2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Taunton is coming off a state championship and a perfect season, but there will be plenty of competition for the league crown this season. Read team-by-team previews below. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2021 Record: 9-7
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Mark Homer
Last spring, Attleboro was an inning away from upsetting crosstown rival Bishop Feehan and reaching the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. The Bombardiers were also the only team to score on state champ Taunton. That is a good foundation to build on coming into a new season, as Attleboro brings back a strong core of players looking to challenge the top two in the Kelley-Rex and make another state tournament push.

Senior Lindsey Perry, who can also play second base, will be in the circle for the Bombardiers to start the season and will be throwing to sophomore Rylie Camacho, who had an impressive debut campaign at the plate and in the field. Senior Hailey Perry is coming back from a knee injury but should be at shortstop early in the season. Attleboro added pitching depth this season with junior Lily Routhier transferring in from Wheelock School (R.I.). Routhier will also play center field when she’s not pitching.

Sophomore Kayla Goldrick is another player coming off a standout rookie season and she will be at third and in the middle of the order. Junior Lauren Eby will return at the other corner and junior Sarah Maher gives Attleboro versatility by being able to play multiple positions. The Bombardiers have a balanced lineup and will be able to incorporate new faces to the program and players pulled up from JV to find the right combinations.

“The team’s goal is to stay competitive for every practice and game, and qualify for states,” said Attleboro coach Mark Homer. “We must be consistent in every aspect of the game. It’s always a tall order, but this team has the potential and determination to make it happen. We’re gonna have fun doing it.”

Canton

2021 Record: 5-11
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Canton returns seven players from last year’s team, which went on the road to beat Cardinal Spellman in the first round of the state tournament. After Dave Bohane stepped down, Sharon girls basketball coach and former Duxbury softball coach Sandy Lombardi has taken over the Bulldogs hoping to take the mix of experience and new talent on another trip to the postseason.

The Bulldogs will have depth in the circle this season with seniors Gillian Gordon and Sophia Santos bringing experience to the position and sophomore Jess Wright adding another option. Senior Taylor Reynolds brings a strong bat to the top of the order and will play in left field. Senior Emily Ciampa will return at second base, with Wright playing mostly at first, and junior Olivia Mackwell behind the plate. Sophomore Laura Valkanas will be at shortstop.

Freshman Chloe Guerschuny is a new face at third base and classmate Klara Redquest will take over from Liz Bickett in center. Senior Jessica Vo, junior Sam Vrabel, and sophomore Anna Lehan are all newcomers on varsity who will give Canton additional options in the outfield and in the lineup.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Lombardi said, “We have a good mix of upper and underclassmen. The girls are working hard and we are looking forward to competing in a tough Hockomock League.”







Foxboro

2021 Record: 11-6
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Mark Maguire
With two eighth graders in the starting lineup, including one in the circle, no one was quite sure how good Foxboro could be last spring. As it turned out, the Warriors were good enough to make a run all the way to the Div. 2 South quarterfinal. With additional pitching depth and critical varsity experience, Foxboro will try to build on that momentum and make another deep tournament run.

Senior Peyton Feldman was one of the top hitters in the league last season and she will be moving to shortstop while continuing to lead off. Senior Allie Willis will add leadership from the catcher position, as she is in her third year behind the plate. Her experience is critical when working with Foxboro’s young pitching staff. Freshman Emma Callahan had a breakout season as the starter last year and she will get the chance to play some second and third base as well to make sure her bat stays in the lineup. Freshman Vittoria Cuscia and sophomore lefty Angelina Rifai will give Foxboro more options in the circle.

Foxboro will have plenty of speed in the lineup this season. Freshman Jillian Slattery and Natalia Leach are athletic outfielders and will add production from the bottom half of the order. Freshman Ava Hill is back to start at first base after a solid eighth grade season and Fiona Dunn will get the start in right field.

“We are a young team that is looking to compete for the Davenport division,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. “We have some very good athletes that look to take their softball skills to the next level. They are a group of kids who are a pleasure to coach.”

Franklin

2021 Record: 6-9
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Katie Holbrook
Last season, Franklin showed that it could score runs in bunches, hitting double digits in five of its 15 games, but the Panthers could also allow runs in bunches with teams reaching double digits six times. With seven returning players, second-year coach Katie Holbrook is hoping that experience and depth will carry the Panthers back up the standings and into the postseason.

Franklin will have depth in the circle this season with senior Aislinn Lavery taking the bulk of the innings and junior Kiera Kotwicki able to step in when needed. Both will mix pitches and keep teams off-balance. Junior Hailey Fales will be back behind the plate, adding another layer of experience to the pitching staff. Senior Julia White battled an injury all spring in 2021 but she is back healthy and back in the middle of the infield and the order. Junior Georgia Harvey is a versatile player who can fill in at multiple positions and batted 0.426 as a sophomore.

Sophomore Carly Johnson-Pellegri had an impressive rookie season and will be moving from second to short and senior Hannah Cacciapaglia is back at first, and in the middle of the order, after recovering from an injury that kept her out all of last spring. The outfield looks strong for the Panthers this season. Senior Kelly Moussa has a strong arm in right and juniors Reece Allen and Dana Stott are two newcomers that could play big roles for the team this season.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“We have a lot of different players who can jump in and be the spark at any given moment,” Holbrook said. “There are a lot of new players in the mix, but they are already showing signs of coming together as a team and leadership is not lacking in this group. If they can remain poised and confident and play their game, we should do well this season.”




King Philip

2021 Record: 14-3
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Semifinal
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip lost only three games last season and all of those were to league and state champion Taunton. The Warriors bring back a lot of players from last season and that has put high expectations on one of the state’s perennial powers to get back on top not only in the Kelley-Rex division but also once the tournament kicks off.

A year of varsity experience might be most beneficial in the circle where senior Emma Sheehan and sophomore Jordan Bennett give the Warriors a lot of depth for a long season. Both saw plenty of action last year, including in the playoffs and they should be ready for the challenge of the new season. Junior Sarah Cullen will also be back behind the plate for the Warriors after an impressive debut season in which she batted nearly .500.

Infield defense was a strength for the Warriors, even after an injury to junior shortstop Libby Walsh. Senior Mia Bennett returns at second base and sophomore Maddie Paschke will be back at third base, after an impressive playoff run at the hot corner. Senior Meg Sherwood will add leadership in the outfield, while juniors Charlotte Raymond and Ava Lanza provide a spark in the lineup.

KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau said, “We’re hoping to have a solid season, make the tournament, and see where it goes from there!”

Mansfield

2021 Record: 9-8
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield made a surprising run to the quarterfinal of the South sectional last spring, winning at Needham and at No. 2 seed Natick before falling to perennial power Silver Lake. With seven starters returning, the Hornets will be aiming at another tournament run this year and building the confidence that they can challenge the top teams in the Kelley-Rex.

Pitching will be a question mark for Mansfield this year after graduating last year’s starter Ashlyn Conley. Senior Julia Kelly, better known for her exploits on the volleyball court, will join the team for the first time in her career and will get the chance in the circle. Junior Amanda Schwarz will also be given time in the circle, as she makes the jump up from JV.

The lineup was young and inexperienced last season, but still proved to be dynamic and most of the players who came through with big at-bats have returned. Seniors Alanna Conley, Olivia DeTrolio, and Casey Moussette are all back along with sophomores Molly Kucharski, Callie Lake, Jill Koppy, and Liv Madeira, who all had impressive rookie seasons.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“It’s been fun to get back on the field and start working with a great group of girls and we are looking forward to the season!” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre.

Milford

2021 Record: 0-14
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve DiVitto
The Kelley-Rex division is loaded every year and a young Milford roster is hungry to move past a couple of tough seasons to be more competitive in a difficult league schedule. While the Hawks went winless in 2021, they lost twice to Mansfield by a combined five runs and lost by only two runs to Franklin and Sharon, so the Hawks had opportunities to come out on top. Now, with a year that is closer to normal, Milford hopes to take the next step and turn those close defeats into victories.

While the roster is almost all underclassmen, Milford does return seven players from last year. Only two of the returners are upperclassmen, senior pitcher and outfielder Olivia Morelli and senior third baseman Gianna Cacciola. Both captains are entering their third seasons on varsity and going to be expected to provide leadership for the rest of the lineup, which is almost all freshmen and sophomores.

Also returning this year are sophomores Maddie Burns (catcher and first base), Camille Bonina (first base and outfield), Grace Bonina (middle infield), Maeve Driscoll (pitcher, shortstop, and outfield), and Sarah Wengel (outfield and first base). Each player gained valuable experience as freshmen and provide a lot of versatility in how the team will line up. The Hawks will also look to a trio of freshmen for instant impact as starters or off the bench, including pitcher Cae Pellegrini, outfielder Jianna Fernandes, and shortstop Olivia Baglione.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“With such a young crew, we will rely on our two seniors, our captains, who have four years of experience to help lead the way,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “We pride ourselves on keeping strong team chemistry; something that will be an important part of this season. We’re hungry to get back on the field!”




North Attleboro

2021 Record: 12-4
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro has won back-to-back league titles for the first time in program history and would love to make it a three-peat before moving to the Kelley-Rex division next season. The Rocketeers graduated four starters, so there will be opportunities for underclassmen to step in and contribute right away, but North also has a strong core, particularly with two strong starting pitchers, to make a run in the Div. 2 tournament.

