(Ed. Note: For the complete Greely-Waynflete boys’ and Falmouth-NYA, NYA-Waynflete and Yarmouth-Waynflete girls’ lacrosse game stories, visit theforecaster.net)

While we’re still awaiting warmer weather, one sure sign that summer is close is that the spring high school sports regular season is halfway done.

Many local teams are excelling on the diamond, field, track and courts, and here’s a glimpse of where they stand:

Baseball

Greely’s baseball team has responded from its lone loss with three straight wins to improve to 7-1 (good for second in the Western Class B Heal Points standings, as of Tuesday morning). The Rangers rolled at Freeport (15-3, in six innings), at home versus Falmouth (13-3, in six innings) and at home against Fryeburg (6-0). Against the Falcons, freshman Bailey Train struck out seven and allowed just three hits in five innings of work and added three hits, including a home run, three RBI and scored three runs. Junior Pete Stauber also hit a home run and added singles, four RBI and three runs scored. Senior Ben Shain contributed two hits, two runs and two RBI. In the win over the rival Yachtsmen, Train, Stauber and junior pitcher Mike Leeman all had key singles in a three-run fourth inning uprising and RBI doubles from junior Brad McKenney and sophomore Jonah Normandeau and RBI singles from Stauber and junior Liam Maker highlighted a six-run fifth. Leeman scattered eight hits, walked three and struck-out six to earn his third victory. Against the Raiders, Normandeau and senior Ben Shain combined for a one-hit shutout. Shain also had a key two-run single. Greely was at Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, has a pivotal showdown at Yarmouth Monday and hosts Wells Wednesday of next week.

Speaking of those Clippers, they remained unbeaten after recent close victories over host Fryeburg (9-8) and visiting York (4-2). At the Raiders, Yarmouth rallied from a 6-2 deficit early in the game and an 8-7 margin in the seventh to win behind clutch hits from senior Joey King (game-tying single and an earlier three-run homer) and junior Ryan Cody (game-winning single). Junior Bryce Snyder also had a key RBI double. Against the Wildcats, Yarmouth took a 4-0 lead behind two-run singles from Snyder and senior Dustin McCrossin, then held on to improve to 6-0 (third in Western B) behind strong pitching from senior Chris Lawlor and Cody in relief. The Clippers were home with Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday, visited Cape Elizabeth in a regional final rematch Wednesday (see theforecaster.net for game story), go to Falmouth Friday and host Greely Monday and Cape Elizabeth next Wednesday.

Falmouth was 4-2 and 12th in the region as of Tuesday morning. The Yachtsmen beat visiting Lake Region, 11-0, in five innings last Friday, lost, 13-3, in six innings at Greely Saturday, then downed host Poland, 11-0, in five innings Monday. Against the Lakers, a six-run third inning put it away as senior Dillon Dresser hurled a three-hitter, fanning five, while driving in a pair of runs. Senior Matt MacDowell doubled twice and drove in three runs. In the loss, Dresser and classmates Joe Barns and Ben Goffin had multiple hits. Against the Knights, sophomore Thomas Fortier got the shutout win. Junior Grayson Beressi singled, doubled and drove in two runs. Senior Brett Emmertz and junior Jeremy Lydick also had two hits. Falmouth hosted Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, was  at York Wednesday, hosts Yarmouth Friday and Fryeburg Monday.

Freeport lost recent games to visiting Greely (15-3, in six innings) and host Lake Region (5-0). Junior Luke LaMagna singled, doubled and drove in two runs against the Rangers. The Falcons were no-hit by Lakers pitcher Zach Allen. Freeport (1-6 and 14th in the Heals) hosted Poland Wednesday, visits Wells Friday and is home versus Cape Elizabeth Monday.

In Western C, North Yarmouth Academy is 4-1 and 10th in the standings after recent wins over visiting Old Orchard Beach (9-2), Sacopee (11-4) and Gray-New Gloucester (9-4). Against the Seagulls, senior Jordan Haskell had four hits, including two doubles and a home run and drove in five runs. Ryan Salerno threw a five-hitter, striking out eight, to earn the victory. Senior Eli Leavitt (who hit a two-run double), along with sophomore Ben Coleman and senior Harry Fast combined to beat the Hawks. In the win over the Patriots, Haskell had three hits and drove in four, while senior Alan Brown got the win on the mound, allowing six hits, while striking out eight.

