AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Phone Icon 508-304-8556right-arrow

Personal Care Consultation

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for debi C.
551
Google

“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week”

Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week helping my wife on her return from Knollwood. She is most attentive, helpful and pleasant. It is hard to find a nicer person to have sharing ones home. We are very pleased you chose her to be with us.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Olga D.
551
Google

“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s”

I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s extended home care. When I called you for assistance with Thelma’s home care needs you were such a good listener and I could feel your warmth and good spirit over the phone
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Home Care Services for lori L.
551
Google

“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job”

I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job she is doing with my dad by providing in home care. She is caring, engaging , and provides professional services and the best companionship for my Dad !! Great job to Always Best Care !!!!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Non-medical Home Care for Kristin B.
551
Caring

“Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care following repeated hospitalizations over a 9 month”

Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care following repeated hospitalizations over a 9 month period and ensuing hospice care. We called Kingsley, the Director, who was kind, gracious, professional, and knowledgeable. Flexible scheduling was also a priority and we always received immediate attention. The Director even brought over the PCAs personally to introduce them and would visit to ensure our mother’s needs were being met.The office staff and PCAs were kind and professional. Overall would highly recommend this agency.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Annette G.
551
Facebook

“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said”

Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said they could help us for the care of my husband. The care takers are responsible, and really care for the person and caretaker. Their secretary is very professional and helpful and always gets back to me. Kingsley is fantastic, professional, caring, and goes over an beyond his call of his profession. We are very thankful for Always Best Care and I have recommended them to friends and rehab centers.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Diane
551
Caring

“Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful. The person who answers the telephone (her”

Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful. The person who answers the telephone (her name is Donna), and she's older like we are. She has a clue about what we're talking about when we're asking for help and why, so it becomes a very personal conversation. I was introduced to the director. He is an RN, plus a few other things. When he comes in to do the assessment for what you need, he works really hard at putting together the right caregiver with the person asking. He was just absolutely lovely. We needed somebody who could drive to do errands, and then I needed help with the laundry and occasional meals. The caregiver picks up and tidies around. She does bathing for my husband, who is almost bedbound. She does other simple health-related things for him. For me, she helps with my bathing because I have a bad back and bad knees. She's nice, and she's sweet. She can be a little tough when she needs to be, which is what we wanted. Not to be abusive, but just someone with a firm hand. When you don't feel well, you tend to act like a 7-year-old; it doesn't matter how old you are. She is just lovely. We couldn't ask for anything better.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Non-medical Home Care for Boakye V.
551
Google

“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company.”

It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company. I was not left on my own when I started working, everyone is friendly and pleasant.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Home Care Services for chief M.
551
Google

“Staff was very professional during consultation.”

Staff was very professional during consultation.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Home Care for Emelia F.
551
Facebook

“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and”

The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and find them the right cases. The pay is also very great
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Personal Senior Care for Anna R.
551
Google

“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their”

Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their clients and employees! Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking for care for themselves or a loved one, or a new job!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care Services for Bobbi D.
551
Website

“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”

Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week helping my wife on her return from Knollwood. She is most attentive, helpful and pleasant. It is hard to find a nicer person to have sharing ones home. We are very pleased you chose her to be with us.”

debi C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s extended home care. When I called you for assistance with Thelma’s home care needs you were such a good listener and I could feel your warmth and good spirit over the phone”

Olga D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job she is doing with my dad by providing in home care. She is caring, engaging , and provides professional services and the best companionship for my Dad !! Great job to Always Best Care !!!!”

lori L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care following repeated hospitalizations over a 9 month period and ensuing hospice care. We called Kingsley, the Director, who was kind, gracious, professional, and knowledgeable. Flexible scheduling was also a priority and we always received immediate attention. The Director even brought over the PCAs personally to introduce them and would visit to ensure our mother’s needs were being met.The office staff and PCAs were kind and professional. Overall would highly recommend this agency.”

Kristin B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said they could help us for the care of my husband. The care takers are responsible, and really care for the person and caretaker. Their secretary is very professional and helpful and always gets back to me. Kingsley is fantastic, professional, caring, and goes over an beyond his call of his profession. We are very thankful for Always Best Care and I have recommended them to friends and rehab centers.”