Juniors Zoey McDonough and Kelly Colleran are back and give North an impressive one-two punch in the circle. Both players were all-stars in their debut seasons, and both are Div. I college recruits. Since they’re also important to the lineup, McDonough will play first and Colleran will play short when they’re not pitching. Senior Mandi Hanewich is battling a hand injury at the start of the season, but the four-year varsity player will add leadership in center, while senior Ally Levine will be behind the plate working with North’s staff. Junior Grace Simmons is the fifth returning starter and the right fielder will also get the chance to produce at the plate as well.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior Shaelyn Burns will take over at third after being the DP for most of last season, while freshman Maryellen Charette gets the nod at short or at first, depending on who the starting pitcher will be. Junior Emma Hanwell and senior Grace Barry will both get chances in the outfield, while juniors Maddie Bailey and Julia Forman will play second and be the DP. Freshman Aryanna McDavitt provides much-needed versatility, as she can play anywhere in the infield and pitch when called on.

“Our goals don’t change – what does change is the approach to get there,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We’re working at it, let’s see if we retain it. The girls are focused – they know what’s in front of them!”

Oliver Ames

2021 Record: 4-10
2021 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Despite having no seniors on the roster this season, Oliver Ames has set a goal of getting back into the state tournament picture and moving up the standings in the Davenport division. The Tigers return five players from last year’s team but there is excitement about the underclassmen who will be stepping into the lineup this year and the energy that they’re bringing to the team.

Junior Maddie Homer is the team’s top returning hitter and was also an all-star at shortstop last spring. She will provide leadership in the infield. Junior Katie Melendy has a year of varsity experience in the circle and will look to build on her four wins as a sophomore. Lexi Galsband will be at first base and fellow junior Caitlin Miller returns in center, while sophomore Katherine Farley is stepping in behind the plate.

The underclassmen will give OA important versatility to find the right spots for everyone in the lineup. Sophomores Madison Monteiro, Paige Taylor, Sammy Johnson, and freshmen Emily Martin and Devon Morris will fill out the roster this season. Although young, there is a lot of club experience that they will add to the Tigers.

“Overall, I am impressed with the attitudes, hard work, and teamwork that I have seen so far this season and I am looking forward to watching them grow together as a team,” said OA coach Lindsey Allison. “We expect to be competitive in the Hockomock League and get back to the culture of making tournament an expectation.”

Sharon

2021 Record: 2-12
2021 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
For Sharon to move up the Davenport division standings, the Eagles are going to need to produce more runs this season. Sharon was last in the league with 31 runs scored in 14 games last year, but there is optimism around the team this spring that the combination of returning players and talented new faces is making good contact, being aggressive on the base paths, and look ready to create more opportunities to manufacture runs.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior Trinity Payne will be a second-year captain for the Eagles, and she will need to produce in the circle (60 strikeouts last year) and at the plate (0.343 average in 2021). Senior catcher Ciara McAuliffe can hit for power and is an experienced battery mate for Payne, which will be a key to Sharon limiting the opposition’s base runners. Senior Savannah Gray is another power hitter in the middle of the Sharon order and a leader at first base.

Junior Ally Foulsham gives Sharon important versatility, being able to play solid defense at several positions and even jump in the circle to give Payne a breather. Foulsham, who will start at third base this spring, played third, short, and pitched last year and had a fielding percentage over 90 percent. Sophomore Maddie Hu will be the new shortstop this season and junior Natalie Kessler will start in the outfield but could see time at a few positions, including catcher.

“Our players have worked incredibly hard the last couple of weeks,” Sharon coach Heather Poliferno, “and we are all eager for them to get out on the field and show everyone what Sharon High softball is capable of.”

Stoughton

2021 Record: 8-7
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Deb Parker
After a year off, Stoughton got to experience the postseason in 2021, and a playoff win, and now the Black Knights will enter a normal spring with confidence that they can build on that foundation to make another run for a state tournament spot. With depth and talent throughout the lineup, Stoughton will be hoping to be back in the mix in the Davenport division standings as well.

Senior Sydney Menz will be the anchor for the team in center and as one of the top hitters in the middle of the order. She will be joined in the outfield by classmate Kate Bulger and freshman Angie Berry, who is going to get the chance to step right into the lineup this spring. Pitching is always critical and junior Kerry Driscoll will get the nod as the starter after getting a taste of facing varsity lineups last season.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The infield will be led by senior shortstop Melody Casna. Surrounded by underclassmen, Casna will give a dash of experience and is a vocal leader. Sophomore Alyssa Edwards is back at the corners, primarily at third, after a freshman season that saw her lead the team with a 0.417 batting average.

“I have so much confidence in this team and I expect big things from them this year,” said Stoughton coach Deb Parker. “They have come together really quickly and have chemistry that I have not seen in a long time. I am excited to see what this team will accomplish together this season, they have talent, depth, and personality, and they are willing to work. They are really fun to coach!”

Taunton

2021 Record: Won Div. 1 State Title
Coach: Carrie Consalvi
Not every team rebuilds in the same way. After graduating five starters from last year’s state championship-winning team, including in the circle and the heart of the order, Taunton will have plenty of new faces stepping into big roles this spring, yet the expectations remain high for the Tigers to challenge for a third straight league title and make another tournament run.

Senior Kylie Thorpe will be the anchor in the middle of the infield and add strong leadership at the top of the order. Freshman Brooke Aldrich will take over for her sister Hanna at shortstop and has already shown off a strong arm and a strong bat. Junior Kaysie Demoura will give the Tigers vocal leadership from behind the plate and looks set for a breakout season at the plate, while senior Angie Lynch was one of the stars of Taunton’s playoff run as a leadoff hitter and center fielder.

Junior Ava Venturelli is back in the fold this spring and the University of Louisville-commit will bring her big bat to left field, having hit a pair of homers during the preseason jamboree at the PAL fields. It won’t be easy to fill the shoes of Kelsey White in the circle, but senior Olyvia Mendonca will get that assignment and has had a strong preseason.

“We have a great crew this year, very different team from last year,” said second-year coach Carrie Consalvi, noting her team will have plenty of personality and rely on key leaders this year.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Tuesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/05/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 10 – Final (5 Inn.)Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Alfred Mucciarone gave up one hit over four innings and Ethan Voellemicke struck out the side in the fifth, as Franklin shut out Attleboro for its second win in as many days. Chris Goode and Evan Raider each drove in a pair of runs for the Panthers. Attleboro’s best chance came in the first Nate George drew a leadoff walk and two batters later Danny Johnson hit a sinking liner to right, but Eisig Chin made a stellar diving catch. Franklin took control in the bottom half with four runs. Ryan Gerety led off with a single and Jack Marino was hit by a pitch. Attleboro failed to handle a pair of bunts and both runners came in to score. Chin drove in a run with a single and would eventually come around to score on a wild pitch. Franklin added three more in the second. One-out walks to Joe Tirrell and Gerety and an infield single for Marino loaded the bases. Goode plated one with a sac fly and Raider followed with a single to bring in two. In the third, Franklin took advantage of a couple errors to add three more runs. Ben Jarosz singled and would score on a wild pitch, Henry DiGiorgio reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on an error, and Tirrell walked and came in to score on a sac fly from Goode. Hayden Hagerty broke up Mucciarone’s no-hitter to start the fourth but Franklin’s starter retired the next three hitters to strand the runner in scoring position.










Softball
Taunton, 4 @ King Philip, 5 – FinalClick here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Canton, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – FinalChloe Guerschuny drove in three runs, including the game-winner in the top of the seventh to help the Bulldogs complete a comeback win. OA scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the third, including an RBI single from Katie Melendy, and two more in the bottom of the fourth on a solo home run from Katherine Farley and an RBI single from Caitlin Miller. Canton responded with three runs in the top of the fifth, including a two-run base hit from Guerschuny.

Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 2 – FinalFranklin scored once in each of the first three innings and tacked on two key insurance runs in the top of the sixth to get the win on the road over Attleboro. Julia White had a one-out single in the top of the first and came around to score after a fielder’s choice and an error to put the Panthers ahead 1-0 but Attleboro answered with a run of its own to make it 1-1. Junior Hailey Fales had a one-out single in the top of the season, and courtesy runner Kelly Moussa scored after White grounded out to second with the bases loaded for a 2-1 lead. Georgia Harvey turned a leadoff single in the top of the third into a run to make it 3-1 before Attleboro made it a one-run game with sac fly in the bottom half. Reece Allen and Moussa came around to score in the top of the fifth for insurance. Aislinn Lavery got the win for Franklin, allowing two runs (one earned) with six strikeouts and no walks. Lindsey Perry was strong in the circle for Attleboro in a complete game effort, with just earned runs allowed with two strikeouts and two walks.

Foxboro, 13 @ Stoughton, 14 – FinalA back-and-forth offensive slugfest ended with Stoughton jumping ahead in the bottom of the six and then getting a scoreless top of the seventh to get the win. Sydney Menz led the Black Knights’ offense with a pair of home runs, including a two-run bomb in the sixth that plated the tying and go-ahead runs for Stoughton, plus a triple and four RBI total. Melody Casna added a double and two RBI while Leila Alaoui and Camryn Whitman each had a pair of hits, and Kerry Driscoll and Kate Bulger each had an RBI double. Driscoll got the win in the circle while Casna, Menz, and Maddie Hinds all turned in solid defensive performances for the Black Knights.

