CONTOOKCOOK – Amelia Thomas is a relative newcomer when it comes to playing on the defensive side of the ball.
But that didn’t stop the Hopkinton sophomore from making perhaps the biggest play of her lacrosse team’s win over rival Bow on Tuesday.
With less than 15 seconds remaining and the Hawks clinging to a one-goal lead, Thomas intercepted a pass on a free play just outside the crease that was intended for the Falcons’ leading scorer, Taylor Darrell. Thomas quickly took off up field as the clock continued to wind and sent a lengthy pass to teammate Amelia Bassett over midfield.
Bassett took over from there, firing one last shot into the back of the net to clinch a 17-15 victory and Hopkinton’s first-ever win over the Falcons under Coach Tim Bassett.
“That was a very intense ending,” Coach Bassett said after handing Bow (2-1) its first loss of the season. “Amelia Thomas made that awesome play to get the ball and move it up, and Amelia Bassett just put it away from there. That was a nice sigh of relief right there, for sure.”
Coach Bassett wasn’t always stressed during the game’s waning moments.
His Hawks (2-1) held what felt like a comfortable 16-13 lead with less than 1:30 to play before Darrell converted her seventh and final goal to pull the visiting team within two. Then, less than 20 seconds later, the Bow bench was sent into a frenzy as Maggie Vogt’s offering slipped past the stick of Elizabeth Berliner (eight saves) to make it a one-score game.
The Falcons continued to pour it on from there, and seemed poised to force overtime when a holding call set up a free play in front of the Hopkinton net with 15 ticks left. Luckily for the Hawks, however, Thomas forced her way into the passing lane to break up the play and set up the game’s final goal before time expired.
“This is her first year playing defense and she’s just taken to it perfectly,” Bassett said of Thomas, who broke up several other scoring chances during the contest. “She’s in great position all of the time, and she anticipates passes. She’s just a natural in that role.”
Hopkinton headed into halftime down one, and traded goals with the Falcons for the first eight minutes of the second. But a stretch of five straight Hawks scores from Taylor Signor (two goals), Ivanna Doval and Amelia Bassett (seven goals) gave the home team a 14-10 advantage near the midway point of the half.
Even so, the Falcons refused to quit as Darrell scored three more times and added an assist in the game’s final 10 minutes to keep things interesting. Vogt (three goals), Sofia Darrell (two goals), Elysia Woody, Dillon Hicks and Bridget Erhenberg also scored for Bow.
“I think it’s a good wake up call basically,” said Bow Coach Christiane Raabe, whose team will try and bounce back April 28 when it hosts Lebanon (0-1). “I think they thought they could come back, and they just didn’t have enough time. It’s early in the season so I’m not too worried about it. It will give practice a new purpose tomorrow.”
Hopkinton, who also saw goals from Lyndon Flanagan (four), Ellie Morrall, Ellie Owen and Chloe Wood, will try and earn a second straight win for the first time this season Friday when it travels to face Con-Val (1-0). But until then, Coach Bassett said he doesn’t plan on letting his team forget what it accomplished against a perennial Division III contender.
“Bow is a team we’ve lost to every year I’ve been here – we’ve never beat them – so this was great to come out on top,” he said. “We’ll see how we measure up with some of the other top teams – Kearsarge, St. Thomas and Laconia of course – and who knows where we can take it.”
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Concord 7, Merrimack 6
Key players: Concord – Becca Proulx (5 goals, assist), Delana Erickson (4 goals, 4 assists), Christina Soule (2 goals), Maggie Connolly (2 goals), Olivia Branch (goal)
Highlights/key moments: Fabi McLeod stood her ground in net, while Erickson anchored the defense in the Crimson Tide’s first outing since suffering its first loss of the season.
Coach’s quote: “The girls all played an awesome game. We are showing progress and heading in the right direction.” – Concord’s Steph Johnson
Records: Concord 2-1; Merrimack 0-2
Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough 18,
Belmont 0
Highlights/key moments: Inter-Lakes/Moultonbrough benefited from contributions throughout its roster on its way to its first win in program history.
