12/15/2016

The Campus Report: A Recap of Fall 2016

Hockomock Campus Report

The HockomockSports.com Campus Report is an update on former Hockomock League athletes currently competing in collegiate sports. If you would like to submit an update, please e-mail info@HockomockSports.com.

Alex Jette had his collegiate career come to an end this Fall but wrapped things up in memorable fashion. A four-time First Team All-Ivy selection, Jette was named a First Team All-Ivy wide receiver and return specialist in 2016. Jette will go down as one of the top receivers in Brown football history, finishing his Brown career ranked ninth in both career receiving yards (1,860) and receptions (150). He was also a playmaker on special teams; Jette had a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown against Cornell and ranks fourth all-time in career punt return yards (493) at Brown. He had h 54 catches for 518 yards and three touchdowns during his senior year and was also named to the 2016 All-New England Football Team.

A pair of Framingham State Rams and former Hockomock football players were named to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Second Team. Attleboro’s Tom Burns and Stoughton’s Joe Wilder both earned the honor after leading the Rams to a 7-3 regular season. Burns, a defensive back, was second on the team in tackles with 67 (40 solo), had two tackles four loss and four pass breakups. Wilder has been a starter on the offensive line for two years now and helped pave the way for the offense. At left tackle, Wilder was a big reason the Rams rushed for over 2,000 yards.

A handful of former Hockomock players saw playing time for Mass. Maritime this season. Manfield’s Alex Ruddy was the most productive defensive player, registering 27 tackles, including two for loss, and had a pass breakup. Milford’s John Niro had five tackles, one for loss, Mansfield’s Connor Finerty also had five tackles and Canton’s Joe Bires made three tackles. Sharon’s Adam Banks, an offensive lineman, played in five games, even hauling in a pass. King Philip’s James Cooke (guard) and Chris Winbourne (tackle) started on the offensive line for the Buccaneers.

Former Milford three sport athlete Jarrod Casey capped an impressive career at Assumption with a stellar senior season. Casey, who was selected NE-10 First Team Defense for the second straight year, led the Hounds with 90 tackles and was the only player in the NE-10 with at least two sacks and two interceptions. He finished with 2.5 sacks and three interceptions while breaking up three passes. Stoughton’s Brandon Swain-Price finished his sophomore year with 18 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns.

North Attleboro’s Eric Beckwith also received NE-10 honors, being tabbed First Team Offense for the second straight year. Beckwith has been making an impact for the Falcons since his freshman year. The former Rocketeer played in 41 of a possible 44 career games, with 35 starts. King Philip’s Sam MacDonald has also beeing a cornerstone for the Falcones for four years, playing in 43 of 44 possible games. The KP alum finished his career with 17 interceptions, one shy of the Bentley record and one of the top five totals in Northeast-10 Conference history and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Football Team.

Oliver Ames graduate Cameron Williamson was a big piece of Bridgewater State’s football team this Fall. In 11 games played, Williamson was tied for fifth on the team with 42 tackles and was among the best on the team with 36 solo tackles. He had one interception, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries for the Bears.

Franklin’s Brandon Eccher was named to the Liberty League Football All-Conference Second Team while Stoughton’s Dan Eckler received honorable mention honors. Eccher was second in the Liberty League with 72 points (12 touchdowns). He posted 777 yards on 45 catches with 11 scores. As a punt returner, Eccher picked up 160 more yards on 17 tries with a 78-yard TD against Union. He ends his career third in the WPI record book with 132 career receptions and fifth in career receiving yards with 1,949. Eckler was one of the top four quarterbacks in the league this season. He amassed 1,900 passing yards on 118 completions with 18 touchdowns and the best efficiency rating of 166.8 in eight contests. Eckler also rushed 76 times for 235 yards and four scores to rank in the top 20. In 29 games, he piled up 5,571 yards on 404 completions with 44 touchdowns in the air and 783 yards on 266 rushes and nine touchdowns on the ground. His name is currently first in the WPI record book with 6,534 career yards of total offense (passing and rushing) and career passing yards, as well as third in career attempts (704) and completions.

King Philip’s Christian Vellante finished with 37 tackles, good for seventh most for Curry this season. Of his 37 tackles, 24 were solo takedowns, he had two tackles for loss, registered one fumble recovery and had one reception on offense. Over two years, Vellante had 78 tackles for the Colonels and seven tackles for a loss.

Former Franklin standout Craig Anderson became the first ever Endicott player to earn CoSIDA Academic All-America Honors twice. After being rewarded last season with the same honor, Anderson was back again this season with a 3.89 cumulative grade point average in the classroom and 28 tackles (15 solo), four sacks, two quarterback hurries and a blocked kick on the football field. Anderson, who earned All-New England Football Conference first team honors for the second straight year, finished his career with 21.5 sacks, second-best in school history, while recording 204 tackles (95 solo) and 40.5 tackles for loss.

Former Mansfield Hornet James Comer received Eastern Collegiate Football All-Conference honors after a strong senior season. Comer was named to the All-Conference First Team for the first time in his career, after posting 36 tackles – 4.5 of them for a loss – recovered a fumble and had 1.5 sacks.

Former King Philip linebacker and current Nichols standout Brett McEvoy was named to the New England Football Conference ALl-Conference Second Team. McEvoy was second in the conference in tackles (94) and notched five games with at least 10 tackles, including a 16 tackle game against MIT. The junior also recorded 9.5 tackles for a loss and had two interceptions. Attleboro’s Brenden Massey was second leading receiver for the Bison, hauling in 41 catches for 759 yards and six touchdowns.

Attleboro grad Brendan Nunes enjoyed a successful rookie campaign at Salve Regina. The former Bombardier playmaker was all over the field for the Gull. He caught 10 passes for 183 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. He had two carries for 12 yards and was a primary return man – taking 11 kick offs for 276 yards and a touchdown and pulling down seven punts for 58 yards. Franklin’s Danny McDermott was a versatile option for the Gulls, completing 9 of 11 passes for 113 yards, rushing for 26 yards and even catching a 20 yard pass.

Trinity senior defensive back Paul McCarthy earned All-New England Small Colleges Athletic Conference First Team honors for the second straight season. McCarthy, a former North Attleboro Rocketeer, was a key piece for the Bantams with 27 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. For his career, McCarthy had 84 tackles and an impressive nine interceptions.

A pair of former Taunton players and current UMass Dartmouth teammates were honored by the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference for their strong seasons. Austin Peters, a starting guard, helped anchor the Corsairs to a record breaking year and was named to the MASCAC First Team. UMass Dartmouth recorded 4,641 yards on offense – a school record. Marcel Flynn was named to the MASCAC Second Team after posting a career-high 40 tackles in his fourth year as a starter. Flynn was also a force on special teams as he registered a career-high and MASCAC-best four blocked kicks in 2016. Mansfield’s David Collins finished second on the team with 80 tackles with eight tackles going for a loss.

Men’s Soccer

Former Attleboro goalie Spenser Powell was named to the 2016 Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-America Second Team following a strong year for Adelphi. Powell was among the best in the nation in both goals against average (0.498) and save percentage, stopping 86.8% off all shots on goal. Read more about Spenser here.

Taunton’s Dan Belair finished his career at American International College, registering his first career point in his senior season. Belair started in 33 games over his four year career, including four in his final season. He picked up his first assist in a 5-0 win over Bentley in October.

Not many players have seen more minutes over the past four years for Assumption men’s soccer than Franklin grad Zach Scafati. The inaugural HockomockSports.com Co-Player of the Year, Scafati started in 63 games (of 64 games played) for the Greyhounds. He scored a goal in each of his sophomore and junior season and was a two-year captain.

North Attleboro’s Josh Ocel was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association for the second straight year. Ocel, who earned third team honors this season, was the team’s leading scorer with six goals and 15 assists – the fifth most assists in all of Division III. His 15 assists were also just one shy of Brandies’ single season record. Read more about Ocel’s season and Brandies’ Final Four run here.

Foxboro’s Sawyer Fleck was earned All-Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference honors for the second straight season playing for Bridgewater State. Fleck was named to the All-MASCAC Second Team after scoring a goal and notching a team-best four assists. He is tied for sixth in the conference with his four assists. In 77 career games, Fleck has two goals and 13 assists for 17 points for the Bears. Foxboro’s Brian Bortolotti scored two goals and had an assist this season and Milford’s Justin Borges scored his first career goal.

