The spring sports season feels like it just started (and if you were outside last week, you’re still waiting for spring weather), but in truth, the short campaign is already halfway completed for some teams and will reach its midway point for others in the days to come.

There has already been a lot of excitement, with more in store.

Here’s a glimpse of what occurred last week and what’s on tap.

Baseball

Falmouth’s baseball team was undefeated and held the top spot in the Class A South Heal Points standings at press time after downing host Fryeburg Academy (16-0, in five innings), host Gray-New Gloucester (7-0) and visiting Greely (5-2) last week. Max Fortier threw a no-hitter against the Raiders and the offense was paced by Connor Aube, who homered, Hogan Tracy, who had three hits and six RBI, and Robbie Armitage, who had three hits. Reece Armitage fanned 11 over six innings and combined with Chris Camelio to blank the Patriots. Robbie Armitage singled, doubled and tripled. Against the Rangers, the Yachtsmen’s fifth in a row in the series, Cam Guarino improved to 3-0 by allowing no earned runs on just three hits while striking out nine. Four of Falmouth’s five runs came off Greely errors and Garrett Aube had a key RBI single.

“The order is well-rounded,” Aube said. “Everybody can hit and everybody has power. It doesn’t matter who’s up.”

“I felt like my curveball was on point today and my change-up, they just swung at it,” Guarino said. “I normally don’t throw inside fastballs, but I did that too.” 

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“Anytime we can get a win over Greely, it’s great for the program,” added Yachtsmen coach Kevin Winship. “We’ve been fortunate the last few times we’ve played them to get some wins.” 

Falmouth improved to 8-0 Monday with a 12-6 win at Lake Region. Robbie Armitage doubled twice, singled and hit a home run while driving in five runs. Connor Aube also homered. The Yachtsmen were at Poland Wednesday, host Wells Friday, visit Yarmouth Monday of next week, then welcome York two days later.

Yarmouth was undefeated until Monday. Last week, the Clippers settled for a 4-4, nine-inning tie at Greely, then downed host Lake Region (9-7) and visiting Poland (13-3, in six innings). Against the Rangers, Yarmouth rallied to tie with two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth. The Clippers went ahead, 7-4, in the top of the 10th, thanks to a two-run double from Jack Snyder and an RBI double from Joe DeFusco, but the game (which started at 5 p.m.) was called due to darkness and by rule, the score reverted back to what it was after nine innings, forcing the teams’ first tie since they played to an 11-11 deadlock back in 2002. 

“It was a very difficult ending,” said Yarmouth coach Marc Halsted. “Our guys played a tremendous game and competed their tails off. I was exceptionally proud of their efforts. We talk a lot about character and integrity and making sure we stay focused on our team and our successes. We have no control over darkness and to be honest, I think the umpires did the right thing. It’s just unfortunate they took a win away from our guys.”

Against the Lakers, the pitching-depleted Clippers had to turn to Conor O’Donnell to make his first career start and O’Donnell earned the win, allowing two earned runs on two hits in 5.1 innings. O’Donnell also had two hits and three RBI and Gibson Harnett had two hits and drove in a pair. In the win over the Knights,   O’Donnell had three hits and drove in two runs and C.J. Cawley had a two-run double.

Yarmouth then fell to 6-1-1 Monday after an 8-7, 10-inning home loss to Wells. The Clippers led, 6-4, going to the seventh, but gave up two runs. The Warriors went ahead in the eighth, but Snyder’s two-out RBI infield single kept the game going until the 10th when Wells scored a run and Yarmouth couldn’t answer. Snyder had three hits and three RBI and Harnett and Andrew Kinsman also had three hits.

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“We’ve had a lot go our way so far and I’m confident we’ll bounce back,” said Halsted.

The Clippers (fourth in the Class B South Heal Points standings) host York Friday, welcome Falmouth Monday and go to to Kennebunk Wednesday.

Greely, the two-time defending Class B state champion, settled for a 4-4 home tie with Yarmouth, then beat host York (13-3, in five innings), before losing for the first time, 5-2, at Falmouth. Against the Clippers, Ryan Twitchell had a solid effort, fanning eight in seven innings. Twitchell had three hits, two runs scored and two RBI in the victory over the Wildcats, while Dylan Fried, Luke Miller, Caleb Normandeau and Matt Pisini all added two hits. Preston Crandall and Cal Soule made their first career pitching appearances in relief. Against the Yachtsmen, the Rangers suffered from some uncharacteristically poor defense (four errors) and despite a nice effort from spot starter Justin Leeman, fell short.