Annette G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful. The person who answers the telephone (her name is Donna), and she's older like we are. She has a clue about what we're talking about when we're asking for help and why, so it becomes a very personal conversation. I was introduced to the director. He is an RN, plus a few other things. When he comes in to do the assessment for what you need, he works really hard at putting together the right caregiver with the person asking. He was just absolutely lovely. We needed somebody who could drive to do errands, and then I needed help with the laundry and occasional meals. The caregiver picks up and tidies around. She does bathing for my husband, who is almost bedbound. She does other simple health-related things for him. For me, she helps with my bathing because I have a bad back and bad knees. She's nice, and she's sweet. She can be a little tough when she needs to be, which is what we wanted. Not to be abusive, but just someone with a firm hand. When you don't feel well, you tend to act like a 7-year-old; it doesn't matter how old you are. She is just lovely. We couldn't ask for anything better.”

Diane
×
TESTIMONIALS

“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company. I was not left on my own when I started working, everyone is friendly and pleasant.”

Boakye V.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Staff was very professional during consultation.”

chief M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and find them the right cases. The pay is also very great”

Emelia F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their clients and employees! Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking for care for themselves or a loved one, or a new job!”

Anna R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”

Bobbi D.
In-Home Care Worcester, MA

How does In-home Senior Care in Worcester, MA work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light
Senior Care Worcester, MA

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Worcester, MA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Worcester, MA gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Respite Care Worcester, MA

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Worcester,MA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Caregivers Worcester, MA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light

Latest News in Worcester, MA

Holy Cross gets back on track as Matthew Sluka, Jalen Coker power offense in rout of Yale

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — As disappointing as it was, Holy Cross had no choice but to move on quickly from last week’s three-point loss at Boston College.Less than 24 hours after the 31-28 setback, the Crusaders were back in their weight room, watching film and preparing for their next challenge...

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — As disappointing as it was, Holy Cross had no choice but to move on quickly from last week’s three-point loss at Boston College.

Less than 24 hours after the 31-28 setback, the Crusaders were back in their weight room, watching film and preparing for their next challenge at Yale.

“We didn’t play a bad game last week,” Holy Cross senior quarterback Matthew Sluka said. “It was just an unfortunate ending, so (this week) it was just making sure we came out and did our job and finished the game.”

Sluka rushed for two touchdowns and passed for four TDs, including three to classmate Jalen Coker, while leading an inspired offensive effort and the No. 5/6 Crusaders crushed the Bulldogs, 49-24, at the Yale Bowl.

The Holy Cross defense held Yale to seven points and 153 yards in the second half.

“Our offense,” HC coach Bob Chesney said, “what a show we put on. We started a little slow and I think defensively there are a lot of young guys out there, so it takes a little bit for us to figure it out, but I thought in the second half we did a really nice job. We were very confident that we were going to be able to move the ball and continue to move the ball throughout the day.”

Sluka, who had HC in position to beat BC and register its third straight win over a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent, completed 22 of 29 pass attempts for 270 yards, and carried 14 times for 98 yards while leading Holy Cross’ balanced attack.

With nine catches for 124 yards, Coker had his second 100-yard receiving game of the season.

“I knew there were certain plays I was going to find him on,” Sluka said, “and had certain looks. I was just making sure I gave him an accurate, catchable football, and let him do the work and that’s it. Just make sure he’s in the right spot.”

Coker matched a single-game career high with three touchdown receptions.

“(Sluka) is my guy,” Coker said. “My job is to go get it and wherever he puts it, it’s my job to go get it. We’ve been practicing this for four years now, so it’s just second nature at this point.”

Sluka threw an 8-yard TD pass to junior tight end Jacob Peterson, and junior running back Jordan Fuller scored his seventh rushing touchdown of the season.

The Crusaders punted only once, late in the fourth quarter. HC averaged 8.63 yards per play in the first half, and 7.01 yards for the game.

“We were competing at very high level on offensive side,” Chesney said.

In Holy Cross’ first 32 meetings with Yale, the Crusaders defeated the Bulldogs only four times.

Since a 31-28 overtime win against Yale in 2018, which was Chesney’s first victory as HC coach, and after Saturday’s trouncing, the Crusaders have won four of the last five games in the series.

Yale, the defending Ivy League champion and the preseason favorite to repeat, was playing its 2023 opener.

BC snapped Holy Cross’ overall regular-season winning streak at 18 games, but HC extended its regular-season winning streak over FCS foes to 18 games.

Holy Cross scored three touchdowns on its four first-half possessions. Sophomore Luis Palenzuela missed his first career field-goal attempt, from 33 yards, on the other. Palenzuela remained perfect on PATs this season.

