With Top Teams On The Horizon, Belmont Field Hockey Rolls At Home

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Photo: White after Labor Day? For Belmont High Field Hockey, it’s très chic!

It’s said you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. There is one exception; when the Belmont High School Field Hockey team introduced its new all-white home kit during its first two home games in the 2018 season. The sleek unis with Parisian blue lettering and a menacing Marauder (grrrr!) on the upper back is a hit with fans and fashionistas alike. très chic!

Yet, it’s unlikely this year’s sharp outfit had any impact on the play of the girls as Belmont cruised to a pair of victories last week, defeating a strong squad from Stoneham, 6-1, and Woburn, 11-1, to improve to 3-0-0, earning a 17th ranking in the latest Boston Globe Top 20 poll.

“They are showing a lot of great skills, and they’re so positive,” said long-time Head Coach Jess Smith, who said this is likely one of the strongest 10 field player teams she’s put out on the pitch.

Smith said so far in the season, the impressive play – outscoring opponents 25-2 in three games – has not been generated by just one or two players but is an all-around team effort as seen by the scoring chart where the distribution of goals and assists is widespread and deep.

Against a much improved undefeated Stoneham team (coming to Harris at 2-0-1 with an eye-catching 2-2 tie against Lexington on its resume), Belmont wasted little time getting on the board, as quicksilver center forward Marissa Cecca dented the backboard of the Spartan’s goal just 30 seconds into the game. 

“I saw Katie [Guden] in the circle and called for it. I had a tight angle so I had to flip it by the keeper,” said Cecca.

Stoneham, led by senior midfield Paige Jordan, showed a growing level of talent over the past three years but Belmont’s midfield trio of senior co-captain Mia Kaldenbough, junior Katie Devitt and its leader junior Katie Guden frustrated the Spartan’s with their speed and stick handling skills as they quickly transitioned to Belmont’s front line headed by leading scorer senior co-captain Jordan Lettiere and her fellow co-captain four-year starter Morgan Chase. 

Stoneham kept the deficit to one goal until the final 100 seconds of the first half when sub-Cleo Theodoropulos scored from Lettiere with 1:39 remaining that was followed by Lettiere’s unassisted score with 47 seconds left. Chase, junior central defender Emma Donahue, and sub sophomore forward Emma O’Donovan scored in the second half. 

If there have been concerns they lie with penalty corners – a lot taken but a lack of results – and having its young goalkeepers –Molly Calkins and Morgan Moroney – get in-game action. 

“We were nervous [at the start of the season] because we lost a lot of talented players. But we have been really good because we communicate very well and watch out for each other. We’re all committed to winning,” said Cecca.

While the Marauders has feasted on the Middlesex League so far, Belmont’s 11 will be tested against the two strongest squads in the division. On Tuesday, Sept. 18, Belmont travels to Lexington whose 2-1-1 record doesn’t tell its overall strength. Led by senior goalkeeper Abbie Ortyl who verbally committed to Merrimack College, the Minutemen is looking to break the five-year lock Belmont and Winchester have held on the top spot for the Liberty Division championship. 

On the first day of summer, Friday, Sept. 21, Belmont hosts 2017 league champions, and #2 ranked Winchester to Harris Field. The Sachems, which squeaked by Lexington, 1-0, last Friday, will seek to avenge Belmont’s 1-1 tie at Winchester last season, the only blemish on the Sachems’ 17-0-1 undefeated regular season. 

Yard Sales In Belmont; Sept. 15-16 Featuring Worcester Street Block Yard Sale

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Photo: Yard sales in Belmont.

Yard sales in the Town of Homes on the final weekend of summer.

51 GRANT AVE Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 3 p.m.
23-25 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
54 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
36 BROOKSIDE AVE Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 15/16 8:30 a.m. 3 p.m.
31 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
10 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
43 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
35 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
34-36 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 10 a.m. Noon Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
10 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
6 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
42-44 Worcester St. Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Worcester Street Block Yard Sale
211 LEXINGTON ST Saturday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. 1 p.m.

Belmont High Football Upsets Top 20 Milton In Season Opener, 31-28 [VIDEO]

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Photo: Senior running back Rhaki Joseph gained 117 yards in Belmont’s upset victory against Milton.

The student section stormed onto the field after the post-game handshakes were completed to begin a raucous celebration for a Friday Night victory that was both well deserved and long awaited for the Belmont High Marauders.

There are those pundits who will roll their eyes hearing that a football team and its supporters had “gone crazy” after winning the first game of the season. There are an entire league and divisional schedules remaining in addition to the Thanksgiving Day game, they will say. “Don’t get ahead of yourselves!” 

