Tag: Alexis Campbell

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.”

Saturday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 11/06/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Division 1
#20 Milford, 1 @ #6 Lexington, 2 – Final (2OT) – A short-handed Milford squad tied the game late in regulation but fell with just minutes left in double overtime. Trailing 1-0 and down to just 10 men after two yellows, Arthur Tome found the back of the net with two minutes to go, finishing off a pass from J’remy Chaves. Lexington scored off a clearance on a one-timer from just inside the box that found its way through traffic and into the back of the net.

#34 Attleboro, 0 @ #2 Needham, 2 – Final – Attleboro battled one of the top teams in the state from start to finish before falling in the final minutes. Needham scored twice in the final 10 minutes to play to get the win. Sophomore Tyler Rocchio had a strong game in net for the Bombardiers.

#26 Franklin, 1 @ #7 Framingham, 2 – Final

Division 2
#21 Canton, 3 @ #12 Woburn, 1 – Final – Canton overcame an early first half deficit, scoring three unanswered goals to earn the upset win on the road. The Bulldogs pulled level right around the midway point of the first half when Jake McCabe whipped in a free kick from the left sideline and Erik Valdovinos flicked a header to the far post to make it 1-1. The Bulldogs jumped ahead just over five minutes after a nice defensive win from Carson Eagles saw a long ball played out of the ball where McCabe flicked it on, sending Valdovinos in behind the defense. He raced into the box and slid it across to a wide open Jacob Crugnale for the tap in in the 27th minute. Valdovinos iced the game with his second goal, burying a loose ball in the area after an initial shot was blocked. Canton will play either #5 Agawam or #28 Ashland depending on the result of that game on Sunday.

#22 Shepherd Hill, 1 @ #11 Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this match.

Girls Soccer
Division 1
#29 Reading, 0 @ #2 Franklin, 1 – Final (OT) – Freshman Kelly O’Connor popped up with a clutch header in the first overtime period to lift the Panthers to a win in their playoff opener. After a scoreless game that saw Franklin pick up its intensity in the second half and OT, Stella Regan played a ball into the box and O’Connor was there to head in the winner in her playoff debut. Franklin advances to host No. 13 Brookline on Tuesday.

#18 Westford Academy, 1 @ #15 King Philip, 2 – Final – In a rematch of the 2017 state semifinal game, KP scored in the second half to pull out a win and advance to the Sweet Sixteen. KP will travel to No. 2 seed Bishop Feehan on Tuesday night, which is a rematch of a game from earlier this season that the Shamrocks won.

#27 Attleboro, 0 @ #6 Natick, 4 – Final – Attleboro battled against Bay State Conference power Natick, but was unable to extend its playoff run. Goalie Alexis Campbell and defender Olivia Calderone both had strong games for the Bombardiers to keep Natick at four goals. Attleboro coach Steve Santos was full of praise for his team, which was in the postseason for the first time in more than a decade. He said, “Our team battled and played their hearts out. Proud of fight.”

Division 2
#31 North Middlesex, 0 @ #2 Oliver Ames, 4 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this match.

#28 North Attleboro, 0 @ #5 Danvers, 1 – Final (PKs) – North Attleboro gave the 5th-seeded Falcons of Danvers High all they could handle but ultimately fell in penalty kicks. Maddie Ferrin played amazing in goal for the Rocketeers while Summer Doherty marked the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year and All American Arianna Bezanson and held her scoreless. North nearly took the lead late in the first half but Brayden Rice’s shot hit the post and stayed out.

Volleyball
Division 1
#30 Taunton, 0 @ #3 North Andover, 3 – Final

Saturday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/30/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Football
North Attleboro, 42 @ Stoughton, 7 – Final
1st Quarter: (NA) Tyler Bannon 36-yard rush, Tyler DeMattio XP good.
2nd Quarter: (NA) T. DeMattio 4-yard rush, T, DeMattio XP good. (NA) Chase Frisoli 40-yard pass to Nathan Shultz, T. DeMattio XP good; (NA) N. Schultz 55-yard punt return, T.DeMattio XP good; (NA) T. Bannon 14-yard rush, T. DeMattio XP good.
3rd Quarter: (S) Jarred Daughtry 60-yard pass from Emmett Pearl, Jonah Ly XP good; (NA) Greg Berthiaume 2-yard rush, Connor Ruppert XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.

Sharon, 6 @ Tri-County, 0 – Final
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: No scoring.
3rd Quarter: Gabe Korn 5-yard rush, XP failed.
4th Quarter: No scoring.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this match. After a scoreless first half with few chances for either team, North scored three times in the final 40 minutes to win the Leach and Garner Cup and also clinch a spot in the postseason. In the 54th minute, Kaden Burns got the ball on the right side of the box and fired a shot into the far corner for what turned out to be the game-winner. Twelve minutes later, freshman Patrick Etienvre took a shot from 25 yards out that took a big deflection in the box, wrong-footed the keeper, and found the back of the net to double North’s lead. In the closing moments of the match, Carson Dameron’s free kick from the right side found Patrick McDermott on the back post for a third goal. Both teams will wait for seedings to be released to see who their playoff matchups will be.

Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this match. Emily Dunlea’s dipping, 25-yard shot turned out to be the lone goal of the match, lifting Attleboro to a win in the annual Blue-Red Cup at North. The junior midfielder found the back of the net midway through the first half, assisted by Emily Khang, and it was enough for the Bombardiers to sweep the season series and build momentum for the postseason. North, which was playing its second game in 13 hours, had its chances to equalize in the match, with Steph McKenna coming close a couple of times only to be denied by Attleboro keeper Alexis Campbell. North was unable to clinch a playoff berth but should be in the top 32 in D2 when seedings are announced this week.

Field Hockey
Canton vs. Norwood – Rescheduled to Sunday, 10/31 at 2:00.

North Attleboro, 2 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Julia Puccio scored both goals as the Rocketeers ended the regular season with a win on the road over Stoughton. Kate Bulger played well at midfield and Eve Saade played well at back for the Black Knights.

Volleyball
Hopedale, 3 @ Milford, 2 – Final

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/25/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 4 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – King Philip took an early lead but the visitors scored three goals before halftime and added an insurance tally in the second half to get the two points and stay in the Kelley-Rex division title hunt. Trailing 1-0, sophomore Billy Badger scored a pair of goals — the first off an assist from Alex Vecchioli and the second from senior Yianni Skordas. Skordas then extended the lead before halftime off of Vecchioli’s second assist of the season. Attleboro senior Liam Bischoff capped the scoring with a late strike off an assist from junior Esvin Morales.

