Baseball Team #1 Seed in New England Tournament

It has been another winning season for the Wolverine baseball team. Maybe it's the fall air, but, for whatever reason, the Wolverine baseball team has been unstoppable, finishing their fall schedule with a record of 12-1, 11-0 in conference play. This weekend, the team will play in the New England Club Baseball Association Tournament held in Lynn, Massachusetts. We wish them the best of luck!

The past few weeks featured a mix of rain-outs and victories for the Wolverines. On October 11th, the team faced a big NECBA conference doubleheader against Merrimack College. The Wolverines took advantage of solid hitting and a shaky Merrimack defense, ending the first game in fine fashion with a score of 11-0. Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) pitched a nifty two hit shutout, striking out eight and earning his fourth win of the season.  The BA bats wasted no time, plating four runs in the first, two in the second, three in the third, and two in the fourth.

The second game against Merrimack proved a bit more challenging. Seeing a 4-1 lead evaporate in the bottom of the sixth inning, Coach Smith was looking for something to break up the 4-4 tie as the Wolverines came to bat in the eighth. In the top of the eighth with one out, Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) walked, stole second, and advanced to third on Ryan Varounis' (Burlington, MA) sacrifice. With two outs, Coach Smith decided to take a risk, signaling for a suicide squeeze. With a 1-1 count on Zach Vorous (St. Charles, IL), Billingham broke for home. The Merrimack pitcher recognized the play and attempted to adjust his throw, but in his attempt to do so, the pitch went high and Vorous was unable to bunt it; fortunately, the Merrimack catcher was unable to catch it, and Billingham scored on the passed ball with the winning run. Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) pitched a solid two-plus innings for starter Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) to pick up a critical NECBA conference win.

Unfortunately, the following week saw Mother Nature turn a bit foul, canceling the next few showcase games, but leaving the Wolverines time to tune up for the last big weekend of their regular season. Maybe it was just the rest they needed, as the Wolverines entered their big game weekend on October 23rd and never looked back, winning their last three games of the fall and racking up an undefeated NEBCA record. Not since 2001 has a team in the New England Club Baseball Association gone undefeated, and now the 2009 Wolverines can stake their claim. In the process, they won the Northern Division title and head into the NECBA championships seeded #1.

In Friday's game, once again facing Merrimack College, pitcher Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) was supported by a fifteen hit attack as BA topped Merrimack  8-4. In the first game of Sunday's doubleheader, the Wolverines held a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning over Southern Division leader Fairfield University. Fairfield struck with two runs in the top of the seventh to go up 3-2, but BA struck back with two runs in the home half to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory. Southpaw Will Whittemore helped his own cause with a lead off double in the seventh and scored the tying run on a RBI single by Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA). Gold immediately stole second and scored the wining run on Tom MacInne's single to right.

BA's final game was a 5-2 win over Holy Cross College. MacInnes and reliever Dustin Brown limited the Crusaders to two unearned runs. Down 2-0, Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) tied the score in the third inning. BA added one in the fifth and two in the sixth inning on good base running and a well executed hit-and-run by Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA).

If you are in the Lynn, MA area - be sure to come cheer for your Wolverines as they take part in the NEBCA final conference tournament this weekend. Seeded #1, the Wolverines will take on the winner of the U/Maine-Boston University on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Clancy Field in Lynn. If they advance to the championship game, they will play on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. Go BA!


Soccer Team Continues to Edge Competition,  11-0-1 on Season

The Bridgton Academy Wolverines have reached double digit wins for the first time under second year head coach Kevin Mellon.  The past few weeks have seen the team defeating a variety of competition. On Wednesday, October 7th, the Wolverines defeated the Kents Hill Huskies 7-1. All the scoring would take place in the second half as the two teams played to a 0-0 draw in the opening half. Captain Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH) called the first half of the game a, "wake up call." Tied 0-0 and unable to convert on multiple opportunities the Wolverines "Came together, and dominated," according to Khartabil. Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH) got the scoring started, and although Kents Hill would answer back to even the score, it was all Bridgton after that, with the Wolverines scoring six unanswered goals.

A few days later, BA took down its second consecutive MAISAD opponent, Hyde School, 9-0 on Saturday. The Wolverines out shot the Phoenix 20-4, and were able to jump out to an early 2-0 lead on the first ten minutes, thanks to two Rob Palumbo (Kingson, NH) goals. The Black and Gray would not let up as they went on to score four more goals in the half to take a commanding 6-0 lead.  In the second half Bridgton continued to pressure Hyde, and were able to find the back of the net three more times. "In the second half we were more patient, and waited for opportunities," said Coach Mellon. "The team is really coming together, we have gotten into a groove of late and played well." In goal, Ryne Tillman (Medford, MA) stopped all four shots he faced, earning his fourth shutout of the year.

