The Merrimack High School wrestling team got off to a solid start at the Milford Souhegan Invitational Tournament.

Sophomore Anson Dewar won the 145-pound weight class, and he did it in style. Teammate Jake Newman also had a fine day, grabbing third place at 170 pounds. The Tomahawks, who feature big numbers and should continue to rise, head to Hollis Brookline Saturday for the Nor’easter Invitational Tournament.

TOMAHAWKS OPEN SHARP

The Merrimack High girls basketball team cruised in its opener, 64-22, over Trinity. The Tomahawks were paced by nine points each by Sammi D’Amico and Theresa Twardosky, and eight apiece by Emma Valuzzi and Shannon Sadwahni. Merrimack is at Goffstown Friday.

TOMAHAWK HOCKEY READY

TO ROLL

Goffstown spoiled the Merrimack opener, winning 10-5, but that won’t dim the excitement for the Tomahawks as the boys ice hockey season kicks into gear.

Merrimack found the back of the net first, just 2:10 in the game with a goal by Drew Lemire. Goffstown balanced out their attack and were able to take a 3-1 at the end of the first period. Zach Stimeling led the offense with two goals and Zach Richard scored one. Merrimack heads to Timberlane on Saturday.

Merrimack, meanwhile, will be young this year after returning to the tournament last year despite a 7-10-1 regular season. They have leading scorer Stimeling (15 goals, 11 assists) back and are feeling good about new starting goalie Ben Hardy, a sophomore, a backup a year ago.

“We believe he’s poised to be one of the best in our division this year,” Tomahawks coach Dan Belliveau said.

Merrimack hockey

capsule preview

COACH: Dan Belliveau (second year)

LAST SEASON: 7-11-1, lost to Oyster River in first round.

RETURNING REGULARS: Zach Stimeling, jr. fd; Andrew Frothingham, jr. fd; Matt Warrington, jr. def; Dom Carozza, so. fd.

OTHER RETURNING LETTER WINNERS: Ben Hardy, so.goalie; Jason De Beaucourt, so.def; Dylan Sadowski, so.fd; Cam Higham, so.fd; Kai Schimp, jr. fd; Joe Pillsbury, so.def; Zach Richard, jr. fd.

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Noah Melker, sr. fd; Alex Lapointe, so.fd; Matt Risitano, so.fd; Quinten Piccolo, fr. fd; Drew Lemire, fr.def; Jay Wozniak, jr. goalie.