Above: ARHS Field Hockey should be getting psyched up to hit the field again this Saturday (photo from September 16th game by Owen Jones Photo)
Since I posted on Monday, three Algonquin teams fell out of their MIAA state playoffs. But one team earned the right to advance to the next round this weekend.
On Tuesday, both Titans soccer teams played in the state Division 1 tourneys Round of 32.
Upper seed Concord-Carlisle beat ARHS Girls Soccer for the second time this fall. The Titans girls lost 2-0.
More disappointing was the ARHS Boys Soccer’s loss. The #22 seed Titans lost to 2-1 to #11 Franklin in overtime. The Telegram wrote:
“Real disappointing,” Algonquin coach Fred Zupicich said. “I mean, we were one of the best teams in the state (with) the way we’ve been playing, and to lose like that … is real hard and real hard for them to take, especially the seniors, and we were playing so well. I feel bad for them.”
The article covered the team’s mid-season rise after a rough season start:
“We knew we had to flip the switch,” Algonquin senior captain Zachary Ruthfield said. . .
Algonquin scored 51 goals while allowing just 27 in the regular season — a byproduct of the backline finding its footing (6 shutouts) while having the five top scorers in Mid-Wach A.
“We put the pieces together,” [Algonquin senior captain Max Oelkers] said. “We just moved forward and kept improving, and a lot of guys stepped up.”
Algonquin also showcased “a rarity” in rolling out the co-MVPs of the Mid-Wach A this season with Ruthfield (12 goals, 15 assists) and classmate Caden Hansen (17 goals, 8 assists) sharing the honor. Pair those two with Oelkers, a reigning All-State selection from his center defensive midfield position, and the Titans possessed plenty of firepower on the pitch.
“It’s a pretty combination,” Zupicich said. “They (were) on fire.”
And on Tuesday, the Titans started on fire.
Until the Panthers put it out.
At least the Boys can still console themselves with the CMass Champions title they earned last week.
You can read the Telegram’s full story here and view the ARHS Harbinger’s photo slideshow here.
On Wednesday, #3 Titans Field Hockey beat #14 Concord-Carlisle 2-1 in the D1 Sweet 16 at home.
Tomorrow, the Titans will host #11 Winchester for the quarter finals. That’s at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 9th.
Girls Volleyball also competed in the Round of 16 on Wednesday. The Division 2 #9 girls lost to #8 Duxbury 3-1.
For a reminder of the other Titans competitions still on tap for this week (Football tonight and Cross Country this weekend), click here.