Canton, 2 @ Sharon, 2 – Final

Oliver Ames, 4 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Oliver Ames scored four goals in the last 40 minutes of action to beat Foxboro, and combined with other results from around the league, clinched the Davenport division title outright. It marks the second straight Davenport title, the program’s third straight division crown, and the fourth in the last five seasons for OA. “I think we just started to relax and play our game,” said OA head coach John Barata. “To achieve that with this new group, I’m very happy for him. Our first goal is always qualifying for the the tournament, the next is to win the league and we’ve done those too…the third is to see what we can do in the tournament.” Foxboro took the lead in the 18th minute when senior Matt Angelini was taken down in the area. Angelini deposited the penalty kick low to the left and that 1-0 advantage held up to halftime. But it didn’t hold long into the second half as OA struck less than a minute into the second frame. Michael Haikal’s shot was denied on a good save by Derek Axon but senior Clide Neau, back in his first game after missing a handful of games due to injury, was first to the rebound and touched it over the keeper and into the net. OA doubled the lead 15 minutes later as Haikal blasted a free kick over the wall and in from 25 yards out. Foxboro nearly drew level in the 62nd minute when sophomore John Hollis whipped in a cross that was met by junior Alex Penders, but his header was stopped on a diving save from OA keeper Drew Hall, who was forced into the match due to an injury that happened on the penalty kick. “Drew had a fantastic save, what a save for a freshman,” Barata said. OA tacked two more within a five-minute span; first a free kick from just over midfield from Mathias Taylor was finished off at the near post by freshman Casey Milliken, and then Milliken played Neau in behind and he slotted a low shot past the oncoming keeper to the far stick.

Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Milford and Franklin scored just a minute apart in the second half as the teams each took a hard-fought point in a physical battle that felt like a playoff game. After a scoreless first half, Milford junior John Borges delivered a terrific cross from the right side and classmate Eduardo Santana made a nice run to the near post and finished to put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute. But Franklin orchestrated an immediate response as senior Jack Moran stuck with the play down the left wing, somehow keeping it in bounds around a pair of defenders before sliding a low cross that was finished at the far post by junior Will Krysak. Franklin’s back four, anchored by senior Aidan Griffth and sophomore Rex Cinelli, played well. Franklin goalie Griffin Tolonen made a point-blank save in the 74th minute while Milford keeper Kevin Gomes did the same in the final three minutes to preserve the draw.

Mansfield, 1 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Mansfield took down Taunton for the second time this season, snapping a six-game winless streak to get back in the win column. Senior Matt Hyland headed in a long throw from classmate Michael Caridi in the 24th minute for the lone tally of the game. Sophomore Ty Duffin earned his first career shutout in his first career start, making 10 saves for the win. Sophomore Derek McGrath filled in at center back for the Hornets and had a terrific showing to help the visitors get the shutout. Caridi, senior Ian Leeds, senior Kevin McCarthy, and junior Brendan Flynn also played well defensively alongside McGrath while Hyland, senior Danny Rowe, and juniors Dan Checkoway and Grady Sullivan all had a good game in the midfield.

Stoughton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final – Holding a 1-0 lead at halftime on an own goal, North Attleboro turned it on offensively in the second half with six different goal scorers to run away with a win over the visiting Black Knights. Sophomore Kaden Burns, junior Carson Dameron, senior Connor Ward, senior Patrick McDermott, senior Jaad Ismail (from junior Silas Brooks-Hedstrom), and senior Connor Bearer (from Joe Shepard) all scored (in that order) in the second half for the Rocketeers.










Girls Soccer
King Philip, 2 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro battled back from two goals down at halftime to earn a tie with KP and move the Bombardiers to the brink of tournament qualification. Emily Dunlea started the comeback with a free kick from 18 yards that cut the lead in half. Attleboro tied it on a run by Emily Khang, who fed the ball across to Zoe Johnson-Kiff for the finish. Bombardiers coach Steve Santos praised his team’s defensive effort and goalie Alexis Campbell for timely saves.

Sharon, 3 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton jumped out to a 4-1 lead and then held off a Sharon comeback in the second half to get back to .500 on the season. Emily McCabe continued her torrid scoring form with a hat trick and Anne Hoban returned from an injury that has kept her out for the past few weeks, scoring a goal in her final home game. Wendy Wooden got Sharon’s first goal, assisted by Olivia Soby. After the break, the Eagles got a brace from Autumn Simon, both goals set up by Sofia Goclowski. Amber Marcus-Blank played well defensively in the loss.

Foxboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this match.

Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – With the win, and KP’s draw against Attleboro, Franklin clinched the outright Kelley-Rex title. Anna Grasso scored twice to lead the Panthers on senior night. Riley Fitzpatrick and Anya Zub each had a goal and assist, while Stella Regan and Emily Reilly each had assists for the Panthers.

Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield bounced back with a clean sheet against Taunton. Lyla Nappa, Carly Devine, and Gabby Smith each found the back of the net for the Hornets.

North Attleboro, 7 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – North kept its playoff hopes alive with a big win at Stoughton. Emma Pratt and Steph McKenna each scored a pair of goals to lead the Rocketeers. Caroline Ferrin opened the scoring by finishing off scrum in front of goal and Pratt doubled the lead off a Casey Butanowicz assist. McKenna made it 3-0 and then Pratt closed out the half with her second of the day, assisted by Brooke Sullivan. McKenna got her brace early in the second half, with Ferrin getting the assist, and Charlotte Moynihan added one from the spot. Butanowicz closed out the scoring with her first varsity goal, finishing off a Moynihan corner. Maddie Ferrin stopped a penalty to record the clean sheet. Samantha Tran played well and Abigail Durand made several big stops for the Black Knights.

Field Hockey
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – For Oliver Ames, Georgia Costello had the goal on a penalty stroke while Maddie Proia, Lily Gaskill, and Ava Costello all played well.

Volleyball
Foxboro vs. Westwood, 5:00

King Philip, 3 @ Medway, 0 – Final – King Philip earned its fourth non-league win of the season and improved to 18-0 with a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-11, 25-22) on the road at Medway, who entered the game at 14-2. Senior Gianna DiLorenzo had a stellar showing at the service line for the Warriors with 17 service points while Stella Bailey also played well overall with four aces and five digs. Ahunna James (seven kills) and Sami Shore (seven kills, three blocks) both played well at the net.

Sharon, 3 @ Norwood, 1 – Final

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/04/21

Today’s games are listed below. This post will be updated with any changes as they are submitted.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro @ Sharon – Postponed to TBA.

Mansfield @ Canton – Postponed to Thursday, 10/7 at 6:00.

Milford, 2 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Milford senior Chris Tocci converted a pair of penalty kicks to give the Hawks an important win on the road at Foxboro. The visitors took the lead in the first half after David Desa was taken down in the box and Tocci stepped up and buried his chance. Foxboro knotted the score at 1-1 when Matt Angelini scored in the second half but minutes later, John Borges was fouled by the keeper and Tocci scored from the spot once again.

