Street hockey

Nashua Catholic wins battle of PAL unbeatens

In middle school street hockey action last week at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua’s outdoor rink, the undefeated squads from Nashua Catholic Junior High and Fairgrounds Middle School squared off to determine first place in the Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) Middle School Street Hockey League. Co-sponosred by Nashua PAL, BGCGN and the 21st Century Foundation, the league features teams, coached by Nashua Police Officers, from each of the Gate City’s public and Catholic middle schools.

Nashua Catholic, coached by retired Officer Mike Soucy, improved to 3-0 with a 14-2 win over Fairgrounds, which falls to 2-1. Evan Wendt, Mike Harvey and Keenan Dwyer led the NC scoring effort, while Dwyer amd Bennett Parkinson shared goalkeeping duties. Fairgrounds goalies Trevor Froburg and John Whalen were kept busy all day, while Michael Noke scored two goals for the Falcons. Patrolman Josh Santiago of the PAL Youth Safe Haven coached the Fairgrounds team.

In the other game last week, Elm St. Middle School (1-2), coached by Officer Kyle Crosson, earned its first win of the season over cross-town rival Pennichuck Middle School. Josh Barron handled the Elm St. netminding duties, while Shad Lacombe led the scoring. Adam Gagnon scored for Pennichuck as Nick Bergeron was in goal. Officer Tim Orrico and PMS faculty member Kala Greer coached the Raider squad.

The Nashua Catholic roster consists of Cam Hult, Blake Karakas, Max Seera, Bennett Parkinson, Connor King, Nick Gould, Regan Sedler, Evan Wendt, Mike Harvey and Keenan Dwyer. Fairgrounds roster includes Michael Noke, Anthony Godfroy, Dawson Fortier, Amanda Berry, Catherine Favorite, John Whalen, Matt Lamarche, Kyle Ellis, Trevor Froburg, Colin Lambert, Brian Connolly, Tyler Crocco and Hunter O’Neil. The Elm Street roster is comprised of Josh Barron, Bryan Garcia, Shad Lacombe, Preston Mary, Michael Dalleva, Derek Chiavelli and Mitch Williams. Playing for Pennichuck were Noah Jenkins, Alyssa Beninati, Minal Morcos, Adam Gagnon, Felicia Robinson, Nick Bergeron, Evan Soucy and Cody Lopez.

basketball

AAU

Flames repeat as state champions

The New Hampshire Flames sixth grade girls AAU basketball team won the state championship for the second year in a row on May 13. The girls beat the New England Crusaders 24-22 at the Derry Sportszone.

Suga Spearman was the lead scorer with 10 points. She was 2 for 2 from the line and 4 for 7 from the field. Other point contributors were Nicole Haney with seven points, Courtney Schaub with three points, Mercedes Greeley with two points and Sabrina Johnson with two points. The entire team contributed towards a dominating effort in steals and rebounds and maintained the lead throughout the game.

Eight of the 10 players are returning members from last year’s New Hampshire championship team, while two new players – Danielle Sirois and Mercedes Greeley – have been solid additions.

The Flames roster includes Sabrina Johnson, Nicole Haney, Mikala Downing, Johanna Balsamo, Courtney Schaub, Danielle Sirois, Gabi Sott, Mercedes Greeley, Suga Spearman and Abby Yuan. The girls are coached by head coach Bob Johnson and assistant coach Dave Schaub.

The Flames will be heading to the Junior Nationals in Hershey Park, Pa., this summer for more competition in their age group and hopefully more wins. Last year they traveled to Virginia Beach, Va., for the Girls AAU Nationals.

MYA Board of Directors elections set for June 18

The Merrimack Youth Association basketball program will be having elections for positions on the Board of Directors on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the MYA building.

Positions are held for one year and run from July to June. Any member of the MYA is eligible to vote.

soccer

World Cup

Nashua U16 girls 2nd at Memorial Day Tourney

The Nashua World Cup girls U16 team coached by Tony Estrada finished second in the Memorial Day Tournament in Amherst. The team went undefeated in group play to qualify first for the final match, but lost 2-0 in the final to a very strong team from New York.