Boys Lacrosse
King Philip, 7 vs. Walpole, 9 – Final
Mansfield, 2 @ Nauset, 16 – Final
Sharon, 6 @ Cardinal Spellman, 7 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Mansfield, 3 @ Bishop Feehan, 13 – Final
Canton @ Whitman-Hanson – Postponed to TBD.




Boys Tennis
Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – FinalFranklin grabbed its second win in as many days, this time sweeping all five matches in straight sets to knock off Attleboro. Vayshnav Malhotra and Thomas Broyles both won 6-0, 6-0 at first and second singles, respectively, while Drew Mahoney earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles. The team of Tim O’Keefe and Ahan Shetty battled for a 7-5, 6-4 win at first doubles while Sameen Shaik and Jay Gorgas took a 6-0, 6-2 decision at second doubles.

Milford, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – FinalIt was a clean sweep for Mansfield, taking all five matches in straight sets. Neema Khosravani, Kailash Elumelai, Iniyan Karruppusami were the Hornets’ three victorious singles players, freshman Josh Weiner and sophomore Jacob Weiner won at first doubles, and sophomores Sirius Li and Nikhil Nain won at second doubles.

Canton, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – FinalCanton’s second doubles team of Kevin Moltenbrey and Max LaRose emerged victorious in a three-set thriller to clinch the win for the Bulldogs. Moltenbrey and LaRose split the first two sets before getting the win 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. The Bulldogs also got wins at first singles from Max Kupferman and at second singles from Suraj Ramanathan. OA senior Raphael Vache earned a 6-2, 6-3 win at third singles while the first doubles team of freshmen Alex Efremidas and Patrick Dolan grabbed a 6-3, 6-4 win.

Taunton, 1 @ King Philip, 4 – FinalKing Philip swept doubles action and got another pair of wins from singles play to defend home court against Taunton. The first doubles team of Diego Nieto and Noah Ihley rallied from a one-set deficit to win 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 while the tandem of Leo Manning and Arjun Kollu secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles for KP. Jonathan Cohen added a 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles and Jackson Hom didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 third singles victory. Taunton’s Michael Kimmer won 6-3, 6-1 at first singles.

Foxboro, 3 @ Stoughton, 2 – FinalA singles sweep propelled Foxboro to a second straight win to open the season, this time on the road at Stoughton. Garrett Spillane battled to a 7-6, 6-0 win at first singles, Bo Canfield fought for a 7-5, 6-2 win at second singles and Raj Jetty had a strong showing in a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles. Jake Berry and Joe Mark won 6-2, 7-6 at first doubles for the Black Knights while Stoughton’s second doubles team of Paul Medeiros and Aadil Khond grabbed a 6-3, 6-1 win.




Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – FinalFor the second straight match, Franklin swept both doubles matches and had a third win from third singles to get the win. Amulya Jayam and Shriya Rasish battled to a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win at first doubles, and Franklin’s second doubles team of Chloe Essam and Sydney Tolonen secured a 6-4, 6-1 win. Sarah Schiavo earned his second win of the season, taking a 6-4, 6-4 decision at third singles for the Panthers. Attleboro’s Ella Lynch-Bartek won 6-1, 6-0 at first singles while sophomore Maddie Fuscaldo prevailed with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win at second singles.

Mansfield, 4 @ Milford, 1 – FinalThe Hornets got a pair of wins in both singles and doubles action to record a win on the road over Milford. Kate Martin won her first singles match 6-1, 6-3 while Aadi Semeer earned a 7-5, 6-3 win at second singles. Mansfield’s first doubles team of Alexis Joyce and Clair Copp battled to a 6-3, 6-0 win while Jillian Hanley and Savannah Carey notched a 6-2, 6-2 second doubles win. Milford junior Serena Borges prevailed from third singles with a 6-0, 7-5 win.

King Philip, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – FinalBoth doubles matches went to a third set before King Philip swept its way to a win over Taunton. The team of Lauren Casper and Resha Ajoy prevailed 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 at first doubles while Caroline Freese and Carly Burns rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7) win at second doubles for KP. Ahunna James and Shea Mellman each lost just one set in identical 6-0, 6-1 wins at first and second singles, respectively, and Sammie Taylor added a 7-5, 6-1 win at third singles for the Warriors.

Stoughton, 0 @ Foxboro, 5 – FinalFoxboro defended home court with a five match sweet of visiting Stoughton, taking all five in straight sets. Athena Li didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles, Hailey Kornbluth secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles and Makayla Peck earned a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Abigail Costa and Juliana Preston lost just one set on their way to a 6-0, 6-1 first doubles win, and Foxboro’s second doubles team of Emily Stow and Sydney Lebow emerged with a 6-4, 6-3 win.

Boys Outdoor Track
Taunton @ Attleboro, 3:45

Stoughton, 97 @ Canton, 39 – FinalKyle Downing won a pair of events and Canton won the 4×100 relay, but Stoughton secured the win on the road to open the season. Downing won both the 1 Mile (11:12.1) and the 2 Mile (5:13.1) for the Bulldogs, and the team of Youssef Kosta, Christian Hanlon, Andres Castro Alvarez, and Favor Ugah took first in the 4×100 in 48.5. Other winners for Canton were Sean Sullivan (discus) and Graham Stemm (javelin).

Oliver Ames @ Foxboro, 4:15

Franklin, 50 @ Mansfield, 77 – FinalAnchored by double-winners Dana Johnson, Dylan Buchanan, and Charles Newcomb, Mansfield opened the season with a win over Franklin. Johnson won both the long jump (19’7.5”) and the triple jump (41’3”), and added second place finish in the 110M hurdles (16.5). Buchanan won the 110M hurdles in 15.5 and won the javelin with a toss of 112’8, and Newcomb won both the shot put (40’6) and the discus (89’0). Other winners for Mansfield included Evan Rawlings (400M hurdles, 58.3), Myles Brown (100M, 11.4), Chris Leonard (1 Mile, 4:49.9), and Chamberlain Guthrie Jr. (200M, 24.4).

King Philip @ Milford, 3:45

Sharon @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Girls Outdoor Track
Taunton, 50 @ Attleboro, 84 – FinalAttleboro swept four events on its way to a season-opening win over visiting Taunton. Rebecca Rainey and Jahela Douglas each won a pair of events, with Rainey taking first in the 400M hurdles (1:18.8) and the high jump (4-6), as well as a third place finish in the 200M (29.1). Douglas was the winner in the 100M (13.2) and the triple jump (31-5.5) and added a second place leap of 14-10 in the long jump. Other winners for Attleboro included Emilia Smith (1 Mile, 5:48.0), Elayna Marinelli (javelin, 98-1), Diana McArthur (discus, 72-2) and the 4×100 team of Jadyn Hoyt, Mabel Sandoval, Erimar Torres, and Kylee Browning.

Stoughton, 80 @ Canton, 56 – FinalCanton’s Kylie Hanlon added her name to the school record book but the Bulldogs fell at home to Stoughton. Hanlon tied the school record in the 100M, taking first in 12.4. Kiara Cerruti won the 1 Mile and was second in the 800M, and the team of Gabby Herivaux, Talya DeGraw, Katie Oliver, Syriah McCruse was first in the 4×100 in 52.3.

Oliver Ames @ Foxboro, 4:15

Franklin, 58 @ Mansfield, 78 – Final

King Philip @ Milford, 3:45

Sharon @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/04/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – FinalIn a back-and-forth contest, Oliver Ames senior Patrick Finnerty drove in the game-winning run with the bases loaded to give the Tigers the walk-off win over Attleboro. The visitors took the lead in the top of the first inning after stealing a pair of bases. Oliver Ames responded with three runs in the bottom of the third as Finnerty and Jake Waxman drew back-to-back walks with the bases loaded and Ian Kelly scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1. The top of the sixth inning saw Attleboro rally for three runs and go back ahead. In the bottom of the seventh, Nathanial Lewis and Nathan Carpentier walked and Joe Cicchetti was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Kelly drew OA’s 10th walk to tie the game and then Finnerty delivered a single to center for the win. Junior Andrew Zagami earned the win in relief with six strike outs. Nick Clark allowed one run on one hit and four walks in four innings of work for OA.

Franklin, 7 @ Canton, 1 – FinalFranklin cashed in on a handful of extra base hits and senior Jacob Jette picked up where he left off last season on the mound in the Panthers’ win on the road. Jette didn’t allow an earned run in 5.1 innings of work, striking out five with two hits and two walks allowed. Jake Shaughnessy and Austin Campbell combined for 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Offensively, Ryan Gerety (two hits, two runs, RBI) and Eisig Chin (two hits, two RBI, run) each had a triple while Chris Goode (RBI) and Evan Raider (run) each had a double. Jack Marino added an RBI and two runs and sophomore Henry Digiorgio had a hit and a run scored.

