Last week’s varsity game recaps for fall varsity sports

Cross Country

Last week, the Sanford Cross Country team traveled to Noble High School to face the Knights, along with Deering Rams and Falmouth Navigators. Caleb Pelletier was the top Spartan, placing seventh.

This week, the team travels to Narragansett School on Saturday, Sept. 17 for a Southern Maine invitational.

Field Hockey

Field Hockey fell to Marshwood 4-3 on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in a tough battle. Sophomore Audrey Payeur had two goals and one assist. Freshman Natalie Payeur and senior Madi Sheppard each tallied a goal, and junior Lili Lam notched an assist. Sophomore Megan Sheppard made 11 saves in the cage.

The Spartans bounced back to defeat Portland 8-0 at home on Saturday the 10. Audrey Payeur dominated on offense scoring six goals and tallying two assists. Natalie Payeur and sophomore Ellie Davis each scored and junior captain Hannah Mueller tacked on an assist.

This week, they travel to Scarborough on Tuesday, Sept. 13, then host Thornton Academy at home on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Football

Spartan Football hosted Dover (NH) High School in a cross-state match, falling to the Green Waves 37-23. Fans showed out for the Hawaiin theme, sporting colorful florals, bucket hats, and leis.

Dover struck first on the scoreboard but the Spartans took the first half after a 21-yard field goal by Alex Sevigny and a pick-6 by Jordan Bissonnette. From the second quarter on, Dover led the game and separated themselves from the Spartans. Sanford totaled 181 yards to Dover’s 334.

Senior quarterback Sevigny went 7 for 8 for 69 yards. Sophomore Rhylen Avery went 44 yards on four attempts, followed by senior Luke McFarland who went 27 on four. Bissonnette led the Spartans in receiving with 41 yards. Junior Makai Bougie led in tackles with 5 and 5 assists, followed by McFarland with 4 and 2, respectively.

This week, the team travels to Oxford Hills on Friday, Sept. 16.

Golf

On Tuesday, Sept. 8th the Sanford Golf Team hosted Biddeford High School, falling to the Tigers 13-0. The Tigers finished at 212 while the Spartans landed at 269.

Notable performances came from junior captain Zach Parison (49), sophomore Brayden Baron (50), senior Aran Martin (53) and freshman Brody Baron (58).

Next week, the golf team hosts Massabesic on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and hosts Kennebunk on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Boys Soccer

Last week, Sanford Boys Soccer lost to a talented Deering team on Wednesday, Sept. 7, falling 6-1.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Spartans faced another tough loss to Falmouth 4-2. Senior captain Joel Morrison scored both goals for the team, capitalizing on a missile throw-in from senior Shawn Puffer in the 53rd minute and a little give-and-go action with senior Brady Taylor in the 74th.

“The boys gained respect today showing they can play with the good teams,” said first-year head coach Bill Puffer.

The Spartans face Scarborough at home on Monday the 12th, travel to South Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 14, and play at Westbrook on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Girls Soccer

The Sanford Girls Soccer Team split contests last week, defeating Falmouth in a come-from-behind win, but fell to Scarborough on the Red Storm’s new turf.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Spartans rallied to upset the Falmouth Navigators 3-2. In the first half, Falmouth scored first in a penalty kick to lead 1-0. However, a late strike in the first half by freshman Ava Gardner tied the game up 1-1 heading into the half. In the second, Falmouth attacked quickly, scoring in the first minute to take back the lead at 2-1. Again the Spartans fought back and a goal by junior captain Ailey Mann tied the game up at 2-2. Mann sealed the victory scoring her second goal of the night off a corner kick assisted by fellow junior Hailey Tarbox. Other notable performances in the game came from sophomore center back, Kya Duprey.

“I am really proud of the way they competed,” said Head Coach Ellie Agreste. “It was quite the statement win. There will be teams across the league looking at the score wondering what Sanford did to beat Falmouth. All I can say is, don’t sleep on this team!”

On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Spartans faced their first loss of the season against a talented Scarborough, falling 7-0.

The 2-1 Spartans host South Portland on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and Westbrook on Friday, Sept. 16, both at Alumni Stadium.

Volleyball

The Girls Volleyball team started last week strong after coming off their first win of the season over Marshwood on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 3-0. It was the program’s first-ever win against Marshwood and was led by senior leaders Kora Eckelman and Billi Bruno.

On Sept. 7, the Spartans defeated Massabesic at home, sweeping the Mustangs 3-0. Bruno set a new school record with 13 digs.

The Spartans continued their hot streak on Sept. 10, taking Wells 3-0. Eckelman had 14 kills and 13 blocks, a school record, and Bruno continues to beat her own school records, boosting her dig count to 14.

This week the squad hosts Cheverus on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and Westbrook on Friday, Sept. 16.