Norwood June 2016

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Page 18 Local Town Pages www.norwoodtownnews.com June 2016 Norwood Boys Tennis Norwood Sports by Christopher Tremblay In the past, Norwood has sent a lot of talented tennis players onto the court to face off with its Bay State Conference (BSC) foes. Entering this spring, the Mustangs will be a little short on experience as the squad has only two seniors in Luke Andrews and John McCarey wielding their tennis rackets. “Norwood had some good years but after 2013 we lost a lot of talent and no one seemed interested in coming out for the team," Norwood Coach John Churchill said. "Tennis takes a lot of commitment and unfortunately the kids of today have other obligations with the economy affecting the athletes in different ways. As a team, I’m looking to be more competitive this year. We have a lot of young athletes that do not have a lot of varsity experience.” Andrews, who currently finds himself playing second singles for Norwood, is one of three Mustang captains. According to Churchill, the senior didn’t find his groove right away and lost some challenge matches that left him at second singles. Although playing on the second court, he does have the potential to move up if he plays well. McCarey was a starter two years ago but found himself on the sidelines watching his teammates last spring due to an injury. He is coming back after the year off playing first doubles with freshman Sai Nedunchezhian. “We’re still looking to find the appropriate partner for John and once we do he’s going to have to adjust to that individual,” the coach said. “Sai has some experience and looking to play on a regular basis. Earlier he notched a few wins teaming up with Luke.” In addition to Andrews, Ram Goli and Yash Aryaputra are the other two captains looking to lead the Mustangs this spring. Churchill likes that his captains have established themselves into leadership type players. The coach continues to advise his tri-captains, ‘The more you put into it, the more you get out.’ Thus far, Goli has been the mainstay at first singles for the Mustangs. He is a highly motivated individual who stands up to any challenge sent his way. Aryaputra rounds out the singles players holding court at third singles; in terms of talent he is very close to McCarey. Either player can finds themselves playing singles or doubles, it will all depend on the circumstance. “Yash provided the leadership and stepped up in John’s absence when we opened the season,” Churchill said. “Our top four players are all very close in talent, but Ram still holds onto the top spot as he plays more in the off season and it has shown.” Rounding out the starters is the second doubles team which is made up of three different athletes. Freshman David Sparks is a consistent player trying to work his way up to varsity level play, while freshman Tommy Connor and sophomore Greg Zambrano are looking to gain more experience. Entering the season Norwood had only eight athletes making up this year’s team. With tennis being a game that takes a lot of dedication, Churchill likes what he has seen with this group. “The kids that feel that the sport is worth the commitment have stepped up and are looking to improve their game,” the coach said. Playing in the BSC, Churchill knows that his young team is no match for the likes of Newton North, Brookline (a Division 1 State challenger), Needham and Wellesley. “We can’t concentrate on trying to beat the top teams, there is nothing that we can do about that at this point,” Churchill said. “All we can do is focus on what we do best; play competitive when we can and the rest will take care of itself.” For the first time since the 2013 season Norwood was able to break into the win column on the tennis courts by defeating Weymouth 3-2. Despite the Mustangs top two singles players falling, Aryaputra grabbed the win in third singles impressively at 6-4, 6-1, while both doubles teams (McCarey and Nedunchezhian, 3-6, 7-6 (5) and 6-4) and (Sparks and Zambrano, 6-3, 7-5 ) closed things out with wins. The second doubles win was the first of their varsity careers for both Zambrano and Sparks. Twice as Nice State Champions! The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks designated May 1-7, as Youth Week to honor America’s Junior Citizens for their accomplishments. Last month, Norwood Local Lodge #1124 recognized 2 local State Champs from its hoop contest held this fall and winter. Winners Maren Giambanco and Emma Matruro went on to win Districts and become State Champs. Each competed in Portland with their family’s cheering them on and both finished in top 3. Truly a great accomplishment! Norwood Elks presented the state champion jackets and $100 savings bonds. The Elks' nationwide sanctioned program gives youngsters an opportunity for spirited competition, build relationships with their peers, and travel statewide, regionally and nationally at minimal expense to their parents or school. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competition as guests of the Elks. The Local lodge would like to thank all the kids who participated, all the volunteers who run the program and its great working relationship with Norwood’s Basketball Association NBA. What’s better than back-to-back Champs? You guessed it; we are looking for another state champ so look for the local competition next fall and practice those free throws!
June 2016 Local Town Pages www.norwoodtownnews.com Page 19 Norwood Girl’s Lacrosse by Christopher Tremblay For the past two years, the Norwood girl’s lacrosse team has been sent home in the Quarter Final round of the Division 1 South Tournament. First year Coach Jennifer Fox may be unfamiliar with the Mustangs play, but is hoping to get the team moving in the right direction this spring. “Coming in, I only knew what I had heard," Fox said. "Having never coached high school lacrosse before nor ever seeing Norwood play, I really didn’t know what I was getting into. This team is very talented and I’ve been extremely impressed with everyone on it. We’ve incorporated a philosophy 'Get Better than Yesterday.'” The first year coach has impressed with the senior leadership of the team’s tri-captains: Hannah Benson, Maura O’Neil and Val Quinlan. All three athletes also play field hockey with Benson and O’Neil playing basketball as well. Fox likes well groomed athletes such as her Norwood captains. “I wish I could have had this type of leadership on my college teams,” the new Mustang coach said. “These girls won’t settle and they don’t let the rest of the team settle either. You just can’t teach this; they took to my lacrosse philosophy and handed it down to the team.” Another senior who has taken her game to the next level is goalie Alex Dimitrio. Fox has a lot of admiration for someone like Dimitrio who puts her body on the line each game. “Everyone keeps telling me that her focus and commitment this year has really improved.," Fox said. "Alex has a passion for the game and seems to be really into it. Playing goalie in this league is tough and something that I couldn’t do. Although she’s taking a lot of shots at high speeds, she continues to stay focused at all times.” In the past, Norwood has been inclined to have one or two athletes that could play at the top of their game on the offensive side of the field. While O’Neil and Quinlan will be the go to goal scorers (each tallied five goals against Ursuline Academy), the rest of the team will be involved. “Maura and Val will be our top goal scorers with things trickling down from there; they will definitely carry the load,” Fox said. “In the past, it’s been a one or two man show, but this year we’re getting all 7 attack players involved in the offense.” A handful of other Mustangs have caught the coach’s eye with their play on the field. Seniors Erin Kelley and Maddie Lamond Interested in reading YOUR Local Newspaper online? Visit www.norwoodtownnews.com and turn the pages! Norwood Sports on attack and Siobhan O’Malley on defense, as well as junior Coley Hayes have been a breath of fresh air for the first-year high school coach. “As a junior, Coley has already shown me that she is going to carry this team next year as an attack / midfielder,” Fox said. As the season progresses, Fox foresees the Mustangs being able to make it into the tournament. “The girls all have the skill and knowledge of the game,” Fox said. “If we continue to get good productivity out of them on the field and they stay focused, there is no reason we shouldn’t make it into the tournament. What we do in practice should translate onto the field and with that I’m confident.” BRING THIS AD IN AND GET 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE* free game buy one game, get one game free Norwood Sport Center Norwood • 781-769-0606 Not valid on league play. One coupon per visit per person. Offer expires 6-30-16. free game buy one game, get one game free Norwood Sport Center Norwood • 781-769-0606 Not valid on league play. One coupon per visit per person. Offer expires 6-30-16. Call for Summer Hours 65 Cottage St. (East) Norwood 781-769-0606 Call for Summer Hours • Closed July 1st-10th • (wifi) * 898-C Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062 • 781.349.8231
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