Hopkinton News : hopkinton high school

Hopkinton boys soccer team wins third straight title

Bow Editor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:12:00 GMT

As the saying goes, defense wins championships. Of course, scoring six goals in the state finals doesn’t hurt either.

The Hopkinton High School boys soccer team completed its quest for a third consecutive Class M title with a 6-0 win over Sanborn Regional on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Merrimack Valley High School.

During its four tournament games, the defense didn’t allow a goal as Hopkinton outscored its opponents by a 13-0 edge.

“First of all, I have to compliment our defensive unit,” said Hopkinton’s head coach, Scot Zipke. “From Jay Leblanc in goal, to sophomores Brian Scala at sweeper and Brooks Wood at stopper, to senior marking backs Duncan Sweny and Kim Long, the boys secured four straight shutouts in the biggest four games of the season. The way they contained and shut down the Sanborn attack was impressive and absolute.”

Sanborn handed Hopkinton its only loss on Oct. 24. That 1- 0 final closed the regular season and denied HHS an unbeaten campaign, but the Hawks dashed any hopes of a repeat performance early on.

Little more than two minutes into the contest, senior captain Travis Fuglestad broke down the left sideline and scored from about 25 yards out, giving Hopkinton a 1-0 edge.

“That was important because if it goes on 0-0 for too long, you’re going to lose your advantage,” said Zipke. “We built this team as an all-around team. It really is just a balanced team.”

Before the Indians’ defense could settle again, the Hawks went on the offensive once more. Senior Will Rendell headed home a pass from Kris Abildgaard to take a 2-0 advantage just 3:47 in.

Fuglestad left the game following a shoulder injury, but after several minutes on the bench, he made an immediate impact upon re-entering the game. Within seconds of returning to the field, the striker spun his defender and scored to extend the Hopkinton lead. Long recorded an assist on the play. It was the second of three goals for Fuglestad in the state final, all in the first half.

“I think he’s the best striker in the state,” said Zipke. “He’s so explosive. To lead us to a championship in his last year … he’s going to be sorely missed.”

Taking the early lead was important for Fuglestad, who was a member of all three championship- winning teams.

“Those first two goals were huge. We just kept hitting them and hitting them,” he said. “At halftime our coach was just saying that we couldn’t play (based on) the score. With five minutes left, though, you can’t help but say, ‘Oh, boy. This is the end.’”

Fuglestad also notched an assist on Abildgaard’s goal with 17:44 left in the first half, giving the Hawks a 5-0 lead heading into intermission.

Billie French ended the onslaught with an unassisted goal in the 67th minute. Hopkinton’s players soaked in the day, getting together for breakfast the morning of the game, then meeting at the school to tailgate before heading to Penacook in search of title No. 3.

“We really are a close team. We have a lot of camaraderie,” said Fuglestad. “To get three in a row going out, you really just couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Hopkinton boys soccer needs pair of wins for another championship

Bow Editor — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:56:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

With a six-goal differential in two successful playoff outings, the Hopkinton Hawks moved two games closer to a more important goal – their third straight Class M boys soccer title.

The top-ranked Hawks, with a 5-0 opening-round triumph against Fall Mountain and a 1-0 quarterfinal-round win against Stevens, advanced to the semifinals, where they were scheduled to play fourth-seeded White Mountains on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The winner advanced to the title game, slated for Saturday, Nov. 8, 3 p.m. at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook.

Against Stevens on Friday, Oct. 31, it took the locals 17 minutes to score the one goal needed for victory, yet it took 80 minutes of staunch defense and ball control to secure it.

With 23 minutes remaining in the first half, Will Rendell tapped in a rebound off a near-miss by Kris Abildgaard.

“Our team goal coming into today’s game was to play the way we can play – lots of possession and lots of balls to the end line,” said head coach Scott Zipke. “Stevens’ game plan was clearly to try and counterattack all day and catch us snoozing for a breakaway.”

Though Zipke said both teams executed their game plans well, it was the Hawks’ backfield that won the game. Led by sweeper Brian Scala, marking backs Duncan Sweny and Kim Long, and stopper Brooks Wood, the Hopkinton defense never allowed Stevens to succeed with its “boomball-type play,” said the coach.

Conversely, the forwards controlled the ball up top the final 20 minutes of the game. While his teammates fired eight shots on net, Jay Leblanc made two saves for the victors. The first came on a semi-breakaway midway through the first half, and the other on a well-struck corner kick he rejected.

