Tag: Ava Lanza

Walsh and Defense Carry KP into Sweet Sixteen

King Philip Softball
Freshman McCoy Walsh is congratulated coming off the field. Walsh struck out 15 in her first playoff game, helping KP beat Needham to advance. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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PLAINVILLE, Mass. – King Philip was in a groove at the end of the regular season. Although the final game was an extra innings loss to Bridgewater-Raynham, the Warriors had won the previous 10, including a title-clinching victory over Taunton, with eight shutouts.

It is hard to carry momentum into the playoffs when you’ve been waiting 10 days between games.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

On Tuesday afternoon at the PAL Fields, KP showed more than a little rust at the plate, but got another stellar pitching performance from freshman McCoy Walsh, allowing two hits and one run while striking out 15, and a couple of solid plays in the field to put away No. 31 Needham and advance to the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen.

“We do some live pitching obviously at practice for BP and stuff and we do soft toss but there is that game situation piece that you are kind of missing,” KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau admitted. “We did do postseason scrimmages but you don’t know when you’re going to play and you don’t want to schedule too many and it turned out we sat for quite a while.”

While the KP bats may need a game to warm up, Walsh looked ready to go right from the start. She struck out 10 of the first 11 batters that she faced. Needham hit a fly ball to left to start the second and then got its first hit with two outs in the fourth on a single by Kelsey Pittman. Walsh got Maddie Baker to ground out to second to end the inning.

“It was a little frustrating not to be able to get those insurance runs and you’re used to having that little cushion, but I thought McCoy did great in the circle,” Fallon-Comeau said. “She really stepped up for us.”

The Warriors wasted no time getting in front but wasted a chance to break the game open. Sarah Cullen led off with a single to right and stole second. With one out, Cullen came in to score on a base hit to right by Libby Walsh. Charlotte Raymond followed with a single and the two advanced on a pitch in the dirt.

Ava Kelley reached on a fielder’s choice to the third baseman, who tried to draw Walsh off the bag before throwing across the diamond. Amanda Ferreira got a strikeout and a comebacker to get herself out of the jam.

In the second, Taylor Regan’s long fly to right center found the grass and ended up as a leadoff triple. Again, Ferreira was able to bear down with a runner in scoring position, getting a grounder to second and a hard hit liner right at the shortstop. Freshman Ali Gill came through with two outs, singling to left to make sure KP got the run home for a 2-0 lead.

KP continued to get base runners without looking particularly comfortable or dangerous at the plate. Kelley beat out an infield single in the third but was caught stealing. The following inning, Jordan Bennett was aggressive with two outs, turning a hit in shallow left into a double, but a grounder to second ended the inning.

Fallon-Comeau said, “We were just missing it, hitting it right at people. Kudos to the Needham pitcher, she pitched herself a great game today.”

With two outs in the fifth, KP put together a little two-out rally. Raymond dropped a single into right and then Kelley hustled to get an infield hit, but again Ferreira escaped as Liv Petrillo made solid contact but her deep fly to center stayed in the park.

The Warriors weren’t helping out Walsh offensively, but they were flashing the leather. Raymond made a nice running grab in left center to end the fifth, Walsh helped herself with a diving snag of a popped up bunt in front of home plate with a runner on in the sixth, and Gill tracked a long fly ball to just in front of the warning track to end that inning.

KP added an important insurance run in the sixth. Maddie Paschke ripped one past the shortstop for a leadoff hit. With Ava Lanza in as a courtesy runner for the catcher, she moved to second on a bouncer back to the mound. Bennett stung a liner right at the third baseman, whose attempt to double off Lanza ended up in right field.

With a runner at third, Cullen hit a roller up the first base line that wasn’t fielded cleanly and allowed the run to score.

As the rain rolled in and the temperature dropped, Gill made another great grab to start the seventh, snaring a sinking liner to right. The next batter, Baker, turned on a Walsh pitch and crushed it over the fence in left to cut the lead to two.

Fallon-Comeau explained, “I knew that kid could rake, and I thought whatever, 3-0 lead, seventh inning, throw to her because [McCoy’s] going to have to face good hitters like that a lot, and I think she kind of grooved one there for her and she put it well over the foul pole.”

There was no need to be too concerned about Walsh or the lead, as the rookie struck out the next two Needham hitters to close out the win and send KP to the next round.

“Hopefully we’ve dusted the cobwebs off a little bit and we’ll be ready to go tomorrow,” Fallon-Comeau said. “Not much time in between after sitting for so long, but it is what it is. It’s the playoffs, we’re just happy to be here and hopefully we can take care of business.”

King Philip (21-2) will have a quick turnaround, as the Warriors host No. 15 Chelmsford at the PAL Fields on Wednesday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

King Philip Outlasts Taunton To Earn Share Of Division Title

King Philip softball Sarah Cullen
King Philip softball celebrate near home plate after Sarah Cullen’s game-winning hit in the 10th inning. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
ByRyanLanigan_2016FollowRyanLanigan_2016
 
 
 WRENTHAM, Mass. – Entering Monday night’s marquee matchup between two of the best teams in all of Massachusetts, Taunton had already clinched at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title.

King Philip wanted its share of the throne, too.

KP senior Sarah Cullen smacked an opposite field line drive to left that found its way to the fence and junior Taylor Regan hustled all the way from first to cross home plate in the bottom of the 10th inning, handing the Warriors a 1-0 walk-off win over the Tigers and a share of the league crown.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

“Sometimes you just hit a ball, and you just know,” Cullen said. “It could have been anyone on this team though, everyone works so hard. I just happened to be the lucky one to get it done.

“We have all worked so hard for this but we really had to focus on keeping our nerves at a minimum. They are a great team as well. We knew we could do this but we had to carry a lot of energy and confidence into this one.”

The battle between two of the best squads in the state delivered as the game remained scoreless through seven innings, as well as the first two extra innings.

“You couldn’t ask for a better one, it was such a great game,” said King Philip head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau. “We really focus on one at-bat at a time but they were really excited coming off the field each inning, but they were able to really settle in and take it one at-bat at a time in that last inning.

“We knew if we won we’d get a share of the title but it wasn’t the first thing they were focused on. They come into every game and want to win, that’s the mentality they have every time out.”

KP freshman McCoy Walsh escape an early first inning jam and went on to toss one of the best games of her young career, allowing just two hits and three walks, striking out a career-high 17 in 10 scoreless innings of work.

Taunton junior Sam Lincoln was equally impressive, scattering five hits and no walks with 16 strikeouts and no earned runs allowed. Lincoln worked her way out of a couple of jams, including in the 8th inning when she stranded a runner at third after a two-out triple,

“We never want to lose a game but if there’s such thing as a good loss, this is it,” said Taunton head coach Michelle Raposo. “This is a good mental reset for us before the tournament. They wanted it a little more than we did tonight. We didn’t produce offensively through the lineup so we have some things we need to work on but it will prepare us for the postseason.”

The Tigers’ best chance was in the top of the first inning when Kyleah Plumb and Bella Bourque earned back-to-back walks to start the game and Kaysie DeMoura legged out an infield hit on a bunt to load the bases with no outs.

Regan came up with a massive diving catch at first on a bunt attempt for the first out, Walsh induced a grounder back to the circle and got the force out at home, and then picked up her first strikeout to escape unscathed.

“She started off the game with the bases loaded but she just battles, and she battled the entire way,” Fallon-Comeau said. “She has the whole team supporting her. Once she got that strikeout in the first to get out of that jam, I think she settled in and that really propelled her the rest of the game.”

KP’s first threat came in the third when Regan singled to center and took second on a sac bunt from Ava Lanza. Cullen’s first hit of the day put runners on the corners but Lincoln got back-to-back strikeouts to end the frame.

Freshman Ali Gill had a one-out single in the sixth and moved to second when senior Libby Walsh was hit by a pitch but once again Lincoln buckled down, getting a grounder to third for the force and another strikeout to finish the inning.

“We’ve been in that situation a couple of times but they buckle down and can get out of it,” Raposo said. “Whether it’s Sam’s pitching or the relying on our defense…they don’t get nervous and they are very confident defensively. We didn’t have Ava [Venturelli] tonight but our other kids should be able to produce and we just couldn’t string something together.”

“This was two good pitchers going at. Sam pitched a hell of a game and her defense was great. If there was any little error or a mistake, either team is capable to capitalize but there really wasn’t any of that.”

Both teams went quietly in the seventh, sending the game to extras. Taunton’s second hit came on a one-out single from Mia Torres but Walsh responded with consecutive strikeouts to squander the threat.

Gill nearly won the game in the bottom of the 9th when she drilled a shot to right but it hit high off the fence for a triple. Before KP could capitalize, Lincoln got a swinging strikeout to keep the game going.

DeMoura got a hold of one to start the 9th inning with a good hit to center but Cullen tracked back and made a leaping catch at the fence for the out, denying at least a double, potentially more.

“Sarah was like an overdue library book, she was due, she was ready,” Fallon-Comeau said. “She had that great catch in the top of the ninth and I felt really good about her next at-bat. She came back from the tough at-bat before and just ripped that one down the line.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

In the bottom of the 10th, Regan reached after an infield error. Cullen, who had struck out on a check swing in the 8th, laced the first pitch she saw to left for the winning hit.

