Doherty Edges Wachusett on Opening Night

By John McGuirk (@patsfan13)

Holden, Mass. - While many came into opening night enamored with Doherty's potential offensive ceiling, it was the Highlanders' defense which took center stage during Friday night's season-opener against Wachusett Regional.

In a battle between two of the more dominant teams in Central Mass, Doherty managed to pick off Mountaineer quarterback Melke Shabo three times, and also recovered a pair of Shabo fumbles en route to a 14-7 victory at Hal Lane Field.

Algonquin Dominates Wachusett in Mid-Wach A

 By Joe Fantozzi (@joe_fantozzi35)

Holden, Mass. - The Algonquin Tomahawks (7-2) went on the road and destroyed the Wachusett Mountaineers (2-6), 15-2. In a contest that was never really contested, Algonquin took charge of this Mid-Wach A battle from the opening face-off. 

Algonquin senior captains Will Levine and Tommy Ackil combined for three first quarter goals, as the T-Hawks took a 5-0 lead into the first intermission. 

MIAA Boys' Basketball Tournament: Central and West Sectional Picks

Marlboro big Chris Doherty has the Panthers primed for a deep tournament run.

By SuiteSports Staff

On Friday afternoon, the MIAA released the basketball pairings for the 2018 State Tournament Central Sectionals.

That was followed up Saturday morning with the release of the pairings for the West, which was completed via the Walker System.

In Division 1 Central, Franklin looks like the favorite to win its second straight sectional title, but red-hot Wachusset, Doherty, and traditional power St. John’s (Shrewsbury) all could derail the Panthers.

Chris Doherty and Marlboro are hoping to reach the state final for the first time since Doherty’s freshman year, but a potential sectional semi-final matchup with Milford could pose a significant challenge.

Nashoba Outlasts Wachusett in CMass Slugfest

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

BOLTON — There is no script or manual that says you have to win every game with ease.

While Nashoba Regional has blown out its fair share of opponents this season, Friday night's encounter versus Wachusett Regional was not one of those.

The Chieftains had their hands full all throughout but still managed to come away with a 9-0 victory.

Postgame Blog: Shepherd Hill Stops Wachusett at the Goal Line

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

Tonight we saw a track meet between the hosting Shepherd Hill Rams and the visiting Wachusett Mountaineers. These two teams have legitimate bids for being among the best in CMass football. Tonight these young men put on a spectacular show for everyone at the game. Shepherd Hill would ultimately come from behind to win a nail-biter, 41-40.

Let's break it down.

Postgame Blog: St. John's (Shrewsbury) Continues Offensive Surge Against Wachusett

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

HOLDEN - Tonight's matchup between the hometown Wachusett Mountaineers and St. John's (Shrewsbury) Pioneers turned out to be a lopsided affair. SJ would jump out to an early lead and never look back as they cruised to victory, 55-21.

Postgame Blog: Wachusett Gets Payback Against Algonquin

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

HOLDEN - Tonight I took the trek out to Holden to catch a CMass heavyweight matchup between the Wachusett Mountaineers and the Algonquin Tomahawks. Though the Mountaineers would pull out a 39-17 victory, the game felt close throughout.

The win gave Wachusett a measure of revenge, after Algonquin defeated the Mountaineers both in the regular season and playoffs last year. Let’s break down Friday's big win for Wachusett.

Central Mass Lax Power Rankings: The End of 2017

It's hard to deny the significance of what coach Alan Rotatori (right) and his Grafton Indians have done the last three years, but is Grafton our top team in CMass this season?

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The state championships have come and gone, and another season of Central Mass lacrosse is in the books. It was a year of surprises, memorable runs and, unfortunately, tragedy, with the passing of former Tantasqua coach John Pedace.

While it was a bitter sweet season for many in the region, several teams did make their presence known at the state level, some for the very first time. So, without further ado, here are our final Central Mass Lax Power Rankings of 2017. Be on the lookout for our annual CMass All-Stars and Award Winners later this week.

Grafton, Milford and Turners Falls Capture State Softball Titles

Milford celebrates with the Division 1 state championship trophy.

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

WORCESTER -Now Turners Falls stands alone on its own pedestal.

Arguably the greatest high school softball program in state history, the Indians not only won their third consecutive Division 3 state title on Saturday, but recorded their ninth crown overall, which gives them the most of any program in the Commonwealth, surpassing Bishop Fenwick.

All of this being accomplished in a span of 13 years.

Wachusett and Turners Falls Softball Earn State Final Berths

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

AMHERST - This was typical fashion for Wachusett Regional.

A solid pitching performance parlayed with timely hitting allowed the Mountaineers to punch their ticket into the Division 1 softball finals for the first time in school history.

In a game where nothing would be settled through seven innings, Wachusett went the extra mile by plating a pair of runs in its half of the eighth to down Minnechaug 2-0 in the state semifinal played Tuesday at UMass' Sortino Field.

Wachusett (21-3) will square off versus Milford (24-1) in the title game on Saturday at Worcester's Rockwood Field at a time to be determined. The Scarlet Hawks defeated Newton North 3-0 in their state semifinal on Tuesday evening.