Former Oliver Ames standout Adam Borberly ranked near the top for minutes played for Colby-Sawyer this season. Borberly started 15 matches this season, playing over 1,000 minutes while registering three goals and three assists. In four years, Borberly started in 59 matches for the Chargers.

North Attleboro’s Justin Freitas was named an All-American by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association following another outstanding year for Dean College. Freitas was named to the second team following a season in which he scored 16 goals – three of which were game-winning tallies – and had six assists. Attleboro’s Kyle Lameiras scored three goals and had three assists in 18 games played while Matt Rodrigues, another former Bombardier, had an assist from his outside back spot in 10 games played.

Despite playing in just two games because of injury during his senior season, OA grad David MacKinnon had a memorable career at Hartford. The inaugural HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Co-Player of the Year was named to the America East All Conference Second Team his sophomore year and was named to the All-Rookie team in 2013. He set the program record for shutouts in a single season during his freshman year with nine. He ranks second in Hartford history in career shutouts (19) and fourth in career victories (25).

2015 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Player of the Year Devante Teixeira saw plenty of time in his rookie season at Southern Connecticut. Playing in 15 of 17 games, Teixeira notched his first career goal and added one assist. He had a clear attacking mindset, uncorking 25 shots – second on the team. Attleboro’s Alain Laurent finished the year with a goal in 17 games played.

Oliver Ames alum Keegan Nutt was just one of four players – and the only freshman – to start every single game for the Stonehill Skyhawks in 2016. Patrolling the center of the pitch, Nutt scored his first career goal in September against Franklin Pierce and had two assists – one against Saint Anselm and one against Assumption.

2015 HockomockSports.com Best XI selection Joe Kellett played a major role in UMass Lowell’s historic season. Kellett was named to the America East All-Rookie Team. Kellett started all 16 games and was only off the field for a total of 12 minutes during his freshman campaign. The midfielder tallied the game-winning goal against Vermont in October and had an assist on the game-winning goal against Boston College later the same month.

Franklin product Joe Kalil was selected to the Commonwealth Coast Conference First Team after another great season for Wentworth. Kalil has helped Wentworth post five shutouts and on the offensive end, has scored four goals and an assist for nine points. For his career, he has started 53 of the 55 games in which he has played in. Kalil has 10 goals and a pair of assists for 22 points in three years. Canton’s Connor Erickson led Wentworth to a 13-4-4 record in his fourth year – the team has 28 wins in past two years alone.

Women’s Soccer

Three former Hockomock players saw a lot of action for the Assumption women’s soccer team this Fall. Taunton’s Tayla Morais and Franklin’s Alexis Stowell each appeared in all 18 games for the Hounds, with Morais getting the starting nod twice and Stowell on ten occassions. 2016 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Victoria Stowell appeared in 16 games for the eight-win Greyhounds. Alexis Stowell was third on the team in points with two goals and one assist while Morais added one goal.

Franklin’s Nicole Ellin is becoming a mainstay on Bard’s backline. As a sophomore, Ellin started in all 17 games and played 1,277 minutes on the season. On nine occasions, Ellin went the full 90 for the Raptors. In two years, Ellin has started in all 34 games possible for Bard.

Former Canton standout and Hockomock League MVP Lauren Berman started all 19 games for Boston College this Fall. She was fourth on the team in points with 16, behind only All-ACC selections McKenzie Meehan and Hayley Dowd. Berman led the Eagles in assists with eight, while scoring four goals. She was third on the team in minutes player (1,572).

Jamie Grinavic finished her collegiate career by helping Bentley earn its most wins in a season since the 2003 season. Grinavic has been making an impact on the offensive end for the Falcons since her freshman year – she’s scored at least one in every season. The former North Attleboro Rocketeer finished with five career goals and four assists for 14 points.

Taunton graduate Alana Vincent had a terrific rookie season for Bridgewater State and was named to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team. She led the team with six goals and 13 points in 17 games; two of her six goals were game-winners. Vincent finished third in the MASCAC in goals and sixth in points. Mansfield’s Molly Shield (one goal) started in 18 games and Katie Bongarzone started in all 19 of the team’s games – just one of five players to do so.

Former Milford Scarlet Hawk Kaley Pratt made a big impact off the bench for Eastern Connecticut State for this season. Despite starting just one of 18 games played, Pratt was third on the team in scoring – netting five goals with three assists for 13 points. Stoughton’s Rachel Berkowsky was in a similar situation, coming off the bench in 14 games to net four goals and one assist. Berkowsky set the school record for fastest hat trick recorded. She scored three goals in a matter of 4:46 in a win over the University Southern Maine in October.

Former Oliver Ames product Nicole Taylor was selected to play in the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association Senior Bowl following another great year at Endicott. Taylor started all 15 matches that she played in, missing time briefly for an injury. The co-captain finished her career with 28 starts in 48 matches played, making 27 of those starts over the last two seasons.

Stoughton’s Shelby Sprague was named to the NJCAA All-Region 21 First Team following another explosive season with Massasoit. Sprague scored 30 goals, topping Region 21 and ranking third in the nation. She also added six assists to give her 66 points, also ranking third in the country. She finished her illustrious career with 55 goals, 10 assists for 120 points. This marks Sprague’s second All-Region 21 First Team selection.

Stonehill’s Brianna Duserick was named to the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association Division II All-New England First Team. The Canton product was part of the back line this year that held opponents to 19 goals against, while also being part of the Skyhawks’ offense that has scored 39 goals in the 22 games this season. She scored one goal this year, making her career total to two with one game-winning goal. Duserick led the team with five assists this year, ranking eighth in the conference, totally six in her career.

It seems like just yesterday that Franklin’s Kristi Kirshe was scoring in the MIAA D1 State Final to help the Panthers claim their first title in program history. Now, Kirshe has finished her collegiate career with a NCAA DIII National Championship (2015) and her name attached to a couple of school records at Williams. For a terrific senior season, Kirshe was named to the NSCAA All-American First Team. She had 26 points during her senior year, including a team-best 12 assists. She finished her career with a school record 114 points (43 goals, 28 assists in 86 games).

Volleyball

Canton’s Elizabeth Hamilton had a successful freshman year for Johnson & Wales volleyball and was named to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Third Team. The former HockomockSports.com Player of the Year was fourth in kills on the team with 202 and had the most assists for an attacking player with 40. She added 34 blocks (fifth on the team), was second on the team with 302 digs and had 37 aces.

Attleboro’s Michelle Sheehan made an impact during his freshman year with Mass. Maritime. The former Bombardier was second on the team with 240 assists. The freshman also had 194 digs and 51 kills for the Buccaneers.

In her sophomore season at Salve Regina, Canton grad Erin Proctor was second on the team with 339 assists in just 38 sets played – an impressive 8.92 assists per set. She added 99 digs and even chipped in with 14 kills. The sophomore had a season-high 57 assists in September against WPI.

Another former Canton standout, Chidera Nwankwo was second in kills for a young Suffolk squad. The sophomore had 138 kills with a team-high .238 attacking percentage. The middle hitter was second on the team with 43 blocks. Taunton’s Alyssa Gibson added 18 kills and eight blocks in her freshman season.

UMass Boston’s Julia Murphy was named an All-American by the Volleyball Coaches Association – one of three players from UMass Boston. After being named an honorable mention for the honor the last two years, Murphy was selected to the Second Team. Murphy was also named the Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Year for the fourth straight time – the first time in history a player has accomplished that. Murphy’s senior campaign has seen the Canton native set new program marks in solo blocks, block assist, total blocks, while also hitting a career-high .409. In 32 matches played, Murphy sits with a career-high 339 kill. She also boasts 42 solo blocks and 65 block assists for an impressive 107 total blocks.

King Philip alum Brigid Murray posted an impressive 712 assists this season while serving as Westfield State’s primary setter. She helped set up an offense that had 903 kills and 13 wins. Younger sister Micaela Murray made a splash in her first season by leading the Owls with 69 aces.