“The one thing I thought going into this game was at least we’d play solid defense, but our defense really cost us today,” said Greely coach Derek Soule.

The Rangers improved to 5-1-1 and second behind Cape Elizabeth in Class B South Monday with a 7-4 home victory over Kennebunk. Twitchell improved to 3-0 with five shutout innings. He struck out 12. Twitchell also had a two-run double, as did Austin Nowinski. Greely was at Cape Elizabeth in a regional final rematch Wednesday, welcomes Poland in a makeup game Thursday, goes to Freeport Friday, plays at Fryeburg Academy Monday and visits Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday of next week.

Freeport won two of three games last week. The Falcons sandwiched home victories over Kennebunk (6-4) and at Old Orchard Beach (1-0) around a 10-0 home loss to Cape Elizabeth. In the victory over the Rams, Jack Davenport earned the win and Joey Burke and Caleb Rice both had two hits. Davenport then spun a gem against the Seagulls, throwing a no-hitter, walking just one and striking out 13. Davenport also tripled. Burke doubled in the game’s lone run. Monday, Freeport lost, 3-2, at Fryeburg Academy to fall to 3-5 and seventh in Class B South. The Falcons were home with Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, welcome Greely Friday, play at Lake Region Monday and visit Poland Wednesday of next week.

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In Class D South, North Yarmouth Academy was 4-4 and sixth in the Heals after a 14-2 win at  Greater Portland Christian School, losses at Old Orchard Beach (10-9), Waynflete (10-2) and an 11-4 win at Waynflete. Galen Arnold had three hits and Brent Rickett had two in the loss to the Seagulls. The Panthers were at Sacopee Valley Tuesday, host Traip Academy Saturday, go to Old Orchard Beach Monday and visit Temple Academy Wednesday of next week.

Softball

Freeport’s softball team has already eclipsed last year’s win total. After losses last week at Kennebunk (9-0) and at home to Cape Elizabeth (13-3) extended their skid to five games, the Falcons swept a doubleheader at Old Orchard Beach Saturday (8-5 and 19-7, in five innings) for their second and third victories, bettering last spring’s 2-14 mark. Bailey Karnes had two hits in the loss to the Capers. In the first of the doubleheader victories, Freeport erased a 4-1 deficit behind Morgan Karnes’ three hits, including the go-ahead double. Callie Toothaker had three RBI in the nightcap. Monday, Freeport fell to 3-6 and 16th in the Class B South Heal Points standings after a 12-0, five-inning loss at Fryeburg Academy. The Falcons were home with Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, host Greely Friday, then go to Lake Region Monday and Poland Wednesday of next week.

Greely started last week with a 7-1 home win over defending Class B champion Yarmouth in a rematch of last year’s painful playoff ouster. Kayley Cimino had three hits, scored twice and drove in three runs. Her three-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning iced the victory. Kelsey Currier earned the win after allowing just one run on four hits while striking out nine.

“We were a little bitter about last year, so we definitely wanted to win,” said Cimino.

“We just wanted to come out with a win,” Currier said. “We work well together.” 

“I like what I’ve seen so far,” added Rangers coach Rob Hale. “The girls compete.” 

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Greely wasn’t able to build on that momentum, however, as it sandwiched losses at York (5-4) and Sacopee Valley (6-3) around a 3-0 win at Falmouth. Currier had a two-run double, but the Rangers struck out 15 times against ace Stephanie Rundlett in the loss at the Wildcats. Against the Yachtsmen, Currier threw a two-hitter, striking out eight, and Moira Train singled and tripled. Greely let a 3-0 lead slip away against the Hawks. Cimino and Sarah Felkel both had two hits. Monday, the Rangers got back on track, downing visiting Kennebunk, 11-0, to improve to 5-2 and fourth in Class B South. Currier threw a two-hitter. Cimino and Train had two hits apiece. Greely had a showdown at red-hot Cape Elizabeth Wednesday, hosts Poland in a makeup game Thursday, goes to Freeport Friday and Old Orchard Beach Saturday, then visits Fryeburg Academy Monday and Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday of next week.