The experts can say that all they want, just not to a team and coaching staff that demonstrated on last Friday Night the potential to take on top-notch competition … and come away on top. And it happened in Belmont against an opponent in Milton High School seen by many observers as heading to an early-December Super Bowl appearance. 

Three touchdown passes by junior QB Avery Arno in his first varsity start and a four-down defensive stance inside its own 10-yard line with less than a minute to play highlighted Belmont High School football’s exciting 31-28 victory over 19th-ranked ‘Cats in the season opener, Sept. 7. It was the first time a Marauder team defeated a top-20 team in … just about forever. 

In a game which Belmont came from behind three times, the Marauders’ held its composure and took back momentum each time to score and take the lead, including for the final time with less than 6 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Arno found WR Zach Hubbard in the end zone followed by an Avery (Aron) to Avery (Gartland) two-point conversion.  

It was a big night for Arno (11-22 for 117 yards with a single pick) and the Marauders backfield. Senior running backs Rhaki Joseph (117 yards) and Kilian O’Connell (65 yards) allowed Belmont to vary its offense with the pass and on the ground. Joseph’s touchdown in the second half saw the back sidestep the first wave of defenders, rounded the corner and outsprint three Wildcats 26 yards to paydirt. 

Receivers Hubbard (two TDs) and Jared Edwards (catching Aron’s first varsity pass for a 26-yard touchdown in the first four minutes) were able to stretch the Wildcat defensive backs almost at will. 

And while he had an extra point and field goal attempt blocked, junior kicker Hampton Trout hit a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter that provided the margin of the victory. 

It was the Marauder defense, much maligned over the years, that determined the game’s outcome with the defensive line and linebackers (coached by Chris Sywetz) holding Milton’s running offense in check by not surrendering a run of more than 15 yards. It was a game where the Marauders forced the Wildcats to convert third and fourth downs while forcing a lost fumble (recovered by sophomore FB/LB Ryan Santoro in an impressive debut) and a big-time fourth-quarter interception by junior veteran defensive back Justin Rocha which resulted in Belmont scoring the final touchdown. 

But it would be the final four plays by Milton with 125 seconds remaining that demonstrated within Belmont’s defense a maturity and attitude found in winning programs. Milton’s highly touted quarterback and leader Luke McMenamin drove his team to the Belmont 10. The Marauder front seven bent a little but did not break on the first two running plays. On third down, quick pressure caused a fumble pushing back the ‘Cats to the 7. 

Rather than kick a short field goal, the Milton coaching staff saw fit to gamble on fourth down against the Marauders. McMenamin felt he had a teammate open on the far left of the end zone but the presence of a Belmont defender caused a throw that was sailed out of bounds. Cue the students. 

On Friday comes the test of feeding off success as the Marauders travel on the MassPike to take on the Framingham High Falcons, the second non-Middlesex League team will play in consecutive years. It was a tough loss at home, 20-14, for the Marauders, one filled with mistakes and missed opportunities.

But the Marauders are not thinking about the past. They have seen what the future can hold.

Selectmen To Attend Traffic Advisory Committee’s Thursday Meeting On Crosswalk Concerns

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Photo: The scene of the accident at Lexington and Sycamore streets.

The Belmont Board of Selectmen will join the town’s Traffic Advisory Committee at its scheduled meeting Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Town Hall auditorium as the committee takes up pedestrian safety after the death of a resident killed walking in a crosswalk.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and run for approximately 90 minutes.

Sachi Thanawala, 39, was struck by a 2015 Ford Transit commercial van around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 30 while walking at the raised intersection of Lexington and Sycamore streets. The mother of two died two days later.

The meeting will be the first, but not likely the final chance the public will have a chance to question town officials and make statements. Town Administrator Patrice Garvin said that it is quite likely that there will be future hearings on traffic issues involving pedestrian safety.

Since the accident, residents have contacted elected and town officials, police and have posted online their concerns that the intersection where the accident occurred  and Lexington Street are unsafe as vehicles are prone to race above the 25-mph speed limit. Residents near the accident site has expressed increasing that traffic calming street measures need to be employed to make area safe for walkers and school children who use the intersection to head to and from the Samuel Butler Elementary School which is a few blocks down Sycamore.

Citizens have also used social media to express their opinions.

“This intersection is an absolute nightmare, and has only gotten worse since the town added a raised speed table/bump,” commented Frank Maldarelli in the Belmontonian. “My recommendation would be to add a four-way stop sign. Perhaps this will prevent life from needlessly being lost in the future.”