BA's tenth win of the season came in the form of an 8-0 victory over the Tilton School on October 14th. Bridgton got the scoring going early on, with a 4th minute score by Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC). Bridgton played what Jamie White (New Orleans, LA) called, "lock down defense, not allowing a shot." The Wolverines would push the lead to 6-0 at the half on goals from Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH), Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH), Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) and Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT). Coach Mellon was very impressed with the way his team competed, and possessed the ball, holding it for 80% of the game.

Things continued to remain positive for the Wolverines, who just a week later reclaimed the Traditions Cup on October 23rd.After years of being in Winchendon School's possession, the annual trophy, given to the winner of the season series, is back in North Bridgton. The Wolverines defeated Winchendon 5-2, to sweep the season series, 2-0.

This past Wednesday, BA went on to face the team that is possibly their toughest league rival, the 11-0-1 South Kent Cardinals. After a six hour bus ride the Wolverines took the field in less than ideal weather conditions. It would take a strong start by the Cardinals including a penalty kick opportunity, for the Wolverines to get into a groove. In the 25th minute South Kent was awarded a penalty kick, and battling the muddy conditions in goal, Ryne Tillman was able to stop the shot and start the offensive attack. "The weather was a major factor in the game, with puddles and mud on the field stopping the ball," said Coach Kevin Mellon. "Both teams adjusted well to the conditions, but it would have been a different match with good conditions." In the fifth minute of the second half Steve Palumbo would find the back of the net one more time to extend the lead to 3-1. That is where it would stay, as the two squads played to a draw the final 40 minutes of the contest. Coach Mellon gave a large amount of credit for the win to his keeper, Ryne Tillman, saying, "Ryne kept us in the game, by making some point blank saves. He played his best game of the season, coming off of the line when he needed to and making all the right decisions."

The soccer team will next play Hebron Academy on November 4th. Special congratulations to Rob Palumbo, who earned Athlete of the Month for September. "His real impact was felt in his playmaking ability," said conditioning coach Joe Sawicki.  "His play simply lifts his teammates to a higher plane."


Six Games Since Parents' Weekend, Hockey Team Stands at 6-2

After opening their season with two home victories, the 2009-2010 Hockey team traveled to Exeter, NH to compete in the IJHL Showcase. The Wolverines were first pitted against the New England Stars. Continuing to utilize their speed and strength, the team edged out the Stars by a score of 5-3. Goals were made by Mike Iacobucci (Franklin, MA), Sean Eubanks (Cape Elizabeth, ME), George Costa (Wintrhop, MA), and Pat Sen (Niles, IL). The following morning, the Wolverines outshot the New Jersey Kings 38-16, coming away with a 3-0 victory. Patrick Sen, George Costa, and Sean Eubanks were the goal scorers for BA, and in a powerhouse display in goal, Ian Edwards (Linden, MI) posted his second shutout of the season. Assistant Coach Mike Meserve described the defense as a "wrecking crew all game." After just a few hours of rest, the team again took the ice Sunday evening against the Maine Moose, winning in a close-fought 5-4 overtime match. Evan Schwender (Saunderstown, RI), Dave Stevens (Lynn, MA), and David Findley (Hamden, CT) all scored their first goals of the season during the game. Aaron Semiao (North Reading, MA) iced the win with his 3rd goal to date. The victory over the Maine Moose put the Wolverines at 3-0, sweeping the IJHL showcase!

On Thursday, October 22nd, the team returned to their home rink for a rematch against the Eastern Kodiaks. The Kodiaks came back to BA looking to settle a score, after they were handed a shutout defeat earlier in the season. The opposition came out hard, putting pucks to the net every opportunity they had. Robby Campbell (Braintree, MA) stopped 10 shots in the first period alone. The Wolverines skated well and pressed the play, but were unable to capitalize on any chances, ending in their first loss of the season.

The next day, BA traveled to South Burlington, VT to take on the Vermont Junior Glades (EJHL). Right off the bat the Wolverines struggled to keep up with the Glades. The strong play in goal by Ian Edwards kept BA in the game. "Ian was spectacular through the first period. He turned aside every shot and we did very little to help him." After holding on to a one point defecit for most of the game, it was BA alumnus Ben Pearl '09 who sealed the Glades 2-0 victory.

The Wolverines play tonight at home against the National Sports Academy at 7PM. If you are in the area, be sure to come catch some great hockey action!   

Bridgton Lacrosse Earns Seasons First Victories

There has been no shortage of talented competitors facing the Wolverine lacrosse team this fall. Earlier in October, the team traveled to Oneonta, NY to play in the first ever College Fall Ball Tournament, hosted by Hartwick College. BA was the only non-college, non-pro team invited to play. Their first game of the tournament was against the well-renowned Iroquois National Team, composed entirely of professional and former Division I laxers.The Iroquois National's also feature two Bridgton alum, Drew '01 and Brett Bucktooth '02. Both Drew and Brett were remarkable lacrosse players during their time at BA, and now Brett plays for the Rochester Rattlers, a Major League Lacrosse team. Coach Bamann '00 said it was an honor to play against the Iroquois squad. Although the Wolverines got out to an early 2-0 lead, the skill of the Iroquois team proved to be too much, and BA fell by a score of 14-5.