During her sophomore season, former Taunton standout Lauren Murphy had 55 kills for Worcester State. Former Mansfield standout Lauren Beecher recorded 95 kills during her junior season for Dickinson. Canton star Avery Devoe made a big impact with DI Ball State, notching 115 kills in 2016.

At WPI, the Engineers had three former Hockomock players help lead the way to a 22-win season. KP grad Melissa Daigle had 117 kills, 56 digs and 14 blocks. Franklin’s Shay Feeley was the primary setter, finishing her senior season with 491 assists and 173 digs.

Field Hockey

It was only fitting that the NCAA Division II National Championship and semifinals were hosted at Stonehill College in Easton. After all, there were plenty of familiar faces in the Hockomock town. In a semifinal matchup between LIU Post and Saint Anselm, there was a combined six former Hockomock players on the field. OA’s Molly Cunha played in 17 games for LIU Post, who lost in the finals.

Saint Anselm has plenty of Hockomock players. Former Franklin standout Elizabeth Alie was named NE-10 Defender of the Year and also earned Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American First Team Honors. Alie helped anchor a defensive back line that finished sixth in the country and second in the NE-10 in goals against average (1.02). Alie leaves the program having started all 75 games she has played in while helping the team improve from giving up 2.60 goals per game her freshman year, to the program-best 1.02 GAA the Hawks posted this season.

Oliver Ames’ Hannah Friend, a former HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, was tied for first in goals scored for the Hawks with seven. North Attleboro’s Rose Mooney was next on the team with six goals and three assists and Franklin’s Maddie Bressler followed her with four goals and five assists. Canton’s Mary Nee saw action in 19 games as well and recorded one assist.

For the second straight year, Canton’s Mary McNeil earned Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American honors. As a star player for Merrimack, McNeil earned First Team All-American honors following a season in which she led the Warriors in assists with seven and ranked third on the team with seven goals and 21 points. Her assist total was also tied for second in the NE-10 this season. Franklin’s Hannah Magerman added three goals and two assists for the Warriors, while Canton’s Lindsey Nolte and Milford’s Jess Palmer – both freshmen – saw action this season.

Former Foxboro star Katie Notarangelo continues to rack up recognition at the next level. Playing for MIT, Notarangelo was selected to the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference First Team for the second straight year. Patrolling the midfield, Notarangelo helped generate a 341-171 margin in shots, a 224-106 advantage in shots on goal, and a 200-97 difference in penalty corners. She contributed to a defense that produced a 1.32 goals against average, which ranked second in the NEWMAC. Offensively, Notarangelo found the back of the net twice.

Regis College claimed the New England Collegiate Conference championship back in November with Oliver Ames product Yvonne Abate playing a big role. After Elms College took a lead in the first half, Abate stepped up to take a penalty stroke and beat the keeper to level the score. Abate was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Stoughton’s Ashley Chipman also started for Regis in the win, her 11th start of the season. Chipman finished tied for second on the team with six goals.

Former Franklin Panther Sammy Rondeau earned conference honors after a strong Fall season for Simmons. Rondeau was selected to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Second Team after ranking among the GNAC’s top top in points (23, 9th), goals (nine, 8th) and assists (five, 7th). The junior was one of two Simmons players to start all 19 matches and scored three game-winning goals for the sixth-most among league leaders. The forward registered at least one point in eight contests, including a career-high of six on two goals and two assists against Nichols.

A trio of former Hockomock players helped Springfield College pick up nine wins this Fall. Mansfield’s Allie Skinner started in 18 of her 19 games played, even registering an assist from her position on defense. Hannah Boylan, another former Hornet, started in 15 games, scoring a goal against Mount Holyoke. North Attleboro’s Emily Knobel saw action in 16 games, scoring two goals and adding three assists.

At UMass Dartmouth, a pair of former Hockomock players helped the Corsairs win seven games this season. Offensively, Taunton’s Katelin Morrissey was second on the team with 20 points – scoring eight goals and adding four assists. In goal, Franklin’s Allison Burke started five games and made a team-high 48 saves for a team-best .774 save percentage.

Oliver Ames’ Carly Cidado had a successful first year at WPI, finishing the season as one of the top scorers for the Engineers. The former Tiger had four goals – tied for fourth best on the team – and three assists, totaling 11 points, best among any freshmen or sophomores on the team.

Cross Country

Bridgewater State University might have been the biggest beneficiary from the Hockomock League across all sports. Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams received a big boost from a Hockomock grad. Taunton’s Trevor Wysong had a fantastic rookie campaign for the Bears and was named MASCAC Rookie of the Year. At the MASCAC Championships, Wysong finished the 8k with a time of 26:33, good enough for fourth. For the girls, Milford’s Jenise Madden was also named MASCAC Rookie of the Year. She finished the MASCAC Championships (5k) in 19:40.

10/12/2016

The Campus Report: Fall 2016 Midseason Update

The Hockomock Campus Report is an update on former Hockomock League athletes currently competing in collegiate sports. If you would like to submit an update, please e-mail info@HockomockSports.com.

Football

Milford’s Jarrod Casey currently leads Assumption in tackles through six games this season. Casey has a team-best 50 tackles (8.3 per game), including two tackles for loss and two interceptions as the team’s starting strong safety. Stoughton grad Brandon Swain-Price is third in receptions for the Greyhounds with 11 for a total of 250 yards and two touchdowns. The former Black Knight is averaging 19.1 yards per catch for Assumption (5-1). Another Milford alum – Patrick Corcoran – has played in five of six of Assumption’s games.

King Philip graduate Sam McDonald has started in all six of Bentley’s games this season and is second in tackles with 32 – best among defensive backs. McDonald has two interceptions, four pass breakups and three tackles for loss on the season for the Falcons. Taunton’s Shane Wellman has played in six games this year with five tackles, Mansfield’s Kyle Wisnieski (four tackles, one interception), Attleboro’s Luke Morrison (two tackles) and Franklin’s Quintin McDermott (one tackle) have all appeared in four games for the Falcons.

Former Franklin Panther Colton Cardinal has made four appearances on the gridiron for Boston College this season. Cardinal, who made two tackles for the Eagles last season, switched to the offensive side of the ball for 2016. From his fullback position, the sophomore has three receptions for 52 yards on the year.

Oliver Ames alum Cameron Williamson has been a steady contributed for the Bridgewater State Bears so far this season. A junior, Williamson has played in all six games so far this season with 19 solo tackles and 21 total. He came away with his lone interception of the season so far in a close win over Western Connecticut and has three pass breakups.

Although Brown is off to a 1-3 start, North Attleboro’s Alex Jette continues to be a bright spot. He leads the team with 25 receptions and has a team-best 271 yards through the air through four games, including one touchdown. He is fourth on the team in rushing as well with 48 yards on six carries (12 yards per carry), giving him a team-high 319 all-purpose yards. Jette is also the team’s punter, averaging 37 yards per punt with a long of 61 and six of his 24 punts landing inside the 20-yard-line.

Franklin’s Craig Anderson has been a key piece as Endicott has bounced back from a slow start to the season. After an 0-3 start, the Gulls have picked up two straight conference wins heading into a trip to Maine Maritime this weekend. Anderson is fifth on the team with 17 tackles and has appeared in all five games so far. Anderson has one sack and six tackles for loss, and blocked a field goal against Nichols. Oliver Ames grad Joe Tepper has two tackles this season and returned a kick for 13 yards.

Canton alum Sterlin Garvin is making an impact during his sophomore season at Fitchburg State. The former Bulldog is second in rushing for the Falcons with 133 yards on 43 carries (3.1 yards per carry). He found the end zone in Fitchburg’s win over Castleton in early September, scoring on a five-yard pass.

A handful of former Hockomock players continue to contribute to Framingham State’s success. On the defensive side of the ball, Attleboro alum Tom Burns is fourth on the team in tackles with 28 with just four of the team’s six games played. Burns has also recorded three pass breakups for the Rams. King Philip graduate Brian Donahue has appeared in all six games as a linebacker for Framingham with 18 tackles, including one sack and a pass breakup. Foxboro’s Derek Gilreath has a pair of tackles in five games played. Offensively, Stoughton’s Joe Wilder, a captain, has started all six games on the left side of the offensive line for the Rams.

