Once in a while, good news — and an inspirational story — is impossible to ignore.
Such is the case for St. Mary’s swimmer Gabbi Marchese of Saugus. Marchese had hip surgery last October, and it didn’t look as if she’d be able to compete this season — which would have been a big blow for her as she’s a year-round swimmer for the North Shore Swim Club.
But a combination of her conditioning and a faster-than-expected rehab allowed her to be cleared for action Jan. 14. This weekend, Marchese and the rest of the St. Mary’s team took part in the Catholic Central League meet. And she ended up performing well enough to qualify for the sectional next coming weekend in the 100 freestyle (with a score of 59.19) and the 100 backstroke (1:07.19).
Marchese was also on the medley relay and 200 relays teams that both placed seventh. Others on the team were Kyle Kwiatek, Thiago Pereira, and Pius McGuin.
BOYS HOCKEY
Franklin 3, St Mary’s 1
At Franklin, the Spartans (13-3) lacked discipline and energy, said coach Mark Lee.
“We decided to play our game in the third period, but it was too late,” he said.
St. Mary’s entered the third period down, 3-1, and though Davis Kinne scored, with assists from Owen Maguire and Max Giardina, and even though they outshot Franklin, 11-2, in the period, “we couldn’t put anything else home,” Lee said.
St. Mary’s travels to Williams Wednesday.
Saugus 1, Marblehead 1
The Magicians outshot the Sachems, 29-18, but Jack Devereaux stood tall in the net. The Sachems got the first goal at 3:54 of the second period by Richie Mauro, with an assist from Dante McGrane. Marblehead tied it with 1:30 to go in the period with Brendan Locke scoring from Mike Flaherty.
Swampscott 7, Everett 0
At Salem State, the Big Blue first line scored all the points, with Conor Donovan blasting home six goals and getting an assist on the seventh. Drew Olivieri had six assists, and Zach Elwell had the other goal, as well as three assists.
Sophomore goalie Ian Rodde, in his first varsity game, had 21 saves.
Fenwick 4, Williams 2
At McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody, the Crusaders (5-8-1) beat a team that is in contention for a Super 8 spot in the tournament.
“We played well,” said coach Jim Quinlan. “That’s how we’re supposed to play.”
Ethan Belt (Nick Nuzzi) scored in the first period and Ian Worthley scored a pair of goals in the second (assisted by Nuzzi on the first and Alex Mikhaelic on the second). However, it was Derek DelVecchio’s goal in the third — scored after the Bishops had narrowed the lead to 3-2 — that gave Fenwick some breathing room.
Also, Medford defeated Peabody, 6-3, and St. John’s Prep defeated Newburyport, 5-2.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Fenwick 2, Arl. Cath. 0
At McVann-O’Keefe arena Sunday, “it was a big win for us,” said coach Doug Anderson. “We’ve been struggling a bit lately.”
The game was scoreless until 8:39 of the third period, when Jill Mattucci scored from Gabby Davern and Abi Bruner. Lexi McNeil scored a short-handed goal with 18 seconds left.
Daphne Jalbert got the shutout for the 9-5-1 Crusaders.
St. Mary’s 1, Matignon 1
At Matignon, Jenna Chaplain scored the Spartans’ only goal late in the second period.
“It was a beautiful goal,” said coach Frank Pagliuca. “She walked in, deked out the defenseman, and scored.”
The Spartans are 11-1-2.
Marblehead 5, Winthrop 2
At Salem State’s Rockett Arena, the Vikings (9-6) dropped their third in a row despite two goals by Olivia Driscoll.
WRESTLING
St. John’s 42, Mansfield 27
St. John’s 36, Springfield 27
Spr. Cath. 36, St. John’s 24
At the dual meet tournament in Franklin, the Eagles were the state runners-up and completed the season with a dual meet record of 31-2.
Wrestlers sweeping their matches were Nick Curley (106) and Ryan Garlitz (138)
Winning two of three were Alec Runnals (120), Quinn Alexander (126), Kevin Carney (132), Achilles Gikas (152), Owen Gaffney (195) and Will Mouton (heavyweight).
BOYS BASKETBALL
Lowell Cath. 54, Fenwick 49
At Salem High, the Crusaders fell to 9-5. Freshman Jason Romans and senior Jaysean Stuart had 12 points each while big man Christian Loescher had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Peabody 44, Arlington 33
The Tanners (15-1) jumped out to a 22-4 lead early and then hung on to win by 11.
Oluchi Okananwa, starting for the injured Colleen Crotty, scored 10 of her 19 points in the first quarter with seven steals and six rebounds.
Senior captain Catherine Manning had a big day off the boards with 16 rebounds and added 12 points.
Senior Liz Zaiter scored 8 points and hauled down 11 rebounds with four blocks.
Amber Kiricoples (7 rebounds), Emily Carney (3 points) and Georgia Leon (2 points) also contributed.
The Tanners are back in action Tuesday against Winthrop on Senior