CHARLEMONT – The St. Mary High School boys’ ski team is on a faster downward trajectory, and its closing the upward climb with some of the area’s best.
St. Mary finished first in the South Division and third overall (behind Longmeadow and Mohawk) in Tuesday’s PVIAC ski race to edge closer to the top overall spot in Western Massachusetts.
Only 2.93 seconds separated all three teams on the giant slalom.
St. Mary’s Matthew Masciadrelli finished as the top overall skier (26.21). Nate Bonini (27.27, 6th overall), Jack Masciadrelli (27.92, 18th overall), and Hayden Lussier (15th South) also paved the way for a superb Saints’ outing.
“All of our boys skied with fire tonight and really want(ed) to win,” said St. Mary ski coach Andy Lussier, who admitted that the additional new snow made for less-than-ideal race conditions. “They are all skiing really strong and with confidence.”
“We have a great team of athletes here,” Lussier added. “It’s really amazing that we are having the success that we are with only six racers, and getting closer and closer to the teams with a lot more depth.”
Westfield’s Neil Sheehan finished third overall (26.98), and Austin Herman finished fourth (27.1) for Gateway, which took second on the slopes with a combined time of 117.50.
St. Mary’s finished with a total team time of 112.22. Longmeadow (North Division) accumulated a 109.29.
GRACE OF GOODNESS: Westfield skier Grace O’Connor won the girls’ slalom run Tuesday at Berkshire East. O’Connor finished with a female best time of 36.88. Teammate Rebecca Stephens was fifth (39.6).
Hannah Green was the first Gateway Gator to cross the finish line (24th overall).
Bombers’ coach Monique Piotte expressed her excitement for O’Connor’s victory, and noted her pleasure with every skier for finishing the race with solid times.