Softball

Turning to softball, Falmouth is coming on strong. The Yachtsmen edged visiting Lake Region, 4-3, in nine innings Friday, won with surprising ease at Greely, 11-5, Saturday, then improved to 5-2 (good for fourth in the latest Western B Heals) with a 15-0 (five inning) triumph at Poland Monday. Against the Lakers, senior Lauren O’Donnell scored the winning run on an error after a steal. Senior Kelsey Freedman got the win in relief. That victory seemed to inspire Falmouth as it got 15 hits at the Rangers. Freedman again got the win on the hill, blasting a home run (a rare shot over the fence) and driving in three runs. The Yachtsmen also got three hits apiece from senior Stephanie Gramse and junior Ashley Collins. In the win over the Knights, Falmouth scored in every inning, Freedman threw a one-hitter and struck out 10 and senior Jessie L’Heureux sparked the offensive effort with a single, double and triple. She scored three times and had an RBI.

“We are improving with each game, but we still have a few things to work on,” said Yachtsmen coach John Keyes. “The girls believe in themselves, which is so important and they are having fun.”

Falmouth was at York Wednesday, hosts Yarmouth Friday and welcomes three-time defending regional champion Fryeburg Monday.

Yarmouth is quietly putting together a superb season and improved to 6-1 (good for sixth in the region) after recent lopsided wins over host Traip (16-2, in six innings) and visiting York (12-0, in five innings). Against the Raiders, junior Suzanne Driscoll had four RBI. Seniors Cassidy Cleaves and Abbie Hutchinson and freshman Alexa Sullivan all had three hits. Senior Laura Klepinger scattered four hits to earn the victory. In the win over the Wildcats, senior Julie Dursema had four hits, three RBI and scored three times. Sophomore McKenzie had three hits, three RBI and scored two runs. Klepinger threw a two-hit shutout.

The Clippers hosted Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday, visited Cape Elizabeth Wednesday, welcome Greely Monday and Cape Elizabeth Wednesday of next week.

Greely has stumbled of late after its fast start. The Rangers won, 9-2, at Freeport last Thursday, then fell at home to Falmouth (11-5) and Fryeburg (11-0). In the victory, sophomore ace Danielle Cimino threw a one hitter, striking out seven. Offensively, junior Caroline Hamilton belted three hits with an RBI and Cimino added a pair of hits. Greely (5-3 and 10th in the Western B Heals) was at Gray-New Gloucester Wednesday, visits Yarmouth Monday and hosts Wells Wednesday of next week.

Freeport has dropped six straight since its Opening Day win and is 16th in the Heals. The Falcons most recent losses came to visiting Greely (9-2) and at Lake Region (10-0). Sophomore Leigh Wyman struck out nine against the Rangers. She also had her team’s lone hit versus the Lakers, a single. Freeport was at Sacopee Tuesday and hosted Poland Wednesday. Monday brings a visit from Cape Elizabeth.

In Western C, NYA, which restored its varsity program this fall, dropped to 0-6 after recent losses to visiting Old Orchard Beach (23-8, in five innings), Sacopee in a doubleheader (31-1, in five innings and 24-1, in five innings) and Gray-New Gloucester (18-0, in five innings). Against the Seagulls, junior Kylie Dalbec had two hits and two runs. The Panthers (17th in the Heals) hosted Traip Wednesday, have a doubleheader at Traip Saturday and go to Old Orchard Beach Monday.

Boys’ lacrosse

The big news from boys’ lacrosse is what didn’t happen, namely a highly-anticipated showdown between Falmouth and host Yarmouth Saturday night. The sizzling Yachtsmen were hoping to beat the Clippers for the first time ever and end Yarmouth’s nine-year, 73-game home win streak, but lightning in the area earlier in the day led to the contest being postponed (although it was beautiful out by game time). As a result, the contest (and perhaps history) was rescheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.

Falmouth did improve to 4-0 last Tuesday with a 14-2 home win over NYA. Sophomore Will Sipperly had five goals, junior Mitch Tapley four and junior goalie Cam Bell stopped 14 shots.

 “Believe it or not, but we played our worst game yet,” said Falmouth coach Mike LeBel. “There was no flow to our offense. Our defense and Cam continue to frustrate teams. We were three men down at one point and NYA only managed two goals total.”

The Yachtsmen (ranked first in both the latest coaches’ poll and the Western B Heals) are at York Thursday, play at Yarmouth Friday and host Brunswick in a crossover game Saturday at noon. Wednesday of next week brings the next highly anticipated act of their rivalry with Cape Elizabeth. That game is on the road.

“We’ll be extremely focused and ready to face Yarmouth,” LeBel said. “Cape worries me tremendously. They are very talented and fearless.”