“Something I really love about this team is that everyone picks each other up really quick,” Cullen said. “After that at-bat [in the 8th], they all picked me up and kept telling me I would get it the next time. When I went up there, I was just ready and had a good feeling about the first strike I saw.”

King Philip softball (15-1 Hockomock, 20-1 overall) finishes the regular season on Saturday with a date against Bridgewater-Raynham on Saturday at 1:00. Taunton (15-1, 18-1) hosts Bishop Feehan on Wednesday at 6:30.

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/10/23

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Milford, 7 – Final – Milford mustered up some early offense and senior Evan Cornelius was in control on the mound to help the Hawks land a key win over Kelley-Rex rival Attleboro. A three-run first inning proved to be all the run support Cornelius needed but Milford added on one run in the third, one in the fourth, and two more insurance runs in the sixth. Cornelius tossed six shutout innings, scattering three hits and four walks along with five strikeouts to earn the win; Mason Baldic threw two scoreless innings in relief, allowing only one hit and one walk while fanning five. Offensively, Damien Carter went 2-for-3 with another triple, recording one RBI and three runs. Nick Koch added two hits from the leadoff pot, Sean McGee drove in three runs, and Keith Lee had one RBI the win. Brody McKenna had a single, a walk, and stole two bases for Attleboro.

Sharon, 1 @ Canton, 13 – Final (5 Inn.) – Canton had three big innings offensively, punctuated with a six-run fifth inning to end the contest. Matt Chafin went 2-for-4 (four RBI, three runs, stolen base) including a three-run home run to put an exclamation mark on the win. Hayden Rose (RBI, run) added two doubles, Jack Digirolamo had a single, two RBI, and two runs, and both Matt Hart and Matt Lesser had two RBI in the win. Kyle Redquest had a solid showing on the mound, allowing just one hit on eight hits and one walk. Harry Librot went 2-for-2 for the Eagles while Liam Conway, Palash Raina, Drew Yaffe, Alex Coughlin, and Seth Bonner each had a hit.

Foxboro, 2 @ Mansfield, 8 – Final – Sparked by a two-out home run from Matt DeShiro in the first inning, Mansfield landed a key win over fellow Davenport title contender and rival Foxboro on Wednesday. The Warriors took the momentum early on Sean O’Leary’s solo home run in the top of the first but DeShiro answered in the bottom half, scoring Sam Martin — who had a two-out walk — to take the lead for good. The Hornets extended their lead with four runs in the second and tacked on two more in the fourth after the Warriors got one back in the top half. DeShiro, Conner Zukowski (triple, two RBI, two runs), and Jake Maydak (two doubles, RBI) each had two RBIs in the win while Brian Butler had a single, two walks, a stolen base, and a run scored. Connor Curtis earned the win, scattering five hits and two walks for two runs, striking out eight in 6.1 innings of work; DeShiro got the last two outs, including one strikeout. O’Leary finished 2-for-3, adding a second RBI with a double in the top of the fourth, scoring Ryan LeClair (triple).

King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Franklin junior lefty Austin Campbell dazzled on the mound, tossing a complete game shutout against a talented King Philip squad. Campbell allowed only three hits — all singles — and issued just one walk while striking out eight in seven scoreless innings. The Panthers provided run support by pushing a pair of runs across the plate in both the third and fourth innings. Senior Ryan Carlucci led off the bottom of the third with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice from Ryan Gerety. A single to right from Jase Lyons opened the scoring, and then Lyons — who stole second — came sprinting home on a single from Eisig Chin. Matt Kelley had a leadoff single for KP in the top of the fourth but was caught stealing by Franklin catcher Tyler Bellan. A one-out single from Ethan DePaolo ignited the Panthers in the fourth as Luke Sidwell reached on an error to put two runners on. DePaolo came home to score on a single from Carlucci and Sidwell scored on a sac fly from Gerety to make it 4-0. Rudy Gately pitched well in the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits and one walk, striking out four in six innings.

Taunton, 9 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – In just his third career start, Taunton sophomore Johnny Escobalez tossed a no-hitter as the Tigers bounced back in a big way by blanking North Attleboro. Escobalez retired the side in order in the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth innings; after a pair of walks to start the seventh, the sophomore got back-to-back strikeouts before getting a grounder to second to end it. He quickly worked around a leadoff error in the fourth, erasing a pair on strikes, finishing with 11 for the day. Offensively, Taunton took the lead on a solo home run from Ryan MacDougall in the second and never looked back, plating four more in the third, one more in the fifth, and three in the seventh. Brayden Cali went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and two runs, and Sean Murphy added two hits, including a double, with two RBI. Braden Sullivan, Dawson Bryce, and Shawn Cali also had an RBI in the win.

Oliver Ames, 12 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final (6 inn.) – Andrew Zagami had a strong performance on the mound and Oliver Ames’ offense roared to life in a big win on the road at Stoughton. Zagami scattered five hits and no walks, striking out five in six shutout innings. Offensively, Lucas Riley had a big day at the plate as he went 3-for-4 with five RBI and three runs scored. Harrison Fitzpatrick (two runs), Matt Lawson (two RBI, run), and Patrick Finnerty (two runs) each added two hits, Ryan Lemay had a double and two runs scored, Drew Hall added a double, Jack Perron had two RBI, and both David Rodgers and Nick Ferrini drove in a run.








Softball
Milford, 0 @ Attleboro, 13 – Final (5 Inn.) – After being no-hit on Tuesday, Attleboro’s offense rebounded quickly. The Bombardiers pounded out 14 hits to bounce back with a win. Paige Quaglia and Lily Routhier both drove in four runs to lead the Attleboro attack at the plate. Freshman Jenna Callahan allowed only three hits (just one to the outfield) to pick up the shutout in the circle. Attleboro took the lead in the first when Sarah Maher reached on a bunt hit, stole second, reached third on a throwing error, and scored on a passed ball. In the second, Emily Eby led off with a single, stole second and scored on a single by Quaglia. The game was broken open in the third. Lauren Eby singled in a run and Quaglia blasted a homer over the fence in right to plate three more and make it 6-0. Milford got out of the inning on a nice lunging grab by shortstop Olivia Baglione. Attleboro added four more in the fourth. Routhier brought in one with a single, Emily Eby drove in a pair with a single, and Callahan helped her own cause with an RBI groundout. Milford center fielder Sarah Wengal threw out a runner at the plate for an inning-ending double play. In the seventh, leading by 10, Routhier ripped a walk-off, bases loaded double to left center, bringing in all three runs.

Canton, 15 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Chloe Guerschuny (two RBI), Sam Grady (three RBI), and Kailyn Durham (two RBI) led the charge offensively for the Bulldogs with two hits apiece, and Shaelyn Murphy earned the win in the circle with just two hits allowed.

Mansfield, 3 @ Foxboro, 10 – Final – After a scoreless first inning, Foxboro scored in each inning after en route to a 10-3 verdict over visiting Mansfield. Freshman Meghan Kelley went 3-for-4 with a run, sophomore Emma Callahan added two hits, two runs, and an RBI, and junior Fiona Dunn went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored for the Warriors. Sophomore Ava Hill also drove in two runs for Foxboro while freshman Mia Flanagan had a double, an RBI, and two runs. Vittoria Cuscia earned the win in the circle, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk, striking out nine. Jill Koppy went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Hornets while Callie Lake, Molly Kucharski, Avery Lake, and Dani Jameson each had one hit.

Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 12 – Final (5 Inn.) – King Philip senior Liv Ali punctuated a big third inning with a bases-clearing triple and the Warriors rolled to a big win over Franklin, earning a season sweep of the Panthers. Ava Kelley, Maddie Paschke, and senior Ava Lanza (2-for-3, three RBI, run) each drove in a run before Ali ripped a double to center to score three runs in a six-run third inning. Senior Charlotte Raymond had a big day at the dish, launching a first-inning home run to present KP with another early 2-0 lead and added a double as well. Senior Sarah Cullen had a double, an RBI, and a run scored, senior Libby Walsh scored two runs, and senior Charlotte Griffin had a leadoff single in the second, a walk, and scored two runs. McCoy Walsh allowed just one hit and one walk in five shutout innings, striking out nine.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Taunton sophomore Brooke Aldrich led off the bottom of the seventh with a triple to right field and came home to score on a wild pitch two batters later to hand the Tigers a walk-off win after another pitcher’s duel between the two squads. Sam Lincoln dazzled in the circle for the hosts, tossing a no-hitter shutout with only one walk issued, striking out 15. Kelly Colleran was equally impressive for the Rocketeers, holding a dangerous lineup to one run on four hits and no walks, striking out 13. Kyleah Plumb and Bella Bourque had bunt singles in the sixth but Colleran stranded them at second and third with a big strikeout. Kaysie DeMoura also had a single for Taunton.

Stoughton, 7 @ Oliver Ames, 8 – Final – Oliver Ames jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first three innings but had to hold off a furious comeback bid from the Black Knights, escaping a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh inning to earn a key division win. Doubles from Maddie Homer, Devon Morris, and Caitlin Miller helped the Tigers push across three runs in the first inning while a two-run double from Paige Taylor and a two-run home run from Homer highlighted a five-run third for OA, resulting in an 8-0 advantage. Stoughton’s offense came alive in the sixth as Julie Powers, Anna Hobbs, Kerry Driscoll, Leila Alaoui, and Camryn Whitman all had RBIs to score six runs and get Stoughton right back into the game. Alyssa Edwards (walk) scored on a single from Whitman in the top of the seventh to cut the deficit to just 8-7, and Caitlin Driscoll reached on a bunt to load the bases with one out. OA pitcher Katie Melendy induced a grounder to Homer at short and she got the force out at home, and then Melendy got a shallow pop up to second for the final out.




Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 4 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 13 – Final

King Philip, 5 @ North Attleboro, 6 – Final – North extracted revenge from the first meeting between the two squads, squeaking out a one-goal victory in a non-league contest. For KP, Noah Minkwitz (assist), Hayden Schmitz (assist), Donovan DeVellis, Tommy Kilroy, and Henry LeClair each scored once, Mason Thompson recorded two assists, and James Boldy made 12 saves in net.

Mansfield, 16 @ Braintree, 4 – Final – Mansfield picked up a big non-league win on Wednesday. Tommy Smith (two assists), Cody Gordon, Nico Smith (one assist), and Andrew Burnham all recorded hat tricks for the Hornets. Tommy Vallett had three assists and Andrew DeGirolamo had one helper. Drew Sacco added two goals and an assist. Nico Smith was 14-of-15 on face-offs to give Mansfield plenty of offensive opportunities and Ryan DeGirolamo made 11 saves.

Milford, 10 vs. Seekonk, 7 – Final – Milford avenged a loss to the Warriors from earlier this season, notching a 10-7 non-league victory on Wednesday afternoon. Jayden Martins had a big day for the Scarlet Hawks as he found the back of the net six times while Jacob Ligor added two assists and freshman Harry Baldic chipped in with a goal.

Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 15 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 14 – Final (OT)

Canton, 5 vs. Natick, 15 – Final – Devan Spinale hit a career milestone but the Bulldogs couldn’t keep pace with visiting Natick in a non-league clash. Spinale had two goals and assist, eclipsing the 100-point mark for her career. Emily McCabe added three goals and Ashley Balunas made eight saves in net for Canton.

Milford, 6 @ Norwood, 13 – Final

Sharon @ Ursuline Academy, 4:00

Taunton, 15 @ Stoughton, 10 – Final – Five different Tigers found the back of the net as Taunton went on the road and landed a win over Stoughton. Maddi Szala led the charge with a team-high six goals as well as two assists and Taryn Campbell notched four goals in the win. Cali Melo had a hat trick along with two helpers, Raquel Azevedo had one goal and one assist, and Caroline Vallarelli (goal) and Isabella Leite (assist) each had one point. Mel Jesus made 14 saves for the Tigers. Morgan Groppi (10 draw controls) and Amanda Reid each had three goals to lead Stoughton, Nicole Reid (two goals) and Casey Groppi (two assists) each had two points, and both Hazel McBurney and Sarah Riker scored once for the Black Knights. Jordan Coleman made five saves in net for the hosts.




Boys Tennis
Milford, 1 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – Attleboro’s Kyle Neuendorf bounced back after dropping the first set to emerge victorious at first singles, highlighting the Bombardiers’ 4-1 win over Milford. Neuendorf rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 win while Tyler Rocchio emerged from a tight first set at second singles to land a 7-5, 7-1 win. Attleboro’s first doubles pairing of Luke Hinton and Brady Rosen notched a 6-4, 6-1 win, and Noam Cook and Clay Tyler rolled at second doubles to a 6-0, 6-0 verdict. Milford’s Corey Rattray took a 6-4, 6-4 decision at third singles.

Canton, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sharon dropped just two games total from its two doubles matches and added two more straight set victories in singles action to take down visiting Canton. Sava Kassev and Rithvik Neti only lost one game in the second set (6-0, 6-1) at first doubles while Joel Zwicker and Savir Basil dropped just one game in the first set (6-1, 6-0) to sweep doubles action. Junior Matthew Lally added a 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles and Alex Budovalcev earned a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. Canton junior Max Kupferman was once again on his game, taking a 6-0, 6-4 win at first singles.

Mansfield, 4 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – A clean sweep in singles action highlighted Mansfield’s road win at Foxboro. Neema Khosravani (6-3, 6-2 at first singles), Nikhil Nain (7-5, 6-4), and Iniyan Karruppusami (6-2, 6-2) all won in straight sets in singles action for the Hornets while Mansfield’s first doubles tandem of Josh Weiner and Jacob Weiner landed a 6-2, 7-5 win. Foxboro’s second doubles pairing of Greg Simone and Nathan Cote prevailed in see-saw battle by wining both sets via tiebreaker (7-6 (4), 7-6 (0)).

Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Franklin won first doubles in three sets, clinched a win at second doubles with a second set tiebreaker, and added one win from singles action to edge out host King Philip. Franklin senior Eric Tomaino and junior Ahan Shetty prevailed in the third set after splitting the first two for a win at first doubles (6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-2) while Aaron Ramaswamy and Andrew Amante closed out a competitive second doubles match in straight sets with a 6-3, 7-6 (8) win. Franklin senior Tyler Fitzpatrick added a key singles win, landing a 6-3, 6-1 win at second singles. KP’s Jacksom Hom won 6-4, 6-1 at first singles and Arjun Kollu added a 6-0, 6-2 win at third single.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Brody Carter emerged with a hard-fought win at first singles and North Attleboro swept doubles action to take a 3-2 decision over a much-improved Taunton squad. Carter prevailed 7-5, 6-2 at first singles, the team of Brody Gaulin and Carson Dameron only lost one game in a 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles, and the team of juniors Arnav Raghuvanshi and Aaryan Anjna overcame a one-set deficit at second doubles to clinch the win (3-6, 6-3, 6-2). Taunton’s Martin Frankimet earned a 6-4, 6-1 win at second singles and Heitor Sens landed a 6-4, 6-4 third singles victory.

Stoughton, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 4 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Attleboro won in straight sets at first and third singles as well as both doubles matches to return home from Milford with a 4-1 victory. Maddie Fuscaldo notched a 6-1, 6-2 win at first singles and Aarna Sodhani dropped just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles for the Bombardiers. Attleboro’s first doubles team of Zoe Stanley and Kyra Johnson impressed in a 6-1, 6-0 result while the all-sophomore tandem of Julia Leonardo and Katie Lortos added a 6-1, 7-5 win at second doubles for the visitors. Milford senior Kaylee Whitney recorded a 6-1, 7-5 win at second singles.

Sharon, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Sophomore Camila Cutter had an impressive win at first singles for the Bulldogs but Sharon’s depth was on full display as the Eagles returned from Canton with a 4-1 decision. Cutter came out of a back-and-forth first singles battle with a 6-4, 6-4 win. Sharon junior Navya Shukla (6-1, 6-4) and senior Ale Aguilar (6-1, 6-0) took wins at second and third singles, respectively, for the Eagles. The team of seniors Sophia Oh and Abby Vilk won a tiebreaker in the first set before completing the win in the second (7-6 (0), 6-1), and senior Ellie Zhao and junior Akshata Adkoli added a 7-5, 6-1 win at second doubles for Sharon.

Foxboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield won two of three singles matches and both doubles matches to avenge an earlier loss to the Warriors and secure its first victory of the season. Claire Copp won 7-5, 6-1 at second singles and Caroline Guravauge took third singles 6-2, 6-0. The second doubles team of Rachel Goldman and Anushka Srivastava swept second doubles without dropping a game. The first doubles match went three sets. Savannah Corey and Jillian Hanley took the first set 6-3, but Foxboro’s Katelynn Dineen and Emily Stow rallied to win the second 6-1. The Hornets got the point with a 10-4 tiebreaker win in the third. Foxboro’s Hailey Kornbluth continued her dominant season at first singles, winning 6-0, 6-0.

King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin swept both doubles matches and one key win in singles action to secure a close 3-2 win over visiting King Philip. Sophomores Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen continued their impressive campaign at first doubles for the Panthers, notching a 6-0, 6-3 win, and Franklin’s second doubles team of senior Allison Bagley and junior Ava Davies prevailed in a tight match 6-4, 6-4. Junior Brooke Taylor was impressive in a 6-0, 6-0 victory at third singles for the hosts. KP’s Ahunna James dropped just one game in a convincing 6-0, 6-1 first singles win and junior Shea Mellman added a 6-0, 6-2 win at second singles.

Oliver Ames, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames overcame one-set deficits at both second and third singles to finish off the sweep of Stoughton. Hannah Farber continued to roll at first singles for the Tigers, who were playing their third match in as many days. Farber notched a 6-0, 6-2 win, Olivia Querzoli bounced back from dropping the first set to win in a super tiebreak (4-6, 7-5, 10-5), and Stella Zachos did the same at third singles after dropping a tiebreaker in the first set (6-7 (3), 7-5, 10-8). OA’s first doubles team of Ava Barth and Emily Beaulieu dropped just two games in a 6-0, 6-2 victory while Marina Mierzwinski and Ella Mierzwinski teamed up to take a 6-0, 6-4 win at second doubles.

Boys Volleyball
King Philip, 1 @ Norwood, 3 – Final
Milford, 0 @ St. John’s Prep, 3 – Final

King Philip Cashes In With Small Ball Against North Attleboro

King Philip softball Libby Walsh Charlotte Raymond
King Philip senior Libby Walsh (left) celebrates with classmate Charlotte Raymond after scoring in the eighth inning. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
ByRyanLanigan_2016FollowRyanLanigan_2016
 
 
 NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. — The King Philip softball team entered Thursday’s showdown with division rival North Attleboro as one of the best offensive teams in the state, but Rocketeer senior pitcher Kelly Colleran stifled the Warriors for seven innings.