Franklin, 5 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Five different players found the back of the net as Franklin had its best offensive showing of the season in a win at Stoughton. Jack Moran opened the scoring on a goal from Nelson Martinez while Will Krysak scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal on an assist from Terry O’Neill. Noah Cain, Gavin Scagliarini (from Connor Brown), and Andrew O’Neill (from Trey Lovell) also scored for the Panthers.

King Philip, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – Oliver Ames came out of the games flying, scoring less than two minutes into the game, tacking on two more within the first 10 minutes, and riding a total of five first half goals to a win at home over King Philip. Hector Bucio headed in the opening goal in the 2nd minute, finishing off a cross from Ryan Linhares. OA doubled the lead two minutes later when freshman Casey Milliken got his first of the game on a pass from Clide Neau. Milliken then returned the favor in the 7th minute, connecting with Neau, who made it 3-0. Mathias Taylor (from Milliken) scored on a great shot from distance and Milliekn (from Neau) grabbed his second shortly before halftime. Milliken completed his hat trick on a feed from Linhares.

Taunton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game – North Attleboro scored with just over 10 minutes to play and senior Brody Rosenberg made a pair of key defensive plays as the Rocketeers topped Taunton. Carson Dameron sprayed the ball wide to the right wing and Griffin Rhodes tracked down the loose ball. Rhodes’ looping cross was met at the near post by Givany Carney, who beat the keeper to the ball and his header went inside the near post in the 69th minute. Rosenberg had a goal line stop in the second half and then came up with a big clearance on a loose ball inside the six yard box in the final minute after Taunton’s Riley Rebello hit the underside of the crossbar with a shot from 25 yards out.










Girls Soccer
Sharon, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro was able to pull out a win in the rain, holding off Sharon with a one-goal advantage and then adding a second goal in the final minute to secure the points. Jamie Davies put Attleboro in front in the 24th minute and then assisted on the second goal in the 79th. Allison Rebelo hit a one-touch shot into the top corner to make it 2-0. Alexis Campbell played well in goal to keep the clean sheet for Attleboro. Sharon coach Cat Sullivan praised defender Jordanna Morris and midfielders Sofia Goclowski and Amber Marcus-Blank for their performances in the tough conditions.

Canton, 0 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Tarynn Smith continued to be in torrid form in front of goal, scoring what turned out to be the game-winner against Canton. It was the fifth straight win for the Hornets, who are in a three-way tie atop the Kelley-Rex. Alexi O’Keefe added the second goal for Mansfield.

Foxboro, 10 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Three different Warriors scored hat tricks, as Foxboro continued its unbeaten run, extending it to nine games. Kailee McCabe scored three times and had three assists, Erin Foley had three goals and two assists, and Jordan Carman added one assist to her three goals. Neve Taylor also found the back of the net for Foxboro. Brooke Barreira and Lauren Miley both had assists in the win. Alexis Sougaris earned the clean sheet with three saves.

Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – The rain didn’t slow down sophomore striker Anya Zub, who recorded a hat trick to power Franklin to a win that moves them into a tie at the top of the Kelley-Rex. Kelly O’Connor added a goal and an assist and Stella Regan had a pair of helpers for the Panthers. Haylie Aniki had a good second half in goal for the hosts and Chloe Barca stood out in the Franklin midfield. Sivannah Marcy scored Stoughton’s lone goal, running onto a ball over the top by Morgan Cook. Katrina Varnum had a good game in net for Stoughton, helping keep Franklin to four, and Sabrina Rodrigues had a strong game at the back.

Oliver Ames, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – Lauren Sellmayer and Camryn O’Connor scored second half goals to lift OA to a come-from-behind road win at Kelley-Rex leader KP, handing the Warriors their first league loss of the season. After a scoreless first half, Rihanna Mason scored for the hosts to put them in front, but OA tallied twice in the final 20 minutes to secure the victory and stay in a first-place tie with Foxboro in the Davenport division. Sellmayer headed in a corner kick from Katie Gibson in the 73rd to bring the Tigers level. A minute later, O’Connor won a foot race on a breakaway and tucked away the game-winner. Allison Evin, Emily Meyers and Mary Cross all had great games for the visitors.

North Attleboro, 6 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Six different players scored for North Attleboro to pick up the win and move the Rocketeers back to .500 in the league. It took almost the entire first half for the opening goal. Following a timeout inside the final minute, Haley Sinacola scored with a 35-yard free kick, her fourth of the season, to put the hosts in front. Steph McKenna doubled the lead in the second half off an Autumn Hewitt assist. Charlotte Moynihan hit an Emma Pratt pass first-time for the third goal and then Jessica Hennessey followed with her first varsity goal (on an assist from Brooke Sullivan). Hennessey added an assist, setting up Pratt for North’s fifth, and Lily Adams rounded out the scoring off a pass from Casey Butanowicz. North coach Bill Wallace added that Morgan Eaton, Sophia Capriotti and Lauren Peckham played well in the win.

Field Hockey
Franklin @ Algonquin – Postponed to Monday, 10/18 at 4:00.

Volleyball
Foxboro, 3 vs. Walpole, 2 – Final

Taunton, 1 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Taunton stayed alive with a win in the third set and pushed the Eagles in the fourth set but Sharon was able to close it out for a 3-1 (23-25, 15-25, 25-23, 20-25). For Taunton, Jessica Foley had a strong game at the service line with nine aces. The Tigers also had a balanced attack led by Aislinn Campbell (six kills), Angie Lynch (five kills), Mikayla Cleary (five kills), Hayley Krockta (three kills), and Kylie Burgo (three kills).

Golf
Sharon @ King Philip – Postponed to Tuesday, 10/5 at 3:15.
Attleboro @ Dighton-Rehoboth, 3:30
North Attleboro @ Mansfield – Postponed to TBA.
Oliver Ames @ Milford – Postponed to TBA.

Khang Strikes to Give Attleboro Win Over North

Attleboro girls soccer
Attleboro senior Emily Khang celebrates her second half goal that lifted the Bombardiers to a win over North Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


ATTLEBORO, Mass. – With the Attleboro boys soccer and football teams piled into the stands behind the benches, the noise felt more like a playoff game than simply the third league game of a long season. Wednesday night’s crowd seemed to spur on both teams, adding extra energy to a rivalry that has a history of close, physical encounters.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Heading into the final 15 minutes of a scoreless game at Tozier-Cassidy Field, the home crowd started chanting that they wanted a goal. The Bombardiers almost immediately obliged. Emily Khang, who sat out the abbreviated 2020 season, got on the end of a knockdown header by Ally Haigh and slammed home the go-ahead goal.

Attleboro managed to hold on over a frantic closing stretch, pulling out a 1-0 win over North Attleboro. It was a game that saw both teams have goals disallowed and North watch a late penalty appeal controversially get waved away.

