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Ayer Shirley

Local roundup: Wolves stop streaking Rams

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The Nashoba Regional boys basketball team knocked visiting Shepherd Hill from the ranks of the unbeaten Tuesday night with a 61-54 victory in Bolton.

With the victor, the Wolves improve to 7-2. The Rams are now 12-1.

Ayer-Shirley 82, Murdock 48: Zach Iannacone led the Panthers (8-3) with 19 points. Brian Holmes added 17 and Cam Marshall scored 14 points for Ayer-Shirley.

Girls basketball

Ayer-Shirley 73, Murdock 18: Ava Murphy scored a game-high 16 points for the Panthers (7-2), while Taylor New and Emily Churchill each had 11 points. Tess Arakelian added 10 points in the victory.

St. Paul 47, Fitchburg 32: Gianexis Santiago led the Red Raiders (1-10) with 12 points. Gianna Calderon chipped in with 11 and MJ Thammachak had seven in defeat.

Leominster 39, North Middlesex 21: Frankie Bello led Leominster (7-4) with six points. Taylor Boulay, Mia Keenan, Maddie Lemanski and Juliana Pompei each had five points in the victory.

The Patriots (3-6) were led by Gabby Dunham’s seven points, while Julia Landry and Norah Tesini each had six.

Monty Tech 53, Abby Kelley 33: Kylie Neseran netted 16 points to lead the Bulldogs (2-8)

Shepherd Hill 41, Nashoba 36: The loss drops the Wolves to 7-1.

Oakmont 33, Groton-Dunstable 29: The Spartans improve to 7-3.

College track and field

Fitchburg State junior Taban Manyok was selected Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week and senior Eric Shimiyimana was selected Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday afternoon.

Manyok notches his second straight week accolade on the season after collecting a pair of first-place finishes for the Green and Gold at the 2023 Branwen Smith-King Invite on Saturday. Taban placed first in the 5,000 meter with a DIII NE qualifying time of 15:22.84, while also taking top honors in the 3,000 meter with a time of 8:58.76.

Shimiyimana collects his third weekly honor of the season after placing first in the triple jump with a DIII New England qualifying mark of 13.74 meters as well as finishing fourth in the long jump with a jump of 6.42 meters for the Falcons at the Branwen Smith-King Invite.

The Fitchburg State indoor track and field team returns to action on Saturday as it competes at the 2023 Wesleyan Indoor Invite.

Blue Knights let game slip away

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FITCHBURG — Buzzing early in Monday’s matinee contest against Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech, the Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley hockey team looked poised to have a strong outing.

But a poor start to the second period was enough to sink the Blue Knights, as the hosts dropped a 3-2 decision at the Wallace Civic Center.

The visiting Vikings (6-7-0) scored twice in the first 64 seconds of the middle period, breaking a 1-all tie and giving the guests all the momentum they needed to secure the win. Though the Blue Knights threw 26 shots on target, GLNT netminder Cole Currier was able to stop 24.

“We were playing with confidence early, but then we let in a couple soft goals and between penalties and being flat, we let the game go,” Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley head coach Eric Short said. “We had our opportunities, but they skated hard and did what they had to do to hold on for a win.

“We learned a lesson in being disciplined today. It’s a contact sport and you’re going to get hit, but you can’t retaliate. We need to play hard and try to score some goals.”

Tied at 1 after one, GLNT snuck ahead just 17 seconds into the middle frame as Jayden Auger beat Lunenburg goalie Kyle McGrath (27 saves). And just 47 seconds later, the lead was doubled as Kyle Bouvier broke through the defense and found the back of the net.

“We let in a couple soft goals. We just weren’t ready,” Short lamented. “Kyle didn’t have his best game, but we didn’t help him out in the second half of this one. We were undisciplined, which is uncharacteristic. .. We didn’t take a lot of penalties, but they were in bad spots and preventable.

“They didn’t really capitalize on the penalties, but all that time in the box and not playing 5-on-5. … The game got away from us.”

The Blue Knights cut the lead to 3-2 at the 3:17 mark of the second as Nick Fortier walked in from the side of the net and snuck a shot past Currier. But the hosts were unable to pull even despite having five power plays in the contest.

Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley's Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech's Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday's game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)
Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley’s Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech’s Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday’s game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)

Any momentum seized from Fortier’s goal was negated late in the middle frame courtesy of a major penalty assessed to a Blue Knight for contact to a GLNT player’s head. Though the visitors didn’t score with the man advantage, they were able to control the puck and burn some valuable time off the clock.