Good defense and a strong outing from King Philip freshman pitcher McCoy Walsh (13 strikeouts) kept the hosts off the board too, and after seven innings the teams were deadlocked in a scoreless game that had just one hit — an infield single from North’s Maryellen Charette.

That’s when KP head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau elected to switch up their offensive strategy. The Warriors bunted in five straight at-bats and capitalized on some head’s up base running to score three times to take the first lead of the game.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

“We hit so many foul balls just straight back so we were just missing, and our bats have been really hot so we wanted to give them a chance at swinging,” Fallon-Comeau said. “We got into that eighth inning and I knew we needed to try something different. Sarah [Cullen] put down that beautiful bunt and beat it out, and we were off from there. We have speed and the personnel to do it, and we were able to take advantage of a couple of pitches to advance and from there it was bunt and steal because it was working.”

After few theatrics throughout the first seven innings, the eighth inning provided even more drama in the bottom half. Colleran led off with a triple and sophomore Arianna McDavitt and freshman Molly Willey drew back-to-back walks to load the bases with no outs. Walsh came through with consecutive strikeouts — one looking, one swinging — and then got a fly ball to Cullen in center to leave them loaded and close out the win.

“We always seem to make things interesting at the end,” Fallon-Comeau said. “We had two conferences, one with me and one with Maddie [Paschke], just to try and refocus her. We just needed her to pitch the game she had been pitching all game long. She’s just a freshman so this was her first big game being in a moment like that. She did a great job today and closing it out.”

North had two hits in the game and also had eight walks but couldn’t get a run across against the Warriors.

“The hard part in the eighth, we had the bases loaded but because we were chasing three runs, there’s only so much you can do,” said North Attleboro head coach Bill Wallace. “I give McCoy a lot of credit, she battled in that eighth inning. I’m thrilled with where we are as a team to be honest. Our younger kids are coming along, and everyone is pulling for one another, and this was a good game to showcase it. I think they are a little ticked off, which is a good thing, but they aren’t down.”

Senior Sarah Cullen dropped a perfect bunt down the third base line and raced down the line for KP’s first hit of the game; before North could get back in position, Cullen sprinted to second to get into scoring position. Freshman Ali Gill also bunted on the first pitch and a throwing error allowed Cullen to scamper home and Gill to take second.

A wild pitch allowed Gill to advance to third and KP’s bunt trend continued as senior Libby Walsh laid one down the first base line and Gill slid into home before the throw. Walsh stole second, took third on a passed ball, and came flying home when sophomore Liv Petrillo pushed a bunt past the charging infield to make it 3-0. A stolen base and a sac bunt from Charlotte Raymond put Petrillo at third but Colleran (15 strikeouts) got a pop-up to second to strand the runner there.

Before the extra inning excitement, the potential play of the game came in the sixth inning. Colleran led off with a walk and moved to second on a sac bunt from McDavitt. A walk to Willey preceded the first hit of the game off the bat of Charette, a dribbler to third, and North had the bases loaded with one out. Walsh got a grounder to second that Petrillo fielded cleanly and fired home, getting the force out. Junior catcher Maddie Paschke didn’t hesitate and quickly gunned one to first to get the double play.

“We practice defense as much as we practice hitting, and as much situational stuff that we can,” Fallon-Comeau said. “We’re trying to figure out what we want to do before we actually get into them. We wanted to get that run at the plate and with Maddie’s arm, we knew she was going to make that play at first. I was not surprised she was ready for that moment.”

Both Colleran and Walsh handled business throughout the early innings. Colleran got four strikeouts in the first inning (the third batter reached after a dropped third strike), and had 1-2-3 innings in the second and fourth, striking out a pair in each. Walsh worked around a leadoff error in the first and then struck out the side in the second.

KP’s Taylor Regan was hit by a pitch to lead off the third and moved to second on a sacrifice from Ava Lanza, but Colleran got two straight outs to strand the runner there. A two-out walk got a runner on for North in the bottom half but Paschke threw the runner out trying to steal second to end the inning.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

The Warriors threatened in the sixth when Cullen and Gill had consecutive one-out walks but a nice play at third from Willey got the force for the second and then an infield pop-up ended the inning.

“Molly at third base had a great game, and there was nothing she could do on that last bunt,” Wallace said. “That’s where the KP poise comes in, they can push a bunt down the first down line, they push a bunt past the charging infield. I give KP credit and I’m really happy with how our team battled.”

King Philip (7-0 Hockomock, 10-0 overall) returns home on Tuesday to host Canton. North Attleboro (5-2, 6-3) will host Foxboro on the same day.

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/20/23

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Canton, 6 vs. St. Paul Diocesan, 21- Final (6 inn.)

Foxboro, 13 vs. Concord-Carlisle, 1 – Final (5 Inn.) – Foxboro snapped a two-game skid with a dominant win over Concord-Carlisle. After the teams traded runs in the second inning, Foxboro’s offense came to life with four runs in the third, five in the fourth, and three more in the fifth inning. Louis Carangelo had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, driving in a team-high four runs and scoring twice along with a pair of stolen bases. Sean O’Leary (two RBI, run) and Ryan O’Leary (two RBI, run) each added two hits for the Warriors, who totaled 13 hits on the day. Alex Stern and Ben Angelini each contributed with a pair of RBI. Mat Sullivan had a strong performance on the bump, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk in four innings. Ryan O’Leary tossed a scoreless inning in relief with two strikeouts.

Taunton, 11 vs. Durfee, 4 – Final – For the second game in a row, and fourth time in six games this season, Taunton’s offense scored double-digit runs, this time in a win over visiting Durfee. After the Hilltoppers took the lead in the top of the first, the Tigers plated two in the bottom half and never trailed again. Taunton had a six-run third inning and scored single runs in each of the three following innings. Braden Sullivan had a big day at the dish by going 3-for-3 with a double, three RBI, and two runs scored while Dwayne Burgo continued his strong stretch with three hits, two RBI, and two runs scored. Ryan MacDougall drove in two runs while Dawson Bryce, AJ Lewis (two hits), and Jesse Chaves each drove in a run. Sean Murphy earned the win, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and two walks, striking out three in 3.2 innings of work. Peter Moor allowed an unearned run on one hit and one walk in 1.1 innings of relief while Brady Boucher struck out two in a scoreless inning.








Softball
King Philip, 11 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 5 – Final – King Philip wasted little time erasing an early three-run deficit and its offense stayed hot in a win over Bridgewater-Raynham on Thursday afternoon at the PAL Athletic Complex. The visiting Trojans jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second but Liv Petrillo led off with a solo shot to left and Ava Kelley drilled a two-run homer to left in the bottom half to bring the Warriors level quickly. KP went on to score four more runs in the fourth, twice in the fifth, and twice more in the sixth on a two-run bomb from senior Libby Walsh. Kelley finished with two hits and three RBI, freshman Ali Gill dropped in a two-run double, and Ava Lanza and Sarah Cullen each had an RBI. Freshman McCoy Walsh earned the win in relief, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, striking out eight in 5.1 innings of work.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Walpole, 11 – Final (5 Inn.) – Oliver Ames took the lead in the top of the first inning but Walpole’s offense proved to be too much. Katie Melendy drove in Maddie Homer (two hits) in the first inning. Devon Morris also had a hit for OA.

Taunton, 11 vs. Newton North, 2 – Final – With two runs in the top of the fourth, visiting Newton North cut the deficit down to one run but Taunton responded with the unanswered runs over the next three innings to run away with a big win. Eighth grader Bella Bourque smashed her first career home run and RBIs from Kaysie DeMoura (triple) and Hayley Krockta (single) gave Taunton a 3-0 lead but Newton North used a walk and a hit by pitch to eventually push two runs across to get back in the game. A squeeze bunt from Kyleah Plumb scored Mia Torres, and Ava Venturelli launched a two-run homer to restore Taunton’s lead. Sam Lincoln earned the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and a walk, striking out 15 in a complete game performance.

Milford, 5 vs. Framingham, 6 – Final – Milford took a lead into the final inning but Framingham’s seventh inning rally stole a win against the Scarlet Hawks. Milford scored once in the first and second, and then doubled its advantage with two runs in the fifth. The Flyers cut into the lead with two runs in the sixth and took the lead for good with four runs in the seventh. Cae Pellegrini had a big day offensively for the Hawks, going 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. Ava Baglione, Maeve Driscoll, and Jianna Fernandes each had an RBI in the win.




Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 12 @ Nipmuc, 11 – Final (OT) – Canton erased a four-goal deficit at halftime and freshman Oisin Brogan potted the game-winning goal in overtime to hand the Bulldogs an impressive in on the road. Nipmuc scored eight goals in the first half but Pat Drury’s epic performance in net (19 saves) helped Canton claw back into the game. Migs Thomas led the offense with four goals while Jeff Chaput scored three goals and added three assists in the win. Senior AJ Thomas cleared the ball himself and fed Brogan in the crease for the game-winner in overtime.

