BASEBALL

Cal Ripken

Nashua Northwest celebrates Opening Day

Nashua Northwest Cal Ripken baseball held its opening day festivities May 1. The day began with team pictures and players parading to Jackson Field for the ceremony.

The league honored one of their popular coaches, Maj. Andy Belanger, by presenting his team with Nashua Northwest hats featuring the stars and stripes. Maj. Belanger is an Air Force pilot who was recently deployed to Afghanistan.

The first pitch of the season was thrown by 2010 Nashua Northwest League MVP Ricky Constant and caught by Jeremiah Latham. At the conclusion of the ceremony the season began with the Major Braves taking on the Major Orioles in a thrilling game won in extra innings by the Braves.

Majors: North Diamondbacks 21, NW Orioles 10

The Orioles began in strong fashion scoring seven runs in the first inning. However, the Diamondbacks responded with seven of their own and the slugfest was on. The Orioles were led on offense by Cam Nixon (2 for 3, double). Tyler McCallum had a single and double as well. Defensively, the Orioles saw Will Rommell make some nice scoops at first base. David Erickson made a nice run-saving catch in right field.

Majors: NW Royals 7, North Red Sox 4

The Royals jumped out with five runs in the first inning and their pitching held the Red Sox to just four hits as the Royals collected their first win of the season. Mike Muchemore, Jack Hyland, Alex Richard, Noah Valdez, Skye Boykins, Kevin O’Brien and Patrick Carr all with singles for the Royals.

Majors: West Diamondbacks 4, West Braves 3

In the season opener for both teams, the Diamondbacks rallied for a 4-3 win over the Braves. Dylan Gamache was the winning pitcher, striking out 10 batters and scattering four hits and one walk. Larry Lassiter took the loss despite taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Lassiter gave up one hit on the day, striking out 11. Shawn Boudreau had three hits and 2 RBIs for the Braves, while Cyrus Forcier scored a pair of runs and Rocco Restalli had the other hit for the Braves.

West Braves 10, NW Braves 0

The West Braves recorded their first win of the season with a shutout over the Northwest Braves. Tim Brown and Mike Pelletier teamed up for the shutout on the mound, combining for five strikeouts and only allowing two hits. Cyrus Forcier, Gavin Pelletier and Shawn Boudreau had two hits apiece. Mike Pelletier also drove in three runs with a double. Gaven Forcier and Nick Quirion both got their first major league hits. Both teams’ center fielders contributed on defense, with the West’s Steve Lambert hustling to run down a ball at the fence and throwing out a runner attempting to score and the Northwest’s Joe Berman making a diving catch to prevent an extra-base hit.

LACROSSE

U11 girls: Laconia 4, Nashua Blast 0

The Nashua Blast Girls U11 braved the elements Saturday morning (4/23) at Laconia. With temperatures in the low 30’s and snow and sleet bearing down on them, the girls gave it their all in a game called at the half by officials due to rapidly deteriorating weather and field conditions.

Kelsie Leith, Caroline Sweet, Julia Gagnon, Emma Pucillo, Molly Caron, Britney Pearson, Kirsten McIntire and Hannah Fortin applied the pressure down in the offensive end, but just couldn’t finish off their great passes with a goal.

Defensively Abby Rowe, Allison Hartshorn, Payson Mooso, Kirsten Rourke, Julia Sullivan, Zoe Fillebrown and Campbell Haller were able to keep warm with all the pressure that Laconia put on them. Newcomer Kaylie Keegan made a valiant effort in the cage for Nashua.

Despite their hard fought efforts, the Blast couldn’t muster a comeback and the game was called at the half 4-0 in favor of Laconia.

U11 girls: Windham 6, Nashua Blast 5

The Nashua Blast dropped a 6-5 decision to Windham at Stellos Stadium. Doing an outstanding job minding the nets for the purple were Kirsten McIntyre in the first half followed by Julia Gagnon to close it out. Face-off duties for the day were split among Emma Pucillo, Kelsie Leith, Kirsten McIntire and Calley Goulet.

Pulling duty for both offense and defense throughout the day where Hannah Fortin, Kirsten McIntire, Kirsten Rourke, Zoe Fillebrown, Julia Gagnon, Izabella Bolduc, Payson Mooso, Alison Hartshorn and Emma Pucillo. They combined with Kaylie Keegan and Julia Sullivan on defense to keep Windham at bay and keep the game close.