In the preliminary round, the Hawks baffled the Fall Mountain defense, converting five goals among 10 shots on net.

Still, Zipke said his team never took the visitors lightly.

“We knew coming into today that Fall Mountain was not a normal No. 16 seed. They lost four overtime games this season and only lost once by more than a single goal,” said the coach. “The quality of the opponent makes today’s win all the more satisfying and beneficial.”

Rendell, like he did three days later, scored first in the 17th minute. From 20 yards out, he punched a one-timer into the upper-right corner of the net.

All-state striker Travis Fuglestad followed up with a header off a corner kick in the 25th minute. Travis Kuster earned the assist on the second goal, then redirected a skillful Abildgaard cross past the goalie in the 53rd minute.

Joe Merrow scored off his own rebound in the 74th minute, and Fuglestad notched his second tally of the game with less than five minutes left when he sent “a gorgeous left-footed knock” into the upper-left corner of the net from 22 yards out.

The defense gave Leblanc a virtual day off, allowing only one shot on goal.

Hopkinton field hockey, determined to advance, again reaches semifinals

Bow Editor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:24:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

For the third consecutive year, the Hopkinton field hockey team is headed to the Class M-S semifinals.

This season, coach Patty Connolly said her team has the talent and the desire necessary to take the next step and perhaps win the school’s first field hockey championship.

First, however, they must defeat No. 1 seed Berlin. That’s not an insurmountable task; the Lady Hawks have already proven they can win in a hostile playoff environment.

They traveled to fourth seed Mascoma on Saturday, Oct. 25, and upended the hosts, 2-1.

They also hit the road during the regular season to face defending state champ Derryfield, this year’s No. 3 seed, and handed DS its only loss. Hopkinton faces Berlin on a neutral field – Bedford High School. The contest was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29.

“Berlin should be tough, but all the top teams are very tough … And having seven seniors who have the experience of being in this game should really help us,” said Connolly. “We are all very driven to make it to the next level.”

Against Mascoma, Hopkinton faced an early deficit when the Royals scored exactly four minutes into the game.

But Hopkinton fought back, and with five seconds remaining in the first half, Brittany Dow took a pass from Brooke Porter and drove the ball past the Mascoma goalie to knot the contest at one.

Connolly said the goal gave her squad the momentum heading into the second half, and they capitalized. At 19:42, Brooke Porter notched her second assist on a corner pass when she found Hannah Richard, who put the Lady Hawks ahead for good.

Though both squads had other opportunities, Connolly said the strong defensive play of Emma Hunt and Amy Smith helped preserve the victory. Megan Edmonds contributed five saves in net.

Three days earlier, the locals opened the postseason with a 5- 1 triumph at home against Newport. Connolly said her players weren’t taking the 12th seed lightly after these same foes took them into overtime earlier in the season.

Richard eliminated any doubt among her teammates when she scored two goals in the first two minutes of play.

“This allowed us to relax and just play the kind of passing game that we have been all season,” said Connolly.

Sophomore Ali Campbell tallied two more scores and sophomore Kelsey Dow added one. All five goals came in the first half.

Hopkinton grads will need more classes

Bow Editor — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:24:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Hopkinton school officials approved a plan to increase the high school’s graduation requirements, putting the policy into effect beginning with next year’s incoming freshmen class.

Board members had a final read-through of the policy, which has been in the works for about a year, at their Tuesday, Oct. 7, meeting.

Residents had a chance to hear about the plan recently, as officials held a public hearing to discuss the changes with community members.

Previously, students were required to complete 20 credits at the high school, a number that will now increase to 24.

Principal Steve Chamberlin said most students already complete more than the required 20 credits, so adding four more will not cause stress to the students’ schedules.

“We think all students should have an opportunity to experience these things before they leave high school,” Chamberlin said. “The increase in requirements is really going to have these kids in good shape when they leave school.”

Science requirements will increase from two to three credits, social studies from 2.5 to three credits, career awareness from one-fourth to one-half credit, and students will also be required to finish the second level of a world language class.

The board’s approval is pending change in the policy’s wording from “year” to “level” of a world language class.

In addition, two new programs will be brought to the school, as students will now need to finish a half-credit practical art course, and take part an experiential learning program.

The practical art course will give students a choice between wood technology, family and consumer science, business education or Project Lead the Way.

