Old Rochester’s boys and girls cross-country teams capped off the 2021 season last week with two meets leading to South Coast Conference championships.
On October 19, the Bulldogs visited rival Dighton-Rehoboth. The girls team faced little adversity, winning 15-50. Julia Sheridan took first place with a 3.1-mile time of 20:43, followed by Hanna Whalley in second (20:58), Corrine Robert in third (21:15), Maddie Connor in fourth (21:42), and Alexia Gonsalves seventh (22:22).
The boys race, on the other hand, had a bit more drama. Tyler Young took first place with a time of 17:39, and John Kassabian came in third with a time of 18:01. From there, however, the race was competitive. ORR’s next runner was Murray Copps in sixth place (18:15), followed by Torsten Brickley in eighth (18:43), and Teddy Carroll in ninth (18:49), securing a 27-30 win.
However, confusion at the finish line resulted in the officials initially scoring the meet as a win for the Falcons. ORR coach Cindy Tilden disagreed and requested that the top runners line up in order to correct the error. The issue was resolved, and the Bulldogs walked away victorious.
ORR then made a trip to Somerset Berkley on October 22, where the Bulldogs secured their SCC Large School titles. The girls had little competition and knew it. Sheridan, Whalley, Robert, Connor and Gonsalves all finished together at 24:07 to secure a 15-50 win. The boys didn’t have it as easy.
It was apparent that the team was still recovering from their tough race three days prior. Young ran a time of 18:08, Kassabian ran a 19:28, and Carroll finished in 20:00. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs were still able to secure a 22-37 win and capture the SCC title. The Bulldogs will next compete in the South Coast Conference meet on Saturday, October 30, at Apponequet Regional High School.
Football
The Bulldogs improved to 5-1 on October 22 when they defeated Somerset Berkley, 25-13, in Mattapoisett. Harrison Hughes scored the opening touchdown, and from there it looked like the game was going to be one-sided. Stephen Old returned a fumble 47 yards to score, and Jacksen Martin ran for two touchdowns. Somerset Berkley scored once in the second quarter. It seemed as if the tables might have been turning in the Raiders’ favor in the fourth quarter after they recovered a fumble, but the visitors were only able to score once more and ORR’s winning streak was extended to three. The Bulldogs will next host Fairhaven on Friday, October 29, in their Homecoming game.
Girls Volleyball
It’s safe to say that ORR Volleyball is coming off an incredible week. At their Senior Night on October 20, the Bulldogs secured yet another 3-0 win against Somerset Berkley. The seniors shined, with Kenna Soucy making 10 kills, Maggie Brogioli making seven kills, and Sydnee Pires making six. On October 22, the Bulldogs picked up arguably their biggest win of the season when they avenged a loss from earlier in the season against Dennis-Yarmouth. The Dolphins, ranked third in Division 3, put up a good fight but ultimately fell 3-2. Brogioli had 20 kills, Sally Butler had 12 kills, and Ella Soutter had 11 kills. On October 15, the Bulldogs further extended their win streak with a 3-0 win against Apponequet. Their next challenge will be against Fairhaven on Wednesday, October 27.
Boys Soccer
Old Rochester’s boys soccer team got back on track on October 21 with a 4-0 win over Apponequet in Lakeville. Brett Smith, George Barry, Brendan Burke, and George Psichopaidas all scored in the one-sided game. Their momentum was once again stalled in a 2-1 loss against Somerset Berkley on October 22. The Bulldogs went on to defeat Apponequet again at home on Monday, winning 3-0 with goals from Burke, Ryan Blanchette, and Sam Balsis. Old Rochester will next host Fairhaven on Wednesday, October 27.
Girls Soccer
The Bulldogs suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Somerset Berkley on October 20. The breast cancer awareness game was also ORR’s final home date of the season. While Audrey Thomas was able to score in the first half to tie the game at 1-1, the Bulldogs failed to hit the back of the net during the second half. The Bulldogs fell again on Monday, 7-1, at Apponequet. Their next game will come on Wednesday, October 27, at Fairhaven.
Field Hockey
ORR’s field hockey team came up short in a pair of 1-0 decisions, both on home field. On October 20, the Bulldogs lost to Durfee and on October 22 to Somerset Berkley. They’ll look to get back on track against Apponequet on Wednesday, October 27.
Sports Roundup
By Matthew Curry