Salem Observer : Salem, salem high school girls sports

Young Salem High team girls lacross team seeks confidence, offensive spark

Salem Editor — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Momentum has yet to join the Salem girls lacrosse roster. Aside from a 10-6 victory over Nashua North, the Blue Devil offense has been stymied in the early going, including a 19-2 loss to Central on Monday, April 27.

The contest with the Little Green was never in doubt, as Kaleigh Gibbons notched three goals of her seven goals in the early going while Central opened a 9-1 halftime lead.

“We’re in a little bit of a slump right now. They have to get a little bit of confidence,” said Salem head coach Faith Wahlen. “They’re young, and they lost some people last year that had stepped up.”

Following Gibbons’ three unanswered tallies, Sarah Viehl found an open Aja Metcalf in front of the net to trim the deficit to 3-1, but Salem wouldn’t muster another score until just prior to the final buzzer.

Viehl assisted again, passing to Avery Neusch.

Following the game Wahlen said she believed the next day’s meeting with Memorial would untrack her team, and she was right. The Blue Devils edged the Crusaders, 10-9.

Sloppy passing and poor effort on ground balls have been among the causes of a rocky start for Salem, as well as finding a fluid offense.

“We’ve done a bunch of shooting and drills,” said Wahlen. “They practice against me, so I know they can do it. Then they get into a game, get the ball on their stick, and they just freeze.”

Although her team cruised to victory, Central’s head coach, Whitney Nelson, saw promise in a young Blue Devil opponent.

“I think they do a great job of reading the pass and going for the interception,” said Nelson. “They’re very good at anticipating, and that was something I definitely noticed, especially in the second half.”

Salem was shorthanded due to vacation week, but Wahlen said a busy week of play should help her players gain some game experience and find a groove.

“Once they see that they can do it and realize they can score a goal a certain way, it usually flows,” said Wahlen. “Getting the momentum started early enough seems to be our issue right now.”

Salem girls volleyball team's search for third straight crown derailed in state semis

Salem Editor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:44:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

For two games, the Salem High School girls volleyball team played like two-time defending state champions.

It was the other three games against Spaulding that proved to be the problem for the Blue Devils, who were eliminated, 22-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23 and 10-15.

After falling behind 2-0 in the Division I semifinal match on Nov. 5, Salem climbed back to force a decisive fifth game, but Spaulding won the final game to end the Blue Devils’ hopes for a third consecutive title.

Salem’s head coach, Dan Young, said his team’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit was one of the reasons the Blue Devils came up short in the fifth game.

“They didn’t want their season to end like that,” said Young. “I think the emotion (of the comeback) left us a little drained at the end.”

After dropping a closely contested first game in the match, Salem looked flat in the early stages of the second game, trailing by as many as 13 to fall behind 2-0.

Spaulding, which handed Salem one of its two regular-season losses in October, appeared to be cruising to a straight-set win, taking an 18-15 lead in the third game.

But the Blue Devils, led by strong net play from Amanda Saab, won the game after Young made a switch in his rotational strategy.

“After the second game, I realized that I wasn’t going to lose with Amanda Saab on the bench,” said Young. “She’s known as a basketball player, but she’s really turned herself into a volleyball player.”

Saab finished the evening with five blocks and a team-high 18 kills to help get her team back in the match.

Salem lost its 19-13 lead in the fourth game, as Spaulding stormed back to tie the score at 23-23, but after the Blue Devils won a lengthy point to take a one-point lead, Becca Weiss notched a kill to force the deciding game.

Though the teams traded points throughout the early part of the fifth game, Spaulding pulled away for the win and went on to defeat top-seeded Pinkerton Academy to take the D-I title.

“We gave them a few too many chances,” said Young, who said the previous years in the finals weren’t a factor this year. “Every group is new. The experience is what you make it, and we were a different team then.”

