put Belmont comfortably ahead to stay.
Coach’s quote: “This was a good road win against a hot-hitting team. We were able to take advantage of an early lead and benefitted from good pitching and defense.” – Belmont’s Matt LeBlanc
Records: Belmont 8-1; Gilford 3-5
Franklin 12, H-D 1
Key players: Franklin – Brendon Frechette (2 IP, 4 K), TJ Laramie (2 IP, 2 K), Harrison Clark (2 IP, 2 K), Garrett Fleming (home run); H-D – Dominic Downs (5 IP, 2 K)
Highlights/key moments: In the first inning, four of Franklin’s first five batters scored. The second inning saw Franklin score three times and in the last inning, Fleming added a three-run homer to the scoring to bring the score to 12-1. Franklin’s pitching staff combined to throw a no-hitter.
Coach’s quote: “Our guys came out fired up today looking to put together a complete game. Brendon was able to shut down Hillsboro’s offense in the first two innings quickly so we could get our own offense going. Hillsboro has a good corps of young players so we needed to get an early lead and play ahead, this was a real good win for us to start the second part of the season.” – Franklin’s Dave Joyce
Records: Franklin 5-3; H-D 0-8
Winnisquam 7, Newfound 1
Key players: Winnisquam – Mike Lowrey (3 hits, home run, 4 RBI), Jake Snow (2 hits, 2 RBI), Christian Serrano (2 hits, run), Devin Martinez (double, run)
Highlights/key moments: Lowrey and Hunter Tierney combined to pitch a one-hitter. Lowrey helped his own cause with a three-run homer in the second inning.
Coach’s quote: “Mikey’s homer gave us some breathing room early. It was a solid, efficient win. Hunter and Mikey did a nice job on the mound.” – Winnisquam’s Fred Caruso
Records: Winnisquam 3-5; Newfound 0-8
Sunapee 10, Pittsfield 8
Key players: Pittsfield – Jesse Slater (double, 2 runs), Devin Bedell (double, 3 RBI), Casey Clark (hit, RBI), Kyle Stockman (hit, RBI), Kyle Hamel (hit, RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Sunapee started the game up 7-0 thanks to poor plate discipline and untimely errors by Pittsfield. Pittsfield battled back with five runs in the third, thanks to a bases-clearing double by Bedell, but Sunapee put up three more in the bottom of the third. Pittsfield scored one in the fourth and two in the sixth, but couldn’t get in done in the final frame.
Coach’s quote: “A little better discipline at the plate in the first couple innings and there maybe a different out come tonight. I’m really proud of these guys and how they always battle hard and never give up. They hit some really hard hit balls tonight against a really good pitcher and gave a really good team all they could handle. We just need to cut down on the mental mistakes and keep working hard.” – Pittsfield’s Rob Stockman
Records: Pittsfield 5-6; Sunapee 6-1
Alvirne 8, Concord 6
Key players: Concord – Izzy Dunn (2 doubles, RBI); Alvirne – Liz Derosa (3-for-3, solo home run), Sara Siteman (3-run home run)
Highlights/key moments: Concord held a 4-1 lead after three innings, but Alvirne scored seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings to pull away.”
Coach’s quote: “We showed a lot of fight (and) scored two runs in the seventh and had the bases loaded with two outs, but a tough call at the end spoiled our comeback.” – Concord’s Duke Sawyer
Records: Concord 3-7; Alvirne 8-2
John Stark 3, Kingswood 2
Key players: John Stark – Kali Kolehmainen (3-for-4), Jocelyn Dimond (2 runs)
Highlights/key moments: Kolehmainen scored the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice in the top of the seventh. Dimond tied the game for the Generals when she tagged up from first on a foul ball and came home on an errant throw. Kendall Keim throw out a runner at the plate in the third to keep the score tied.
Coach’s quote: “Our two captains, Kendall Keim and Jocelyn Dimond, really stepped it up a notch today, leading the team on offense and defense.” – Stark’s Gerry Morin
Records: Stark 4-5; Kingswood 4-6
Bishop Brady 16, Somersworth 2
Key players: Bishop Brady – Aniecia Vargas (2 hits, 4 runs, HR), Emily Santis (2 hits, 2 runs), Gwen Tupman (2 runs, 3 RBI), Jamie Cookingham (hit, 2 RBI), Maddy Rines (hit, 2 RBI), Meghann Haley (hit, 2 RBI), Abby Santis (2 runs, RBI), Jackie Hill (2 runs, RBI), Lily Rivera (5 IP, 5 K, 2 ER; hit, RBI), Emma Bradley (2 runs)
Highlights/key moments: Brady opened up the game with five runs of three hits, highlighted by Aniecia Vargas’s home run to right center. Brady scored seven in the second on four hits, one in the third and three in the fifth.
Coach’s quote: “Well-played game by the girls, (we need to) rest up this weekend and get back at it on Monday.” – Bishop Brady’s Freddy Rivera
Records: Bishop Brady 5-2; Somersworth 1-5
Franklin 23, H-D 0
Key players: Franklin – Anna Doherty (home run), Meghan Johnston (home run), Brianna Judkins (grand slam), Rachael Capri (3 hits, 3 runs), Hailey Haskins (4 IP, 2 hits allowed, 0 BB, 5 K)
Highlights/key moments: Franklin scored five runs in the first, and then nine runs in the third and fourth innings. Ten different players shared the team’s 15 total hits, with three hitting home runs. Franklin travels to Winnisquam on Wednesday.
