Tag: Ava Gilmore

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Canton and Oliver Ames both reached the postseason last spring. Read our team-by-team breakdown of the upcoming girls lacrosse season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 3-14
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Shane Collins
It has been a few years since Attleboro challenged for a playoff spot, but the Bombardiers are hoping that the program is taking steps to get back to that level. First-year coach Shane Collins inherits a group with some varsity experience and a little more depth in the roster to try and exceed the three wins from 2022.

Attleboro’s attack will be led by senior Jordan Mooney, a three-year starter, and classmate Stella Krawiec, whose speed adds a different dimension on offense. Sophomore Isabella Cavallini gained a lot of experience as a freshman and could have a breakout year. Junior Molly Moore and freshman Amelia Collins will also get chances to contribute in attack.

Junior Addison Papagolos will be a key player in midfield, making an impact at both ends of the field. Senior Gabriela Sprovieri will also chip in. Senior Ella Stromfors is a three-year starter in defense and her leadership will be invaluable for the Bombardiers alongside juniors Kristin Vasquez-Trudeau and Leandra Lennon. Sophomore Peyton McAuliffe is in goal after seeing some action in the cage as a freshman.

“There’s nothing but upside for this team,” said Collins. “Most of these girls have at least a season of varsity lacrosse under their belts. I feel we have some depth in the midfield, attackers improving on getting to the cage, and a defense and keeper who are communicating extremely well leading up to the start of the season. Our success this season truly hinges on everyone’s commitment to the team-first mentality.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Canton

2022 Record: 14-4
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Casey Bradley
Under first-year coach (and former player) Casey Bradley, Canton saw a resurgence in 2022. The Bulldogs battled Foxboro for the league title all the way to the final game of the regular season and returned to the state tournament. This season, Canton returns loads of talent to make another title challenge and try to add a playoff victory.

Midfield is going to be a strength for the Bulldogs. Junior Devan Spinale is a talented, speedy player with a great finishing touch. Senior Emily McCabe provides the team with endless energy at both ends of the field and was the team’s leading scorer last year. Freshman Nora Giannacopoulos has been impressive in the preseason and there is a lot of potential for her to make an instant impact.

The attack is spearheaded by senior Ella Yeaton, another quick, skillful player who can break down opposition defenses. Canton’s strength last year was its defense and the Bulldogs will be leaning on a couple of experienced players to keep that solidity going into the new season. Juniors Tori Carr and Ava Gilmore are vocal leaders who will maintain the organization in front of goal.

“I am very excited to work with this talented group and continue to build on the foundation from last year,” Bradley said. “We have a ton of returners who will lead the way for the younger girls. The girls are super happy to be back and love working with each other every day.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Foxboro

2022 Record: 14-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Quarterfinal (Davenport champion)
Coach: Kathleen McCullough
Foxboro came within a goal of reaching the Div. 3 Final Four last year and the Warriors bring back a strong core that should be among the contenders for the D3 title again this spring. The 10-time defending Davenport division champions have experience all over the field, return their top two scorers from last year, and are focused on making another tournament run.

The Warriors were the second-highest scoring team in the Hock last year and should be right there again, as seniors Paige Curran, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, and Mya Waryas spearhead a deep, talented group of attackers. Senior Grace Riley and sophomore Cate Noone and junior midfielders Val Beigel and Mary Collins will add even more offensive punch.

Senior Jenney Gallagher is a vocal leader in the defense and she’s not afraid to rush forward and cause problems for the opposition on the other end of the field as well. Junior Ella Campbell is an experienced defender who can disrupt opposing attacks. Sophomore Audrey Campbell gained confidence from a strong freshman season, including a couple of impressive displays in the playoffs, and will be a leader in goal.

“I am thrilled to get back to work with this group of girls,” said Foxboro coach Kathleen McCullough. “They are extremely hardworking and motivated to make a playoff run this year. Right now, we are focusing on team chemistry and game strategies as we approach a schedule that poses some tough opponents and challenges.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview







2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Franklin

2022 Record: 18-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion)
Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
Franklin has been untouchable in the Hockomock League for a decade. Last spring, the Panthers extended their league winning streak to more than 90 games and they come into this season as the heavy favorites to bring home another Kelley-Rex title. Expectations remain sky-high for a program that only seems to reload, not rebuild, and the Panthers will continue to have aspirations to challenge the best programs in the state and compete for a first state title.

The experience in the midfield will be key to Franklin’s season. Senior Kaitlyn Carney led the team with 50 goals in the regular season in 2022 and classmate Katie Peterson was right behind her with 65 points. Seniors Jamie Tanner and Lindsay Atkinson will also return in what should be a dynamic attacking unit. What makes Franklin so difficult to play against is that all of those midfielders also contribute on the other end as well. Senior Payten Crandall will be back in the heart of the defense, giving the team needed leadership in front of its own goal.

As always, when players graduate, Franklin has new players ready to step into the lineup. Junior Katie Ryan will add to the attacking firepower up front, while sophomore Sophia Sacchetti will add to the midfield. Both were on varsity last season but will have bigger roles to play this spring. Freshman midfielder Vera Hansen, the lone rookie on the roster, will also get the chance to show off her speed. Junior Keira Kucich will join Crandall in defense in front of sophomore goalie Ella Mahoney, who’s had a strong start to the season.

“I am really looking forward to the 2023 season,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “We have a good mix of upperclassmen leaders and new players who are ready to step up. Every player has an important role on this team, and if we play together we can go far!”

King Philip

2022 Record: 14-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Kourtnie Wilder
King Philip is coming off another strong season. The Warriors lost only once in the league, to Franklin, and went on the road to beat Needham in the opening round of the state tournament. KP returns 12 players from last year’s team and will lean on its experienced defenders to keep the team in the hunt for a first league title since 2012.

Senior goalie Emily Campbell will be back in the cage this season and her leadership and shot-stopping will be important for the Warriors. Junior Lily McNulty can play in defense or midfield and is another experienced player who can limit the opposition

In attack, the Warriors will have some new faces stepping in and familiar faces who will have much bigger roles. Sophomore Makenzie McDevitt is coming off a breakout freshman season and could be pivotal as either an attacker or a midfielder. Juniors Alyssa Legere and Nicole McDonald will also be counted on to fire in the goals and junior midfielder Sarah Brown can help at both ends of the field.

“We are looking forward to working with this new group,” said KP coach Kourtnie Wilder. “The team has worked hard so far and put in work in the offseason. A lot of our players are multi-sport athletes, and play other sports together and have great chemistry. We as a coaching staff are excited to see what this group can do this spring.”

Mansfield

2022 Record: 9-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Mary Kiley
After a tough start to 2022, Mansfield went on a six-game win streak to close out the regular season (four of those wins by three goals or fewer) and earned a trip to Westford Academy in the first round of the playoffs. The Hornets will be hoping that the momentum from that late-season run will carry over to 2023 and that they can make a title challenge in their first spring in the Davenport division.

Offensively, the team will lean on senior Ava Adams. The team’s leading scorer from last season is a dynamic playmaker and she can open up chances for the entire attack. On defense, experience will be key for the Hornets. Senior goalie Caitlin Zajac returns to be the backstop for the defensive group and classmate Audrey Murphy gives the Hornets much-needed leadership at the back.

Mansfield is counting on the experience gained last year to build depth throughout the roster. Senior Brooke Butler, juniors Keira Fitzpatrick and Lola Varricchione, and sophomore Ella Palanza will play big roles in the midfield, supporting the attack but also dropping in and bolstering the defense.

“We’re having a great start to the season – focusing on fundamentals like our fitness and stickwork, but also elevating our play with high-intensity drills that are super competitive as well as team building,” said Mansfield coach Mary Kiley. “We have a large, talented team and are looking to strategize by using quicker, line-type subbing (like hockey) that will allow us to always have fresh legs on the field. Overall, the team is confident, hard-working, and ready to bring it in our new division!”




2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Milford

2022 Record: 11-9
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Kacey Young
Milford is coming off one of the best seasons in program history. Under first-year coach Kacey Young, the Hawks won 11 games and reached the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. Now the challenge is building off that success and trying to continue the momentum that has been created around the program.

The Hawks return 15 seniors from last year’s team, so there will be plenty of experience on the field, even with the graduation of leading scorer Aislinn Bennett. Offensively, several players will be counted on to step up and provide scoring punch, including senior midfielders Emily Croteau and Carly Haley. Senior Jordan Douglas and junior Erin Michelson will add to the attack along with a talented group of sophomore newcomers: TJ Downing, Yas Martinez, Alexa Landry, and Kaitlin Landry.