King Philip, 15 @ Foxboro, 6 – FinalTied 3-3 after two innings, King Philip exploded for seven two-out runs in the top of the third inning and never looked back for a season-opening win over Foxboro. With the bases loaded and two outs in the third, Tommy Martorano singled to bring in Rudy Gately (two runs) and Matt DiFore. Eli Reed scored on a single from Travis Crawford (three hits, two runs, two RBI), and Shawn Legere (three RBI, four runs) tripled to clear the bases. Gately got the win on the bump, allowing five runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk, striking out nine. Matt Kelley, who drove in three runs with a pair of hits, struck out two in an inning of relief. For Foxboro, Ryan LeClair (RBI, two runs) and Sean O’Leary (two RBI) each had three hits, helping the Warriors take a 3-2 lead after an inning. Freshman Nolan Gordon had a strong showing in relief for Foxboro, allowing two runs (none earned) on one hit and two walks, striking out five in 2.1 innings of work.

Mansfield, 4 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final (13 inn.)North Attleboro senior Brody Rosenberg drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the 13th inning and worked his way around the bases on a pair of errors, scoring the game-winning in a marathon game season opener for both teams. Mansfield opened the scoring with a run in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly from Jimmy Gilleran but North took control with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, an RBI single from Danny Curran, an RBI single from Rosenberg, and Curran scoring on a passed ball. Mansfield cut into the lead with a run in the third (Jake Maydak RBI) and a run in the fifth (Gilleran RBI single) to tie the game. The Hornets went ahead in the top of the sixth on a solo home run from Jared Fraone (3-for-3, three runs) to left field but North answered in the bottom half (Tyler Bannon sac fly) to make it 4-4. Sophomore Connor Curtis was stellar in relief for the Hornets, pitching seven innings with one (unearned) run allowed on three hits and no walks, striking out seven. Derek Maceda got the win for the Rocketeers with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit with a pair of strikeouts.

Sharon, 1 @ Milford, 8 – FinalJunior Tyler Caldon allowed just two hits and walked three while striking out nine to lead the Scarlet Hawks to a win over Sharon. Caldon allowed just one earned run in six innings of work for the win. Damien Carter, who tossed a scoreless inning in relief with one strikeout, had a pair of hits and two runs scored, Ian Carter went 4-for-4 with three RBI and one run scored, and Evan Cornelius added a pair of hits, a pair of runs scored and one RBI.

Stoughton, 1 @ Taunton, 12 – Final (5 inn.)








Softball
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Attleboro, 9 – FinalLily Routhier made a big splash in her debut for the Bombardiers, getting the win in the circle as well as a big performance at the plate. She tossed a complete game with just one earned run allowed on two hits. At the dish, she went 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Sarah Mayer added three hits and scored twice while Rylie Camacho had one hit, reached twice more, and scored twice. For OA, Caitlin Miller went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Crystalia Covel scored a run and had a stolen base. Katie Melendy pitched five innings for OA with four runs allowed while Taylor Marino pitched the sixth inning with one run allowed.

Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (5 inn.)Aislinn Lavery set the tone in the circle and at the plate for the Panthers, who opened the season with a big win over visiting Canton. Lavery allowed just one hit with six strikeouts in five innings of work, and then led off the game with a triple and scored on a fielder’s choice from Julia White. Carly Pellegri aded three hits, including a double, with four RBI and three runs scored, Katy Liberman had two hits, including a double, and two RBI, and Avery Chalk added two hits. Freshman Sarah Boozang had an RBI single to score Reece Allen (triple).

Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – FinalFreshman Liv Petrillo’s first career hit proved to be a big one for King Philip, a triple in the bottom of the sixth that broke a scoreless tie and drove in the game-winning run. In a scoreless game in the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Taylor Regan slapped a double and senior Mia Bennett was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Petrillo drilled a line drive to right for a two-run triple to put KP ahead 2-0. Sophomore Maddie Paschke laid down the squeeze bunt to bring Petrillo in to make it 3-0. Senior Emma Sheehan tossed a complete game one-hitter for KP, striking out seven without issuing a walk. Foxboro freshman Vittoria Cuscia was impressive in the circle, holding KP without a run for the first five innings. She finished with seven strikeouts.

North Attleboro, 5 @ Mansfield, 3 – FinalKelly Colleran went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI and Zoey McDonough struck out 12, as North pulled out a road win in the season opener. The Rocketeers opened the scoring with a three-run third. Colleran doubled to plate Julia Forman and Grace Simmons and then came home on a two-out single by Shaelyn Burns. Ally Levine led off the fifth with a double and scored on a two-run homer by Colleran, which turned out to be the game winner. Mansfield rallied with two runs in the fifth. Jill Koppy walked to lead off the inning and stole second. Bunts from Liv Madeira and Sydney Fernando loaded the bases and Callie Lake brought in a pair with a single. The Hornets loaded the bases again but couldn’t get a two-out hit to keep the rally going. Mansfield added a run in the bottom of the seventh. Fernando walked to get things started and Cat Kipp singled. Madeira drove in a run with a single. Casey Moussette and Alanna Conley reached on fielder’s choices to load the bases but again the Hornets weren’t able to get a two-out hit off McDonough. Amanda Schwarz made her varsity debut for Mansfield, striking out three and giving up eight hits. Emma Hanwell and Burns both made nice plays in the field to help the Rocketeers pull out the victory.

Sharon, 3 @ Milford, 4 – Final (8 inn.)Milford rallied for two runs in the fifth inning to tie the game and then sophomore Maeve Williams delivered the game-winning hit with an RBI single to give the Scarlet Hawks a walk-off win in extra innings. Milford took a 1-0 lead in the second on a double from freshman Cae Pellegrini followed by a pair of sacrifice bunts. Sharon responded in the third and fourth to go ahead 4-1 before the Hawks brought the game level game. In the eighth, freshman Jianna Fernandes led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on Williams’ hit up the middle. Pellegrini and senior Gianna Cacciola both played well defensively while sophomore Maeve Driscoll got the win with five innings in relief, striking out eight with no earned runs allowed on four hits. Sharon’s Trinity Payne struck out 18 batters in the loss.

Stoughton, 0 @ Taunton 13 – Final (5 inn.)Taunton got its offense going with three runs in the first inning and scored in each of the next three innings, including a seven-run bottom of the fourth to open the season with a big win. Junior Kaysie DeMoura (RBI, two runs) led the charge with three hits while classmates Ava Venturelli (two RBI, double, two stolen bases), Hayley Krockta, Kyleah Plumb (three RBI, triple, double), and senior Kylie Thorpe (triple, RBI) each had two hits. Senior Liv Mendonca struck out three with two hits allowed in four shutout innings while freshman Catherine Larson fanned one with one hit allowed in an inning of relief. Stoughton’s Sydney Menz had a double and a spectacular catch in center field, robbing the Tigers of a home run. Alyssa Edwards (double) and Maddie Hinds also had a hit for the Black Knights.




Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 22 – FinalFranklin exploded for nine goals in the opening quarter and never looked back in its first game of the season. Junior Jayden Consigli scored six goals and classmates Luke Davis and Tyler Sacchetti each added four apiece, all in the first half. Sophomore CJ Perro and junior Will Buckley each scored twice in the second half for the Panthers.

Canton, 16 @ Milford, 5 – FinalCanton’s Sam Carlino scored six goals and set up six more to lead the Bulldogs to a season-opening win on the road at Milford. Brendan Tourgee added four goals in the win along with one assist, Eddie Gillis scored a hat trick and added one helper, and Pat Drury (two goals, five assists) and Jeff Chaput (two goals, two assists) both had big games for the Bulldogs. Freshman Ben Miller played well in net, earning his first career win.

Foxboro, 7 @ North Attleboro, 9 – Final

Sharon, 1 @ King Philip, 13 – FinalKing Philip raced out to a 7-0 lead by halftime and pulled away with six more goals in the second half to open the season with a win over Sharon. Ben Riggs paced the offense with three goals while Thomas Brewster, Sean Crowther, and Nolan Feyler each scored twice. James Boldy made 12 saves in net to earn the win for KP.

Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 21 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final

Milford, 8 @ Canton, 9 – FinalCanton built a 6-2 lead at halftime and then held off a second half comeback attempt from Milford to open the season with a win, the first for new head coach Casey Bradley. Allie McCabe scored twice and had an assist while Emily McCabe netted the game-winning goal. Elyse Broderick made seven saves in net for the Bulldogs. For Milford, Aislinn Bennett scored five goals, Emily Croteau had a pair of goals, and Carly Haley added one.

North Attleboro, 4 @ Foxboro, 19 – FinalClick here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Paige Curran and Mya Waryas each scored six goals, as Foxboro opened its season with a big win over a division rival. Curran, the league’s leading scorer from last year, added three assists and Waryas had one helper as well. Mary Collins chipped in with four goals and two assists, Valerie Beigel had a pair of goals, and freshman Cate Noone had a goal and an assist on her debut. Grace Riley, Kate Collins, and Nina Della Valle also scored for the Warriors. Lilli Jones made five saves to pick up her first win in goal. Ava McKeon and Morgan Eaton each scored twice for North.

King Philip, 17 @ Sharon, 0 – FinalNine different Warriors found the back of the net as King Philip opened its season in style with a big win on the road over Sharon. Julia Marsden, Lily Brown, and Haley Izydorczak combined for 11 points in the win, Makenzie McDevitt scored a hat trick in the win and Ilah Weiblen and Abby MacDonald each scored once.

