Local sports roundup
Rangers manage to lasso Central Mass. Division 1 girls basketball title
By Ken Powers Community Reporter

Westborough - Finally. It's hard to say that when you consider that the Westborough High girls basketball team captured its first Central Mass. Division 1 championship in 2002, but this year's crown seemed like it was a much more arduous journey.

That might be because it was.

The Rangers have been working for two years for the title they won March 8 at WPI's Harrington Auditorium, thanks to a 56-41 win over Shepherd Hill.

It was supposed to happen last year, when Westborough entered the final top-seeded and undefeated. Holy Name had other plans, however, and upset the Rangers, who haven't let a day pass without reminding themselves what this year's mission was all about.

"It's been our goal from Day 1," senior guard Annette Kristiansen said, clutching the winning hardware. "This was our focus. We wanted to experience what the 2002 team experienced. We thought we were going to get it last year, and it was disappointing not to, but it feels so good it was worth the wait."

Kristiansen led the way with 19 points, and was followed by fellow senior starters Danielle Coff ey (12 points) and Emily Mongeau (11 points).

Up next for the 23-1 Rangers was a state semifinal showdown with Western Mass. Champ Northampton (22-2) March 12.

Hawks return to

Central Mass. final

It took 15 years, but the Hudson High hockey team returned to its first Central Mass. Division 3 title game this season, playing Gardner for the right to go on to the state semifinals.

The Wildcats, who entered the game as the defending champs, doused the Hawks' state title hopes, 5-3, in a game played March 8 at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Jon Gould, as he has done so often in his Hudson career, paced the off ensive attack, scoring all three Hawk goals.

"I'm disappointed for the kids that we lost; I know they wanted this so much," coach Mike Nanartowich said, "but this was a great year. This, I think, was the most fun I've had coaching in the 18 years I've been lucky enough to be the Hudson High hockey coach."

And it's more enjoyable probably because he understands now how hard it is to get where his Hawks got this season.

"My first year, we won the Central Mass. title; my third year, we played in the final," Nanartowich said. "I'm thinking, 'This is easy. Why are these old bald guys telling me how hard this is?' Now I know."

The Hawks, who finished 16-4-3, got standout performances throughout the year from a bevy of players, including seniors Ryan Barry, Steve Huehmer and Kevin Christie, who along with Gould served as captain.

Other seniors on the team this season included Casey Traylor, Brian Scannell, Scott Pantalone and Jeff Chaves. Juniors on the roster were Derek Vasselin, Jack Bertonassi, Andrew Arbour, Will Murphy, Andrew Medeiros, Matt Barry, Jeff Derby and Brian Smith.

Sophomores playing varsity for the Hawks included Dan Brun, Sean O'Keefe, Josh Feinburg, Mitch Sawyer, Max McNealy, Bobby Andrews and C.J. Flannery. The lone freshman on the team was Cody Smith.

Contact Ken Powers at kpthesportsguy@yahoo. com with your sports team's news.