Experience will be a strength of Milford’s defense. Senior Caitlyn Bangert had an impressive 2022 in goal and will be back in the cage to provide vocal leadership and organization. In front of Bangert, seniors Tessa Scrimgeour, Sophia Soares, and Molly Hartman form a cohesive group to try and keep opposing attackers at bay.

“Our focus this year is to continue to work together as a team, celebrate the successes and growth, learn from our mistakes, and have fun,” Young explained. “With 15 seniors on the team, their leadership is spread across the field in all positions. Every player will be a contributor on this team and I look forward to seeing them all play together this season.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 7-12
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Amanda Welch
After reaching the playoffs in 2022, North Attleboro returns to the Kelley-Rex division this spring with a roster that is significantly younger. The Rocketeers graduated nearly all of its starting lineup, so the opportunity is there for a lot of players to make instant contributions.

Midfield is where most of North’s experience will be, including its two returning starters. Seniors Ava McKeon and Caroline Folan are the top two scorers coming back for North but also give the Rocketeers athleticism, energy, and leadership all over the field.

As expected from a team that graduated so much of its lineup, there will be a lot of newcomers that will get valuable varsity experience this year. North has a talented sophomore group that could be poised for big seasons. Lily Ramm and Ellie Regan will be in the attack and Carleigh Swenson will step into the defense.

“For our 2023 season we are looking up,” said North coach Amanda Welch. “Despite losing 90% of our starting lineup of seniors, we have really put in the work in the offseason and it’s showing. We have a bright future for this team as we recruited young talent that will help fill the gaps of those seniors. The girls have come to play this year and we will be a team to look out for.”




2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 11-8
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Marisol Henderson
Oliver Ames reached the state tournament a year ago and the Tigers are looking to make another playoff run this spring under first-year coach Marisol Henderson. With only one senior on the roster, OA is going to lean heavily on younger players to step into big roles, but there is a lot of excitement about the potential on the roster.

Senior Catie Wilson is the team’s top returning scorer and she’ll lead the team from the front. Juniors Leanna Hudson and Kayla Magit add to OA’s attacking strength. Junior Olivia O’Rourke will be the key to the midfield. The St. Anselm commit provides energy on both ends of the field. Junior Hailey Goldman and sophomore Summer Silverman have been aggressive through preseason and junior Erin Cottam has the potential for a breakout season.

Junior goalie Claire O’Rourke will bring vocal leadership to the defensive group. Juniors Taylor McAndrew and Gennie Fulford have a lot of skill at cutting off opposition attacks. Freshman Molly Nager has already shown how her speed could be a threat on the break and has the potential to be an instant contributor.

“I have been really impressed by the positive energy and hard work that the team has shown,” Henderson said. “It has also been great to see how well they support each other. They are coming into another season with a new coach, and it can be tough to not have consistency from one year to the next, but they aren’t letting that get to them and they are eager to learn. We have a lot of potential and I am looking forward to seeing improvements every game.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Sharon

2022 Record: 0-20
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Ali Bowery
Sharon is coming off a difficult 2022 season. The Eagles were unable to find a win last year, although they did have two losses by just a single goal, and are in the midst of a rebuild under first-year coach Ali Bowery. She is leaning on her experienced seniors to get the team ready to compete this spring.

One of the seniors who the Eagles will count on this season is goalie Tess Letendre, who has been a solid shot-stopper for each of the past three years. Senior Carly Buckman will also provide much-needed vocal leadership. Juniors Anna Hertzel and Keira Lydeard have been named captains and give the Eagles energy on both ends of the field.

Underclassmen to watch out for this season include sophomore Bailey Garte, who is a three-sport varsity athlete, and classmate Megan Porcaro. Bowery has been impressed with the pair’s stick work and speed in the preseason. Overall, Bowery is expecting Sharon’s attack to be more potent this season.

“I have a great group of girls that all mesh well with each other,” Bowery said. “They have been working hard during practice improving their shots and ball movement. I am looking forward to the start of the season. I am rebuilding the program and this group of girls will take it to the next level!”

Stoughton

2022 Record: n/a
2022 Finish: n/a
Coach: Kelly Fahey
Stoughton is making its varsity debut this spring and head coach Kelly Fahey is looking forward to seeing how the Black Knights can bring the chemistry built over the past few seasons to fully compete in the Hockomock League.

A pair of sisters will be important players for Stoughton as it makes the jump into varsity. Junior attacker Morgan Groppi and freshman midfielder Casey Groppi and junior midfielder Nicole Reid and freshman attacker Amanda Reid bring versatility and lacrosse experience to the field. That foursome will be counted on to create opportunities for themselves and their teammates, while also helping out in other areas of the game.

Junior Mia Rivera is moving up from defense to attack and her aggression and defensive instincts will be helpful at that end of the field. Sophomore Lily Nourse is a versatile newcomer who can play on either end.

“We have a lot of girls who are not afraid to take shots and create opportunities,” Fahey said. “The girls have been playing together for a few years and have solid team chemistry. This is our first year as a varsity program and we are excited to compete.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Taunton

2022 Record: 2-14
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Adilson Galvao
After graduating the program’s all-time leading scorer, Taunton was bound to have a rebuilding season in 2022. The Tigers had a pair of one-goal wins against Sharon, but with only 68 goals scored Taunton struggled to pick up any other results. Second-year coach Adilson Galvao is hoping that a year of experience will be a boost for the young Tigers and see a big improvement this spring.

Some of the players who seem ready for a big step up this season include senior midfielders Kayla Bayanilla and Hailey Tanguay, both of whom can contribute on both ends of the field. Senior Raquel Azevedo and sophomore Madison Szala will lead the way on the attacking end, while junior Cali Melo brings her athleticism into the midfield.

Newcomers who have made instant impacts during preseason play are freshmen Taryn Campbell and Lillian Bonneau. Galvao is excited about the connections that are already building between his attacking players. Senior Melissa Jesus will be an important leader for the Tigers this year, as she returns in the goal to keep things organized at the back.

“The team has a mix of new, young, and returning faces that are all determined to become a better player for themselves and towards the team,” Galvoa said. “This year’s season will show the maximum potential and ambition these girls have towards the game of lacrosse.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview
Franklin will be one of the top teams in the league again this season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Attleboro

2021 Record: 10-8-2
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro ended its long wait for a return to the postseason in 2021 and head coach Steve Santos is hoping that success will breed more winning for the program. The Bombardiers will have a strong foundation this season because of a big senior class and experience across the pitch. If Attleboro can overcome some early season injuries and illnesses, they could be in the mix for another postseason spot.

With 34 goals as a team last year, Attleboro wasn’t one of the league’s most prolific attacking groups, but the Bombardiers have talented players who can make an impact in the final third. Junior Jamie Davies had a breakout sophomore year with nine goals and two assists and will be expected to lead the line this fall. Senior midfielder Kahlan Gray, who is dealing with an injury, can add to the attack either in the center of the field or out on the wing and freshman Tatum O’Brien is a newcomer to the lineup that has a good soccer IQ and will provide playmaking from the center of the pitch. Sophomore Tatum Leahy will give the team a boost after a year on JV.

The Bombardiers are going to be experimenting with defensive groups early in the season. Senior Emily Dunlea is a versatile player who can impact play no matter where she slots in and could be used in the defense at the start. Senior Ella Stromfors is battling illness but will give the team good experience and aggressiveness in the back line and junior Bethany Alves had an impressive sophomore season at the back and can also step into midfield. Junior Presley Biller will also add depth in the defensive unit. Senior Alexis Campbell is back in goal and her composure and vocal leadership will be important to keep things organized while the team gets healthy.

“We’ve had a good preseason,” Santos said. “We have a lot of seniors who are a good group of friends who all look out for each other. We had a good season and now they expect more this year. We want to not just get into the tournament, but win a couple of games.”

Canton

2021 Record: 6-7-5
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton battled through injuries for much of last season, but the Bulldogs were able to rally and made a playoff push. Entering his third season as coach, Idris Senyonjo has a roster filled with players that understand his style of play and he believes that the Bulldogs will be ready to push on and challenge the top teams in the division.

Senior midfielder Emily McCabe had a breakout season in 2021, becoming the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, and her leadership will be a key to the team’s success this fall. Senior Han Hong and sophomore Paige Sullivan add more experience in the center of the pitch. Up front, sophomores Emma Cahill and Caira McKinney (who missed last season with an injury) will be the top forward options.

Defensively, the Bulldogs graduated several starters, but seniors Kristine Keefe and Sarah Dempster are back and will provide the foundation for the back line. Junior Ava Gilmore is a versatile player who can help out in the midfield or drop into the defense, giving the Bulldogs options in the lineup. Junior Mekhala Costello took a year off to shine on the golf course, but she is back on the pitch this fall and is another dynamic player who can line up in multiple spots.

