Trail Blazers start strong, but Lewiston prevails for hockey win

By Matt Pascarella

While the result wasn’t what they wanted, the Windham/Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers played a much stronger, more physical ice hockey game against Lewiston on Monday, Jan. 13 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham than when they played them last year in the postseason. Although the Trail Blazers have improved a great deal, the Blue Devils won, 5-2.

Trail Blazers senior captain Sam Foley of Windham keeps
the puck away from his Lewiston opponent during an ice
hockey game at the University of Southern Maine on
on Monday, Jan. 13. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think it’s a learning game,” said Windham senior Cole Heanssler. “We came out strong but calmed down and let them take the lead. We need to keep the same intensity as if we are always down by three goals. We came out super-fast today and battled in the start. I think there were some good set-up plays, our power play worked pretty well; we weren’t able to generate but were able to move it around pretty well. I think the passing was good, but we need to work on some small errors, some shots on net and stuff.”

Windham came out strong; they knew what this team was capable of and in the first period were right there with Lewiston. Halfway through the first period, Trail Blazers senior Philip Traina passed to senior Sam Foley who scored.

Lewiston narrowly scored and tied the game 1-1 after one period.

In the second period, after the Trail Blazers killed a five-on-three penalty, which kept Lewiston at bay for almost two full minutes. The Trail Blazers had multiple shots at goal, but nothing got by.

Traina fired a shot that nicked the goal post; the Trail Blazers worked hard to tie up this game. Lewiston led 2-1 after two periods. The Trail Blazers outshot Lewiston 2 to 1 in the second period.

“We started off good, played hard, but once we get into a rhythm, we start letting off and the other team gets back into it,” said Windham’s Foley. “At the start of the second period – once we killed off the penalties, we really didn’t pick it back up and (Lewiston) started to control the game. I feel like the breakouts were solid; at least the winger’s perspective, they were getting the pucks out, and then just line rushes, moving us forward. We played more physical; they walked over us (last year in the playoffs) because we let them, but we were laying the body on them today. Got more shots on goal.”

In the third period, Lewiston scored. The Trail Blazers continued to work at it but Lewiston scored twice more. Foley scored for the Trail Blazers, but it wasn’t enough to get past Lewiston.

“This game we were right in until we had a bad turnover underneath our goal line on a power play and (Lewiston) got a short-handed goal – that can’t happen,” said Windham varsity Trail Blazers coach Bobby Fothergill. “That took the wind out of our sails to start the second period. I think in the third period we ... weren’t having ‘puck luck,’ but what I tell the guys – you don’t get ‘puck luck’, you’ve got to make it, if it isn’t going for you, you’ve got to dig deeper; and if it isn’t going then, you’ve got to dig deeper than that. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow; turnovers kind of killed us, that’s what did us in – turning the puck over in bad spots, we’ve got to clean that up. As soon as (Lewiston) got that third goal, it kind of deflated the team. (We’re) working hard ... we just ran out of gas; we’ve got to skate better and be more conditioned. (We) fought hard, one of our players got punched in the head three times and didn’t swing back. That’s what we’ve been working on with these guys, if you get in a scrum, don’t retaliate ... for that player to keep his cool, it shows that they’re growing; they’re understanding you’ve got to stay out of the box. We had some offensive zone presence at times that was pretty good, and I thought we did a pretty good job defensively, we were blocking shots, sticks in lanes, doing all that good stuff. We got to skate a full 45 minutes, and we didn’t do that here You can get better from losing games. You learn and try to limit the mistakes.” <

Windham alpine ski team starts season strong

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s alpine ski team competed in a season-opening meet against Cheverus, Falmouth, Gorham, Kennebunk, Marshwood and Scarborough on Friday, Jan. 10 at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton with Windham’s boys’ team finishing fourth with a score of 85 and the girls’ team finishing fifth with a score of 93.

Windham High senior Katelyn Cotter cruises to the finish
line at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton during an alpine
skiing prep slalom meet. PHOTOBY MATT PAACARELLA

“We need to work on making sure everybody’s equipment is in the right condition,” said Windham alpine ski coach Christine Fredette. “We had some equipment malfunctions that created problems for some of the racers. All in all, it was great: we had a couple racers who weren’t sure they were going to race, and they ended up racing – pushing through those struggles as a team and cheering each other on, but the most important thing is they are all having fun. I saw some of the drills that we had been working on earlier in the week coming through in their skiing, I saw the kids giving each other encouragement and keeping each other focused and helping to lower each other’s anxiety. I think this sets a good tone, we know where we’re at, we competed well and we’re going to continue to compete well.”

Boys

Windham junior Finn Jorgensen finished first for the team and 18th overall with a combined two-run time of 2:06.34 minutes. Behind him was senior Caleb Lavallee with a time of 2:07.28; he finished second for Windham and 19th overall.

Senior Preston Stretch finished 21st overall and third for Windham with a time of 2:07.78.

“We had good team performances, if we just finish our races and don’t fall, I know that we can do better,” said team captain Stretch. “Conditions for this time of the season are actually amazing because they’ve been making so much snow. The first run, very good, the course was easy, course was very straight, good first course to start. After the second run, it did get a little chopped up and a bit icier. This meet definitely sets a tone that we need to try our best, try harder, not necessarily that we didn’t do good, but we know that we can do better. We need to work on our ability to finish these courses and not get disqualified; we need to work on finishing and not falling.”

Junior and exchange student Eduardo Elorriaga finished with a time of 4:35.34.

Girls

Sophomore Maya Dries finished 12th overall and first for Windham with a 2:04.01 time.

Junior Ella Washburn finished second for Windham and 22nd overall with a time of 2:27.82. Junior Anna Lane finished third for Windham and 29th overall with a 2:32.37 time.

“I think I did good,” said Windham senior captain Katelyn Cotter, who finished fifth for Windham with a time of 2:53.33. “Definitely was a slow start to the season, but ... it’s good to get back on the snow and actually hit a gate. I think it sets a very good tone, we’re all super supportive of each other, a lot of team building, especially up top. Especially with the conditions that held up tonight, it’s going to be a good season for all of us. Our teams did really good at holding their edge, especially in those spots that get icy, our team does really well in making sure they’re getting in, actually making sure they’re sticking to their line and getting nice and close to the gates.

Cotter said the teams just need more practice and time on snow to improve for the season. <

Windham basketball opens 2025 with back-to-back wins over rival Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

After the Windham varsity girls’ basketball team held off Gorham and secured a 41-40 win, the Windham varsity boys’ basketball team took the court on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Windham against Gorham with intensity and remained undefeated after an impressive 78-48 win over its arch rival.

Windham senior Conor Janvrin goes up for a layup during
a boys' prep basketball game against Gorham at Windham
High School on Thursday, Jan. 2.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Guys were excited to play; we looked at film from that first matchup (with Gorham) and saw a lot of things we could have done differently,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “They executed and defense was strong. When that happens, I think we get good opportunities. I just think the energy was high – guys were ready to play them again ... we thought we could play better, and they certainly came out with that attitude. We talk to the kids everyday about proving it to ourselves. We’re playing against ourselves really, the standard that we’re trying to hold our kids to. We want to try to play our best basketball ... and are laser focused on each day. As cliché as that is, they are looking to win each day, to gain something for that next opportunity to play. Decision making and full court passing was a little bit weak tonight, we had some lapses on defense; we’re not going to play a perfect game, but we can at least chase it, and chasing it is making great decisions, playing free. They made up for that with effort and creating mistakes for (Gorham). I’m real proud of the guys, they did it together.”

Windham took the court with force and had several solid turnovers. They rebounded well and had a small lead to begin from there that lead would only grow. Windham junior AJ Moody had a three-pointer in the first quarter. Senior Conor Janvrin sunk a three-pointer in the second quarter. By the second quarter, Windham had built a 10-point lead; their defense was unrelenting. Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer and the Eagles just kept running up the scoreboard and at the half led, 39-23.

“I feel like we did a good job, guys came off the bench, they helped a lot,” said Windham senior Joseph Blige. “Everybody contributed, I feel like we did a great job as a team today; defense in the second half was pretty great. Our energy was really high ... we just got to business.”

The second half began with no slowdown in speed or loss of power for Windham. Less than three minutes into the half, Windham’s lead grew to 20 as junior AJ Moody knocked down a three-pointer, then Tyrie James followed suit.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Windham’s lead was simply out of reach for Gorham. Windham senior Braycen Freese sank a three-pointer. Despite its massive lead, Windham did not let up and their defense remained intense.

High scorers in the game for Windham were senior Creighty Dickson with 17-points, Conor Janvrin with 15, James with 11, and Moody with 10.

“The team energy (led to the win),” said Conor Janvrin, who scored 15-points and had four rebounds in the game. “The team is there to pick us up; the approach was go out there and win – (Gorham) is a well-coached team, they are a great team ... we did our best, went out there and played our game. Our energy was really good, our teamwork, and executing our gameplan went really well. What needs work is we take a lot of contested shots, and rebounding.” <

WHS indoor track and field excels in USM New Year’s Invitational

By Matt Pascarella

To kick off 2025, Windham’s indoor track and field team participated in the University of Southern Maine’s New Year’s Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 4 where they competed against schools in Class A, B, C, and D as well as schools from New Hampshire.

Windham senior Ava Gerrity soars through the air during
the New Year's Invitation Indoor Track Meet at the
University of Southern Maine in Gorham on
Saturday, Jan. 4. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Two Windham athletes placed very high in the meet’s Pentathlon, an event that consists of the 55-meter hurdles, the high jump, shot put, long jump, the 800-meter for the girls and the 1000-meter for the boys. Senior Tayla Pelletier finished first for the girls with a mark of 2947 and senior Carter Engelman finished second for the boys with a mark of 2902.

Boys

“My only prior experience with multi-events was a decathlon from last year, and since I enjoyed that kind of competition then I figured I should try it again,” said Engelman. “Also, times when I can compete in this kind of event are rare and I’d figure I’d make the best of this chance. I was very satisfied with my performance as it was a result of the hard work I’ve put in this year so far. I had four (personal records) in the five events in the pentathlon as well and I’m extremely happy with how I performed.”

Junior Mason Arbour finished fifth in the pentathlon with a score of 2587.

In the 55-dash, junior Karl Longstreth finished sixth with a 6.70-second time. In the 200, he finished fifth with a time of 23.65; both personal records for him.

Senior Rory Good finished seventh in the 55-hurdles with a time of 8.48; a new personal record.

According to Good, competing in the Invitational was fun and he likes getting to run against some of the fastest people in and out of the state. Some things that went well for Good were his blocks felt better than they usually do, and he did well with the nerves and really focused in on the race. He said he needs to work on his turnover between the hurdles which is what is really slowing him down.

Junior Nick Verrill had a height of 5-06.00 feet in the high jump.

“We decided to use this meet to ... see how we could perform against top performers from all over Maine and some teams from New Hampshire,” said Windham boys’ indoor track and field coach Paula Pock. “We were really happy to see the boys step up against strong competition and really perform their best. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the next few weeks.”

Girls

In the high jump, junior Nealie Morey finished third with a height of 4-10.00. She also finished fourth in the long jump with a distance of 16-00.00.

“I feel like I’m very much a well-rounded athlete, so I like being able to showcase it, and I always have a lot of fun doing (the Pentathlon),” said Pelletier, who also placed first in the triple jump with a 36-09.25 distance. “It was great ... I knew I had a good chance to come in first. I’m really glad I did it, it’s a lot of fun and a lot of prep work you got to do, but it’s always worth it.”

Junior Addison Shanholtz placed ninth in the pole vault with a height of 7-00.00.

“I think yesterday went really well,” said senior Ava Gerrity who finished sixth in the long jump with a 15-07.50 distance and sixth in the triple jump with a 32-09.50 distance. “It definitely set the tone for a good season ahead. I’m happy with how I performed but l can’t wait for more meets to see further improvements.”

Senior Marina Schwarz finished 10th in the shot put when she threw a distance of 30-03.25.

“This meet set the tone for our ladies to always show up and bring their best on the day while together they make it fun,” said Windham girls’ indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “All while staying in the pursuit of our team and individual goals. This meet was an incredible opportunity to learn how to navigate and stay composed while competing in big meets. It helped them gain experience in how bigger championship level meets are run. This ... builds their confidence (and) is worth experiencing to learn how to prep for the regional championships, States, or even for the New England Championships. It also shows them what is possible and that they too can compete on this large stage.” <

Windham girls’ basketball falls against Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off back-to-back wins over Edward Little and Portland, Windham girls’ basketball headed to Cheverus in Portland to play the Stags on Friday, Dec. 27. Cheverus took a considerable lead in the first half, and although Windham started slow, their momentum built, and they picked it up in the second half. Despite their best efforts, Cheverus was too far ahead and defeated Windham, 61-41.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski is about to sink
a three-pointer during a girls' prep basketball game on
the road against Cheverus High School on Dec. 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We did really well in the second half, because their zone defense is very aggressive, so we needed to be more patient and play as a team,” said Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski, who knocked down four-three pointers and scored 17 points overall. “Obviously we’ll get shots in the zone, but instead of taking ok shots when we’re open we were getting better shots when it’s one more pass and we’re just coming together as a team and playing for each other. We played really good defense and did really good help, (Cheverus) just hit their shots ... we’ll finetune some things and get the next one. We need to play better help-side defense. We can work on being more patient with the ball, making good passes and not taking two dribbles and picking it up.”

Cheverus jumped out to an early lead. While Windham was slow to start, once they got on the scoreboard, they began to close the gap. Windham moved the ball and picked up some solid turnovers leading to Delewski sinking a three-pointer. Windham rebounded but trailed, 31-15, at the half.

"We as a team were definitely cold at the beginning,” said Windham sophomore Isabella Vassoler. “I think switching to man-to-man helped. Taking care of the ball is a big thing in that game, a lot of turnovers. Adapting to how they play (is what can be learned). We need to focus on what’s working and what’s not working and balancing out more pros rather than cons. Some pros of the game were splitting the floor and making sure we got in that middle to Stella ... as well as swinging the ball faster and try to calm and play with poise and make sure they aren’t speeding us up.”

Windham kept their heads up and went on a run in the second half. They adapted to Cheverus’ star player Kylie Lamson and contested several of her shots. Switching to man-to-man defense made a difference.

Delewski hit another three-pointer to start the second half. Windham offense had improved. Windham went hard after the ball, but Cheverus remained in the lead. Delewski sunk another three, then several moments later, Windham freshman Sitota Hatch sunk a three-pointer.

According to Windham senior Stella Jarvais, who scored 14 points in the game, it’s difficult to adapt to how fast Cheverus plays. Going into the game, Windham wanted to slow the game down and try to run their stuff. She said this game was eye-opening; they need to work on man-to-man defense in practice, seeing the floor and not rushing. As long as they keep working hard, they’ll get better controlling the ball.

“We just needed to make sure we attacked Cheverus’ pressure and do what we could to stay composed,” said Windham girls’ varsity basketball coach Brody Artes. “We did that well at times and at times we didn’t. Cheverus shot the ball really well at the beginning of the game and we didn’t and that was kind of the difference right there. The kids have done a good job all year of maintaining a good attitude, good energy, whether they’re on the floor or on the bench – everybody has contributed that way. We had to switch things up defensively in that second quarter and as soon as we did, we had a bit more energy and were able to maintain our defensive identity a little bit; we were able to get some better shots because of it. It’s a matter of knowing what to expect and being able to shoot a little bit better early in the game.” <

Surge in third period solidifies girl's hockey victory for Cheverus/Windham/Medomak

By Matt Pascarella

The Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey team added another win to an impressive season when a third-period surge resulted in multiple goals. Its game against Saint Dominic Academy ended in a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena in Portland.

Windham freshman Taylor Lucas keeps her eyes on the puck
during a girls' prep ice hockey game against Saint Dominick
Academy on Saturday, Dec. 28 at William B. Troubh Ice
Arena in Portland. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

"We weren’t playing with a lot of a passion and energy (early on),” said Cheverus/Windham/Medomak coach Scott Rousseau. “I thought we played very well in the second period, especially the last seven, eight minutes; our younger forwards started getting more involved in the forward check, we were getting really close to the net, we were missing or (shots were blocked). I thought we showed a lot of resolve to stay patient and stay with it and we got a break with the power play and that relaxed everybody a little bit and took a comfortable lead from there. In the long run, I think it’ll be a good experience for us to feel some tension and anxiety and be comfortable winning 1-0. We need to rely on our younger, inexperienced players to get that experience and start wanting the puck and make those plays. We’re going to have to play low scoring, tight-checking games and be comfortable with that; at the end, I thought we’ll take that learning experience and keep moving forward.”

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak came out a little slow in the first period, but had stellar defense, with multiple shots on goal. Roughly seven minutes into the first period, Cheverus sophomore Caroline Rousseau scored, assisted by Cheverus junior Joey Pompeo.

While the second period was scoreless, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak’s intensity picked up as they continued to give Saint Dominic Academy’s goalie a workout. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak commanded the ice. Their defense remained strong.