With the experiential learning requirement, students will need to take part in an adventure education course, do a senior project, complete an internship or do a service learning project.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Blake said the requirements will keep students up to date with educational needs.

“We saw a need to make sure we’re providing kids with 21st-century skills,” said Blake. “In the future, social studies and science, in particular, are becoming all the more important with the global economy.”

Hopkinton boys soccer still unbeaten after OT win vs. Fall Mountain

Bow Editor — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:57:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Despite thoroughly outplaying their opponents, the Hopkinton Hawks were forced to scrap for victory No. 6.

Still, by handing Fall Mountain its fourth overtime setback, 2-1, on Monday, Sept. 29, HHS remained undefeated and on track to compete for a thirdstraight Class M title.

“Today’s game was a true test of our patience, as we attacked all day ...,” said head coach Scott Zipke. “Some games the biscuit just won’t go in the basket and you are just worried about getting the victory.”

Hopkinton compiled 35 shots, including 22 on goal, but was only able to convert one opportunity during regulation. In the 26th minute, Travis Fuglestad knocked a Kris Abildgaard cross into the far side of the net. Fall Mountain scored on a free kick seven minutes later, but Zipke said Fall Mountain generated only two legitimate scoring opportunities the entire game.

In overtime, Fuglestad returned the favor. He beat a defender and knocked the ball across the goal mouth, where Abildgaard planted the game winner in the 98th minute.

“When (we) eventually start hitting the net (consistently), teams that haven’t seen (us) play will be in for a surprise,” said Zipke.

Jay Leblanc made three saves for the victors, including a denial on a free kick.

Hopkinton boys soccer team dominates opponents in recent action

Bow Editor — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:47:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

With two more decisive victories, the Hopkinton boys soccer team continued its march to the playoffs and a shot at a third straight state title.

After shutting out Conant, 5-0, on Sept. 17, the Hawks thrashed Stevens on the road, 5-1, on Friday, Sept. 19, to extend their record to 5-0-1.

“Tonight’s game was very satisfying in that we went to a tough place to play on a Friday night and totally controlled the pace of play,” said coach Scott Zipke. “Throughout the game, including spurts where it got pretty rough and tumble, we kept our composure and continued to work the ball around looking for chances.”

The hard work of starting center midfielder Travis Kuster and striker Kris Abildgaard paid off for both players, said Zipke. Each notched two goals.

Kuster found the back of the net first, in the 13th minute, after Joe Merrow sent a spot-on cross in the direction of Eric Kilens, who laid the ball in front of Kuster for the easy knock-in.

Travis Fuglestad scored next, a minute later, on a penalty kick after a Stevens defender saved a sure goal by Abildgaard.

Abildgaard notched his tallies in the 40th minute, off a Fuglestad pass at the near post, and in the 50th minute, from a Kuster pass that was headed and flicked into a mass of players in front of the net.

Kuster capped the Hawks’ scoring on an assist from Tim Glanville in the 61st minute. Stevens’ lone goal came in the 77th minute.

Jay Leblanc made two saves for the victors. Against Conant, the Hawks peppered the opposing goalie with 15 shots on net and 26 attempts overall, while Leblanc was only forced to stop one shot.

Zipke said the team accomplished both its goals – to start quickly and to get players other than Fuglestad on the scoring sheet.

Brooks Wood contributed first, burying the ball from 20 yards out after stealing it and beating two defenders. Fuglestad, with nine goals entering the match, added to his season totals with a left-footed blast from 20 yards out, and an easy tap in after Will Rendell drew the goalie the out of the net. Rendell assisted on Fuglestad’s first tally as well.

In the 66th minute, Abildgaard ran past four defenders near the endline and planted the ball in the back of the net.

Nick Windhurt contributed as well, speeding past several Conant players on a 50-yard sprint down the field and notching the fifth goal. The Hawks were scheduled to play next on Wednesday, Sept. 24, against 4-1 Mascenic Regional. They host 3-4 Fall Mountain on Friday, Sept. 26.

Hopkinton field hockey team wins against defending state champs

Bow Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:29:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

For the sophomores and freshmen on one sideline, it was an unwelcome first.

For those on the other sideline, it was the first step in a campaign they hope carries them to a state title.