“Yes we have had multiple players graduate over the past couple of years but this is the first time in my tenure that most of the players from last year will be returning and my hope is that it brings a sense of continuity going into this season,” said Senyonjo. “The best we can do now is prepare to the best of our ability and we will be taking it game by game.”







Foxboro

2021 Record: 16-2-4
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four
Coach: Jen Lippolis
Despite an injury to All-American Kailee McCabe, Foxboro made a historic run to the Div. 3 state semifinal last fall, and the Warriors will try to use that experience to put together another tournament run this season. In addition to the graduation of McCabe, who set a program record with 32 goals in 2021, the Warriors will also be making a change on the sideline with assistant Jen Lippolis taking over for Katie Stalcup.

Foxboro will be young this season but many of those players got valuable experience last fall. Seniors Lauren Miley and Jaclyn Vecchione will be back in the middle of the pitch this season, as junior Erin Foley will be moved further forward to try and bolster the attack. Sophomore Neve Taylor had a strong rookie campaign and will step into a bigger midfield role this year, while senior Grace Riley will give the Warriors a boost when she returns from a preseason injury.

The Warriors were known as an attack-minded team last season, but the defense was excellent, allowing only 20 goals in 22 games and recording three clean sheets in the tournament. Junior sweeper Lindsey Resnick will be back in the heart of the defense and sophomore Sophia Auclair is coming off an impressive freshman season. Sophomore Maddy Luck is another young defender who should be ready for a big step up in responsibility this season. Foxboro should be strong in goal with senior Maddie Maher joined by junior Allie Sougaris, fresh off her playoff heroics.

“We’re excited to be back on the soccer field,” Lippolis said. “We are a young team this year. With the leadership of our returning varsity players, we’re excited for a fun, competitive season.”

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Franklin

2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Kelley-Rex champion)
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16
Coach: Tom Geysen

In 2021, under interim coach Jodi Klein, Franklin continued its success in the Kelley-Rex winning a second straight league title. Head coach Tom Geysen is back on the sidelines this fall and the Panthers have a lineup loaded with experience that looks ready to make a challenge for a three-peat.

Defense has long been a strength for the program and last year was no different. The Panthers allowed only 11 goals in 18 matches and bring back one of the league’s top center back pairings. Senior Norah Anderson is a four-year starter in defense and she will be partnered by junior Maddie Horton, who had a breakout sophomore campaign. Junior Rachel Welch will be back in goal behind them and has proven to be one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. Junior Lily Deforge is a versatile player who can also help out at the back.

The Franklin attack took a big step forward last year. Junior Anya Zub moved from the wing to center forward and the reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put together a 20-goal season. Sophomore Kelly O’Connor was a breakout star on the wing who could take over a game. There were a few graduations in the midfield, but seniors Bridget Leo and Avery Greco can control the game in the center of the pitch and create scoring chances for the forward group.

“They have worked incredibly hard all year and done all the things necessary for success,” Geysen said. “All that is left is putting it all together on the field.”




2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

King Philip

2021 Record: 12-7-1
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16
Coach: Gary Pichel
Despite being very young in 2021, King Philip was in contention for the Kelley-Rex title until the final weeks of the regular season and took highly ranked Bishop Feehan to overtime in the Round of 16. With a more experienced roster this year, the Warriors will be looking to take the next step and get back on top of the division for the first time since 2019 and make a deep tournament run.

The Warriors were the third-highest scoring team in the league last year with 57 goals and offense should be a strength again with senior Ella Pisani back to run things in attack. The team’s leading scorer in 2021, Pisani had 19 goals and eight assists last fall and she will be the focal point on offense. KP has talent on the wings that can take advantage of any space defenses leave open. Junior Eilish McGowen and sophomores Danielle Lomuscio and Mikayla Thompson have the pace and skill to create scoring chances as well. The forward line is also boosted by the return of junior forward Heidi Lawrence and senior Danielle Gresham will shore up the midfield.

The defense has plenty of experience from last season. Senior Grace Lawler will be the leader of the back line and continues to be called upon to mark the opposition’s top attacker. Junior Rylie Wesley and sophomores Rihanna Mason and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn give KP a lot of athleticism in the defensive third of the field. There will be experience in net as well with the return of senior Lauren Casper and junior Makenna Norrman, who both saw action in 2021.

“I am really looking forward to competing this season with all the great Hockomock teams,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “We were very young last year. With a year under our belt, we should see improvements across the board in every facet of our game.”

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Mansfield

2021 Record: 12-5-1
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield was in the running for the Kelley-Rex title into the final weeks of the regular season and this year the Hornets will be hoping that their first fall in the Davenport will feature a similar title challenge. With a young roster that features four freshmen and four sophomores, the Hornets will be relying on the upperclassmen to keep the team heading in the right direction in what promises to be a very competitive division.

The Hornets are without their top three scorers from last season (Tarynn Smith, Katie Miller, and Gabby Smith) so there will be room for other players to step in and provide an attacking threat. Senior forward Olivia Homsi will lead the line and junior Carly Devine is a skilled forward who can play up top or just behind the strikers, while senior Abby Jean gives Mansfield speed on the wing. Senior Bridget Hanley is coming off a breakout season in a holding midfield role and could be asked to get forward a little more this season to help support the offense.

Defense was a significant strength for the Hornets last year, allowing only 17 goals in 18 games, including a shutout of Canton in the opening round of the playoffs. Junior Kara Santos is back for her third year in the heart of defense and, although she will have her third center back partner in three years, gives the Hornets a strong foundation. She is also the team’s top returning scorer with seven goals and is a threat on any set piece opportunity. Senior goalie Olivia Salisbury has become one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. They’ll provide vocal leadership for the younger players at the back.

“We have a very young team with many first-year varsity players,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith. “We will be leaning on our seniors and returning players to provide leadership as we grow as a team.”

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Milford

2021 Record: 3-14-1
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Lou Colabello

Milford is coming off a three-win season in 2021, but the Hawks are hoping that an influx of young talent from a successful JV team will help them climb the league standings and make a playoff push. The Hawks have 10 seniors and have added seven freshmen who can contribute right away in their first varsity seasons.

The key for Milford this season will be the play of leading scorer Dani Atherton. The four-year starter has been the focal point of Milford’s attack since she jumped on the team and this year head coach Lou Colabello is counting on a move to outside midfield to give her more chances to get on the ball and run at defenders. Freshman Ava Baglione will step in up top and there is hope she can add firepower to the Hawks’ attack. Sophomore Paige Caldon had a good season in attack as a freshman and this year will drop back to help out in the center of the pitch.

Senior Serena Borges will be moved further up in midfield so that she can produce more in the attack, but classmate Brooke Ferreira will be pushed from midfield to the back line to cover for preseason injuries. Ferreira will be joined by senior Evalysse Pierce, who is coming back from an injury that kept her out of last season. Freshman Kayleigh Tourtellot is another rookie who should be ready for the physical test of the Hockomock League, while classmate Chloe Murdock will step between the pipes after a strong season as an eighth grader on JV.

“It’s a fun team,” Colabello said about the mix of veterans and talented newcomers. “There is a lot of talent there. We’re deeper than we were last year. We’ll hold our own. We’re hoping to get out of the blocks well and build some confidence.”




North Attleboro

2021 Record: 8-10-2
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Geoff Burgess
North Attleboro is making the move back to the Kelley-Rex division this fall and the Rocketeers will be turning to a familiar face on the sidelines, as Geoff Burgess moves back to the girls’ program after coaching the boys for the past few seasons. After graduating 12 players, North will have a lot of new faces implementing a new style this season.

Up top, North will be counting on senior Emma Pratt. After scoring nine goals last year, Pratt is the team’s top returning scorer and will be counted on to give the Rocketeers the firepower to compete with the league’s best. Senior Caroline Ferrin will be one of the key playmakers in the center of the pitch and will help Burgess bring in a more possession-based approach.

The North boys have been known as a strong defensive team and Burgess will hope that solidity carries over to his work with the girls as well. Senior Haley Sinacola will be the team’s leader at the back. Sinacola was the team’s MVP last season and gives North a strong foundation in the defensive third, as well as a constant threat on set pieces. Senior Maddie Ferrin is back in goal for the Rocketeers and adds experience to the back line.

“Lots of changes to the team, the philosophy and the style of play,” said Burgess. “We are still learning about ourselves and who we can be this season. We are going to try and possess the ball and build attacks rather than kick and chase.”

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Oliver Ames

2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Davenport champion)
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Even after graduating 10 players from last season, Oliver Ames looks prepared to defend its Davenport division title. Many of the younger players got experience on the pitch in 2021 and could be poised for big years as they step into larger roles.

OA was second in the league with 68 goals last year and the attack will continue to utilize the speedy wings that have become a signature of the Tigers’ style. Junior Lucinda Li Cotter and senior Jenna Gilman will continue to provide width and service into the box. Senior Carly Gibson will move into the forward line to give additional creativity in the final third.

