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Timberlane Girls Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 5-9, lost Division 2 first round

Returning starters (12): Brie Bickford, Sr., defense; Jill Bolduc, Sr., goalie; Cayla Collins, Sr., defense; Lindsay Desharnais, Sr., midfield; Morgan DeShaw, Sr., midfield; Tara McLaughlin, Sr., attack; Liz Morin, Sr., attack; Kristen Norton, Sr., defense; Julia Redman, Sr., defense; Shannon Rose, Sr., defense; Hayley Thompson, Sr., attack/defense; Brittany McFarland-Bateman, Jr., attack

Timberlane hires Nashua AD

No one has to tell Angelo Fantasia that bigger isn't necessarily better.

In fact, although he has no complaints with the Nashua school district, he couldn't have been more pleased with the announcement last week that he has been hired as the new Timberlane athletic director.

Timberlane Baseball Preview

2007 record: 6-14, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (10): Jeff DiSalvo, Sr., P/OF; Mike Donovan, Sr., P/OF; Ray Ferragamo, Sr., OF; Steve Hackney, Sr., OF; Brian Toohey, Sr., C; Pat Hamilton, Sr., INF; Mike Furey, Sr., 1B; Dan Gallant, Jr., P/C; Nick Mascioli, Jr., INF; Jordan Regan, Jr., P

Timberlane Boys Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 10-5, lost Division 2 quarterfinals

Returning starters (12): Ryan Rothwell, Jr., attack; Tim Fowler, Sr., defense; Jake Schlichte, Jr., attack; Ryan Lewis, Jr., attack; Eric Hebert, Sr., defense; Brendon Keane, Sr., defense; Max Zdrada, Sr., defense; Chris Hinton, Sr., midfield;  Derek Furey, Soph., midfield; Matt Bouchard, Soph., midfield; Erik Hatton, Jr., midfield; Trevor DeVitto, Jr., midfield

Timberlane Softball Preview

2007 record: 15-6, lost in Class L quarterfinals

Returning starters (7): Amy Green, Sr., SS; Stephanie Barrett, Sr., P; Kristin Crotts, Sr., 1B; Annie Hansbury, Sr., 2B/DH; Courtney Marchand, Jr., CF; Stephanie Glazier, Sr., 3B; Christine Hassard, Sr., OF

Timberlane goes with Fitzgerald

Even Kevin Fitzgerald agrees that he has an unusual background for a head football coach.

"It sure is. It's a very unique situation," said Fitzgerald, who has been appointed as Timberlane's new head football coach, succeeding Mike Pariseau, who resigned in January. "I feel very fortunate that I got the support of the other coaches and the administration. I'm really excited about it."

Cardone loses interim tag for Owls

After a year as Timberlane Regional's interim head boys basketball coach, Paul Cardone had the interim tag lifted.

"It feels great. I am very excited," said Cardone. "I didn't know what they (the athletic department) were going to do. It was like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, but once the thanks and congratulations were over, it was time to take a step forward."

Timberlane will be team to beat in New England again next year

Lowell High assistant George Bossi, who holds the state record for wins as a head coach (608), looked over the mats last weekend at the New England Tournament and sighed in what might have been resignation.

Timberlane primed for 2009 title run

It wasn't much consolation after yesterday's loss, but it did seem to soften the blow a bit for Timberlane sniper Nick Bundzinski.

"We have a lot of our best kids coming back next season," said the forward, sporting a quality playoff beard. "We are definitely going to give this another shot next year."

Dover survives late Timberlane flurry

Timberlane coach Andrew Merrick shrugged and acknowledged what had doomed his team.

"You could see we were gripping our sticks a little tight in the first period," he said. "I think we were nervous and a little surprised by the pace of play and made a few mistakes. We gave them a few breaks, and they took advantage."

Little Green clips Owls late

HOOKSETT, N.H. | Forgive Kristin Crotts for being shocked.

Timberlane had this one locked up. Or so she thought.

"We all just didn't think we were going to lose," the senior forward said.

The No. 7 Owls led No. 2 Manchester Central late in the fourth quarter of their Class L quarterfinal matchup before falling, 51-48, in overtime. The end, Crotts admitted, was painful.

