Sports Highlights

By Don Lyons - December 30, 2004

Canal Classic

The Vineyard varsity girls basketball team went 0 for 2 at the Canal Classic, losing to host team Bourne, Monday, 48-28, and to Harwich, Tuesday, 49-43. The team's record fell to 2-5 on the season.

Jade Mazza was the only Islander in double numbers (11) at the end of Monday's game. Bourne led throughout and held a 28-14 advantage at the half.

Harwich had been blown out, 72-32, by Winnacunnet in the afternoon, so both teams had something to prove Tuesday evening. They went at it as long-time rivals usually do. The lead changed eight times in the first half. At the break, one point separated the teams, with the Rough Riders up, 21-20.

The Islanders stayed close through most of the final period and Coach Mary MacDonald was pleased with her squad's hustling efforts. Jade Mazza was high again with 11. Kayla Leonard had 10 and Tiffany Smalley, 9.

Winnacunnet was clearly the class of the tourney, defeating Bourne 78-57 in the final.

Fit to be tied

Cooper Gilkes's fly tying classes begin Monday, Jan. 3, at the Rod & Gun Club. The two-hour classes run from 7 to 9 pm for ten weeks. Registration fee is $10. Call Coop to sign up at 508-627-3909.

A close call

The MVRHS boys varsity hockey team gave St. Peter Marian of Worcester a tussle at the Arena yesterday, but the off-Islanders sailed away winners, 2-1.

The Worcester team scored midway in the first period and held that 1-0 lead until the 10-minute mark in the third when Finn Briggs put a bouncing rebound in the SPM net assisted by linemates Nick Townes and Mike Giordano. One minute later the visitors pushed their second and winning goal past MV freshman goalie Alex Minnehan.

Ping Pong

Quinapong, a table tennis club that meets and plays Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm in the Aquinnah town hall, is looking for a ping pong table. They have two but could use another either as a gift or a loan.

Please call Spa Tharpe at 508-645-3688.

JV pucksters

The MVRHS boys junior varsity ice hockey team battled back to tie Somerset, 2-2, at the Driscoll Arena last Thursday.

MV scoring was by Sam Hurd assisted by Ellery Whitworth and by Mike O'Rourke off a nifty feed from Daren Stobie.

Goal-tending was shared by Chris Hathaway and Zach Wallen.

The next day the junior Islanders bowed to Bishop Stang at the Hetland, 2-0. According to Coach Brian McGroarty, the team was "sluggish" with the exception of Kenny MacDonald, Oliver Osnoss, and Zach Waller, all of whom "came to play."

Today the jayvees entertain Worcester at 3 pm and tomorrow they celebrate New Year's Eve at the Armstrong Arena versus Marshfield.