PENACOOK – The day was dedicated to the seniors, but the underclassmen carried a heavy load to help the Merrimack Valley track and field teams to convincing wins at a four-team meet held at their home track Thursday.
The Pride outran and out-threw the competition with the boys and girls beating their counterparts from Pembroke Academy, Bishop Brady and Goffstown.
The MV girls finished with a team score of 137, outpacing Pembroke in second with 66 points, Goffstown with 34 and Bishop Brady seven. On the boys’ side, MV posted 154.50 points, ahead of Pembroke with 41, Goffstown with 35.50 and Bishop Brady with 18.
MV sophomore thrower and sprinter Asia Grace Hanson helped lead the Pride girls with two podiums, placing first in the 400-meter run and javelin. Hanson set a personal record, throwing the jav 107 feet, 7 inches, an improvement of more than 3 feet from her previous personal best.
“My throwing coach, Buzz (Gagne), always tells me ‘you don’t think, you just throw,’ ” Hanson said.
With her coach’s advice in mind, she saved the thinking for after the throw.
“I though maybe it was 103 or 104,” she said. “I was so excited. It’s not everyday you get a PR.”
Pembroke’s Kassidy Larson had the second-best throw of the day at 96 feet, 8 inches. MV’s Theresa Irving and Elizabeth Williams placed third and fourth, respectively, while Pembroke freshman Samantha McCarthy placed fifth.
Hanson had been chasing a new personal best for about a year before hitting her the mark with her fourth and final throw Thursday.
“We’ve been working with her all this week on extra speed because it is all technique, technique and speed,” Gagne said. “She’s got the technique down and now we’re adding the speed and she seems to have got it.”
Hanson took third in the discus, behind MV’s Sarah Carter in second and Alyssa Hubbard of Pembroke in first. Hanson later teamed up with Kaitlyn Covell, Cassidy Considine and Kristie Schoffield on the Pride’s first-place 4×400 team.
Hanson “is an exceptional all-around athlete,” MV track and field Coach Bob Mullen said. “You get a few kids like this once in a while. It’s not uncommon, but when you get it, you love it.”
Rounding out the girls’ throwing events, Emily Carigan won the shot put for Pembroke with a throw that spanned 29-10. MV’s Sarah Carter placed second and Williams placed third.
Noelle Colarusso, a freshman, won the triple jump for MV with Theresa Irving landing in second. Pembroke’s Madison Bennett placed third. Colarusso also placed first in the high jump.
The Pride won the long jump as well, led by freshman Madison Palmer with a jump of 14-3. Pembroke’s Julia Valotto placed second and Goffstown’s Lauren Vickery was third.
On the track, MV earned first-place finishes in the 1,600 (Emma York), 3,200 (York), 100 hurdles (Covell), 300 hurdles (Covell) and 4×100 relay.
Madison Bailey placed first in the 100 for Pembroke, beating Palmer and Maizie Thurber-Wells of MV. Bailey also took first in the 200.
Sean Sullivan is also chasing a personal record, one that stands as a school record at Bishop Brady in discus.
That mark of 129 feet, 11 inches was set at last year’s Meet of Champions and earned Sullivan a state title. The closest he has come since then is 127 feet. On Thursday, he threw the discus 126 feet, second to Goffstown’s Oliver Gunski who hurled it 141 feet, 3½ inches.
Sullivan, who will compete in track and field at the University of New Haven next year, is hoping to break 140 feet before he graduates. That would be a nice number to arrive on campus with.
“I’ve been in the weight room pretty much every day trying to build up strength,” he said after making his final throw on Thursday. “I’m definitely stronger than I was last year, I know that. … I just have to touch up the little parts and just get my spin faster.”
Sullivan’s throwing coach, Diane Morey, agreed the senior has increased his strength over the year. Once he perfects the form, Morey thinks he’ll shatter the school’s record.
“When we have good throws it’s because he’s hitting things in form, but he can’t seem to put together all the little pieces in one throw,” Morey said. “When he does, he’s easily going to get a new school record. It’s just a matter of time.”
All four of Brady’s seniors plan to compete in college, Morey said, including Sullivan, Chase Draus, Nick Jope and Josh Carrier.
MV took the top three spots in the javelin, led by Nick Bartlett, Teigan Friedrich and Cody Rollins.
In addition to winning the discus, Gunski also took first in the shot, followed by Sullivan and Draus.