A pair of former Kelley-Rex division rivals are now teammates at Nichols College, helping the Bison to two wins so far this season. Attleboro’s Brenden Massey has hauled in a team-high 20 catches this season for 323 yards (16.2 yards per catch). Masssey has also scored two touchdowns this season. King Philip’s Brett McEvoy is second on the team with 44 total tackles, including three tackles for a loss. McEvoy has also forced a fumble for the Bison through five games.

Attleboro’s Brendan Nunes and Franklin’s Danny McDermott are both making plays all over the field for the undefeated Salve Regina Seahawks. McDermott, a junior, has completed a pass, run the ball three times and even hauled in a 20-yard reception for Salve (4-0). Nunes, a freshman, is third on the team in all-purpose yards with 210 after emerging as the team’s primary return man. Nunes (one catch) has returned five kickoffs for a total of 171 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown against Worcester State. Nunes has also made a tackle on defense for the Seahawks.

UMass Dartmouth has three wins so far this reason with four former Hockomock athletes making plays on the defensive side of the ball. Mansfield’s David Collins in second on the team in tackles with 44, including 5.5 that went for a loss. Taunton’s Marcel Flynn has recorded 22 tackles, six of which have been for loss and has two blocked kicks on the season. Mansfield’s Louis Petrella had 18 tackles on the season, including a fumble recovery while Canton’s Anthony LaRose has 17 tackles and a team-high 2.5 sacks for the Corsairs.

Worcester State picked up its first win of the season this past week with a close 17-14 decision over Fitchburg. On the season, Milford’s Eric Nunez is fifth on the team with 28 tackles, including one sack. Mansfield’s Aurian Dawkins has recorded 22 tackles so far in four games played with three tackles for a loss and one interception. Offensively, Milford’s Jay Rodriguez has 37 yards on nine rushing attempts this season.

Men’s Soccer

Attleboro graduate Spenser Powell is having an impressive senior year at Adelphi. Powell has been honored as the NE-10 Conference Goalkeeper of the Week three times already this season while the Panthers are now ranked #14 by the NSCAA. Powell has started in all 10 games with a 0.41 goals against average and 34 saves. He has an 8-1-1 record with six shutouts.

Franklin’s Zach Scafati has started on defense in all 11 of Assumption’s games so far this season. The Greyhounds are allowing fewer than two goals per game. Scafati, a captain for the squad, also has four shots this year. Oliver Ames’ Chris Romero has appeared in seven games so far, including the last six straight. Romero recorded his first career point, scoring his first collegiate goal off a rebound.

Over at Brandeis, two former Hockomock players are making an impact for the Judges’ offense. North Attleboro’s Josh Ocel leads Brandeis in points with 11, tying for a team-high in goals (4) and assists (3). King Philip’s Andrew Allen is third in points (7), having netted a pair of goals this season while tying Ocel for the team-high with three assists.

The defending MASCAC champion Bridgewater State Bears have five former Hockomock athletes on the roster this season. The Bears (5-5-1) have Foxboro’s Sawyer Fleck, Riley Fleck and Brian Bortolotti along with Milford’s Justin Borges and Mike Da Silva. Sawyer Fleck is currently tied for third on the time with three points on three assists this season while Bortolotti has scored one goal. Riley Fleck has started in eight games this year while Borges had made three appearances off the bench.

Oliver Ames alum Adam Borbely has been a key player in Colby Sawyer’s 6-4-1 start this season. Borbely has notched one assist by has started in all 11 of the Chargers’ games so far this year. His 722 minutes played ranks sixth most on the team and he has registered two shots on goal.

Wentworth has recorded an 8-2-4 record so far this season with a pair of Hockomock grads contributing. Franklin’s Joe Kalil has started 13 of the team’s 14 games and registered five points – two goals and one assist. Kalil scored in a win at MIT and then again at home against Western New England. OA graduate Gaston Cetrangolo has made six appearances for Wentworth this season.

Keegan Nutt continues to make an impact in Easton, this time for the Stonehill Skyhawks. The former Oliver Ames standout and 2015 HockomockSports.com Best XI selection has played in and started all 12 games for Stonehill (5-7), just one of four players to do so. Nutt netted his first collegiate goal against Franklin Pierce back in September and has two assists this season.

King Philip graduate Joe Kellett has played nearly every minute of his rookie season so far for the 8-0-2 River Hawks of UMass Lowell. Kellett has started in all 10 of the team’s games (10) – just one of seven players to do so. His 930 minutes played rank fourth on the team and he’s registered four shots on goal.

Women’s Soccer

A trio of Hockomock alum have played in all 13 of Assumption’s games so far this year, helping the Greyhounds to a 6-6-1 record. Taunton’s Tayla Morais, a senior forward, has scored once and started a pair of games. Franklin’s Alexis Stowell has made five starts with a goal and assist while 2015 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Victoria Stowell has come off the bench in each game so far.

A pair of former teammates and MIAA State Champions found themselves on the same pitch again, this time as opponents when Kristi Kirshe and Williams College hosted Nicole Ellin and Bard College. Kirshe and Ellin were both part of Franklin’s title winning team in 2012. Kirshe notched two assists in the game and the Ephs emerged with a 5-0 win. Earlier this month, Kirshe became Williams’ (defending 2015 NCAA DIII National Champions) all-time leader in points with 102 and was named NESCAC Player of the Week two days later. For Bard, Ellin has started on defense in all 12 of the Raptors’ games this season. Bard is 7-5 overall this season.

North Attleboro’s Jamie Grinavic has been a key piece for Bentley this year as the Falcons are off to a 6-3-2 start this season. Grinavic, a senior midfielder, is fourth on the team in points after registering three assists and scoring one goal for five points. She’s just one of seven players to start in all 11 games so far this season.

Goals have been hard to come by in Bridgewater State’s games this year – both for and against – but a trio of Hockomock alums have helped the Bears in getting points in eight of their 11 matches. Taunton’s Alana Vincent leads BSU in scoring, netting four goals so far this year. The Bears have only allowed seven goals this season with Mansfield’s Katie Bongarzone (11 starts) and Molly Shield (10 starts) being big reasons why.

The Boston College Eagles are off to a 10-4-1 start this year with former Hockomock League MVP Lauren Berman playing a big role. Berman has started all 15 games and played 1,205 minutes, good for fourth on the team. She has netted four goals so far and six assists, good for 14 points, third most for BC this year.

Milford’s Kaley Pratt has been a spark off the bench for Eastern Connecticut State this season and netted the game-winner in overtime against Keene State this past weekend. Pratt has three goals and one assist on the year, which puts her second on the team in points. Stoughton’s Rachel Berkowsky has started eight games so far for the Warriors (8-2-2) with one assist.

Oliver Ames’ Nicole Taylor has helped Endicott to a strong 9-2-2 start this season. Taylor, a senior captain, has started in seven games so far with the Gulls recording a 7-1-1 record in that stretch. The Gulls have limited opponents to just nine goals in those nine games with Taylor being a key piece on defense.

Stoughton’s Shelby Sprague continues to be an offensive juggernaut for Massasoit. After scoring 25 goals last season, Sprague has already scored 22 goals this year for the Warriors.

Providence College women’s soccer is off to a 9-4-2 start and is allowing less than a goal per game so far with two Hockomock alums playing big roles in the Friars’ defense. OA’s Kendall Andrew has appeared in 14 of the 15 games so far for the Friars while Canton’s Hailee Duserick has appeared in 10 games with seven starts.

Canton’s Kim McNally has played a big part in Sacred Heart’s 5-4-3 start this year, playing her usual strong defense but also contributing on the offensive side of the ball. McNally scored her first goal of the season in a 1-0 win on the road at Saint Peter’s in early September and then netted her second goal of the year in a 3-0 win over Robert Morris in early October.

Brianna Duserick has helped Stonehill to an incredible start, one that included the Skyhawks being ranked as high as #4 in the NSCAA Poll. Duserick, a Canton alum, is third in points for Stonehill (10-2-1) with one goal, which came at Franklin Pierce, and five assists, the last two coming in consecutive games against Assumption and Saint Michael’s.