The midfield will continue to be strong, physical, and direct. Senior Mary Cross will move forward from defense and give leadership in the middle of the field. Sophomore Emma Gavin impressed during her rookie season and gives another weapon in the midfield. Seniors Sophia Byron and Molly Capace will be leaders in a back line that allowed only 11 goals in 18 games last year. Sophomore Taylor deVos is a versatile player who can line up on the wing or at outside back. Sophomore Janiya Matier will be the team’s new keeper this season.

“Even graduating seven senior starters (10 total) we feel we have a competitive team returning this year,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “The key will be returning taking on larger roles and new players having an impact for a successful season.”

Sharon

2021 Record: 3-14-1
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon went through a tough 2021 season, with only three wins, but the Eagles are another team returning the bulk of its roster, and the experience that they have from back to front promises the potential for more positive results in 2022.

The key for Sharon will be senior Sofia Goclowski. The team’s top playmaker, Goclowski is a back-to-box midfielder who will contribute on both ends of the field and, as she continues to develop her finishing, could be ready to lead the Sharon attack. The Eagles will also lean on a pair of underclassmen in the forward line. Sophomore Autumn Simon, who also played in goal last season, makes good runs behind the back line and is one of the team’s top returning scorers. Freshman Jessica Li is an exciting newcomer that will add speed and athleticism on the wing.

Defense will be bolstered by the return of senior Sally Brouhard. After missing all of last season with an injury, Brouhard provides reliability in the back line and is a leader that will keep things organized. Senior Carly Pinnix is another technically proficient midfielder that gives Sharon composure in the midfield and can jump into the attack when she gets the chance.

“With so many returning varsity players, we have strength across every line this season and we have the potential to be very good,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “We will need to stay focused and committed to continuous improvement if we are going to be competitive in the challenging Hockomock, but I am excited to see what this talented group can do together.”

Stoughton

2021 Record: 3-15-0
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Jon Grant
Stoughton had three wins in 2021, but the Black Knights also displayed potential for a brighter future with a host of underclassmen that looked ready to start competing with the top teams. Former boys coach Jon Grant has taken over the girls’ program this season and he will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, hoping to shore things up at the back to help secure more positive results.

The Black Knights should be dynamic in the final third this season. Senior Shayla Ford is back for her fourth varsity season and her speed and ability to find space make her a constant threat to the opposition defense. Sophomores Makenzie O’Connor and Bianca Casna both had strong freshman seasons and can cause problems with the ball at their feet. Sophomores Morgan Cook and Emma Tran showed good chemistry in the midfield last year and will help provide the killer pass to the forwards.

After allowing 86 goals last year, defense will be a priority for the Black Knights this year and there were several players who will be leaning on the valuable experience they got in 2021. Senior Sabrina Rodrigues will add a veteran presence, while junior Ally Lada and sophomore Lauren Mitchell will anchor the middle of the back line. Junior Katrina Varnum is a vocal leader in goal.

“This season we are focusing on team and individual defending,” said Grant. “I’m excited to watch this group grow throughout the season and compete in such an extremely competitive league. Everything I’ve thrown at them so far has been received positively. This group is very coachable and has such a passion to learn and get better.”

2022 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Taunton

2021 Record: 2-15-1
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Danny Borges
Taunton is coming off a difficult 2021 season, after just two wins, but there is optimism in the squad with many younger players gaining valuable experience last season. The Tigers will have a new face on the sideline this fall, with Dan Borges taking over. Although new to the Hockomock, Borges spent 34 years as the coach of the boy’s team at Coyle-Cassidy and he is excited about the progress the team has made in picking up his system in the preseason.

Goals were hard to come by at times last season, as Taunton scored only 14 overall and just eight in league play. Senior midfielder Emily Calderon returns to be the team’s primary playmaker and will be counted on to get the Tigers moving upfield into the attack. Junior forwards Jenna Pereira and Ava Alves will be the main targets up top, as Taunton is looking to add more firepower at that end of the field.

On the other side, the Tigers have a question mark in goal with several younger players looking to replace Izzy Anslow, who was impressive between the sticks for the past couple of seasons. Senior Christina Da Costa and junior Cali Melo will give Taunton athleticism and leadership in the back line to try and shore things up and limit the opposition.

“Our team spirit is high, the girls have been working very hard and adjusting to a new game model,” Borges said. “I believe we have a good mix of experience and youth, and we hope to be more competitive in the traditionally strong Hockomock League.”

2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

Kailee McCabe, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars

Emily Dunlea, Attleboro
Emily Khang, Attleboro
Emily McCabe, Canton
Ava Gilmore, Canton
Jordan Carman, Foxboro
Meg Burke, Foxboro
Anya Zub, Franklin
Stella Regan, Franklin
Norah Anderson, Franklin
Rachel Welch, Franklin
Ella Pisani, King Philip
Grace Lawler, King Philip
Katherine Miller, Mansfield
Kara Santos, Mansfield
Gabrielle Smith, Mansfield
Dani Atherton, Milford
Haley Sinacola, North Attleboro
Steph McKenna, North Attleboro
Emma Pratt, North Attleboro
Camryn O’Connor, Oliver Ames
Lucinda Li Cotter, Oliver Ames
Allison Evin, Oliver Ames
Lauren Sellmayer, Oliver Ames
Sofia Goclowski, Sharon
Shayla Ford, Stoughton

Honorable Mentions
Olivia Calderone, Attleboro
Allie McCabe, Canton
Erin Foley, Foxboro
Kelly O’Connor, Franklin
Dani Lomuscio, King Philip
Tarynn Smith, Mansfield
Brooke Ferreira, Milford
Summer Doherty, North Attleboro
Katie Gibson, Oliver Ames
Amber Marcus-Blank, Sharon
Makenzie O’Connor, Stoughton

Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. 2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

Second Half Surge Sends Mansfield to Sweet Sixteen

Mansfield girls soccer
Mansfield celebrates Tarynn Smith’s third goal in a 3-0 win against Canton in the opening round of the D2 state tournament. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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MANSFIELD, Mass. – Even with one of the teams changing divisions and the tournament format changing to statewide, there was still an all-Hockomock League matchup in the first round of this year’s state tournament. On Thursday night at Alumni Field, Mansfield hosted Canton in battle of familiar foes.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Mansfield’s center back duo of sophomore Kara Santos and freshman Gabby Smith may never have played in the postseason before, but they looked like seasoned veterans on Thursday, providing a wall in the defensive third and scoring punch on the other end of the field. Smith scored once and assisted on the other and Santos got the game-winner, as the Hornets won 3-0 to advance to next week’s Round of 16.

“They really work well together,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith said of his central defensive pairing. “They have a great friendship, they have an understanding (on the field), they seem to want to just find each other on set pieces. They’re great together.”

The Hornets dominated the ball in the opening half, testing Canton on both flanks and through the middle, but the Bulldogs showed some defensive resiliency. Ava Gilmore and Han Hong provided cover for the back four and centerbacks Allie McCabe and Sarah Dempster largely kept the hosts at bay.

Canton’s issue was getting the ball into the attacking third, where Emily McCabe was being shackled by Smith and Santos and struggling to combine with Fay Gallery.

“Their defense stays compact all the time,” said Canton coach Idris Senyonjo. “They let you play the ball in front of them not behind them, which works.”

Mansfield had the game’s first good chance when Katie Miller got the ball out to Tarynn Smith in the left channel and her cross just missed Olivia Homsi making a late run into the back post. Less than 10 minutes later, Smith tested the range on a 25-yard free kick that looked as though it had gone in, but had actually skimmed over the bar.

It took nearly half and hour for either keeper to be tested. From a throw-in, Miller had a chance on the right side of the box, but her looping shot was comfortably held by Canton keeper Elyse Broderick. It would be the only shot on target by either team in the first half.

The Hornets had a couple of looks from corners late in the half. Tarynn Smith played the first one to the edge of the six-yard box but Carly Devine was unable to keep her header down. The second corner from Smith was an attempt directly on goal, but it slid just wide of the far post.

Three minutes after halftime, the Hornets got the breakthrough. After a rare Canton foray into the Mansfield box, the hosts broke quickly and were able to win a corner when Miller’s shot from distance had Broderick scrambling down to her left to save. Gabby Smith curled an in-swinger with her left foot to the back post and Santos rose above her marker to power a header into the back of the net.

“It was great,” Smith said about the opening goal. “I thought we were on top most of the first half but Canton is a good team. They were organized, tough to break down that first half and that first goal just kind of loosened up the bonds for us and then we were able to find some more.”