Sophomore setter Sarah Scott, who transferred to Salem this year from Wisconsin, racked up 47 assists in the losing cause for the Blue Devils, who will likely be expected to go deep in the postseason again next year.

“This senior class taught the younger players a lot,” said Young, whose team graduates five seniors. “We’re not going anywhere.”

Disappointed Salem girls soccer team concludes fine season just short of state final

Salem Editor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:38:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Surrounded by reporters after his team’s loss to top-ranked, unbeaten Merrimack, Kendrick Whittle answered every question dutifully and politely, but his mind was elsewhere. For proof, any onlooker needed only to follow his eyes.

Roughly 20 yards away, his Salem girls soccer team waited quietly and patiently for the mentor. Some players were in tears. Others offered hugs of consolation. Whittle kept glancing at them, awaiting his chance to comfort and encourage the girls.

They’d certainly earned it following a 14-3-2 campaign that ended with a 1-0 setback Nov. 5 in the Class L semifinals. Following a 6-9-1 mark in 2007, the Blue Devils went 12- 2-2 in 2008’s regular season, earning the No. 4 seed in the tournament.

The group then allowed one goal in 240 minutes of postseason play.

“Last year, when the season ended, I told them to work hard and stay focused,” said Whittle. “This effort, and they gave 100 percent throughout the year, is a result of their dedication to the cause.”

Merrimack was simply a superior foe, but if not for a Tomahawk goal in the 39th minute – just before halftime – the two teams may still be playing.

“We made one mistake that led to a goal,” said Salem’s coach. “But our backfield has been terrific the whole year.”

On offense, the locals couldn’t score for the first time in nearly two months. They were shut out by Central – the eventual state champions – on Sept. 16.

Whittle credited six seniors with ensuring the team played no favorites and functioned as a single unit.

Salem loses its captains, midfielder Courtney Russell and back Caitlin Peters, who start along with classmate Liz Edgerton, a midfielder. In addition, Kayla Provenzano, Sarah Mc- Cook and Sarah Viehl graduate.

“I can’t say enough about this group of kids – all six of ’em – and what they’ve done for this team,” said Whittle. “These kids are as tight(-knit) a group as you’ll see.”

However, eight starters return with an eye toward taking one more step in next year’s playoffs.

Juniors Bridget Klecan, Kristine Gosson, Sarah Raye, Avery Neusch and keeper Sarah Snyder carry that final-four experience into 2009, as do sophomores Gina Righini, Hanna LaRochelle and Cassie Chase.

Juniors Olivia Connors, Katherine Donovan, Katherine Conway and Amanda Vaudreuil; sophomores Mackenzie Miller and Aja Metcalf; and freshmen Nicole English and Jersey Burns are also eligible to return.

“I don’t even want to go over there and talk to them,” said Whittle, taking a deep breath and preparing to do just that. “This is going to be so tough.”

After 5-0 loss, Salem girls soccer team responds with shutout win

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:06:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Days after suffering its first loss of the season, the Salem girls soccer team showed its mettle by winning a tough match on the road.

The Lady Blue Devils, who fell to perennial force Manchester Central on Sept. 16, 5-0, rebounded by taking down a feisty West squad, 1-0, on Friday, Sept. 19.

“We took it on the chin a little on Tuesday, but it definitely shows what kind of group we have, that they were able to shake that off, go out there and win a tight game,” said coach Kendrick Whittle. “I’m very impressed with our ability to work together. Everyone’s been playing important roles, and we’re (winning) the games we should take care of.”

In addition to the victory at West, the ladies defeated Spaulding, 2-0, knocked off Trinity, 4-1, and thumped host Alvirne, 5-1. They also tied undefeated Merrimack, 1-1, on the road. Their 4-1-1 record currently places them in the top six in Class L.

Against West, Bridget Klecan scored two minutes into the game on an assist from Cassie Chase, and then the locals locked down on defense for the rest of the game.

Goalie Sarah Snyder made a handful of quality saves, said Whittle.

