(Ed. Note: For the full Greely-Cape Elizabeth boys’ hockey story, visit theforecaster.net)

The hardware is about to arrive fast and furious as the winter sports postseason takes hold.

Here’s a glimpse:

Swimming

Falmouth and Greely’s swim and dive teams took part in the north division Southwesterns Friday and Saturday in Westbrook. The defending Class B state champion Rangers won both the boys’ and girls’ competitions.

Friday, the Greely boys had 323 points to take the title over runner-up Scarborough (232). Falmouth (122) was sixth.

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The Rangers got victories from Ian Mecray in the 50 freestyle (22.98 seconds), Dan Spencer in the 100 butterfly (56.32) and their 400 free relay team (Spencer, sophomore Nathan Madeira, freshman Jack Benoit and senior Peter Pacent, 3 minutes, 33.70 seconds).

The Yachtsmen got wins from sophomore Shaun Lamoreux in the 100 free (50.52) and 200 free (1:52.38).

In the girls’ meet, Greely had 271.5 points to hold off runner-up Cheverus (211). Falmouth (114.5) finished sixth.

The Rangers got individual wins from Sarah Easterling in the 200 free (1:57.58) and the 100 breaststroke (1:08.44) and Sara Schad in the 50 free (24.97). Greely also won the 200 free (junior Emily Curato, freshman Sarah Lawless, sophomore Emily Domingo and senior Jackie Andrews, 1:50.67) and 400 free (Easterling, junior Katie Whittum, senior Megan Stroud and Schad, 3:40.61) relays.

Yachtsmen junior Nicola Mancini took the diving competition with 394.20 points.

Falmouth and Greely, along with North Yarmouth Academy and Yarmouth, will next vie for Class B honors. Saturday, the girls compete at the University of Maine in Orono. The boys’ meet is Monday, in Orono.

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Track

The annual indoor track Western Maine Conference championships were held Friday at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

Greely’s girls continued their dominance, tallying 189 points to finish first over 12 other teams. Falmouth (94) was second, NYA (21) 11th, Yarmouth (2) 12th and Freeport (1) 13th.

Individually, the Rangers got wins from Jessica Wilson in the junior 400 (1 minute, 2.2 seconds), Kaley Sawyer in the junior 55 hurdles (9.65 seconds), Cassidy Storey in the junior shot put (32 feet, 10 inches), Kirstin Sandreuter in the two-mile (12:09.02) and Meaghan Crowley in the triple jump (34-2.75). Greely also captured the senior 800 relay (1:55.11) and the open 3,200 relay (10:31.88).

“This was a real team effort with solid performances across the board, sprints, jumps, vaults, throws, and distance were all very successful ,” said Rangers coach John Folan. “We focused all week on improving our performances rather than just aiming to win a meet. A strategy that I think many other coaches in our league stress in a conference meet. The state meet should be interesting. Waterville, Old Town, and Greely should be in a battle.”

The Yachtsmen got individual victories from Kate Sparks in the senior shot put (38-00.75) and Charlotte Cutshall in the junior 55 (7.9) and captured the junior 800 relay (1:55.93).

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“We were very happy with the girls’ performances,” said Falmouth coach Jorma Kurry. “The team was excited to finish second, matching our best finish there. Kate Sparks continued her excellent season with a school record shot put to lead us. Our junior sprinters and hurdlers have really performed well and all three relays ran well in addition.

“We’re looking forward to the state meet and hope for some personal bests to help us achieve a top finish. We’ll be among the many teams chasing Greely.”

The Panthers top finishers were Moira Lachance, third in the senior high jump (4-4), and Hannah Twombly, third in the mile (5:38.99).

The Clippers points came from Lindsey Purpura, fifth in the senior 400 (1:09.21).

The Falcons got a sixth-place performance from Abby Roney in the senior 55 hurdles (10.51).

York won the boys’ meet with 183.5 points. Falmouth (153) placed second, Greely (106) third, Freeport (29) tied Cape Elizabeth for fifth, NYA (28) was seventh and Yarmouth (16) 10th.

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The Yachtsmen got wins from Jacob Buhelt in the junior 55 (6.9) and junior 200 (23.94), Will Wegener in the senior 55 (6.71) and senior 400 (51.16), Reid Pryzant in the senior 55 hurdles (8.09) and their senior 800 (1:35.33) and open 3,200 (9:01.54) relay teams.

“As it has been all season, Will Wegener and Jacob Buhelt led the way for us with strong individual and relay performances,” Kurry said. “Reid Pryzant and the 4×800 team also stepped up for us.

“The boys had a fire lit under them by York’s performance. They are excited to come back at compete at the state meet. The state meet will be wide open among Old Town, Falmouth, Greely, York, Hampden and Waterville.”