The defending state champion Derryfield field hockey team – led by Hopkinton’s own Ann DiPastina and Katherine DiPastina, the school’s all-time leading goal scorer – carried a 21-game winning streak into its Tuesday, Sept. 16, home matchup with Hopkinton, a team it defeated, 1-0, two weeks earlier. The Lady Cougars left with a 2-1 loss, their first setback since the 2006 playoffs.

“It is a great feeling, but it feels even better because we lost to them the first time,” said Hopkinton coach Patty Connolly. “To win on their beautiful turf is very satisfying.”

The Lady Hawks returned all but three players from their 2007 semifinalist team, and Connolly said she hopes the experience of reaching the final four two years in a row will translate into two additional postseason victories this year.

“I have eight seniors, so hopefully this will be our year, but you never know, this is a funny game,” she said. “Definitely, our expectation is to take that next step and, with a little luck, be in that final game.”

Despite the most recent result, both Connolly and Derryfield coach Lenny McCaigue agree it’s still the defending champs with the target on their backs.

“I think we’re still a little bit under the radar, but everyone wants to gun for the state champions,” said Connolly. “Maybe this will wake some people up, but I don’t feel people are really taking us for real yet.”

That’s why she knows her squad must continue to prove it’s among the Class M-S elite. Sophomore Megan Edmonds fills a vacancy in net. She’s progressing steadily, as evidenced by her 12 saves against Derryfield, said Connolly.

Junior Danielle Gonzalas, who played soccer last fall, never competed in field hockey prior to this season, yet she’s stepped in and had an immediate impact on the team’s offense.

In fact, Gonzalas scored both of Hopkinton’s goals against the Lady Cougars. The first came on a Taylor Adamski assist that knotted the contest at 21:08 in the second half, and the game winner came courtesy of Hannah Richard with 11:35 remaining in the battle.

Richard and Brooke Porter, said their coach, played outstanding in the midfield and kept constant pressure on Derryfield.

“If we had gotten a second goal before they scored, I don’t think they would have had the same momentum,” said McCaigue. “But they came out very motivated today and played a physically strong game.”

Captaining the Lady Hawks this year are Porter, who Connolly said contributes all over the field, Adamski, who anchors the backfield, and Brittany Dow, who has led Hopkinton in scoring the last three years.

Others making contributions for Hopkinton this season are Amy Smith, Mimi Ramsdell, Christina Hurley, Megan Wilson, Margreta York, Emma Hunt, Liz Crews, Remley Johnson, Claudia Lawton, Miranda Murphy and Ali Campbell.

Hopkinton boys soccer team remains unbeaten with disparate victories

Bow Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:25:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Two drastically different victories kept the Hopkinton boys soccer team unbeaten through two weeks of the Class M season.

Two days after soaring past Somersworth, 5-0, the Hawks clawed back from an early 2-0 deficit and overtook Mascoma, 3-2, on Friday, Sept. 12.

Mascoma scored twice in the first 12 minutes, but Hopkinton’s still-gelling defense locked down and prevented another tally. In the meantime, all-stater Travis Fuglestad notched three unassisted goals.

He first found the back of the net in the 13th minute, before planting the ball in the upperright corner on a free kick in the 39th minute. Fuglestad capped the scoring in the 52nd minute.

“His last goal came on pure hustle when he saved a slowrolling ball while going out for a goal kick near the corner flag,” said his coach, Scott Zipke. “(He) then took it straight to the goal, running by defenders and hammering it past the keeper.”

While Fuglestad’s name dominated the box score, fellow striker Kris Abildgaard played very well, said Zipke, creating several opportunities for his teammates.

Hopkinton finished with more than 20 shots. Bret Minnehan made four saves for the winners.

“All in all, today was great experience and made us a much better team,” said Zipke. “My guys showed a positive attitude the whole game, and their superior fitness certainly paid off as well.”

Hopkinton’s conditioning was evident against Somersworth as well.

While holding their foes to zero shots on goal, the Hawks peppered the opposing netminder with 16 shots.

While Fuglestad garnered another three scores, Zipke said the player of the game was sophomore Billie French.

“Billie played a stellar game both defensively and offensively at outside mid and had his hand in on a number of scoring opportunities other than the two that made the stat sheet,” said the coach.

In the 21st minute, Abildgaard fed a cross to French, who placed the ball perfectly for Fuglestad to notch the first tally. French then took a long pass from Abildgaard, faked a defender and the goalie, and scored the second goal himself.

