Local Roundup: Mascoma boys soccer rolls to win to start D-III playoffs

Brayden Pierce

Brayden Pierce

Tanner Moulton

Tanner Moulton

Staff reports

Published: 10-25-2023 10:26 PM

WEST CANAAN — A pair of goals from both Brayden Pierce and Tanner Moulton was enough to give the Mascoma High boys soccer team a 4-1 win over visiting Winnisquam in the opening round of the NHIAA Division III playoffs on Tuesday.

The third-seeded Royals opened the game with momentum, capped by a pair of goals from Pierce to give the hosts an early 2-0 lead. The Bears fought back and controlled possession a bit afterwards but were not able to solve keeper Matt Favreau (eight saves) and the Mascoma defense.

Moulton would then put Mascoma in front 3-0 with a goal on a strong individual effort up the right side. Winnisquam would finally answer to make it 3-1, but Moulton countered with another highlight-reel goal before halftime for a 4-1 edge at the break.

“It was a sloppy second half,” Mascoma coach Ryan Limero said. “I have to credit Favreau, who made a handful of point-blank saves.”

The Royals have now won 10 straight. Mascoma (14-3-0) will host a quarterfinal game on Friday against No. 11 seed Conant, which upset No. 6 seed Derryfield, 3-2, in another first-round game.

Girls Soccer Windsor 10, Springfield 1

WINDSOR — Audrey Rupp had four goals and two assists to lead the third-seeded Yellowjackets to a first-round win in the VPA Division III playoffs.

Olivia MacLeay added two goals and two assists. Gabby Crane also scored twice. Miah McAllister and Lilly Keefe each had a goal. Kemari Wildgoose had an assist, and keeper Sophia Rockwood made three saves.

Windsor (14-1-1) will host Danville/Twinfield/Cabot on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Paine Mountain 3White River Valley 0

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Vt. — Tenth-seeded WRV was shut out in the first round of the VPA Division III playoffs by No. 7 seed Paine Mountain.

“Our back line came out super strong. We like to take the ball outside, but we struggled with that today. We had some really good opportunities, but our first touches got away from us,” WRV coach Kim Prestridge said. “I’m proud of our seniors putting their all out there today.”

The Wildcats wrap up the season at 7-9-0.

Peoples 2, Woodstock 1

WOODSTOCK — The No. 15 seed Wolves went on the road and upset shorthanded, second-seeded Woodstock in the first round of the VPA Division III playoffs.

The visitors scored twice in the first half, once in a scramble in front of the goal and once off a corner play. Leah Kuhnert scored early in the second half to get Woodstock back within one, but the Wasps were denied the equalizer by a sound Peoples defensive effort.

“It was going to be a real hard climb without the services of Sophia Nisimblat (out with an ankle injury). Her presence at center back has been a critical part of our success this season,” longtime coach Greg LaBella said.

Woodstock finished the season at 10-5-0.

Stowe 7, Oxbow 0

STOWE, Vt. — The No. 12 seed Olympians saw their season come to an end in the opening round of the VPA Division III playoffs. Oxbow finished the season at 5-8-2.

Volleyball Burlington 3, Hartford 0

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Hurricanes concluded a good first season as a varsity program, hosting a playoff matchup with the Seahorses, despite the loss in straight sets. The Canes finish at 9-6.