Mansfield, 10 vs. Scituate, 8 – Final – Mansfield senior Ryan DeGirolamo shined in net and the Hornets landed a key 10-8 win over Scituate. DeGirolamo recorded an impressive 22 saves to help the Hornets hold off the Sailors. Drew Sacco led the balanced offensive attack with three goals, Andrew Burnham (assist) and Tommy Vallett each scored scored a pair of goals, and Andrew DeGirolamo (assist), Cody Gordon (assist), and Tommy Smith each scored once.

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 5 vs. Quincy, 6 – Final – Canton came up just short in a tight battle against visiting Quincy. Nora Giannacopoulos and Ella Yeaton each scored twice to lead the Bulldogs while Emily McCabe scored once. Ashley Balunas made nine saves to keep the Bulldogs in the game.

King Philip, 6 vs. Walpole, 14 – Final – King Philip trailed by just a goal at halftime but the visiting Timberwolves pulled away with a big second half to get the win. Nikki McDonald led the charge offensively with three goals, Sammy Cloutier added a pair of goals, and Makenzie McDevitt scored once for the Warriors. Kaitlyn Parish played well in net for KP, recording 10 saves.

Oliver Ames, 14 @ Nipmuc, 17 – Final

Milford, 11 @ North Attleboro, 8 – Final – In a rescheduled matchup, Milford returned home with a hard-fought win over North Attleboro. Milford senior Caitlyn Bangert had an outstanding game in net for the Scarlet Hawks as she turned away 15 shots to keep the visitors ahead. Seniors Emily Croteau (four goals, one assist) and Carly Haley (two goals, three assists) led the offensive charge with five points apiece while senior Jordan Douglas scored a hat trick in the win. Yasmine Martinez and Erin Michelson each had a goal and an assist, and Ava Lebel and Kaitlin Landry each recorded one helper. Molly Hartman, Dani Guzman, Haley Jansons, and Khatrina Leger all played well defensively in the win for Milford.

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Taunton has won back-to-back D1 state titles and the Tigers will be among the favorites to bring home another championship this spring. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 15-7
2022 Finish: Reach Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro is hoping a mix of experienced veterans and skilled newcomers will keep the squad playing competitively in the best league in the state, and more specifically maybe the most talented division across any sport in the league.

Senior Lily Routhier returns to the circle after going 8-2 last season, striking out 47 with a 2.24 ERA during the regular season. Routhier will likely see an increase in innings with the graduation of Lindsey Perry (69 innings), and she’s also one of the best offensive weapons in the league after posting a 0.510 average (fourth in the Hock) with 41 hits and 45 RBI. There are a lot of weapons in the lineup back with senior captains Rylie Camacho (0.410) and Lauren Eby (0.490) leading the way, and senior Sarah Maher, fresh off a 36-hit, 22-RBI regular season, will take over in center field and set the table offensively from the leadoff spot. Paige Quaglia, Merry Bosh, Lilly McGilvray, Jenna Callahan, and Nina Sullivan are all in the mix to get some time in the outfield and provide offensive depth.

In the infield, there are some newcomers looking to find a spot in the lineup. Maddie Moran and Victoria Parent are in the mix for time at third base while Emily Eby, who had an impressive freshman campaign with 20 hits, will play at second base. Destiny Miranda is also competing for time behind the dish while Ari Amaral will continue to be a force with her bat in the lineup.

“Things will not change for us as far as offense and defense, and we will work to be consistent and continue to improve as the season goes on,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Homer. “We want to be at our best when the competition calls for it and find positives in all adversity that we will face during the season. We want to continue the success we had as a team last season and improve. Every game will be a challenge for us.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Canton

2022 Record: 4-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
With seven returning players, Canton coach Sandy Lombardi is confident that the Bulldogs can make a jump in her second year in charge. Playoff contention is the aim for a team that won only four games in 2022 but also lost four games by four runs or less, including a pair by just one run.

Junior first baseman and pitcher Jess Wright was the team’s MVP last season and she returns to the heart of the lineup along with senior catcher Olivia Mackwell. The pair combined for 48 hits and 30 RBI last season, so will be important pieces in the heart of the order. Also returning for the Bulldogs are junior shortstop Laura Valkanas, sophomore infielder Chloe Guerschuny, and an outfield of junior Anna Lehan and sophomores Klara Redquest and Kailyn Durham. Senior Abby Chin carries an injury into the season but Canton will hope that she can return to contribute.

Canton is hoping that a group of newcomers will add the depth it needs to compete over a long season. Junior Alexa Gordon and freshman Shaelyn Murphy can both step into the circle to give the Bulldogs big innings. Freshmen Abby Stock and Caitlin Reynolds and junior Sami Grady can all fill spots in the infield and junior Kaitlyn Bigham is a versatile player off the bench.

“We have a great mix of returning varsity players and new varsity players,” Lombardi said. “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and to qualify for the tournament.”

Foxboro

2022 Record: 12-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Maguire
It has been over 51 years since Foxboro last won a softball league title, but with experienced pitchers and a versatile lineup of players who can fill in at multiple positions, this might be the season that the Warriors can finally come out on top.

Pitching depth should be a strength for the Warriors this season. Sophomore Vittoria Cuscia was a league all-star after being Foxboro’s ace last year and classmate Emma Callahan was an all-star as an eighth grader. Despite their youth, both pitchers have already won games in the postseason. Both players will also fill in at third base. Sophomore Ava Hill, who is already entering her third season on varsity, will move from first to behind the plate.

The Warriors should be athletic this year. Freshman Meghan Kelley will get the start at short, the latest in a line of talented underclassmen to step into that position, and will bat third. Freshman Mia Flanagan and sophomore Autumn Stowell can each play second base, while junior Angelina Rifai, sophomore Natalia Leach, and Stowell will get time at first. The outfield is experienced with all three starters returning. In left is Leach, while sophomore Jillian Slattery is back in center, and junior Fiona Dunn will be in right. All three will also be in the middle of the order for the Warriors. Freshman Emma Fisler will get chances to contribute in multiple positions.

“Our strengths are our young, tough pitchers,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. “We are very athletic in the outfield and we have pretty good team speed. Although we are a young team, mostly freshman and sophomores, this group has been ‘battle tested’ the last couple of years playing significant games in the Hockomock League and state tournaments.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview







2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Franklin

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Breanna Shaffer
Last season, Franklin won nine games in the league, but was only able to take fourth in the Kelley-Rex division. This year, the addition of North Attleboro makes the division even deeper, but the Panthers will turn to King Philip alum, and two-time state champion, Breanna Shaffer and lean on an experienced lineup to try and make a push up the standings.

The Panthers will have plenty of pitching depth this year. Senior Kiera Kotwicki returns in the circle and has the experience of battling the top teams in the league. Senior Caroline Bruso and freshman Sophia Scaramone will also get their chances to toe the rubber. Senior catcher Hailey Fales will guide the pitching staff as well as being a big bat in the heart of the Franklin lineup.

Junior Carly Johnson-Pellegri is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign and returns at short. Senior Katy Liberman is back at third base, while sophomore Sarah Boozang takes over at first base and junior Katie Dowley will be at second. Seniors Reece Allen and Dana Stott are back as starting outfielders and classmate Avery Chalk will step into the outfield as well.

“This group of seniors work hard and lead by example every day,” said Shaffer, who previously coached JV at Canton and Sharon. “The leadership and experience that they bring to this team will leave such a positive impact on this program. I am excited to see what this team will accomplish this season!”

King Philip

2022 Record: 22-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion)
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip comes into every season with state title aspirations. This spring, the Warriors have added motivation, as the defending Kelley-Rex division champions watched rival Taunton, who KP beat twice in the regular season, go all the way for the second year in a row. The league seems as competitive as ever, but the Warriors return a strong core that looks ready to make a run at another title.

There is plenty of experience and leadership coming back this season. Junior Jordan Bennett will be in the circle for the third year in a row and has developed into an ace who can be relied upon against even the strongest lineups. Freshman McCoy Walsh and junior Taylor Regan will add depth to the pitching staff and can eat up some innings. Junior Maddie Paschke will be behind the dish to work with the pitchers.

Seniors Charlotte Raymond and Sarah Cullen will both patrol the outfield this season, while classmate Ava Lanza will be at third. Sophomore Liv Petrillo returns to the left side of the infield while senior Libby Walsh is back in the mix this season. Junior Ava Kelley had a big season at the plate in 2022 and she returns to take the third outfield spot.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting season and competing in one of the best and most respected leagues in the state,” said KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau.

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Mansfield

2022 Record: 10-12
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield finished 4-2 in non-league play a season ago and reached the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen. This year, the Hornets will play in the Davenport division for the first time and could benefit from not having two games apiece against perennial powers like Taunton, King Philip, and North Attleboro. With a roster that is still relatively young, only two seniors and nine freshmen, Mansfield will hope that being battle-tested in 2022 could help in a fight for a league title in 2023.

The Hornets graduated seven seniors, including five starters, from last year’s team, so there will be a lot of new faces in the lineup, but a talented group of juniors will provide leadership for the younger players. Junior Callie Lake was a spark plug for the Mansfield offense last season and a strong defensive center fielder. Junior Live Madeira returns at shortstop, giving the Hornets another good glove and tough out, while classmate Jill Koppy controls the game from behind the plate and fellow junior Molly Kucharski will start again at second.

Senior Amanda Schwarz will be the starting pitcher for the Hornets at the beginning of the season after sharing time with Julia Kelly last year. Mansfield will have plenty of depth in the circle this spring, as freshmen Molly Crowley and Dani Jameson can also step in and give them important innings.