The Rangers produced event winners James Ferrar in the junior shot put (39-3), Michael Burgess in the senior shot put (53-3.25), Liam Campbell in the mile (4:42.97), Matt Davis in the pole vault (11-3), Sam Mason in the long jump (20-1) and Austin Spencer in the triple jump (40-5.75).

“The boys were especially strong in the field events with fine and winning performances in the long jump, triple jump, shot put, and pole vault,” Folan said. “Those performances with Sam Mason, Austin Spencer, Mile Burgess, Jack Fellows, and Matt Davis should bode well for a good result at states. Stefan Sandreuter and Liam Campbell led the way in the distance events. The state meet should be close. Old Town, Falmouth, Hampden, Waterville, York and Greely will be competitive, with Old Town, Falmouth, and York leading the way. Falmouth is not as deep as in past years, but their top-line performers will serve them well and they are my slight favorite.”

The Panthers got a win from Jake Burns in the junior 55 hurdles (8.9).

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Freeport’s Harrison Stivers was runner-up in the junior 400 (54.59).

Yarmouth’s top finishers were Asa Arden, runner-up in the long jump (19-11.25), and Lucas Davis, second in the senior high jump (5-6).

The Class B boys’ and girls’ state meet is Monday at the Bates College in Lewiston.

Skiing

Local teams competed in the Western Maine Conference Alpine and Nordic ski championships last week.

The Nordic championships were most notable for an uncommon act of sportsmanship (please see story) and also produced the expected strong local performances.

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In the freestyle last Wednesday, Yarmouth’s boys had 43 points to edge NYA (50). Freeport (64) was fourth, Falmouth (73) fifth, Merriconeag (107) sixth and Greely (131) eighth. The top local finisher was NYA’s Ian Moore, third in 15 minutes, 23.1 seconds. Greely’s Connor Regan was fourth (15:26.5). Falmouth was paced by Jackson Bloch (fifth, 15:36.8). Yarmouth’s Jack Elder came in seventh (15:51.5). Freeport’s Max Jennings was ninth (16:00.1). Merriconeag’s Jack Pierce finished 12th (16:24.5).

In the girls’ freestyle, Yarmouth was first with 16 points. Falmouth (39) was runner-up, Merriconeag (58) placed third, Freeport (118) came in sixth and Greely (144) was ninth. Falmouth’s Sarah Abramson was first individually (17:43.5). Yarmouth’s top finisher was Sarah Becker, who was second (18:37). Merriconeag was paced by Zoe Chace-Donahue (fifth, 18:55.7). The Falcons were led by Emily Martin (22nd, 22:00.9). Audrey Parolin was the Rangers’ fastest skier (24th, 23:03.5).

At Saturday’s classic race, the NYA boys moved to first with 37 points. Yarmouth (42) was second, Falmouth tied Fryeburg for third with 63, Freeport (73) was fifth, Greely (118) sixth and Merriconeag (125) seventh. NYA’s Moore was runner-up in 14:33.4. Greely’s Regan came in third (14:36.3). Yarmouth’s Elder was sixth (15:07). Falmouth’s Bloch placed seventh (15:09.7). Freeport’s Scott Ross finished eighth (15:44.5). Merriconeag’s Pierce came in 12th (16:05.1).

On the girls’ side, Yarmouth had 19 points to come in first. Falmouth (38) was second, Merriconeag (52) third, Freeport (114) sixth and Greely (157) ninth. Abramson was again first (17:22.7). Becca Bell led the Clippers by placing second (17:39.7). Chace-Donahue moved up to third (17:53.1). Martin came in 20th (20:56). The Rangers were led by Eloise Peabbles (30th, 22:39.5).

Overall, the Yarmouth boys were first with 85 points, two better than NYA. Falmouth (136) was fourth, Freeport (137) placed fifth, Merriconeag (232) was sixth and Greely (249) seventh.

The Yarmouth girls won with 35 points. Falmouth (77) was second, Merriconeag (110) third, Freeport (232) sixth and Greely (301) ninth.

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The Alpine competition was held Friday at Shawnee Peak.

In the boys’ slalom, Falmouth won with 25 points, while Yarmouth (36) was second, Freeport (56) third and Greely (98) sixth. Freeport’s Ryan Collet was first individually (with a two-run combined time of 1 minute, 17.59 seconds). Yarmouth’s Matt Highland came in second (1:20.77). Falmouth’s was paced by Joe Lesniak (fourth, 1:23.23). The fastest Ranger was Shane DelBianco (12th, 1:28.52).

In the giant slalom, Falmouth had 26 points to win. Yarmouth (59) was second, Freeport (80) fifth and Greely (110) seventh. Highland was the top local, coming in second (1:29.44). Collet was third (1:29.84), Lesniak fourth (1:31.26) and DelBianco finished 15th (1:36.69).

Overall, Falmouth was the champion with 51 points. Yarmouth (95) was the runner-up. Freeport (136) placed third and Greely (208) was sixth.