The second game of the tournament proved better for Bridgton, who picked up their first victory of the season over Hartwick College with a score of 9-2. There were highlights both offensively, and defensively, including JP Coombe (Annapolis, MD) who led the way scoring with three goals. Kam Bumpus (Needham, MA) collected two, while Kevin Looney (Manhattan Beach, CA), Casey Helms (Sandwich, MA) and Mark Wood (Camarillo, CA) all added a goal apiece.

The winning streak continued last weekend, when the Wolverines defeated the University of Amherst Club team by a score of 13-7. "Ball movement was key," said Coach Bamann after the game. He also complimented the team's defense efforts, led by Chris Ames (Plainfield, CT), Breck Ecker (Chapel Hill, NC), Matt Janetos (Rollingsford, NH) and Rick Nistico (Trumbull, CT). Will Janney (Richmond, VA) had ten saves in the game.

The following game, the Wolverines kept their momentum alive, downing Dean College 14-8. Although Bamann felt his team came out flat in the first half, their intensity soon picked up led by Mark Wood's hat trick, and goal scoring by Casey Helms, JP Coombe, and Kam Bumpus. Sean Igoe (Oceanside, NY) turned away eight shots to earn the win. After the game, the laxers enjoyed a wonderful tailgate put on by current parents Mr. and Mrs. Hay - a special thank you to the Hay's for feeding dozens of hungry players!

This week, BA traveled to University of New Hampshire to take on the Wildcats on a rainy Wednesday night. The deeper UNH squad was able to control the pace of the game and pull out the win, 13-6. Bridgton played a solid first half and was able to get shots off by moving the ball quickly. Trailing only 6-3 at the half, the depth and pace at which UNH played at caught up to the Wolverines. The offense was not able to beat the defenders and the goalie made a number of saves. "The pace of the game got to us. UNH moved the ball around and kept the pressure on us, not letting up on either end," stated Coach Bamann after the game.

During the next three weeks the Bridgton team will wrap up their fall season with three college showcases. If you are in the area, come check us out.

Harvard University - November 1st - Starts at 9:30 a.m.
UMASS Amherst - November 8th - Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Siena 2009 Annual Fall Shootout - Golden Goal Facility (Fort Ann, NY) - November 15th - Starts at 10:00 a.m.

Ivy League Proves Treacherous, Football Team Continues Challenging Schedule

Coming off of a lopsided defeat to Navy Prep, Bridgton Football traveled to New York City on Friday, October 16th to take on the Columbia University Lions JV team. Although they played tough, the Lions proved to be too much, handing BA a 49-40 loss.Trailing 35-12 at the half, the Wolverines were not without opportunities. Both a dropped ball in the end zone and a goal line interception were costly setbacks. 
 
Even though they trailed by a big margin at the half, the Wolverines never gave up. In what could have been the offensive lines best game this season, Bridgton outscored Columbia 28-14 in the second half, led by offensive linemen Jacob Lane (Harrison Valley, PA), Kevin Colon (Lowell, MA) and Daniel Alexander (Sammamish, WA). Quarterback Kenny Brock (Burlington, NJ) was the leader in both passing and rushing, gaining 95 yards on 23 carries and two TDs. Brock threw for 211 yards completing 23 of 47 passes for two touchdowns. Touchdown receptions went to Jordan Murphy (Ayer, MA) and Keith Williams (Simi Valley, CA). On the ground Melikke Van Alstyne (Salem, MA) gained 54 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, and Phil Bigelow (East Orange, NJ) accumulated 68 yards with an endzone trip of his own. Defensive leaders included Stephen Goniprow (Barrington, RI) and Brian Wilcox (Jericho, VT) who were complimented by Coach Marcella for their strong play.

Despite the defeat at Columbia, it was back to work last week for the Wolverines. Next up was Brown University, one of the most talented Ivy League teams that the Wolverines face. It was not an easy week of practice, with injuries and illness catching up to the BA squad. However, come Sunday the team was again on the road traveling to Providence for the October 25th matchup.

The Wolverines threw the ball well against Brown, but catching was an issue with four dropped balls, including one on the first play of the game that would have been an easy score. It was the defense that was ultimately unable to hold off the Brown attack, ending with the second loss in as many weeks 38-21. "We had poor alignments, coverage and tackling, which is the recipe for disaster," said Coach Marcella. With the rushing attack held to less than two yards per carry, the Wolverines were forced to rely on the passing game, which turned the ball over twice in the red zone.

Head Coach Rick Marcella continues to stress to his players the need to improve and get better. This Sunday at 1:00 p.m. BA takes on Yale University, a game which Marcella describes as "Another good test. We have to play well to give ourselves a chance to win."