Abildgaard relayed a shot off the crossbar to Fuglestad for the third point, and Joe Merrow assisted on a Will Rendell header before Eric Kilens provided the helper on Fuglestad’s third goal.

Hopkinton was scheduled to host Conant on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Hopkinton Hawks gear up for chance to wear third straight boys soccer crown

Bow Editor — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:23:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

The pieces are in place for another title run. The expectations are rightfully there. Now the Hopkinton boys soccer team must work to earn a third straight state championship.

“After the last couple years, our goal is certainly to get back to where we were last year. The kids would have a hard time setting our goals any lower than that,” said head coach Scott Zipke. “Then it just comes down to – can we defend? Through the preseason and first couple games, the defense is weaker than it has been … I’m not super impressed.”

The fact his team has given up one goal in its first two contests – a 4-0 triumph against Hillsboro on Sept. 2, and a 1-1 tie at Campbell on Friday, Sept. 5, is deceiving, said Zipke, noting Campbell missed several relatively easy chances.

Senior Kim Long, a returning first-team all-stater, anchors the defense. He’s complemented by senior Duncan Sweny and sophomore Brooks Wood, who both saw significant playing time last season.

Sophomore Brian Scala, whom Zipke said has exhibited hard work and solid communication throughout the preseason, takes over at sweeper.

“They’re certainly fairly experienced. Right now we’re spending a lot of time working on individual marking and stuff like that,” said Zipke. “I fully expect to get the defending down sooner rather than later.”

Travis Fuglestad, who also earned first-team all-state honors last season, pairs with sophomore Kris Abildgaard up top to create one of the most prolific offensive tandems in the state.

Abildgaard, who scored twice in Hopkinton’s season-opener, is an important element of Zipke’s winning formula this season.

“Travis is one of the best strikers in the state, and I fully expect people are going key on him, so Abildgaard and guys like Will Rendell are going to have to step up and have consistently solid offensive outings, which I think they can do.”

Travis Kuster, who earned an all-state honorable mention as the team’s starting sweeper last year, teams with fellow returnee Joe Merrow to solidify the midfield.

Senior Bret Minnehan, who backed up first-team all-state goalie Zach Winters last season, competes with junior Jay Leblanc to start in net.

Zipke said he may not settle on one.

“They’re battling it out, and right now, I’d say they’re pretty even,” said Zipke. “They’re both playing pretty strong, so if there’s no reason to change, we’ll keep it the way it is.”

Others hoping to take their turn wearing the Class M crown this season include senior Nick Windhurst; juniors Adam Coen, Nick Ellis, Tim Glanville, Zak Jantzen, Robby Keilig, Eric Kilens, Dan Lux and Brandon Mansfield; and sophomore Billie French.

Game notes

Hopkinton refused to lose its first contest of the year in its second game, but the team cut it mighty close.

After Campbell took a onegoal lead midway through the first half, the Hawks waited until the 80th minute to knot things up. Adam Coen connected with Fuglestad, who redirected the ball past a diving keeper.

In overtime, Fuglestad just missed two wide open nets, and Campbell knocked one off the crossbar in the golden goal sessions. Hopkinton, 1-0-1, was scheduled to host Somersworth on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Hopkinton bumped from baseball playoffs after surprising regular season

Bow Editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:11:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Dave Chase is the first to admit it. His seventh-seeded Hopkinton baseball team was hosting a first-round playoff contest, but the game was in jeopardy before the players even took the field.

In fact, said Chase, it was in trouble a week prior, when the Hawks blew a 10-0 second-inning lead at home against Newport and fell, 14-10.

That setback cost them the No. 5 seed and what Chase said was probably the easiest path to the Class M championship. Instead, they opened the postseason against one of the top pitchers in the state, Franklin’s Derek Sylvester.

“We ran into a better team, or at least on that day they were a better team,” said Chase following Hopkinton’s 9-4 season-ending loss on Thursday, June 5. “I mean, this kid, Sylvester, he throws mid- to high-80s. He’s going to Boston College to play (Division I baseball), and he was getting his fastball over the plate, plus both of his different curveballs, which kept us off balance.”

So when Hopkinton gave up a first-inning one-out walk, followed by a two-run home run and back-to-back doubles, Chase knew his team was in for an uphill battle.

“I give (Franklin) credit. They capitalized on good fortune and adrenaline and the next thing you know we were down four runs in the first inning, and against a pitcher like that … By the time we finally got a run it was pretty much over.”