“It was a pretty cool atmosphere to be a part of and I thought it was pretty interesting the timing of the chant and the goal,” Attleboro coach Steve Santos said afterwards. “That was a good effort to not quit on that.”

He added, “We’ve just got to work on finishing. They grind, they fight, but it’s just one ball away, one call one way, a goal taken away on each side, it’s crazy and it becomes anyone’s game.”

North coach Bill Wallace said, “Three games into the season and you have that kind of play? It’s pretty good. I’m proud of the way they played and we just need to find the back of the net.”

The first half was all Attleboro. The Bombardiers came storming out of the gates and took control of the center of the pitch, forcing North backwards. Jamie Davies had a good chance in the opening minute but her shot from the edge of the box was saved by North keeper Maddie Ferrin. Four minutes later, Kahlan Gray had a look from the left side of the box but it sailed just over the bar.

North’s first good break came in the 16th minute when Steph McKenna got free in the right channel. She tried to play the ball into the path of Brooke Sullivan, but Bethany Alves rushed back to clear the ball on the edge of the Attleboro penalty area.

Davies continued to be a thorn in the side of the North defense. She nearly took advantage of a bad bounce to get in behind only for Ferrin to slide out and collect. Three minutes later, a good turn by Kacey Parker on the right opened space for Davies in the middle. She had a nice touch to create room for a shot but again Ferrin was able to get behind it.

The visitors had their first good scoring chances in the final 10 minutes of the half. Emma Pratt’s corner bounced multiple times in the box, but the Bombardiers were finally able to clear. Another Pratt corner picked out Caroline Ferrin at the back post but the header was just wide. Maddie Ferrin had to be quick on the other end to beat Zoe Johnson-Kiff to a Haigh ball over the top.

After being on the back foot for much of the opening 40 minutes, North nearly scored twice in the first five minutes after the break. Caroline Ferrin’s through ball sprung McKenna behind the Attleboro defense but Alexis Campbell was able to make a good kick save. The ball rebounded to McKenna, who chipped the ball over the keeper and into the middle where Pratt nodded it home only to have the goal waived away for offsides.

Two minutes later, Campbell was called into action again. This time Ferrin’s ball over the top found Pratt on the left side of the box and again the Attleboro keeper showed quick feet to deny the chance. The rebound was knocked wide.

“It helps us feel a little more relaxed,” said Santos of Campbell, his junior netminder who was playing her first game back from an injury. “She brings a lot of that varsity experience back there with this being her second year.”

Nearing the midway point of the second half, a goal was disallowed on the other end. An Attleboro corner turned into a scrum in the box and the ball was eventually smashed in under the bar. The official quickly whistled to end the home team’s celebration, as the ball had crossed the end line (hitting the official that was stationed out of bounds) before the goal.

Wallace said, “They fed off the crowd. Both teams did. I think the energy we had was, to a point, more of an angry energy and we made mistakes that we don’t ordinarily make but it’s from playing with pride, playing with passion and I can’t fault them for that.”

Seven minutes later, Attleboro had the lead. Alves set everything up with a long free kick to the back post. Haigh rose highest and headed the ball down towards the penalty spot. The ball took a slight deflection off a North defender and fell to Khang, who buried the close-range chance.

North had a penalty shout with 11 minutes on the clock. Following a throw, Haley Sinacola chipped the ball into Autumn Hewitt, who was bundled over from behind. Although the players ended up on the ground in the box, the official ruled that contact started outside and gave only a free kick. “I’d rather he not blow the whistle and just play on,” said Wallace after the game. Pratt’s ball to the back stick just missed Ferrin and went wide.

Davies nearly put the contest to rest with a few minutes to go, but Maddie Ferrin was able to get a fingertip to a shot heading for the bottom corner and keep it a one-goal game. Despite North throwing everything forward, Attleboro held on for its first league win of the season.

“I think we played a lot more composed that first half,” Santos explained. The second half we started getting away from the way we should be playing. The panic started setting in a little bit and then once we got that goal it was adrenaline and it became fight time but we still never got to the point where we settled down and moved the ball.”

Attleboro (2-2) will try to carry the momentum Monday’s trip to Milford. North Attleboro (1-2) will try to rebound with a non-league game against Braintree on Friday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

2021 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. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2021 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Attleboro

2020 Record: 5-5-5
Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro has been on the brink of tournament qualification for the past several seasons, but narrowly missed out. Last fall’s team had the potential to end head coach Steve Santos’ wait to get back into the playoffs only for the pandemic to force an abbreviated season. After graduating the team’s leading scorers and playmakers (Bella Salviati, Jessica Gates, and Briley Harnois), the Bombardiers will count on new faces stepping in and giving them a chance to taste the postseason.

The Bombardiers will be hoping to build on a strong defense. Senior Olivia Calderone and junior Ella Stromfors will be the anchors in the heart of the back line and their leadership will be critical. Attleboro will miss senior Olivia Cook, who had a strong preseason at outside back but suffered an injury that will keep her out for the season. Junior goalie Alexis Campbell also has an injury at the start of the season but will hopefully be back soon to take over in net.

In midfield, Attleboro has several returning players who will be looking at slightly different roles this year. Junior Emily Dunlea is a dynamic and versatile midfielder and could be the team’s playmaker this season. She will get help from senior Emily Khang, who missed the 2020 season. Another skillful midfielder, Khang will give Attleboro an attacking boost. Sophomore Bethany Alves can play as a holding or attacking midfielder, depending on the situation. Up top, junior Kacey Parker and sophomore Jamie Davies will be counted on to make up some of the goals that were lost to graduations.

“We graduated a solid core of players who brought a lot to the team, so we’re trying to figure out who’s going to embrace those roles,” said Santos. “We have some good talented players who can keep the ball on the ground and play some solid soccer. We have some more to grow on and learning how to play aggressive, Hockomock soccer.”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Canton

2020 Record: 8-3-1
Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Last season, Canton edged Foxboro by a single point to win its first league title since 2012. The Bulldogs graduated a strong class of seniors, particularly in the midfield and the attack, but there is plenty of returning talent on both ends of the pitch and second-year coach Idris Seyonjo to feel confident of another title challenge this fall.

The attack will look very different this season after graduating prolific forward Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia (17 goals combined in 2020), but senior Gabriella Herivaux returns after scoring five times last year and could be poised for a breakout season as the primary target up top. Seniors Fay Gallery and Anne Hoban (who played at outside back last season) will also join in the attack and freshman Emma Cahill is a newcomer that could provide creativity in the final third. Sophomore Emily McCabe will step into the attacking midfield role and try to provide the killer pass from the center of the pitch.