New England Tournament

Timberlane's young wrestling team matured quickly during the season and | paced by heavyweight champion Brian Nicoll and 103-pound runner-up Cam Sullivan, both juniors | it grew up completely yesterday at the New England Tournament.

Wheeler, Owls finish strong

It took Timberlane senior Sam Wheeler awhile to get going last night. But, considering that she recently missed nearly two weeks of action with a bad case of bronchitis that bordered on pneumonia, that's understandable.

Timberlane outfoxes Oyster River

SALEM, N.H. | Just a eight weeks ago Timberlane was in disarray.

The team had just dropped a 4-0 decision to Andover in the Blue Devil Holiday Classic followed by a 3-0 loss the following night to Oyster River. In that second game, head coach Andrew Merrick decided to sit five of his varsity players for what he described as a "lack of effort."

NH Division 1 state meet

The dice came up with a pair of nines for the Timberlane wrestling team at the Division 1 state meet yesterday, and they were big winners.

The Owls, thanks to a shocking 9-for-9 performance in the semifinals earlier in the day, cruised to their ninth straight Division 1 crown in resounding fashion.

No stopping Owls' Smith

Drew Smith had a list of excuses at his disposal.

Who could blame the Timberlane Regional senior sharpshooter if he imploded?

His 6-9 center had transferred to prep school. His coach had moved on to a different job in a different state. Smith was left to pick up the pieces for the Owls.

Rothwell posting eye-popping stats in net for Timberlane

In his two seasons as a full-time starter, Timberlane goalie Ryan Rothwell has notched more than his fair share of flashy saves without much of a celebration. But he can't help but boast a bit when he turns away one particular skater.

Rothwell posting eye-popping stats in net for Timberlane

In his two seasons as a full-time starter, Timberlane goalie Ryan Rothwell has notched more than his fair share of flashy saves without much of a celebration. But he can't help but boast a bit when he turns away one particular skater.

Parolisi, Owls foil Londonderry's plan

The way Timberlane sophomore Tianna Parolisi is progressing, teams may need to rethink their defensive strategy against the Owls.

Londonderry came out in a box-and-one against Owls' standout Sam Wheeler last night with | at best | mixed results in a 43-40 loss to Timberlane. The University of Maine-bound Wheeler was held to five points, but Parolisi | with help from senior Kristin Crotts | picked up the slack as the surging Owls (9-4) won their sixth straight and ninth out of their last 10.

Smith shines in Owl loss

Despite a game-high 19 points for Drew Smith, Timberlane fell to Keene 60-56. Erik Hatton added 13 points and Mike Donovan knocked down three 3-pointers for the Owls.

Owls-Lowell meet ruled a tie

It's now official. The powerhouse Timberlane and Lowell wrestling teams remain undefeated after battling to a classic 27-27 tie in Lowell Saturday afternoon.

Timberlane scored the last 14 points of the meet to tie the score, but | using National High School Federation rules | Lowell was declared the winner by criteria because it finished with one more pin than the Owls.

End of era: Pariseau resigns at Timberlane

Five months ago, Mike Pariseau was fairly certain that 2007 would be his last season as the Timberlane head football coach. But he couldn't bring himself to make it official until three weeks ago.

"It's hard to give up something (coaching football) you've been doing for 42 years," said Pariseau, who is also retiring as a physical education teacher. "I think it's time, but it's not something I'm completely comfortable with."

Owls settle for apparent tie; Lowell claims win

Technically, Timberlane fell from the ranks of the unbeaten yesterday, but you might be hard pressed to convince many of the Owls that it happened.

And, as it turns out, the Owls may have only added a tie to their record, not a loss, although Lowell disputes that. In a barnburner of a dual meet between the defending Division 1 state champions of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the Owls (14-0-1) rallied from a 27-13 deficit with four straight wins to tie the meet, 27-27, only to temporarily drop the decision on the third criteria, which | by federation rules | is number of pins.

Smith a hoot as Owls soar to win

It's been a long time coming, but Timberlane finally "hit on all cylinders" according to Owls head coach Paul Cardone. The Owls blew past Goffstown for a 81-42 victory. Evan Williams owned the boards, ripping down 10 rebounds to go with 10 points.