Evan Levy hit a solo shot to make it 7-1, but the locals never drew close.

Still, Chase said he was proud of his squad’s effort.

“We ended up with eight hits and four runs … Against a quality pitcher like that, you’re doing pretty well, but still, we fell behind early and put ourselves in a position where we can’t bunt. We can’t move runners. We can’t be aggressive because we don’t want to give up those outs.”

Though the season is over, Chase said the team exceeded the expectations of many around the state.

“As I said to the guys, 13-5 is pretty impressive,” he said. “I think, in a lot of ways, we overachieved. After losing those four (starting) seniors (from 2007), I think we had a pretty rewarding season.”

Chase loses six more players, including first-team all-staters David Brandt and Matt Story, and Matt Demers, a second team all-stater. Dan Forrester, Sean Pirttiaho and Nick Babson also graduate.

“If you take a look at those six, and then the four from last year, basically we have a whole new team coming back from two years ago,” said Chase.

Yet he’s still excited for next year.

“I look forward to a lot of new faces and new energy coming in,” he said. “We may not compete for a title next year, but we’re in a pretty good spot in that we have a lot of good baseball players that are phenomenal athletes coming in. I’m excited about the youth and their potential to play. I definitely see us back in the thick of things in a few years.”

The JV team currently fields seven eighth-graders who now have a year of high school baseball experience.

And Chase has just the guys to lead the youth movement. Joe Merrow and Nick Windhurst have already been named captains for 2009.

Also likely to return are Levy, Steve Bower, Kyle Hatch, Dennis Frasier, Jarrod Rouleau, Jay LeBlanc and Jimmy Angell.

Hopkinton softball team's quick rise followed by recent bumpy ride

Bow Editor — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:45:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

A recent rough stretch aside, Dan Meserve said things are looking up for his Lady Hawks – now and in the future.

After beginning the season 4-1, the Hopkinton softball team flip-flopped in its last five contests. The result is a 5-5 record through Friday, May 9 – just past the midpoint of the season. But that doesn’t mean the squad’s goals are unobtainable.

“We’re hoping to finish strong and certainly meet our expectation of making the playoffs,” said Meserve. “Our ultimate goal is to get a (postseason) home game, and we still have a shot … It’s a little bit of a long shot, but we certainly still have a shot.”

A 6-2 record from this point, said the coach, is likely needed for the team to secure homefield advantage in the first round of the Class M tournament.

Though many Class M teams returned their No. 1 pitcher this season, Hopkinton did not. Still, Meserve said the locals have compensated with solid defense.

Leading this year’s unit are senior captains Jackie Reen, Christina Gleason and Elizabeth Brown.

Reen pitches and plays center field, Gleason patrols right field, and Brown mans third base.

Backup outfielder Dayna Jewell, in her first year on the team, is Hopkinton’s fourth senior.

Junior Remley Johnson, who pitches or plays the outfield, leads a solid group of juniors.

Kelsie Benson and Kaylah Lessard see time in the outfield as well, and Megan Wasserman backs up Brown at the hot corner.

It’s the team’s crop of sophomores, however, that has Meserve giddy about the future.

“I started three freshmen last year, and this year I’ve had games where my entire starting infield has been sophomores,” said Meserve.

Emma Brown catches, Katie Babson plays first base, and Melissa Baron and Hannah Richard hold down the middle infield at second and shortstop, respectively.

Miranda Murphy is the team’s utility infielder, and Ashley Gleason pitches and plays the outfield.

“It’s truly a nice, strong group of sophomores with some seniors that have done a great job of leading – and a good group of juniors as well,” said Meserve. “Yes, we are a young team because we start a lot of sophomores, and you can definitely look at it and say, ‘In another year we can be a powerhouse,’ but this year we still have a great group of girls that create a good blend and have a chance to do very well.”

Game notes

The Hawks dropped a 4-3 battle with Sanborn on Friday, May 9.

Reen led off with a walk, stole second and was driven home by Babson, who went 3- for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Richard and Lessard each plated Babson, but the Lady Hawks lost the contest when Sanborn took the lead for good in the sixth inning.

Hopkinton finished the contest with seven hits. Reen pitched six innings and gave up three earned runs on six hits while striking out five batters.

The Lady Hawks next host 6-5 Campbell of Litchfield on Friday, May 16.