Oliver Ames, 19 @ Taunton, 2 – FinalUsing a quick transition game and strong ball possession, Oliver Ames roared to a big season opening win on the road over Taunton. First year OA head coach Rylie Dalzell credited the attackers’ ride for causing a lot of turnovers that the visiting Tigers took advantage of. Jess Widdop and Claire O’Rourke combined for the win in net for OA. Casey O’Leary and Cali Melo each scored once for Taunton.




Boys Tennis
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – FinalSophomore Nicholas Westerbeke rallied from a one-set deficit to win two in a row to take the point at first singles and give Oliver Ames a 3-2 win over the Bombardiers. Westerbeke dropped the first set 4-6 but won 6-1, 6-0 to get the win. Kylash Gannesh (6-0, 6-1) and Raphael Vache (6-1, 6-2) won at second and third singles, respectively, for OA. Attleboro’s Tyler Rocchio and Kyle Neuendorf took first singles 6-3, 6-4 while Malachi Jefferson and Alex Suarez were victorious (6-1, 6-2) at second doubles.

Canton, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – FinalCanton took first and second singles in straight sets but Franklin won both doubles and third singles to get the win at home. Senior Drew Mahoney was the lone Panther to win in singles action, taking third singles 6-0, 6-3. The team of senior Tim O’Keefe and sophomore Ahan Shetty won 6-1, 6-1 at first doubles and the team of senior Sameen Shaik and sophomore Jay Gorgas secured a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles. Canton’s Max Kupferman won 6-4, 6-2 at first singles and Suraj Ramanthan took a 6-1, 6-1 decision at second singles.

Foxboro, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final A sweep of singles action lifted Foxboro to a win over the road at King Philip to start the season. Garrett Spillane won in straight sets (6-1, 6-1) at first singles, Bo Canfield added a 6-2, 6-3 win at second singles, and Raj Jetty earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at third singles. KP’s Diego Nieto and Connor Sachleben rallied from a one-set deficit to secure a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win at first doubles while Adam Gousie and Noah Ihley grabbed a 6-2, 6-4 win at second doubles.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – FinalMansfield opened the season in style, taking all five matches in straight sets to knock off North Attleboro. Freshman Neema Khosravani was impressive in his first career match, winning 6-0, 6-3 at first singles, sophomore Kailash Elumelai secured a 6-1, 7-5 at second singles, and sophomore Iniyan Karruppusami added a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. The tream of senior Jonah Fine and junior Benson Delaney didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles while junior Jesse Colchamiro and sophomore Nikhil Nain won 6-2, 6-2 at second doubles.

Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 0 – FinalA trio of underclassman swept singles action for Sharon as the Eagles opened the season with a win on the road over Milford. Sophomore Matthew Lally, sophomore Alex Budovalcev, and freshman Jacob Slavsky all won 6-0, 6-0 in first, second, and third singles, respectively. In doubles action, seniors Mitch Weiss and Ruemon Bhattacharyya grabbed a 6-1. 6-0 win at first doubles, and the team of freshman Sava Kassev and junior Hyojae Park didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles.

Stoughton @ Taunton, 3:45

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – FinalIn an incredible even match up, Oliver Ames emerged with a hard-fought win over a game Attleboro squad. The Tigers got wins in straight sets from Hannah Farber at first singles (7-5, 6-3) and Mia Corradini at third singles (6-3, 6-1). OA’s second doubles team of tri-captain Shelby Brass and Marina Mierzwinski grabbed a 6-0, 7-6 (7-1) for the Tigers’ second point of the match. Attleboro’s Madison Fuscaldo battled for a 6-3, 6-7 (10-12), 6-3 win in a marathon match at second singles, and the team of Tina Lam and Sahara Yusuf grabbed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3) win at first doubles.

Franklin, 3 @ Canton, 2 – FinalA sweep in doubles action plus a hard fought win at third singles gave the Panthers the close win on the road at Canton. Sarah Schiavo battled her way to a 6-4, 7-5 win at third singles to clinch the win for the Panthers. The team of Amulya Jayam and Shriya Rasish won 6-4, 6-3 at first doubles while Chloe Essam teamed up with Sydney Tolonen for a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles for the Panthers. Canton’s Camila Cutter earned a 6-1, 7-5 victory at first singles while Laura Correal prevailed from a well-played second singles match with a 7-6 (10), 6-4 win.

King Philip, 2 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro took a pair of wins from singles action and one more from doubles to get a win over King Philip. Athena Li (first singles) and Hailey Kornbluth (second singles) both won 6-0, 6-0 for the hosts while the team of Abigail Costa and Juliana Preston secured a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 win at first doubles for Foxboro. KP’s Sammie Taylor won 6-2, 6-2 at third singles and Caroline Frese teamed up with Lauren Caspter for a 6-4, 6-3 win at second doubles.

Mansfield @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – FinalIt was a clean sweep in the season opener for the Eagles, winning all five matches in straight sets against visiting Milford. Navya Shukla won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Ali Aguilar grabbed a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles, and Ritu Sreeram earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles. Sharon’s first doubles team of Abby Vilk and Judy Song didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win while the team of Sasha Fein and Sophia Oh were victorious 6-1, 6-1 at second doubles.

Taunton, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final Taunton took two wins from each singles and doubles action to get a win on the road over Stoughton. Brooke Bell earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles and Ava Alves grabbed a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles for the Tigers. The first doubles team of Morgan Smith and Sam Parrett prevailed 6-3, 6-2 for Taunton while Kelsey Brennan and Janelle Garcia won 6-3, 6-3 at second doubles. Stoughton’s Ally Lada emerged from a hard-fought singles match with a 7-5, 7-5 (10-8) win.

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 0 @ Barnstable, 3 – Final

King Philip, 0 @ Medfield, 3 – FinalFreshman Jacob Moores had four blocks and senior Danny Alexandre added three more but the Warriors dropped their first match of the season on the road at Medfield.

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 06/10/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 1 – FinalFranklin scored once in the first and tacked on two more in the second and that was enough for its pitching staff as the Panthers picked up a 3-1 win on the road, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title for the second straight season. Senior Jake Fitzgibbons drove in a run to put the visitors up 1-0 in the top of the first and then junior Chris Goode and senior Nate Cooke each singled in a run in the second to make it 3-0. Attleboro scored in the bottom of the fifth, when Bailey Camacho (2-for-3) doubled and courtesy runner Hayden Hegarty scored on a single from sophomore Dillon James. Franklin sophomore Alfred Mucciarone earned the win with one run allowed on five hits and one walk, striking out four in five innings. Ethan Voelmicke threw 1.1 innings of scoreless relief with four strikeouts while James Kuczmiec got the save, striking out one in 0.2 innings. Dillon came on in relief for the Bombardiers and tossed five shutout innings, allowing three hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Foxboro, 1 @ Canton, 4 – FinalCanton scored a pair of runs in back-to-back innings and junior Andrew Middleton struck out 11 as the Bulldogs claimed a win at home. After three scoreless innings, Canton pushed across two runs in each the fourth and fifth innings with four players collecting an RBI. Middleton (2-for-3), Steven Burbank, Nico Bonnano, and Sawyer Julier-Albert each drove in a run while sophomore Matt Chafin scored twice. Middleton allowed one run on one hit and four walks in six innings of work. Foxboro’s Ryan LeClair drove in a run in the sixth inning while Sean O’Leary tossed a complete game, allowing four runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk, striking out six.

Milford, 3 @ Mansfield, 5 – FinalSophomore Conner Zukowski cleared the bases with a three-run double to highlight a four-run fourth inning as Mansfield defended home field against visiting Milford. The Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third but the Hornets responded with four runs in the bottom of the fourth. Milford tacked on another run in the fifth to cut the deficit to two but Mansfield added the run back in the bottom half. Liam Anastasia added had two hits, an RBI, and a run scored for the hosts. Anthony Sacchetti earned the win on the mount with 6.1 innings of work, allowing three runs (one earned) on eight hits and two walks, recording seven strikeouts. Milford’s Carter Scudo went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

Oliver Ames, 9 @ Stoughton, 6 – FinalWith it’s division title hopes hanging in the balance, Oliver Ames turned a three-run deficit into a three-run advantage between the final two innings, knocking off the Black Knights and clinching a share of the Davenport division title alongside North Attleboro. OA knotted the game at three apiece in the top of the fifth but Stoughton pushed across three runs in the fifth for a 6-3 lead with OA down to its last six outs. In the top of the sixth, Ryan McKenney, Nate Fulford, and Derek Milliken (two RBI) all singled, the latter bringing in two runs, and Jack Muir plated the tying run to make it 6-6. An inning later, Fulford smacked a two-run triple and Max Tower brought Fulford in with a base hit and OA took a 9-6 lead after 5.5 innings. Kosta Spiliakos earned the win in relief, tossing three innings with one run (unearned) allowed on three hits, striking out one. Nick Clark started for OA, striking out seven with four hits and four walks issued. Stoughton’s Brandon Mantilla-Mercado (two runs) and Jonah Ly each had two hits and two RBI.