Fox trots Owls to seventh-straight win

SALEM, N.H. | The only thing hotter than the Timberlane Owls right now might be their sophomore center, Zach Fox.

Coming off a four-point game against Bow on Monday, Fox netted two goals just two minutes apart in the third period to lift the Owls to a 3-0 win over Alvirne, their seventh win in a row. Fox now has nine goals on the year.

No upset this time for Salem vs. unbeaten Owls

This was not, said Timberlane coach Barry Chooljian, your typical Timberlane-Salem dual meet.

In a rivalry that witnessed two of the greatest dual meets in area history, a 31-30 Salem win in 2000 that broke a 103-meet Timberlane winning streak in New Hampshire and a 34-33 barnburner in 2003 that snapped a 49-meet Owls' winning streak, you come to expect great meets.

An athletic 6-5, 275-pounder, Owls' Nicoll not your typical heavyweight

Anyone who has watched a lot of high school wrestling knows what to expect from most heavyweight matchups.

Two very large young men well over 235 pounds, some still sporting a fair amount of baby fat, push and shove, trying to outmuscle each other and rarely shooting for a takedown. Eventually there may be a pin, but boring 2-1 decisions are just as common.

Bundzinski's return spurs Owls

It had happened to Timberlane's Nick Bundzinski a thousand times. But this time was different.

"I was skating down ice and I had a kid on my back," said the junior forward. "We collided and my ankle twisted awkwardly in my skate."

Timberlane slides past Timberlane

PLAISTOW, N.H. | Much to Mike Leavitt's delight, Central Catholic gave Timberlane a mild scare last night.

The unbeaten Owls (11-0) prevailed 37-24, but the Raiders (8-3) had a brief early lead and gave Timberlane its toughest match of the season.

Strength in numbers for Owls

On a night in which both teams were at less than full strength, Timberlane showed why it still has the top wrestling program in New Hampshire.

Pinkerton was missing three starters last night, including standout sophomore Ian Beck (sore shoulder), and Timberlane also didn't start three regulars, whether because of sickness (standout freshman Matt Morris) or because head coach Barry Chooljian wanted them rested for the rugged Eastern States Classic, which begins today.

Wheeler notches 1,000th point in win

Sam Wheeler scored 29 points, passing the 1,000-point mark for her career as Timberlane handed Winnacunnet its first loss of the season, 52-49. Kristin Crotts had nine assists and sophomore Taylor Cefalo had 8 points for the winners.

Haverhill, Timberlane roll

In consolation games, Haverhill outlasted Pelham 44-25 and Timberlane stifled Alvirne 44-30 despite missing standout University of Maine recruit Sam Wheeler, who was out sick.

Haverhill pulled away from Pelham with a 10-2 advantage in the third quarter behind leading scorer and all-tourney pick Michelle Stanley, who scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half. Melissa Ganem had seven points and was tough on the boards for the Hillies (3-4).

Maturing Owls back on top at Lowell

Heavyweight Brian Nicoll put an exclamation point on an impressive statement made by the Timberlane wrestling team yesterday at the 54-team Lowell Holiday Tournament.

The Owls, who finished second last year by a point and a half, came back with a vengence to claim their third team crown in four years with 241 points, comfortably ahead of runners-up Concord, N.H., and Winchester, who tied with 210. Pinkerton (120) was sixth, Central Catholic (111) came in eighth and Salem, N.H. (102<1/2>) tied for 10th.

Roche, Perez clutch in Hillies' title win

The similarities between Haverhill and Timberlane were striking, and it made for a fun finale for this year's Greater Haverhill Coca-Cola Christmas Hoop Classic.

Both teams feature youthful rosters where height is at a premium, trading instead in pressure defense in order to cultivate easy fast-break baskets. The Hillies (Michael Trovato) and the Owls (Paul Cardone) even have first-year head coaches.

Owls roll

Timberlane began the day with an easy 57-28 victory over Pelham in the first of two consolation games.

Ahead 16-6 after the first quarter, the Owls (2-4) put the game away with a 26-point second quarter. Sam Wheeler led all scorers with 19 points in limited action and sophomore Tianna Parolisi added 10 points. Shannon Rose and Katie Mattatall had six points apiece.