Sharon graduate Meg James is just one of seven players to start in all 13 of the University of Vermont’s games this season. A defender, James has been a vital piece for the Catamounts over the years. Check out our feature on James from earlier this year.

Volleyball

Canton graduate Avery Devoe is seeing a lot of action for Ball State University this fall, the Cardinals registering eight wins through 20 matches so far. Devoe has 14 starts and played in 60 sets so far, notching 61 kills and serving over 90% so far. She leads Ball State with a total of 48 blocks so far.

At Bridgewater State, Mansfield’s Alyssa Kelley continues to contribute on defense for the Bears. Kelley has 115 digs and 193 serve receives thus far. Oliver Ames grad Megan Tamasanis has registered 23 kills in 33 sets played this season for the Bears.

Junior outside hitter Lauren Beecher is fourth in kills for the 9-9 Dickinson Red Devils. Beecher, a former Mansfield Hornet, has played in eight of Dickinson’s nine game, twice hitting double digits in kills. Beecher had 10 kills in a 3-1 win over Haverford and then 10 more kills on the road in a 3-2 win at Keystone.

Attleboro’s Michelle Sheehan is making an impact already for Mass Maritime as a freshman. Sheehan is second on the team with 170 assists and has 41 kills (fifth on the team) and has registered 150 digs so far for the Buccaneers.

Two former Hockomock rivals are now teaming up for the Suffolk Rams, who have played 18 matches this season. Canton’s Chidera Nwankwo is third in kills for the Rams with 82, hitting at a team-best .212 clip. Nwankwo also has a total of 28 blocks, which is second on the team. Taunton’s Alyssa Gibson, a freshman, has played in 14 matches so far and registered 18 kills and seven blocks.

Julia Murphy has hit a couple of milestones in her final year with the UMass Boston volleyball team. The Canton alum recorded her 1,000th career kill in a 3-0 win over Western Connecticut back on September 17th and was named Little East Offensive Player of the Week just two days later. In Murphy’s next game, she recorded her 121st career solo block, which set a new program record for the Beacons.

Westfield volleyball has 10 wins already this season with King Philip graduates Brigid Murray and Micaela Murray both factoring in. Bridget Murray leads the Owls with 499 assists this season, ranking fourth in the MASCAC with 6.61 assists per set. Bridget also has 21 aces on the season, tied for fourth on the Owls. Micaela Murray, in her first year, has three kills, four assists and a team high 53 aces, 0.76 per set – good for first in the MASCAC.

WPI volleyball has three Hockomock players to thank in part for its 17-4 start to the season. King Philip’s Melissa Daigle is third on the team in with 114 kills and also has 55 digs and 13 blocks. Franklin’s Shay Feeley is second on the team in assists with 319 and also has 101 digs and 24 aces, first on the team. Oliver Ames’ Caroline Meyer is third in assists with 35.

Field Hockey

Mansfield’s Janet Maher is just one of five players on Bridgewater State to start all 11 games so far, with the Bears posting a 7-4 record. Maher, a defender, has helped limit opponents to 26 goals against while also registering an assist herself. King Philip’s Kathryn Jacobson has appeared in nine games for the Bears and Foxboro’s Jill Delaney has played two games in goal with just one goal allowed.

Attleboro’s Kelsey Wagner has made two appearances for Duke Blue Devils, the #2 ranked team in the country with an 11-2 record. Wagner has played just under 40 minutes so far this season with three saves.

LIU Post is off to an 8-3 start this season and has been ranked as high as #1 in the NFHCA poll. Oliver Ames graduate Molly Cunha has appeared in nine games so far for the Pioneers.

Four former Hockomock players are making an impression for Merrimack (4-6) field hockey this season. Canton grad Mary McNeil is second on the team in points with four goals and four assists while Franklin’s Hannah Magerman is fourth, having scored three goals with two assists. Milford’s Jessica Palmer has appeared in nine games so far with four starts while Canton’s Lindsey Nolte made her first collegiate appearance earlier this year.

Katie Notarangelo is just one of five players to have started all 11 games of the season for MIT. The Engineers are off to a 9-2 start with Notarangelo playing a big role in midfield. The Foxboro alum has scored twice this season, once in a win over UMass Dartmouth and again in a win over WPI.

Regis College is off to a 6-5 start this season with a pair of former Hockomock players playing a big part. Oliver Ames’ Yvone Abate has started in every single game for the Pride so far. Stoughton’s Ashley Chipman has played in all 11 games with four starts and has netted a pair of goals. For her efforts, Chipman was named NECC Rookie of the Week earlier this month.

Former HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Hannah Friend picked up her second NE-10 Rookie of the Week honor earlier this week, helping Saint Anselm’s to a 10-2 start. Friend leads the Hawks with seven goals and two assists for a team-high 16 points. Franklin’s Maddie Bressler and North Attleboro’s Rose Mooney each have a pair of goals and assists for six points. Franklin’s Elizabeth Alie, a senior defender, has started in all 12 games for the Hawks this season while Canton’s Mary Nee, a freshman, has appeared in 11 games and registered one assist.

Former Franklin Panther Sammy Rondeau is second in points for the 7-5 Simmons field hockey squad. Rondeau has potted six goals and notched four assists for the Sharks. Rondeau has scored twice in two games this season, in home wins over Nichlos and Wheelock in September.

Springfield College’s field hockey team has picked up five wins in its first 12 games this season with a pair of Hock alums factoring in. North Attleboro’s Emily Knobel is tied for fifth on the team with five points, scoring once with three assists. Knobel scored against Husson and had assists against Keene St., Husson and Saint Joseph’s. Mansfield’s Allie Skinner has started in all 12 of the Pride’s games so far with one assist.

Taunton’s Katelin Morrissey is tied for second in points for the Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth (4-10). Morrissey has scored six goals and added one assist for a total of 13 points. Franklin’s Allison Burke has started five games in net and played more than 400 minutes so far. She has a team-high 48 saves with a 2.33 goals against average.

Oliver Ames graduate Carly Cidado is making an impact in her first year at WPI. The freshman has started all 12 games this season for the Engineers, registering two goals and three assists for seven points – tied for fourth best on the team. Cidado scored in her first ever game and then netted another in a win over Clark last week. She had assists against Bridgewater State, Elms and Smith.

Cross-Country

Former Milford standout Jenise Madden has had an incredible start to her collegiate career, being named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Cross-Country Rookie of the Week an astounding four times already. Madden was the Bears’ top runner at the James Earley Invitational at Westfield State, finishing in 23:14.83 (22nd out of 459).

Also at Bridgewater State, another first year runner is turning heads. Taunton’s Trevor Wysong was named the MASCAC Men’s Cross-Country Rookie of the Week for the third time this season. Wysong was 50th out of 432, finishing in 27:00.24 at the James Earley Invitational.

Golf

Oliver Ames’ Nick Carter has played in three matches for Saint Anselm’s this season. In the season opening Bowdoin Invitational, Carter shot a 153 to finish ninth overall. At the NE-10 Championships, Carter was 56th with a 169 and then finished 36th at the St. Rose Shootout with a 161.

North Attleboro’s Eric Marchetti has played in three tournaments so far this season for the University of Rhode Island, finishing in the top 65 in each of them. At the Doc Gimmler at Bethpage State Park, Marchetti tied for 35th with a 216, just six strokes over par. At the Hartford Hawks Invitational and the Quechee Club Collegiate Challenge, Marchetti finished 61st overall both times.

09/10/2016

Anderson a Leader On and Off the Field at Endicott

Senior defensive lineman Craig Anderson was honored for his commitment to football, the classroom, and community service at Endicott. (Courtesy of Endicott College Athletics)

In May, Endicott senior defensive tackle Craig Anderson became the fifth recipient of the Jack Daly Award for Academics, Citizenship and Football. The award was presented to Anderson by the Eastern Mass. Chapter of the National Football Foundation to honor his outstanding play on the gridiron, in the classroom, and in the community.

It was the last part that really struck home for Anderson, a Franklin High alum.

Speaking the day before Endicott opened its 2016 season against Framingham State, he explained, “I always, when I can, try to give back to the community because there’s always people less fortunate than you. When the coaches talk about different community service opportunities, I try to get involved in as many as I can.”