Softball
Milford, 6 @ Mansfield, 10 – FinalMansfield scored nine times in the opening two innings to earn the sweep of Milford and close out the season at .500. The Hornets scored five times in the first to seemingly grab control of the game. Callie Lake got it started with a walk and stolen base and moved to third on a single by Jill Koppy. A sac fly scored the first run and hits from Ashlyn (2-for-4, two RBI) and Alanna Conley and Abby DeCoste and a walk by Nicole Kobasa brought in the other four. Milford answered right back, putting up a five-spot of its own in the top of the second to tie the game. Mansfield took the lead for good with four runs in the bottom half. Lake drew another leadoff walk and stole second for the second straight inning. With two outs, Ashlyn Conley double, and Kobasa and Alanna Conley (3-for-3, three RBI) each singled to put the Hornets in front. Alanna Conley double and DeCoste (2-for-3, three RBI) tripled to tack on a 10th run in the fifth. Elise Fauerbach went 4-for-4 for Milford, driving in a pair of runs while Camille Bonina collected three hits, including a triple, with three RBI.

Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 12 – FinalFranklin scored runs in four of the seven innings, exploding for a game-changing six runs in the fourth inning to earn an upset win over visiting Attleboro. The visitors struck first in the top of the first but the Panthers took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the first. Franklin added one more in the third and then six more in the fourth to grab a 10-1 lead. Attleboro rallied for three runs in the fifth inning but Franklin put the game away with two more runs in the sixth inning. Freshman Carly Johnson-Pellegri had a big day at the dish, smashing a three-run home run in the fourth inning along with an RBI in the third (fielder’s choice) and the sixth (double). Senior Mary Collins added two hits (including a triple) and two runs, senior Gabby Colace had three hits (including a double) and scored two runs), junior Julia White scored twice and had two singles, and junior Aislinn Lavery used her speed for three singles, scoring twice. Georgia Harvey also had a triple for Franklin while Kelly Moussa had a strong day defensively in right field. For Attleboro, Hailey Perry scored twice and had a triple and both Meghan Gordon and Gabby Bosh had a hit and scored a run.

Canton, 5 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final (10 Inn.)Eighth grader Emma Callahan not only went the distance in the circle but also drove in Peyton Feldman with a double in the bottom of the 10th to pick up the win for the Warriors. Gillian Gordon also pitched a complete game, striking out three and delivering a key hit in the fourth inning. Liz Bickett powered the Bulldogs offensively, going 4-for-5 with three RBI, and Olivia Mackwell went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI. Laura Valkanas made several important plays for Canton in extra innings.

North Attleboro, 12 @ Sharon, 0 – FinalKelly Colleran and Zoey McDonough combined to strikeout 12 and allowed only one hit in the shutout. Belle Clarkin had three hits and four RBI and Colleran had three hits, three runs scored, and a pair of RBI. Ally Levine and Emma Bailey chipped in with two hits apiece. Mandi Hanewich scored three times and Emily Nardelli crossed the plate twice.




Boys Lacrosse
Oliver Ames, 13 @ Stoughton, 5 – Final Oliver Ames senior Remi Creighton and junior Wyatt Fritchman each accounted for eight points as the Tigers went on the road and earned a victor over Stoughton. Both Creighton and Fritchman scored four goals and added four assists in the while while sophomore Ben Reardon netted a hat trick. Sophomore Jake Manthous won 14 faceoffs for OA while sophomore Noah Isleib made nine saves in net.

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 11 – Final – Hailey Bourne and Emma Sharkansky were the catalysts for the OA attack as the Tigers picked up a big victory on senior night. Ashley Almeida scored once in her first start of the season, both Emma Pereira and Catherine O’Donnell played well on the draw for OA, and seniors Emilee Nuss, Lili Lozano, Ella Isleib and Emma O’Donnell played tough defense against a good Canton attack.




Boys Tennis
Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – FinalFranklin dropped a total of three games as it rolled to a big win over visiting Attleboro. Senior Liam Marr notched a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while Drew Mahoney won by the same score at third singles for the Panthers. Vayshnav Malhotra recorded a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles and the tream of junior Thomas Broyles and freshman Jay Gorgas took care of business by the same scoreline at second doubles. Senior Anish Gundimeda and junior Sameen Shaik dropped a game in the first set but won six straight in the second set for a 6-1, 6-0 victory at first doubles.

Canton, 5 @ Foxboro, 0 – FinalCanton’s Minh Duong overcame a one-set deficit to take his match in a third-set 10-point tiebreaker to help the Bulldogs complete a 5-0 sweep over Foxboro. Duong dropped his first set 1-6 but rallied to take the second set 6-4 and emerged victorious with a 10-7 win in the tiebreaker. Suraj Ramanathan was a 6-0, 6-1 winner at first singles while freshman Max Kupferman notched a 6-3, 6-2 win at second singles. The team of Ethan Nguyen and Jalen Townsend prevailed 7-5, 6-2 in a hard fought match at first doubles while Davis Lamb and Elias Jabbour teamed up to secure a 6-3, 6-2 victory at second doubles for Canton.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Stoughton, 4 – FinalStoughton won twice in singles play and twice more in doubles action to pick up a 4-1 decision over visiting Oliver Ames. Senior Waseem Sablon didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while sophomore Rayan Sablon notched a 6-1, 6-2 victory at second singles. The team of Evan Khang and Jonah Hochberg were 6-3, 6-3 winners at first doubles while Ben Dias teamed up with Nikhil Khond for a 6-2, 7-5 decision at second doubles. Oliver Ames freshman Nick Westerbeke earned a 6-2, 6-4 win at third singles.

Milford, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final




Girls Tennis
Franklin, 2 @ Attleboro, 3 – FinalAttleboro swept doubles action and won at first singles to secure a 3-2 win at home over visiting Franklin. Junior Ella Lynch-Bartek earned a 6-3, 6-0 win at first singles for the Bombardiers, senior Rachel Rainey and junior Saharla Yusuf emerged with a 7-6 (6), 6-3 win at first doubles, and the team of freshmen Maddie Fuscaldo and Kyra Johnson rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles to give Attleboro the win. Franklin junior Vedika Vinayak prevailed in a marathon match at second singles, taking a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6) win while classmate Sarah Schiavo earned a 6-2, 6-3 win at third singles.

Foxboro, 5 @ Canton, 0 – FinalFoxboro freshman Athena Li dropped a set for the first time all season but rallied to win two straight to get the win and stay undefeated, helping Foxboro complete a sweep of Canton. Canton’s Rachel Kupferman grabbed the lead with a 6-2 win in the first set but Li battled back to take the second set 6-4 and then got the win with a 6-0 third set. Pam Nelson (second singles) and Sarah Prag (third singles) each won 6-0, 6-0 for the Warriors. Maggie McAuliffe and Abby Costa earned a 6-4, 6-0 win at first doubles while Makayla Peck teamed up with Emily Stow for a 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory at second doubles.

Stoughton, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – FinalStoughton rallied from one-set deficits at both first and second singles and grabbed another win in doubles play to earn a close victory over Oliver Ames. All five matches were competitive with OA winning at third singles (Mia Corradini, 6-3, 6-2) and first doubles (Caroline Peper and Morgan Vasiliou, 6-0, 6-2). At first singles, Ally Lada fell behind 4-6 but rallied for a 6-0 win in the second set and a 6-4 victory in the third set. Lena Allie also dropped the first set, 4-6, but came back to win 6-4 in the second and 6-3 in the third for a win for the Black Knights. The team of Nadia Prokupiuk and Emilia Lada prevailed with a hard-fought 7-6 (2), 6-3 win at second doubles.

Mansfield, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final




Wrestling
Mansfield @ Stoughton, 3:45

Oliver Ames, 22 @ Taunton, 45 – FinalFor the first time since joining the Hockomock League, Taunton pinned down a win over Oliver Ames. James Collins (113, 4:37), Ben Mandeville (138, 0:48), Sazlily St. Marc (145, 5:11), Jackson Mandeville (170, 1:04), and Logan Frank (195, 4:30) all won by pin for the host Tigers while Brandon Mendes (126, 4-0), Christian Balmain (160, 6-3), and Peter Ye (220, 4-3) each won by decision. Oliver Ames got wins from Kyle Hardie (120, 10-4), Stavros Constantinou (132, 10-6), Deric Lipski (152, 1:05), Anthony Hoffman (182, 9-0), and Jaden Hinton (285, 1:51).

Franklin, 50 @ Canton, 18 – Final

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 2 @ Greater New Bedford, 3 – FinalFor the third time in the past week, Taunton won the fourth-set to force a fifth but for the first time all season, the Tigers suffered a loss, 3-2 (25-27, 25-22, 19-25, 28-26, 13-15). Tyler Stewart had 27 kills, seven blocks, and 19 digs, Mattia Casagrande added nine kills and 16 digs, Jakob Thorpe finished with seven kills 10 digs, and three aces, and Dolan Campbell had eight kills and four blocks. Travis Nunes anchored the Taunton serve receive and finished with 15 digs and Daniel Medina had 33 assists.