Coach’s quote: “I am proud of our girls coming together and playing as a team. Everyone who stepped foot on the field contributed to our win.” – Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough’s Beth Doda
Records: Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough 1-2; Belmont 0-2
Kearsarge 16, Merrimack Valley 1
Key players: Kearsarge – Leslie Angus (6 goals, assist), Jackie DeAngelis (3 goals), Emilie Webster (3 goals, 2 assists), Maicy Hansen (2 goals), Vica Henskens (goal, 2 assists), Ally Wilson (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars haven’t missed a beat since their 12-9 season-opening loss to Bow, surrendering just four goals in three games since.
Records: Kearsarge 3-1; Merrimack Valley 2-1
Laconia 13, Plymouth 1
Key players: Laconia – Becca Howe (3 goals, assist), Skylar Tautkus (2 goals, 3 assists), Nicole Turpin (2 goals), Abby Crowell (2 goals), Teegan Stevens (goal, 2 assists), Hannah Dow (goal, 2 assists), Caitlin Beattie (goal), Camille Pollak (goal), Lyndsey Paronto (4 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Sachems held Plymouth scoreless over the second half behind the strong defense of Emily Avery, Cheyanne Zappala and Megan Gaspa in front of Paronto in net.
Records: Laconia 3-0; Plymouth 0-2
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Bow 10, Keene 7
Key players: Bow – Brendan Ulrich (3 goals), Ryan Tobeler (3 goals, assist), Mason Grasso (2 goals), Chase Chamberlin (10 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons overcame a five-goal halftime deficit and held off a late Keene charge to clinch a second straight victory. Chamberlin was a big reason why, making several acrobatic saves in net.
Coach’s quote: “That was a good road win against a tough, physical team. We still have a long way to go to become the team we want to be.” – Bow’s Christopher Gaudreau
Records: Bow 2-1; Keene 1-2
John Stark 18, Manchester West 2
Key players: John Stark – Parker McQuarrie (4 goals, assist), Drew McQuarrie (2 goals, assist), Aiden Moser (2 goals), Kayden Easter (2 goals), Matt Bennetter (2 goals), Lawson Murphy (2 goals)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals took an early lead and never looked back in a commanding win over the Blue Knights.
Coach’s quote: “It’s good to get the W. We’ve got a big game and our home opener versus a tough Windham team on Friday. Time to get ready for that.” – John Stark’s Howard Roever
Records: John Stark 1-2; Man. West 0-2
Pembroke 14, Coe-Brown 2
Key players: Coe-Brown – Daniel Strum (goal), Corbin LeBlanc (goal), Zac Sheehan (9 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans topped the Bears to go above .500.
Records: Pembroke 2-1; Coe-Brown 0-3
BASEBALL
Bow 8, MV 4
Key players: Bow – Brendan Winch (win, 7 IP), Connor Blandini (2-for-5), Noah Bult (2-for-4, 3 runs) Connor Lorenz (2-for-2, double, 2 runs); MV – Caleb Heath (5 IP in relief, 2 ER), Alan Thompson (2-for-4).
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons took advantage of four walks in the top of the third and Blandini singled home the game-winner in a three-run inning.
Records: Bow 2-1; MV 0-4
Pittsfield 12, Nute 0, 5 inn.
Key players: Pittsfield – Kevin Stockman (0 R, 6 H, 4 K, 3 BB in 5-inning complete game), Cam Darrah (2 hits), Noah MacGlashing (2 hits) and Devin Bedell (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments: Stockman had Nute off balanced from the first inning and the Panthers offense did the rest, plating 12 runs over a mere five innings.
Coach’s quote: “The boys played there best game of the year tonight. We still have lots of work to do, but we’re heading in the right direction.” – Pittsfield’s Rob Stockman
Records: Pittsfield 4-1; Nute 1-3
MV 19, Bow 0, 5 inn.