HC took its first lead midway through the second quarter when Sluka found Coker in one-on-one coverage in the right corner of the end zone and threw a perfect ball to Coker’s outside shoulder.

After a quick Yale three-and-out, Holy Cross scored again as Sluka, who converted a fourth-and-one early in the drive, scored from 17 yards out for a 21-10 lead.

Following a kickoff out of bounds, the Bulldogs went 65 yards in 45 seconds and scored on senior quarterback Nolan Grooms’ 9-yard pass to senior Mason Tipton.

HC led, 21-17, at halftime, and like in last week’s game, scored a crucial touchdown coming out in the second half.

During the 75-yard scoring drive, senior running back Jordan Forrest converted a big third down at midfield and Sluka a fourth down inside the Yale 5 before hooking up again with Coker on a 4-yard TD.

HC had the ball for 10 minutes of the third, and finished off a long drive 52 seconds into fourth with Fuller’s 11-yard TD run up the middle.

Fuller, who had a quiet first half, rushed for 54 yards on 12 carries. Senior Tyler Purdy carried eight times for 51 yards, and had an important third-down conversion during one of HC’s second-quarter scoring drives.

The Bulldogs, coached by Oxford native Tony Reno, scored on backup quarterback Marshall Howe’s 4-yard pass to Spencer Mermans with 27 seconds left.

Holy Cross senior linebacker Jacob Dobbs had a game-high 17 tackles.

“I thought our defensive line played phenomenal,” Dobbs said. “We have some young guys up front, but those guys play so hard, and the secondary, they run to the football and they cover guys. It’s really easy to play linebacker when you have everybody around you doing their job to an elite level.”

Grooms, the 2022 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year, was 12-17 for 112 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries.

Yale had eight penalties for 68 yards, including an illegal substitution that gave HC a first-and-goal at the 3-yard line in the second quarter and a personal foul on HC’s opening drive of the second half.

Burncoat enjoying turnaround as offensive burst dispatches Abby Kelley

CorrespondentWORCESTER — In a nutshell, the surging Burncoat High football team, a week removed from a 34-point win over Bartlett High, was again clicking on all cylinders during Saturday afternoon's matchup with Abby Kelley. The hard-working Bears suffered the consequences.The Patriots started fast and finished strong and received impressive individual performances from a number of players on both sides of the ball, the end result was Burncoat cruising to a 41-8 win at Berkshire Bank Field at Foley Stadium...

Correspondent

WORCESTER — In a nutshell, the surging Burncoat High football team, a week removed from a 34-point win over Bartlett High, was again clicking on all cylinders during Saturday afternoon's matchup with Abby Kelley. The hard-working Bears suffered the consequences.

The Patriots started fast and finished strong and received impressive individual performances from a number of players on both sides of the ball, the end result was Burncoat cruising to a 41-8 win at Berkshire Bank Field at Foley Stadium.

Burncoat (2-0) has outscored its opponents, 75-8. The Patriots played shutout ball over the first seven quarters of the season before Abby Kelley tallied a touchdown with 9:59 to go in the fourth quarter yesterday.

More:Hometeam Central Mass. high school football standings, leaders

"We're definitely playing well on defense – coach Douglas (Graylan, defensive coordinator) has those guys working very hard," Burncoat coach Rick Cincotta said. "We're 2-0 and we've won as many games as we did last year. So, we're very far ahead of where we were last year at this point. The kids are buying into the program. They are working with us and they're learning what we want to teach them, and then doing it on the field. I'm very proud of them."

Burncoat senior defensive tackle/tight end George Paye was a force defensively, recording 12 tackles and four sacks, the second resulting in a safety.

"I love going out there, being active, playing defense and just making the team better," Paye said. "But we're all about team here. We spent a lot of time in the offseason working out and practicing together and building a team bond. Also, just hanging out together, outside of practice, and getting to know each other better."

More:'We're coming for everyone' Motivated Doherty High makes statement with win over Leominster

"And I wouldn't be able to do anything without my captains, Jack King, Calvin Njenga, Jose Otero and JD, Janderick Quinones Sierra," Paye added. "We're all just out there working as a team, trying to make this year, our year. Just doing our thing, having fun. Making the city proud."

The Patriots' offense was jumpstarted by several players, headlined by senior quarterback Jack King (6 of 7 passing, 109 yards) and sophomore running back Marcus Dascelin (94 rushing yards, 2 TDs).