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/12/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
North Attleboro, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – FinalNorth Attleboro senior Dennis Colleran tossed a complete game one-hitter to help the Rocketeers earn a split with the Tigers on the season. Colleran allowed a total of three baserunners with a walk and one batter hit by a pitch but struck out 11 in the win. North scored one run in each the first and second innings, OA halved the deficit with a run in the third, but the Rocketeers scored twice in the fifth and added another insurance run in the seventh. Sophomore Derek Maceda had three hits, including a triple that he eventually scored on a single by Tyler Bannon in the seventh. Evan Vigorito knocked in three runs, driving in two of those with a triple in the fifth while Aidan Weir had an RBI single in the second.

Mansfield, 4 @ King Philip, 7 – FinalMansfield took the lead with a run in the top of the third but King Philip responded in a big way, plating six runs in the bottom half and never looked back to earn head coach Jeff Plympton his first career win. Senior Conor Cooke collected two of his three RBI in the third with a base hit, adding another with a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Sophomore Tommy Martarano also drove in two runs in the big third inning while Mikey Malatesta and Nick Viscusi each had one RBI. Sophomore Rudy Gately earned the win, allowing just one run through six innings before Mansfield tried to mount a last-inning comeback. Jack Mullen came in and struck out two to close the door. Luke Urban (RBI) and Eric Sullivan (two RBI, run) each registered a pair of hits for Mansfield.

Softball
Franklin, 16 @ Milford, 3 – Final Franklin’s offense stayed hot and got contributions throughout the lineup in a win on the road at Milford. Senior Gabby Colace had three hits, including a home run, while driving in three runs and scoring four times to pace the Panthers. Freshman Carly Johnson-Pellegri (two hits) also had a home run with three RBI, Georgia Harvey drove in four runs on three hits, and Lauren Cote had two hits and three RBI for Franklin. Aislinn Lavery, who added two hits and an RBI, struck out five in six innings of work.










Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 16 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final

Foxboro, 14 @ Sharon, 8 – FinalFoxboro had a strong first half, outscoring the Eagles 7-0 and never looked back to get the win in the first meeting of the two teams. For the Eagles, Drew Litner, Jace Neatler, and Brady Daylor each scored a pair of goals while Ben Shocket won 18-of-26 faceoffs. Adam Rabb made 12 saves in net for Sharon.

Franklin, 19 @ Milford, 0 – Final

King Philip @ Mansfield, 3:45

Oliver Ames, 3 @ North Attleboro, 13 – FinalFor Oliver Ames, sophomore Ben Reardon had a goal and two helpers, Ben Cohen scored his first career goal, and Wes Tower found the back of the net once.

Girls Lacrosse
Taunton, 11 @ Attleboro, 7 – FinalTaunton senior Alana Tavares found the back of the net eight times to help the Tigers score a win on the road. In their second win over the Bombardiers this week, Taunton also got two goals from Tasia Lajoie (one assist) and one from freshman Cali Melo. Emily Gannon made eight saves in net for Taunton.

Sharon, 4 @ Foxboro, 19 – FinalTess Letendre had a great game in goal for the Eagles, making 15 saves. Jenna Goldstein scored three of Sharon’s four goals. Athena Merck had the fourth, assisted by Molly McAlevey.

Milford, 3 @ Franklin, 20 – FinalSydney Hawkins and Riley Cross each registered their first goals of the season for the Panthers while Brigid Earley made six saves in net.

Mansfield, 1 @ King Philip, 12 – FinalKing Philip raced out to an 8-0 lead by halftime and never looked back in a win over visiting Mansfield. Julia Marsden and Haley Izydorczak each scored a hat trick to pace the Warriors’ offense, Peyton Mellman and Lily Brown each scored twice, and Ally Donovan and Morgan Cunningham (assist) each found the back of the net once. Emily Campbell turned aside eight shots to get the win in net for KP.

North Attleboro, 11 @ Oliver Ames, 12 – FinalOliver Ames scored twice in the final 30 seconds to steal a win away from North Attleboro. Emma Pereira set up both goals, coming up with a loose ball in her own half before finding Emma Sharkansky, who quickly dished off to Catie Wilson for a goal with 12 seconds left to make it 11-11. Pereira won the ensuing draw for the Tigers, sprinted up the field and passed to Sharkansky who ripped a quick shot in for the game-winner with three seconds to go. Head coach Gen Rogan praised the defensive work of Taylor McAndrew, Emilee Nuss, and goalie Emma O’Donnell.

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 3 @ Quincy, 0 – FinalTaunton continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-16, 26-17) on the road at Quincy. Daniel Medina had a strong game distributing the ball offensively, dishing out 33 assists to go along with three aces. Jakob Thorpe put down 10 kills for the Tigers while Tyler Stewart had another strong all around game with 18 kills, nine digs, and a pair of blocks. Mattia Casagrande (nine digs) and Travis Nunes (seven digs) both played well defensively and in serve receive for the Tigers.

Milford, 3 @ Medfield, 0 – Final

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
King Philip’s Paige Berdos attempts a sliding catch against Attleboro during the 2019 season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2019 Record: 11-11
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Mark Homer

The Bombardiers will be fielding one of the most balanced lineups the program has seen in recent memory. Head coach Mark Homer believes his group of enthusiastic, hard-working, and motivated players can compete for the division title in what is always a very competitive division.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

It will start with a strong group of returners that picked up valuable experience two years ago during the 2019 season. Senior captains Brenna Morse and Lora Woyton have been leaders both on and off the field during the offseason and so far during the preseason. Homer credits their commitment for setting the tone for the entire program. Juniors Lindsey Perry, Hailey Perry, and Meghan Gordon all burst onto the scene as freshmen during the 2019 season and will be key pieces this year.

Homer is going to lean heavily on his senior class, which also features Natalie Mansur, Gabby Bosh, Nina Campbell, and Janie Hillman. The Bombardiers are set to get a boost from a strong core of underclassmen as well, including sophomores Lauren Eby and Sarah Mayer as well as freshmen Rylie Camacho and Kayla Goldrick.

“This year’s team represents one of the most balanced groups we’ve had here at AHS in a while,” Homer said. “Win, lose, or draw this year’s team is about working hard and having fun doing it.”

Canton

2019 Record: 6-14
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dave Bohane

With four seniors returning and five sophomore and freshmen making their varsity debuts, Canton has a good mix of youth and experience to build on this season. It will be the senior class that the Bulldogs hope will provide the leadership to make a move up the standings and maybe challenge the top teams in the Davenport.

Senior center fielder Liz Bickett has been a star for the Bulldogs, earning all-star honors as a sophomore, and is a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Senior Steph Trendell can play both corner infield positions or jump behind the plate and senior Sarah Kelly can step in at either middle infield spot. Both will be setting the table at the top of the order. Senior Amanda Vrabel will start at catcher and work with Canton’s younger pitchers including juniors Gillian Gordon and Sophia Santos and freshman Jess Wright.

Foxboro

2019 Record: 8-13
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Mark Maguire

Youth will be the story for Foxboro this season, as the Warriors will be relying on players seeing their first varsity action in several positions, including a pair of eighth-graders who have been called up for the spring. Still, confidence is high that the Warriors have the talent to compete with the top teams in the Davenport and make a push up the standings.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior shortstop Morgan Sylvestre gives the Warriors a good foundation to build on, batting third and giving them a strong arm at short. Junior Peyton Feldman will see time at both third and second and will bat leadoff. Senior Nicole Theriault will play second and center, one of the few outfielders on the roster with any varsity experience, and Fiona Dunn can also jump in at second as well. Eighth-grader Ava Hill has impressed in preseason and will play first. Junior Alexandra Willis will be behind the plate and working with a young pitching staff led by eighth-grader Emma Callahan. The Warriors will also count on Dunn, Juliana Pettigrew, and Lucy Mulkern as pitchers. Andrea and Jill Slattery, Sadie Calabrese, Kaylee Bruce, Ellie Smith, and Grace Pisarczyk will all get the chance in the outfield this season.

Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said, “I’m expecting the girls to compete hard, and really feed off the energy that Peyton and Morgan bring to the top of our order. With strong leadership from our captains, we’re looking for this team to come together quickly and, hopefully compete for the Davenport.”

Franklin

2019 Record: 16-7
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Holbrook

After coming within a game of sharing the league title with Taunton in 2019 (and within one run of facing the Tigers in the South semifinal), Franklin returns only two players and has a new coaching staff with Katie Holbrook taking over this season. Despite all the new faces, the Panthers expect to be in the mix for the league title again this year.

Senior Gabby Colace is the lone player on the roster with significant varsity experience and she will be counted on to be a run producer. Fellow senior Molly Collins will join Colace in the middle infield positions and the Panthers have players who are versatile to play multiple positions. Franklin has a potentially strong lineup with Libby Carter, Georgia Harvey, and Lauren Cote all capable of coming up with big hits and driving in a lot of runs. Juniors Julia White and Aislinn Lavery, and senior Jenny Maciel give Franklin good pitching depth and will try to keep the opposition off-balance and allow the defense to make plays behind them. Sophomore Hailey Fales will get the call behind the plate.

“They have already shown in just one scrimmage and a couple of practices great strides in gelling as a team and their commitment to team unity,” said Holbrook. “What we lack in experience we are making up for in determination and commitment to growth. I am impressed with the depth and solid foundation of all the players and it will give us a lot of options with lineups.”




King Philip

2019 Record: 13-9
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau

The Warriors will have a new coach this season with former Mansfield standout player and former Franklin coach Kate Fallon-Comeau takes over at the helm.