MV placed two athletes in the top three for the triple jump with Herman Nixon and Cody Rollins placing behind Goffstown’s Brandon St. Onge.
St. Onge also led the long jump, followed by MV’s Camden Donovan and Christian Oglesby. Donovan went on to take first in the high jump with a best mark of 6 feet.
On the track, MV nearly swept the sprint events. Joey Baylus took first in the 100, Brandon Wood topped the 200, Isaiah Shedd took the 800, Matthew Lyle won the 1,600 and David Reynolds won the 3,200. St. Onge led the 400 for Goffstown, followed by four MV runners to round out the top five. Wood also won the 110 and 300 hurdle events.
The Pride swept both relays. John Barger, Friedrich, David Quinn and Christian Oglesby shared legs of the 4×100. Baylus, Nixon, Dylan Lezzard and Dylan Guinard won the 4×400 for MV.
(Nick Stoico can be reached at 369-3339, nstoico@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @NickStoico.)
Laconia at Moultonborough
Key players: Laconia – Ben Beliveau (1st shot put, 1st discus), Nate Allen (1st javelin, 2nd discus), Tim King (1st triple jump), Thomas Bastis (1st long jump), Dakota Cross (1st 110 hurdles), Frank Heckler (2nd 100, 2nd 200), Noah Mousseau (2nd 3,200, 2nd 110 hurdles, 2nd 300 hurdles, 2nd triple jump), 4×100 (1st); Concord Christian – Nick Vacco (5th shot put, 5th discus, 9th javelin)
Highlights/key moments: The Sachems competed in a non-scoring meet at Moultonborough against Concord Christian and Woodsville.
Laconia at Moultonborough
Key players: Laconia – Avy Bartlett (1st 100, 1st high jump, 1st long jump, 2nd 200), Victoria Dean (1st 400, 2nd 100, 4th 200), Rylie Treat (1st shot put, 2nd discus), 4×400 (1st)
Highlights/key moments: Concord Christian’s Louisa Wang chipped in a sixth-place finish in the shot put.
Bow 3, Sanborn 2
Key players: Bow – Brendan Winch (7 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 K, 1 ER), Conner Lorenz (2-for-4), Austin Beaudette (2-for-4), Jack Corriveau (1-for-3, HBP)
Highlights/key moments: Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Blandini hit a leadoff single and scored on a wild pitch. Lorenz brought home Corriveau with a walkoff single.
Records: Bow 5-4; Sanborn 6-5
John Stark 8, Laconia 2
Key players: John Stark – Ben Stogner (6 IP, 2 R), Rian Queen (2-for-3, double, 3 RBI), Noah Greene (2 hits), Adam Tower (2 hits), Jeremy Aubin (2 hits), Brett Patnode (2 hits); Laconia – Carter Doherty (double, 2 RBI), Jake Nelson (double)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals scored all of their runs in the first two innings.
Coach’s quote: “I was really proud of Ben today making his first career start. With all of the games we needed to play this week, he stepped up big for us today. Our bats really came out and it was nice to see us hit from top to bottom (of the lineup).” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: John Stark 6-3; Laconia 1-8
Belmont 4, Gilford 0
Key players: Belmont – Corey Desrosier (7 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K; 2-for-4, RBI, run), Kyle Minery (2-for-4), Jonny Leclair (1-for-3, run); Gilford – Tyler Sargent (6 IP, 7 K, 6 H, 2 BB)
Highlights/key moments: Desrosier singled home Leclair in the seventh inning for the game-winning run.
Records: Belmont 8-2; Gilford 6-5
Bishop Brady 11, H-D 0
Key players: Bishop Brady – Chase Buckman, (7 IP, 6 K, 3 H; 3 H), Max Lamora (3 hits, 2 RBI, 2 runs), Mario Fusco (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments: The Giants took the lead in the first inning and rode Buckman’s complete-game shutout to victory.
Coach’s quote: “Chase gave us a great performance on the mound today and the bats finally came alive for a much needed win.” – Brady’s Skip Foy
Records: Brady 5-7; H-D 1-8
Conant 7, Franklin 0
Key players: Franklin – Riley Thurber (7 IP, 4 K)
Highlights/key moments: Conant batted around the order in the second inning, scoring four runs.
