By Mike Rubin

Fall Sports officially began last Thursday for all the Somerville High programs.

With the fall sports in full swing, the Somerville High School sports programs are aiming for another successful season.

“We had a great run last year, and we’re hoping for another strong turnout again this year,” said athletic director Nicole Viele. “So far, the turnout is very strong, and we’re very pleased to have another school year underway.”

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Somerville boys soccer advanced to the Division 1 North Semifinals. The Highlanders are aiming for another strong run guided by several strong returning upperclassmen. Coaching the squad again is George Scarpelli, who returns for another season.

Guiding the girls soccer squad is Jason Lenicheck, who led the Highlanders to another Division 1 North tournament appearance last year before losing in a 9-0 rout to Westford Academy.

Leading the cross country boys and girls squads is Charlie Tesch, who experienced a lot of success last year. While the girls won the league, the boys emerged as one of the top squads in as well. The team also boasted several boys and girls athletes qualify for the Division 1 Eastern Mass state meet.

Leading the golf squad will be Jay Hart, who returns for another season while Lauren Poussard is once again aiming to guide the volleyball team to new and exciting heights.

With last Thursday being anointed as the first official day of fall sports, the teams are preparing for the start of the regular season, which begins shortly after Labor Day.