Key players: MV – Ann Bascom (multiple hits), Miranda Crane (multiple hits), Katelyn Hill (multiple hits, 2-run HR), Miah Boucher (multiple hits), Lauren McLaughlin (first varsity hits), Alexis Girouard (first varsity hits), Sadie Merrow (first varsity hits), Sam Hodkinson (2 IP, 1 H, 3 K), Haleigh Boutwell (3 IP, 0 H, 8 K)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride score 10 runs in the first inning and added five more in the third and four in the fourth for MV’s fourth-straight victory.
Coach’s quote: “We came out in the first inning and set the tone. It was nice to see all 13 girls get to contribute to our win.” – MV’s Sam York
Records: MV 4-0; Bow 0-3
Laconia 6, Inter-Lakes 4
Key players: Laconia – Danny Friend (win, 5 IP), Bianca Russo (save); Inter-Lakes – Morgan White (hit, 2 walks, 2 runs), Hailey Hart (hit, RBI), Jade LaSalle (7 IP, 4 H)
Highlights/key moments: The Sachems played well in the field, turning a crucial double play to defeat the Lakers. Freshman pitcher LaSalle pitched a complete game and allowed just four hits, but still took the loss.
Coaches’ quotes: “My hopes for this very young team is that we improve a little bit every game and gain confidence.” – Laconia’s Monique Swormstedt
“Tough loss for the Lakers as a couple of early miscues led to the defeat.” – Inter-Lakes’ Harry Blood
Records: Laconia 1-1; Inter-Lakes 0-2
Nute 17, Pittsfield 5
Key players: Pittsfield – Alyssa Sullivan (2-for-4, 2 runs), Megan Callicoat (1-for-1, 2 runs)
Highlights/key moments: The Panthers couldn’t overcome the undefeated Rams.
Records: Nute 3-0; Pittsfield 2-3
Bow 7, Portsmouth Christian 2
Key players: Bow – Brayden Binder (8-4 win at No. 1), Evan Alfano (8-4 win at No. 2), Michael Mullen (8-6 win at No. 3), Caleb Olson (8-0 win at No. 4), Zachary Mullen (8-3 win at No. 6).
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons handed the Eagles their first loss of the season with a 5-1 lead through singles play. Bow had additional victories from Olson and Dillon D’Allesandro at No. 2 doubles (8-6) and the Mullen brothers at No. 3 doubles (8-4)
Records: Bow 5-1; Portsmouth Christian 5-1
Inter-Lakes 6, Littleton 3
Key players: Inter-Lakes – Noah Sullivan (8-0 win at No. 1), Nate Sullivan (8-3 win at No. 4), Sam Noe (8-1 win at No. 5), Robbie Sassan (8-3 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: The bottom of the singles ladder played very well to give the Lakers the lead through singles. Inter-Lakes secured the win with victories from Noah Sullivan and Jake Borsh at No. 1 doubles (8-3) and Nate Sullivan and Simon Bird at No. 3 doubles (8-4).
Coach’s quote: “Inter-Lakes responded well after a tough loss yesterday. Noah Sullivan continues to dominate at No. 1 singles, having lost only two games in six sets.” – Inter-Lakes’ Bill West
Records: Inter-Lakes 4-2; Littleton 2-2
Plymouth 6, Kearsarge 3
Key players: Kearsarge – Tyler Valovic (win at No. 1 singles), Tucker Valovic (win at No. 2 singles)
Highlights/key moments: The Valovic brothers did well at the top of the singles and ladder and also won their No. 1 doubles match, but the D-II Bobcats won three tiebreakers at the bottom of the ladder.
Coach’s quote: “Kearsarge lost three tie-breakers which cost us the match. I feel both teams were equally matched, but Plymouth outplayed us this time around.” – Kearsarge’s Lynn Miller
Records: Plymouth 3-1; Kearsarge 5-1
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Nashua North 5, Bishop Brady 4
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sydney Herrington (8-1 win at No. 1 singles), Ravalika Damerla (8-6 win at No. 2), Manu Komma (8-0 win at No. 6),
Highlights/key moments: Damerla came back from a 6-5 deficit to earn a victory at No. 2 singles, while Komma fought her way to her first varsity victory at No. 6 singles. Herrington and Damerla teamed for an 8-2 win at No. 1 doubles.