In the 49th minute, the Hornets nearly doubled the lead. A cross from left back Anna Darlington picked out Abby Jean in the middle of the box. She beat her defender to the ball and the header beat the keeper only to come back off the post.

Two minutes later, Smith provided Mansfield with a welcome cushion. The freshman lined up a 35-yard free kick and bent a shot up over the outstretched arm of Broderick and under the post for a 2-0 lead.

Canton was pushing for a goal to get back into the game and was having a little more success getting into the final third, although the final ball was lacking. Freshman Emma Cahill was making good ground on the right wing and sophomore Devan Spinale was battling in the midfield but to no avail.

Just after the half-hour mark, Mansfield booked its place into the Sweet Sixteen. Tarynn Smith pounced on a mishit clearance, took a touch onto her right foot, and fired a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-0.

The Bulldogs would manage to test Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury only once in the game, when McCabe lined up a shot in the closing minutes. In addition to the play of the back four, Bridget Hanley continued to play an important role for the Hornets’ midfield, breaking up attack after attack with strong tackles and clever interceptions.

“She’s done a great job just flying under the radar,” said Smith about Hanley. “People don’t know who she is and what she does and she just brings it every day.”

Canton (6-7-5) battled injuries throughout the season and had many players getting their first taste of tournament play.

“I think we beat a few odds to even make the playoffs, considering the injuries,” Senyonjo explained. “We’ve not been consistent enough to know what kind of game we’re going to have on any given day. I think having made the playoffs this year will drive the team to want to do better next year.”

Mansfield (12-4-1), the No. 11 seed, awaits the winner of No. 6 Medfield and No. 27 West Springfield. If the Warriors win, then Mansfield will be on the road, but if the Terriers win then the game will be back at Alumni Field.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/18/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 0 @ Milford, 2 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Stoughton, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton picked up a key two points and gained some ground in the division title race with a win over Stoughton. Jake McCabe continued his current hot streak with two more goals to pace the offense. Erik Valdovinos and Jacob Crugnale each added one goal in the win while Dylan Baird played well in the midfield. The Bulldogs pushed their unbeaten streak to six games and sit just two points out of the lead in the Davenport.

Foxboro, 0 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – North Attleboro grabbed its third straight win and third straight shutout with a win over visiting Foxboro, leapfrogging the Warriors in the standings. Junior Givany Carney headed in a cross from classmate Griffin Rodden in the 55th minute for the lone goal of the game. David Floyd came up with a handful of big stops to preserve the shutout while Brody Rosenberg and Jaad Ismail had solid showings defensively.

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Franklin scored the lone goal of the game just under 15 minutes into the contest to earn a season split with Taunton. Tim O’Keefe served a free kick from the right wing into the area that was redirected before falling to the feet of senior Terry O’Neill, who buried his chance from in close. The Panthers had a handful of good looks in the second half but couldn’t tack on a second goal; Taunton keeper Javonte Fernandes had a pair of terrific stops to help keep the deficit at one.

King Philip, 1 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – King Philip sophomore Tommy Lomuscio scored the equalizer with just under 10 minutes to go to help the Warriors grab a point on the road against Mansfield. The Hornets had an ideal start when senior Matt Hyland scored just five minutes into the game to give the hosts the lead, finishing off a pass from classmate James Li. Both Connor O’Reilly (King Philip) and Jack Lasbury-Casey (Mansfield) played well in net.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – Sharon recorded the upset of the season, snapping OA’s 10-game unbeaten streak and avenging a 6-1 loss from earlier this year. Adam Landstein scored the lone goal of the game, finishing off a pass from James Zhang. Brady Daylor recorded the shutout in net for the Eagles.










Girls Soccer
Milford, 0 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Attleboro broke open a scoreless game with three goals in the second half and moved back to .500 on the season. Seven minutes into the second half Jamie Davies was able to break the deadlock, assisted by Bethany Alves. Kacey Parker teed up Kahlan Gray for a 30-yard strike that double the lead. Emily Dunlea sealed the win with Attleboro’s third goal. Emily Khang picked up the assist.

Canton, 6 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Canton scored six unanswered goals to pick up a big road win and move a win away from .500 on the season. Emily McCabe had four goals and an assist to power the Bulldogs offensively. Stoughton got off to a good start in the match and grabbed the lead after 12 minutes when Makenzie O’Connor coolly finished from the penalty spot. Canton equalized in the 28th minute when Ava Gilmore found the back of the net from long distance. McCabe broke the deadlock with the last kick of the half, taking a pass from Lauren Shatkin, cutting in on her left foot, and finding the back of the net. McCabe would add three goals in the first 12 minutes of the second half, twice running onto balls in behind the Stoughton back line and tapping in after a cross from the left by Devan Spinale. Fay Gallery wrapped up the scoring in the last minute when she met a McCabe corner at the back post.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Neve Taylor had a goal and an assist, as Foxboro held off a challenge from North to remain in a first-place tie. Taylor opened the scoring, finishing off a feed from Jordan Carman. Erin Foley made it 2-0 off another Carman assist. Kailee McCabe added a third with a solo run and finish. Lauren Miley wrapped up the scoring with a nice touch on a cross by Taylor.

Franklin, 4 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Stella Regan’s brace powered Franklin to a road win that keeps the Panthers in first place in the Kelley-Rex, two points ahead of Mansfield and KP. Kelly O’Connor and Selene Hammad each scored as well for the Panthers, while Anya Zub had a pair of assists. Jackie O’Neill and Emma Reilly also had helpers in the win, while Rachel Welch and Haylie Aniki split the clean sheet in goal. Franklin coach Jodi Klein praised her team’s composure and ball movement.

Mansfield, 5 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – The Hornets moved into a tie with KP for second place in the Kelley-Rex with a big win on the road. Mansfield had five different goal scorers. Olivia Homsi got the first on an assist from Tarynn Smith, but KP answered back on a penalty from Ella Pisani. Gabby Smith had the second, scoring direct from a corner, but again the Warriors responded as Mikayla Thompson scored unassisted. Alexis O’Keefe put the visitors back in front, assisted by Bridget Hanley and Tarynn Smith scored off a pass from Anna Darlington for her second point of the night to make it 4-2 at the break. Kara Santos closed out the scoring for the Hornets with a second half free kick. Olivia Salisbury made seven saves, including three diving stops, to pick up the win in goal.

Sharon, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – Final – OA pulled away to earn another win and remain tied with Foxboro atop the Davenport, scoring four goals in the second half. Katie Gibson, Lauren Sellmayer, Carly Gibson, Camryn O’Connor and Allison Evin were the goal scorers for OA while Emily Meyers and Kathrine Farley combined for the shutout in goal. Sharon had strong performances in the midfield from Sofia Goclowski and Amber Marcus-Blank. Jordanna Morris played well for the Eagles in defense and Autumn Simon had a good first half in goal and created several scoring opportunities playing up top after the break.




Field Hockey
Canton, 2 @ Braintree, 0 – Final

Franklin, 5 @ Algonquin, 2 – Final – Franklin scored three goals in the final quarter to break a tie game and pull away from Algonquin for its 13th win of the season. Algonquin twice took the lead, the first coming in the opening quarter but a goal from Shaw Downing (from Kaitlyn Carney) four minutes later leveled the match, which stayed 1-1 into halftime. Algonquin regained the lead less than a minute into the third but Kendall Jones finished a pass from Carney four minutes later to make it 2-2 heading into the fourth. Haley Wernig put the visitors ahead less than five minutes into the fourth off of Carney’s third assist of the game and then Carney scored herself with just under five minutes to go to make it 4-2.Jones tacked on her second goal of the game two minutes later on a pass from Kaeley Dubriske. Jones also made a pair of huge defensive saves while goalie Megan Sullivan had seven stops.

Taunton, 0 @ New Bedford, 3 – Final – Ashley Amaro and Thalia Nogeira played well in the loss for the Tigers.

Volleyball
Foxboro @ Walpole, 6:00

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames rallied from a two-set deficit to stun Bridgewater-Raynham, earning a season sweep of the Trojans with a 3-2 win (23-25, 21-25, 25-12, 25-12, 15-9). Sophomore Claire O’Rourke helped rally the Tigers with 24 kills and five aces while classmate Sarah Hilliard added 24 kills and four aces. Junior Maddie Homer recorded 42 digs and Hadley Rhodes dished out 39 assists.

Sharon, 1 vs. Norwood, 3 – Final

Foxboro Attack Too Much to Handle for the Bulldogs

Foxboro girls soccer
Foxboro players celebrate with Erin Foley after her goal put the Warriors up 2-1 on Canton. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


CANTON, Mass. – Inside the opening 10 minutes of Wednesday night’s game at WWII Veterans Memorial Field, Foxboro saw itself go behind. A bad bounce (or fortuitous if you were on the Canton side) left the Warriors down, but far from out. The league’s second-highest scorer, Foxboro was confident that it could find one goal in the next 70 minutes.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

As it turned out, the Warriors got five. Behind a Kailee McCabe hat trick, Foxboro turned around the early deficit to run out 5-2 winners at Canton, once again moving into a first-place tie with Oliver Ames atop the Davenport division.