“I have watched in horror as children ran, frightened and confused, across streets where cars would not slow down at all,” wrote Sara. “Belmont is used as a cut through–pick up trucks, vans, fast cars. Enough!!! Do something!! Let’s demand more of our town government.”

Thursday’s meeting will begin with statements by the selectmen, the Belmont Police and the advisory committee. Glenn Clancy, the director of the Office of Community Development and Town Engineer, will then present an overview of pedestrian and traffic projects. After the officials speak, residents will be given an opportunity to express their opinion.

Belmont High Field Hockey Firing On All Cylinders At Wilmington In Season Opener

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Photo: Belmont’s Jordan Lettiere scoring the first goal of the season in Belmont’s 8-0 win over Wilmington.

Belmont High Head Coach Jess Smith was nervous before the season-opening game at Wilmington on Saturday, Sept. 7.

“Are we really ready for this game?” worried Smith, remembering Belmont’s close 1-0 home victory against the Wildcats a year earlier. 

While Smith fretted as coaches will, her players spent the final moments during stick inspection discussing … llamas. “They’re sooo cute! But really nasty in person,” commented a player who got to see the South American pack animal up close during a recent school trip to Machu Picchu. 

“Do you believe them?” said Smith of her charges as they headed out onto the pitch. But being anxious is just Smith’s natural state before a match, be it against tough foes like Watertown or a weaker opponent during the season.

A little over an hour later, Smith was able to set her worries aside (at least until the next game) as her Marauders came out and dominated the host Wildcats, 8-0, to open the team’s 2018 account with a victory.

“I’ll take it,” said a pleased Smith, now in her 13th year coaching the team. “The team was an offensive machine today,” she said.

And why wouldn’t Smith be pleased? Her Marauders controlled all aspects of the game. On defense, Belmont shut down the Wildcat attack by clogging the passing lanes and using their collective speed – Smith credits three weeks of running 400-meter laps on the Harris Field track – to limit to just a handful of the times Wilmington crossed the midfield line. Led by juniors Katie Guden at center mid and Emma Donahue, center back, Belmont was able to quickly transition to offense.

“I was impressed how the defense and the midfield worked together to bring the ball into the [striking circle],” said Smith.

Offensively, Belmont used a combination of solid passing and slick, quick solo runs – by speedster Marissa Cecca, Guden and senior forward and co-captain Morgan Chase – to counter Wilmington packing 11 players between the ball and their goal. It took all of four minutes for the team to get on the scoreboard when senior forward and co-captain Jordan Lettiere beat the Wildcat goalie by her left pad to give Belmont the lead they’d keep.

Belmont would score three more in the first and four in the final 30 minutes with Guden bagging the hat trick, with Chase and Donahue putting in a pair, each scored in close and from just inside the striking circle (Chase’s long-distance goal came from a penalty corner passed to her by defender Meaghan Noone which can be seen on the video). Morgan Moroney and Molly Calkins each played a half in net and shared the shutout. 

Next up for Belmont is the home opener at Harris Field against Stoneham on Wednesday at 4 p.m. then the Marauders host Woburn at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. 

You Can Say ‘I Ran The Dan’: Sign Up For Scharfman Memorial Run Sunday, Sept. 30

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Photo: Poster for the sixth annual Dan Scharfman Memorial Run.

The Foundation for Belmont Education, which is celebrating a quarter century of providing funds to improve educational opportunities for Belmont’s children and teachers, invites runner and all others to participate in the sixth annual Dan Scharfman Memorial Run being held on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The Run takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Both the 5K (3.1 mile) and 2K race options begin at the Belmont High School Track, 221 Concord Ave., and take runners on a scenic route through Belmont.

To register for the race, volunteer on race day, or donate to the FBE, visit www.fbe-belmont.org/run.

The annual race is held in memory of the late Dan Scharfman, a dedicated advocate of technology and innovation in education. More than 850 runners from towns throughout Massachusetts participated in last year’s Run, raising more than $25,000 for the Belmont public schools. 

“In six, short years the Dan Scharfman Memorial Run has grown from an idea to becoming a Belmont ‘fall classic’ and a must-do event on the town’s crowded calendar. Thanks to the support of the community and amazing sponsors like CitySide Subaru and many others, the Run has become a vital source of funding for the Foundation for Belmont Education and our public schools. In total, the Scharfman Run raised more than $125,000 in its first five years,” said race co-director and FBE Board Member Paul Roberts.

