ORANGE — The Mahar boys soccer team lost to the Springfield High School of Science and Technology, 3-2, in a match between two of the top teams in the McGrath League, Tuesday.
The loss puts the Senators (7-4-1, 4-2-1) in danger of losing their consecutive league title streak, which stands at four.
Fortunately for the Senators, they travel to Springfield on Wednesday for an immediate rematch with the Cybercats (6-0-2, 3-0-1).
The Senators had issues defensively during the game.
“Ball side, goal side,” Mahar coach Dan Guertin said. “Very simple concept not executed.”
Sci-Tech controlled most of the possession early, keeping Simon Powell and the Mahar defense busy.
Logan Dodge made four saves for Mahar to keep it scoreless until the final minutes before the break.
Mahar broke through in the 37th minute when Riley Drew scored after an accurate through ball from James Temple split two defenders.
Mahar’s lead did not last long as Sci-Tech’s Nehemias Ramirez tied the game just before halftime.
An uneven second half for Mahar led to two quick goals for the Cybercats.
“Whenever you give up back-to-back goals it’s a good indication of losing focus,” Guertin said.
The first came when Dodge came out of the net to challenge a service into the box. The ensuing collision let the ball trickle out to Thien Pham, who shot into an empty net giving Sci-Tech a 2-1 lead.
Ramirez added the final goal, his second for Sci-Tech.
Cole Johnson scored with no time remaining for Mahar, with the assist coming from Henry Ndayisaba
Athol 4, Renaissance 2 — The Red Raiders went on the road and doubled up the Phoenix.
Athol (7-5, 5-4 Schmid) got two goals from Dilan Fountain.
Nick Bousquet and Angel Rivera (assist) each added another for the Red Raiders.
Bryce King assisted on two goals with Casey Mason making seven saves.
Mahar 3, Duggan Academy 2 — Ava Santana had eight kills, with Jordyn Berry adding six in a road win for the Senators (8-3).
Madison Harrington had 15 assists while Lauren Henne led the team with 13 digs.
Set scores were 25-16, 21-25, 29-27, 29-25 and 15-12.
Granby 24, Mahar 31 – Thor Mead ran the 2.9-mile course at Hampshire Regional in 18 minutes, 26 seconds for the Senators. Mead’s finish was good enough for fourth place overall.
Connor Valencourt placed eighth for Mahar in 19:02.
Top overall finisher at the four-team meet was Chris Vayda (15:51) of Hampshire Regional.
