Holliston Ultimate: Andover Invitational
(Curtis Mogren lays out)
The Panthers played six games over the course of the day under ideal weather conditions. Holliston has perhaps the best turnout for fans from any other team in the tourney, filling the sidelines and keeping the team well fed and hydrated throughout the day.
In games one and two versus Easton and Andover, respectively, Holliston lost both games by scores of 11-3. In game 3 versus Lincoln-Sudbury, Holliston jumped out to a 6-4 halftime lead, but eventually succumbed to L-S by a score of 11-7. Unfortunately, in the following two games, Holliston did not fare much better, losing to St. Johnsbury, Vermont (11-2) and Masconomet (11-0). Holliston played long-time tournament rival Acton-Boxborough in the consolation game. By game number six, Holliston had accumulated a number of injuries to various players and were somewhat short-handed. The game was extremely competitive with the score going back and forth. AB held a 7-5 lead when the whistle blew signifying the hard cap (Ultimate Rules Fact: the hard cap horn signifies that the point being played will be the last unless the score is tied at the end of the point). Holliston won the final point, but lost the match 7-6. The AB team showed great “spirit” by serenading Holliston after the end of the match. Smiles abounded on both teams, despite utter exhaustion.
Holliston Ultimate is in a rebuilding year after losing 12 seniors to graduation in 2012. However, the good news is that the team is young and eager to hone their skills. Team members include seniors Jensen Holder, Brian Jacobs, and Curtis Mogren; juniors Carl Berg, Nate Grimm, Chris Kerstgens, Tom Leary, Andrew Stering, and Rusty Varrell; sophomores Nathaniel Bagge, Corey Cox, Max Heihsel, Ben Kaplan, and Matt Ristaino; and freshmen Ethan Bagge, Paige Bagley, Teddy Campbell, Sam Hamilton, Evan Londono-Ayr, Lee Mogren, Josh Perlmutter, Beshoy Saied, and Jesse Zanghi.
If you haven’t yet experienced Holliston Ultimate, come out to a game and see the Panthers in action. Check the Holliston High School athletic sports calendar for future games. Great things are yet to come.