Game scores were 2-1 against Ocean State SC of Rhode Island (goals by Alexi Stone and Vanessa Monzon), 2-1 vs. N.N.Y. Academy (goals Nicole Collette and Marie Morrier), and 2-2 vs. Vermont Summit Premier (goals by Marie Morrier and Lauren Ostrowski).

The team takes on Timberlane in the final game of regular season, then travels to Suffield, Conn., for an end of season tournament.

Baseball

Nashua Little League

MAJORS

Royals 22, Cardinals 8

The Royals had the bats going in this one, jumping out to a 10-run lead in the first inning. They pounded out 14 hits as a team and scored 22 runs, Jake Smith was a double short of hitting for the cycle while Jimmy Fields, Evan Baldasaro and Noah Gonzalez each had multi-hit games.

Matt Eskenas was 2 for 2 for the Cardinals, scoring both times, Evan Soucy was also 2 for 2 while Aiden Van Batenburg scored twice after drawing a pair of walks. Robbie Long was 2 for 2 and also scored on both ocassions. Chris Markunas made great contact with a fly ball and a solid single. Long and Angelo Soto both pitched, and threw plenty of strikes, but the Royals’ bats were just too hot.

Twins 4, Athletics 3

The Twins got key hits in the sixth inning by Peter Dyszczyk (2 for 3), Vinny Priore (3 for 3) and Chris Perez (1 for 2) to break a 3-3 tie. Adam Fenlason and Priore struck out five apiece, and Dyszczyk struck out 6. Adam Gagnon went 1 for 1 with an RBI.

Yandel Mateo and Adam LaBarge pitched well for the Athletics, combining for 13 strikeouts while holding the Twins to four runs. Mateo, Collin Dexter and Alex White scored runs while Trey LeGraw and Adam LaBarge chipped in with hits.

Cardinals 3, Athletics 2

Cardinals pitcher Aiden Van Batenburg threw four solid innings. Making great defensive plays were first baseman Robbie Long and shortstop Angelo Soto, including a bare-handed stop with a perfect throw to first. Bryce Eckenrode came in relief in the fifth inning and fired five strikeouts to end the game. Matt Eskenas hit a single in the first inning and stole home for the first run of the game. The game winning run was scored by Chris Markunas after a walk and stealing second. Batenburg hit a double for the winning RBI.

Yandell Mateo struck out 16 for the Athletics while giving up just one hit. Ben Sitar and Collin Dexter each had RBI singles. The A’s loaded the bases twice but couldn’t push across enough runs to beat the Cardinals in a hard fought battle. Kevin Collins played well behind the plate and Peyton Adams came up from the minors to play well at second base, while reaching base twice in his three at-bats.

Orioles 5, Twins 2

The Twins bats were quiet most of the night, their only hits coming off the bat of from Peter Dyszczyk (2 for 2).

Royals 4, Red Sox 2

This game was a pitcher’s duel, Red Sox had a no-hitter going until the fifth inning and held a 2-0 lead going into the sixth. The Royals were down to their last out when Nathan Bulluck drew the two-out walk. Luke Sanford followed with a single to left. After another walk, Jake Smith doubled in a pair runs to tie the game. Hunter Routhier put the Royals ahead for good with another double to score two more runs. Both teams played great defense. Alex Meesig was called up to play for the Royals and made an outstanding defensive play at second base.

MINORS

Giants 10, Mariners 0

The Giants offense kept rolling with hits from Zack Berthiaume, Sean Hagberg, Jaiden Dupont, Sean Cassidy and Spencer Labrecque. Alex Meesig kept the Mariners bats quiet with five hitless innings pitched with one walk and 12 strikeouts. Ian Hagberg had an awesome put-out from rightfield to first base, and Josh Taylor also made a nice play in the field. Game ball honors went to Ian Hagberg for his defense in right.

Mets 10, White Sox 9

Kyle Gauthier struck out eight for the win. The Mets offensive attack was led by Graison Connors (two hits, RBI), Zach Gauthier (single, RBI, two walks, three runs), Sean Austin (hit, RBI) and Efrian Beltran. Beltran picked up the save after taking the mound in the final inning of play.

Phillies 10, Padres 0

Alex Ortiz pitched a complete game allowing only one hit and striking out 11 batters.