Anderson began volunteering and developed his passion for community service in the peer leadership group at Franklin High. The students raised money every holiday season to buy gifts for young people in need in the community. The peer leaders would deliver the gifts and saw the joy that it created to do something good for someone else.

While in college, Anderson has continued to take part as often as he can, mostly through the football team. Every spring, the Gulls get together to do spring cleaning for the elderly or disabled in the Beverly community. The team has also volunteered at the Beverly YMCA’s winter fun run and raised money for the Beverly Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

As a two-time captain and now a senior on the team, Anderson believes that it is important for him to set the tone for younger players and to encourage them to take part in these service projects.

He tells new players to “take advantage of every minute of their college experience not just on the field but off the field as well. They’re going to learn as much if not more from being involved in the community than they are on the field. That’s truly what has impacted me the most.”

Anderson also hopes that the football team will be role models, as a group, for other Endicott students.

“We’re the biggest team on campus, so I’d say that we have one of the biggest impacts,” he said. “If people see us helping out, giving a helping hand to others, I think other people are going to be encouraged to do the same.”

When he arrived on campus four years ago, Anderson had no idea that this is the type of impact that he would make. He was a freshman lineman coming to a strong program with a recent history of success and was joined by more than 10 other linemen looking for the same spot. He said, “Honestly, my goal coming into the camp was just to make the traveling squad.”

He worked hard and got noticed by the coaches. Not only did he end up traveling with the team, but he played 11 games, recorded 66 tackles and helped the Gulls win an NEFC championship. He added another 66 tackles in nine games as a sophomore and last year had a career-high nine sacks and was named to the NEFC All-Conference first team.

“Football is the ultimate team sport,” Anderson said. “Just because I may have some good stats doesn’t mean that I’m playing any better than anyone else on the field. If I get a few more tackles than another guy or I get to the quarterback, it’s all a team thing.”

His leadership and his play on the field earned him the respect of his teammates, who voted him a captain in his junior and senior seasons. Anderson reflected, “To just know that my teammates felt that I was such a leader even as an underclassman is something that really humbled me and put into perspective how people looked at me as a leader.

“I really love what that says about how my teammates feel about me.”

This summer, as he was preparing for his senior season, Anderson also took time out to train with Vince Skelton, a young man from Ipswich who suffers from cerebral palsy and who has been connected to the Endicott football team since 2013. Vince was brought to the program’s attention by Team Impact, which connects young people who cannot play sports with local college teams to give them the college athletics experience.

“Vince can’t play football but he’s really been welcomed as a part of our team,” said Anderson. “He has every reason in the world to be down and not be the happy-go-lucky kid that he is, but he never lets his disability get in the way and he pushed himself to every limit and it’s made me reflect on my life and how lucky I am to be in the position I am.”

Anderson and a couple of his teammates trained for a climb of Mt. Washington sponsored by New England Disabled Sports. The event had to be canceled because of strong winds on the mountain, but Anderson said that he and Vince made a less arduous climb on another day.

Vince graduated from Ipswich High this past spring and is enrolled at Merrimack College to study engineering. “I’m sure he’ll still be there supporting the Gulls,” said Anderson with a chuckle. “Luckily, we don’t play Merrimack so there won’t be any conflict.”

When he asked why he enjoys taking part in community service, Anderson paused. In the background, people were walking by his spot on the Beverly campus. Endicott was not yet back in session, so it was mostly athletes that were passing through on their way to and from preseason practice.

After a minute, Anderson said, “As a participant, as a volunteer, you’re almost getting more out of it yourself than the people that you’re helping…It’s really a humbling experience helping these people and you see how much the little things that you might be doing mean to somebody.”

12/18/2015

The Campus Report: Recap of Fall 2015

North Attleboro's Alex Jette (7) had a career year for Brown. (Photo: Brown Athletics) — North Attleboro’s Alex Jette (7) had a career year for Brown. (Photo: Brown Athletics)

Below is an update on former Hockomock League athletes currently competing in collegiate sports. If you would like to submit an update, please e-mail RyanLanigan@HockomockSports.com.
By Josh Schafer, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter

Football

The New England Football Conference First Team Defense had a Hockomock flavor this year. Craig Anderson of Franklin led Endicott’s defensive line this year and earned all NEFC First Team honors. Anderson found the quarterback nine times this year along with 44 total tackles. He was also named to the 2015 Capital One Academic All-America Division III football first team with a 3.86 GPA as a criminal justice major.
Oliver Ames alum Dean Soucie led Western New England’s defense in his final season with the Golden Bears, totaling 83 tackles en route to a NEFC Conference Championship and was named to the NEFC First Team Defense. In just his second season with the Bison, Brett McEvoy of King Philip led the Nichols college defense with 96 tackles and two interceptions en route to an NEFC First Team selection.
Several former Hockomock athletes contributed to Bridgewater State’s success this season. The Williamson brothers of Oliver Ames were a dynamic duo once again as Carlton Williamson rushed for over 800 yards averaging 5.2 yards per carry while brother Cameron Williamson shined at the safety position with 37 tackles and 2 interceptions. Senior wideout Michael Viola of King Philip played a major role in the passing game, totaling 35 receptions for 550 yards and six touchdowns this season for the Bears.
Alex Jette of North Attleboro had a standout year for Brown University this season as a wideout and return specialist. Earning All-Ivy League honors, Jette was tops in the league with 136.60 yards per game. Jette led the Bears in receptions with 68 grabs for 928 yards and four touchdowns.
The Castleton State Spartans were led this year by senior Quarterback George Busharis who totaled 2,183 passing yards along with 14 TDs while boasting a 62.6% completion percentage.
The MASCAC also had a lot of Hockomock influence on its conference awards. Stoughton’s Joe Wilder, an offensive lineman for Framingham State, was named to the MASCAC First Team along with Taunton’s Asante Easter. Easter, a standout for Fitchburg Stated, finished off his football career for the Falcons contributing 44 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Senior defensive lineman Anthony LaRose of Canton led the UMass Dartmouth defensive line this season with 45 tackles, including seven sacks. He was named to the MASCAC Second Team Defense.
Fitchburg State’s Ty Spencer (Foxboro) shined in his senior season with the Falcons and was named to the MASCAC Second Team Offense. . Spencer caught 55 balls for 688 yards and six TDs. For his career, Spencer finished with the program’s all time marks in receptions (163), receiving yards (2,270) and touchdown catches (21) and was named the 70th annual Nils V. “Swede” Nelson Award winner for Division III for his athletic and academic (3.89 GPA) accomplishments.
Brandon Alves of Stoughton finished up a strong career in Springfield this season with 14 tackles including a sack and a forced fumble.
A pair of former Hockomock standouts were honored with All-Northeast 10 honors for the 2015 season. North Attleboro’s Eric Beckwith and King Philip grad Sam McDonald, both members of the Bentley football team, were named to the All-NE-10 second team. Beckwith, who was also on the second team last season, was an anchor on the offensive line for the Falcons. He started in eight games and had 10 appearances at guard. McDonald had a conference-high seven takeaways with five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. It’s the third straight year that the junior led the Falcons in takeaways. North Attleboro’s Paul Norris was selected to the CoSIDA Division II Academic All-America team. Norris is the sixth Academic All-America in Bentley football and just the third first-team selection after earning a 3.60 grade point average as a finance major with minors in both Spanish and natural and applied sciences.
Paul McCarthy of North Attleboro finished his last season at Trinity College with 30 tackles to go along with five interceptions. The former Rocketeer was named to the NESCAC All-Conference First Team Defense.
Mansfield graduates Dylan Finerty and Aurian Dawkins both had strong seasons for Worcester State this fall. Finerty notched 27 tackles while Dawkins had 35 tackles to go along with one interception.
A Hockomock trio dominated the passing game this season at WPI. Quarterback Dan Eckler of Stoughton threw for 2045 yards and 15 TDs with help from his top two targets, Franklin’s Brandon Eccher and Stoughton’s Marcus Middleton. Eccher led the charge with 41 receptions for 644 yards and seven touchdowns including a 96 yard catch and run against Worcester State. Middleton also contributed heavily as Eckler’s other go to target compiling 27 catches for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

