In the 3rd and final part of the 2014-15 look back at Wellesley High athletics, we take a look at the spring sports season which like the two seasons before it provided some lasting memories and terrific runs including some terrific tournament runs.
The girls lacrosse team had one of its most successful season in recent memory, earning a 15-1-1 regular season record, a Herget division title, and the 4 seed in the state tournament. After knocking off North Quincy and Duxbury at home the Raiders ran into a familiar foe the top seeded Westwood Wolverines, always a powerhouse in girls lacrosse. Unfortunately for the Raiders it was not meant to be as the team fell 14-3. Despite all that the girls continued to show why Wellesley is always considered a top-tier program in the state and should be very proud of their remarkable season.
The boys lacrosse team also made it to the postseason, after finishing with a 10-8 regular season record. The boys gained the 12 seed in their bracket and traveled to face highly regarded Xaverian in the first round. The boys battled back and forth with the Hawks all game long but came up just short falling 10-9 ending their season. That being said this team continued to show the heart, pride, and grit that has allowed this team to be so successful in recent years.
The baseball team overcame a tough start to their season which had many questioning whether they would even make the state tournament, winning their final 8 games in a row to qualify with an 11-9 record for the reason. The Raiders were able to get a home game in the first round taking on Catholic Memorial a team they had lost to earlier in the season. This time however the Raiders got it done with tremendous pitching and defense, shutting out the Knights 3-0. The team advanced to take on top seeded Mansfield in the quarterfinals and despite being right in it the whole game the Raiders fell 8-5 to end their season. That being said given all the issues they had early in the season this team certainly showed a lot of resiliency and the ability to overcome adversity and have a lot to be proud of.
The softball team came very close to making the tournament but in the end came up a bit short with a final record of 8-10. That being said, this team never gave up no matter the situation and certainly can hold their heads high and be proud knowing they gave it all they had game in and game out.
The boys volleyball team was able to make another state tournament finishing their season with an 11-9 record. The team also was able to get a home match in the first round, but unfortunately ran into a tough Barnstable team, who despite the Raiders taking the opening set was able to control the match from there winning 3-1 and ending Wellesley’s season. That being said the Raiders certainly exceeded expectations, especially since they had lost several talented players to graduation the year before.
In track action, the girls track team captured yet another Herget division crown with a perfect 5-0 league mark, while the boys finished with a 2-3 record on the year. Both teams however had several athletes advance to the all-state meet and had some very high finishers. These athletes and the teams in general should be very proud of these very exciting accomplishments.
Boys tennis captured a Herget title as well this spring finishing the regular season at 13-3 advancing to the state tournament. The boys were able to make a run all the way to the sectional semifinals after 5-0 sweeps over King Philip and Marshfield but ultimately were swept out of the tournament by Barnstable in their semifinal match. The boys also had two doubles pairs advance to the individual sectional tournament but both fell in the first round. The boys though have another league title to be proud of and should be in good shape for next season.
Girls tennis also made it to the tournament after amassing an 8-9 regular season record. The girls won their preliminary round match over Brockton 4-1 before falling to top seeded Brookline 5-0 in the first round. Despite the early exit the girls showed why they are alway a team to watch out in both league and tournament play and have a lot to be proud of and to look forward to going forward.
So that does it for this 2014-15 retrospective, and be sure to look out for all things Wellesley High athletics for the 2015-16 year starting next month.
Wellesley Sports Blitz 