CHARLEMONT – St. Mary’s Matt Masciadrelli continued his win streak, two teammates cracked the top 15 out of a field of 130 skiers, and the Saints finished second in the South Division of the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference late Monday night at Berkshire East.
“It was another solid night for our Saints’ ski team,” St. Mary ski coach Andy Lussier said. “The snow conditions were perfect for racing.”
Masciadrelli went hard and fast to capture the Giant Slalom by more than seventh-tenths of a second over Johnathan Berger, of Longmeadow, and extend his season-long win streak.
“He is really skiing strong this season, and his commitment to training is paying off,” coach Lussier said.
St. Mary’s Nate Bonini and Hayden Lussier finished 11th and 15th overall on the hill, respectively, good for fourth and fifth in the South Division. Patrick Boyle was fourth for the Saints.
“Nate … is also skiing very consistently and putting down some competitive runs in both disciplines (SL, GS),” said coach Lussier, noting Bonini’s penchant for extra training and tweaking a style to perfection. “It’s great to see the change in the last few weeks and he will crack the top five overall before the season is over.”
As for Hayden Lussier, it was his first top 15 overall finish.
“Hayden … threw down a great run,” coach Lussier said. “He was fast and smooth through the top section of the course and skied a good, clean line over the face.”
St. Mary finished second to East Longmeadow. The Spartans now own a one-point lead in the league standings.
“We’re locked in a pretty competitive battle,” coach Lussier said.
In the girls’ portion of the competition, St. Mary’s Chloe Lussier finished 13 overall (6th Division) on the slalom course in 39.82.
“She is skiing very consistent right now,” coach Lussier said of his top female racer.
Allie Rougemont continued to show improvement for St. Mary, working her way up the scoreboard.
A-LISTERS: “A” Division racers, Grace O’Connor and Rebecca Stephens, of Westfield, continued their domination atop the girls’ ski charts.
O’Connor won the race with a time of 33.49, followed by Stephens’ second-place run (33.76).
Westfield’s Madeyln Jemiolo finished just outside the top 30 with a 31st overall finish. Lauren O’Connor was the fourth Bomber to cross the finish line (52.55).
Notes: Gateway’s Jessica Garriepy placed ninth overall (38.38). Southwick’s Margaret Drohen was 27th (44.95). …Jacob Stephens was the first male racer to finish for Westfield. Stephens claimed 12th place in 26.48. …Tuesday’s PVIAC race was postponed due to inclement weather, the third time a race has been postponed this season.
