McCann Tech's Thomas, Taconic's DiMassimo Recognized
The post-season is on the minds of both our iBerkshires.com/Bedard Bros. Athletes of the Week as most teams start the final week of the regular season.
McCann Tech sophomore Gabe Thomas and the Hornets’ golf team are done with their regular season and, on Tuesday, compete in the Division 2 Western Massachusetts Championships.
Thomas goes into the week with some major momentum, having spent last week with a holiday day win at the Berkshire Classic Championship at Stockbridge Golf Club and continuing it with stellar performances in McCann Tech’s final two dual matches of the season.
At the Classic, Thomas played par golf for 18 holes to finish two strokes ahead of the other 20 top high school golfers from around the county.
“I think my biggest thing that was working today was my driver off the tee,” Thomas said. “It felt like I just really couldn’t miss a fairway. And I was just putting it where I needed to to give myself opportunities, and that’s all that matters.”
He followed up that performance two days later with a 39 to take medalist honors at the nine-hole match against Mohawk Trail at the Country Club of Greenfield.
And, in McCann Tech’s season finale the next day at home against Athol, Thomas and teammate Kale Kondel shared medalist honors with rounds of 38 at Forest Park Country Club as the Hornets finished 11-3.
On Tuesday morning, they tee off at Ludlow Country Club in an event where, last year, Thomas helped McCann Tech qualify for the Division 3 State Championships.
A long week for the Taconic volleyball team ended Thursday on a positive note when the Thunder played its third five-set match in four days and came out on top, 3-2, at Lee to secure a berth in next month’s Division 3 State Tournament.
Taconic senior Isla DiMassimo pulled up 19 digs in the win to anchor Taconic’s defense, something she has been doing all season.
In 16 matches, DiMassimo has collected 225 digs, an average of 14 per night. She also is one of Taconic’s better servers with 62 aces.
“Isla was absolutely amazing on defense [against Lee], and she really doesn't get the credit that she deserves for our successful season,” Taconic coach Lance Fyfe said. “She is everywhere all the time, directing the back court, yelling, diving, setting and pushing the ball strategically. She hits the floor and is back on her feet faster than anyone I've ever seen as she 100% gives herself up for the team and her love for volleyball.”
Taconic (10-6) this week will look to improve its prospects for the upcoming Western Massachusetts Class B Tournament when it finishes the regular season Tuesday at Wahconah and Thursday at home against Drury.
The iBerkshires.com Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Bedard Bros.