In a battle between Northeastern Conference rivals at Rockett Arena, the Saugus boys hockey team grabbed a 3-1 win on the road over Swampscott. With the victory, the Sachems remain alive in the hunt for a state tournament berth.
John Torres got Saugus going in the right direction with a goal in the first period for a 1-0 lead. Ronnie Paolo scored in the third period and Dante McGrane added an empty-netter to ice the win. Goalie Nick Sanderson made 24 saves.
“We needed a big win tonight,” Saugus coach Jeff Natalucci said. “The guys responded with a tremendous effort and I’m proud of them.”
Swampscott’s lone goal was scored by Jack Poska on an assist from Casey Williamson.
Saugus (6-7-5) visits Fenwick Saturday night (6). The Sachems need three more points, with two games remaining, to qualify for states.
Swampscott (9-5-5) visits Marblehead Saturday evening (5).
Bishop Fenwick 5, North Middlesex 4
Kasey O’Brien had one goal and two assists to pace the offense for Fenwick. Ethan Belt, Jake Murphy, Tom Estella and Tyler Layton each scored one goal in the win, while Wil Foglietta, Nick Durbano and Derek DelVecchio each had one assist.
The Crusaders (4-10-3) host Saugus Saturday.
Marblehead 3, Nantucket 0
The Magicians got two goals from Jacob Garfield as Marblehead blanked the Whalers at Rockett Arena. Will Shull added the third goal.
Marblehead (3-12-4) is back at Rockett Arena on Saturday to host Swampscott for the Magicians’ Senior Night.
Masconomet 7, Peabody 2
The Bob Driscoll Can-Do Classic didn’t go so well for the Tanners on Wednesday night. Nick Capillo scored two goals in the loss.
Peabody (0-16-0) visits Gloucester Saturday.
St. John’s Prep 6, Arlington Catholic 0
The Eagles got goals from Joe Bevere, David Sacco, Brian Carrabes, Jack Riley and Ryan Farrow in the win. Pat Moran, Tim Usalis, Shamus Lombard, Ryan Bradley, Zach McKennelly and Jack Pascucci each had one assist.
St John’s (11-3-3) will host St. John’s of Shrewsbury at Essex Sports Center on Saturday for the Prep’s Senior Night.
Winthrop 3, Gloucester 3
The Vikings needed just one more point to qualify for the state tournament, and the earned it with a draw at Larsen Arena.
Steve Holgersen, Jake Adamson and Corey Cherico each scored one goal in the draw.
Winthrop (9-6-2) will host Mansfield at Larsen on Saturday.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Austin Prep 4, St. Mary’s 2
The Spartans didn’t get off to an ideal start, falling into a 3-0 deficit in the first period before battling back the rest of the way. Aylah Cioffi scored a goal towards the end of the first period and Jenna Chaplain added another to make it a 3-2 game.
Austin Prep sealed the deal with an empty-netter in the final minute of play. The Cougars clinched the CCL with the victory.
St. Mary’s hosts Williams Saturday afternoon (2:45).
BOYS BASKETBALL
St. John’s Prep 55, Hamilton-Wenham 44
Behind 17 points from Tommy O’Neil, the Eagles continued their streak of hot play with another win on Wednesday. Jarnel Snow-Guzman added 11 points, while Nate Hobbs had nine points.
“Our defensive effort was there when we needed it,” Eagles coach John Dullea said. “We struggled offensively at times and had to grind out the win against a very good team on the road. We made a few more plays and were able to win.”
St. John’s (15-4) hosts Everett Sunday.
“They’re a very athletic and talented team that knows how to win,” Dullea said of the Crimson Tide. “We will have our hands full with them.”
Lynnfield 75, Danvers 68
The Pioneers (15-3) won their fifth straight and 12 of their last 13, but they needed to come from behind to do it. Trailing by five, 53-48, after three quarters, the Pioneers put 27 points on the board in the fourth quarter behind the hot hand of Matt Mortellite, who scored 12 of his game- and career-high 26 points in the final eight minutes. Billy Arseneault (21 points) and Dan Jameson (14 points) were also in double figures, while Zach Shone contributed nine points. Lynnfield hosts Newburyport Friday (6:30).