This week, three Algonquin Titans teams were in the state playoffs. One of them is headed into the Sweet 16 tomorrow night.
Girls basketball lost a tough game against Methuen on Feb. 27 in the first round of playoffs. Having gone 4-0 in their last four games, the girls were confident going into it.
The stands were packed with parents and fans going to cheer on the team. The first quarter looked promising with both teams playing strong.
The momentum was lost, and by the end of the third quarter, Methuen was ahead 49-36.
For the majority of the last quarter it was all five Titans seniors in, captains Lily Morse, Jordan Lambert, and Sophie Hjerpe, as well as Ula and Austeja Bazikas.
The final score was 70-44.
According to a tweet by Methuen, it was the Rangers’ first playoff win since 2013. Captain Samantha Pfeil led the Rangers by putting up 29 points.
The Titans were led by new coach Kashawn Hampton. They wrapped up a 10-12 season, disappointed about the loss but with smiles on their faces.
The Boys Hockey team had similarly disappointing results, but it was made up for in one of the most exciting hockey games that I have ever seen. The team had a record of 11-5-3 against Whitman Hanson High’s 10-8-2.
Senior Jack Gulachenski started the game off strong by scoring a goal for Algonquin in the first thirty seconds. With fast gameplay and both teams making shots, Algonquin was down 4-2 after the first period.
The second period ended with a tied score of 4-4.
One minute into the third period Gulachenski scored again, only for Whitman Hanson to knock out two goals bringing the score to 6-5. The energy from the crowd was infectious, anxiously anticipating a shot to keep the Titans in the game.
Finally, with 15 seconds to go in the final period, Wyatt Shea scored for Algonquin, tying the game and bringing them into overtime. The screams from the stands were deafening.
The first overtime went by quickly with back and forth and some narrow misses. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Then double overtime. With three minutes left, Whitman Hanson scored, ending the game and the boys time in the playoffs with a score of 7-6.
Representing the Titans, and with the 2022 state championship title, Girls Hockey absolutely dominated in their game, shutting out Auburn 6-0.
Madlyn Glynn was the lead goal scorer with two goals and Bryn Domoly, Madlyn Glynn, Courtney Shifrin, Emily Johns, and Lauren O’Malley each got another.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the game, but I hope to see you when they play on Saturday at 5:30 pm against Martha’s Vineyard at New England Sports Center. (Tickets are on sold online here.)
The 5th seed Titans shutout 21st seed MV 4-0 when they traveled to the island back in January. So odds should be in their favor.
[Editor’s Note: This post was written by new intern, Algonquin junior Laney Halsey with edits by Beth Melo.]
