By IVY ASHE

Spring sports hit their stride this week, with several games taking place on home turf. Tomorrow, boys’ lacrosse plays Falmouth at 11:30 a.m., while the girls’ squad takes on St. Helens/St. Katherines — visiting all the way from Britain — under the lights at 6:30 p.m.

On Monday, the girls’ tennis team plays Sandwich at 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday brings a new flurry of action, with the track teams taking on Eastern Athletic Conference opponent Somerset and girls’ lacrosse and softball competing against Coyle-Cassidy. Play begins at 3:00 p.m.

The baseball team takes on visiting Pope John Paul II High Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Thursday marks the home opener for boys’ tennis, which takes on Chatham at 3 p.m. Boys’ lacrosse plays Sandwich on Thursday, also at 3:00 p.m.

Baseball (Season Preview)

A “strong group of kids from last year” returns to the field for the 2012 season, head coach Gary Simmons told the Gazette. Just two players from last year’s team graduated (number one starter Ben Ciciora and third baseman Corey Perrotta); senior Will Stewart is expected to take Ciciora’s role, while seniors Mike Montanile and Harry West will step in for Perrotta.

The rest of the pitching lineup is “starting to shake out,” said coach Simmons. Senior Ryan Fisher moves to the number two spot in the rotation, with the third spot filled by — depending on the day — Andrew Williamson, Jack Roberts and Alec Tattersall. In addition to occasionally pitching, Roberts also holds down shortstop. Stewart and Fisher both play outfield when not on the mound.

Senior Stuart Hirsch will play first base, with Chris Morris at second and Ramon Espino on the backstop. Oliver Filley, Kyp Cooperrider, Noah Stobie and Brendan Maseda are also expected to start.

“It’s a great group to have,” said coach Simmons. Scores from Wednesday’s opener against Plymouth South were unavailable at press time.

Boys’ Lacrosse

The boys split their schedule this week, taking home a dominant 10-4 win in the season opener against Pembroke and falling 9-8 to league opponent Bishop Feehan.

The team came out strong against Feehan, taking an early 2-0 lead, but went flat in the second and third quarter to fall behind 9-4 at the start of the fourth. The Vineyarders kicked back into gear in the fourth, but could not make up the deficit.

“We just ran out of time,” head coach Chris Greene said of the late-game rally. Senior goalie Nelson Dickson had sixteen saves against Feehan. Coach Greene also praised the work of seniors Conor Smith and Colby Gouldrup. Gouldrup won 13 of 17 faceoffs.

Junior Nick Costello led the Vineyard offense during Friday’s game against Pembroke with five goals, while senior Charlie Everett had two goals and three assists. Every player came off the bench, allowing the less seasoned players to get game experience.

Girls’ Lacrosse

The girls began their season in top form, notching a 15-1 win over EAC opponent Bishop Feehan. Eight different players scored for the Vineyard, with junior Alayna Hutchinson turning in four goals and sophomore Molly Wallace landing three. Senior Madison Hughes, dominant on the center draw, scored two goals; sophomore Isabel Smith also scored twice. Junior Jennie Lindland landed one goal and had two assists, as did junior Jenny Hart and freshman Lucy Hackney.

Senior April Hargy held down the net, coming up with seven key saves.