Coach’s quote: “Conant hit the ball right out of the gate and made some outstanding defensive plays to keep us off the scoreboard. This was a tough week for us having three games in a row against contending teams. I am confident that we will bounce back in a big way.” – Franklin’s David Joyce
Records: Conant 7-1; Franklin 4-6
Winnisquam 8, Raymond 5
Key players: Winnisquam – Hunter Tierney (7 IP, 5 K, 3 BB, 2 H), Blaise Ross (3 hits), Noah Smith (2 hits, 3 RBI), Mike Lowrey (2 hits), Brendon Vaughn (2 hits), Josh Shevlin (2 hits), Bryce Corey (2-run single)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears won back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Coach’s quote: “This was Hunter’s best game of the year. He was in control. We hit the ball well and played great defense.” – Winnisquam’s Fred Caruso
Records: Winnisquam 4-8; Raymond 7-4
Pittsfield 13, Epping 2, 6 inn.
Key players: Pittsfield – Devin Bedell (6 IP, 10 K, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB), Eli Johnson (2 hits), Casey Clark (2 hits), Jesse MacGlashing (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments:
Coach’s quote: “Very happy with our approach today. The boys played a smart game and the subs played great.” – Pittsfield’s Rob Stockman
Records: Pittsfield 10-3; Epping 3-7
Belmont 6, Gilford 1
Key players: Belmont – Julianna Estremera (2 H, 6 BB, 5 K; 2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Nicole Antonucci (3-for-4, 2 runs); Gilford – Jillian Lachapelle (triple, run)
Highlights/key moments: Estremera earned the victory in her first varsity start and the Raiders supported her with four runs in the fourth inning and two in the seventh. Makenzie Donovan turned a clutch double to get the Raiders get out of a jam in the fifth.
Coach’s quote: “Nice team win with some girls playing new positions. The girls have been playing well but haven’t had it all show up in the win column as much as it should.” – Belmont’s Bill Clary
Records: Belmont 7-3; Gilford 7-5
Bishop Brady 24, H-D 0
Key players: Brady – Jess Beeso (5 RBI, 4 hits), Cait Mallahan (4 hits, double, triple, 2 RBI), Lily Rivera (3 hits, 2 doubles, 5 RBI; 2 IP), Emily Santis (3 hits, double, 2 RBI), Abby Santis (4 RBI, 2 hits), Gwen Tupman (2 hits, 2 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Giants scored in every inning and batted around the order twice in the second inning alone to take a commanding 16-0 lead.
Coach’s quote: “A good solid win, now its back to work tomorrow and prepare for next week’s games.” – Brady’s Freddy Rivera
Records: Brady 10-1; H-D 6-4
Conant 8, Franklin 6, 8 inn.
Key players: Franklin – Hailey Haskins (2-for-4, 2 triples; 9 K), Hanna Hicks (6 put outs; RBI double)
Highlights/key moments: The Orioles forced extra innings after the Golden Tornadoes blew a 5-0 lead. Conant scored three runs in the top of the eighth.
Coach’s quote: “We had them on the ropes, 5-0, heading into the sixth but six errors in those last three innings just opened the flood gates. You can’t give good teams second chances and win many ball games.” – Franklin’s Skip DuBois
Records: Conant 7-1; Franklin 4-5
Winnisquam 6, Raymond 5, 10 inn.
Key players: Winnisquam – Meghan Harmon (3-for-5, solo HR), Ema Atherton (3-for-5, HR), Lauren Bolstridge (3-for-5)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears led all game until Raymond tied it, 5-5, to force extra innings. Harmon’s solo home run in the 10th was the difference.
Records: Winnisquam 7-4; Raymond 1-10
Hopkinton 3,
Portsmouth Christian 2
Key players: Hopkinton – Megan Blanchette (2-for-3, HR, RBI), Alexis Blanchette (2-for-3; 6 IP 2 R, 3 H), Porter Tomsick (fielding), Alexis Ferns (1-for-2, run, double)
Highlights/key moments: Megan Blanchette’s home run in the fifth was almost the difference-maker but the Eagles came back with a two-out, two-run single in the sixth. Alexis Blanchette threw out a runner at home to preserve the win.
Coach’s quote: “These last games have been about focus. When we bear down like we did today, we can be a pretty good team.” – Hopkinton’s Dan Meserve
Records: Hopkinton 9-2; Portsmouth Christian 6-3
Laconia 13, Derryfield 12
Key players: Laconia – Becca Howe (5 goals, 2 assists), Megan Gaspa (4 goals), Abby Crowell (3 goals, 2 assists), Hannah Dow (goal)
Highlights/key moments: Derryfield was the last undefeated team in Division III before Thursday’s contest with Laconia. The Sachems have won five of their last six games and face winless Campbell on Friday.
