Sports
A decisive shutout for the Vineyard boys that showcased an unsung defense and a bittersweet loss for the girls that capped a strong season were the benchmarks of the weekend as the early rounds of high school soccer playoffs got underway.
The Martha’s Vineyard girls soccer team is moving on to the second round of the playoffs after a physical 2-1 victory over Dighton-Rehoboth Friday at home.
For the first time in six years, the Island Cup is staying on the Vineyard. In a battle of wills, the Vineyarders outlasted Nantucket 14-13, holding their rivals scoreless in the second half.
The ultimate inter-Island rivalry is rekindled this week, as the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School prepares to host Nantucket in a slate of fall sports contests culminating Saturday in a battle for the coveted Island Cup.
The regional high school golf team placed second at the division three state finals Tuesday afternoon, giving retiring Coach Doug Debettencourt a celebratory send-off after 20 years at the helm.
Richard Bennett has spent nearly 20 years on the fields behind the West Tisbury school helping young soccer players grow into competitive athletes.