NEW BEDFORD — The Lakers boys and girls winter track & field teams left the Z. Walter Janiak Fieldhouse with victories over Dighton-Rehoboth High School on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

The win propelled the boys’ record to 2-2, and the girls stayed perfect on the season, improving to 3-0.

“About three weeks from now [the girls] will have a chance to compete for the conference championship,” said Apponequet Head Coach Alex Walecka. “The goal is to improve each week but in the back of our minds, we want to win the conference title.”

Walecka said that the girls’ team is well rounded, and has been “clicking” each meet.

“Typically we have about 30 girls on the team — but this year we have 50,” Walecka explained.

According to Walecka, both teams have younger rosters than usual, but also feature a number of talented athletes.

Senior Nathan Furtado, who Walecka described as “passionate and dedicated,” came in first in the two-mile race at the event, sealing the victory for the boys.

“He’s been with us for four years and you can see all of the work he has put in over the summer months,” said Walecka. “Distance wise, he has been the anchor for us for four years.”

Off the track, Junior Judson Cardinali took home first place in the boys high jump event after clearing a bar raised 5’10” off of the ground. According to Walecka, Cardinali is extremely athletic and also plays on Apponequet’s soccer and tennis teams.

In short distance running, Senior Justin Serrecchia and Junior Dane Magpayo led the way for the Lakers. Serrecchia has qualified for the state tournament in 55 and 300 meter sprints. Magpayo has qualified for the 55 meter sprint in the state tournament.

Walecka said that the two upperclassmen help serve as an example for their younger teammates. “Both of them really lead the workouts on a daily basis and help motivate the younger athletes,” said Walecka.

On the girls side, Walecka praised Senior Morgan Hayward, who qualified for the state tournament’s 55 and 600 meter races. “She’s the type of athlete we can plug into any race and she’ll do phenomenal for us,” said Walecka. “She’s very coachable and has been a great leader for our team.”

Hayward won the girls’ high jump event at the meet, and is the teams top shot put thrower according to Walecka.

Walecka also named Seniors Hailey Desmaris and Reagan Flynn and Sophomore Leah McGee as top contributors for the girls’ team.

Both teams will next square off against the Somerset Berkley Regional High School on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Z. Walter Janiak Fieldhouse.