SCHOOLS ROUNDUP

Masco has deep thoughts

By Jack McCluskey, Globe Correspondent | October 28, 2007

With a playoff berth and a share of the Cape Ann Large title secured, the No. 9 Masconomet boys' soccer team had an opportunity to rest a few players in its final regular-season game. As a testament to the program's depth, those who played for the Chieftains yesterday excelled in a 4-0 victory over Waltham.

Senior Ian Betencourt made six saves en route to a shutout in his first start of the season, and Masconomet (14-1-4) got goals from four players.

"[Betencourt] is a senior and he hadn't been playing, but he did really well," said Masco coach Len Emmons.

Emmons, who has more than 500 career victories, won his 26th league title and sixth in a row.

"You have to have talent to start with," said Emmons with a laugh, when asked what contributed to his consistent success. "We do a good job recruiting and making sure players come to Masco and not somewhere else. Soccer has always been very popular at Masco. We have three teams and every year we get 80 guys out for them."

Drawing from a deep pool of youth players, Masconomet has made the state tournament in 35 out of 36 years, and every year since 1982. A 2-1 loss to league rival Wilmington Oct. 19 meant this year's team would have to settle for being cochampions, but that hasn't put a damper on Masco's expectations going into postseason play.

"We're looking forward to it," said Emmons. "We're pretty healthy, rap on wood, and we're eager to get it going."

Girls' soccer

Middlesex: Freshman Kierstin Merlino's goal in the 70th minute led Burlington to a 1-0 win over Lexington, its first victory over the Minutemen in five years.

Nonleague: No. 7 Sacred Heart (17-0) stayed perfect with a 7-1 win over Bishop Connolly. Freshman Emily Bracken scored two goals and senior Jessica Gray added a goal and an assist.

Field hockey

Nonleague: Lauren Brady recorded the 13th shutout of her senior season, making seven saves as Lowell blanked Bishop Fenwick, 2-0. Ashley Rivera had a goal and an assist - her 14th and sixth of the season, respectively.