Against Central, the coach said he and his players may have come out a little too fired up. The opportunity was there for Salem to take its place among the top squads in the state.

“There certainly was a heightened level of excitement to play the match, going up against a team the last year or two that has been pretty dominant in Class L,” said Whittle.

Still, the final result was not indicative of the quality of play, especially in the first half, he added.

Though Central took an early one-goal lead, Whittle said his team created opportunities to knot the game but were unable to capitalize. The Little Green scored again, just before the midway point, and cruised from there.

“We certainly did compete with them for some time. Unfortunately, they broke our will in the second half and got the better of us, but it’s game five of the season, so I’m not overly concerned with what happened out there,“ said Whittle. “We’re confident if we get that matchup again we can reorganize and be OK.”

Salem field hockey team's good start due to stingy backline

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:12:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Prior to the season, she predicted her team’s wins wouldn’t be pretty, but the victories would be there nonetheless.

Through four games, Carol Merchant’s words have proven prophetic.

Despite losing a large chunk of players from last year’s veteran roster, the Salem High School field hockey coach has watched her three-time defending Class L champs put together another fine start.

With a 4-2 triumph against Goffstown, on Monday, Sept. 15, the Lady Blue Devils improved to 3-0-1.

But just as Merchant predicted, the girls have had to work for every goal. After opening the season with a 2-2 tie at home against Winnacunnet, SHS took care of Nashua North, 4-0; beat Concord, 2-0; and squeaked by an up-and-coming Memorial team, 1-0.

“You only have to win by one goal, and we’re finding ways to score against tough defenses, and we’re winning tight games,” said Merchant. “We’re achieving our early goals and we’re trying to improve on specific aspects week to week.”

Oddly enough, it’s been Salem’s defense that has been the brightest spot so far, she added.

“In the past, I think most people looked at us and said our best defense was our offense, and this year I think we’re much stronger in that area than we have been.”

Against Goffstown, a team Salem defeated in the 2005 title game and again in the 2006 playoffs, the locals jumped ahead, 3- 0, before trading the next three goals.

Jennifer Azarian notched the first two scores on assists from Nicole Rozumek and Erica DePinto, respectively. Megan Martineau found the back of the net next, on an Ashlynn Moerloos helper, before Moerloos answered Goffstown’s first goal with a tally of her own – courtesy of another DePinto helper – with seven minutes left in the first half.

Jamie Klufts played solidly in net and denied a handful of Goffstown opportunities to secure the victory.

“I think we got off to a good start and jumped on them early, and then they got some momentum when we made some mistakes in both the offensive third and the defensive third,” said Merchant. “(We) had a little bit of an off day, but a win is a win is a win.”

Salem field hockey team eyes fourth straight title with fresh faces

Salem Editor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:51:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Carol Merchant had to admit, anything less than a championship last season would have been a disappointment.

After all, the Salem field hockey team featured five all-state seniors, including the state’s Player of the Year, Carolyn Malloy, and a handful of other veteran standouts who had worn the crown the two previous years.

Now Merchant, who has led the Lady Blue Devils to four titles and one Class L runner- up trophy in her five years at the helm, faces a different type of challenge, though the expectation remains the same.

“It was really special in a lot of ways to three-peat. I mean, it’s difficult to win one, but to go back-to-back-to-back was really an amazing accomplishment for us, especially because the best team doesn’t always win,” said Merchant. “That’s something we’re gonna try to make work for us this year. We’re not going to be flashy, but we’re going to be solid at every position.”

All but one player, senior Erica DePinto, are new to the starting lineup this season, yet the team returns a wealth of experienced players ready to take their turn hoisting championship hardware.

Seniors Nicole Rozumek and Lauren Meissner, as well as junior Chelsie Muldowney, saw plenty of playing time last season, while Carly Federico, Leeann Vadala, Katie Foyle, Ashlynn Moerloos and Amanda Smigliani also earned a taste of varsity action.

