Boys Tennis
It seemed as though the Manchester Essex boys tennis team had their work cut out for them yesterday, going up against a very good Swampscott team in a non-league match.
But the Hornets made things look incredibly easy with a dominant 5-0 win. Just the day before, Manchester Essex blanked 11-3 North Reading by that same score.
At 11-2, the Hornets seem to be clicking with the state tournament approaching.
"We played some really great tennis," said Manchester Essex head coach Rob Bilsbury. "We knew that Swampscott would be a great match and it was a great tune-up for the state tourney."
Ravy Uong won in No. 1 singles (6-1, 6-0), Sam Cohen took No. 2 singles (6-2, 6-0) and Leo Daley won in No. 3 singles (6-0, 6-4). Erik Ferm and Peter Gudonis defeated Swampscott's terrific No. 1 doubles team (6-1, 7-5), while Willie Baun and Eric Kimball took No. 2 doubles (6-3, 7-6).
BASEBALL
Gloucester 12, Saugus 2 (Wednesday night)
The Fishermen (9-6) stayed hot on Wednesday night, rolling to their sixth straight win. Junior Taylor Burbine picked up his fourth win of the season, going six innings and striking out nine. Ryan Cusick and Andrew Fulford each hit a home run. Gloucester can clinch a postseason spot tonight with a win against Marblehead.
Pope John 10, Manchester Essex 6
The Hornets slipped to 1-14 despite strong offensive showings from Ian Graham (2 for 4, two RBIs), Ben Kekeisen (1 for 4, two RBIs) and Alex Ray (3 for 4, RBI).
SOFTBALL
Rockport 4, Georgetown 1
Tia Nelson has become a walking no-hitter, as the junior threw her second straight yesterday, and third of the season, to lead the Vikings (6-9) to a much-needed victory. Nelson struck out 12 in the process and also added an RBI double and RBI triple at the plate. Laura Donnelly added an RBI single for the Vikings, who need to win-out to make the state tournament.
Marblehead 5, Manchester Essex 2
Marblehead scored four runs in the second, but the Hornets (5-11) hung in there for the rest of the contest. Rebecca Lynch had three hits to pace the offense, while freshman catcher Laurel Edington played well defensively. Lindsey Cambridge pitched the distance, striking out seven.
BOYS LACROSSE
Georgetown 17, Manchester Essex 8
Jim Finn had a hat trick and Cam Doane and Will Doucette added two goals each, but the Hornets fell to the rival Royals. Trevor Morrero also tallied a goal and Tim Corsetti played well defensively for Manchester Essex (2-9).
GIRLS LACROSSE
Manchester Essex 22, Ipswich 16
The Hornets exploded offensively to get above .500 at 6-5 on the season. Simone Bodmer-Turner scored six goals and Haley Irwin added five to pace Manchester Essex. Molly Osborne registered a hat trick and freshman Lizzy Ball played well defensively.