Lunenburg had a final power play go by the wayside when GLNT was called for a rough with three minutes to go in the game. The man advantage was nullified after a Blue Knight penalty in the offensive zone and even with McGrath pulled for an extra skater, Lunenburg wasn’t able to pot the equalizer.

The Blue Knights went ahead 2:42 into the game as Dom Benner collected a puck behind the GLNT net and sent a perfect pass to Logan Martin in front. Martin quickly snapped a shot past Currier’s glove into the top corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The guests managed to pull even before the close of the first period as Brody Simmons poked home a loose puck with 4:55 left in the frame.

 

Blue Knights let game slip away

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FITCHBURG — Buzzing early in Monday’s matinee contest against Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech, the Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley hockey team looked poised to have a strong outing.

But a poor start to the second period was enough to sink the Blue Knights, as the hosts dropped a 3-2 decision at the Wallace Civic Center.

The visiting Vikings (6-7-0) scored twice in the first 64 seconds of the middle period, breaking a 1-all tie and giving the guests all the momentum they needed to secure the win. Though the Blue Knights threw 26 shots on target, GLNT netminder Cole Currier was able to stop 24.

“We were playing with confidence early, but then we let in a couple soft goals and between penalties and being flat, we let the game go,” Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley head coach Eric Short said. “We had our opportunities, but they skated hard and did what they had to do to hold on for a win.

“We learned a lesson in being disciplined today. It’s a contact sport and you’re going to get hit, but you can’t retaliate. We need to play hard and try to score some goals.”

Tied at 1 after one, GLNT snuck ahead just 17 seconds into the middle frame as Jayden Auger beat Lunenburg goalie Kyle McGrath (27 saves). And just 47 seconds later, the lead was doubled as Kyle Bouvier broke through the defense and found the back of the net.

“We let in a couple soft goals. We just weren’t ready,” Short lamented. “Kyle didn’t have his best game, but we didn’t help him out in the second half of this one. We were undisciplined, which is uncharacteristic. .. We didn’t take a lot of penalties, but they were in bad spots and preventable.

“They didn’t really capitalize on the penalties, but all that time in the box and not playing 5-on-5. … The game got away from us.”

The Blue Knights cut the lead to 3-2 at the 3:17 mark of the second as Nick Fortier walked in from the side of the net and snuck a shot past Currier. But the hosts were unable to pull even despite having five power plays in the contest.

Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley's Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech's Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday's game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)
Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley’s Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech’s Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday’s game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)

Any momentum seized from Fortier’s goal was negated late in the middle frame courtesy of a major penalty assessed to a Blue Knight for contact to a GLNT player’s head. Though the visitors didn’t score with the man advantage, they were able to control the puck and burn some valuable time off the clock.

Lunenburg had a final power play go by the wayside when GLNT was called for a rough with three minutes to go in the game. The man advantage was nullified after a Blue Knight penalty in the offensive zone and even with McGrath pulled for an extra skater, Lunenburg wasn’t able to pot the equalizer.

The Blue Knights went ahead 2:42 into the game as Dom Benner collected a puck behind the GLNT net and sent a perfect pass to Logan Martin in front. Martin quickly snapped a shot past Currier’s glove into the top corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The guests managed to pull even before the close of the first period as Brody Simmons poked home a loose puck with 4:55 left in the frame.

 

Blue Knights let game slip away

by

FITCHBURG — Buzzing early in Monday’s matinee contest against Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech, the Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley hockey team looked poised to have a strong outing.

But a poor start to the second period was enough to sink the Blue Knights, as the hosts dropped a 3-2 decision at the Wallace Civic Center.

The visiting Vikings (6-7-0) scored twice in the first 64 seconds of the middle period, breaking a 1-all tie and giving the guests all the momentum they needed to secure the win. Though the Blue Knights threw 26 shots on target, GLNT netminder Cole Currier was able to stop 24.

“We were playing with confidence early, but then we let in a couple soft goals and between penalties and being flat, we let the game go,” Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley head coach Eric Short said. “We had our opportunities, but they skated hard and did what they had to do to hold on for a win.

“We learned a lesson in being disciplined today. It’s a contact sport and you’re going to get hit, but you can’t retaliate. We need to play hard and try to score some goals.”

Tied at 1 after one, GLNT snuck ahead just 17 seconds into the middle frame as Jayden Auger beat Lunenburg goalie Kyle McGrath (27 saves). And just 47 seconds later, the lead was doubled as Kyle Bouvier broke through the defense and found the back of the net.