“After we got down by that one goal, I could just see that they knew they were going to come back and win this game,” said Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup. “I have that confidence in them and I think we’ve just come together so strongly as a team that they just have that faith in each other that they’re going to make it work.”

Foxboro nearly opened the scoring after seven minutes. Jordan Carman’s pass from the left wing picked out McCabe on the edge of the box. Elyse Broderick was able to get two hands to the shot and tip it over the bar. Just two minutes later, Canton found the opener. Sarah Dempster’s free kick from midfield took a huge bounce in the box, stranding Foxboro keeper Alexis Sougaris and ending up in the back of the net.

The Bulldogs were absorbing pressure but seemed buoyed by the early goal and were getting some success attacking down the wings. Fay Gallery won the ball in midfield and fed it to Emily McCabe, who in turn found Emma Cahill streaking down the right wing. The freshman’s cross just eluded Gallery at the back post. A few minutes later, it was McCabe on the right wing crossing but again Gallery couldn’t make contact on the far side.

Two goals in two minutes turned the game on its head and sophomore Erin Foley was the impetus behind both. First, she made a smart run in the box and was brought down by Broderick to earn a penalty that McCabe coolly put away. Just two minutes later, Foley pressured Dempster, forcing a turnover, and hit a curling, first-time shot over Broderick and under the bar from a tight angle.

“She’s just a grinder,” Stalcup said of Foley. “She just has so much competitive energy. I told her the other day that’s something I can’t coach. She just has so much emotion and passion and competitiveness that it fuels so much of her game.”

Canton continued to hold its own. Injuries have taken their toll for the Bulldogs, forcing Ava Gilmore to move out of defense into the midfield, but Allie McCabe was handling the Foxboro attacks and it remained a one-goal game for another 10 minutes.

Then Kailee McCabe made a goal out of nothing. The league’s leading scorer and reigning MVP, fired a shot from 35 yards out on the right side of the box and placed it into the far bottom corner to make it 3-1.

“Where we’re getting hurt most in the midfield,” said Senyonjo, who was missing two starters to injuries and had several other players banged up. “If we can put on this same performance with a few more healthy bodies then we might be able to get something out of the next few games and hopefully we can squeeze into the playoffs.”

With two minutes to go until halftime, Canton had a chance to get back within one. Gabriella Herivaux played a pass into Cahill charging down the right. The freshman cut back onto her left foot, but her shot from the edge of the box was parried at full stretch by Sougaris.

Momentum remained with the visitors coming out of the break. A cross from Brooke Barreira nearly found Foley for her second but the redirected shot went wide. Canton came close after a cross from deep by Kristina Keefe found Anne Hoban on the far side of the box. The senior’s glancing header went narrowly wide, possibly clipping the post on its way past the corner.

McCabe continued to be a thorn in the side of the Canton defense, finding little pockets of space on the edge of the area. Twice she forced great diving saves out of Broderick before finally completing her hat trick in the 63rd minute with a perfectly-placed shot from the edge of the box into the corner.

“She’s just this gift that was given to Foxboro and we’re just so thankful and grateful to have her,” Stalcup said. The pairing of McCabe with Carman up top has proved very fruitful for the Warriors. Stalcup explained, “That goal when Jordan passed it back to her and Kailee finished it, they just read each other so well and they’re just so quick on the ball. It’s just beautiful soccer.”

Like in the first half, Foxboro wasted no time adding another. A long ball from sweeper Lindsey Resnick found Carman behind the defense and she rounded Broderick before firing home from an acute angle.

Carman nearly added a second on a similar play a few minutes later, but this time her shot flashed through the box and out the other side. Just a minute before that shot, Cahill had gotten free on a rare foray into the attacking third and clipped the bar with a cross from the right.

McCabe forced another save out of Broderick in the 74th minute and the Canton keeper reacted quickly to clean up the rebound in front of Neve Taylor.

Canton would get a second goal in the closing minutes. Emily McCabe’s corner to the back post was met by Gallery, whose firm header from close range gave the keeper no chance.

“When you have a player that can make goals out of nothing, it’s just a killer,” said Senyonjo. “We had a game plan coming in, we stuck to it for the most part, and it worked. I still think the 5-2 scoreline doesn’t reflect how well we played but that’s the nature of the business we’re in. A couple mistakes here or there we could’ve avoided, we started well, but that’s a tough team.”

With the win, Foxboro (9-1-1) extended its unbeaten run to 10 games heading into Friday’s visit of state power Bishop Feehan. Canton (3-5-3) will get a few days off to heal before a visit from Attleboro on Tuesday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Canton Edges Foxboro in Finale to Win League Title

Canton girls soccer
Canton celebrates an Olivia Rodman goal during a 3-2 win over Foxboro in the season finale that clinched a first league title since 2012. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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CANTON, Mass. – Following Foxboro’s 1-0 win on Monday afternoon, Canton knew that it would need a win in Wednesday night’s rematch at WWII Veterans Memorial Field to overtake the Warriors and win the Davenport division title.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

After twice taking the lead and having Foxboro quickly bounce back to tie the game, Canton’s third lead of the night turned out to be the charm. Gabriella Herivaux’s goal three minutes into the fourth quarter gave the Bulldogs the lead for good and they held on for a 3-2 victory and a first league title since 2012.

“Both teams played hard the whole game,” said first-year Canton coach Idris Senyonjo. “It was tough, we scored a goal and then give up one like two seconds later. That’s always a demoralizer, but I knew they were going to become a little more defensive the longer the game went on because they didn’t have to win, we had to win.

“We had to force it, but there was nothing left in the tanks after that.”

Coming into the game, Foxboro and Canton boasted five of the top six scorers in the league this season. Fitting for a big game, all five of those star players found the back of the net on Wednesday, including Canton’s trio of senior forwards Olivia Rodman, Elisa Diletizia, and Herivaux.

“I spoke to each one of them yesterday,” Senyonjo explained. “I told them, all the goals you’ve scored are going to be irrelevant if we can’t get the result. Every goal that you’ve scored has led you to this moment. This is going probably going to be the last home game you play and why not finish with a championship?”

Foxboro started well, with the Warriors aggressively pressing and pinning Canton back. Aislinn Servaes had an early chance after a misplaced clearance inside the opening 10 minutes and forced Canton keeper Marissa Staffiere into a save. Seven minutes later, Jordyn Collins got space on the edge of the box but her shot was charged down by freshman Ava Gilmore.

“It was a very evenly-matched game,” said Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup. “It was a great game. I knew it was going to be a battle out here and I knew they were going to want to beat us so much because of what happened on Monday.”

It took most of the first quarter, but the hosts started to find ways into the attacking third. Diletizia switched play out to the right and Anne Hoban stepped past a defender before firing a long shot that was saved by Foxboro goalie Maddie Mayer, who was called up from JV to replace the suspended Morgan Sylvestre.

The chances kept coming for both teams. Rodman fired a cross from the left that Herivaux teed up for Emily McCabe to put on goal from just outside the box. Collins made a run on the left side of the box and knocked the ball off Staffiere, but Allie McCabe got back and cleared it off the line. Rodman then showed quick feet to shift the ball to her left and send a shot just wide.

Just after the half-hour mark, the hosts were in front. Mia Gilmore whipped in a cross from the right and Rodman showed great skill to bring it down off her chest and hit it quickly on the turn.

The excitement of the opening goal was short-lived. Within a minute, Foxboro got the ball into the box and Collins drew a foul. Kailee Mccabe made no mistake from the spot, firing Foxboro back level.

Early in the second half, Sarai Costello freed Diletizia with a long, curling pass around the left back and the forward forced Mayer into a save from a tough angle. A couple minutes later, Kailee McCabe slipped past her marker to get space for a shot from 25 yards that was just over the bar.

In the 49th minute, Herivaux managed to keep the ball in play on the near touchline and get it into the middle. The ball was played into the feet of Rodman with Foxboro defender Lindsey Resnick on her back. She was able to get her head up and slide an inch-perfect pass into the path of Diletizia, who was clean through on goal and powered her shot past Mayer’s dive and into the far corner.

Again, Canton celebrations were cut short just five minutes later, as Foxboro responded with a second equalizer. McCabe stepped up and let rip from the edge of the box. The shot was blocked, but looped to the left onto Collins’ foot. After taking a touch, she bent a shot inside the far post and tied the game at 2-2.