Defense should be a strength for the Bulldogs this season with a mix of veterans and several incoming freshmen who could step in right away and contribute. Senior Allie McCabe continues to be the lynchpin of the Canton defense, commanding the heart of the back line with her strong play and leadership. There is plenty of experience in goal as well with senior Elyse Broderick back and healthy and junior Marissa Staffiere ready to step in, after being the starter all of 2020.

Seyonjo said, “Most important thing about this season is that I believe all teams are looking forward to what will hopefully be a normal season. I am excited. I look forward to my first full season as head coach. Every game will be different and we hope to be able to match or even better our performances from last season.”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Foxboro

2020 Record: 7-2-2
Coach: Katie Stalcup
Foxboro was just a single point short of a three-peat last season, dropping to second in the Davenport behind Canton, and the Warriors will have a lot of new faces this fall as they try to get back on top in the division. The Warriors graduated 10 seniors, but still have a lot of varsity experience, especially in the midfield, that will make them a tough challenge for their title rivals.

Senior Kailee McCabe, the reigning league MVP, is back in the middle for the Warriors this season. The four-year starter tied for the team (and league) lead with 11 goals in 2020 but she may have to take on a bigger scoring role this fall with Jordyn Collins now at Bryant. She should have a lot of help in the middle of the pitch. Senior Brooke Barreira, junior Lauren Milley, and sophomore Erin Foley all played significant minutes last year and capable of the quick combination passing that has been a hallmark of Foxboro’s play. Senior Jordan Carman will bring her versatility to the forward line this season, after playing pretty much every position (including goalie) last year.

Defensively, senior Meghan Burke will be the leader in the back line. An aggressive, solid defender, Burke has regularly been tasked with marking the opponent’s best attacker. Sophomore Lindsey Resnick had a strong rookie season and will add some game experience to the defense. Senior Maddie Maher and sophomore Alexis Sougaris will be the goalies tasked with replacing Morgan Sylvestre between the posts.

Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said, “We had some major losses with our 10 graduating seniors last year, but I am very excited about this team and what I have seen from them so far and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do against the tough competition in this league.”







Hockomock League Girls Soccer

franklin

2020 Record: 6-4-2
Interim Coach: Jodi Klein
Long-time head coach Tom Geysen is dealing with a medical issue, so former JV coach Jodi Klein will take over this season and is emphasizing pressure high up the pitch and keeping possession in attack. Franklin returned to the top of the Kelley-Rex last season and Klein has an experienced squad to work with this fall, as they look to go back-to-back in what should be a wide-open title race.

The Panthers have built a lot of their recent success on a strong defense. This season should be no different. Junior Norah Anderson has been a mainstay in the heart of the back line for the past two seasons and she’ll be joined by junior Reilly Lorenzo and sophomore Maddie Horton. Senior Izzy Arnold and junior Katie Ewald give the Panthers speedy outside backs to provide width in attack and cover in the defensive third. Sophomore Rachel Welch will get the nod in goal after splitting time as a freshman and her reading of the game will help direct the defensive unit.

Franklin’s midfield has the potential to control games. Seniors Stella Regan and Chloe Barca and junior Bridget Leo bring plenty of experience to the middle of the pitch. Each are quick and solid in possession. Juniors Avery Greco and Chloe Stavely and sophomore Selene Hammad will step into the midfield to add depth. The Panthers will be looking to use the speed of the forward line to create chances. Senior Riley Fitzpatrick is the most experienced player up top and sophomore Anya Zub had three goals and four assists as a freshman. Freshman Kelly O’Connor is a new player to watch out for in the forward line.

“This is an exciting season for all of us,” said Klein. “I am a new coach to all of our returning varsity players and any of these girls who have played for me in the past have never played at the varsity level before. We are working through a brand-new system and style of play and we’re all very eager to see what we can accomplish together this season.”

King Philip

2020 Record: 7-5-2
Coach: Gary Pichel
After graduating a large, talented group of seniors, including the top two scorers in program history, last year was bound to be transitional for King Philip, but it was also an opportunity for several players to step up into bigger roles. As it turned out, the Warriors had plenty of talent still on the squad and stayed in the hunt for a league title right to the final week.

The Warriors will be hoping last year’s game experience will pay off with a title challenge this season. The midfield should be a strength for KP. Junior Ella Pisani had a breakout 2020 season, showing off her skills as both a forward and midfielder and leading the team in scoring. She will be at the center of the KP attack again this year. Senior Paulina Baczkowski will give the Warriors width on the outside and delivers accurate crosses. Senior Morgan Norrman is an accurate passer who can push the Warriors into quick counterattacks.

Senior Brooke Mullins has improved every year in the KP defense, and she adds aggression and a willingness to get the ball forward quickly. After an impressive rookie year, junior Grace Lawler missed all of 2020 with an injury, but she is back and gives KP an instant upgrade in the back line with her ability to mark the opposing team’s best attacker. Freshmen Dani Lamuscio (midfield), Mikayla Thompson (defense), and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn (defense) should make an instant impact and add extra energy for the Warriors this season.

“I see this team keeping up with our KP tradition of good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to the cause,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “Our team will be competitive in every game as we go through the gauntlet of the Hockomock League.”

Mansfield

2020 Record: 6-4-3
Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield entered the abbreviated 2020 season with a relatively inexperienced group, and it showed during the early parts of the fall, but the Hornets put things together quickly and finished only a point back of Franklin for the division title. With nine starters returning, including most of the defensive corps, the Hornets should be in the mix for the title again this year.

Although the Hornets will definitely miss the on-field leadership and versatility of senior Maria Sevastos, who was injured in the spring, Mansfield has plenty of experience in the back line. Senior Anna Darlington will be the leader in the defense alongside sophomore Kara Santos, who is coming off an impressive rookie season at centerback. Junior goalkeeper Olivia Salisbury brings two years of experience in net and classmate Caitlin Zajac is a capable backup.

Senior Katie Miller will control the middle of the field. A four-year starter, Miller provides an extra layer of protection for the back line and can get the Hornets into the attack as well. Up front, senior forward Tarynn Smith is a willing runner, who can give opposing defenses a physical challenge. Sophomore Carly Devine is a creative playmaker that will give the Hornets an offensive spark.

“We are still very young with only four returning seniors,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith explained, “but it’s a good core of players who have multiple years of varsity experience already.”




Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Milford

2020 Record: 3-6-3
Coach: Lou Colabello
Milford closed the 2020 season on a strong run, going 2-1-1 over its final four games that included two hard-fought games with Mansfield. Only three seniors are returning from last year’s roster, so the Hawks will be young this fall, but not necessarily inexperienced since many of the underclassmen stepped into the lineup last year.