As expected, this tilt instantly transformed into a solid pitching affair. Wachusett ace Liv Strasser and Falcons sophomore Katelyn Thompson put forth a major duel inside the circle all throughout. Neither willing to show her hand to the other.

Wachusett Softball Earns First Sectional Title

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

WORCESTER, Mass. - After the final out was recorded, Wachusett Regional jumped, danced and hollered all over the diamond inside Rockwood Field. This celebration serving as a true culmination in which disappointment had finally given way to newfound glory.

The top-seeded Mountaineers claimed their first Division 1 Central Mass. district title by out-lasting No. 2 Doherty 3-1 Saturday evening. This long-awaited victory erased a plethora of bad memories of season's gone bye in which Wachusett, a team always stockpiled with plenty of talent, could never quite get over the hump within its own bracket.

Grafton Scores Senior Night Win Against Wachusett

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

GRAFTON - In a game with tournament (seeding) implications, both the Grafton Indians and Wachusett Mountaineers came in with something to play for. The game ended a little lopsided on the scoreboard, as the Indians turned a 7-4 halftime lead into a 16-9 victory.

With the win tonight, coupled with a Mt. Greylock loss out West to Pope Francis, Grafton all but locks up the top seed in the D3 Central/West Bracket.

Here are some takeaways from the Indians' big win.

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton Lacrosse vs Wachusett

Photos by Ryan Bowman (@_ryanbowman_)

GRAFTON - The Grafton Indians cruised on senior night against the Wachusett Mountaineers, winning 16-9 behind five Brendan Coates goals.

We'll have a full recap up later tonight, but for now enjoy these photos snapped by our Ryan Bowman.

Central Mass Lax Power Rankings: Week 6

Jared Collari (1) and Griffin Shoemaker (3) are just two of Littleton's many weapons.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It's too late in the season for lengthy introductions, so I'll just say that this week brings a matchup of the top two teams in our Power Rankings.

Check out our latest Top 10 below as a huge week for CMass lax begins.

Central Mass Lax Power Rankings: Week 5

Nipmuc is the last remaining unbeaten in Central Mass after a wild week.  Photo courtesy of @NipmucHSLax

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Just when you think you've got the region figured out… Wow, did last week give us a lot to think about, and there was a great deal of movement in our rankings as a result.

Let's not waste any time. Continue below for this week's Top 10.

Wachusett Softball Guts Out a Win Against Turners Falls

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

MONTAGUE - It is a rare occurrence when a Division 1 program is willing to drop down two levels to play a team out of Division 3. On the flip side, most Division 3 schools within the Commonwealth would never consider playing up, as most D 3 coaches feel the level of competition is too great. Most teams, except Turners Falls that is.

The Indians, regarded by many as being the perfect blue print on how to run a successful softball program, have no issues when it comes to playing up. In fact, you could make a strong case that they are better than most Division 1 programs scattered across the state.

On a cool, damp Sunday evening, Wachusett, with an enrollment of over 2,000, and widely-considered the best program in Central Mass, locked horns with Turners Falls (enrollment of under 270).

A mismatch? Hardly.

Wachusett Softball Edges Doherty in Battle of CMass Unbeatens

Wachusett pitcher Liv Strasser prepares to deliver against Doherty Thursday.

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

HOLDEN - Over the course of the first three innings, Wachusett Regional managed to strand five runners on base without producing a single run. Such a circumstance made you wonder if this was a prelude to the type of day the Mountaineers would endure against mighty Doherty.

In a battle between two of the state's heavyweight programs, and top-tier pitchers, Wachusett finally came up with an answer in its half of the fourth inning. The Mountaineers plated three runs during the frame and were able to fend off the Highlanders the rest of the way en route to a 3-1 triumph Thursday afternoon.

PHOTO GALLERY: St. John's Lacrosse vs Wachusett

Photos by Ryan Bowman (@_ryanbowman_)

St. John's defeated upstart Wachusett 17-3 in one of the day's most anticipated lacrosse matchups, and our Ryan Bowman was there to capture all the action.

Continue below for more shots, and note that you can click each image to enlarge, and launch a slideshow.

Wachusett Softball Runs Away from Holy Name in Battle of CMass Powers

By John McGruik (@patsfan1313)

HOLDEN - This was the last thing you would have come to expect between two of the most historic and successful softball programs in Central Mass.

Rarely do we get an opportunity to witness a pair of powerhouses going head-to-head in the season opener. But, due to some earlier postponements caused by inclement weather, that is what transpired on Tuesday afternoon.

Wachusett Regional and Holy Name, neither a stranger to winning, squared off on a picture perfect, 80 degree afternoon. It is no secret that both programs are quite capable of running the postseason tournament table while vying for a state championship.

However, following Wachusett's stunning 12-0 mercy-ruled victory, it appears the Mountaineers are more-ahead of schedule to do so.

Central Mass Lax Power Rankings: Week 2

Tantasqua's senior attack trio of Anthony Law, Ben Beaudry and Mike Frio is off to a hot start.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

As you might expect, there was tremendous movement from Week 1 to Week 2 in our Power Rankings. Only top-ranked St. John's is ranked in the same spot as last week, as a slew of upsets and close calls shook up our Top-10.

Check out this week's rankings below.