CHARLEMONT – The new kids on the block continue to make noise.
The St. Mary High School boys’ ski team completed another first place finish in the South Division – this time on the slalom – in Thursday’s PVIAC race at Berkshire East.
The Saints (147.85) topped the Holyoke Purple Knights (2nd, 158.87) and Gateway Gators (3rd, 169.31).
“These boys are skiing with confidence and our results continue to be strong,” St. Mary coach Andy Lussier said.
St. Mary’s Matt Masciadrelli finished ninth overall (33.84) and second in the South Division, followed by teammates Nate Bonini (3rd South, 12th overall), Jack Masciadrelli (9th South, 27th overall), and Hayden Lussier (11th South, 33rd overall).
“This group of young men really exemplify what it means to be a team,” coach Lussier said. “Everyone is skiing really solid and while we have mistakes here and there, they all continue to attack and push hard. They want to win.”
Westfield’s Neil Sheehan placed fifth on the slopes with a time of 31.64. Gateway’s Johnny Rooney finished 21st overall.
STEPHENS LEADS PACK: Westfield female skier Rebecca Stephens claimed gold on the GS Thursday night, finishing with a winning time of 25.0 seconds. Stephens, a sophomore, narrowly defeated Minnechaug’s Mary Clare Crochier (2nd, 25.6).
It was the best finish in Stephens’ young high school career.
“She has been working hard all season to accomplish this goal and tonight was her night to shine,” Westfield coach Monique Piotte said. “Everything was aligned in her favor, and what a perfect run it was.”
Westfield’s Grace O’Connor was fourth (25.43). Bombers’ Megan Cole and Hannah Giffune also performed admirably.
The Bombers finished third as a team in the North Division with a combined time of 112.79. Minnechaug placed first (106.92).
Hannah Green was the first Gateway Gator to cross the finish line. Green was 20th overall.