Men’s Soccer

Scott Levy of Canton finished up a successful career with the Bentley Falcons this Fall as he earned NE-10 All-League honors and earned a spot on the first team for the second time in his four year career. Levy tied for the team lead in assists with six and also added added goals this season. In his four years Levy started 52 games for the Falcons contributing 46 points with 19 goals and eight assists.
North Attleboro junior midfielder Josh Ocel led the Brandeis Judges into the third round of the NCAA tournament after being named to the UAA Conference First Team. Ocel was selected as a second team All-American leading his squad with four goals and 10 assists, combining for 18 points on the season. Josh Ocel follows his brother Sam Ocel (2013) who was selected as a third team All American. Josh and Sam Ocel are just the second sibling pair in all of Brandies athletics to both get All American recognition.
David MacKinnon of Oliver Ames started 16 games in net for the Hartford Hawks this season. MacKinnon earned a spot on the America East All Academic Team for the third time in his career. MacKinnon had a 1.19 goals against average, including three shutouts and has a 3.93 GPA as an accounting major.
Foxboro alum Sawyer Fleck concluded with Bridgewater State by helping the Bears win the MASCAC Championship game. The Bears qualified for the NCAA tournament but were knocked out by MIT. Fleck played in 20 games and had six assists.
Senior captain Taylor Sjoberg of Mansfield finished up a successful career at Mass Maritime this season. Sjoberg was a rock in the backline for the Bucs over his four years, starting every game this season, and also attributed two goals and an assist in his time as a Buccaneer.
Chris Murray of Canton shined in his final season with WPI this fall. Murray tallied seven goals and 18 points which were both tops on the squad. Murray earned a spot on the NEWMAC All Second Team through his efforts this season.
Former North Attleboro player Justin Freitas broke the Dean College record for goals (24) in a season and for points in a season (58) and was named to an NJCAA DI Third Team All American.

Women’s Soccer

Kristi Kirshe of Franklin led Williams College in scoring this season as the team won the Division III National Title. Kirshe finished the year with 33 points (12 goals and 9 assists) earning second team All-Region.
After transferring to Boston College, Lauren Berman of Canton had an impressive first campaign with the Eagles. Berman finished fourth on the team in scoring with three goals and four assists.
Mikayla Williams of Stoughton played her last games on the back line for Coastal Carolina this Fall..Williams has been a consistent player for the Chanticleers logging over a 1000 minutes a season for the past three seasons and also contributing two goals and four assists.
Another former Black Knight had a standout year at Massasoit. Shelby Sprague was named an NJCAA Second Team All American after scoring 25 goals and picking up 54 total points. Sprague was the first Warrior to get All American since 1991.
Junior forward Victoria Floeck of Taunton led the charge up front this year for the Fitchburg State Falcons. Floeck had two goals and three assists totaling to seven points on the season putting atop the Falcons scoring sheet.
With 27 points (11 goals and five assists) senior Alicia Macomber of Stoughton was electrifying for Worcester State in her final season. Macomber was named the MASCAC Player of the Year for the second straight year after another strong season.

Field Hockey

Senior Abigail Tepper of Foxboro will be missed in a big way next fall. Tepper led the team with 68 points (30 goals, 8 assists). Her outstanding senior campaign landed her on the First Team All-Region squad and was named Player of the Year for the Commonwealth Coast Conference.
Franklin’s Allison Burke had a solid year between the posts for UMass Dartmouth this Fall. She finished the year with 1.62 GAA including two shutouts.
Mansfield’s Janet Maher helped lead the back line for Bridgewater State this year. In her only her second season as a Bear, she was named to the Little East Conference All-Second Team.
Earning a spot on the Coaches Association All New England East Region All-Star Team Katie Notarangelo of Foxboro led the midfield for MIT this past season. Notarangelo also contributed two goals and an assist this season.
Sammy Rondeau of Franklin proved consistent this season for Simmons College as she averaged just over a point a game for the Sharks. Rondeau finished the year with 23 points (nine goals, five assists).
Fellow Panther alumni Elizabeth Alie found her stride this fall at Saint Anselm College. Alie led the backline for the Hawks as the team boasted their boasted GAA in program history. Alie earned NE-10 All Conference First Team honors along with second team All-American honors.

Volleyball

It was a banner year for Babson volleyball and Franklin graduate Alicia Wilde played a vital role. Wilde had 273 kills, third on the team, for the Beavers who tied the program record for wins in a season. Playing for coach Eric Neely (brother of current Franklin boys basketball coach CJ Neely), Wilde finished her career with 944 kills and 569 digs.
Former North Attleboro star Kelsey Weymouth concluded a strong four-year career for Stonehill. The two-time Hockomock League MVP finished her career with 707 kills (224 coming her senior year) and 839 digs.
It was another year of Hockomock alums playing a big role for WPI volleyball. King Philip graduate Melissa Daigle was second on the team in kills with 250 (just one kill behind the team-leader) while also adding 148 digs. Franklin’s Shay Feeley was the team leader in assists with 441 and added 166 digs and 12 kills while Oliver Ames’ Caroline Meyer had 42 assists.

09/28/2015

The Campus Report: Alum Breaks Program Sack Record

Below is an update on former Hockomock League athletes currently competing in collegiate sports. If you would like to submit an update, please e-mail RyanLanigan@HockomockSports.com.

Football

Endicott was able to pick up a win over Nichols over the weekend and there were a good amount of Hockomock alums, including arguably the best defensive player on each team. For the Gulls, Franklin grad Craig Anderson recorded a team-high seven tackles and broke the single-game program record for sacks with four total for 14 yards lost. Anderson was named the NEFC Defensive Player of the Week. On the other side of the ball, King Philip grad Brett McEvoy had 13 total tackles for Nichols, a half a sack and an interception that he returned 51 yards. Foxboro’s Nick DiTullio recorded a tackle for Endicott while Attleboro grad Brenden Massey hauled in a pass for six yards for Nichols.
Mansfield alum George Busharis was nearly flawless while leading Castleton to a big 35-30 win over Alfred State on Homecoming. In front of a record crowd, Busharis was 18-20 with 239 yards and four touchdowns. Busharis had touchdown passes of 21, 69, 2 and 51 in the win. On the season, Busharis has tossed six touchdowns and nearly 700 yards.
Former Canton standout Elias Camacho started on defense for the first game of the season for Wesleyan. Camacho recorded five tackles, third on the team, in his first game as a sophomore. Wesleyan lost a close game to Middlebury, 28-25
Fitchburg State enjoyed a big 35-3 win over Bridgewater State over the weekend. Taunton’s Asante Easter had six tackles for the Falcons and also had a pass breakup. Former Oliver Ames All Star Nick Cidado, who is a sophomore at Bridgewater, got the most reps of his young career. He went 4-9 for 22 yards while two other OA alums Carlton Williamson (76 all purpose yards) and Cameron Williamson (5 tackles) also contributed.
Sharon graduate Adrian Lingo booted a 26 yard field goal in the third quarter to put Worcester State ahead but Mass. Maritime scored in the fourth quarter to take a 35-31 win. Sharon’s Adam Banks, Stoughton’s Brian Crimmins, Mansfield’s Alex Ruddy and King Philip’s Chris Winbourne all played for the Buccaneers in the win. In the loss, Mansfield’s Aurian Dawkins had six tackles and Dylan Finerty had four tackles, including one for a loss, for Worcester State. Milford’s Eric Nunez was 3/3 on extra points and had four tackles for Worcester State.
UMass Dartmouth emerged with a 29-13 win over Plymouth State on Saturday afternoon. Canton’s Anthony LaRose led the Corsairs with three sacks for a total of 21 yards lost and Taunton’s Marcel Flynn chipped in with a pair of tackles, including one for a loss. Foxboro’s Alton George was a bright spot on defense for Plymouth State with six tackles, one of which was for a loss.

