North Middlesex High School clinched the Mid-Wach B girls soccer championship with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Shepherd Hill on March 30, 2024, in Townsend. Both teams entered the match undefeated in league play, making the stakes exceptionally high. With just 20 minutes left on the clock, senior Ava Valdabrini scored the decisive goal from a direct kick, securing the title for the Patriots, who finished with a record of 10-1-2 (8-0-2 league). Shepherd Hill concluded their season at 9-3-4 (6-1-3 league).
North Middlesex faced an early setback when Shepherd Hill took a 1-0 lead. However, Brenna Purcell equalized just before halftime, finding the back of the net after her shot deflected off the post. This resilience set the stage for Valdabrini’s late-game heroics, allowing the Patriots to celebrate a well-deserved championship.
Impressive Performances Across Other Sports
In addition to the soccer championship, significant achievements were noted in other high school sports. At Greater Lowell Tech, senior Lillyana Githiu marked her Senior Day with a standout performance, scoring three goals in a commanding 5-1 victory over Lowell. The Gryphons, now at 7-5-2, led 2-0 at halftime, with Githiu’s goals complemented by contributions from Tammy Morocho and Valentina Villa. Freshman Leysi Doncon and junior Emaleigh Santos also made their marks, scoring their first varsity goals.
In a closely contested match, Central Catholic earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Masconomet. After a scoreless first half, Central (12-1-1) netted two goals in the second half, with contributions from Ciara Sammon and Abigail Bilodeau. Goalkeeper Sarah Parker showcased her skills by making four saves to maintain their lead.
Volleyball saw Alexa Gendron of Groton-Dunstable achieve a remarkable milestone, recording her 1,000th career dig during a 3-1 victory over Algonquin. Gendron contributed significantly, with five aces and 19 digs, while her teammates also delivered strong performances.
Exciting Football Action
The football field was equally dynamic, with Littleton dominating Murdock 42-0. Tyler Branco led the Tigers with three touchdowns, showcasing his versatility with a passing touchdown to Austin Hegarty, a rushing touchdown, and a 60-yard punt return for a score. Both teams now hold a record of 2-4.
In a thrilling contest, Wilmington edged Wakefield 35-30, powered by junior Mark Holleran, who amassed 254 all-purpose yards. Holleran threw for 121 yards and two touchdown passes to Pasquale Delucia, who also scored on a 50-yard interception return. This victory improved Wilmington’s record to 5-1 while Wakefield fell to 3-3.
Greater Lawrence inflicted a tough defeat on Greater Lowell Tech, winning 46-0. The Reggies (5-1) showcased their offensive strength, while the Gryphons struggled to gain ground, managing only 12 yards passing and 76 yards rushing.
In a high-scoring affair, Bedford triumphed over Westford 33-28. Westford (2-4) took a late lead, but Bedford (4-2) managed to secure victory with a 25-yard touchdown pass. Brett Moran was instrumental for Westford, scoring on a 79-yard kickoff return and contributing to their strong offensive effort.
Groton-Dunstable also shone with a 46-0 shutout against Gardner, thanks to an impressive performance by Liam Richard, who completed 8 of 9 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The Crusaders dominated early, scoring 19 points in the first quarter alone.
As the high school sports season continues, these teams will carry the momentum from their recent successes into upcoming matches, showcasing the talent and dedication of young athletes.