Timberlane again stymies Spaulding

Going into last Saturday, Spaulding had dominated New Hampshire Division 2 to the tune of a 46-game unbeaten streak. Over the last week, Timberlane has soundly put that streak to rest.

Nick Bundzinski's goal with 5:34 left in regulation gave the Owls a 2-1 win, their second victory over the Red Raiders in six days.

Shorthanded Owls fall to Oyster River

After what Timberlane coach Andrew Merrick considers his team's worst effort this season, he made the tough decision to sit five of his best players.

And with five JV players on the roster, the Owls played well in spurts but eventually succumbed to the Oyster River attack, 3-0.

Pentucket tournament: Reggies surge past Lancers for crown

It was a Braveheart evening yesterday at the Pentucket Tournament.

Despite resting five standout starters, Greater Lawrence charged into first place to win its second title in three years with 146 points, slipping past local rival and defending champion Lawrence (141<1/2>), which led heading into the final round.

Sachems fall to Timberlane

Pentucket struggled with turnovers on its way to a 62-50 loss to Timberlane in the Haverhill Christmas Classic.

The Sachems trailed by as many as 26 at one point, as Owls marksman Drew Smith hit for a game-high 26 points, including a trio of 3-pointers.

Andover's Flanagan strikes first for new teammates

If Andover forward George Flanagan was having any lingering trouble blending in with his new teammates, it ended during the first period yesterday afternoon.

"We got the puck out of our zone," he remembered. "I took it down ice, used the defender as a shield and put it home." That goal with 4:52 left in the first period broke a scoreless tie and put the Golden Warriors on track for a convincing 4-0 win over Timberlane in the opening round of the eighth annual Blue Devil Holiday Classic.

Pentucket relies on defense

HAVERHILL | Pentucket's girls accomplished their immediate mission in the opening day of the Haverhill Coca-Cola Tournament, but that was one of the only positives cited by head coach John McNamara.

After the unbeaten Sachems (5-0) scrapped past Timberlane, 41-34, McNamara was hardly satisfied.

Guidi's 27 keys Pinkerton's first win

Despite its outstanding first-half performance, Pinkerton coach John Barry knew his team was unsure of itself.

The Astros led Timberlane by nine points at the half and played dominant defense in both the first and second quarter, but given the way they'd play in the first two games, he knew his girls were slightly unsure of themselves. However, Pinkerton barely weathered a 27-point second half from Timberlane and edged the Owls 53-49 in overtime to earn its first win of the year.

Owls beat up Londonderry

Timberlane remained undefeated (6-0), crushing Londonderry 60-12. Jarad Smith was cited as Wrestler of the Meet for a 1-0 decision over Cody Byrd at 152, Nick Scali impressed with a pin at 160 and freshmen Matt Morris (119) and Nick Lawrence (130) continued to look good, both recording 17-1 technical falls. Matt Tardif had a solid 6-0 decision at 215.

Timberlane wrestling preview

2006-07 record: 18-1, Division 1 champion

Returning starters (8): Jarad Smith, Sr., 145/152, David Clemens, Jr., 140/145; Shane Regan, Jr., 152/160; Cam Sullivan, Jr., 103/112; Brian Nicoll, Jr., 285; Alex Smith, Soph., 119/125; Nick Scali??, Soph., 152/160; Dylan Lockard, Soph., 135

Timberlane Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 4-16, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (2): Drew Smith, 5-10, Sr., guard; Evan Williams, 6-2, Jr., forward

Returning lettermen: Riley Cassidy, 5-9, Jr., guard; Mike Donovan, 5-8, Sr., guard; Erik Hatton, 6-4, Jr., forward; Aaron Judson, 6-2, Soph., forward; Jared Paolino, 6-3, Sr., forward; Willy Stewart, 6-1, Sr., forward; Taylor Vondrasek, 5-9, Jr., guard

Timberlane Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 21-2, lost in Class L quarterfinals

Returning starters (4): Sam Wheeler, 6-0, Sr., forward; Kristin Crotts, 5-9, Sr., forward; Meghan Sciuto, 5-4, Sr., guard; Tianna Pirolisi, 5-4, Soph., guard

Timberlane knocks out Goffstown

GOFFSTOWN | Timberlane was not only out to finish a disappointing season on a high note, but to also play the spoiler role.