Records: Nashua North 2-3; Bishop Brady 0-2
Bow 7, Stevens 2
Key players: Bow – Claire Mulvaney (8-1 win at No. 2 singles), Gwen Molind (8-2 win at No. 3), Izzy Urbina (8-1 win at No. 4), Emma Conley (8-0 win at No. 5), Lara Chern (8-1 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: A pair of Falcons fought their way to their first varsity wins in Chern at No. 6 singles, and Kylie Murphy, who teamed with Conley for an 8-0 win at third doubles. Mulvaney and Molind won, 8-0, at second doubles.
Records: Bow 3-0; Stevens 0-5
Gilford 6, White Mountains 3
Key players: Gilford – Sarah Fillion (8-0 win at No. 1 singles), Reagan McIntire (8-0 win at No. 2), Josey Curley (8-5 win at No. 3), Hannah Lord (8-5 win at No. 5)
Highlights/key moments: Lord battled back from behind to give the Golden Eagles a 4-2 edge after singles play before Curley and Olivia Salesky clinched the win with an 8-3 decision at second doubles. Fillion and McIntire won 8-2 at first doubles.
Coach’s quote: “This was our second win this season and I think we learned a lot today. If we didn’t keep our focus, we could’ve lost this one.” – Gilford’s Hermann Defregger
Records: Gilford 2-3; White Mountains 0-3
Plymouth 8, Kearsarge 1
Key players: Kearsarge – Ellie Mellot and Kaitlyn Penrose (8-1 win at No. 3 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars couldn’t fight their way to a second straight team win, but saw plenty of promise nonetheless, including Annie Carr’s 9-7 loss at No. 6 singles.
Coach’s quote: “Our final match score loss doesn’t indicate how closely fought our matches all were.” – Kearsarge’s Laura Joslin-King
Records: Plymouth 3-2; Keasarge 1-3
Concord 109, Manchester Central 27
Key players: Concord – Colin Conery (1st 1,600, 4:43; 1st 800, 2:07), Dalton Mutz (1st 100, 11.16; 1st 200, 22.56), Jacob Nichols (1st 110 hurdles, 17.22; 1st 300 hurdles, 47.25), Kevin Suarez (1st shot put, 37-3), Manny Feliz (1st long jump, 18-7), Nate Hillyer (1st triple jump, 36-6), Colin Malloney (1st 400, 54.12), 4×100 (1st 45.21), 4×400 (1st 3:45)
Highlights/key moments: Conery, Mutz and Nichols each won two events as the Tide easily dispatched the Little Green in a dual meet in Manchester.
Coach’s quote: “Colin Conery had a great day winning both of his events and he looked strong doing so. Our handoffs in the 4 x 100 looked a lot better this meet.” – Concord’s Hayden Daly
Coe-Brown first
Key players:Coe-Brown – Orion Clachar (1st 110 hurdles, 1st 300 hurdles), Will White (1st shot put, 1st discus), Isaiah Allen (2nd shot put, 2nd discus, 2nd javelin), Zach Richards (1st 400), Davio Deluca (1st 800), River Groves (1st 1,600, 2nd 400), Shawn Spenard (1st 200, 3rd triple jump), Gavyn Auclair (1st 3,200), Jacob Snow (1st high jump, 2nd 300 hurdles), Nick Burleigh (1st pole vault), 4×100 (1st), 4×400 (1st); John Stark – Manuel Biskaduros (1st 100), Tyler Restuccia (2nd 200), Warren Quinlan (2nd high jump, 3rd 110 hurdles), Vedin Fowler (2nd triple jump)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears dominated their home meet, winning 14 events and tallying 155 points, easily topping Manchester West (31) and John Stark (28).