Records: Franklin 8-0; H-D 1-7
Winnisquam 6, Newfound 5
Key players: Winnisquam – Emily Decormier (3-for-5, 2 runs), Madisyn Skeats (2-for-4, 2 RBI, run), Cailey Clogston (2-for-3, 2 runs), Molly Tinker (7 IP, 7 K, 1 BB, 7 hits, no earned runs)
Highlights/key moments: Newfound took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but Skeats hit a two-run single and Lauren Bolstridge drove in a run on a fielder’s choice in the second inning to cut the deficit to 4-3 after two. Winnisquam scored three runs in the fourth inning to secure the win.
Records: Winnisquam 6-2; Newfound 2-6
Concord 9, Salem 0
Key players: Concord – Justin Toler (8-1 win at No. 1), Aidan Connor (8-1 win No. 2), Adam Bryant (8-1 win No. 3), Sebastian Hart-Meyer (8-0 win No. 4), Matt Chorlian (8-1 win No. 5), Kevin Neary 8-1 win No. 6
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide dropped just five games in all six of their singles matches, rolling to the win on the road. Toler and Connor teamed for an 8-3 win at first doubles for Concord. Chorlian and Hart-Meyer (who won all three of his singles matches this week by 8-0 scores) won 8-1 at second doubles and Bryant and Neary completed the sweep with an 8-1 win at third doubles.
Coach’s quote: “Matt Chorlian and Kevin Neary continue to improve at the five and six spots.” – Concord’s Dave Page
Records: Concord 8-1, Salem 1-7
Bow 9, Conant 0
Key players: Bow – Braydon Binder (8-0 at No. 1), Mike Mullen (8-1 at No. 2), Evan Alfano (8-0 at No. 3), Jack Olson (8-2 at No. 4), Owen Molind (8-2 at No. 5), Dillan D’Alessandro (8-5 at No. 6), Binder/Alfano (8-1 at No. 1), Olson/Brody Call (8-0 at No. 2), Sam Windsor/Dalton Allaben (8-3 at No. 3)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons shut out the Orioles in three matches for a decisive victory.
Records: Bow 6-1; Conant 1-5
Profile 5, Kearsarge 4
Key players: Kearsarge – Jack Van Etten (8-0 win at No. 3), Matt Hubley (8-6 win at No. 6), Sam Williamson (8-5 win at No. 6), Williamson/Sam Bourcier (8-4 win at No. 3 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars and the Patriots split the singles matches, but Kearsarge lost the deciding doubles match in a tiebreaker.
Coach’s quote: “We still have a lot of work to do. We’re starting to play the better teams now. We need to step it up and put some extra time in. . . . We’re going to need to do that if we want to make the tournament, which is our goal.” – Kearsarge’s Lynn Miller
Records: Kearsarge 6-2; Profile 5-2
Concord 8, Salem 1
Key players: Becky Cistulli (8-0 at No. 1 singles), Colleen Casey (8-1 at No. 3 singles), Olivia Cattabriga (8-0 at No. 4 singles), Sabrina Hart-Meyer (8-6 win at No. 5 singles), Irene Escobar (8-5 at No. 6 singles), Cistulli/Alex Killinger (8-3 win at No. 1 doubles), Casey/Hart-Meyer (8-1 win at No. 2 doubles), Escobar/Cattabriga (9-7 win at No. 3 doubles).
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide cruised past the Blue Devils, winning all but one singles match and sweeping doubles.
Records: Concord 5-3; Salem 5-2
Bishop Brady 9, Milford 0
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sydney Herrington (8-0 win at No. 1 singles), Ravalika Damerla (8-2 win at No. 2), Yolanda Wang (8-4 win at No. 3), Taylor Hood (8-1 win at No. 4), Addie Dinsmoor (8-3 win at No. 5), Alexa Bonvie (8-1 win at No. 6), Herrington/Damerla (win at No. 1 doubles), Hood/Wang (win at No. 2), Dinsmoor/Bonvie (win at No. 3)
Highlights/key moments: Herrington and Damerla continued their undefeated doubles streak while Dinsmoor and Bonvie won their doubles debut.
Records: Bishop Brady 3-4; Milford 0-8
Souhegan 8, Pembroke 1
Key players: Pembroke – Nicole Carr/Emmi Ferrara (8-1 win at No. 1 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: Ferrara played the closest singles match of the day, losing, 8-6, in the No. 2 match.
Records: Pembroke 1-7; Souhegan 4-3
Profile 9, Kearsarge 0
Key players: Kearsarge – Miranda Bonin, Ellie Mellott
Highlights/key moments: It was a long day for the Cougars, who won only seven games in all nine matches. Bonin, the No. 5 singles players, and Mellott, No. 6, had the closest contests. Both lost, 8-2.
Records: Kearsarge 1-8; Profile 8-1
Timberlane 3, John Stark 1
Highlights/key moments: Stark opened the match with a 25-19 win in the first game, but Timberlane swept the Generals the rest of the way.
Coach’s quote: “Timberlane had an attack that was different than we’ve seen in earlier games and we didn’t make the necessary adjustments quickly enough to take the match. That said, both teams fought hard for every point and I’m more convinced than ever that we can compete with any team in the state.” – John Stark’s Dave Simeone
Records: John Stark 5-4; Timberlane 9-0