Mansfield coach Lori Letendre said, “We have a lot of new players on the team this year and will be looking for leadership from our captains and returning starters. They are a talented group and I am starting to see the chemistry that will bring us together as a team. It should be a fun season!”




2023 Hockomock League Baseball Preview

Milford

2022 Record: 3-17
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve Divitto
With a young squad last season, Milford struggled through some growing pains during the spring of 2022. After only graduating a pair of seniors from the roster, the Scarlet Hawks are looking to compete against one of the most talented leagues in the state and make a push for the postseason.

Milford is still young as they don’t have any seniors on the roster this year but the majority of the players on the team have one or two years of experience already. There is a group of seven juniors that include catcher Maddie Burn, first baseman Camille Bonina, middle infielder Grace Bonina, pitcher/shortstop Maeve Driscoll (who can also play in the outfield), outfielder Olivia Luchini, who is back from injury, infielder/outfielder Maeve Williams, and outfielder Sarah Wengal. Head coach Steve DiVitto will be leaning on their experience and leadership to guide a young squad.

Cae Pellegrini, Jianna Fernandes, and Olivia Baglione emerged as key contributors as freshmen last year and are looking to take the next step this time out. Pellegrini returns to third base, Fernandes will patrol the outfield, and Baglione is back at shortstop. A group of freshmen featuring Ava Baglione, Angelina Bonina, Katelyn Kearnan, and Isabella Loscerbo will look to make an impact right away. In the circle, Driscoll will look to pick up where she left off last year before being derailed by injury, with freshman Angelina Bonina in line to get some innings as well.

“With no seniors this year, we will be looking to our juniors and returners as leaders,” DiVitto said. “While still considered young, the vast amount of game experience that our players have had makes us a veteran team. No more excuses; we are ready to compete in the best league in Massachusetts. The girls are ready to get on the field.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 17-7
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final Four (Davenport champion)
Coach: Bill Wallace
After three straight Davenport titles, which was the first three-peat in program history, and reaching the Div. 2 Final Four for the first time last season, North Attleboro returns to the ultra-competitive Kelley-Rex division with a lineup that features a lot of new faces and a lot of underclassmen. The Rocketeers still expect to be right in the title mix and make another run in the tournament.

Pitching will be the key for North this season. Reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kelly Colleran will be back in the circle as the team’s main starter. Colleran was dominant last year, both as a pitcher and a hitter, and will have big expectations this spring. Sophomore Arianna McDavitt got a couple of starts last year and freshman Grace Forman can step in to eat some innings as well. Sophomore Maryellen Charette will be behind the plate for North after a solid freshman campaign.

Colleran and McDavitt will also play short when not pitching. Senior Maddie Bailey and sophomore Mary Rogers will play second and freshmen Lucy Palmer (first base) and Molly Willey (third base) will take over at the corners. Sophomore Emily Tucker gives North versatility off the bench. The outfield will be relatively experienced, as seniors Emma Hanwell and Grace Simmons will be in center and right. Senior Julia Forman and her sister Grace can play multiple positions.

“If our hitting continues to improve, we should be a dangerous team,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We will continue to work on defense and hitting but team chemistry and leadership will give us the opportunity to continue to grow as a team. I really enjoy coaching this group.”




2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 7-14
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Oliver Ames didn’t graduate a single player from last season and the Tigers will be aiming for another playoff appearance and to make a run at their first league title since 2014. The Tigers should be solid defensively and have a lineup able to manufacture runs and they will hope to build on last year’s postseason experience.

Pitching is always critical and senior Katie Melendy returns for her third year in the circle. After a strong offseason, Melendy could be ready for a breakout year after putting up a 2.03 ERA last spring. Senior shortstop Maddie Homer and senior center fielder Caitlin Miller give OA a strong spine and junior catcher Katharine Farley brings her cannon of an arm back behind the plate.

Juniors Madison Monteiro, Paige Taylor, Sammy Johnson, and Skylar Dearborn are all back for the Tigers, while sophomores Emily Martin and Devon Morris round out the infield after solid freshman campaigns. Junior Crystaliah Covel and sophomore Ava Tracia are newcomers who will add versatility to the OA roster.

“It has been a really smooth transition into the season in order to get game-ready,” said OA coach Lindsey Allison. “We are looking forward to a great season and continuing to build on last year’s successes. In practices, the defense has been really solid, as they are all used to each other mostly from last season. Katie Melendy has put in a lot of work in the offseason, and we are looking forward to seeing her build on her success from last year with support from the power and speed of the OA lineup.”

Sharon

2022 Record: 2-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
Sharon swept a season series with Duxbury last year, but struggled in Hockomock play, scoring only 13 runs in the 16 league games. The Eagles will go into this season hoping to pull some surprises and, with a roster that includes eight freshmen and sophomores, build some momentum for the future as well.

Ally Foulsham will get the call in the circle this season. The senior has worked this offseason to finetune her pitches and Sharon coach Heather Poliferno is hoping for big things from her captain both as a pitcher and in the middle of the lineup. Senior Natalie Kessler also returns for the Eagles. After spending 2022 in a utility role, playing multiple positions, Kessler will start in center this season.

Junior Natalie David will be moving from the outfield to first base this spring and is another hitter that the Eagles will be counting on to try and improve their offensive output. Junior Maddie Hu will be at shortstop, using her speed to cover a lot of ground in the field and causing havoc on the base paths.

Poliferno said, “Every year, we go into the season with the mentality of ‘why not us?’ We will be going into every game this season with that thought.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Stoughton

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Laura Whittaker
Stoughton heads into the spring with a new coach, as Laura Whittaker takes over in the dugout. The expectations will remain high for a team hoping to challenge for the Davenport division title, which would be its first league title since 2005, and to make a run in the Div. 2 tournament.

The Black Knights will have a lot of returning talent to lean on this season. Senior Kerry Driscoll will be back in the circle, after an 11-8 season, and also in the heart of the order here she was the team’s leading hitter in 2022. Senior Camryn Whitman returns at shortstop with junior Alyssa Edwards next to her at third. Both players provide leadership and swing big bats to add to a potent lineup. Junior Julie Powers gives the Black Knights a lot of stability from behind the plate.

Juniors Leila Alaoui (second base) and Maddie Hinds (first base) round out an experienced, tested infield. Sophomores Caitlin Driscoll and Angelina Berry and newcomers Anna Hobbs and Lauren Price will give Stoughton plenty of speed in the outfield and some big arms to slow down runners. Julia Monaghan, Emersyn Grover, and Megan McGowan add depth and consistency to the lineup, while Alyssa Antonino, Grace Weisenberger, and Isabella Kuznitz give Whittaker a lot of versatility off the bench.

Taunton

2022 Record: 21-4
2022 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Michelle Raposo
The two-time defending Div. 1 state champions have a new coach this season, as Michelle Raposo, a starter on the Taunton teams that won titles in 2002 and 2003, takes over the Tigers this spring. Taunton looks poised to make a run at a three-peat with the return of six starters and the addition of one of the state’s top pitching prospects.

Pitching is always the place to start when thinking about a team’s state title qualifications and the Tigers will bring back sophomore Cate Larson, who was part of a pitching duo that helped Taunton win it all in 2022. In addition, junior lefty Sam Lincoln is back after a year away from the program and the Texas Tech commit would be a boost to any team’s staff. Senior Kaysie DeMoura is back behind the plate after a breakout season and her leadership and ability to work with both pitchers will be critical.

There is plenty of experience on Taunton’s roster. Senior Ava Venturelli had a standout season in 2022 and the Louisville commit is back in the outfield this year. Senior Kyleah Plumb is the spark plug at the top of the order, senior first baseman Hayley Krockta added power in the heart of the order, and senior Mia Fernandes will return at second base. Sophomore Brooke Aldrich returns at short following her solid freshman season. Eighth-grader Bella Bourque will take over at third and freshman Mia Torres will start in the outfield. Senior transfer Morgan Fitzgerald and Molly Carnes will give the Tigers extra depth in the outfield as well.

“The team chemistry these 15 girls have in such a short amount of time is remarkable,” Raposo said. “Not only do these girls have chemistry, they all have talent and determination to work hard and get better every day. I am excited to see where this season takes us as my first year taking over as head coach.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 06/08/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Division 1
#16 Chelmsford, 2 @ #1 Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin overcame an early two-run deficit and escaped a bases loaded jam in the seventh inning to slip past upset-minded Chelsmford. After the visitors staked a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning, Franklin plated a single run in the bottom half of three straight innings. In the bottom of the second, junior Eisig Chin brought home Evan Raider with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit in half, and in the bottom of the third a two-out single from Chris Goode brought courtesy runner Luke Sidwell (Joe Tirrell walk) to tie it 2-2. After a 1-2-3 inning from junior Alfred Mucciarone (6IP, 4H, 2ER, 0BB, 5K) in the top of the fourth, the Panthers pushed across the go-ahead run in the bottom half. Jase Lyons led off with a single, took second on an error, and advanced to third on a ground out. After back-to-back outs, Tirrell delivered a single to left to bring Tirrell home to make it 3-2. Mucciarone kept rolling, retiring the side in order again in the fifth and sixth innings. Chelmsford threatened in the final inning against Franklin’s bullpen with a one-out single, a two-out walk, and then an infield error to load the bases, but James Kuczmiec induced a grounder to second for the final out.