“Most importantly, the Dan Scharfman Memorial Run has become an occasion for the community to celebrate the life of an amazing man. As a friend and running partner of Dan’s, I know this aspect of the race–the coming together and celebrating community—is what Dan would take the most pride in. We’re looking forward to a great turnout this year, with proceeds from the event supporting the adoption of innovative teaching tools and methodologies. So, on Sept. 30, lace up those running shoes, come out, and earn the right to say, ‘I ran the Dan!’” said Roberts.

This year, the FBE is celebrating its 25th year of making a difference in the Belmont Public Schools. The FBE funds a wide array of projects—from small grants that benefit a single classroom to large programs designed to benefit students in an entire grade or school. Grants are awarded in all curriculum areas and include professional development for teachers and educational technology.

Thanks to community volunteers and donations from Belmont residents and businesses, the FBE gives an average of $225,000 to the Belmont Public Schools each year, awarding more than $3.6 million to date. 

Planning Board Expands South Pleasant District With Eye On Waverley Square

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Photo: Andy Rojas at the July Planning Board meeting with the proposed plans for an assisted living center.

With an eye on the future of a “new” Waverley Square that will be unrecognizable “in 10 years,” the Belmont Planning Board has expanded the overlay district along South Pleasant Street it approved in July at its meeting on Sept. 6.

Originally running from 1010 Pleasant St. to Citywide Subaru at 790 Pleasant St., the new district will be enlarged to include the land along Pleasant Street to Trapelo Road including the Getty service station, Star Market to the Belmont Car Wash. 

“It makes perfect sense to include Shaws and the Car Wash,” said Charles Clark, chair of the board, as potential development could come to the doorstep of Waverley Square, the least active of Belmont’s three business centers. He said action by the board could result in major changes in the next decade at the transportation hub of west Belmont. 

Clark said he has been receiving positive feedback from the developer of a proposed assisted living center at 1010 Pleasant, the Belmont Housing Trust and from those who have promoted mixed commercial/residential development along the stretch of land.

Zoned as a Local Business District 2 (LB2), the Planning Board is advocating overlaying more lenient LB1 zoning regulations which will allow developers somewhat greater leeway on what is constructed without the need to enter the at times laborious “special permit” process when they exceed the zoning restrictions. 

Andy Rojas, the architect for Belmont Manor which presented preliminary plans to develop the assisted living center in July, pointed out that as currently designed meets all but one of the dimensional zoning regulations – such as maximum lot coverage, minimum open space and building height – under the LB1 regulations, while missing the mark on most of the restriction in an LB2 district. 

If the board makes the change, “we’re in compliance” which will allow for the facility – a first in Belmont – to be built in a timely manner, said Rojas. It will also allow similar establishments such as independent living, nursing and full-care facilities to be proposed. 

“Yes, I can see that work,” said Clark. 

Advocates for greater construction of affordable housing are speaking up for the overlay district. Rachel Heller for the Housing Trust noted that in an LB1 district, multi-family, assisted living, and mixed-use housing would be allowed. It could also result in developers being offered increased density and height to developers in exchange for additional affordable housing units and/or affordability levels. 

The Trust also hopes the Board should consider creating a 40R district which provides financial incentives for communities that create zoning overlay districts that encourage smart growth housing development.

The Planning Board will next meet on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Town Hall. 

Belmont High Volleyball Two For Two In Season Openers [VIDEO]

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Photo: Belmont’s Leah Babroudi at the net against Burlington.

Last year Belmont High volleyball’s young team squeaked into the playoffs with a .500 record than losing in the first round.

Now, with a year’s worth of experience under their belt and a familiarity playing as a team, Belmont’s Head Coach Jen Couture has high hopes for a strong run in the league race and for a post-season run.

And so far the team has not disappointed, winning its first two contests in the 2018 season; 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22) in the home opener over Burlington on Wednesday and a 3-0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-15) whitewashing of Wilmington Friday.

In its game with Burlington – a semifinalist in last year’s Division 2 North sectionals – Belmont never allowed the Devils to run off long service games while countering with a complete game plan.

“We started off the match playing with confidence,” said Couture. “Burlington took a little while to warm up and really started getting into a groove in the third set which they inevitably took. In the fourth set we just focused on minimizing unforced errors, keeping everything in play and hitting smart shots. [Belmont] didn’t get shaken or down on themselves after dropping the [previous] set and bounced back to finish the match.”

Junior captain setter Mindee Lai set a new record for assists in a single match with 35.

“Mindee always gives 100 percent effort every match and does an excellent job setting up our offense. Burlington’s middle blockers really challenge our hitters to hit to smart spots and Mindee adjusts the sets to give hitters more time to hit around the block,” said Couture.