Merrimack Valley second
Key players: MV – Camden Donovan (1st high jump, 2nd long jump), David Reynolds (1st 3,200, 3rd 1,600), Jacob Barrington (1st pole vault), Nick Bartlett (1st javelin), Dylan Guinard (1st 400), Ryan Latorella (2nd shot put, 2nd discus), 4×400 (1st)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride split a tri-meet against some of the best in the division. Host Portsmouth (79.5) topped MV (63) and Trinity (37.5)
Kearsarge first, Winnisquam third
Key players: Kearsarge – Grant Croft (1st 110 hurdles, 1st pole vault, 2nd javelin), Eric Scheuch (1st, 3,200), Gavyn Magisto (2nd 100, 2nd 200, 2nd long jump), 4×100 (1st), 4×400 (1st), 4×800 (1st); Winnisquam – Scott Hinds (1st 400), Tyler Mann (1st 800, 4th 400), Derek DeSousa (1st discus), 4×100 (2nd); Hopkinton – Kevin McGrath (1st high jump), Max Rossignol (1st javelin, 2nd 800); Franklin – CJ Gaslin (1st shot put), Gio Lemon (3rd high jump, 3rd 100)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars remained undefeated on their home track this season, winning an eight-team meet. Kearsarge (236.5) topped Stevens (111), Winnisquam (90), Hopkinton (68), Franklin (61.5), Fall Mountain (58), Sunapee (24) and Mount Royal (8).
Concord 125, Manchester Central 42
Key players: Concord –Julia Mivile (1st shot put at 25-10), Yelena Beausoleil (1st discus at 81-4), Steph Oberg (1st javelin at 98-7), Ennosen Yen (1st triple jump in 30-1), Rebecca Bosa (1st 100 hurdles in 19.6), Jennika Mannesto (1st 1,600 in 5:33), Maggie Prentice (1st 3,200 in 13:14), 4×100 (1st in 53.21), 4×400 (1st in 4:23)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide used its depth, especially in the throwing and distance events, to decisively win a dual meet against the Little Green.
Coach’s quote: “Although Central won several events the girls’ team showed its depth at this meet. The throwers scored a ton of points as did the distance girls.” – Concord’s Hayden Daly
Coe-Brown first
Key players: Coe-Brown – Kathleen Collins (1st shot put, 1st discus, 3rd javelin), Mabel Mackey (1st 200, 2nd 100), Chelsea McCallion (1st long jump, 2nd javelin), Rebekah Hinrichsen (1st 300 hurdles, 2nd 100 hurdles), Raven Barnes (1st 3,200), Summer Barnes (1st high jump), Samantha Troy (1st pole vault), Molly Swansburg (2nd shot put, 2nd discus); John Stark – Ashley Audet (1st javelin), Jalen Beliveau (2nd 400)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears won their second home meet of the season, tallying 118 points, besting Man. West (71) and John Stark (20).
Merrimack Valley second
Key players: MV – Kristie Schoffield (1st 200, 1st 400, 1st triple jump), Sarah Carter (1st shot put, tied 1st discus), Lauren Rouse (1st 800, 1st 1,600), Kaitlyn Covell (1st 100 hurdles), Asia Grace Hanson (1st javelin), Noelle Colarusso (tied 1st high jump), Theresa Irving (tied 1st high jump)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride won 11 of 17 events, but Portsmouth had more depth, defeating MV, 95-74. Trinity was third with eight points.
Kearsarge first,
Winnisquam second,
Hopkinton third
Key players: Kearsarge – Mya Dube (1st 3,200, 1st 400), Maggie Lee (1st 800), Maddie Neilsen (1st 100), 4×100 (1st), 4×400 (1st), 4×800 (1st); Winnisquam – Shannon Goodwin (tied 2nd high jump), Jasmine Gove (tied 2nd high jump), 4×100 (2nd); Hopkinton – Lily Sabol (1st 800, 1st triple jump), Emma Rothe (2nd 800, 2nd 1,600), 4×400 (2nd), Franklin – Emma LaPierre (1st 200, 2nd 400)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars won an eight-team home meet. Kearsarge (141.5) defeated Winnisquam (122), Hopkinton (104.5), Fall Mountain (84), Franklin (51), Stevens (49), Sunapee (48) and Mount Royal (18).