The Swampscott hockey team stepped up a division on Monday when it took on Amesbury at the Valley Forum in Haverhill. And thanks to a sterling third-period comeback, the Big Blue passed the test as Gino Cresta's two goals in 1:07 gave Swampscott a 3-2 win.

"It was a good test for us," Swampscott coach Gino Faia said. "And it was good to come out with a win in a close game."

The game was scoreless after a period before Swampscott (4-1-1) took a 1-0 lead on Chris Dandreo's unassisted goal at 1:46 of the second. It stayed that way until the Indians tied the game early in the third.

Cresta then broke the tie with 5:30 left, set up by Trevor Massey. He then added the insurance goal with 4:43 remaining. Griffin Hunt and Nunzio Morretti picked up the assists.

Patrick Sheehan stopped 23 of 24 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Big Blue, who are back on home ice Wednesday when they take on Marblehead at Salem State (6:30).

Gloucester 4, Winthrop 4

At Larsen Arena in Winthrop, Mike Russo had two goals for the Fishermen. Johnny Interrante and Coltyn Rivas also had goals for Gloucester.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Winthrop 72, Saugus 59

At Winthrop, Joshua Babb (20 points) led a quartet of Vikings in double figures as the hosts remained undefeated (6-0).

Also finishing in double figures for Winthrop were Quinton Dale (16), Joe D'Amore (15) and Jeff Laguerre (10).

Babb added seven assists, and D'Amore pulled down eight rebounds.

"We shot the ball pretty well," Vikings coach Dave Brown said. "We kept our turnovers down."

Winthrop led 36-35 at halftime.

Joe Bertrand led Saugus with 16 points.

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