Men’s Soccer

Only four players have started every game for Assumption this season and Franklin grad Zach Scafati is one of them. The former HockomockSports Kelley-Rex Player of the Year has one goal on three shots on goal while the Greyhounds are 1-6-1 this season.
Former Canton standout Scott Levy is having a strong senior campaign for Bentley so far this year. The Falcons are 3-4 but Levy is second on the team in points with two goals and three assists. Levy has started in all seven of Bentley’s games and is third on the team in shots with 11.
Bridgewater State is on fire right now, currently riding a seven game win streak. Foxboro’s Sawyer Fleck has started in all eight games this season and is third on the team with three assists. Sawyer’s younger brother Riley Fleck has appeared in a pair of games for the Bears this season.
Mass. Maritime is off to a 3-4 start this season with a trio of Hockomock players contributing. Mansfield’s Taylor Sjorberg, who is a captain for the Buccaneers this year, has started all seven games so far while fellow Mansfield alum Alex Thompson has appeared in all seven games and has an assist. Attleboro’s Eoin Grimes, who missed all of his freshman year due to injury, has appeared in five games with four starts.
A pair of former Bombardiers are teaming up for Rhode Island College this Fall. Steven Cataldo has appeared in a pair of games and has a pair of shots so far. Thomas Wampler has started four games with five appearances total and has netted a pair of goals this season, tied for third on the team.

Women’s Soccer

North Attleboro’s Jamie Grinavic has only started in one game for Bentley this season but has proved to be a super sub for the Falcons. Grinavic has appeared in all seven goals and has scored twice, which is tied for third on the team.
Former two-time HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Player of the Year Taylor Cogliano is making an impact at Merrimack. She has appeared in all eight of the Warriors’ games so far this season and picked up her first collegiate point with an assist on Merrimack’s game-winning goal against LIU Post in early September.
Canton graduate Kim McNally is having a big impact for Sacred Heart’s defense in her sophomore campaign with the Pioneers. Despite Sacred Heart’s 3-6 record so far, McNally has been one of the anchors for the Pioneers’ defense having appeared in all nine games with seven starts.

Volleyball

After dominating on the basketball court for her first two years of college, former North Attleboro star Meg Ronaghan is back on the volleyball court. In her first season back playing volleyball, Ronaghan is currently leading the Corsairs 145 kills, nearly 40 more than the next highest. She also has 17 blocks, 76 digs and three aces as UMass Dartmouth is 7-9 this season.

Field Hockey

Former Oliver Ames stand out Molly Cunha is making a big impression during her first year for LIU Post. The Pioneers are ranked #8 overall in D2 this season and Cunha has netted a pair of goals in six appearances, which is tied for second on the team.
Meanwhile, Duke field hockey is ranked 6th overall in Division I and Attleboro’s Kelsey Wagner is a member of the Blue Devils. Wagner, a goalie, made her first career appearance this season and allowed just one goal.

09/07/2015

The Campus Report: Beginning of the Fall 2015 Season

Below is an update on former Hockomock League athletes currently competing in collegiate sports. If you would like to submit an update, please e-mail RyanLanigan@HockomockSports.com.

Football

Three Hockomock alums were on the winning side as WPI edged out MIT over the weekend. Stoughton’s Dan Eckler threw for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns, completing nearly 80% of his passes. On the ground, Eckler ran for 58 yards and a touchdown. Just like last year, Eckler’s favorite target was Franklin graduate Brandon Eccher, who caught six passes for a team-high 63 yards and a touchdown. WPI junior Marcus Middleton appeared on the gridiron for the first time since high school and caught a pass for 16 yards. For his efforts, Dan Eckler was named the Liberty League’s Offensive Performer of the Week.
Taunton’s Devi DeCourcey had six total tackles, including a sack, and added a pair of pass break ups to help Bridgewater State beat Curry 42-21. OA grad Nick Cidado completed his first collegiate pass and had four punts, including a long of 48 yards. Fellow OA grad Carlton Williamson was the leading rusher for the Bears with 80 yards on 13 carries.
Mansfield’s George Busharis completed 26 passes for 280 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Castleton’s 21-10 season opening win over Plymouth State. Foxboro’s Alton George played for Plymouth State and recorded a tackle for loss.
A trio of former Hockomock players played their way onto the box score in Framingham State’s 42-6 win over Endicott. Foxboro’s Derek Gilreath made his debut and hauled in his first career catch on a 14-yard play. Mansfield’s Greg Donahue notched a tackle for the Rams. On the other side, Franklin’s Craig Anderson had three total tackles and had a sack.
Foxboro’s Ty Spencer hauled in two touchdown passes for Fitchburg State for his 16th and 17th career touchdown catches. His 17th career TD catch is now tied for 2nd on the Falcon’s all-time receiving touchdown list. Taunton’s Asante Easter had three total tackles for the Falcons while Canton grad Sterlin Garvin made his collegiate debut with a 19 yard kickoff return.
There were a lot of Hockomock alum that made an impact in UMass Dartmouth’s 41-6 win over Mount Idea. Canton’s Anthony LaRose was one of the more productive players on defense with six tackles, a sack and three tackles for loss. Mansfield’s Lou Petrella added a pair of tackles with 1.5 sacks. Taunton’s Marcel Flynn had five tackles and Mansfield’s David Collins had a tackle. On offense, Taunton’s Terrence Gibson’s first college game saw him get eight carries for 30 yards. For Mount Idea, Mansfield’s James Comer had a tackle.
In Westfield State’s big 44-21 win over Nichols, Stoughton graduate Pat Raeke registered five tackles for the Owls. Mansfield alum Nick Bosari made his college debut with a pair of tackles. For Nichols, Brett McEvoy started his sophomore year with a team-high 14 tackles and had three tackles for loss. McEvoy also had punting duties for the Bison, with six punts, a long of 51 yards and two punts placed inside the 20.
Canton’s James Bourikas made his collegiate debut, register a tackle in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s 37-0 blanking of Norwich football.
Worcester State suffered a 41-28 setback to Salve Regina over the weekend. For the Seahawks, Franklin grad Robert Dellorco had a tackle. For Worcester State, Mansfield’s Aurian Dawkins had six tackles and fellow former Hornet Dylan Finerty had five tackles and a tackle for a loss. Recent Sharon grad Adrian Lingo made his collegiate debut with a pair of tackles.
Western New England opened up their 2015 campaign with a 34-14 win over Springfield and one former Hock alum was a big reason for the Golden Bears’ strong defensive performance. Former OA standout Dean Soucie recorded eight tackles and also recovered a fumble. For Springfield, OA alum Colin Lozzi had three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Stoughton’s Brandon Alves had a pair of tackles as well.

Men’s Soccer

Former Canton standout Scott Levy assisted on the game winning goal for Bentley in 3-1 win over Caldwell.
North Attleboro graduate Josh Ocel converted a penalty kick in the 105th minute to give Brandeis a 2-1 win against Hardin-Simmons in Texas. It was Ocel’s first goal of the season
Foxboro grad Sawyer Fleck recorded his first assist of the season, setting up the Bears’ opening goal in a 3-1 win. Fleck’s direct kick found the head of Jonathan Pires for the opener. Sawyer’s younger brother Riley Fleck (FHS 2015) made his collegiate debut in the game.
A pair of Hockomock alums have helped the Curry men’s soccer team to a 3-0 start to the season. OA grad David Stapleton scored a goal and had an assist in an 8-0 win over Lyndon State. Before that, Stoughton’s Steven DePina had a goal in the Colonel’s 10-1 over Wheelock.
Canton graduate Chris Murray collected his first two goals of the 2015 season as WPI cruised to a 4-1 win over Worcester State. Murray’s first goal came in the 21st minute off a free kick and then added his second in the 52nd minute.

Women’s Soccer

Oliver Ames graduate Kristina Simonson picked up two assists for Babson over the weekend. The Beavers notched a 6-0 over Simmons as Simonson had an assist in each half.
Former Hockomock League MVP Lauren Berman scored her first goal for Boston College last week. After transferring from Maryland to Boston College this season, Berman scored in the 30th minute and BC went on to beat Harvard 2-1. Berman assisted on a goal for the Eagles over the weekend but BC suffered a 2-1 setback to St. John’s in overtime.
Mansfield alum Kelly English tied a career-high with 12 saves in net for Nichols women’s soccer team and the Bison picked up a 4-1 win over Mount Holyoke. In Nichols’ 2-1 setback to Clark, English made nine saves in net.