Offensively, the Blast was first on the scoreboard with a goal by Zoe Fillebrown (two assists) early in the first half. Julie Gagnon followed up with another Blast goal shortly before the 8-minute mark. Showing tremendous hustle and assertiveness, the offense was humming all day with great efforts by Campbell Haller (assist), Molly Caron, Bailey Morin, Calley Goulet, Kelsie Leith, Alyssa DeCarteret, Abby Rowe (2 assists), Caroline Sweet, Alexis Trudel, and Kirsten Rourke.

Rourke led the Blast offense with a hat trick in the second half.

U13 girls: Laconia 10, Nashua Blast 6

In the snow and cold the Nashua Blast came up short against Laconia. Gabby Masseur and Grace Tamposi both scored for Nashua. Delia Blondeau and Alena Materson stood out defensively for Nashua.

U13 boys: Nashua Blast C 3, Bedford C 2

The Nashua Blast U13C boys won their season opener against a strong Bedford squad. Connor Prangley led the Blast offense netting two goals, including the game-winner which broke a 2-2 tie, on an assist from Matt Lambalot.

Cyrus Forcier chipped in with the other Blast goal. The defense thwarted many scoring threats late in the game to preserve the lead. James Petz played a strong game in goal with 11 saves. Defensemen Tyler Joles, Jacob Holmes, Nikki Cheung, Lucas Daigle and Ian Read all contributed. Attackmen Will Haller, Alex Anastas, Zach Link and Matt Bodi helped Nashua maintain persistent offensive pressure throughout the game.

U13 boys: Nashua Blast C 5, Hollis C 3

The Nashua Blast U13C boys improved their record to 2-0 with a 5-3 victory over Hollis. Connor Prangley and Matt Lambalot led the offense with two goals each, controlling much of the play from their midfield positions. Cyrus Forcier also added a goal. Jared Zeichick, Andrew Lacroix, Nick Herbert and Simon Morrier all helped Nashua control the play and generate multiple turnovers. Defensemen Nikki Cheung, Lucas Daigle and Tyler Joles helped keep Hollis from getting clean shots at the Nashua goal. Goalies James Petz and Nick Page had strong showings in goal.

SOCCER

U9 boys: Nashua World Cup 3, Express SC 1

The NWC BU9 squad defeated Express SC out of Concord 3-1 at Lincoln Park. Michael Poublon led NWC with two goals. Lucca Soares also added a goal in the effort. The midfield was contolled throughout the game by Brogan Gibbon. Trevor Stewart and Jordan Robichaud excelled in goal, and kept the Express SC attack at bay.

U9 boys: NWC 9, Hollis/Brookline 1

Lucca Soares scored three goals in the second half, while Patrick Hyde, Cameron Mills and Jordan Robichaud also chipped in with a goal and assist each in the win. Goals were also added by Thomas Ackerley, Jacob Magni and Joey Stone.

U10 girls: NWC 4, Hooksett 1

The Nashua World Cup girls beat the Hooksett Select 4-1. Erin Jussume scored two goals to lead the way for Nashua, while Kendall Bush and Arianna Motivala scored one each. Olivia Hilger and Katie Carr recorded assists for Nashua. Elizabeth Bonnette stood tall all game for the win in net.

SWIMMING

BGCGN’s Conceicao, Huangare National Champions

In one of the most amazing performances in team history, the Boys and Girls of Greater Nashua swim team had two of its 20 member national squad crowned national champions at the 22nd annual Finis Boys and Girls Club National Championships in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The 20-member squad combined with swimmers from the Woburn, South Boston, Blue Hills, Charlestown, Watertown,and Taunton Boys and Girls Clubs to form Team New England , representing swimmers from the Northeast New England Area Program Council League. The team of 83 managed to swim to a second place overall in the 15 team event, scoring 3,457 points, with Nashua capturing 1,003 individual points tallied.

Swimming her way to a National Championship was Alexandra Conceicao. Conceicao was the meet’s 10 & U girls champion in the 100 yard backstroke ( 1:18.53). Joining forces with Conceicao was teammate Connor Huang . Huang took home the gold in the Boy’s 12 and under 100 yard freestyle stopping the clock at (59.61) just edging out ABBE swimmer Matthew Salazar (59.82). Huang set a new team record in event that will probably stand for quite some time.

In addition to the spectacular performances, Huang finished as a top three finisher in the 12 & U boy’s overall competition standings. Taking third place overall with 125 points, finishing in the top five in seven of eight events swam – second 50 breast (34.82), third 50 free (27.79), 100 breast (1:16.75) fourth 200 Individual medley (2:35.07),100 Individual medley (1:11.93) fifth 200 free (2:14.24) seventh 500 free (6:24.16). In total Huang captured medals in all eight of his events.