At the plate, Adam Gosselin singled, doubled and drove in three runs. Grace Wang also reached base and scored her first run of the season for the Phillies.

Padres 12, Mets 4

The Padres bounced back from tough loss and got the bats going. Jaden Murphy and Jake Lord took home game balls. Murphy had four RBIs while Lord hit a monster double to leftfield. Great pitching from Jack O’Malley (three IP, eight K’s) while Peyton Adams pitched the final three innings and struck out eight of his own. Also playing well were Damien Gannon, Ian Kurek, Steve Smith, Oscar Trujillo, Mike Cawthron and Kieran Davey.

Brewers 9, Mariners 6

The offense was led by Brandon Metivier with two hits, including a double and two runs scored, while Damien Peterson added a long double and Caleb Plourde and Cody Barton added singles to pace the Mariners attack. Both teams had five hits, but the difference was the Brewers drawing 13 walks off Mariners pitching.

Rays 8, Giants 5

The Rays had aggressive base running, clutch hitting, sharp defensive plays and solid pitching to propel them to an 8-5 victory over the first-place Giants. The Rays took the lead with a two-run inside-the-park home run from Brigitte Keavey in the fourth. Hits by Jose’ Berrios and Aaron Roberge, followed by a sacrifice ground ball from Lexi Roberge put the Rays out in front. Sharp defense from Roberge at short and Colin Keavey behind the plate gave the Giants limited opportunities to score much needed runs.

Phillies 15, White Sox 5

Cody Cargill tripled and hit an inside-the-park homerun to lead a big day at the plate for the Phillies. Alex Ortiz had two hits and four RBIs while Colin Touhey and Nick Rioux each had one.

Colby Klein pitched four innings, striking out eight and only walking two for the win, while Adam Gosselin closed it with two strikeouts.

gymnastics

NSG Prep-Op solid at states

The Prep-Optional teams from Nashua School of Gymnastics competed May 19 and 20 at New Hampshire Prep-Optional States. At the meet, hosted by Gymnastics at Brentwood Commons in Brentwood, the NSG Rookies placed fifth, Intermediate placed seventh and Advanced placed fourth. Several of the gymnasts were state champions in all-around and individual events.

Rookie

Child 9 Age Division

Elana Finklestien had an all-around score of 37.125 (1st). She scored 9.45 (1st) on vault, 9.225 (3rd) on bars, 9.25 (2nd) on beam and 9.20 (9thT) on floor.

Child 10 Age Division

Coryn Flavin had an all-around score of 36.80 (4th). She scored 9.20 (12th) on vault, 9.05 (5th) on bars, 9.225 (8th) on beam and 9.325 (7th) on floor.

Kaelyn Gagnon had an all-around score of 36.35 (9th). She scored 8.85 on vault, 9.15 (2ndT) on bars, 9.25 (T-6th) on beam and 9.10 on floor.

Junior 11-12 Age Division

Kendra Faxon had an all-around score of 36.15 (7th). She scored 9.325 (4th) on vault, 8.75 (7th) on bars, 9.075 (5th) on beam and 9.00 on floor.

Senior 13+ Age Division

Rishita Sanikommu had an all-around score of 36.65 (2nd). She scored 9.25 (T-3rd) on vault, 9.00 (3rd) on bars, 9.125 (2nd) on beam and 9.275 (1st) on floor.

Novice

Child 10 Age Division

Ashleigh Cox had an all-around score of 36.225 (5th). She scored 8.65 (7th) on vault, 9.275 (3rd) on bars, 9.20 (4th) on beam and 9.10 (T-6th) on floor.

Lauren Balukonis had an all-around score of 35.175 (9th). She scored 8.625 (8th) on vault, 9.20 (T-5th) on bars, 8.55 on beam and 8.80 on floor.

Intermediate

Junior 12 Age Division

Samantha Freiter had an all-around score of 34.775 (7th). She scored 8.95 (5th) on vault, 8.20 on bars, 8.85 (6th) on beam and 8.775 (8th) on floor.

Olivia Christino had an all-around score of 33.675. She scored 8.00 on vault, 8.35 on bars, 8.70 (T-7th) on beam and 8.625 (10th) on floor.