The key to the Milford attack is junior Dani Atherton. She was the team’s leading scorer with eight goals last season (more than half of the team’s total) and most of the offense will flow through her feet. The Hawks will hope for more creativity and goals from the rest of the team, including juniors Brooke Ferreira and Amy Oliveira, a pair of players who can start up top or in the midfield. Junior Brianna Guerreiro is also back in the center of the pitch.

At the back, seniors Aubrey Korpi and Aislinn Bennett will provide much-needed leadership for this young crew and senior Jill Araujo can jump into the back line or help supply cover from the midfield. Junior Catarina Mestre is another returning defender from last season’s squad.

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

North Attleboro

2020 Record: 5-5-3
Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro battled to a .500 record in 2020 and did it thanks to a strong defensive foundation. The Rocketeers allowed only 11 goals in 13 games last year and had five clean sheets. After graduating 15 players from that squad, and losing a starter to an injury, North coach Bill Wallace is enthusiastic about the potential for this year’s team to make a playoff push.

The Rocketeers return both of last year’s leading scorers. Senior Steph McKenna and junior Emma Pratt each scored five times last season and they will be counted on to improve those numbers with a full season (and without the restrictions that were in place in 2020). Behind the strikers, North’s midfield got a lot of experience last year. Senior Brayden Rice and junior Caroline Ferrin will be in the middle, while senior Autumn Hewitt and juniors Brooke Sullivan and Lily Adams provide the width.

Defense was a strength last year and it should be again in 2021. Senior Summer Doherty returns after missing a lot of last season with an injury. Her leadership and athleticism will be important in the middle of the back line. Seniors Meaghan Dowd and Charlotte Moynihan and junior Haley Sinacola make up the rest of the starting back four with junior Maddie Ferrin in goal.

“Right now, we are organized and making opponents work hard to develop their offense,” Wallace said. “Our goal is to play faster and with more urgency. The work rate is high, and the girls are looking forward to competing in the always tough Hockomock League!”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Oliver Ames

2020 Record: 8-1-5
Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Oliver Ames lost only once in 2020 and avenged that defeat by beating Canton in the Hock Cup final. The Tigers did draw five matches last season, but with eight starters returning, and several younger players who got valuable experience, OA will hope to turn those single points into two and bring home its first league title since 2016.

The Tigers pride themselves on being a tough team to break down and the defense should be stout again this fall. Senior Emily Meyers is back in goal and will be a vocal leader at the back. Senior Allison Evin moved from up top to the heart of the defense last season and her speed and understanding of the game made her a tough marker for opposing forwards to get away from, while juniors Mary Cross and Sophia Byron are looking to build off strong sophomore seasons. Senior Kyla Melton has transferred in from Milton Academy and her versatility will be a boost to the back line or in midfield.

Midfield will continue to provide cover for the back line with the likes of seniors Katie Gibson and Lauren Sellmayer not only giving the Tigers a physical, aerial presence, but also consistent delivery on set pieces. Senior Camryn O’Connor, a Boston University-commit, adds creativity to OA’s bite in the center of the pitch and will be a key to turning defense into attack. Junior Jenna Gilman will also provide playmaking and width and speedy sophomore forward Lucinda Cotter has been in good scoring form during the preseason.

“We have eight starters returning from last season, plus some younger players pushing for playing time,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “We are hoping our depth will be an advantage for our team this year.”




Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Sharon

2020 Record: 2-8-2
Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon won a pair of games in 2020, but was also competitive in several losses that showed there was potential for improvement heading into the new season. The Eagles will be young this year, particularly after a pair of preseason injuries cost them returning starters, including junior Sally Brouhard, but there is still reason for optimism about the athleticism in the squad.

The Eagles will lean on the midfield, as the most experienced group. Junior Sofia Goclowski stepped in last year and had an all-star-caliber season and will be the primary playmaker in the center of the pitch. Junior Amber Marcus-Blank is moving up from the back line and her aggression will be key to shielding the defense. Junior Olivia Soby combines physical presence with technical skills and will be an important piece to the attack.

Senior forward Wendy Wooden will be the team’s primary threat up top and her speed will stretch opposition defenses to open space for the midfielders. On the other end of the field, the Eagles will be very young. Senior Amanda Hu is the only returning player in the back line and she’ll be counted on to keep everything organized. Sophomore Jordanna Morris will add much needed speed and athleticism to the defense and already looks comfortable at the varsity level.

“We have a very young squad this year, but I am excited about our mix of talent and athleticism,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “As always, the league looks to be extremely competitive, but we welcome the challenging matches that help us grow and continue to move our program in the right direction.

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Stoughton

2020 Record: 0-11-1
Coach: Hermes Lima
Second-year Stoughton coach Hermes Lima is still looking for his first win, but he is confident that this year’s team has the right combination of skill and speed to give teams problems. The Black Knights are counting on increased depth and the pairing of experienced players and talented newcomers to get back in the win column.

One of the key players for Stoughton this season is junior Shayla Ford. Blessed with great speed, Ford can either stretch the opposition and attack the space behind the defense or drop into the Stoughton back line and give cover for her teammates. Freshman Makenzie O’Connor is going to step in up top and will add another dynamic element to the attack, while classmate Morgan Cook can slot in as a forward or in the back line to add aggression and a physical element. Junior Isabella Rodrigues gives the Black Knights speed on the wings and gives more speed for the forwards to run into.

The Black Knights will have experience in defense. Senior Abigail Durand is back in goal and provides vocal leadership for the back line. Senior Samantha Tran can play anywhere across the back line and her versatility is important. Junior Emma Tremblay and freshman Lauren Mitchell will both play in the center of midfield and can protect the back line or facilitate the Stoughton counter attack. Both can also slot in at central defense when needed. Junior Sabrina Rodrigues is another versatile player, jumping in at wingback or in the heart of the midfield.

“Every player bought into the culture last year and the new/returning players have bought in to every word/thing said and given to them this year!” said Lima. “The players are ready to fight for one another, represent their school and make this program proud of every achievement in their path. As a coach, I cannot ask anything else of them! This will be an intriguing but yet good step in the right direction for this program.”

Hockomock League Girls Soccer

Taunton

2020 Record: 0-3-7
Coach: Mike Couture
Taunton coach Mike Couture only got four games to assess his team in 2020 before the season came to an abrupt end. Now in his second year, Couture is building around a young roster, composed mostly of sophomores, and is excited about the talent and the potential. The Tigers will be hoping to get off to a good start and end their wait for a nearly two-year wait for a league win.

Senior Isabella Anslow will be the leader of the defensive unit. She has been a busy goalkeeper in the past but has come up with several big games against big opponents. An example of that was being able to hold Mansfield to a scoreless draw in the first meeting between the teams last year. Junior Emily Calderon will lead the Tigers on the other end of the field. The forward is quick and experienced and she’ll be counted on to give Taunton a cutting edge in attack.

