Sorensen runs for Tufts in nationals
Tufts University track and field captain David Sorensen of Dover competed in the mile run at the men's NCAA Division 3 indoor nationals that concluded yesterday at Ohio Northern University.
He had also provisionally qualified in the 5,000 meters, and with the Jumbos' distance medley relay team that barely missed out on a spot at the nationals.
A graduate of Dover-Sherborn High, where he won excellence awards in cross-country and track, Sorensen was an All-American for Tufts last spring, when he ran the 3,000-meter steeplechase, and was the Jumbos' No. 2 runner in cross-country and team captain last fall.
This winter, he ran a personal-best in the 5,000 meters, 14 minutes 48.18 seconds, at last month's Boston University Invitational, and another personal best in the mile (4:12.43) at the Open New England Championships on March 1 at BU.
"Dave was a 110- and 300-meter hurdler in high school, so his cross-country ability and hurdling background have made him an elite competitor in the steeplechase," said Ethan Barron, Tufts' men's cross-country and track coach. "His dedication has brought his running to the next level and makes my job coaching him an easy one. Dave was key in our winning the New England championships for the first time since 1991 by scoring in the mile and anchoring our winning distance medley relay team."
The King Philip Regional High graduate led off the second inning with a line single off Boston prospect Justin Masterson for one of only three Northeastern hits in the 15-0 loss. Lyon went on to lead the Huskies with a .463 average, 5 doubles, 5 homers, and 14 RBIs through 10 games in Florida. Northeastern (6-4) started its Colonial Athletic Association schedule this weekend at Delaware.
"Mike's continuing his pace from last year, and he has been even better over the first few games this season. He is absolutely the center of our offense, batting third or fourth in the lineup," said Neil McPhee of Natick, now in his 22d season as Northeastern's head coach. "He's caught the attention of the pro scouts down here. At our level, he is a legitimate five-tool player at shortstop. He will probably be a corner infielder at the next level."
Lyon had a breakout season as a junior, batting .321 with 10 homers, 33 RBIs, and a team-high 13 doubles and 26 extra-base hits. At King Philip he was a team captain, team MVP, and an All-Hockomock League pick in baseball and track. He was on league championship teams in baseball (2004) and track (2001-2002).
Area residents joining him on the roster include junior catcher Frank Pesanello of Plainville, a former Bishop Feehan High baseball and football captain, who was second in team batting with a .389 average with 4 homers and 10 RBIs; freshman outfielder Matt Miller out of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High; and freshman pitcher J.T. Ross, a graduate of Newton North High.
She had a goal and three assists through BC's first four games this season.
"Emily has been one of our strongest one-one-one defenders even as a midfielder and has unbelievable speed. Moving her to defense matches her up against our opponents' top attackers and gives us a quicker transition game," said BC head coach Bowen Holden, a former Lincoln-Sudbury Regional and Georgetown University standout goalkeeper. "Nine times out of 10 she's probably the fastest player on the field."
Phinney, manager and instructor at the US Mixed Martial Arts studio in Bellingham, won all five bouts by decision despite breaking his right hand in his first fight.
"I'm looking forward to getting back in the ring," said Phinney, "but I want my hand to heal first, so I'll take a bit of time to rest."
Marvin Pave can be reached at 508-820-4223 or marvin.pave@rcn.com.