Meanwhile Conceicao took sixth place in the overall scoring with 111 points. She placed in the top eight in seven of her eight events, Taking second in the 100 breast (132.92), third 50 breast (42.28), fourth 50 back (37.20), seventh 50 free (33.16), eighth 100 individual medley (126.53), 500 free (7:22.66) and ninth 200 individual medley (302:74) Her performance earned Conceicao seven individual medals.

Joining Alexandra was her older brother Brandon who became the first swimmer in team history to finish in the top three in scoring in the 14 and under age group with 124 points.

Conceicao finished in the top five in all eight races and also set eight new team records for his age group. Capturing second in the 200 free (1:58.16), 200 back (2:11.80), third 100 free (53.23), 100 fly (59.57), fourth 400 individual medley (4:52.10), 500 free (5:32.70), fifth 50 free (24.90), and 100 back (1:01.57).

The Nashua team turned in many outstanding performances during the three day meet, while turning in 148 personal best times in 255 swims. The Nashua team took off a total time of 9 minutes and 51 seconds throughout the three day meet. The efforts were well rewarded with Nashua capturing 56 individual medals and 47 ribbons, with awards presented to the top 16 finishers.

Amongst the teams best personal performances was the trio of Matt Falcone, Matt Li & Connor Mullaly. The three swam to 39 of 40 personal best swims. Mullally with a sixth in the 12 & U boys with 96 points. Mullaly finished in the top 10 in seven of eight races. Fourth 100 fly (1:17.81), 50 fly (32.85), fifth 100 breast (1:19.55), 50 breast (35.71), sixth 100 individual medley (1:14.27), seventh 200 individual medley (2:38.63) tenth 100 back (1:16.08) and eleventh 500 Free (6:38.12). While teammate Matt Li went a perfect 13/13 in personal best races finishing in the top 16 in all races swum. Matt took off an astounding 33 seconds off his 500 free (5:57.33) and 13 seconds off his 200 breast (2:40.17). Senior Matt Falcone also finished top 16 in all his races. Managing to shave 10 seconds off in four of seven, 400 individual medley (5:14.91), 200 free (2:11.48), 200 fly (2:36.95), 200 breast (2:41.12).

Swimmers finishing in the top eight and therefore also gathering medals included 12 & U’s Mikayla Sintiris fifth 50 fly (31.41) ,100 breast (1:22.88), sixth 50 breast (39.36), eighth 200 free (2:17.16) while teammate Maria Rochon finished fifth in the 100 back (1:11.80). 14 & U’s Julia Masterson sixth 100 back (1:07.32), seventh (2:25.77); Jerry Gu finished top 16 in all races swum totaling 78 points for the 14 & U boys second 100 breast (106.54), third 200 breast (2:29.65), seventh 200 back (2:24.33), eighth (1:05.08); Senior Meaghan Turcotte finished with 96 total points topping the highest point total for a senior girl in team history on her way to a third place finish in the 1650 free (20:30.78), fourth 200 breast (2:49.23) sixth 400 individual medley (5:11.49), 100 breast (1:19.06), seventh 200 Individual Medley (2:29.04), eighth 500 free (5:50.89), 100 free (1:01.19) ; Carol Gu fourth 100 breast (1:15.02), seventh 100 back (1:09.06); Andi Huang 50 free sixth (27.50); Christina Stewart sixth (1:16.86).

Other top performances in the meet were turned in by Louise Wu 200 breast (3:16.08) Tim Brinkman 500 free (5:50.59), 200 free(2:06.48), 200 individual medley (2:24.31), 100 fly (1:04.23); Danna Buppahaves 200 free (2:21.81), 200 breast (2:42.23),100 fly (1:05.03); Chris Gersh 500 free (6:29.49); Henry Jiang 100 breast (1:21.19), 100 back (1:09.93), 100 fly (1:08.93); Dylan Ricker 500 free ( 6:11.50),200 back (2:31.88), 100 fly (1:07.51).

TRYOUTS

Soccer

Cardinals FC U11 boys

A new U11 boys travel soccer team is being formed in southern New Hampshire. The team will be trained and coached by former D.C. United and New England Revolution player Jeff Causey (USSF “B” License).

Players (and their families) seeking a higher level of skills development, team training and competition can tryout for the team June 4-5. For information about the team and tryouts, e-mail cardinalsfc@gmail.com or visit www.cardinalsfc.com.