Records: Laconia 8-2; Derryfield 9-1
Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough 7,
Campbell 6, OT
Key players: I-L/M – Angelica Lara (14 saves), Margaux Dickinson (4 goals, won 10 of 13 draws)
Highlights/key moments: Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough won its second game of the season on Tuesday.
Records: I-L/M 2-5; Campbell 0-6
Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough 13,
Lebanon 12, 2OT
Key players: I-L/M – Reagan Buhrman (4 goals), Taylor Ambrose (3 goals), Taylor Colby (3 goals)
Highlights/key moments: Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough won a double-overtime thriller on Wednesday.
Records: I-L/M 3-5; Lebanon 1-6
Bishop Brady 6, Londonderry 3
Key players: Brady – Sydney Herrington (8-0 win at No. 1), Rachel Achong (8-1 win at No. 3), Addie Dinsmoor (8-4 win at No. 5), Manu Komma (8-6 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: Komma came back from a 5-2 deficit in singles to win her match and give the Giants a 4-2 lead after singles. Herrington and Ravalika Damerla won, 8-1, at No. 1 doubles and Achong and Komma won, 8-4, at No. 2.
Coach’s quote: “We received important contributions lower in the line up in both singles and doubles, including Rachel Achong and Manu Komma winning at No. 2 doubles.” – Brady’s Lee Herrington
Records: Bishop Brady 3-7; Londonderry 2-9
Manchester West 9, Pembroke 0
Key players: Pembroke – Kaitlyn Thompson
Highlights/key moments: Thompson ran into some tough opponents, but fought hard in an 8-3 singles loss.
Coach’s quote: “West has a strong team and they are tough to beat.” – Pembroke’s David Goulet
Records: West 6-4; Pembroke 0-8
Bow 7, Sanborn 2
Key players: Bow – Claire Mulvaney (8-5 win at No. 2), Isabella Urbina (8-1 win at No. 3), Gwen Molind (8-5 win at No. 4), Lara Chern (8-2 win at No. 5), Miah Munro (8-2 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons clinched the victory in singles play and added wins by Molind and Urbina (8-1) at No. 2 doubles and Mulvaney and Isabelle Dolcino (8-1) at No. 3
Records: Bow 11-0; Sanborn 5-4
Conant 6, Kearsarge 3
Key players: Kearsarge – Kaitlyn Penrose (8-3 win at No. 5), Som Sapharee (8-5 win at No. 6), Penrose and Ellie Mellot (9-8 win at No. 3 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars fell to the Orioles for the second time this season.
Coach’s quote: “Well-played tennis today by all.” – Kearsarge’s Laura Joslin-King
Records: Conant 5-4; Kearsarge 2-9
Gilford 9, White Mountains 0
Gilford 6, Inter-Lakes 3
Key players: Gilford – Regan McIntire (2 wins at No. 1), Josey Curley (2 wins at No. 3), Hannah Lord (2 wins at No. 5)
Highlights/key moments: The Golden Eagles won consecutive matches for the first time this season.
Coach’s quote: “Tied after singles (against Inter-Lakes), we came back strong in doubles and were able to pull up to .500. Very proud of the girls after not winning a match last year. We are in ninth place and one place shy of making the playoffs. You never know, maybe we can sneak in there.” – Gilford’s Hermann Defregger
Records: Gilford 6-6
John Stark 3, Keene 0
Key players: John Stark – Joseph Simeone (outside hitting), Robbie Yelle (middle blocking), Robbie Yelle (middle blocking), Noah Payeur (defense), Griffin Caswell (setting), Robert Blouin (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals took advantage of some Keene miscues early on and won the first set, 25-19. The Generals fell behind early in the second set, but came back to win, 25-19, and closed out the match with a 25-23 win in the third set.
Coach’s quote: “I’m very impressed with how our middle blockers Yelle and Payeur were able to adjust to Keene’s strong side hitting. This put us in a position where we could transition defense into strong offense. This was a good way to help us confirm that we’re on the right track as we enter the final phase of the season.” – John Stark’s Dave Simeone
Records: John Stark 4-7; Keene 2-6