Hopkinton boys lacrosse takes road win with speed, strong goalkeeping

Bow Editor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:02:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Visiting Hopkinton High School jumped out early on host John Stark and minimized a second- half charge, continuing its recent dominance of the Generals with a 7-2 victory in Division- III boys lacrosse on Friday, April 18.

Hopkinton’s David Wood opened the scoring roughly three minutes into the first quarter of the contest, firing a deep shot that found the back of the net. Less than a minute later, Doug Meyer gave the Hawks a two-goal lead, weaving through the General defense and scoring past John Stark goalie Andrew Seccareccio. It was the first of Meyer’s three goals during the game.

Joe Dammann then added two goals within a minute of each other, and the Hawks, behind goalie Bryan Libby, who turned several difficult shots away, held on for the win.

“We got a normal game out of (Libby), with normal meaning outstanding,” said Hopkinton’s head coach, Doug Maynard. “He’s doing a great job in net. He can play outside the crease and make outlet passes. He’s been the total package.”

Early in the second half, John Stark scored when Nathan Goldsberry fired from close range after receiving a pass from Parker Gage. That cut the lead to 4-1.

Following Meyer’s second goal late in the third quarter, John Stark answered when Goldsberry notched his second goal of the game to make it 5-2. Hopkinton iced the contest with two fourth-quarter goals.

Generals head coach Mark Schaub said his team has had lopsided contests with Hopkinton in recent match-ups, and he was happy his team was able to keep the score closer this time.

“In the past it would have been hard for us (falling behind early), but this team has a good mindset,” said Schaub. “We didn’t think we were out of it. I was proud they could focus on what they knew they could do.”

Maynard said the key to the victory was his group’s determined effort to control play.

“I love seeing more men getting on the ground balls,” said the coach, whose team improved to 2-1. “We had great hustle, and we worked very hard.”

Schaub said John Stark, now 1-3, had a difficult time controlling the speed of Hopkinton.

“They’re a fast team, and they really kept us running. That was impressive,” he said. “They moved the ball well, and when our defense got out of position, they found the hole.”

Hopkinton/John Stark team competes in Robotics meet

Bow Editor — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:04:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

You won’t see Hopkinton and John Stark fans rooting for the same team during basketball games. During the three-day FIRST robotics competition, however, fans were rooting for Oz-Ram, a team made up of students from both high schools.

Fans weren’t the only ones united by the team, as the students taking part in the competition also grew closer over the months working on their creation, which needed to be able to move around a track and lift track balls to score points.

“It (combining the schools) really worked out well,” said Oz-Ram adviser Will Renauld. “We were a little worried about it because the school sizes are so different, but the team members have really formed a great bond through robotics.”

The competition didn’t go as smoothly as Oz-Ram had hoped, as they finished in the middle of the pack of 48 teams from across New England.

“We struggled, but that is part of the learning process. You work through problems and then fix them,” said Renauld “The best part of the competition is seeing teams get to see teams get to help each other out, and to see the kids making friends.”

The alliance of Pembroke Academy, Trinity High School and a team made up of several high schools from Rhode Island took the crown to earn a spot at the national competition in Atlanta, Ga.

Although the teams in the competition all have the same goal of winning, Manchester West team member Thomas Provencher said there is a balance between victory and being a friendly competitor.

“There’s a lot of energy and competition. We’re all vying for the same thing, and we want to win,” he said. “We’re helping each other here (in the pit area), but out there it’s a war. If your neighbor in the pit area has a broken part you help them, but one the floor it’s a different story.”

Renauld said he has experienced first-hand the friendly nature of the competition.

“We’ve been at events where people gave us time outs and we’ve beaten them, and the same thing has happened to us. They’re grateful we got the chance to compete at an even level,” he said.

Bedford High School team member Ian Helmke witnessed the spirit of the competition during last weekend’s event. Helmke said upon arriving at the arena, his team realized they had a problem with one of the sensors on its robot. They went to the announcers table, and asked if any teams had the piece they required.

“Within a minute we had one from another team,” said Helmke. “It’s a lot of fun and you know the guys next to you will get you that if you need something. Everyone wants to win, but everyone wants everyone else to be at their best.”

Although Hopkinton and John Stark’s robotics team didn’t leave with the result they had hoped for, they didn’t leave the Verizon Wireless Arena empty handed.

“They made some longtime friends out of it,” said Renauld. “The competition makes for a great bonding thing outside of robotics.”