by Matt Varrell
5/29/2014

Ben Durke backhands to a team mate

Holliston started the week on May 21st with a match on the road in Natick.  Holliston went into the game missing two keys players, Peter Georgakopoulos and Corey Cox, both out with injuries from the previous game. Under sunny and breezy conditions, Holliston started strong, opening a quick 5-1 lead, highlighted by two points by Nathaniel Bagge. Natick responded with four points of their own to tie the game. Strong play on both sides continued with Holliston taking a 8-7 edge at halftime.  Holliston opened the second half with points by Kevin Montain, Chris Kerstgens, Max Heihsel (2), and Beshoy Saied to take a commanding lead. Holliston seemed to get a bit comfortable with their lead, leading to some sloppy play and a time-out by Coach Levasseur, where he made his displeasure known to the team. The Panthers responded and closed out Natick by a final score of 15-11.

Holliston returned home to Kamitian Field on the 22nd with a game against Sharon High School. The game was opened with recognition of seniors Carl Berg, Chris Kerstgens, Tom Leary, Andrew Stering, and Rusty Varrell. Sharon Senior Gare Reid was also introduced to the crowd. Players presented their parents with flowers and received warm ovations as each was introduced.

Lee Morgen pulls the disc to Natick

Sharon brought both varsity and junior varsity teams to Holliston. The JV Panthers were quickly dispatched by a strong Sharon JV team by a final of 15-1. However, the varsity game was far from lop-sided. Strong play by Teddy Campbell led Holliston to a dominant first half, by a score of 8-3. Opening the second half, Holliston extended its lead to 12-4 when the wheels seemed to come off the Holliston bandwagon. Sharon clamped down the defense and scored a remarkable eight straight points to tie the game as 12-12. The teams traded points to 14-14, when Holliston finally regained its composure, scoring the final two points to take the win 16-14 on a great catch by Beshoy Saied.

Holliston completes its regular season on May 28th with a home game versus Medway and then it is on to the State Tournament in Devens on Saturday, the 31st. Holliston will be playing for a Division 1 Ultimate Frisbee State Championship.

Holliston Ultimate Seniors, left to right: Chris Kerstgens, Carl Berg, Tom Leary, Rusty Varrell and Andrew Sterling.

  Coach Chris Levasseur said about the Seniors on this year's team:.
 
"The seniors are an exceptional group of leaders who will be sorely missed next year.  They are dedicated to team improvement and the growth of Ultimate Frisbee.  We have benefited greatly from their high level of competitiveness and overwhelmingly positive attitude.  I wish them luck next year in school and on their college Ultimate team."