“This group of players trained side by side against our seniors who left last year,” said Merchant. “They know what it takes to put together a good tournament run, and they made those players who left better players. And in doing so, they became good players themselves.”

This year’s squad also features “super sophomores” Melissa Higgins, Meghan Bench, Danica Blakslee and Erika Buatti.

Jamie Kluft is expected to be solid in net, said Merchant, who added seniors Taylor Healey and Jenn Azarian should step in at forward and score their share of goals in 2008.

Statistically, admitted Merchant, four straight crowns is a challenging goal, yet she said she like’s Salem’s chances.

“We’re going to have to fight, but I definitely think we’re going to win a lot of our games.”

The Lady Blue Devils were scheduled to open their fifth title defense in the last six years on Wednesday, Sept. 3, against Winnacunnet.

Salem High School volleyball coach says two-time champs need only time to gel

Salem Editor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:43:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

If forced to choose a model for postseason success, last season presented the ideal scenario. Dan Young, entering his fourth season as coach of the Salem girls volleyball team, now has two state titles to his credit.

Two years ago, he said, the squad peaked early, yet was able to rely on pure talent to finish undefeated and win a championship. Last year, the Lady Blue Devils scuffled and battled all season, but were playing their best volleyball when it counted most. The end result was the same. This season, Young said he may not have a choice.

“The plan right now is to openly admit we’re going to struggle early, which doesn’t necessarily mean the wins won’t be there, but it may look a little ugly in September,” he said. “We have the ability to be very good. I think how good is going to be up to us. We may not be at the level of the team say two years ago, but the potential is certainly there to be as good and maybe even better.”

Though lacking established superstars, the team is balanced and deep. In fact, girls fighting for playing time at SHS would be clear starters on most squads throughout the state, he added.

“There’s still a lot of questions that need to be answered, as far as who is playing and where, and that’s not a bad thing,” Young said. “It’s not that they’re not playing well. It’s that a lot of players are playing well.”

This season, some solid returning players are stepping into new roles and are complemented by talented up-and-comers, some of whom played junior varsity last year.

Senior Amanda Saab, said Young, is the best offensive player in the state, while Becca Weiss is slated to be the team’s pace setter. Both players have started every game during the past two title runs.

“They’re certainly who I’m leaning on for leadership,” said Young.

Robyn Ciriello, who started all last year, takes on more responsibility and moves to the outside, and junior Courtney Wright, said the coach, presents an interesting dilemma in that she’s one of the top two defensive players on the floor, and yet she’s a superb hitter. Most likely, she’ll play libero, though that could change.

Peters are expected to see a big increase in playing time. Both, said Young, are talented enough to start at libero for any team in Class L.

Junior Erica Begin and Melissa Oulette bring youth and size to the starting lineup, and Nicole Boucher has the unenviable task of replacing all-state setter and record holder Lauren Delaney.

“She’s not going to be able to take over for Lauren, and she doesn’t have to … Erika will be fine being her own player,” said Young of the powerful, 5-foot-10 junior. “And I’ll tell you this, I’ve never seen a player improve from one year to the next and take on a new position like Nicole’s done.”

Sophomore Erika Gallo and freshman Kerry White are also expected to contribute. While the athletic prowess of the entire team is superb, Young said this year’s unit is by far the smartest team he’s ever coached. In fact, one of the Lady Blue Devils’ goals this season is to avoid getting even one C amongst their report cards.

“That speaks to the caliber of players they are,” said Young. They’re very heady.”

Salem felled in state championship by Timberlane, 1-0

Salem Editor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:58:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

CONCORD – They claim a storied history. They expected to triumph. And why not? That’s what the girls of Salem softball do – perennially.

However, this year in Class L, parity prevailed. Change was evident throughout a balanced regular season – no team, including top-ranked Salem, lost less than three games. That sense of change carried into an exciting postseason – the Blue Devils won two one-run games to reach the finals.