King sees good things when the subject turns to Burncoat football.

More:'This is a defining moment' South High rallies to edge Grafton in thriller

"We've been hearing what people have been saying about the league (Inter High) being a two-man competition between Doherty and South, but we're working hard every week to put ourselves in that conversation," King said.

"We've struggled with consistency (on offense) in the past, and now we're looking to turn that around," King said. "Our guys remember that inconsistency from last year. We were 2-9 last year and we're looking to flip that around to 9-2 this year."

King and his teammates built a commanding 28-0 lead by the intermission.

The Patriots wasted little time, sandwiching three big touchdowns around two safeties in the first half. King uncorked a 43-yard touchdown toss to sophomore D.J. Daniels in the first quarter, accounting for the first TD. Daniels also ran in the two-point conversion, increasing Burncoat's advantage to 10-0.

King let loose another TD toss in the second quarter, hitting senior wide receiver Declan Hughes with a 26-yard pass. Daniels ran in the conversion.

The Patriots' third TD of the half came with less than a minute to go when Dascelin made good on an 8-yard scoring scamper. Dascelin capped the drive with a successful rush on the two-point conversion.

Burncoat retained control throughout the second half. Dascelin (29-yard rush) and senior running back Janderick Quinones Sierra (7-yard rush) scored the TD's. Senior Thimjos Richards kicked one extra point.

Abby Kelley got on the board late in the game when senior wide receiver Joshua Annin caught a 69-yard pass from junior quarterback Prince Woods. Woods ran in the conversion.

"It was a good win and we're glad to be 2-0, but we're not satisfied," Cincotta said. "We've got to keep going."

—Contact Craig Holt at [email protected].

FOOTBALL: Yale takes on Holy Cross in 2023 season opener

Yale AthleticsThe Yale football team (0–0, 0–0 Ivy) will meet No. 6 Holy Cross (1–1, 0–0 Patriot) at the Yale Bowl at noon this Saturday for their first matchup of the season.The Bulldogs are looking to start their 2023 season off on the right foot, thoroughly preparing to face the Crusaders, who have already logged a win and a close three-point loss to Boston College. Despite the Elis’ clean slate, they feel more than ready to take on their first opponent.“It’s an opportunity fo...

Yale Athletics

The Yale football team (0–0, 0–0 Ivy) will meet No. 6 Holy Cross (1–1, 0–0 Patriot) at the Yale Bowl at noon this Saturday for their first matchup of the season.

The Bulldogs are looking to start their 2023 season off on the right foot, thoroughly preparing to face the Crusaders, who have already logged a win and a close three-point loss to Boston College. Despite the Elis’ clean slate, they feel more than ready to take on their first opponent.

“It’s an opportunity for us to put our best foot forward,” Head Coach Tony Reno said. “We truly think we play a game against ourselves every week [and] that hasn’t changed, so it’s how well can we play Yale football week one.”

Out of the last nine games against Holy Cross, Yale has triumphed in five. Yale football most recently went head-to-head against Holy Cross on Sept. 17 last year, when the Blue and White lost 38–14.

Yale did see success in a 78-yard, eight-play drive completed with a one-yard run by running back Nathan Denney ’25 in the second quarter and an eight-yard scoring play, where backup quarterback Austin Tutas ’25 passed to wide receiver Ryan Lindley ’24, in the fourth quarter.

“We are very fortunate that we can have such a good test at the start of the season, but like anything else it’s a test, not the final,” Reno said. “Each week, we’ve got to grow from that, but for us, it’s how good can we be week one.”

With 27 additions to the team and another year of training for the players, Yale looks to improve their offensive and defensive play against Holy Cross and establish a firm, coordinated effort.

Last season, the Bulldogs closed out Ivy play on a high note, adding to their three game winning streak with a 19–14 win against Harvard at The Game on Nov. 19. The Elis completed their season with a record of 8–2 overall and 6–1 in the conference, earning them the title of Ivy League Champions.

“My vision [for the team] is this pyramid of who we are and everything we do,” Wande Owens ’24, captain and defensive back, said. “At the top it says ‘150 being an elite team,’ and that’s the goal we’re working towards.”

Holy Cross began their season with a dominant position with a 42–20 win against Merrimack on Sept. 2. Despite their initial success, they faltered in their second game of the season, tallying a 31–28 loss to Boston College on Sept. 9.