Yarmouth got two hits from Sydney St. Pierre, but fanned nine times in its 7-1 loss at Greely last week.

“I’m really tired of talking about last year,” said Yarmouth coach Amy Ashley. “It’s a new team. I think we’re relying on last year’s success. We hope to be a little more consistent from now on.”

Mission accomplished, as the Clippers bounced back from that loss to beat host Lake Region (13-1, in five innings), visiting Poland (12-4) and visiting Wells (11-6) to improve to 5-2 and seventh in Class B South. Mari Cooper threw a one-hitter, Eleanor O’Gorman cracked a home run and Colleen Sullivan had two hits and three RBI in the win over the Lakers. Against the Knights, Cate Ralph homered, O’Gorman had four hits and Cooper struck out nine. In the win over the Warriors, Andrea St. Pierre had three hits and Sydney St. Pierre added a pair. Yarmouth was at Sacopee Valley Wednesday, has a home showdown with York Friday (see theforecaster.net for game story), welcomes Falmouth Monday and is at Kennebunk Wednesday of next week.

Falmouth dropped three in a row last week: 10-2 at Fryeburg Academy, 7-5 at Gray-New Gloucester and 3-0 at home to Greely. Julia Treadwell was the hard-luck loser against the Rangers, only allowing three hits. The Yachtsmen got back on track Monday, beating host Lake Region, 10-0 to balance their record at 4-4. Treadwell threw a five-hitter and fanned 14. Liberty Ladd had three hits and Alllison Murphy drove in three runs. Falmouth (10th in Class A South) was at Poland Wednesday, hosts Wells Friday, goes to Yarmouth Monday and welcomes York Wednesday of next week.

Boys’ lacrosse

Falmouth’s boys’ lacrosse team is looking like it might be the best in the state and the Yachtsmen got to measure themselves against the three-time defending Class B state champions and recent nemesis Cape Elizabeth Wednesday night on the road (see theforecaster.net for game story).

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Last Thursday, the Yachtsmen improved to 5-0 after a 12-7 win at Yarmouth. George Gilbert scored four goals and Jack Scribner added three.  

“It was a great win,” Gilbert said. “It feels good. They’re always tough here.”

“We’re always happy to win,” said Falmouth defensive standout Brendan Hickey. “It’s a good road victory for us. It’s the toughest test we’ve had.”

The Yachtsmen (5-0 and second in the Class B South Heal Points standings at press time) have lost to Cape Elizabeth in each of the past three regional finals and are ready to get a leg up on their rival.

“I haven’t seen Cape play yet,” Falmouth coach Mike LeBel said. “It’ll be a really good test.”

The Yachtsmen are home against Fryeburg Academy Monday.

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Last week, Greely suffered home losses to last year’s Class B state finalists, Yarmouth (16-10) and Cape Elizabeth (12-6) to fall to 2-2 (and fifth in Class B South). Sam Peck scored four times against the Clippers. The Rangers gave the Capers fits for awhile, leading, 3-2, after period and 4-2 early in the second quarter before Cape Elizabeth forged a 5-5 halftime tie. The Capers then scored four straight third period goals to open it up. Josh Lawless had two goals in defeat. Greely goes to Kennebunk Thursday, welcomes Cheverus in a crossover game Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and is at York Tuesday.

Yarmouth got six goals from Bill Jacobs and four more from Matthew Beatty in a 16-10 win at Greely last Tuesday, then lost, 12-7, at home to Falmouth last Thursday to drop to 2-3. Walter Conrad scored twice in the setback, the Clippers’ third at home this spring.

“We made mental errors and they capitalized, but I’m encouraged because we are very injured and we had a lot of starters missing tonight,” said Yarmouth coach David Pearl. “We had a lot of young guys all over the field. I’m proud of how they played.”

The Clippers (2-3 and fourth in Class B North) were at NYA Tuesday, visit Scarborough in a crossover game Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and travel to Lake Region Tuesday of next week.

NYA gave visiting Kennebunk a mighty scare Friday, falling, 10-9, in double overtime. Zack Woods had five goals in defeat. The Panthers (1-3 and ninth in Class B North) hosted Yarmouth Tuesday, welcome Wells Thursday, play host to Maranacook Saturday and go to Waynflete Tuesday of next week.

Freeport lost home games to Wells (17-14) and York (15-7) last week to fall to 1-4 (and 11th in Class B South). After hosting Waynflete Tuesday, the Falcons welcome Mt. Ararat Saturday and go to Kennebunk Tuesday of next week.

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Girls’ lacrosse

Falmouth’s girls’ lacrosse team remained undefeated after wins last week at York (13-7) and Cape Elizabeth (17-8) lifted its record to 5-0 (good for the spot in the Class B South Heal Points standings at press time). Goal-scoring machine Sydney Bell scored eight goals at the Wildcats and added six more against the Capers (giving her 31 in five games). Olivia Stucker also scored six times in the win over Cape Elizabeth. The Yachtsmen hosted NYA Tuesday and welcome Gorham in a crossover contest Friday. Monday brings a trip to Fryeburg Academy.

Two-time defending Class B champion Yarmouth has put its Opening Day loss to York far in the rearview mirror by winning three straight. Last week, the Clippers improved to 3-1 with decisive victories over visiting Freeport (15-4) and host NYA (13-3). Jess Kirk and Eliza Lunt both scored four goals in the win over the Falcons, while Ella Antolini added three. Yarmouth then extended its win streak over the Panthers to 10, as Lunt had five goals and goalie Mary Kate Gunville made 11 saves, 10 coming in the second half.

“Once we started to the win the draws, transitions happened and that led to goals,” Lunt said.

“I have so many girls backing me up,” Gunville said. “I have girls who are talented in front of me, who won’t let the ball get to me.”  

“(NYA’s) a good team,” added Clippers coach Dorothy Holt. “They’re young like us. We’re still learning and we have some young people in key spots. My leaders are doing a great job.”

Yarmouth (third in Class B North) was home versus Greely Wednesday, goes to Scarborough Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and visits Lake Region Tuesday. 

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Greely beat visiting Cape Elizabeth (17-8) and lost a close one at powerhouse Kennebunk (11-8) last week. Kelsey Otley and Courtney Sullivan both had four goals in the win. Meghan O’Donovan scored three times against the Rams. The Rangers (2-3 and sixth in Class B South) were at Yarmouth Wednesday, host Mt. Ararat Friday and play host to York Tuesday.

NYA sandwiched home losses to Lake Region (16-9) and Yarmouth (13-3) around a 13-7 home win over McAuley last week. Isabelle Coleman, Amber Rose and Emily Taylor all scored twice against the Lakers. In the victory, Coleman went off for seven goals as the Panthers rallied from a 6-4 second half deficit.

“We’ve persisted and worked hard through the tough times,” Coleman said. “We had to push through and play our game.”

“Every player contributed,” NYA’s first-year coach Molly Climo said. “We got after ground balls and capitalized.”

Taylor, Zelda Clegg and Callie Sturgeon had the goals against the Clippers.

“I think we played with them,” Climo said. “We had a lot more opportunities than we capitalized on.”

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NYA (2-3 and seventh in Class B North) was at Falmouth Tuesday, then plays host to Waynflete Monday.

Freeport fell to 1-3 and 11th in Class B North after losses last week at Yarmouth (15-4) and home to Waynflete (10-8). Chloe Davidson scored twice against the Clippers. The Falcons played the Flyers closer than they ever had before, but still fell short despite Taylor Rinaldi’s three goals. Freeport was at Wells Wednesday, goes to Cony Saturday and welcomes Morse Monday and Kennebunk Tuesday.

Outdoor track

Falmouth hosted NYA and three other teams in an outdoor track meet last week. The Yachtsmen girls were first, while the boys came in second behind Phillips Exeter. The Panthers placed fourth in the both genders.

Falmouth’s girls got wins from Emma England in the 100 (13.56 seconds), Malaika Pasch in the 800 (2 minutes, 21.66 seconds), Meghan Charest in the racewalk (9:40.39), Adelaide Cooke in the 100 hurdles (16.68) and discus (117 feet, 8 inches), Lydia Farmer in the triple jump (33-3.5), Chelsea Zhao in the pole vault (8-6), and their 4×400 (4:27.54) and 4×800 (12:23.21) relays. NYA’s Kate Hilscher was runner-up in the javelin (70-5). Isabelle See came in second in the high jump (4-8). 

