Fenwick XC Squads Look to Build on Success

Now in the eighth year of his second tour as Bishop Fenwick’s cross-country coach, Steve Czarnecki has built a program used to success. The Crusaders figure to contend for Catholic Central League titles again this fall.

A core of five seasoned runners are back from last year’s undefeated CCL Dual and League Meet champion that finished 7-0 and ran seventh in the State Class Meet. Twice that number return for the girls. Fenwick finished second in the league, placed seventh in the State Division Meet and claimed third in Division 2 at the Catholic Memorial Invitational.

Junior Bryan Mendes, a 2010 CCL All-Star, leads the boys' squad that must overcome the loss of four graduated seniors. Senior captains Chris O’Brien and Nicholas Iebba, senior Peter Trefry and junior Daniel Deschenes complete the likely top five.

All-State qualifiers and returning CCL All-Stars Faye Haley, a senior, and Arianna Maida, a sophomore, provide the girls with a proven tandem at the top of the ladder. Maida ran fourth in the EMass. Division 6 race last fall while Haley finished 13th.

Seniors Taylor Black, Marissa O’Brien and Alicia Tatone are the team captains. Seniors Taylor Anderson and Christine Houghton, and juniors Hannah Smith and Abigail Smith add depth.

The Crusaders travel first to Arlington Catholic on Sept. 13 for a tri-meet with St. Mary's (3:45 p.m.).

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The defending champion Catholic Central Large GIRLS' SOCCER team (10-1-0; 15-4-2) shoots to continue the momentum of last season – the Crusaders advanced to the semifinal round of the Division 2 North Sectional, losing to Sectional champion Belmont, 2-1.

Senior captains Maura Doyle (D), Alicia Villett (D) and Kim Shinnick (MF) and junior Gina Vellucci (D) provide experience in the back half. Junior Rose Santozzi and sophomore Annette Ruggiero are the top returning forwards. There is an open competition to replace graduated keeper Becca Graves (0.42 gaa; 10 goals allowed).

“We have a good solid group. We’ll mix the strength and leadership of our veterans with the talent of our new kids,” said coach Karen Guillmette, now in her sixth year.

The Lady Crusaders begin play on Monday at home against Austin Prep (4 p.m.), then travel to Marblehead on Wednesday (4 p.m.) and are back home again Friday to host Masconomet (4 p.m.).

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FIELD HOCKEY is the defending champion in the truncated three-team Greater Boston League (4-0; 11-9-1 overall) and will once again play a rugged non-league schedule. That competition aided the Crusaders last season as they advanced to the semifinal round of the Division 2 North Sectional, upsetting Marblehead and Rockport along the way.

“We are a young team, new to playing together but we have a lot of talent spread throughout the field. If we trust each other and play as a unit we should do well. Our schedule is challenging again this season so our goal is to make it to the postseason and, hopefully, go even further than last year,” said sixth-year coach Marybeth Mahoney.

Senior captains Colleen Sears (CF) and Cheyenne Griffin (DB) are joined by juniors Jen Jordan (RW) and Grace Celona (LM) as the Crusaders’ top returnees. They are joined by returning letter-winners Rachel Steriti (RM), Hannah Bethune (LW) and Amalia Crawford (MF), all seniors.

The girls hosted Notre Dame on Friday (due to a rain delay) and took the season opener for a 1-0 win. They will play host again to Arlington on Tuesday (4 p.m.) then Masconomet on Sept. 15 (7 p.m.).

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In order to challenge for a league title and return to the post-season, BOYS' SOCCER (11-6-2) will lean on veteran leadership as younger players get their legs at the varsity level.

“We have a well balanced team. All of our players need to contribute for us to be successful this season,” said third-year coach Andrew Bub.

Bub looks for leadership to be provided by senior captains Shane Alexander (MF), Chris Poirier (MF), Ian White (Stopper) and Bryon Blaisdell (CMF). Sophomore keeper Greg Enos provides the last line of defense and senior striker Brendan Burns will be counted on for consistent production. Junior Drew Thibodeau returns at sweeper.

The Crusaders travel to Austin Prep on Monday (4 p.m.) and Beverly on Friday (4 p.m.).

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Six seniors – including four all-stars – graduated from the 2010 GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL team that finished 21-3 en route to the Division 2 North Championship match, where it fell to Melrose.

“We still have a very good core of returners who are very dedicated. We are young but still should be very competitive,” said third-year coach Adam DeBaggis.

Outside hitter Anna Witkowski, middle Katherine Melanson and setter Christine Smaltz, all seniors, are the Crusaders’ captains. Sophomores Kate Lipka (middle), Jen Crovo (outside) and Gianna Pizzano (opposite) and senior Abby Curran (libero) also return.

The Lady Crusaders opened the season on Tuesday with a 3-0 win over Matignon, but lost 3-0 to Cardinal Spellman on Thursday. The girls host Arlington Cathoiic on Sept. 13 (4 p.m.), travel to Salem on Wednesday (4 p.m.) and host Hamilton-Wenham on Friday (4 p.m.).