“We let in a couple soft goals. We just weren’t ready,” Short lamented. “Kyle didn’t have his best game, but we didn’t help him out in the second half of this one. We were undisciplined, which is uncharacteristic. .. We didn’t take a lot of penalties, but they were in bad spots and preventable.

“They didn’t really capitalize on the penalties, but all that time in the box and not playing 5-on-5. … The game got away from us.”

The Blue Knights cut the lead to 3-2 at the 3:17 mark of the second as Nick Fortier walked in from the side of the net and snuck a shot past Currier. But the hosts were unable to pull even despite having five power plays in the contest.

Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley's Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech's Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday's game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)
Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley’s Kyle McGrath blocks a shot by Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech’s Gabriel Dimauro-Lozowski during Monday’s game. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Gary Fournier)

Any momentum seized from Fortier’s goal was negated late in the middle frame courtesy of a major penalty assessed to a Blue Knight for contact to a GLNT player’s head. Though the visitors didn’t score with the man advantage, they were able to control the puck and burn some valuable time off the clock.

Lunenburg had a final power play go by the wayside when GLNT was called for a rough with three minutes to go in the game. The man advantage was nullified after a Blue Knight penalty in the offensive zone and even with McGrath pulled for an extra skater, Lunenburg wasn’t able to pot the equalizer.

Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley's Preston Campaner attempts to move the puck past Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech's A.J. Theriault.
Lunenburg/Ayer-Shirley’s Preston Campaner attempts to move the puck past Greater Lowell/Nashoba Tech’s A.J. Theriault.

The Blue Knights went ahead 2:42 into the game as Dom Benner collected a puck behind the GLNT net and sent a perfect pass to Logan Martin in front. Martin quickly snapped a shot past Currier’s glove into the top corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The guests managed to pull even before the close of the first period as Brody Simmons poked home a loose puck with 4:55 left in the frame.

 

Local gridiron stars earn MHSFCA honors

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The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) recently released its Divisional All-State teams, with players from several local programs earning honors.

The Division 7 All-State team saw a trio of St. Bernard’s players honored, as well as one each from Lunenburg High and Ayer-Shirley Regional. Bernardian seniors Damien Jones (running back), Stefano Allen (offensive line) and Rocco LaMonica (defensive line) earned spots on the D7 team after helping St. Bernard’s reach the state championship game.

Lunenburg senior receiver Dylan Adamson earned a spot on the Division 7 team, while Blue Knights sophomore Alex Figueroa was an honorable mention. Ayer-Shirley senior Cam Marshall earned a D7 all-state spot in the secondary and teammate Brian Marshall, a junior, was named an honorable mention.

In Division 2, Leominster senior Ricky Encarnacion was selected as a wide receiver, while classmates John Escabi and Giovanni Roman were tabbed honorable mentions.

The Division 5 All-State selections included Monty Tech senior running back Logan Quinn, while in Division 6, Oakmont Regional junior Sam Curtis was an honorable mention.

Local roundup: Blue Devils storm past Red Raiders

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The Leominster High girls basketball team had no problem defending its home court Friday night, cruising to a 69-31 victory over rival Fitchburg High.

The Blue Devils were paced by Juliana Pompei, who poured in 16 points, while Mia Keenan chipped in with 10.

Denim Murphy and Jayda Caldwell each had nine points for Leominster, which allowed just three points in the first quarter and took a commanding 34-8 lead at halftime.

Gianna Calderon led the Red Raiders with a game-high 17 points.

Ayer-Shirley 54, Tahanto 49: Maddie Davis, Ava Murphy and Tess Arakelian each scored 13 points to lead the host Panthers (5-1) to victory.

Littleton 49, Lunenburg 24: The loss drops the Blue Knights to 0-8.

St. Bernard’s 51, St. Paul 43: Angelys Alvarez had 32 points as the Bernardians improved to 4-4.

Boys basketball

St. Bernard’s 68, Murdock 51: The Bernardians improve to 4-4 on the season.

Oakmont 72, North Middlesex 48: The Spartans (8-0) were led by Ryan Hulecki’s 25 points, while Brandon Hulecki added 12.

North Middlesex (1-6) saw Cade Callahan score a team-high 13 points.

Monty Tech 54, AMSA 40: Jaden Jones had 18 points to lead the Bulldogs (4-4).

Lunenburg 45, Littleton 44: Jonny Deyo scored the last of his 11 points on a free throw with 4 seconds left to as the Blue Knights (7-2) fended off Littleton. Miles Seminatore led all scorers with 21 points.

Tahanto 57, Ayer-Shirley 53: Brian Holmes paced the Panthers (5-3) with 12 points.