“This is a strong group and how quickly this good group of less experienced players develop, will determine the degree of our progress and we are off to a good start,” said Couture.

Attleboro Rallies to Earn Feisty Draw at Mansfield

Attleboro girls soccer
Attleboro’s Jessica Gates (11) and Mansfield’s Katie Miller (20) battle for a ball in the midfield on Monday night. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


MANSFIELD, Mass. – The new rule modifications in place this season are meant to limit physical contact between players, but once Monday night’s game at Alumni Field kicked off neither Attleboro or Mansfield was going to shy away from a challenge or give their opponents an inch.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

It led to a competitive, hard-fought match with chances to win it at both ends of the field. In the end, Eleanor Graber’s third quarter strike matched Amira Walcott’s second quarter opener and the teams walked away with a point apiece following a 1-1 draw.

Attleboro dominated the opening few minutes of the match, as Mansfield worked to meet the aggressiveness of the visitors. In the third minute, Emily Dunlea slid a pass into the run of Isabella Salviati but the Attleboro forward dragged her shot through the box.

Once the hosts settled down, Mansfield started to assert itself and take control of the game. Tarynn Smith had the first good look for the Hornets after nine minutes but Alexis Campbell was there for the save. Following a corner, Carly Devine teed up Cathryn Cooney but her shot was wide of the far post.

Cooney almost created an opener with a cross from the left but it was deflected out to defender Kayla Doherty, whose shot from distance was blocked into the path of Kaylee Smith. The senior took a touch and put a shot on target from eight yards, but it was right at Campbell.

“It was just a matter of weathering their first adrenaline rush and maintaining our compactness in the middle and at the back and absorbing it and completing a pass going out,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith explained. “Once we did we were able to get a foothold in the game.”

In the 27th minute, Attleboro got a look for Briley Harnois but the senior’s shot from 25 yards out went wide of the post.

Mansfield took the lead in the 33rd minute. Campbell went up in traffic to collect a long free kick from Maria Sevastos, but couldn’t handle it cleanly and Walcott was in the right place to knock in her second of the season.

The Hornets had several chances to double their lead before halftime. Cooney had an indirect kick inside the box blocked at the near post by Olivia Calderone and then Katie Miller played Tarynn Smith behind the right back but Campbell came up with a big save, palming the shot over the bar.

“We started off okay and we got away from our style of play and more into their style of play,” said Attleboro coach Steve Santos, “and it felt like were trying to defend the long ball and the races, so we dropped our defense back a little bit in the second half and got a little more composed and the flow of the game got a little bit better.”

Campbell came up with another big stop to keep it a one-goal deficit in the 51st minute. A ball over the top picked out Abby Jean on the run. The Mansfield sophomore decided to cut it back onto her right foot and bring it to the center of the box, forcing a full-stretch save down to the keeper’s right.

Santos said, “Lexi played well. She came out at the right times, made a key save when we needed it. She just got unlucky on that transition bringing the ball down.”

That save proved to be crucial as just five minutes later Attleboro was level. Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury had an outlet pass intercepted by Graber just outside the box. The Attleboro midfielder drove forward and made the turnover count with a shot into the bottom corner.

“That was a great hustle play by Eleanor,” Santos said. “She was in the right spot at the right time, made the right moves, and finished it.”

Much like Campbell, Salisbury had the chance to atone for her mistake and came up with the save of the game. Graber picked out Cossandra Stuger in the middle, who split the lines with a pass into Harnois on the left side of the box. The Attleboro forward was clean through on goal but Salisbury came sliding out to make a game-saving block.

“We talked about that in the intermission (between quarters),” said Smith. “We said, alright so we made a mistake and it cost us a goal. What do we want to do? React. So, we want to have a good, positive reaction and I thought everyone did.”

Mansfield started to regain control after Attleboro’s post-goal surge, putting pressure with a series of long free kicks by Sevastos and freshman defender Kara Santos. Bridget Hanley’s through ball sent Devine free, but the shot was held by Campbell. Attleboro created one more notable chance after Graber and Jessica Gates played a one-two and Gates set up Harnois in the box but again Salisbury was held onto the shot.

Smith said, “We had a lot of good pressure, a lot of possession, and a lot of good passing movements, and once we broke that down in the second half then they started coming back at us. Then you get that goal, but the last 10 minutes we recovered.”

Attleboro (1-1-1) and Mansfield (1-2-2) will do it again in two days when the teams meet at Tozier-Cassidy Field. Expect the same level of intensity and physicality for round two.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/14/20

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Milford, 4 – Final – Milford’s Victor Botelho scored on each side on halftime to help the Scarlet Hawks pick up two points against visiting Attleboro. Milford opened the scoring when Lucas Da Silva finished off a feed from Arthur Tome but Attleboro equalized on a goal from Jackson Singer (assisted by Hugo Henriquez). Botelho put the Hawks back ahead on an assist from Leo Coelho to make it 2-1 going into halftime. Da Silva set Botelho up to make it 3-1, and Coelho (from Da Silva) added an insurance tally for the 4-1 win.

Canton, 1 @ Sharon, 1 – Final

Oliver Ames, 5 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames moved to 3-0 on the season with its third shutout, this time going on the road and beating Foxboro. Senior Colin Milliken scored once and set up three more to lead the way for the Tigers. Milliken set up Kevin Louhis for the opening goal and then assisted on back-to-back goals from Mathias Taylor. Taylor set up Milliken prior to those goals to make it 2-0. OA senior Gage Fritchman scored his first career goal on a penalty kick.

King Philip, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

Mansfield, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Mansfield scored a pair of fourth quarters to earn two points on the road against Taunton. After three scoreless quarters, the Hornets finally broke through in the 64th minute. Connor Palinski earned an assist after showing great hustle to track down a loose ball, centering to find Sagar Koul right at the six yard box for the finish. Mansfield doubled its lead five minutes later when Koul settled a pass from Tommy Lanzillo and blasted a shot in from a step inside the area. Eric Sullivan earned his second shutout of the season for Mansfield.

North Attleboro, 2 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – North Attleboro senior Matt Conley bagged a brace as the Rocketeers broke into the win column with a 2-0 road victory over Stoughton. Conley scored the Big Red’s first goal of the season in the 10th minute of the contest, beating the keeper 1-on-1 after latching onto a through ball from Connor Ward. The Rocketeers doubled their lead in the 55th minute as Jaad Ismail found Conley streaking in behind the defense and he finished into the far corner. David Floyd (nine saves) played well for North to record the shutout.




Girls Soccer
Milford, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Briley Harnois scored twice for the Bombardiers, who picked up a win in their delayed season opener and senior day. Jessica Gates added an assist and Alexis Campbell earned the clean sheet in goal. Attleboro coach Steve Santos was proud of his team’s start after having to wait an extra week to get on the field, saying the Bombardiers created a number of early chances against a Milford team that battled throughout.