The Owls did both yesterday.

C.J. Dupuis caught a fourth-down, 5-yard touchdown pass from Erik Hatton with 3:43 to play and Drew Smith's extra point proved to be the difference in a 21-20 win at Goffstown.

Malloy scores twice, breaks school scoring record

Carolyn Malloy was teetering on the brink of a school record for 52-plus minutes yesterday.

She sat tied with Chelsey Feole's 2002 mark of 28 goals in one season after scoring twice against Pinkerton in the semifinal. Then, with 7:19 left in the game, she broke the record with Salem's third goal of the game.

Salem tears through tournament for sixth title in seven years

The word "dynasty" is used all too frequently these days. But the Salem field hockey is as close to one as any team that has had the word heaped upon it in recent years. The Blue Devils bore that out yesterday, cruising to a 4-0 win over Timberlane in the Class L championship, and clinching their third state title in a row and sixth in the last seven years.

Londonderry beats Timberlane to advance in playoffs

Margaret McSpiritt scored with six minutes remaining in regulation and No. 3 Londonderry made it stand up for a 1-0 win over No. 10 Timberlane. Tori McCombs had the assist for the Lancers (15-2-1) and Elise Berry made four saves to secure the win. Timberlane received a fine effort from keeper Courtney Lins, who made six saves.

Dover clips weakened Owls

PLAISTOW, N.H. | Timberlane, missing four starters because of a circulating virus, couldn't keep pace with Dover last night, dropping a 34-13 decision.

With starting Owls' linebackers Alex Ranney and Max Zdrada among those missing, Dover had no trouble moving the ball, accumulating 406 yards of total offense, including 268 yards through the air from talented quarterback Matt Kimball.

Concord no match for Lavallee, Owls

BEDFORD | The Bedford FieldTurf hadn't cooled off from Salem's onslaught when Timberlane came out in the nightcap smoking hot right from the opening whistle.

By the time the game was six minutes old, the Owls held a 2-0 advantage against the tourney's Cinderella team, Concord. With 13:26 left in the opening half, Timberlane led 4-0 and the sixth-seeded Crimson Tide were finished, not getting their first shot on junior Brittany McFarland-Bateman until 47 minutes were played.

Glazier stays hot, Timberlane advances in Class L tourney

Stephanie Glazier scored a hat trick, giving her six goals in the last three games and leading No. 2 Timberlane to a 5-1 victory over No. 8 Dover in the quarterfinals of the Class L tourney.

"We came out a little tight," said Owls coach Mim Ryan. "We hadn't played in 10 days. We let them tie it up before the half, but then we really came out and played our game." Entering the half tied 1-1, Timberlane broke it open with four goals in the second half. Kaitlyn Lavallee and Annie Hansbury each added a goal while Brittany McFarland-Bateman made eight saves.

Timberlane comes up just short

PLAISTOW, N.H. | The harder it rained, the harder Timberlane played.

After getting pounded by Winnacunnet for most of the first half, and falling behind 28-6 in the process, the Owls refused to fold as the special teams and the defense made plays the offense gladly cashed in. But after climbing to within a point during the worst of the night's deluge, a point-after kick was blocked with 4:15 left in the game, allowing the visiting Warriors to survive with a 35-34 victory.

Owls' rally falls short

KEENE | Timberlane's offense came alive in the second half yesterday afternoon, but not enough in a 28-21 loss to Keene in a pivotal Division 2 contest.

The setback dropped the Owls to 3-3 in Division 2 and lifted Keene to the same record.

Timberlane has veteran squad

This year's spirit squad at Timberlane Regional High School is going to be quite the threat, according to coach Nadine Holohan.

They didn't graduate any cheerleaders last year, and there are nine seniors on the squad.

Salem rallies past Owls

Cassie Chase scored twice, including the game-winner, in a 4-2 comeback win over Timberlane. Sarah Raye added a goal and an assist and Caitlin Peters led an aggressive defensive as the Blue Devils reached the .500 mark at 6-6.

Showdown lives up to billing, ends in a draw