King Philip will have a relatively young and inexperienced group at the varsity level so Fallon-Comeau will lean on her four seniors to lead the way. Paige Berdos is a three-year starter and a captain for the Warriors, a member of the varsity team since her freshman season. She’s joined by classmate Anna Bradley as captain and that duo will look to provide excellent leadership to the young Warriors. Seniors Libby Curran and Rubi Butler round out the class of 2021.

Berdos will anchor the outfield from center field and will be the spark for the offense from the leadoff spot. Bradley returns to her spot at first base and provides some pop to the lineup. From there, the Warriors will feature a lot of faces new to the varsity level. Junior Meg Sherwood and sophomore Charlotte Raymond will round out the outside for KP while junior Mia Bennett takes over at second base. Sophomore Libby Walsh brings a big bat to the lineup and will be a reliable option defensively at shortstop while freshman Maddie Paschke is slated to start at the hot corner. Junior Lauren Hooper provides depth and can fit into multiple spots in the lineup.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Junior Emma Sheehan and freshman Jordan Bennett are both options to start in the circle for Fallon-Comeau. Both will be new to the varsity level this season so the Warriors will look to play strong defense to help out the pitchers. Sophomore Sarah Cullen will do the bulk of the catching for KP.

“We’re excited to be back out on the field and looking forward to having a successful season,” Fallon-Comeau said.

Mansfield

2019 Record: 12-9
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield has consistently been a playoff team and competitive in the Kelley-Rex division but, with only two players returning from 2019, the Hornets enter the spring as a little bit of a mystery. With four freshmen and a sophomore on the roster, and only two seniors, Mansfield will be looking to put talented players in the right spots to keep battling the league’s top teams.

Senior pitcher Ashlyn Conley is one of the few players with any varsity experience and will be back in the circle this year. Junior first baseman Casey Moussette is the other returning player, after a strong freshman season at the plate in 2019. Abby DeCoste is the only other senior on varsity this season, while Jill Koppy, Molly Kucharski, Callie Lake, and Liv Madeira are all rookies who could step in and make instant impacts. Sophomore Olivia Harnden is another underclassman stepping right into the varsity team this year.

“We have a lot of talent but are still trying to learn to work together at new positions,” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre. “It has been great to be on the field playing again and we are looking forward to the season.”

Milford

2019 Record: 2-18
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford is turning the page on a tough 2019. The Hawks have been a powerhouse since joining the Hock but have gone through a transition period after graduating the core of the last state title-winning team. That transition won’t be helped by moving into the Kelley-Rex division this season, but head coach Steve DiVitto is hoping his seniors can build a foundation for several talented underclassmen that are excited about their first opportunity on varsity.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The Hawks return five players from the 2019 team. Junior Olivia Morelli will be in the circle this season and can also play shortstop. Seniors Erin McEvoy and Carly Ferreira will be at the corner infield spots and senior Natalie Casilli will be back in the outfield. Senior Elise Fauerbach can play behind the plate or in the outfield. Junior Gianna Cacciola is a new face to watch at third base. Freshman Maeve Driscoll could see time at pitcher or at short and her classmate Camille Bonina will see time at first and in the outfield.

“This year’s team is focused on the here and now and not the past,” said DiVitto. “Keeping our awesome team chemistry will be an important part of this season. We’re excited for the challenges of playing in the Hock!”




North Attleboro

2019 Record: 16-6
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro ended a two-decade wait for a league title in 2019 and had the potential to be even better last season, but the Rocketeers will come into this spring having graduated seven starters, with only three players returning with varsity experience, and looking for a new crop of players to search for a second straight Davenport crown.

Senior second baseman Emily Nardelli has been a starter since her freshman year and will be an impact player in the lineup and in the field. Senior Belle Clarkin adds versatility with her ability to play catcher, outfield, and first base, and junior Mandi Hanewich will step into center field. Pitching should remain a strength for North with a pair of promising sophomores, Kelly Colleran and Zoey McDonough, jumping into the circle. Colleran will also see time at shortstop and McDonough at first. Junior Ally Levine will be the new starter at catcher and juniors Chloe Mearn and Shaelyn Burns can play corner infield spots. Emma Bailey and Grace Simmons will add to the outfield, while there are a host of young players, including the lone freshman on the roster, Aubrey Amado, who can play multiple positions and add useful depth.

“I feel like a new coach this year after missing last year,” said North coach Bill Wallace, who also notched his 200th career win in 2019. “Since the last time we had softball I have graduated seven starters.”

Oliver Ames

2019 Record: 4-16
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames is back in the Davenport division and has a small roster, but it is one that has coach Lindsey Allison excited about its potential and versatility. The Tigers will hope that a change of scenery and a speedy, athletic lineup will see a jump up the standings to put pressure on the top teams in the division this season.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The Tigers will have a pair of pitchers this season as senior Emma Varella will be joined by sophomore Katie Melendy. Both have multiple pitches to keep batters off-balance and both can play other positions when they’re not in the circle. Senior Grace Simone will provide leadership for the pitching staff and a big bat in the middle of the lineup. Her leadership will be important as the Tigers will be carrying four sophomores and a freshman along with its five seniors.

Allison said, “As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to a season with a versatile team that works together and picks each other up. These kids work hard every day, strive for greatness, and are hungry for wins. Looking forward to a great season.”

Sharon

2019 Record: 5-15
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno

Sharon is filled with upperclassman so experience will be key as the Eagles look to compete in a wide-open Davenport division. The three captains this year are shortstop Julia Earley, second baseman Sneha Kini, — both seniors — and junior pitcher Trinity Payne so the Eagles will lean on their strength up the middle of the field.

Payne picked up plenty of experience during her freshman year so will be battle-tested for the 2021 season. Earley and Kini give the Eagles a strong defensive foundation and will provide leadership both in the field and at the plate. Of the 11 players on the roster, 10 are upperclassman so head coach Heather Poliferno has an experienced group at her disposal. Poliferno believes her team has a strong mix of power and contact hitters so versatility throughout the lineup will be key.

The one underclassman on the roster is sophomore Ally Foulsham, who could make an immediate impact in her first season with the program. Foulsham can also toe the rubber in the pitcher’s circle so the Eagles have options to work with in the pitching department. After missing out on last season, the Eagles are eager to get back on the field and compete for a division title.

“My high school coach always used to say ‘why not us?’ and I would say the same thing – Why not us? Our players work hard to be the best they can be,” Poliferno said. “They can compete in any setting. We are hungry to play and we have the skill set to do it. So, why not us?”

Stoughton

2019 Record: 15-7
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Deb Parker

Stoughton had an impressive 2019, finishing in second place in the Davenport behind North Attleboro and winning its opening playoff game on a walk-off against Somerset-Berkley. With five returning starters, the Black Knights will be looking to carry momentum into this spring and make another push for a league title.

One of the keys for Stoughton’s high hopes for the season is the return of senior pitcher Nicole Baker, who had a breakout sophomore campaign and emerged as one of the top arms in the league. Baker is the lone infielder returning but senior Julia Driscoll will take over at third and senior Sarah McGrath will be behind the plate. Junior Sydney Menz, who batted over .400 as a freshman, will start in center, while junior Melody Casna takes over at short. Junior Kate Bulger will get the nod in left and senior Lauren Turner starts in right. Sophomore Kerry Driscoll adds depth in the circle and Stoughton has a crop of freshmen who could contribute right away, including Alyssa Edwards, Maddie Hinds, and Julie Powers.

“It’s a little surreal coming back to the field after losing an entire season,” said Stoughton coach Deb Parker. “If we’ve learned anything from last year it’s that nothing is promised, and we have to take advantage of every opportunity we have on and off the field. These young women work hard, and I believe we have the depth, drive, and talent this year to have a great showing in this very competitive league.”

Taunton

2019 Record: 22-3
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Semifinal
Coach: Carrie Consalvi

Taunton is one of the few teams that is coming back from the two-year layoff with a lineup that looks pretty similar to the one from 2019. The biggest change for the Tigers will be on the bench with long-time coach Dave Lewry retiring at the end of the 2019 season and Carrie Consalvi taking over. Consalvi goes into her first spring with a team loaded with talent that looks ready to defend its Kelley-Rex title.

Senior pitcher Kelsey White is back healthy following an injury that would’ve kept her out of last season. The reigning league MVP looks back to the form that helped Taunton win a state title three years ago. Reigning HockomockSports.com Hanna Aldrich is back for her senior season at shortstop and as one of the top power hitters in the Hock. Aldrich is joined up the middle by senior second baseman McKenzie McAloon. All three will be playing DI softball next year. Senior Skylar Rheaume and Tayah Decosta add to the leadership on the team and Taunton will have enviable depth with sophomore Olivia Mendonca back after playing as an eighth-grader and freshman Sam Lincoln looking like Taunton’s next pitching prospect.

“These players have had just about every challenge thrown at them over the past year, but if there was one group that could take all of this and rise to the occasion it is this group,” said Consalvi. “They are hungry to win, and I am hopeful my senior leadership will recall what it took to win that state championship back in 2018 and impart their wisdom with this group of younger players, as it will take every single one of them to make something so special to happen again.”

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview