The Waltham High boys hockey team bounced back from a loss and a tie in its last two games for perhaps its biggest victory of the season Saturday night in a 2-1 triumph over Central Catholic at Veterans Rink.
The Hawks improved to 8-3-4 and qualified for the state tournament.
``It was a big win for us beating them and, especially, making the tournament with it,'' Waltham coach John Maguire said.
Sophomore Brian Rowland scored the game-winning goal with 2:45 left in the third period when he skated around two defenders and went top corner. Senior Ryan Pratt scored the first Waltham goal unassisted for a 1-0 lead before CC tied it late.
Senior George Tedford had an ``outstanding'' game in goal, according to Maguire, with 26 saves. Maguire also praised the efforts of senior Bobby Poillucci and senior Dom Coviello on defense.
The Hawks are back at home tonight when they host archrival Arlington at 7 p.m.
Girls Hockey
Waltham 5, Weston-Wayland 1
Five different players scored for the Waltham girls hockey team as it improved to 8-1-1 over its last 10 games with a 5-1 victory over Weston-Wayland Saturday night at Veterans Rink.
The Hawks are 10-4-2 with two games left in the season.
Junior Christina Poillucci scored one of three goals in the first period when she struck from the blue line from seniors Anya Battaglino and sophomore Michelle Kudlate. Senior Allie Hickey then scored from junior Victoria DiBlasi, and Kudlate and eighth-grader Meredith Sweet made it 3-0 on a goal from Battaglino.
DiBlasi put the Hawks up 4-0 in the second period when she put home the rebound of Kudlate breakaway bid. Eighth-grader Michele Vollemans scored for the second straight game in the third period on an assist from eighth-grader Taylor Scafidi.
Kudlate had three assists and Waltham coach Jack Heavey praised the play of senior Ashley Sordello, sophomores Danielle Lombardo, Ronelle LeBlanc (in net), freshmen Ashlyn Boynton, Shannon Hickey and eighth-graders Kayla Walazek and Zena Casteel.
Before the game, the Hawks honored the 1985 national champion Waltham Wings senior women's squad with a banner that will hang in Veterans Rink. The team also presented Allie Hickey with a plaque commemorating her 100th career point.
The Hawks are back in action Wednesday night at Newton South.
Boys Basketball
L-S 55, Waltham 49
Senior Ogi Rapaic's 19 points were not enough to get the Waltham boys basketball team a step closer to the state tournament as the Hawks dropped a 55-49 game at Lincoln-Sudbury Friday night.
The Hawks fell to 7-8 and need two victories in their final three games to make the tourney cut.
Waltham made only 2 of 6 free throws in the game, yet was still within two points with less than three minutes to go in the game. But the Hawks didn't score until 14 seconds remained, and by then the Warriors were in control.
Senior A.J. Prince had 13 points, senior Peter Hsi had nine points on three 3-pointers and senior Mike Bonhomme had eight points for the Hawks.
Waltham travels to Boston Latin tomorrow.
Girls Basketball
L-S 60, Waltham 38
Junior Nadja Kern had 15 points and senior Meghan Millian added eight in the Waltham girls basketball team's 60-38 loss to Lincoln-Sudbury at home Friday night.
Waltham coach Denise Nugent said her team played well overall, but allowed too many second- and third-chance opportunities.
The Hawks host Lincoln-Sudbury tomorrow.