Then, in the state championship on Saturday, June 14, Timberlane’s Steph Barrett delivered the most devastating change of all.

The Owls’ senior used her off-speed pitch to outduel Salem’s Alex Gallant, 1-0, denying the Blue Devils another crown.

“What are you going to say to a group of girls who’ve been to the championship game three straight years?” said Salem’s head coach, Harold Sachs. “They’re champions.”

Yet Timberlane, with three straight first-inning singles and the contest’s lone run, hoisted the championship trophy at Memorial Field in Concord. Salem’s solemn players and coaches lined up between third and home – some visibly upset – watching the Owls hoot and holler.

Seniors Gallant, Danielle Stoodley, Katie Bettencourt, Erin Lyons and Valerie Boutin played their final game for Salem and their appreciative mentor.

“They’ve all had great careers here,” said Sachs. “And this is a special group of players.”

Indeed, Salem refused to go quietly, putting a runner at third base in four different innings. Bettencourt led off the bottom of the first with a smash the Owls’ second baseman couldn’t handle. She stole second and took third on Erica DePinto’s single. In the second inning, Jennifer Cabral reached on an infield hit and eventually reached third. DePinto walked to lead off the sixth, and pinch runner Geena Terino stole second, then moved to third on a groundout.

Salem’s best chance came in the fifth, when Sara Bracken led off with a triple to right. However, pinch runner Bethany Storie never moved from third.

That’s because Timberlane’s Barrett, a left-hander, mixed a good fastball with a better offspeed pitch. The change up kept Salem’s aggressive hitters off balance throughout the contest. She delivered the change on any count, and she threw it for strikes.

“Steph could have given in to the (pressure-packed) situations and allowed us to get back into it,” said Sachs with a smile and shrug. “At some point, somebody had to get a hit for us, a big hit. I think it was Steph’s ability to change speeds and throw strikes that prevented that.”

But Sachs was excited about his young group and its future. Thirteen players come back in 2009 as Salem seeks a return to the top.

“(My players) have nothing to hang their heads about,” he said. “We lost in the championship, and we won 15 straight games to get there. We’re a program, not a one-year wonder.”

Salem softball team pushes past BG, edges Alvirne to reach state semis

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:52:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

CONCORD – Katie Bettencourt’s hard-hit ground ball scooted past Alvirne’s right fielder, Jade Morrison dashed home from first base, and, just like that, the Blue Devils escaped the Class L quarterfinal round with a 13-inning, 1-0 walkoff win on Sunday, June 8, at Memorial Field.

En route to the plate, Morrison passed her suddenly animated head coach, Harold Sachs, who, it turns out, prophetically described the competitive nature of Class L softball after a 2-0 win back on May 5:

“If you notice the amount of teams in the league that can beat anybody on any day ... Teams in our league can come out of the (No.) 16 spot and win a state championship. You’ve just got to get there.”

By dodging eighth-seeded Alvirne’s best shot – this is a team Salem crushed, 9-0, in April – the top-seeded Blue Devils are almost there.

They were scheduled to play fifth-seeded Dover in the state semifinal on Wednesday, June 11. Should the locals win, they’ll face either No. 2 seed Timberlane or No. 6 Concord for the state crown. First pitch at Memorial Field is Saturday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m.

Alex Gallant started for Salem and pitched into the 10th inning against Alvirne, then handed the ball to Erin Lyons (No. 20). She stranded three Broncos runners in that frame and wasn’t challenged again.

Meanwhile, Broncos starter Jess Brennan, who absorbed that lopsided early-season loss to Salem, pitched a complete game. She was backed by a nearly flawless, very busy defense. A oneout error on Morrison’s infield grounder immediately preceded Bettencourt’s game-winning hit. Before that, Brennan smothered a potent Salem attack which, in 11 contests since May 1, had outscored foes by a 90-8 margin, including a 6-0 opening-round victory against Bishop Guertin on Thursday, June 5. Salem did not collect its first base hit until the bottom of the eighth.

