Our fall sports programs opened up their seasons this past week — here is how they fared.

By Sadie Sevigny and Hunter Walker, Staff Writers

CROSS COUNTRY

Sanford XC held their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7, hosting Bonny Eagle, Falmouth, and South Portland.

Caleb Pelletier finished 10th in the meet, followed by a tight pack of Spartans that include Gabriel Waterman (27th), Jackson Stimmell (29th), Jordan Theroux (31st), Jack Van Gieson (32nd) and Michael Mastraccio (35th).

Annie Stimmell, a dual-athlete, finished first for the Spartans on the girls side, placing 16th in the meet. Eliza Allen scored next in 27th.

The next meet is Saturday, Sept. 14th in Gorham.

BOYS SOCCER

In Sanford’s home opener on Sept. 5, they went into double overtime against Noble, finishing with a 1-1 tie. In the fourth minute of the game, Noble struck first with a goal. In the 69th minute, Sanford struck back with a corner kick coming off the foot of Ivo Mpeko, assisted by Gavin Hebler.

Sanford’s defense played exceptionally well, led by Levi Mann. Keeper Elijah Bowden finished the game with 16 saves. Hebler led the team with 5 shots on goal.

Sanford will travel to Kennebunk for a game on Wednesday the 11th, and will have their next home game on Friday the 13th against Westbrook.

GIRLS SOCCER

The Sanford Spartans (1-0) defeated the Noble Knights (0-1) 4-1 in their season-opener in Berwick on Thursday night. Ava Hudson led the way for the Spartans with a goal and an assist. Kenzie Taylor, Addie Fiandaca and Mollie Puffer also added goals for the Spartans who took

3-0 lead at halftime, as well as Sanford’s Brielle Landry adding an assist, also Bella McCall and Annalise Stimmell played a strong game in the midfield for the Spartans.  Ami Kane, Kya Duprey and Savannah excelled on defense. Sophie Olivo played a strong game in goal for Spartans and made several great saves!

On Tuesday, Sept. 10 they host the Massabesic Mustangs as their home opener. Then they travel to Thornton Academy on the Sept. 12.

FIELD HOCKEY

Sanford Field Hockey started off the season strong winning their home opener game against the Marshwood Hawks 6-1, on Saturday, Sept. 7. Freshman Ella Tederous lead the Spartans with three goals, followed by Audrey Payeur with two goals and one assist, and freshman Olivia Kezar also added two goals. 

The game started off strong with Sanford leading 2-0 at the half, expanding that lead in the third quarter to 6-0. The Hawks had a breakaway in the fourth quarter but it wasn’t enough to catch up. The Spartans won the game 6-1.

The Spartans travel to Thornton Academy on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

FOOTBALL

In their home opener, Sanford football fell to South Portland 35-15. Rhylen Avery and Drew McGrath both had rushing touchdowns, and Joshua Callahan had an interception with a 51-yard catch and run, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Sanford will travel to Scarborough for their next game on Friday the 13th.

GOLF

On Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, Golf fell to the Kennebunk Rams. Top performers included Noah Corliss and Braden Barron with a score of 47. As well as Carter Giroux with a score of 52.

This week, they host the Biddeford Tigers on Sept. 10 at 3:45pm.

VOLLEYBALL

Sanford Volleyball lost 0-3 at Windham in their first game of the season. Despite the loss, Samone Gallagher had a fantastic performance, debuting at Outside Hitter. 

“It is the first game, we will continue to work through the season,” said Head Coach Ryan Geary. “Although each game matters, it’s not over.”

On Tuesday the 10th, they will have their home opener against Gorham. On Thursday the 12th, they will travel and face Biddeford.