Elsewhere in Western B, Greely entered the week 1-2, but the Rangers could easily be 3-0. After losing in triple overtime at NYA the week before, Greely went to Waynflete last Tuesday and suffered a 9-8 loss, despite having two great tying looks at the goal in the waning seconds. Senior Austin Spencer had three goals and junior Cooper Allen two.

“We had a rocky start,” said Greely coach Casey Abbott. “I don’t think our heads were in the game at the beginning. We weren’t passing and catching as fluidly as we would have liked to. The guys didn’t give up. They fought all the way. Even the last 30 seconds, we got two shots on net. That’s all I can ask for. (The Flyers) have an excellent goalie. We knew that he would be tough today. He did a great job. I definitely commend him on his effort.”

The Rangers (fifth in the region) hosted Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, welcome Wells Thursday and Edward Little Saturday. Tuesday of next week brings a trip to Lincoln Academy.

In Eastern B, Yarmouth entered Tuesday’s game at Waynflete at 3-1, having been idle for a week. The Clippers (second to St. Dom’s in the Heals and third behind Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth in the coaches’ poll) host Falmouth Friday and Cheverus Saturday. They welcome NYA Wednesday of next week.

The Panthers lost twice last week, 14-2, at Falmouth and 17-2 at Cape Elizabeth. Senior Tim Millett scored twice versus the Yachtsmen. NYA (seventh in the Heals) was at Freeport Tuesday (see theforecaster.net for the game story), hosts defending Class A champion Scarborough Saturday and visit Yarmouth next Wednesday.

Freeport lost, 3-1, at home to Wells Friday, but bounced back to down visiting Fryeburg, 10-1, Saturday. Senior Hans Pope had four goals and classmate Connor McGhie a pair in the victory. The Falcons (eighth in Eastern B) hosted NYA Tuesday, go to Fryeburg Thursday, welcome Lincoln Academy Saturday and play at Greely Wednesday of next week.

Girls’ lacrosse

On the girls’ side, Falmouth made history Thursday night when it beat one of the “big three” Class B powers (NYA, Waynflete and Yarmouth) for the first time.

The Yachtsmen, 17-7 winners at York two days prior (behind four goals each from senior Laura Fay and sophomore Alex Bernier), hosted defending Class B champion NYA and after falling behind, 5-2, took the lead in the second half and held on for a 13-10 triumph.

Senior Jess DiPhillippo and junior Vanessa Audet both scored three times, sophomore Alex Bernier scored two goals and had a pair of assists, senior Caitlin Costello added three assists and junior Moie Aaskov made eight big saves.

“I think the defense did really well and our goalie made some really great saves,” said Bernier. “Once we got the draws more and settled on offense, it got us going. This is a big pick-me-up. It’s nice. We’ve never beaten a team like this.”

“It feels really great,” DiPhillippo said. “I’m just really happy we did it. Once we got on offense, we settled down, passed it around and looked for our shots. When we had the ball, they didn’t and we knew they wouldn’t score. We’re young, but we have eight or nine seniors, so we’re strong in all aspects.”

“We did what we needed to,” added Yachtsmen coach Robin Haley. “It was a tough game, a physical game. (NYA’s) a great team. It’s a nice boost. It’s like getting the monkey off our back. We did that today and I’m really happy.”

Falmouth (4-1 and second behind Waynflete, the team which handed the Yachtsmen their lone loss, in the Western B Heal Points standings) was supposed to play at Yarmouth Saturday, but lightning and thunder postponed that game until Tuesday of next week (4 p.m., at Yarmouth). Falmouth hosted Cape Elizabeth Wednesday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and welcomes Brunswick in a crossover game Saturday morning. A trip to Waynflete looms next Thursday.

Greely earned its biggest win in several seasons last Tuesday, 13-12, in overtime, over visiting NYA. Junior Audrey Parolin stole the show, scoring five times, including the winner. Sophomore Etta Copenhagen added four goals.

“That game was a huge win for us,” said Rangers first-year coach Sara Dimick. “I have a very talented young group this year and I think the girls are continually realizing what they can accomplish when they work together and support each other on the field. My defense had a very solid performance in the NYA game and my midfielders worked very hard on transitions. We take what we need from each win and loss and move forward as a stronger team. Overall, the team is really starting to jell at the right point of the season.”

Monday, the Rangers improved to 3-2 (fourth in Western B) with a 15-1 home victory over Fryeburg. Cameron Keefe and Catherine Ferguson each scored three times and Rachael Kurland had two goals. Greely went to Waynflete Wednesday and visits Kennebunk Saturday.

