Spring Sports Digest: Week 1

Boys’ tennis takes down D4 State Champion, Lacrosse teams earn first win, and more from the first week of spring competition

ALEENA BROWN, Sports Editor • April 6, 2026

Aleena Brown

The first edition of the “GHS Spring Sports Digest”, presented by the Gillnetter [Photo courtesy of GHS Athletics & Dawn Enos]

The Gloucester Fishermen spring sports teams were back in action this week for the start of their seasons, despite the nasty weather they’ve been facing. Read below to find out how your favorite team performed in their opening week of competition.

Boys Tennis

Current Record: 1-0

W vs Manchester-Essex (3-2)

For years, Manchester-Essex has been a roadblock on Gloucester High’s tennis schedule. On Monday, the Fishermen finally broke through.

Opening their season against the two-time defending Division 4 state champions, Gloucester squeezed by the Hornets in a 3-2 decision — a decision that’s believed to be the first ever victory over the Hornets in GHS program history.

After Manchester took first singles and second doubles, Gloucester captain Julian Nixon won at third singles to keep the match alive. The outcome then hinged on two three-set tiebreakers, where Trey Bushfield at second singles and the first doubles team of Ethan Parisi and James Towne both saved match points and rallied to win.

The boys take on Rockport on Monday for their second match of the season.

Girls’ Tennis

Current Record: 0-1

L vs Ipswich (0-5)

The Fishermen failed to score a single point against a strong Ipswich team in Friday’s season opener on the road. Next up, Gloucester travels to Rockport for a 4 p.m. start on Monday afternoon.

Boys Lacrosse

Current Record: 1-1

L vs Bishop-Fenwick (7-8)

After trailing by two goals entering the fourth, Sam Sanfilippo tied the game up with 14 seconds left in regulation. Fenwick then scored with only one second to go, securing the win. Sanfilippo finished with two goals and three assists, while classmate Finn Costa hit the back of the net twice and assisted one goal. Milo Aberele scored twice as well, while Jackson Harnish added a goal and an assist.

W vs Salem (12-2)

Gloucester boys lacrosse earned its first win of the season with a dominant 12–2 victory over Salem.

Finn Costa sparked the offense early with three first-quarter goals, while Milo Aberle, Will Linn, Jackson Harnish, Connor Mahoney, and Sam Sanfilippo all contributed. Linn finished with a hat trick, and Aberle added multiple assists. By half-time, Gloucester built a 9–2 lead.

Goalie Jaeden Chipperini made seven saves behind a strong team defensive effort. The team now looks toward NEC tests against Peabody and Danvers next week.

Girls Lacrosse

Current Record: 1-2

L vs Essex Tech (3-13)

Gloucester’s girls’ lacrosse team dropped its season opener 3-13 against out-of-conference foe Essex Tech.

Gloucester had some bright spots with goals from Fiona Black, Meadow Anderson, and Keagan Jewell. Goalies Eva Refalo and Gabby Martell combined for six saves in the net.

W vs Salem (10-3)

After dropping their season opener to Essex Tech, the Fishermen took down Salem behind a stellar performance from Captain Keagan Jewell. Jewell scored six goals in the win to even their record to 1-1.

Natasha DePaula scored a hat trick while Kadijah Kaba assisted on two goals. Meadow Anderson chipped in a goal and an assist. Goalie Gabby Martell was strong between the pipes.

Gloucester now needs just one more win to exceed its win total from last year.

L vs Winthrop (5-8)

Despite a fourth-quarter comeback, the Fishermen failed to overtake Winthrop in GHS’s third game of the season. Meadow Anderson scored a goal and two assists, while Fiona Black tallied two goals. Goalies Gabby Martell and Eva Refalo also performed strongly in the net. Gloucester will host Saugus on Tuesday at 4:30 pm.

Girls Track

Current Record: 2-0

W vs Saugus (98-30) and Danvers (99-28)

In their season opener, the Gloucester girls’ track and field team had a dominant outing over Saugus and Danvers. Grace Castellucci (200), Madison Jewell (400), Callie Arsenault (800), Hope Castellucci (mile), Anna Sergi (2-mile), Carla Kasera (long jump), Charlotte Randazza (shot put), Tess Taylor (triple jump), and Cia Donohoe (400 hurdles) took first place in their respective events. Both of their relays also took first.

BOYS TRACK

Current Record: 1-1

W vs Saugus (102-23) and L to Danvers (70-61)

The Gloucester boys’ track team opened its season with a win over Saugus and a loss to Danvers. Standouts Seamus Linehan (400 hurdles & 200) and Vinnie Mannone (400) headlined the meet, alongside other winners Deion Kasera (800), Lyall Cunningham (mile), and Gus Hall (2-mile). Their two relays took first as well.

About the Contributor

Aleena Brown, Sports Editor

Aleena Brown is a junior and the sports editor of The Gillnetter. In her third year as a part of The Gillnetter, Aleena writes about everything (mostly sports). She’s on the Varsity Softball, Track, and Field Hockey teams. Aleena currently serves as DECA President, as well as being a member of NHS, NAHS, STUCO, and more. When she’s not serving bowls at Chipotle, she spends her time photographing GHS sporting events, shopping, and writing poems. You can contact her with story ideas, questions, and comments at [email protected].