#15 Natick, 2 @ #2 Taunton, 8 – Final –

Division 2
#18 Plymouth North, 5 @ #2 King Philip, 12 – Final – After a scoreless first inning left the hosts on the wrong end of a one-run game, the Warriors’ offense roared to life with five straight scoring innings to knock off visiting Plymouth North. The visiting Eagles took advantage of a leadoff walk and an RBI double to seize an early 1-0 lead but after the first inning, it was all KP. Matt DiFiore knotted the score at 1-1 with an RBI single in the second, and a sac fly from Rudy Gately followed by an RBI double from Travis Crawford gave the Warriors the lead for good. Brendan Sencaj was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the fourth, and Gately followed with a walk to bring in another run for a 5-1 lead. Plymouth North made a game of it with three runs in the top of the fifth to get it back to a one-run game but KP answered with three of its own in the bottom half, with a two-run triple from Max Robison and a sacrifice fly from Matt Kelley to make it 8-4. In the sixth, three straight singles from Sean Sullivan, Eli Reed, and Robison each brought in a run, and Shawn Legere was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in KP’s 12th run of the game.

#14 Marblehead, 1 @ #3 Mansfield, 5 – Final – Buoyed by a big start offensively and a pair of terrific pitching performances, Mansfield picked up a win over visiting Marblehead. The Hornets scored three runs in the bottom of the first and never trailed, tacking on two key insurance runs in the sixth inning. Matt DeShiro and Conner Zukowski drew back-to-back walks, and the former came across to score on a passed ball. Anthony Sacchetti was hit by a pitch and Jake Maydak walked to load the bases, and a two-out single from Jared Fraone saw two runs come home for a 3-0 lead. Marblehead got a run back in the fifth inning but a two-out, two-run single from sophomore Brian Butler in the sixth inning restored Mansfield’s lead. Aaron Blinn earned the win on the mound for the Hornets, allowing just one unearned run on two hits and five walks, striking out one. Connor Curtis tossed three scoreless innings in relief, allowing just three walks and no hits, striking out a pair.

#13 Westfield, 1 @ #4 North Attleboro, 15 – Final – North Attleboro’s offense stayed red hot, belting out 13 hits to the tune of 15 runs in a big win over Westfield at DiNardo Field. After leaving a pair of runners in scoring position in the first inning, the Rocketeers didn’t squander many chances in the next five innings, scoring in each of them. Gio Martello got the scoring started with a one-out single to score Gavin Wells (walk) and David Floyd (double), and Tyler DeMattio doubled the lead with a two-out, two-run line drive single to left. Danny Curran cleaned things up with a an RBI single to push the lead to 5-0 after just two innings. Wells added a third inning sac fly to plate Jordan Paradis, and both DeMattio (triple) and Curran (error) scored in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 8-0. Paradis had a two-run hit in the sixth and Jack Munley cleared the bases with a three-run triple in the sixth to make it 15-1. Floyd earned the win on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk, striking out eight in 4.2 innings of work. Dillon Harding finished the game off, issuing just one walk while striking out a pair in 2.1 scoreless innings.

Division 3
#12 Sandwich, 6 @ #5 Foxboro, 7 – Final – For the second game in a row, Foxboro used a walk-off home run to rally for a win in the final inning. After using back-to-back homers on Monday in the seventh inning to knock off Saugus, Foxboro senior Liam Mulkern launched a two-out, two-run home run to hand the Warriors a dramatic 7-6 decision over Sandwich. The host Warriors rallied for three runs in the fifth to stake a 5-3 lead but the visiting Knights tied the game with two runs in the sixth and took the lead back with a two-out run in the top of the seventh. In the bottom half, sophomore Tyler Prescott kept the game alive with a two-out walk. Mulkern battled his way to a full count, and with the Warriors down to their final out, the senior sent a fastball over the fence in left for his first career homer and a walk-off win for Foxboro. Sean O’Leary (single) and Prescott (squeeze bunt) each brought a run home for the hosts for an early 2-0 lead. Sandwich leveled the scoring in the second and went up a run in the fourth before the Warriors pushed three across the plate in the fifth: an RBI single from Prescott followed by a two-run single from Mulkern. Tom Marcucella pitched well in relief for Foxboro, allowing one run on four hits and a walk, striking out two in three innings of work.








Softball
Division 1
#15 St. Paul Diocesan, 4 @ #2 King Philip, 6 – Final – King Philip plated five runs with two outs in the fourth inning and that was enough to hold off an upset bid from visiting St. Paul Diocesan (formerly Holy Name). The Warriors carried a 1-0 lead (Taylor Regan RBI in the first inning) into the into the bottom of the fourth. Mia Bennett was hit by a pitch with one out and Sarah Cullen followed with a two-run opposite field blast over the fence in left, her second two-run homer in as many games, to make it 3-0. Ava Kelley kept it going with a single, and scored on a double from Ava Lanza (three hits, two runs, RBI). After Meg Sherwood was hit by a pitch, an infield error brought a run home. Charlotte Raymond tacked on an RBI single to make it 6-0. The visitors rallied for four runs in the top of the fifth but Jordan Bennett (7IP, 5H, 4R, 0ER, 1BB, 6K) put an end to the rally by inducing an infield ground out and retired the side in order with a pair of strikeouts in the sixth. St. Paul reached on an error to lead off the seventh but Bennett snagged a trailing line drive and doubled the runner up at first and Bennett got the final out with a fly ball to Cullen in center two at-bats later.

#14 Bridgewater-Raynham, 3 @ #3 Taunton, 4 – Final – Taunton senior Kylie Thorpe launched a two-out home run over the fence in left in the bottom of the seventh to give the Tigers a walk-off win over Bridgewater-Raynham. The visiting Trojans twice took a lead in the game, first with a single run in the top of the first inning to make it 1-0, and then used two runs in the third to stake a 3-2 lead over the Tigers. Taunton rallied in the sixth as Kyleah Plumb dropped a bunt down the third base line and moved all the way to second when the throw was high. After a wild pitch moved Plumb to third, junior Ava Venturelli dropped two-out bunt down to bring in the run to make it 3-3. Freshman Cate Larson (5IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 4K) needed just six pitches for a 1-2-3 top of the seventh, setting up Thorpe’s winning home run. Taunton took its first lead in the bottom of the first as Plumb and Angie Lynch both reached on a bunt, an error on the latter allowing the former to come all the way home. Kaysie DeMoura followed with a double to center to bring Lynch in for a 2-1 lead. Larson came on in the third after B-R took its lead, and after a single loaded the bases with no outs, Larson got a strikeout, fielded a grounder and got the force out at home, and Hayley Krockta fielded another bunt to get the third out at home.

Boys Lacrosse
Division 2
#24 Mansfield, 7 @ #9 King Philip, 4 – Final
#26 Sharon, 8 @ #7 Minnechaug, 16 – Final

Division 3
#28 Bishop Fenwick, 5 @ #5 Foxboro, 16 – Final – Foxboro outscored visiting Fenwick 7-1 in the second quarter and closed the game on a 5-0 run to get the win and advance. After trading early goals, the Warriors staked a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter before dominating the second to grab a 11-3 lead at half. Fenwick scored two quick goals to start the second half but Foxboro blanked the visitors the rest of the way, scoring five straight. Conor Noone was involved in over half of the goals with five goals and four assists, Lincoln Moore added five goals and a pair of helpers, and John Sacchetti netted four goals and two assists. Tommy Sharkey and Finn Stapleton each added a tally in the win.




Girls Lacrosse
Division 1
#19 King Philip, 11 @ #14 Needham, 9 – Final – King Philip built a lead by the halftime break and stayed ahead throughout the second to earn an upset on the road over #14 Needham. Lily Brown led a balanced offensive showing for the Warriors, scoring four goals and adding one assist for the Warriors, who led 7-5 at half. KP outscored the hosts 4-2 to extend their lead before the Rockets made a late push to get within two. Julia Marsden and Makenzie McDevitt each had a hat trick in the win, Morgan Cunningham added one goal, and Emily Campbell made six saves in net for the win.

Division 2
#22 Canton, 2 @ #11 Burlington, 11 – Final
#23 Oliver Ames, 8 @ #10 Holliston, 20 – Final

Division 3
#27 Bishop Stang, 4 @ #6 Foxboro, 21 – Final – Mya Waryas scored seven times and Paige Curran racked up 11 points as Foxboro rolled in its opening round game against Stang. Waryas also added an assist, while Curran finished with four goals and seven helpers. Val Beigel also had a big day with five goals and Cate Noone chipped in with a hat trick and a pair of assists. Mary Collins (one assist) and Kaelin Connors also found the back of the net for the Warriors. Audrey Campbell made seven saves to record the win in goal. Foxboro will host No. 11 Hanover in the next round.

Boys Tennis
Division 2
#10 Mansfield, 1 @ #7 Walpole, 4 – Final – Mansfield’s season came to a close on the road at #7 Walpole, winning just one match. Sophomore Iniyan Karruppusami didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 victory at third singles for the Hornets.

