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Monday Sports Update

by Tracy Vogler

The Hopewell Valley Montgomery ice hockey team started the week with an away game against Paul VI. Earlier in the season, the two teams had tied, so the Bulldogs were optimistic about snapping their losing streak. But it was not to be. Paul VI started off with the first goal of the game towards the end of the first period. Paul VI scored three more goals in the second, before Joe Greenspoon, assisted by Lucas Gaissert, scored the Bulldogs first goal of the game. In the third, Paul VI scored twice more before Michael Pastor, assisted by Sean Amon and Jack Stevenson, scored the final goal of the game. The final score was 6-2.

On Wednesday, the Bulldogs played their 6th Annual Salute to Service game against Robbinsville. Unlike previous years, the festivities were more muted this year. Due to COVID restrictions, the team was only permitted to allow two former servicemen, Mark Marotta, from Hopewell American Legion Post 339, and Tom DeGaglia, from the Montgomery Veterans Memorial Committee, to represent the veterans of the two communities. Robbinsville began scoring at the very beginning of the game, and by the end of the first period had 4 goals. Lucas Gaissert, assisted by goalie Ryan Morici, scored the only goal of the first for the Bulldogs. Robbinsville continued to dominate in the second period as well with two more before Joe Greenspoon, assisted by Sean Amon and Matthew Greenspoon, scored HVM’s second and final goal for their team. The period was all Robbinsville, with 4 more goals for the Ravens. The final score was 11-2.

Hopewell Valley-Montgomery team at the Salute to Service game. Photo Copyright Mike Schwartz, Mike Schwartz Photography, www.mikeschwartz.photo

On Tuesday, the Girls Basketball team honored their graduating seniors Franki Gomez, Acadia Kurtz and Lauren Morici. Emphasizing the festivities, the team defeated Nottingham decisively. Hailey Rowe and Franki Gomez each accounted for 15 points. Katie Rowe had 8 points, Gillian Magner 5, and Anderson Cappucci, Lauren Morici and Caroline Mormile each added 2 to the 48-24 win. On Friday, the girls played Hightstown, once again coming out on top. Franki Gomez added 19 points to her total, followed by Anderson Cappucci with 11, Gillian Magner with 9, Hailey Rowe with 8. Acadia Kurtz and and Katherine Laitusis both added two points to the 55-31 final.

The Boys Basketball team played Nottingham on Tuesday as well, but with a much different result.  Nottingham defeated them 67-50.  Jackson Whitlock scored 17 points, followed by Kevin Ellis with 15.  Jake Loughery scored 5, followed by Brendan O’Reilly and Aidan Sullivan with 4, Ryan Kuuskvere and Beckett Harrison with 2. The next day, the Bulldogs met Hamilton West.  This was a tough game, but the Hopewell Valley team prevailed 60-59.  Jake Loughery lead the team effort with 20 points, followed by Kevin Ellis with 17, Jackson Whilock with 13, Ryan Kuuskvere  and Beckett Harrison with 4, and Brendan O’Reilly with 2.  In the third game of the week, the boys met Lawrence on Saturday morning.  Once again, Jake Loughery led the scoring with18 points, followed by Kevin Ellis with 10, Gabe Rodriguez with 9, Jackson Whitlock with 7, and Ryan Kuuskvere with 2.  The Bulldogs beat Lawrence 47-33.

Girls Basketball Seniors – photo by Paul Domboski

Basketball coverage contributed by Paul Domboski

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