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Vikings lose heartbreaker in eight innings

In yesterday's Division 3 North preliminary-round game, Rockport and St. Mary's of Lynn seemed to be mirror images of each other.

Unfortunately for the 15th-seeded Vikings, one team's season had to end and it was the host that fell, 6-5, in eight innings. No. 18 St. Mary's will face No. 2 seed O'Bryant tomorrow.

Tournament ready Bulldogs drop Rockport

In a battle of teams that qualified for the D-3 tournament, the Bulldogs got a big lift from David St. Pierre. The sophomore carried a no-hitter into the fifth and shut the Vikings down while adding a pair of hits at the plate in a 5-2 NS win over Rockport. J.J. Navis drove in a pair and called a solid game behind the plate while Ryan Mahan tripled in a run in a three-run fourth that gave North Shore (11-7) control.

Rockport holds off spirited Hornets

Having already clinched a berth in the state tournament, the Rockport baseball team's matchup with one-win Manchester Essex looked to be a classic trap game.

Sure enough, the Vikings were given a run for their money from a very spirited Hornets squad. But fortunately for Rockport, they were able to stay out of the trap thanks to a three-run seventh inning en route to a 9-7 win yesterday at Memorial Field in Essex.

Great pitching helps Rockport down North Shore

The combination of outstanding Rockport pitching and six unearned Viking runs were enough to do in the Bulldogs (15-4), 9-0. North Shore had just four hits on the afternoon, coming off the bats of Emily Pontes, Stephanie Rudis, Meg Hovan and Jen Abbott. The Bulldogs also clinched their fifth CCL title in the last six years by virtue of Minuteman's Saturday loss.

Vikings drop Generals

The Generals scored all four runs in the fifth inning, but Rockport had already crossed the plate six times in the fourth to put the game away Saturday night. Matt Greeke and Matt Cook provided RBI singles and Pat Twomey and Dan Mulley also knocked in runs while freshman Pat Hendrickson pitched well despite being saddled with the 9-4 loss.

Rockport bats go quiet in big loss to Georgetown

The Rockport baseball team came into yesterday's matchup with Georgetown looking to accomplish two things.

First they were looking to knock off their Cape Ann League rivals. But more importantly, they were looking to clinch a berth in the state tournament.

Pitching trio not fazed by rule changes

The 2008 softball season was built for offense.

With the pitcher's mound moved from 40 to 43 feet, hitters can now tee off on opposing pitchers.

Despite the changes in the game being to their disadvantage, the pitching on Cape Ann has still been stellar. Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester Essex each have an ace pitcher they send to the mound every game in Jill Lukegord, Tia Nelson and Lindsey Cambridge, respectively. Collectively they have put up impressive pitching numbers in a sport all of a sudden dominated by offense.

Nelson fires another no-hitter for Rockport

In addition to a defense that committed no errors, Rockport's Tia Nelson (four strikeouts) threw her second no-hitter in a week as the Vikings (5-9) softball team kept their tournament hopes alive with a 2-0 win on the road over Pentucket.

Pentucket comes back to beat Rockport

Clinching a state tournament spot will have to wait for another day for the Rockport baseball team as they lost, 11-5, to visiting Pentucket at Evans Field yesterday afternoon.   

The Vikings (8-6, 5-5) came back to tie it after being down 5-0 early but couldn't answer Pentucket's (8-4, 6-3) six runs in the last two innings.

Ipswich blanks Rockport

Junior Kerry Desmond gave herself all the runs she needed with a double, a triple and two RBI, as she threw a shutout on the mound with nine strikeouts and blanked Rockport 12-0. Krista MacKenzie had three hits and Courtney Rosales had three hits, including two doubles, as the Tigers (11-1) totaled 18 hits as a team.

Rockport downs Triton 6-5 in OT

It may have taken over four hours to complete, but the Rockport Vikings couldn't think of a better way to spend a Tuesday night, as they defeated Triton, 6-5 in 11 innings. The victory sent the Vikings over .500 with a 6-5 record.