Senior Captain Jane Mahon led the offense with 11 kills (17 total in two games) and 6 aces. Mahon, who plays as the opposite hitter and middle blocker, also led the team in blocks with 6. She’s followed by junior Nena Babroudi with 10 kills and 5 services aces.

Leading from the back was junior Libero Sophia Estok who came up big serving in the fourth set along with her solid defense. In the two games, Estok has 36 defensive digs and 38 services received while senior Leah Babroudi has 14 digs and 24 services. 

Shanah Tovah: Rosh Hashanah Begins Sunset Sunday

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Photo: Shanah Tovah!

Is it already 5779? How time has flown! The Jewish New Year known as Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset (a few minutes after 7 p.m.), Sunday, Sept. 9 and lasts until Tuesday evening.

Rosh Hashanah – which in Hebrew translates to “head of the year” – is a time of inner renewal and divine atonement. It begins the period of the High Holidays culminating with Yom Kippur on Tuesday evening, Sept. 18. It is a time for observant people to acknowledge their sins of the previous year and are judged for their transgressions by God.

The holiday will affect after-school activities and athletic events in Belmont’s public schools. Under current district rules, teachers should be aware of the holiday when assigning homework and tests as some students will be attending religious services. 

Meals include apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year and at least one brisket dinner. Other traditions include participating in tashlich, Hebrew for “casting off” in which people go to a nearby body of water and throw in pieces of bread, which signifies the washing away of sin.

Belmont Girls’ Soccer Leaves It Late In 2-1 Home Opener Win As Frosh Goalie Shines

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Photo: Ella Gagnon (21) scoring the equalizer vs. Wilmington.

It wasn’t the way freshman goalie Bridgette Martin wanted to start her first varsity game against Wilmington.

On the first ball that came her way, Martin – who admitted being nervous when the game got underway – hesitated for a second and saw it go behind her and tapped in by Jocelyn Palmer less than 30 seconds into the home opener on Saturday night, Sept. 8.

But that “oops” moment didn’t get the 9th grader down, just mad. 

“I got pretty angry after the goal and that anger fueled my adrenaline. It kicked in and it got me going to the ball hard,” she said. 

While her mistake put Belmont (2-0-0) behind the Wildcats (0-2-0) for nearly 70 minutes, Martin was superb the remaining 79 minutes, stopping three breakaway and a looping shot heading goalward to keep the match within one. That allowed the usual goal happy Marauder offense (it won its opener 11-0 over Burlington) to find a way by a disciplined Wilmington defense to score twice in the final 12 minutes to eek out a 2-1 victory at Harris Field.

“I really have to say Martin showed a heck of a lot of class,” said longtime Marauder Head Coach Paul Graham. And that effort was crucial, said Graham, “because despite dominating the game especially in the first half, we couldn’t find any way to score.” 

Not that the Marauders didn’t come close, including hitting the crossbar and seeing two through balls miss everyone in the six-yard box. At the other end of the pitch, Martin heroics was highlighted in the 23rd minute when she made a reflex save off freshman Alyssa Granara from 10 meters out then hurried back to the goal line to snag the rebound that was floating just under the crossbar.

The second 40 minutes saw Wilmington play a much tighter game and began controlling the ball with better success. One area that Belmont continues to take advantage was its physical play, continuing to knock Wildcats off the ball or winning possession with their speed. Senior center forward Ella Gagnon was a constant threat but Wilmington’s goalie Alyssa Morrison, in only her second varsity start, made her share of reaction stops. 

Just eight minutes into the second half saw Martin make the game-changing save as Wilmington’s Annie Wingate received a perfect pass to face the Belmont goalie alone eight meters from a wide-open goal. Closing the distance, Martin left arm got just enough of Wingate’s rocket shot to see it dribble pass the right post. 

“We practice these shots in practice a lot. Normally I close the girl down and see what I can do,” said Martin.

With the margin still at one, Belmont finally broke through with less than 12 minutes to go when senior left wing Morgan Krauss stayed wide and squared a perfect centering pass that Gagnon tapped in from five meters out. And just after the nine-minute to go mark, sophomore Jenna Thomas looped a shot that beat Morrison who was well off her line. Gagnon had a hand in preserving the win. With seconds remaining in the match, she jumped as part of the defensive wall and deflected a shot by senior Thea Alberti that was heading into the upper right corner of the goal. 

“Wilmington is a team that is always good and these are the teams that you have to beat if you want to go deep in the playoffs,” said Graham. “This win puts us on the map,” he said.