But the Blue Devils also never allowed the upstart Broncos to take the lead.

“We’ve been in this position before,” said Sachs, cleaning the post-game dugout and explaining the team’s steady, determined approach to a high-pressure situation. “We’ve worked all year to get to this point, and as difficult as this game was, these girls stuck together and wouldn’t stop.”

Making contact

Salem fanned five times in the first three frames, then twice in the next 9 1/3 innings, constantly pressuring and testing Alvirne’s defense. There were few weak spots. Of the final 28 outs recorded by the Broncos, 26 were by putout.

Gallant whiffed 13 in 9 1/3 innings, then Lyons struck out three more in 3 2/3 innings to earn the win.

After wild pitching a runner to third with one out in the top of the 10th and intentionally walking the bases full, Lyons’ three-pitch strikeout of the next Alvirne hitter reset the game’s tone.

Earlier, Gallant dominated. No one reached second base for Alvirne until the eighth inning, when Jen Cabral cleanly handled three straight ground balls, stranding a runner at third.

Salem girls' lacrosse team pushes Londonderry in playoffs

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:43:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Faith Wahlen thought they might have a shot.

The No. 6 Lady Blue Devils, who compiled a 9-6 regular season record, forged a two-goal lead in the first half of the Division I quarterfinals against 13-3 Londonderry, the No. 3 seed.

But a barrage of second-half goals by the Lady Lancers – seven in the first 10 minutes – sent the Salem girls lacrosse team home for the season.

“Londonderry came out the second half absolutely on fire, and it was pretty much just us trying to catch up the rest of the half,” said Wahlen of the 12-7 playoff defeat. “Londonderry was just one of those teams we couldn’t get past.”

Salem lost to Londonderry, 9- 6, on April 25, then fell again, 14- 12, in the regular-season finale on Thursday, May 29.

“We had a couple injuries and certainly had our ups and downs, but overall it was a great season for these girls,” said Wahlen. “We stayed in a lot of games against some real quality opponents. We just couldn’t squeak through.”

Now, the team must learn to play without five of its leaders if it hopes to return to the postseason in 2009.

Alyson Higgins, Sara Halbich, Tatum Dyer and Taylor Dyer all graduate, and junior Kyleigh Keating, said Wahlen, won’t be back either.

“I’m losing a bunch of kids I’ve had since their freshman or sophomore year, so they’ve been with me a long time,” said Wahlen. “Overall, they had a great season, and there are going to be some big losses, but I definitely have some leaders I expect to step up next year.”

Salem returns 12 of its 17-player varsity roster, including freshman Aja Metcalf and sophomore Chelsie Muldowney, who Wahlen said solidified her defense in front of junior goalie Emily Cook this season.

In the midfield, juniors Sarah Viehl and Nicole Rozumek had fine seasons and gave their coach plenty of reason for hope next year.

“I think Nicole is going to replace my Taylor Dyer. She’ll pretty much be everywhere,” said Wahlen.

On the attack, sophomores Alissa Horta, Lauren Burnett and Avery Ncusch return for their second season and look to continue their progression.

“Toward the end of the year they just completely stepped in and contributed and two ended up being starters in the playoffs, so I expect all three to really step into new roles next year,” she said.

Also expected to be back are current juniors Lauren Santo and Melissa Putnam, and sophomores Christine DiChiara and Alison Vivinetto.

Salem girls tennis team defies odds, reaches playoffs, pleases coach

Salem Editor — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:59:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Prior to the season, Curt Killion modestly said if certain pieces fell into place his team had a small shot at the playoffs.

Two weeks and six contests in, the Salem girls tennis coach said the squad had to win every tight matchup remaining to accomplish the goal.

In the season’s final week, he smiled, knowing the Lady Blue Devils had accomplished something no one expected.

