Michael’s Top Five Moments

5) Cape Elizabeth pitcher close to perfect

Cape Elizabeth senior Conor Moloney didn’t lose a game this spring and lived up to billing as the Capers’ ace, but that only begins to tell the story. Moloney managed to avoid surrendering an earned run throughout the regular season, against Oak Hill in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs and through six innings against Yarmouth in the Western B Final. The Clippers finally touched him for a run in the seventh, but Cape Elizabeth won, 5-1, and went on to the state final, which it would lose, 9-5, to Waterville, in a game Moloney wasn’t allowed (by Maine Principals’ Association rules) to pitch. So, if you’re scoring at home, he gave up one run all season. Not too shabby.

4) Cape Elizabeth boys tennis wins surprise crown

Cape Elizabeth’s boys’ tennis team was 9-3 in the regular season, losing twice to eventual Class C champion Waynflete and once to rival Falmouth. The Capers earned the No. 5 seed for the Western B playoffs, but would prove unbeatable the rest of the way. Cape Elizabeth blanked No. 4 Mountain Valley, top-ranked Gardiner and No. 6 York to win the region. The Capers then downed Camden, 5-0, in the state match to reach the pinnacle for the first time since 2004.

3) Scarborough lacrosse teams sweep Class A

In shades of 2006, the Scarborough lacrosse teams both won the Class A championship. The girls were expected to be there all along and never disappointed, winning all 12 regular season contests before avenging a pair of playoff losses with a semifinal round win over Kennebunk. In the regional final, the Red Storm had to rally from a late deficit to beat No. 3 Gorham, 15-13, in overtime. Scarborough then had a relatively easy time in beating Mt. Ararat, 11-7, in the final allowing seniors Ellie Morin and Brittany Ross to say they didn’t lose a game in any sport their senior years. The boys’ squad, meanwhile, was stumbling along at 4-4 before turning the corner and winning three of its next four. The Red Storm had to win at South Portland in the semifinals, then got a break when top-ranked Kennebunk was upset in the same round. As a result, Scarborough hosted the Western A Final, beating upstart Thornton Academy. The Red Storm then capped their dynamic rise with an 8-6 win over Portland in the state game. Both Scarborough teams figure to be very strong again in 2011.

2) Cape Elizabeth boys’ lacrosse returns to rightful perch

After a long four years without a title, the Cape Elizabeth boys’ lacrosse team didn’t appear championship-bound after an 11-4 home loss to Falmouth to start the season. The Capers improved mightily as the year progressed, however, announced their arrival by reversing a 6-1 halftime deficit in a 10-7 home win over two-time defending Class B champion Yarmouth in late May, then saved their best for last. Cape Elizabeth beat Falmouth for the first time in three tries, in overtime no less, in the regional final. That set up a showdown with the Clippers in the state game. The Capers led most of the way and held on at the end to return to prominence, 7-6. Now, they’ll look to start a new dynasty.

1) South Portland softball finally gets its title

For several years, the South Portland softball team has lived in the shadow of Scarborough. This season, the Red Riots took the glory for themselves. South Portland was superb in the regular season winning every game but one (at Scarborough). After holding off McAuley and Kennebunk in the early rounds of the playoffs, South Portland finally solved the Red Storm’s pitching in the regional final, thanks in large part to a booming tie-breaking home run from junior Katlin Norton. The Red Riots held on for a 5-2 victory, then behind another clutch Norton RBI hit and stellar pitching from junior Alexis Bogdanovich, edged Bangor, 1-0, to win their first-ever championship. It was South Portland’s first state title in any sport since boys’ outdoor track won Class A in 2002.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net

Sidebar Elements

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Spring 2010 State Champions

Cape Elizabeth Capers boys’ lacrosse, Class B
Cape Elizabeth Capers boys’ tennis, Class B
Scarborough Red Storm boys’ lacrosse, Class A
Scarborough Red Storm girls’ lacrosse, Class A
Scarborough Red Storm girls’ outdoor track, Class A
South Portland Red Riots softball, Class A

Spring 2010 Regional Champion

Cape Elizabeth Capers baseball, Western B

Spring 2010 Individual State Champion

Track

Nicole Kirk, Scarborough, girls’ 200, Class A

Junior Timmy Takach emerged as a late-season star, helping Cape Elizabeth win its first boys’ lacrosse title in five years.

Freshman Erin Bogdanovich’s glove helped carry the South Portland softball team to its first championship.

Senior Christy Manning’s throwing acumen helped the Scarborough girls’ outdoor track team take the Class A crown.