Rockport upsets North Andover behind Nelson's gem

Rockport (3-5) junior ace Tia Nelson didn't hurl another no-hitter but the Vikings will take the effort. Nelson held North Andover (5-2)-a Division 2 North finalist last spring-to five hits and struck out five as the Vikings beat the Knights for the first time in Rockport softball history.

Unbeaten Masconomet dispatches Rockport

After winning three in a row, the Vikings (4-2) ran into the unbeaten Chieftains (6-0) on the road and came away very impressed with the Cape Ann Div. 1 powerhouse.

"They could be one of the best teams in the state," noted Rockport head coach John Parisi. "Their starting pitcher kept us off-balance, throwing hard and then mixing in some tough curveballs."  

Rockport bats stay hot against Hornets

During the 2007 season, the Rockport baseball team was plagued by a lack of offense. Ironically, in the early going of the 2008 season, the Vikings have been carried by their offense, scoring 40 runs over the first four games of the season.

Hornets knock off Rockport with late rally

It all came down to one inning for the Manchester Essex softball team.

Trailing Rockport 3-2 going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Hornets needed a player to step up and be a hero. Fortunately for Manchester Essex, Alex Zager and Patty Wright were up to the task.

Vikings softball team rallies late for win in season opener over Georgetown

Things were not looking good for the Rockport softball team in yesterday's season opener against Georgetown.

Down 2-0 in the sixth inning, the Vikings had been held hitless and Royals pitcher Sarah Erlandson was cruising, retiring 16 of the 18 batters she faced.

Powered by offensive explosion, Rockport starts season with win

The Rockport baseball team came into yesterday's regular season opener against Manchester Essex looking to sure-up their offense. The Vikings had a tough time hitting in the preseason and were looking for a big game to get their confidence back.

Talented battery hopes to get Rockport back to tourney

At times the relationship between Rockport High School pitching ace Derek Osmond and catcher Erik Juncker resembles an episode of "I Love Lucy," which provides comedy for head coach John Parisi.

Rockport Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 8-10

Coach: John Parisi (13th year)

Key returnees: Erik Juncker, Sr., C; Derek Osmond, Sr., P/SS; Cory Emerson, Sr., P; Matt Hendy, Sr., IF; Isacc Dann, Sr., IF; Dave Campbell, Jr., IF.

Rockport fireballer Nelson hoping to pitch Vikings back to tourney

If you are Rockport pitcher Tia Nelson, you are not like most high school athletes.

The junior captain is entering her fifth season on the Vikings softball team. She has had a starting spot on the team since she was in seventh grade, and has been the team's starting pitcher since she was in eighth grade.

Rockport Softball Preview

Coach: Dianne Parisi

Last year's record: 8-10

Key players: Tia Nelson, Jr., P; Andrea Rovedo, Sr., OF; Jessica Dunn, Jr., OF; Kristen Quinn, Jr., SS; Kaitlyn Keough, So., 2B.

Complete team effort sends Salem rolling over Rockport

Playing its best game of the season, the Witches got a goal and four assists from senior defenseman and captain Chris Smith in hammering Rockport, 8-0, Saturday night at the Talbot Rink in Gloucester.

Conference change may do Rockport hoop teams some good

When it comes to athletics, Rockport High School is fighting an uphill battle.

Rockport's total enrollment for all of its high school students is routinely less than 400 year-in and year-out, a number that is far less than some of the larger schools that play alongside the Vikings boys and girls basketball teams in the Cape Ann League. Thus, talent and depth is difficult to come by on the hardwood for Rockport, which sits in the basement of the CAL standings in both boys and girls hoops.

Nally sets career-high on senior night

Senior night is always special for any athlete. Manchester Essex boys basketball star Marty Nally made sure his would be especially unique as he pumped in a career-high 41 points. It was an incredible individual performance that people will remember forever as his Hornets held off visiting Rockport 71-57 in both team's season-finale.

Hornets head into postseason on win streak with win over Rockport

The Manchester Essex girls basketball team will be heading into the state tournament on a very positive note.