In the third period, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak really turned up the intensity. Seven minutes into the period, Cheverus senior Lucy Johnson scored, assisted by Cheverus senior Zoey Radford. With two minutes remaining Caroline Rousseau scored again, assisted by Windham junior Ashley Cloutier. Windham freshman Taylor Lucas scored, assisted by Caroline Rousseau with less than 15 seconds remaining to end the game on a high note.

“It was a really great pass from Caroline; I was there in the right spot in the right time,” said Lucas. “Despite not playing as well as we wanted to in the first ... we were able to pull together as a team and play really well in the second and third. I feel like we got more energy going on the bench and just brought ourselves together. In the second and the third periods we did really well at passing. I feel like in this game we should’ve come out stronger in the first period, but overall, we did really well.”

Windham junior Ashley Cloutier said the team had good teamwork toward the end, but they need to get that going earlier in the game. It was a spark inside them that got them to work together to score multiple goals in the third period.

“We started pretty slow, but after a while our defense started making quicker passes and quicker decisions and our forwards started getting involved in the cycle game,” said Caroline Rousseau. “We wore the Saint Dom’s players out and I think it just took us a second, but once we got it going, we started making quicker decisions and started moving our feet a bit quicker and got our head in the right space. We definitely started passing more ... all of our goals in the third came off passes with a quick release. Making those quick decisions, making the pass without holding on too long really helped us.” <

WHS swim team sets a high bar for season after Cheverus meet

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s swim team came out incredibly strong in their first meet of the season at the Portland YMCA on Friday, Dec. 13 against Cheverus. Windham had a first-place finisher in almost every event with Windham’s boys finishing first with a score of 86-64 and Windham’s girls tied with Cheverus with a score of 65.

Windham senior Sarah Inman competes in the butterfly event
at the Portland YMCA during a prep swimming meet on
Friday, Dec. 13 against Cheverus High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

“I was really proud of the team and I’m looking forward to the season,” said Windham sophomore Sullivan Scharf. “Today was ... get out there and have a first meet. We were just looking to get in the pool and get some times up there. The cheering was really good, everyone was supporting each other, everybody was really working together. I like our relay teams a lot ... I like how Coach Small puts them every week so they’re a little bit different, so we get to work with different people each time. In practice I think we need to put in a little bit more work.”

Scharf finished first in the 200-yard Individual Medley with a 2:07.72-minute time. He also finished first in the 500-freestyle with a time of 5:04.99.

Windham freshman Rocco DiDonato finished first in the 200-freestyle with a 2:21.16 time. DiDonato finished second in the 100-freestyle with a time of 1:03.65.

In the 100-backstroke, Windham freshman Nick Chasse finished first with a 53.16 second time.

Windham junior Pascal Hentsch finished first with a 1:26.03 time in the 100-breaststroke.

In the 100-butterfly, Windham freshman Peter Funk finished first with a 59.95 time. He finished second in the 100-backstroke at 1:02.55.

“Coming to today, I was excited to know that we were going to have a lot of good teamwork, and we were going to cheer each other on,” said Windham senior Martina Jefferson. “We have a lot of new swimmers, so I expected there would be some nervousness ... but honestly, we barely had that. We had a lot of encouragement from everyone else and I think it went great. I think a lot of us have been great at keeping that stroke long and on the backstroke, we’ve been getting that pop kind of. I think also streamlines have been great. Our starts need a little more work ... because we want to aim to go out farther because that will decrease our time, but otherwise there’s not really a lot we have to change.”

Jefferson finished second in the 100-backstroke with a time of 1:19.32. She finished third in the 100-freestyle with a 1:10.46 time.

In the 200-freestyle, Windham senior Morgan Farley finished first with a 2:28.13 time. She was also first in the 500-freestyle with a 6:34.04 time.

Windham senior Sarah Inman finished first in the 200-individual medley at 2:34.06 and first in the 100-butterfly at 1:14.45.

Windham freshman Stephanie Roghelia finished first with a time of 27.30 in the 50-freestyle. In the 100-breaststroke she finished first with a 1:17.79 time.

“Immediately I think we exceeded the expectations we had for the first meet of the year,” said Windham swim team coach Peter Small. “Six of the 24 kids (on the team) have swum high school before; across the board kids with experience, kids without experience did things today that we were really hoping to see. First meet of the year, we always say this is your benchmark, pace it the way we’ve talked about ... try to get the technique at the greatest level we’ve worked on, but this is your benchmark. It’s from here that we measure improvement over time; times were faster, the technique was better, our turns, while we still need work was definitely better than I was expecting.” <