The home team came out flying for the fourth quarter, needing a goal to win the title. Rodman had a good chance from the left that initially looked like it was flying into the top corner, but ended up settling into Mayer’s gloves.

“I told them just throw everything you’ve got right now,” Senyonjo said about the message heading into the final 20 minutes. “It just came down to could we get lucky today because this game was going to give me a heart attack.”

A minute later, the Bulldogs were in front for a third time. A kick-in from the right was fired into Herivaux at the near post. She managed to bring the ball down off the bounce and, surrounded by defenders, managed to turn and get a foot on the ball as she was falling down, knocking it past the keeper.

After losing two leads, Canton tried to add to its advantage. Gilmore hit another great cross to the back post and Rodman directed it towards goal but Jordan Carman was there to block.

Foxboro’s best chance in the closing minutes came off the foot of a Canton player. Katelyn Mollica fired in a low cross from the right and Mekhala Costello stretched to block, tipping it towards goal but right into the grateful grasp of Staffiere.

“I just can’t help but wonder if it would’ve been different with Morgan in net but that’s something I can’t control,” said Stalcup about her senior goalie who was out because of a red card in Monday’s game. “They played well, Canton worked hard and they just got more goals than us tonight. My girls fought hard, we gave it our all out there.”

Senyonjo added, “It feels good. We beat a really good team.”

Canton (8-1-1) and Foxboro (7-1-2) will wait to find out the details of the Hockomock League’s cup tournament. When asked about the possibility of a third meeting in the cup final, Stalcup said, “That’s what I’m hoping. That’s what I would really love to have is one more chance.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

2020 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

The Hockomock League kicked off its girls soccer season and we have the team-by-team rundown of how everyone stacks up this year. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2020 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Attleboro

2019 Record: 7-9-2
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Steve Santos
Last year, Attleboro was just one win away from ending its playoff drought and while the Bombardiers aren’t going to have a tournament to look forward to this season they have plenty of experience and talent coming back to be in the mix in what should be a wide open Kelley-Rex division. The Bombardiers will also have an extra week to prepare after the first two games against Taunton were postponed.

Attleboro should be potent in front of goal this season. Senior forwards Isabella Salviati and Briley Harnois have been dynamic scoring threats for the past three years and have proved to be a tough combination for teams to handle. Senior Jessica Gates also returns to play provider and pull the strings from midfield.

Sophomore Emily Dunlea will pair up with Gates in the center of the midfield, while senior Cassondra Stuger and Meghan Panzer were on the outside. Panzer can also step in and give Attleboro minutes up top when Harnois or Salviati need a breather.

At the back, senior Eleanor Graber and junior Olivia Calderon have been teaming up in the center, while seniors Gabby Bosh and Riley Sullivan have been the outside backs. Sophomore Alexis Campbell will be back in goal after seeing time as a freshman last year. Experience won’t be an issue for the Bombardiers, which should help them cope with the challenges of a unique season.

“The rule modifications cater to our style of play maybe more than it does for other,” said Attleboro coach Steve Santos. “There are a lot of returning players, so I think we’ll be okay. We just have to be able to adjust.”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Canton

2019 Record: 12-9-0
2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Semifinal
Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton made a run to the Div. 2 South semifinal a year ago and the perpetually young Bulldogs will be hoping to build on that experience and challenge Foxboro for the division title this fall. Former coach Kate Howarth is plying her trade with the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, so Idris Senyonjo takes over this season and picked up an impressive win on his debut with the team scoring eight goals in the process.

The attack has been a strength for Canton for the past several years and with senior forwards Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia back to lead the line the Bulldogs have a pair of potential match winners up front. Junior Gabriella Herivaux adds a different dynamic to the forward line and senior Mia Gilmore emerged last year as one of the league’s top playmaking midfielders.

In the heart of the pitch, Canton has plenty of players who can contribute both on offense and defense. Sophomore Emily McCabe is coming off a strong rookie season and combines well with Gilmore in the middle. Senior Sarai Costello is another player that the coaches expect big things from this year.

Consistency on defense will be a big point of emphasis this year and junior defender Allie McCabe and junior goalie Elyse Broderick should give the Bulldogs a foundation to build on. Freshmen Mekhala Costello and Ava Gilmore have impressed coached during the preseason and both are expected to step in and add strength to the back line.

“I am coming into a program that has a great group of girls who love the game and play for each other,” said Senyonjo. “This made it easy for me to start implementing my philosophy and approach of the game. No matter how short the season might be, I believe we have a good group of girls who will be hungry for a great season.”

Foxboro

2019 Record: 16-2-2
2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Stalcup
Foxboro has won back-to-back Davenport division titles and comes into this season with eyes on a three-peat and a roster loaded with talent and experience. The Warriors had one of the best attacks in the Hock in 2019, scoring 80 goals as a team, while only allowing 12. Expectations are very high for Foxboro to win a third title in a row, something it hasn’t done since winning the league from 1985-90.

Attack continues to be one of the strengths for the Warriors led by senior forward Jordyn Collins. The Bryant University-commit scored 23 goals last year and already has two to her name after one game this fall. Junior Kailee McCabe is the lynchpin of the midfield, dominating with and without the ball and adding to the team’s scoring punch. Senior Katelyn Mollica can get up and down the wing and her crossing ability gives the strikers more opportunities to get on the board.

It isn’t all about the offense. The Warriors are also stingy on the other end of the field. Senior defender Emma Dahl will lead the back line this season and senior Grace Ferguson will be a key player in the heart of the midfield, helping Foxboro play the possession style of soccer that it prefers. Senior Morgan Sylvestre gives the Warriors an experienced, talented shot-stopper in goal.

“We are all just so excited to be playing soccer and I am so excited about this team and our talent,” said Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup. “We know that this season will look a little different, but we are going to make the most of it and enjoy ourselves and enjoy winning soccer games.”







Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Franklin

2019 Record: 12-5-1
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round
Coach: Tom Geysen
Franklin had one of the league’s top defenses in 2019, holding teams scoreless in 11 of the final 12 games of the 2019 regular season. The Panthers will hope to be just as stingy this year and, with the rule changes in place, try to add more scoring punch, as they look to get back on top of the Kelley-Rex division standings for the first time since 2015.

Sophomore Norah Anderson will be back in the heart of the Franklin defense after an impressive rookie campaign and her physicality will be important after the graduation of Sabrina Addi. Senior Carissa Alers will partner Anderson in the middle and junior Izzy Arnold will be on the outside. Senior Julia Bertone and freshman Rachel Welch will both see time in goal, replacing Brenna Atwood.

Senior Erin Quaile will be in the heart of the midfield for the Panthers, providing endless running and contributions in both boxes. Sophomore Bridget Leo saw a lot of time at the end of last season and she will be in the midfield again. Junior Stella Regan is also back after a long time out with broken leg and gives Franklin a different option with her skill on the ball as she continues to work back to 100 percent.

In the attack, senior Sydney St. Marie will be the primary goal scorer, and she is off to a good start after two goals in the season opening win against Milford. Junior Riley Fitzpatrick will join St. Marie up front and there are several younger players that could step in and help out the offense, including freshman Anya Zub, who had an assist on her debut.

“We’re moving along,” said Franklin coach Tom Geysen. “it’s just hard to assess progress because of the changes in rules and everything. The kids are hesitant. My advice is play as hard as you have to play to get the job done and if they call an indirect, then they call an indirect.”

King Philip

2019 Record: 21-1-0
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Final
Coach: Gary Pichel
King Philip reached the Div. 1 South final last year, for the second time in three seasons, but enter the fall without not only the program’s top two all-time scorers but with a large group of seniors that helped the program win two of the last three league titles and nearly finish an undefeated season. Even without some of the big names from last year, KP brings back a number of players who saw action in that finals run and will be counted on for bigger roles this year.

With Chloe Layne and Avery Snead, goals were never an issue for the Warriors. This season, several players will look to pick up the scoring load. Sophomore Ella Pisani and senior Kiera Lindmark will both lead the attack but will get help from senior midfielder Jenny Montville, who had several big goals during the playoff run in 2019.

Seniors Ava Tormey and Maeve Lawlor will provide control in the midfield and will get a boost from the return of senior Charlotte Majer to the program. Majer spent last year with a development academy program and will be a big boost to the Warriors in the center of the pitch.

Defense could be a strength for KP, with several returning players. Sophomore Grace Lawler was impressive as a freshman, regularly marking the opposition’s top attacker. Senior Paige Varvarigos is also back after a strong season at outside back. Seniors Taryn Greenberg, Jillian Anderson, and Taylor Thompson will also help out at the back. Senior Emma Glaser will take over in goal.