In their final regular season game against rival Rockport last night, the Hornets rolled to a 53-35 victory and picked up their third straight victory. The win was also the team's sixth in their last seven games. At 12-8, Manchester Essex feels good about its position as it waits for its tourney seeding.

Rockport leads by one at half but falters in second half

Playing against a quality opponent like Georgetown, the host Rockport boys basketball team knew it had to come out hard to stay in the game. The Vikings (2-14) did that in the first half as they led 26-25 at the break but they lost steam in the second half as the Royals (10-6) showed the skill of a team that clinched a tournament spot last night. Georgetown went home with a 66-46 win.

Tough luck continues for the Vikings

When summing up Rockport's 2007-2008 hockey season, one word comes to mind: Snake-bitten.

Coming into last night's game against Pope John, the Vikings had three one-goal losses to go with three ties. And it seems that every time Rockport has a big scoring chance, they catch a tough break and are unable to score.

Four-year starter Greel steady force in Vikings' net

Of all the positions to play in hockey, goalie may be the most unenviable.

For starters, your job is to get in front of a rock hard puck traveling at times close to 80 mph. Secondly, you have to lug around heavy equipment that hinders your movement towards the puck.

Vikings end offensive slump

It's safe to say that the Rockport boys hockey team has found its offense.

After scoring just one goal in their two previous games, the Vikings erupted for a 9-1 victory over Nashoba Tech on Saturday night. With the victory, Rockport boosted its record to 4-6-3 on the season.

Four-point third quarter dooms Rockport in loss to Triton

Everything was lining up perfectly for the Rockport boys basketball team in what has so far been a tough season. After beating Essex Aggie on Wednesday, picking up its first win the process, the Vikings looked like they were in control against visiting Triton last night and were about to embark on their first win-streak.

Rockport boys earn first victory

Rest easy Rockport boys basketball fans, your beloved Vikings will not be going winless this winter.

That much was assured last night as Rockport rolled past visiting Essex Aggie, 82-45, to pick up its first win of the season and improve its record to 1-9. The Vikings got a game-high 21 points from junior forward Mike Akers to lead the way, while senior point guard Cory Emerson added 13 points and three 3-pointers.

Rockport can't find offense, falls to Trinity Catholic

It was the same old story for the Rockport hockey team in yesterday's game against Trinity Catholic.

The Vikings got a solid effort all-around with good defense and goaltending, but could not seem to find their offense in a 2-0 loss at the Dorothy Talbot Rink.

Scarlet Knights bury Vikings

When you play in a conference as tough as the Cape Ann League and you don't have any seniors on your team, odds are there will be some lopsided scores from time to time.

Rockport (2-8, 0-6) continued to experience growing pains as it fell 55-12 to visiting North Andover (6-5, 4-2).

With his dad healthy, Ferrante enjoying big season

Rockport boys hockey captain Chris Ferrante Jr. came off the ice after his team's 1-1 tie against Minuteman last Wednesday in a very positive mood.

He may have been a bit disappointed in the outcome of the game, but the senior has had a very upbeat attitude this season, and for good reason.

Rockport blanks Lynn Tech for second time

Rockport hockey coach Mike Greel was a little nervous after the first period against underdog Lynn Tech last night. The Vikings were facing a squad that they had previously beaten 8-0 and found themselves up just 1-0 after the first period.

Vikings snap winless-streak, but don't pick up win

The Rockport hockey team got some good news and some bad news last night.

The good news was that the Vikings snapped its three game winless streak with a 1-1 tie against Minuteman yesterday at the Dorothy Talbot Rink.

Strong effort powers Salem to second win

Salem High hockey coach Brian Addesa is still looking for his team to put a 45-minute effort together. He'll surely take the dominating effort his Witches provided in the first and third periods last night en route to a 3-2 win over Rockport at Salem State College's Rockett Arena.

Vikings no match for Chieftains

The host Vikings were no match for the powerful Chieftains (5-1, 2-0), arguably the best girls team on the North Shore and one of the top Cape Ann League squads. Masconomet senior center Caroline Stewart (who's headed to Boston University to play basketball) had a game-high 19 points. Rockport (1-4) got strong performances from sophomore guard Rebeccah Tibert (11 points including three 3-pointers) and junior forward and captain Emily Hurst (6 points).

Sparaco's five points pace Fenwick past Rockport

Coming off their first loss of the season, the Crusaders (3-1-1) offense exploded for seven goals at Talbot Rink in Gloucester to down Rockport, 7-4.

Junior forward Mark Sparaco scored a hat trick and had two assists while junior forward Dale Crispin (1 goal, 3 assists), junior defenseman James Gattuso (2 assists) and senior forward Jordan Mizioch (1 goal, 1 assist) were other offensive standouts.

Amesbury easily handles Rockport

The Rockport girls basketball team will not be going into the holiday break the way they would've like to.

That's because the Vikings happened to catch Amesbury on a night when the Indians played near-perfect basketball en route to a dominating 61-18 victory last night.

Rockport drops heartbreaker to Amesbury

When your team lacks size in basketball, there's only so many ways to scheme and try to compensate. More times than not, height wins out in this game. The Rockport boys basketball experienced another painful chapter in that lesson as they lost to CAL foe Amesbury, 45-42 on Friday.

Rockport rolls past Lynn Tech

The top two line on the Rockport boys hockey team should be well-rested when the Vikings play Northeast Regional on Saturday.

That's because both lines were able to get adequate rest last night as Rockport rolled past Lynn Tech, 8-0. The win improved the Vikings to 1-1 on the young season. "I think the key was that I only had to use the top two lines sparingly," said Rockport head coach Mike Greel. "My third, fourth and fifth lines were able to keep the pressure on them."

Nally, Settipane lead Hornets past Vikings

According to Manchester Essex boys basketball head coach Bill Cahill, the recipe for Hornets success is simple.

"Marty Nally and James Settipane are both three-year varsity starters," said Cahill after last night's game at rival Rockport. "If they play well, we'll play well."

Rockport drops season-opener to Georgetown

Experience is a coveted thing in high school sports.

If you can couple that with talent then you have a deadly combination as the Rockport girls basketball team found out last night. They hosted Cape Ann League Small rival Georgetown, who boasted all five returning starters (although one is out with an injury) from a team that went 14-8 last season. The Royals led from start to finish in an impressive 60-24 win.

Rockport Boys Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 1-17

Coach: Tim St. Laurent (1st year)

Key returnees: Dave Campbell, Jr., forward; Corey Emerson, Sr., guard; Mike Akers, Jr., guard; Josh Altman, So., forward; Brad Saville, Jr., center.

Rockport hopes to get boost from Emerson's return

In hindsight, last winter's season-ending injury suffered by Rockport basketball player Corey Emerson doesn't seem so bad anymore.

Of course, that was far from Emerson's opinion last December when he learned that he had a fractured vertebrae in his lower back after playing in just his team's season-opening game.

Rockport Girls Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 5-16 (lost to New Mission, 65-45, in Division 4 North first round)

Coach: Steve O'Connor

Key returnees: Tia Nelson (Capt.), Jr., center; Emily Hurst (Capt.), Jr., forward; Jess Dunn, Jr., forward; Hannah Evans, So., guard; Lyla Roth, So., guard/forward; Morgan Weir, So., forward.

Rockport Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 9-10-1

Coach: Mike Greel

Key returnees: Brian Greel Sr., goalie; Eric Junker Sr., forward; Chris Ferrante Sr., forward; Pat Hoffman, So., forward; Alex Crecco, So., defenseman; Clayton Morrissey, Jr., defenseman; Brendan Douglas, So., forward; Sean Golden, Jr., forward.

Rockport falls in heartbreaker to Shawsheen

The downside of the state tournament is that ultimately every team, except for one in each division, is left unhappy.

In the first round of the Division 3 North boys soccer state tournament, No. 17 Rockport (9-9-2) traveled to No. 1 Shawsheen (12-2-5) yesterday. The Vikings gave the Rams everything they could handle, but still fell 2-1, ending their season.

Vikings cruise to easy tourney victory over Maimonides

For a team that hadn't been in the postseason for the past six seasons, the Rockport boys soccer team made its first tournament game look like old hat.