Junior 13 Age Division

Julia Balukonis had an all-around score of 33.725. She scored 8.55 on vault, 8.75 (9th) on bars, 8.45 on beam and 7.975 on floor.

Jenna McCormack had an all-around score of 33.60. She scored 8.35 on vault, 7.90 on bars, 8.80 (8th) on beam and 8.55 (T-9th) on floor.

Amelia Andersen had an all-around score of 32.925. She scored 9.00 (3rd) on vault, 8.575 on bars, 7.00 on beam and 8.35 on floor.

Senior 14-15 Age Division

Lindsay Cooney scored 7.95 on vault and 8.55 (T-6th) on beam.

Senior 16+ Age Division

Shelby Kingsley had an all-around score of 32.40. She scored 8.95 (4th) on vault, 8.05 on bars, 7.30 on beam and 8.10 (5th) on floor.

Senior 15 Age Division

Deanna Poirier had an all-around score of 35.45 (4th). She scored 8.70 (2nd) on vault, 9.10 (2nd) on bars, 8.20 on beam and 9.45 (T-2nd) on floor.

Emily Durette had an all around score of 34.30. She scored 8.525 (4th) on vault, 8.725 on bars, 8.15 on beam and 8.90 on floor.

Senior 16+ Age Division

Elizabeth Allard had an all-around score of 35.175 (1st). She scored 8.425 (T-1st) on vault, 9.30 (1st) on bars, 8.25 (2nd) on beam and 9.20 (1st) on floor.

Hailey Boulia had an all-around score of 32.875 (3rd). She scored 8.00 on vault, 8.60 on bars (2nd) 7.40 on beam (3rd) and 8.875 (3rd) on floor.

Nashua Cal Ripken

NORTH

Red Sox 9, South Giants 8

The Red Sox were led by Cameron Lentz, going 3 for 3, including a key double in a five-run third inning, and had five RBIs. Lentz also contributed with an assist to throw out a runner trying to score from center field. James Bolton went the distance on the mound as a back-and-forth game went down to the final out,

The Red Sox got offensive contributions from Patrick Gillis (two hits), Matt Walls, CJ Barrett, Tyler Downing , Bolton Chase Nickerson, Tyler Gagnon and Logan Mathewson, Gillis also stood out defensively

Cubs 11, South Royals 1

The Cubs were led by Patrick McCarthy with three hits and three RBIs in a game that was shortened due to the run mercy rule. Offensively Connor Muise, Stephen Norris. Anthony Mele, Brandon Jamieson, Sam Power and Jacob Hughes all contributed, while Aiden Scales and Zach Lewis stood out defensively.

D’Backs 4, South Orioles 0

The D’Backs were led by pitchers Anthony Paquin and Will Brooks, who combined for a one-hit shut out with 12 strikeouts between them. Offensively Mason Dane had three hits, and Brooks reach base safely three times. Leadoff hitter Jack Gould got things started with a bunt single in the first and later scored on Dane’s hit. The score stayed at 1-0 until the fourth when Gavin Belesca scored to extend the lead. The D’Backs added two more in the bottom of the fifth. Rory Curran, Nick Tzannos, Jack Gould and Gavin Belesca all contributed defensively as they prevented Orioles from allowing a runner past second base,

Cubs 11, South Giants 1

The Cubs relied on a big third inning to win in a shortened game due to the run mercy rule. Patrick McCarthy led the way with his second home run of the year and went 3 for 3. Evan Holland came in relief in the first with the bases loaded and one run already in for the Giants, and ended the threat. Also contributing for the Cubs offensively was Aiden Scales, Connor Erickson, Brandon Jamieson, Anthony Mele, Sam Power, Tyler Griffin and Jacob Hughes.

D’Backs 10, South Royals 8

Mason Dane pitched six innings for the D’Backs, and contributed with three hits and four RBIs while striking out seven. Tony Gallinaro went 4 for 4 while scoring three runs. Jack Gould added three hits and scored three times while Will Brooks scored twice. The D’Backs scored two quick runs in the top of the first, but gave up one to the Royals in the bottom half, and two more in the third.

Anthony Paquin came in twice in relief to end potential threats by striking out two in the second, and three in the sixth with the bases loaded, The Royals were leading 3-2 going into the fifth when the D’Backs put up five followed by another three in the 6th. Gavin Belesca added a key hit andtwo RBIs.

The Royals added one in the fifth and four more in the last of the sixth with the tying run at the plate before Paquin ended the threat on a final strike out.

North Red Sox 10, South Giants 9

Red Sox pitcher CJ Barrett went the distance with a complete game while striking out 11 and contributing to the offense as well with two hits, Being down 4-1 through three, the Red Sox opened up with six consectitive batters reaching base, Alex Pournaros walked, followed by hits from Chase Nickerson, James Bolton, Tyler Downing, Barrett and Patrick Gillis. A key hit by Thonas Pournaros capped off a seven-run outburst that gave the Red Sox the lead for good.

Cubs 7, D’Backs 9

D’Backs where lead by Pitcher Tony Gallinaro with a complete game with 8 Strikeouts while offensively contributing with 2 hits and 2 runs scored, Jack Gould walked 4 times and scored 4 runs, Mason Dane 2 hits,2 runs Anthony Paquin 2 hits ,Cubs where lead by Conner Erickson 2 hits , Sam Power 2 runs,and key hits by Jacob Hughes, Zach Lewis and Anthony Mele put the Cubs up 7-5 after 3 innings, The D’Backs added 2 in the 4th and 2 in the 6th while Gallinaro put out the final 3 innings with 5 of the final 9 outs on strike outs

D’Backs 11, Angels 9

D’Backs where lead by Anthony Paquin with 3 hits,2 runs scored, while also contributing where Paul Murtagh 2 hits, Mason Dane 2 Hits 3 runs, Will Brooks reached safely 4 times with 2 walks, single and Hit By Pitch scored 2 times, Nick Tzannos single and 2 walks and Matty Roberts 1 run scored, Angels where lead by Andre Laplante with 3 walks ,hit by pitch and 2 runs scored, Also contributing in a 7 run 5th inning rally where key hits by Joe Pappas, Andrew Frost, Gediyon Prince all scoring , Cory Haggart 2 walks and one run scored, This cut the lead to 10-9 before the D’Backs added one 9 in the 6th,before Brooks came in relief to get the meat of the Angels order to ground out twice with bases loaded.. D’Backs first time pitcher 9 year old Gavin Belesca came in struck out the side in the 3rd, and struckout 4 total in the two innings of relief

Red Sox 10, Cubs 1

No game summary was reported for the contest. However, the win pushes the Red Sox into second place after starting the season 0-7.

Cubs 12, Angels 6

The Cubs were led by Anthony Mele with three hits. Aiden Scales and Patrick McCarthy each added two hits and two runs scored while leadoff hitter Sam Power scored two in the first two innings. Evan Holland pitched a complete game while allowing only two runs on two hits, before running into a little jam in the fifth.

The Angels were led by Jacob Murphy with four hits and 2 runs scored, Anthony Forgione also scored two runs With the Angels threatening, the Cubs completed double playsin both the second and third innings, Sean Michaels and Andrew Frost played well defensively for the Angels, while Connor Muise, Brandon Jamisen and Steve Norris also made contributions.

D’Backs 12, Red Sox 2

The D’Backs were led by Mason Dane with three hits, four RBIs and three runs scored while returning from injury, Leadoff hitter Tony Gallinaro contributed with two hits and two runs. Anthony Paquin pitched a shortened game due to run mercy rule, striking out seven while giving up just four hits and walking one, The RedSox were led by James Bolton with two hits and a run scored, Holding a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third, the Red Sox allowed seven runs on four hits to break the game open for the D’Backs. Rory Curran highlighted the inning with a long double to left. Also contributing offensively was Jack Gould ,Will Brooks, Kaden Belesca, Matty Roberts and Nick Tzannos,

Red Sox 4, Angels 3

This game featured a pitchers duel between CJ Barrett and Ben Pelletier. Both pitchers went the distance with Barrett recording 13 strikeouts and Pelletier fanning five, and allowing only three hits and one earned run.

The game came down to the last inning when Chase Nickerson came through with a single down third base line with the bases loaded and one out. Jacob Murphy led the way for the Angels offensively with a 3 for 3 night.