Printer Friendly Version - An All-Around Strong Start for Hand Sports This Spring

Victorious performances from Greyson McGeary and Matt Parker in the hurdling events propelled the Hand boys’ outdoor track to a 93-57 win over Guilford in its season opener on April 5. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Source

The Hand boys’ outdoor track team opened its dual-meet season by recording a 93-57 victory over Guilford on April 5.

Victories for the Tigers were delivered by their 4x800 relay (8:49.10), along with Mike Burchell in the shot put (45-4) and discus (114-2); Greyson McGeary in the 110 hurdles (18.3); Max Veth for the 400 (50.2); Matt Parker in the 300 hurdles (44.3); Nick Porte for the 3,200 (10:55); Frank Guascio in the javelin (139-7); and Devon McShane for the high jump (5-0).

The Tigers took a 77-68 loss to Guilford in their first meet of the year on April 5.

Hand won the 4x100 relay with a time of 54.40 at the meet. Additionally, Mary Huminski took first place in the 100 hurdles (18.0), 300 hurdles (54.6), and the long jump (14-5); Caroline O’Neil claimed victory in the 100 (12.1), 200 (25.9), and 400 (58.1); plus Hayley Jean was victorious in the javelin (69.5.75).

Hand began its year with a 4-3 win over Conard on April 4 and then raced past Foran by a 18-3 final the next day.

Scoring goals for the Tigers versus Foran were Nate Palumbo (4), Liam Gottlick (4), Matt Rubino (3), Zach Santoemma (2), Teg Cosgriff (2), Jack Santoro (1), Joe Cuticelli (1), and Flynn Driscoll (1). Assists were recorded by Santoemma (2) and Tom Swank (1). Mason Feiner made nine saves for Hand, which doubled up Foran, 38-19, in shots on net.

The Tigers opened their campaign with a 14-7 decision over Old Lyme on April 4. Hand then finished the week at 2-0 thanks to an 18-4 triumph versus Simsbury on April 8.

In the Old Lyme matchup, Taylor Scully had three goals and five assists for the Tigers. Amanda Gentile added three goals, as did Riley Kokoruda and Glenna-Kate Gies. Old Lyme got out to a 4-2 lead before Hand surged with a 6-1 run to end the first half.

“We got off to a slow start and had some sloppy midfield play in the miserable weather,” said Head Coach Kevin Siedlecki. “Sixteen turnovers and a shot percentage of 36 are not very good. Old Lyme did a nice job capitalizing on our mistakes to make it a close game most of the way.”

Scully and Gies had five goals each versus Simsbury. Kokoruda won 85 percent of the draws she took and had four assists. Hand got out to a strong start, winning all but one draw, to open up a 7-0 lead.

“Glenna-Kate Gies continues to be a huge contributor with five goals and two assists to add to her three-goal opening night performance,” said Siedlecki. “Simsbury is a fast, athletic team. Coming in, we knew we had to do a better job protecting possession and getting better shots. We shot over 50 percent, which was the biggest improvement over the first game. The attack stayed spread out, with eight different people scoring at least once, and five people scoring at least twice.”

Hand started off 2017 by prevailing in two of its first three contests last week. The Tigers began the year with a 9-0 shutout of new SCC Quinnipiac Division rival West Haven on April 3. The Tigers then lost 7-4 to Amity on April 5. However, Hand then improved to 2-1 by notching a 9-2 win over Mercy on April 7.

The Tigers started the year 1-0 by recording a 5-2 triumph over Amity on April 3.

Annie Barrett won at No. 4 singles, while the team of Sam Riordan and Anna Lang prevailed in No. 1 doubles for Hand. The Tigers’ No. 3 doubles team of juniors Nicki Goldfeder and Nell Karas won in straight sets, plus seniors Renee Tracy and Grace Squitiero prevailed in three sets at No. 2 doubles to secure the team’s victory. Junior Ellie Weinstein finished the match at No. 3 singles by winning a three-setter that came down to a tiebreaker.

Claiming wins for Hand on the day were Kyle Fay and Justin Pace, along with the tandems of Alex Bueno and Sam Thorpe, plus Darby Rogers and Jamie Watkins.

Hand split a pair of 3-0 decisions in its opening week of play. The Tigers swept Wolcott Tech on April 4 and then dropped a 3-0 decision to Shelton on April 7.