In Eastern B, the Yarmouth juggernaut was finally derailed last week. Barely. The Clippers, who scored 16 goals in each of their first three games, emphatic wins at NYA, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth, took a 4-1 lead at Waynflete Thursday, but couldn’t hold it. Yarmouth found itself down, 11-7, with under eight minutes to play, but rallied for three goals before running out of time and falling, 11-10. Standout seniors Devin Simsarian and Danielle Torres both scored three times.

“We played a really good second half,” said Clippers coach Dorothy Holt. “For me, that’s huge. Normally, in past years, we fell apart in the second half. This year, we’re coming back. We proved we can play with (Waynflete). We just ran out of time. We had too many turnovers and too many fouls. At least we know we can be on the same playing field. That’s what matters and it’s still early. We have a few things to work on. We finally get to go home. To be 3-1 after four tough road games is not bad.”

The Clippers (first in Eastern B) improved to 4-1 Monday after downing visiting York, 18-10, in their long-awaited home opener, behind four goals from senior Becca Bell and three each from Simsarian and senior Natalie Salmon. Yarmouth was home against Freeport Wednesday and welcomes Marshwood Saturday.

NYA is struggling in its title defense and took a three-game skid and a 2-4 mark into the week. Regardless the Panthers are second in the Eastern A Heals. In the loss to Greely, sophomore Molly Strabley scored three times. Against Falmouth, senior standout Lilly Wellenbach had five goals. Saturday, the Panthers fell, 12-10, at Waynflete in a Class B state final rematch. Wellenbach had six goals as a late rally fell short.

“We almost won that game,” said Panthers coach Julia Sterling. “Waynflete’s very, very good. I thought the girls really stepped it up. I think the reason we lost were the ridiculous mistakes we don’t make in practice, like getting beaten to ground balls and throwing the ball away. It’s a young team, but I’m really proud of them. It’s the best game we’ve played and it was against a really tough team.”

NYA hoped to get back in the win column when it returned home (after four games on the road) to meet York Wednesday. Saturday brings a home date with Messalonskee.

Next Thursday, May 19, the Panthers go to Yarmouth.

Freeport entered the week 3-2 and fifth in Eastern B. The Falcons lost, 18-3, to visiting Waynflete last Tuesday, then downed host Fryeburg, 13-3. Becca Lane had four goals in the win, Meredith Broderick, Jess Hench and Alex Mitch all scored twice. Freeport was at Yarmouth Wednesday, visits Lincoln Academy Saturday and hosts Wells Tuesday.

Tennis

Falmouth’s girls’ tennis team, the three-time defending Class B champion, has now won 52 consecutive matches and is 7-0 in 2011 after recent 5-0 wins over visiting Cape Elizabeth and Yarmouth and host Greely. The Yachtsmen (first in the Western B Heals) will get a test Friday when they go to four-time reigning Class C champ NYA, which improved to 4-1 (and second in the Western C Heals) Monday with a 5-0 win over Freeport, which is now 2-5 (ninth in Western B). Yarmouth’s loss to Falmouth was its first. The Clippers (fifth in Western B) bounced back and improved to 5-1 Monday with a 5-0 win at Old Orchard Beach. Greely (seventh in the region) dropped to 2-2 with its loss to Falmouth.

On the boys’ side, Falmouth is also leading the way at 7-0 (good for first in the Western B Heals). The Yachtsmen have yet to drop a point this season and enjoyed recent wins over rivals Cape Elizabeth (the defending Class B champion), Yarmouth (the 2009 Class B champion) and Greely. The Rangers fell to 2-3 (ninth in Western B) with the setback to Falmouth. The Clippers took a 1-4 mark (and the No. 10 spot in the Heals) into the week. NYA edged Freeport, 3-2, Monday to eclipse its 2010 win total and improve to 2-4 (good for ninth in Western C). The Falcons fell to 1-5 (and 12th in Western B).

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

Sidebar Elements

---

Falmouth sophomore Drew Proctor forces Greely freshman Bailey Train at second base and looks to turn a double play during the Rangers’ 13-3 win Saturday afternoon.

Falmouth senior Kelsey Freedman delivers a pitch during the Yachtsmen’s 11-5 win at Greely Saturday.

NYA senior Caroline Bowne prepares to swat the ball away from unsuspecting Waynflete sophomore Sadie Cole during Saturday’s 12-10 Flyers’ win.