St. Mary’s boys hockey team advanced to Wednesday’s Cardinal Classic title game at Olympia Ice Center, but couldn’t quite finish the job in a 3-1 loss to Pope Francis – the No. 2 seed in Division 1 (MIAA).

Pope Francis got out to a 1-0 lead after one, but St. Mary’s Chase Collins tucked an equalizer early in the second from Cam McGonagle. From there, however, it was all the victors, who won the shot battle 43-24.

“We played really well today,” said St. Mary’s coach Matt Smith, whose Spartans concluded the regular season with an 11-10-1 record. “The team is starting to come together at the right time.”

McGonagle and netminder Matt Smith Jr. (78 saves on 81 shots) were named to the All-Tournament Team.

BOYS HOCKEY

Lynn 4

East Boston 3

At Porrazzo Skating Rink in Boston, the visiting Jets concluded the regular season in style with a 4-3 overtime win. Nicholas DeNino went home with 17 saves, while Jayden LeBlanc, John Crowley, Anthony Alessi, and Tyler Witten all found the back of the net.

TRACK AND FIELD

In Wednesday’s Massachusetts Scholastic Weight Throw Championship at the Reggie Lewis Center, Peabody was well-represented with several strong performances.

In the boys’ 25-pound weight throw, Alex Jackson won the event with a school-record toss of 61-7, which was almost 4’ better than his previous best. Alessandra Forgione placed 10th in the girls’ 20-pound weight throw, while Matt Ryder had a personal best 36’ in the 25-pounder.

GIRLS HOCKEY

North Andover 2

Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading 1

After two scoreless periods, Wednesday brought three third-period goals. Unfortunately for PLNR, two belonged to the opposition. Despite a strike from Ava Buckley (Daniella White assist) to open the scoring, North Andover tucked the next two en route to a 2-1 finish. 

BOYS BASKETBALL

St. Mary’s 86

Arlington Catholic 56

This one was never in doubt at the Tony C. Gymnasium, as St. Mary’s put on a show to beat Arlington Catholic by 30 points. Sharpshooter Kyle Rush led the charge with seven 3-pointers for the Spartans, who concluded the regular season with a 16-7 record.