The 17th-seeded Vikings simply overwhelmed the No. 16 Maimonides with a 7-0 victory in the preliminary round of the Division 3 North state tournament. This contest had been decided long before the final whistle. Six different Rockport players found the back of the net, led by senior striker Florian Roell, who had two goals.

Gloucester and Rockport boys soccer both hosting tournament games

Through skill and some fortunate luck, both the Gloucester boys and Rockport boys soccer teams will be hosting MIAA State Tournament games this weekend.

Rockport is the No. 17 seed in Division 3 North and will play No. 16 Maimonides (a K-12 Jewish school from Brookline) in the preliminary round. Maimonides' home field didn't meet MIAA specifications so the Vikings will get an unexpected home game today (1:30 p.m.).

Osmond helps Rockport get back to the tournament

The game of soccer has come full circle for Rockport senior star Derek Osmond.

It wasn't too long ago that he was that little kid watching the game from the sidelines and racing onto the field at half-time to shoot on the goals. In fact, some of the most cherished times from his childhood were spent watching his older brother Ryan play for Rockport.

Osmond's goal propels Vikings to Division 3 tournament

Rockport senior striker Derek Osmond has scored a lot of goals in his career but without a doubt, the one that he scored Thursday night has to be the biggest of his life. His tally was the difference in Rockport's (8-8-2, 5-7-1) 1-0 win over archrival Manchester Essex (5-9-4, 2-8-3) in both team's season finale. With the win, the Vikings qualified for the Divsion 3 North tournament beginning next week. It's the first time Rockport has made it since the 2001 season.

Manchester-Essex gets by Rockport

After beating Rockport, 6-0 earlier in the season, the Hornets had a tougher time in the Vikings season-finale. Simone Bodmer-Turner scored the lone goal for the Hornets (16-1-1) with seven minutes remaining in the second half. Vikings (4-15) goalie Kayleigh Keating kept her team in the game with 15 saves. Rockport defenders Kaitlyn Carter, Elizabeth Saville, Emma Littlefield and Mary Elizabeth McGillicuddy also played well.

Rockport ties mighty Masco, stays alive for tourney

On paper, it didn't seem likely that the Rockport boys soccer team would get the tie it needed to stay alive for a postseason berth against Cape Ann League power Masconomet yesterday.

But as the old saying goes, games aren't played on paper. The Vikings tied Masco 1-1 to remain alive for the state tournament. Rockport is now 7-8-2 and needs a win tomorrow against Manchester Essex to qualify for the postseason.

Rockport scores memorable win vs. North Andover

History was in the air last week as the Rockport boys soccer team did something it hadn't done since 1997 | defeat powerful North Andover.

The Vikings knocked off North Andover, 4-3, last Wednesday in Rockport. Previously, Rockport had received a forfeit victory over the Scarlet Knights in 2001 (when the North Andover head coach received a red card) but you'd have to go back to 1997 for the last official win (1-0) over North Andover, a perennial leader atop the Cape Ann League Large.
"It certainly was a huge win, it's so infrequent (just three times in the last the 30 years) for Rockport to beat North Andover," said Rockport head coach Dave Curley. "Going into every season, all the CAL coaches know that North Andover and Masconomet are going to have good teams."

North Andover downs Rockport

Jen Pino's hat trick gave North Andover a 5-0 win over Rockport. Lauren Bova and Hillary Fonseca each had a goal and Kelly O'Connor recorded a pair of stops for the Scarlet Knights.

Boudreau taken off field as North Andover falls to Rockport

North Andover freshman forward Ryan Boudreau had to be immobilized and carried off the field in an ambulance after suffering an apparent upper leg injury in a 4-3 Scarlet Knight loss to Rockport. After the injury, which caused roughly a 30-minute delay, Rockport scored three goals in the first six minutes.

North Andover tops Rockport

Rockport got a strong game from senior midfielder Mary Elizabeth McGillicuddy and goalie Kayleigh Keating.