The Crusaders are currently No. 6 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association football Stats Perform poll and No. 5 in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision Coaches poll. Holy Cross was ranked No. 5 in the Stats Perform and American Football Coaches Association preseason polls. Yale received votes in both polls.

“I’m excited just because playing games like this so early makes things come easier come November,” Nolan Grooms ’24, starting quarterback, said. “It’s a big challenge for us, but we’re excited.”

Last year, Holy Cross advanced to the FCS quarterfinals for the first time since 1983 after winning the fourth straight Patriot League conference title. Leading their team is quarterback Matthew Sluka, 2023 Patriot League preseason offensive player of the year, who finished last season with 11 rushing touchdowns and 1,234 yards on the ground while completing 153 passes for 2,489 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Receiver Jalen Coker also led Holy Cross last season with 11 touchdown receptions and 912 receiving yards.

On Yale’s offense, Grooms received the 2022 Asa S. Bushnell Cup as Ivy League offensive player of the year, earned first-team All-Ivy recognition and is in consideration for the 2023 Walter Payton Award, as he threw for 1,660 yards and rushed 726 last season. Running back Joshua Pitsenberger ’26 also rushed for 620 yards and tallied eight touchdowns in an impressive rookie season.

“Even the first half of last year, I had my troubles as quarterback, but it’s easy when you have 100 of your closest friends right beside you,” Grooms said.

The Crusaders were also ranked first in the Patriot League in total defense (331.5 yards per game) and scoring defense (21.5 points per game) last season, partially due to Linebacker and four-time Captain Jacob Dobbs, who is now back from being injured in Week 4 of the 2022 season. In his 34 career contests, he tallied 309 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks.

Defensively, the Elis return several strong performers in 2022, including Owens — who tied linebacker Hamilton Moore ’24 in leading the team with 63 tackles — in addition to being selected as first-team All-Ivy. Owens was named captain of Team 150 and had one sack and six tackles for loss. Moore also led the team with four interceptions. The Blue and White have welcomed six defensive lineman and six defensive backs to the team in the class of 2027.

“It’s not just me leading a team, it’s the senior class, the junior class, the sophomore class, even there are leaders in the freshman class, bringing everybody along to help us accomplish this common goal,” Owens said. “We have a lot of returning guys and some new guys, so it’s about developing that chemistry and trusting each other to do our jobs.”

Despite the strong form of Holy Cross, the Bulldogs are confident in their abilities to take on the Crusaders and defend their home turf.

This weekend’s matchup is set to kick off at noon at the Yale Bowl and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Fans get autographs, photos, balls, and even jerseys during WooSox home finale (photos)

WORCESTER -- The WooSox closed out the final home game of the season at Polar Park with a lopsided come-from-behind win and sent fans into the offseason happy after a full day of fan appreciation activities.Before the game, the entire team lined the warning track at tables to sign autographs (and take a few pictures, if fans asked) for a steady stream of hundreds and hundreds of people waiting to meet their favorite players.During pregame ceremonies, the annual WooSox awards were given out. Bobby Dalbec, who was called up to th...

WORCESTER -- The WooSox closed out the final home game of the season at Polar Park with a lopsided come-from-behind win and sent fans into the offseason happy after a full day of fan appreciation activities.

Before the game, the entire team lined the warning track at tables to sign autographs (and take a few pictures, if fans asked) for a steady stream of hundreds and hundreds of people waiting to meet their favorite players.

During pregame ceremonies, the annual WooSox awards were given out. Bobby Dalbec, who was called up to the Red Sox on Saturday, was named WooSox MVP, and starter Kyle Barraclough, who went 8-1 since joining the WooSox in late June, won Pitcher of the Year. Narciso Crook won the “Geddy Good Guy” award for his work in the community, David Hamilton won the “Mr. Worcester” award, and “The Heart of the Heart” award went to Ryan Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald also received another special honor, as he was presented with the key to the city of Worcester by Mayor Joe Petty.

After a 11-5 win over the Syracuse Mets, the WooSox continued their tradition of giving their shirts off their backs to lucky fans from the stands. They also threw signed soft baseballs into the stands, and players tossed gear into the stands. Fitzgerald emptied out his locker, even giving away his cleats and uniform pants.

WooSox 11, Mets 5

Niko Kavadas had a huge day at the plate, driving in five runs on two hits, including a three-run home run that broke the game open in the sixth. Nick Sogard had a three-hit day and drove in a pair of runs, and Valdez, Ronaldo Hernandez and Corey Rosier all had two hits apiece.

