Winchester prevailed in both games this week, to raise their record to a perfect 6-0.

The first game was against Belmont. It started in dynamic fashion, with sophomore keeper Griffin Burkey making 3 saves in the first 3 minutes.

That’s not to say that the game was in Belmont’s hands. Winchester had some first-rate shots as well – but Colin Hickey’s powerful strike was saved by the Belmont goalie, and when the ball bounced out to Daniel O’Connell’s feet, was saved again despite a strong attempt at goal. The score at halftime was nil-nil.

Patient and relentless, Winchester opened up the scoring early in the second half with a well-struck ball from Josh DiNardo, hit from outside the box. Not five minutes later, Mark Calnan, in an impressive solo effort, carried the ball down the right side of the field and finished with an outstanding strike.

To Belmont’s credit, they took one back with a ball lofted high over the Winchester goalie and in. But Belmont could do no more, and the final score was 2-1.

Winchester 3, Woburn 1

Mark Calnan scored a hat trick in Friday’s game against Woburn. His first goal came in the opening minutes, catching a very strong Woburn squad by surprise. His follow-up goal, just a few minutes later, had the Woburn team fuming. Woburn has a skilled and speedy team, and they were by no means ready to throw in the towel. In fact, taking advantage of some confusion in Winchester’s defense, Woburn took back one goal as well as the momentum for the rest of the first half. Woburn had multiple chances to score again, but lacked the composure to finish.

In the second half, despite a well-organized Woburn team, Mark Calnan scored once more for Winchester, completing the first hat trick of the season. From that point on, Woburn’s efforts to score became more frantic, but time trickled out with Winchester holding the 3-1 win.