In the girls’ slalom, Greely was first with 21 points, seven better than Freeport. Yarmouth (38) came in third, Falmouth (75) fifth. Greely’s Elyse Dinan was the individual champion (1:24.56). Elly Bengtsson led the Falcons with a third-place showing (1:27.45). Claudia Lockwood paced the Clippers by coming in fifth (1:30.24). The top Yachtsmen finisher was Leika Scott (seventh, 1:31.05).

In the GS, Greely won with 21 points. Freeport was again second with 28. Yarmouth (52) was third and Falmouth (73) fifth. Scott won that race (1:34.19). Freeport’s Elli Pier was second (1:34.64). Madeleine Whittier of Greely was third (1:35.56). The Clippers featured Smythe Eddy in ninth (1:42.66).

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Overall, the Rangers won the title with 42 points. The Falcons (56) were second, the Clippers (90) third and the Yachtsmen (148) fifth.

Yarmouth’s Ben Woodbury won the boys’ skimeister title. Freeport’s Evan LaMarre came in third and Greely’s Richard Judge placed fourth.

Bell won the girls’ skimeister crown with Scott placing runner-up. Dinan was third, Yarmouth’s Caroline McLeod fourth and Freeport’s Mia Thomas fifth.

The skiing state championships are next week, Tuesday through Thursday.

Girls’ hockey

Greely’s girls’ hockey team began the week one win from the state final. The Rangers, ranked third in the East region, eked out a 3-2 victory at Winslow Friday, behind two goals from senior Michaela Finnegan, another from junior Shannon Donovan and 16 saves from junior goalie Emma Seymour.

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The victory sent Greely to the regional final Wednesday at 7 p.m., at the Portland Ice Arena against 18-1 top-seed St. Dom’s (see theforecaster.net for game story). The Rangers lost two one-goal decisions to the Saints this year, 6-5, on the road back on Dec. 3 and 3-2 (in overtime) at home Jan. 26.

The winner draws either Biddeford or York in the state final Saturday in Lewiston.

Boys’ hockey

Boys’ hockey is the lone sport with the regular season still ongoing.

Falmouth split two games last week, falling, 7-3, at Thornton Academy, then pummeling host Cheverus, 9-0, to improve to 7-5-3 (fifth in the Western Class A Heal Points standings). Junior Cam Bell scored twice versus the Golden Trojans. The Yachtsmen could finish as high as second in the region if they take care of business the rest of the way. Falmouth hosts Gorham Thursday and Thornton Academy Saturday, then closes at Greely Monday.

Speaking of the Rangers, they still lead Western B despite a 4-3 loss to Cape Elizabeth Wednesday of last week. Junior Jordan Tarbox scored twice and senior goalie Matt Labbe made 19 saves.

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“I thought we got off to a good start and played fairly well,” Greely coach Barry Mothes said. “ We were in this game and could have won it. We just didn’t make the plays. We didn’t shoot enough for my taste. We had guys at the point open all night, but we didn’t take shots, or missed the net or had shots blocked. That killed us.”

Monday, Greely improved to 12-2-2 after a 4-1 triumph at Winslow. Senior Devyn Rogers, juniors Griffen Demick and Drew Hackett and freshman Teddy Hart scored. After going  to Camden Wednesday, the Rangers visit Yarmouth Saturday and close at home versus Falmouth Monday.

Labbe was named the January Class B West Goaltender of the Month after producing a 6-1-1 mark, with a .938 save percentage and a 1.14 goals against average.

Yarmouth has fallen out of the top four in Western B and has work to do to make the playoffs. The Clippers took an 8-7 mark (and the fifth spot in the Heals) to Leavitt Wednesday, in a game that went a long way toward determining who will get the final postseason spot. Yarmouth hosts Greely Saturday and Noble Tuesday.

Freelance writer Keith B. Wehmeyer contributed to this story

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net and followed on Twitter @foresports

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Sidebar Elements


NYA’s Jake Burns shows his form en route to victory in the junior 55 hurdles at Friday’s Western Maine Conference championship meet.

Falmouth’s Charlotte Cutshall edges Greely’s Sarah Ingraham to win the girls’ junior 55 last weekend.

Four of the top six finishers in last week’s Western Maine Conference Nordic ski boys’ skate race were locals.

From left, in order of finish: Fryeburg’s Seth Eastman, Fryeburg’s Silas Eastman, North Yarmouth Academy’s Ian Moore, Greely’s Connor Regan, Falmouth’s Jackson Bloch and NYA’s Cam Regan.

The WMC Nordic ski meet featured three sets of standout siblings, two from Forecaster Country.

From left: Connor Regan (Greely), Cam Regan (NYA), Silas Eastman and Seth Eastman (Fryeburg), Emelie Chase-Donahue and Zoe Chase-Donahue (Merriconeag).


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