Starter Shane Drohan ran into trouble early and was unable to get out of the first inning with his pitch count soaring to 35 pitches after getting just two outs. He was touched for three runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.

However, the bullpen held things together for the last 8 1/3 innings. Zack Kelly made his second rehab appearance with the WooSox, tossing a 1-2-3 inning. Bryan Mata made his first appearance on the mound since May, getting touched for a run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Between Luis Guerrero, Joe Jacques and A.J. Politi, the WooSox didn’t allow a hit in the final three innings.

What’s Next

The WooSox season isn’t quite done yet. They’ll finish out the final six games on the road against Lehigh Valley. The final game of the season is Sunday, September 24.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Syracuse Mets drop 2023 road season finale, 11-5

Worcester, MA – The Syracuse Mets ran into hot hitting from the Worcester Red Sox, who scored 11 runs on 13 hits on their way to an 11-5 win on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Polar Park. The WooSox ensured the two teams would split the six-game series with their win on Sunday afternoon. The Mets had taken three out of the first five games in the series. Syracuse finishes their 75-game road slate in the 2023 season with a 32-43 record.For the second straight day, Syracuse (25-41, 58-82) gifted their starting pitcher some earl...

Worcester, MA – The Syracuse Mets ran into hot hitting from the Worcester Red Sox, who scored 11 runs on 13 hits on their way to an 11-5 win on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Polar Park. The WooSox ensured the two teams would split the six-game series with their win on Sunday afternoon. The Mets had taken three out of the first five games in the series. Syracuse finishes their 75-game road slate in the 2023 season with a 32-43 record.

For the second straight day, Syracuse (25-41, 58-82) gifted their starting pitcher some early run support. They scored three times in the top of the first, highlighted by a two-run double from Jose Peroza and an RBI single from Michael Perez. All three of the Mets runs scored in the top of the first inning came with two outs. Best of all, Syracuse chased Worcester (38-30, 77-66) starter Shane Drohan from the game early, as he only recorded two outs and left after six batters faced and 35 pitches thrown.

The Mets added a little more run support in the top of the fourth. After Peroza doubled to start the inning, he moved to third on a one-out flyout and stayed on third after a two-out walk to Carlos Cortes extended the inning. Wyatt Young then hit a little dribbler on the left side of the infield that he beat out for a single, scoring Peroza to up the Syracuse lead to 4-0.

From there, it all snowballed on Syracuse. David Griffin began the game with three scoreless innings, striking out four batters in those frames. In the fourth, he began the frame with consecutive walks to Enmanuel Valdez and Ronaldo Hernández, and after a Corey Rosier flyout, a Narciso Crook single loaded up the bases with one out. Then, Niko Kavadas dunked a shallow single down into left field that scored two runs and made it a 4-2 game. Griffin escaped the inning without further trouble, eventually completing his line on the afternoon. The Massachusetts native went four innings in his return to his home state, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

In the fifth, the WooSox took the lead for good with an offensive flurry. They scored four runs on four hits plus two walks and a costly error, roaring out to a 6-4 lead that they would never relinquish. Nick Sogard, Hernández and Rosier contributed RBI hits in the four-run flurry of an inning. Worcester sent 10 men to the plate in the fifth inning.

The Mets briefly crawled back to within one run in the top of the sixth when Michael Perez launched a solo home run to dead centerfield, his second home run in as many games. He also homered in Friday night’s game and had the night off on Saturday. However, in the bottom of the sixth, the WooSox put the game officially out of reach with four more runs to make it a 10-5 game. The fateful blow of the frame was a two-out, three-run home run from Niko Kavadas that turned it into a 10-5 advantage for the home team. Kavadas hit three home runs this week and now has 21 home runs combined between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

Worcester wrapped up their scoring in the seventh via another two-out home run, this one from Sogard that made it an 11-5 game. Sogard finished the game 3-for-5 with a double, a home run two runs driven in and three runs scored. Most impressively, the WooSox pitching staff held down the fort after Drohan’s rocky start. By the end of the ballgame, eight different Red Sox pitchers appeared in the game. Worcester held Syracuse off the scoreboard in the final three innings. In fact, the Mets did not have a hit and had just two total baserunners in the final three innings.

Syracuse now returns to NBT Bank Stadium to play its final six games of the 2023 season, taking on the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The first game of the final homestand of the season is slated for a 6:35 start on Tuesday evening. José Chacin is scheduled to take the mound for the Mets.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.