“We will all do the best we can and hope for the best in a much abbreviated season,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “I hope the best for all of our teams and to have fun and to do it safely. The most important thing is to keep our girls healthy while returning to competition so they can do what they like to do best!”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Mansfield

2019 Record: 6-8-4
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Kevin Smith
Last season was a learning experience for a young group of Hornets, but even with only four returning varsity players Mansfield finished just one win shy of a playoff appearance. This year, Mansfield brings back 18 players from last season’s roster, including nine starters, so the Hornets will expect to quickly return to being one of the challengers for the Kelley-Rex title.

Even with all of the returning players, Mansfield remains a young team. There are three freshmen, five sophomores, and six juniors on the roster. Despite their youth, many saw plenty of time on the field last year and will be leaning on that experience for more success this fall.

Junior Katie Miller returns in the heart of the midfield and gives Mansfield a foundation to build its attacks and to stifle the opposition. Junior Maria Sevastos will return in the defense and the speedy converted forward gives the Hornets a threat on the outside. Junior Tarynn Smith will be back up top after a solid season leading the line and sophomore Olivia Salisbury returns in goal after a strong rookie year.

“After a year of experience under the young kids’ belts, I’m excited to see how much they’ve learned and how they can apply it this fall,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith.




Milford

2019 Record: 9-6-4
2019 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round
Coach: Lou Colabello
Milford made a run at a league title last fall and reached the state tournament, but now the Hawks are moving into the Kelley-Rex division and doing so without 32 goals and several key pieces from the spine of last year’s team. With experience at the back and in goal, the Hawks will be hoping to be tough to beat and let the young attack have a chance to win games.

Senior Carly Ferreira is back in goal this season and has already been busy, coming up with more than 20 saves in the season opener against Franklin. With seniors Catherine Madden and Alyssa Monahan in the back line, the Hawks won’t lack for leadership and experience in the defensive third. Senior Brianna Franzini will add more of that veteran presence in the midfield, which was hard-hit by graduation.

Up top will be sophomore Dani Atherton, who reached double digits in goals during her freshman season and can play as a forward or as a creative midfielder. Sophomores Brooke Ferreira, Serena Borges, and Brooke Guerreiro all saw limited action as freshmen, but will be expected to step into bigger roles this year to shore up the center of the pitch and push into the attack.

“I think the season will depend on how quickly we adjust once games begin,” said Milford coach Lou Colabello. “Replacing key players in the midfield will be a big part of how successful we are. Hopefully, we can get better from game to game. One thing is for sure, we will play hard and have fun doing it.”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

North Attleboro

2019 Record: 4-10-4
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro will have a lot of new faces in the lineup this season, coming off a tough, four-win campaign. Although many of the names will be new, the Rocketeers feel confident that the revamped defensive unit will make them tough to beat this year and allow them to compete against the top teams in the division, as they proved in a scoreless draw with Oliver Ames in the season opener.

Senior Jordyn Sullivan and junior Summer Doherty are the lone returning players that saw time in the back line last year, but they will be pushed by a host of other players ready to step in. Seniors Ari Newth and Katie Manning, juniors Charlotte Moynihan and Autumn Hewitt, and sophomores Brooke Sullivan and Haley Sinacola will all see time in the defense. Senior Kaylah Seavey and sophomore Maddie Ferrin will be in goal this season.

After missing last season with a knee injury, senior Lydia Santos will provide leadership in the midfield. Classmates Abby Noreck and Ari Rice will also see time in the middle, while a trio of sophomores – Clara Giuliano, Lily Adams, and Caroline Ferrin will add energy and speed in the center.

Up top, senior Tess Collins and junior Steph McKenna are back to lead the line with their speed and creativity. Senior Ally Scott and junior Brayden Rice will give North depth and different looks up top, while sophomore Emma Pratt is a newcomer that could contribute in the attack right away.

“We are working hard to figure this all out,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “Spirits are high and practices have been productive. Girls are possessing better and better and hopefully that will equate to more success on the scoreboard.”

Oliver Ames

2019 Record: 14-5-2
2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Oliver Ames returns to the Davenport division this fall. The Tigers won three straight Davenport titles before moving to the Kelley-Rex (making it four straight titles in their first year in the new division) and with an experienced, if still relatively young, group they expect to challenge Foxboro’s place at the top of the standings this season.

The Tigers have only four seniors on the roster this year, but they have 17 players with varsity experience. While the attack will certainly miss the scoring Erin Holmberg’s scoring touch and the new rules will hinder OA’s typically prolific set piece scoring, there is plenty of strength throughout the roster to be both tough to break down and tough to keep away from goal.

Senior Emma Pereira is a dominant presence in the middle of the pitch and she will be joined by Reese Pereira and Lauren Sellmayer to try and take control of the midfield. Junior Allison Evin can play up top or in the midfield and classmate Camryn O’Connor is a dynamic playmaker and tough to stop when she starts running at defenses.

Kathryn Gibson will solidify the defensive unit, while Jenna Gilman provides speed on the wings. In goal, OA has two solid options with senior Emma O’Donnell and junior Emily Meyers sharing time between the pipes.

OA coach Britt Sellmayer said, “The biggest issue for the new rules is the interpretation by referees, we have had them come to practice twice and one scrimmage. Let’s just say the games were different. Hopefully the kinks get worked out.”




Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Sharon

2019 Record: 0-17-3
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Despite its record last season under first-year head coach Catherine Sullivan, Sharon demonstrated the ability to compete with the top teams and Sullivan is hoping that with an experienced corps and the addition of talented younger players the Eagles will be a tough team to beat in a very competitive Davenport division this year.

Experience will be a key at the back. Three-year starting goalie Cass Barbera has proven to be a solid shot-stopper and her leadership is a confidence boost for the entire defensive unit. Senior Molly McAlevey will be the anchor of the back line with her physicality and communication. Sophomore Sally Brouhard is coming off a strong freshman season, where she emerged as one of the team’s top defenders.

Senior Amelia Scappaticci adds steel to the midfield and gives cover to the back line and classmate Emily Griffin adds the speed from the center of the pitch to get forward as often as possible. Sophomore Sofia Goclowski and freshman Kate McLaughlin are a pair of newcomers that should step into the midfield and add a different dimension with their skill. With new faces helping out in the attack, Sharon will be looking to find the back of the net more consistently this year.

“We have excellent leadership this season with a great mix of strong returning players and new talent stepping in,” said Sullivan. “The Davenport division looks to be extremely competitive this year, but our kids are dedicated to improving our style and speed of play, and I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of growth in short time this season.”

Stoughton

2019 Record: 3-13-2
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Hermes Lima
Stoughton made strong strides last season, scoring 34 goals as a team, which was three times the total from the year before and the Black Knights will be hoping to keep that going this fall under new coach Hermes Lima. A tough loss to Canton on the opening day won’t deter Stoughton, which is hoping to continue building on the experience gained last season.

The attack should be potent again with the combination of sophomore forward Shayla Ford, coming off an impressive rookie campaign, and four-year starter and leading scorer Mackenzie Manning, who has developed into a dynamic playmaker either up top or in the midfield. Senior Rebecca Desousa and sophomore Isabella Rodrigues will both be expected to use their speed and aggressiveness to add to the offense, as the Black Knights promise to be a threat on the counterattack.

Senior Nikki Anderson is a versatile defender who can play in the center of the pitch or drop into the back line and she will be counted on to lead a young defensive group. Sophomore Sabrina Rodrigues is tenacious at the back and Liv Tran’s speed will help stymie the opposition. Speed and pressure will be two keys for the Black Knights at the back this season.

“I am here to continue the growth and culture of this program while also helping them become young successful individuals not only on, but off the field,” said Lima. “My goal is to ensure players learn a few things, create their own path, and reach for the moon!”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Taunton

2019 Record: 2-14-2
2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Michael Couture
For the second time in two seasons, Taunton heads into a new season with a new coaching staff and with the goal of building a foundation for the program to compete against the top teams in the Kelley-Rex division. First-year head coach Michael Couture will be counting on a mix of experience and youth to improve on last year’s results.

The Tigers have players up front that can ask questions of the opposing defenses and on the other end of the field Taunton will try to soak up pressure and break quickly. They will also get an extra week of practice before games kick off after the games with Attleboro were postponed.

Experience will come from a group of seniors that have spent multiple years at the varsity level. Seniors Emily O’Gara and Madison Ribeiro can both play up top or in the midfield, while classmates Caitlin Smith, Kayla Botelho, and Morgan Zakrzewski provide leadership in the defensive third. Junior Isabella Anslow will be between the pipes this season. Sophomore midfielders Abigail Gamble and Christina DeCosta and sophomore forward Emily Calderon will provide energy and could step right in to contribute this season.

“Our main goal during the season is to get better every single day and play like it can be taken away from us at any time,” said Taunton coach Michael Couture. “We are on our way to building something special here at Taunton High and have the right group of dedicated girls.”