Rockport falls to North Reading

Tied 0-0 at halftime, North Reading scored two late second-half goals to put away the Vikings (4-4-1). Rockport goalies Colby Osier (6 saves) and Keady Segal (8 saves) split time in net while defenders Ross Brackett and Brendan Douglass played well.

Newburyport blanks Rockport

Rockport played its most inspired game of the season but still lost to powerhouse Newburyport, 5-0. Vikings (1-6-1) goalie Rebeccah Tibert made an amazing 18 saves while Juliet Maccrate, Lizzie Scatterday, Emily Hurst, Taylor Anderson and Laura Donnelly also stood out for Rockport. Maggie Mahoney, Jillian Kinter, Taylor Bresnahan, Chelsea Hersey and Avery Cullinan all notched goals for the Clippers (8-0).

Newburyport gets first win

Newburyport got its first win of the season, downing Rockport 2-0. Tricia Grasso scored the first goal for the Clippers, who did not allow a shot on goal, and Meg Cronin put the icing on the cake in the second half.

Fournier scored twice to vault Amesbury past Rockport

Amesbury defeated Rockport 3-1. Kelsey Fournier had a nice afternoon, scoring two goals. Kathie Hathaway also scored for the Indians.

Manchester Essex downs Rockport

Six different goal scorers sparked a 6-0 Manchester Essex shutout over Rockport. Molly Foye did an excellent job finding her teammates, dishing out three assists along with one of the goals. Kayleigh Keating was spectacular, stopping 34 shots for the Vikings.

Manchester takes doubleheader over rival Rockport

MANCHESTER | Last night was a good night to be a member of the Manchester Essex soccer program.

The Hornets boys and girls soccer teams swept a doubleheader against rival Rockport at Sweeney Park in Manchester. The boys team won 2-1, while the girls won 2-0.

McManus, Vikings roll to victory

Rockport rolled to an easy victory, blanking North Reading 4-0. Allie McManus led the way with two goals. Courtney Lambert also had a strong offensive effort with a goal and an assist, while goalie Kayleigh Keating was hardly tested in goal, making two saves for the shutout.

Emerson stars in big Rockport win

Michael Emerson scored a goal and assisted on another, leading Rockport to a 4-0 win over Whittier. Andreas Contreras, Ethan Clarkson and Bob Tibert assisted on the other Rockport goals. Colby Osier and Keady Segal combined for eight saves in the shutout.

Tibert a bright spot for Vikings

Rockport struggled against a solid Georgetown squad, losing 3-0. Rebecca Tibert was terrific in goal making 22 saves for the Vikings in the loss.

Goalies sharp in stalemate

Colby Osier (13 saves) and Keady Siegel (13 saves) were stellar during Rockport's 0-0 tie with Georgetown. Ross Brackett and Eric Juncker were both strong for the Vikings in the draw.

Rosenberg's hat trick buries Rockport

Jackie Rosenberg scored three goals to lead Hamilton-Wenham past Rockport 4-0. Brianna Pomeroy also scored for the Generals.

Rockport wins opener

Scott Noble scored twice and Florian Roell added a goal and an assist to lead Rockport to a 6-0 opening-day day win over North Shore. Colby Osier and Keady Segal combined for a shutout and Brenden Douglass assisted on two goals.

Ortu's big day leads Indians to dominant victory

Junior center forward Alianna Ortu scored two goals and had three assists as Amesbury blanked visiting Rockport 5-0. Rebecca Crochiere added two goals for the Indians (1-0) and Rose Mirandi scored the other goal. Amesbury goalie Kaitlyn Santosuosso stopped six saves to earn the win. Indians defenders Jackie Brockmyre and Alyssa Languedoc also played well.

Rockport Boys Soccer Preview

Last year's record: 6-8-3

Coach: David Curley (19th year)

Returning starters: Derek Osmond, Sr., forward; Eric Juncker, Sr., midfield; Ross Brackett, Sr., sweeper; Colby Osier, Sr., goalie; Tom Carbone, Sr., midfielder/defense; Florian Roell, Sr., midfield; Bobby Tibert, Sr., midfield