And following a 9-0 loss to defending champ Central in the Class L quarterfinals, Killion expressed an unusual emotion for a coach who just watched his team fall in a seasonending shutout – joy.

“This is probably the biggest overachievement for any team I’ve ever coached,” he said. “I mean, our team was very flat. In other words, my No. 1 wasn’t that much better than my No. 6, and we just didn’t have the strength at the top of our ladder to compete.

“That put a lot of pressure on the girls at the bottom, but they really came through,” Killion continued.

“I’ve had strong teams underachieve, and I’ve had weak teams play like weak teams, but I’ve never had a team like this do so well.”

Killion wasn’t knocking his squad. Rather, he was acknowledging the staunch competition his charges faced each day.

Yet they finished with an 8-6 record and earned the playoff’s No. 7 seed. To get there, SHS won four of five one-point contests – against Alvirne, Merrimack, Timberlane and Dover.

“That’s what really made the difference, those tight wins that could have gone either way,” said Killion.

Salem also beat Memorial and Trinity, 7-2, and Winnacunnet and Keene, 6-3.

Against Central in the playoffs, No. 1 Angela Rullo wasn’t able to play, so the rest of the ladder was bumped up a spot, and despite hard-fought efforts, each fell, said Killion.

Aside from his team’s general success on the court, Killion noted another achievement for his squad this year.

“In prior years we were afraid to go to a no-cut policy because we felt practices wouldn’t be as effective for our starting players with so many girls on the courts, and some of our past captains also felt it would damage the closeness of the team,” said the coach. “But we gave it a try this year and went with 25 players, and (captain) Nicole Antonelli really helped keep everyone together. I’m really happy we made the move because we all had a lot of fun, and it gave a lot of kids that ordinarily wouldn’t be doing anything this spring a chance to learn tennis and be part of a team.”

Though the Lady Blue Devils graduate Rullo, No. 3 Antonelli and No. 4 Fay Long, they return No. 2 Danica Blakslee, a freshman, and juniors Caitlin Peters and Julianna Blaisdell, their No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Junior Andrea Vinci, who played No. 1 doubles with Rullo, and sophomore Breanna Edelstein, Salem’s No. 7, also return.

Second-half push sends powerful Salem past winless Concord

Salem Editor — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:42:00 GMT

By Matt Schooley

The Concord High School girls basketball team was hungry for its first win of the season, but Salem High School wasn’t letting that get in the way of its fast start to the year, cruising to a 63-47 road victory.

Concord kept the contest on Friday, Jan. 25, within shouting distance into the halftime break, but the Blue Devils pulled away to improve to 9-1 on the season.

Amanda Saab turned in a solid game for the visiting Blue Devils, playing especially well in the final quarter to push the Salem lead to as many as 23.

Despite playing a winless opponent, Salem head coach Elizabeth Briggs said her team faced a tough task.

“It was a battle tonight. They’re hungry, and I was impressed by how they played that third quarter,” she said. “In the second quarter we sat back and our defensive effort was lacking, and we let them back into it. In the third quarter we were on a mission to come out with intensity and work harder.”

Saab scored six points in the fourth, including a breakaway layup that pushed the Blue Devil lead to its peak.

“(Amanda Saab) really took over the fourth and made a difference,” said Concord head coach *** Pratt. “She’s a nice player. She’s a difference maker, and she really was one in this game.”

Concord’s closest margin of loss this season has been 11 points, leading to the Crimson Tide’s current 0-10 record.

“They were 0-9 coming in, but they were scary as heck,” said Briggs. “We were certainly not overlooking Concord. We maintained the lead with some key subs, and were able to come out with a win.”

Kelsi Record and Sarah Raye came off the bench to play well on both ends of the floor for Salem.

Salem reached double figures in victories following a 57-55 win against visiting Bishop Guertin on Tuesday, Jan. 29. The Lady Blue Devils entertain 8-3 Merrimack on Friday, Feb. 1.