Sharon, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Olivia Rodman, Gabriella Herivaux, and Elisa Diletizia each scored once to lift Canton to a third straight win to start the season and into a one-point lead in the division. Rodman opened the scoring with a rocket from outside the box in the first quarter and Mia Gilmore then set up Herivaux with a through ball to get a second before halftime, but Sharon was resilient and kept battling. Wendy Wooden nearly halved the deficit right before the break with a tight angled shot but it went over the bar and landed on the roof of the net. The score stayed 2-0 until late in the fourth quarter when Diletizia blasted one just under the bar for Canton’s third. Sharon goalie Cass Barbera played well in the loss and Mekhala Costello finished with two assists for the Bulldogs.

Foxboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – The Warriors battled back from a 2-0 deficit, scoring twice in the second half to come away with a point. Trailing by two goals at the break, Foxboro had a goal disallowed early in the third quarter, but Grace Ferguson scored off a Kailee McCabe assist to cut the deficit to one and then McCabe scored an unassisted goal to secure the draw. Sophomores Mary Cross and Jenna Gilman scored to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. Emma Pereira had an assist while senior Madeleine Taylor and junior Alexa Lane had strong games for OA.

Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Olivia Salisbury and Kelsey Hubler combined for the shutout and helped the Hornets get their first point of the season. Mansfield coach Kevin Smith praised his defense for limiting Taunton’s chances and added that the Tigers played well in their defensive third, blocking shots and coming up with a lot of big saves.

Stoughton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final – Steph McKenna scored a hat trick and Emma Pratt scored twice to lead North Attleboro to its first win of the season, keeping the Rocketeers unbeaten through three matches. Caroline Ferrin and Tess Collins also scored for North, with Collins adding an assist. Maggie O’Brien, Ari Newth, Clara Giuliano, Brayden Rice, and Jordyn Sullivan also had assists for North. Kaylah Seavey and Maddie Ferrin split time in goal to get the clean sheet. First-year Stoughton coach Hermes Lima praised his team’s start to the game, as it was scoreless after the first, and explained that he needs the team to not get down after a mistake and let teams break the game open. He said, “We were chasing almost the whole middle quarters and that cannot happen.”










Field Hockey
Canton, 2 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Canton’s Meghan LaBelle scored twice as the Bulldogs went on the road and earned two points on the grass at Sharon.

Mansfield, 3 @ Taunton, 3 – Final – Mansfield and Taunton traded goals back and forth, the latter scoring in the final minutes as the squads settled for a point each in a draw. Ashley Amaro scored a pair of goals for the Tigers, both assisted by Kylie Thorpe, while Alana Tavares added an unassisted goal. Jocelyn Pagliuca and Skylar Rheaume played well defensively in front of junior Emily Gannon (16 saves) for Taunton.

Foxboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Oliver Ames overcame an early deficit with three straight goals to knock off visiting Foxboro. The Warriors took the lead less than three minutes into on a goal from Dylan Rappoli but the Tigers responded less than two minutes later when Sofia Anestam set up Georgia Costello to make it 1-1. Costello put the Tigers ahead in the second quarter with an unassisted goal just 33 seconds into the frame. Julia Maclaine secured the win for the Tigers with a second half insurance goal set up by Erin Cottam. Peyton Phillips made seven saves for OA and had an outstanding second half in the cage. OA coach Sharon Lawrence lauded the performances of Abbey Boyce, Emily Han, and Maggie Woods.

Golf
Attleboro, 175 @ Milford, 179 – Final – Brendan Raymond was the match medalist, helping the Bombariders pick up a win on the road at Hopedale Country Club. Raymond shot a match-low round of 36 while Milford’s top performers were Dave Pacella (42) and Jacob Hipolito (43).

Canton, 148 @ Sharon, 173 – Final – Canton’s Mike Leonetti earned match medalist honors and Nate MacDonald shot an even par to help the Bulldogs pick up a victory at the Cape Club of Sharon. Leonetti carded a two-under par round of 34 while MacDonald shot a 36 for the Bulldogs. Will Gefteas added a 38 and Owen Donovan carded a 40 for Canton. Nathan Daley led the Eagles with a one-over round of 37 while Eric Carter added a 41 for Sharon.

King Philip, 163 @ Franklin, 158 – Final – Franklin’s depth proved pivotal in a close win at home over visiting King Philip. The Warriors’ Jared Curran was the match medalist with a 37 while Mike Matheson shot a 39 for KP. But Franklin’s top four all finished within four strokes of one another, led by Jack Paterson’s 38. Sean Connelly added a 39, Nolan Norton shot a 40, and Brian Sandham chipped in with a 41 in Franklin’s win.

Taunton, 191 @ Mansfield, 148 – Final – All four of Mansfield’s scorers shot under 40 at Norton Country Club as the Hornets picked up a win over Taunton. Ryan Dow led the way with a match-medalist round of 35, Brian See added a round of 37 while both Cian Goulet and Nate Morreale each shot a 38 in the win.

North Attleboro, 172 @ Stoughton, 181 – Final – Jake Gaskin and Sam Gallagher split medalist honors as the Rocketeers recorded a win at Easton Country Club over Stoughton. Both Gaskin and Gallagher shot 42 to lead the Big Red to a win. Anthony Hern also shot a 42 to earn medalist honors while Joe Mark added a 43 for the Black Knights.

Foxboro, 160 @ Oliver Ames, 153 – Final – Oliver Ames picked up an important win over division foe Foxboro on the links at Pine Oaks in Easton. Senior Logan Domenico and junior Jake Kaplan each shot a 37 to lead the Tigers, with Domencio sinking a birdie on the eighth hole. Senior Will Gianni added a 39 in the win and freshman Sean Kearns finished with a 40.

Boys Cross-Country
Canton @ Sharon, 3:45

Oliver Ames, 15 @ Foxboro, 50 – Final – It was a clean sweep for the Tigers, taking the top scoring spots to earn a big win over Foxboro. Kyle Sarney won the race for the Tigers while Owen McMorrow and Nate Reservitz rounded out the top three. Nicolas Olson clocked in at 19:14 and was Foxboro’s top runner while Jared Ciora ran a PR (19:37) and was second for Foxboro.

North Attleboro @ Stoughton, 3:45

Girls Cross-Country
Canton @ Sharon, 3:45

Oliver Ames, 17 @ Foxboro, 43 – Final – The Tigers took the first three spots in the race en route to a victory on the road over Foxboro. Katie Soberaij was the winner with teammates Jojo Holmes and Hailey Goldman taking second and third, respectively. Foxboro’s Aine Fitzpatrick finished in 22:05 for fourth place overall while Mabel Linck took seventh for the Warriors.

North Attleboro @ Stoughton, 3:45

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.”