In the boys’ meet, the Yachtsmen got wins from Matt Polewaczyk in the 200 (22.97), Sam Larlee in the 400 (1:00.35), Josh Simensky in the 800 (2:06.35), Jeremiah Sands in the mile (4:32.12), Nigel Dunn in the 110 hurdles (17.26) and 300 hurdles (43.43), Ben Rudnick in the pole vault (10-6), Ted Pierson in the discus (122-2) and their 4×100 (44.81) and 4×400 (3:43.77) relay teams. NYA’s Jake Malcom finished second in the 300 hurdles (48.23). Rick Hilscher was runner-up in the 400 (1:01.56).

Freeport and Greely joined Fryeburg Academy at Lake Region. In the boys’ meet, the Rangers came in first and the Falcons were second. Greely got wins from Aidan Regan in the 200 (25.01), Gavin Poperechny in the 300 hurdles (48.06), Mick Washo in the pole vault (8-6), Nicholas Brown in the long jump (17-5.75) and triple jump (35-7.25), Paul Buchanon in the shot put (36-2.5), Sam Bonnevie in the javelin (134-11) and Ian Cameron in the discus (114-3). Freeport got first-place showings from Joe Ashby in the 400 (57.84), Henry Jaques in the mile (4:36.54), Chandler Vincent in the two-mile (9:46.24) and its 4×400 relay team (3:51.37).  

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In the girls’ competition, the Rangers placed first and Freeport came in fourth. Greely’s first-place finishers included Carolyn Todd in the 800 (2:28.16) and two-mile (11:47.0), Skylar Cooney in the 100 hurdles (17.85) and 300 hurdles (50.70), Siana Emery in the racewalk (7:58.94), Lauren Williams in the high jump (4-10), Maggie McCormick in the pole vault (6-6), Lizzie Brown in the long jump (14-8.25) and its 4×400 relay team (4:38.64). The Falcons got wins from Maddie Squibb in the 400 (1:04.29) and their 4×800 (12:22.04) relay team.

Yarmouth hosted Gray-New Gloucester, Waynflete and York. Both Clippers teams came in third behind the Wildcats and Patriots. The boys got wins from Tahj Garvey in the 400 (51.92), Luke Laverdiere in the 800 (2:02.89) and two-mile (10:07.75) and Ian Murrin in the shot put (40-7.5) and the discus (121-1). Girls’ first-place finishers included Emma Egan, who set a new personal record in winning the high jump at 5-6. Egan also won the 100 (13.48), Anneka Murrin was first in the 800 (2:21.08) and Abby Hamilton won the two-mile (11:19.65). 

Tennis

The beat goes on for the juggernaut Falmouth tennis teams. The boys improved to 5-0 and second behind Thornton Academy in Class A South at press time behind recent 5-0 wins over York, eight-time defending Class C champion Waynflete and Greely. The girls also began 6-0 (good for third in the standings) and increased their match win streak to 131 with recent 5-0 wins over Lake Region, York, Waynflete and two-time defending Class B champion Greely.

Greely’s girls fell to 3-2 and eighth in Class B South with the loss to Falmouth. The Rangers are at defending Class C champion NYA Friday. Greely’s boys fell to 0-7 and ninth after Monday’s loss to Falmouth.

NYA’s girls fell to 3-3 and fifth in Class C South after recent losses to Yarmouth (3-2) and Cape Elizabeth (4-1). The Panthers boys dropped to 1-4 and eighth after losing to Yarmouth (3-2) and Cape Elizabeth (4-1).

Yarmouth’s girls improved to 4-1 and first in Class B South after 3-2 wins over Cape Elizabeth and NYA. The boys beat NYA Friday to improve to 2-3 and sixth.

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Freeport’s boys beat Greely Friday, 5-0, then lost, 3-2, to York Monday to fall to 2-4 and eighth in Class B South. The Falcons girls began the week 1-4 and 10th.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter:@foresports.

Sidebar Elements


Falmouth senior Connor Aube steals second base as Greely senior shortstop Cal Soule takes the throw during the Yachtsmen’s 5-2 win Friday.

Greely junior Kayley Cimino crushes a home run during last week’s 7-1 home win over defending Class B state champion Yarmouth.

Yarmouth’s Tahj Garvey races to victory in the 400 at last weekend’s home meet.

Yarmouth freshman phenom Lana Mavor returns a shot during a match versus North Yarmouth Academy. Mavor won her match and the Clippers prevailed, 3-2.


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