Girls Tennis
Division 2
#22 Minnechaug, 1 @ #6 Sharon, 4 – Final
#13 Oliver Ames, 0 @ #4 Masconomet, 5 – Final

Division 3
#10 Whitinsville, 3 @ #7 Foxboro, 2 – Final

Boys Volleyball
Division 2
#13 Lowell Catholic, 0 @ #4 Milford, 3 – Final

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/26/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 3 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final – North Attleboro got off to a great start with four runs between the first two innings and then delivered a big response late when Attleboro mounted a comeback in the final innings. Jordan Paradis reached on a two-out error with the bases loaded to bring in two runs, and a second error on the same play brought in another as the Rocketeers jumped ahead 3-0. Tyler Bannon added an RBI in the second inning to give the hosts a 4-0 edge. Attleboro rallied for three runs in the sixth inning to make it a one-run game as Owen Taber scored on a wild pitch, Billy Saltmarsh drove in a run with a single to center, and Peter DelPozzo laced a two-out double to right to bring in another run to cut the deficit to 4-3. But North had an immediate response as Anthony Wescott brought in a run on a fielder’s chioce, David Floyd stole home, and Tyler DeMattio made it 7-3 with a sacrifice fly to right. Bannon got the win on the mound, allowing two runs on two hits and four walks, striking out nine in five innings. Paradis and DeMattio each tossed an inning in relief. Freshman Tyler Dunlea allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits and five walks, striking out three in 4.1 innings.

Franklin, 5 @ Natick, 0 – Final – Franklin’s Jacob Jette and James Kuczmiec combined for a shutout performance with just three hits allowed and a total of 13 strikeouts to lead the Panthers to a win over Natick. Jette allowed just one hit and one walk in five innings of work with nine strikeouts to earn the win. Kuczmiec came on in relief to finish the game and struck out four with two hits and one walk allowed. Offensively, Franklin jumped ahead right out of the gates as Evan Raider smacked a two-out double to score Chris Goode in the top of the first inning. An inning later, Franklin struck again with two outs as Ben Jarosz singled and Joe Tirrell followed with a home run to left field to make it 3-0. The visitors added two more runs in the top of the fifth when Goode drove in both Ryan Gerety and Jack Marino, who both walked, with a double.

Softball
Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 14 – Final (5 Inn.) – King Philip opened the bottom of the first with five straight hits and turned nine first-inning hits into eight runs, and never looked back in a big win over visiting Franklin. Ava Kelley (3-for-3) led off with a double and the hit parade was on as Ava Lanza followed with an RBI single, Meg Sherwood singled, Taylor Regan drove in two with a single, Charlotte Raymond followed with an RBI double, Maddie Paschke then tacked on a two-out RBI, Sarah Cullen smacked an RBI double, Kelley singled again, Lanza drove in another run with a single, and Sherwood reached on an error to bring in KP’s eighth run of the inning. KP added four runs in the third and then two more in the fourth on a two-run blast from Cullen. Jordan Bennett earned the win in the circle, allowing just two hits and no walks with six strikeouts in five scoreless innings of work.

Boys Lacrosse
North Attleboro @ Milford, 4:15

Girls Lacrosse
North Attleboro, 8 @ Mansfield, 10 – Final

Taunton, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 17 – Final – For Taunton, Sarah Clark scored a pair of goals while Cali Melo, Isabella Leite, and Madison Szala each scored once.

Sharon @ Ursuline, 3:45

Boys Tennis
North Attleboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – Final – Oliver Ames wrapped its best regular season in years with its second straight win over North Attleboro, taking a pair of wins from both singles and doubles action. Seniors Raphael Vache (6-2, 6-0) and Kylash Ganesh (6-0, 6-3) won in straight sets at second and third singles, respectively. Patrick Dolan and Alex Efremidas added a hard-fought 6-1, 6-3 win at first doubles and the team of Ben Dias and Alex Vasiliou earned a 6-4, 6-0 win at second doubles. North Attleboro senior captain Will Folan capped an impressive season with a 7-6 (5), 6-0 win at frist singles.

Girls Tennis
Stoughton @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Boys Volleyball
Taunton @ Milford, 5:00

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/18/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 1 @ King Philip, 15 – Final (5 Inn.) – King Philip got off to a great start offensively with seven runs in the first inning and never looked back in a big win over visiting Attleboro. The Bombardiers struck first in the top of the first inning but the Warriors responded with seven runs in the first, five more in the second, and three in the third to take a 15-1 verdict. The Bombardiers scored without a hit in the first, an error followed by a fielder’s choice allowed the visitors to stake the early lead. KP scored all seven of its runs in the first with two outs, getting two-run singles from each Matt Kelley and Max Robison. The Warriors added five more in the second with two outs as well with Matt DiFiore, Eli Reed, and Brendan Sencaj singling in a run each. Quin Garstka earned the win for the Warriors, allowing just one hit (leadoff single in the fourth) with no walks and five strikeouts.

Sharon, 8 @ Canton, 13 – Final – Canton exploded for six runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to pull away from Sharon, who acted as the home squad for the game. Junior Matt Chafin went 3-for-3 with a walk, scoring all four times he reached base and Jack Digirolamo (two runs, three RBI), Hayden Rose (four RBI), and Matt Quan (run, two RBI) each added two hits in the win. For Sharon, Will Hippler went 3-for-3 with a walk, three runs and two RBI and both Conbor Blaney and Eli Greenfield drove in a pair of runs for the Eagles. Junior Alex Coughlin pitched well in relief for Sharon, allowing one run on four hits and one walk, striking out three in 2.2 innings out of the pen.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 9 – Final – Foxboro made it five straight wins with a 9-1 decision over visiting Oliver Ames, making it four straight games the Warriors have limited the opposition to just a single run. Sean O’Leary earned the win on the mound for the Warriors, allowing just one run on two hits and three walks, striking out eight for the win. Matheiu Sullivan had one of his best performances of the season, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings in relief with a pair of strikeouts. The Warriors wasted little time to get the offense going, plating five runs in the first inning before tacking on insurance runs in the fifth (three) and the sixth (one) innings. Ryan LeClair tripled on Foxboro’s second at-bat, driving in Jack Watts, and then scored on a single from O’Leary. Sophomore Tyler Prescott had an RBI single and then Louis Carangelo (double) and Prescott both came around to score on separate wild pitches. Kenny Mello and Mike Marcucella each added an RBI single in the fifth and Tom Marcucella had a sac fly in the sixth. OA’s Jake Waxman smacked a solo home run in the fourth for OA’s first hit of the game.

Franklin, 12 @ Milford, 0 – Final (5 inn.) – Holding a 3-0 lead after four innings, Franklin found its groove in the fifth and exploded for nine runs to secure a win at Fino Field. Eisig Chin had an RBI double early in the fifth, Evan Raider blasted a two-run triple, and Jacob Crisileo had a two-out RBI triple to give the Panthers a 12-0 lead. Jack Marino (two RBI, run) Jase Lyons (two runs, RBI), and Joe Tirrell (two RBI) also had two hits for the Panthers. James Kuczmiec tossed a five-inning complete game shutout for the Panthers, allowing a pair of hits and walks to go along with four strikeouts to get the win. Sophomore Keith Lee went 2-for-2 for the Scarlet Hawks.

Mansfield, 0 @ Taunton, 6 – Final – Ryan MacDougall, Colin Botelho, and Dawson Bryce combined to toss a shutout as Taunton avenged a loss to Mansfield from earlier this year with a 6-0 verdict at home. MacDougall got the win, scattering four hits and three walks to go along with a pair of strikeouts. Botelho (one hit) and Bryce (one walk, one strikeout) each pitched a scoreless inning in relief to help the Tigers close out the win. After MacDougall pitched out of a bases loaded situation in the top of the first, Taunton took the lead with one run in the bottom half. MacDougall hit a two-out double and scored when Bryce got a hit to fall into right. Braden Sullivan led off the third with a triple and scored on a single from MacDougall, AJ Lewis added an RBI double and Shawn Cali singled in a third run for Taunton to make it 4-0. Botelho knocked in a run with a single to right in the sixth and Lewis grabbed another RBI with a single to right.

Stoughton, 3 @ North Attleboro, 6 – Final – Stoughton pushed across three runs in the fourth inning to take a 3-2 lead but North responded with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to get the win and clinch the Davenport division title outright. Christian Bates earned a leadoff walk, stole second, took third on an error, and scored the tying run on a single from Kyle Conroy. Tyler DeMattio added an RBI double to put the Rocketeers ahead, and Dillon Harding brought in two runs after reaching on an error to make it 6-3. Tyler Bannon earned the win for North, allowing three runs on four hits and no walks, striking out nine in a complete game effort. Derek Maceda and Danny Curran each added two hits in the win for North. Jonah Ly went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Stoughton while Anthony Tilton and Dom Belle each drove in a run.








Softball
King Philip, 7 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – King Philip earned a shutout win on the road over Attleboro to clinch the Kelley-Rex division title for the first time since 2018. Sophomore Jordan Bennett had another stellar outing in the circle, allowing just three hits and one walk, striking out eight in a complete game shutout effort for the win. The Warriors pushed a pair of runs across the plate in the second and went on to score in each of the next three innings, punctuated with a three-run fifth. Mia Bennett opened the scoring with an RBI double and Maddie Paschke followed with an RBI single up the middle for a 2-0 lead. Ava Lanza drove in a run in the third to make it 3-0 and Bennett dropped a squeeze bunt down in the fourth to plate Taylor Regan. Meg Sherwood extended KP’s lead with an RBI single to right to bring Sarah Cullen home, and then Regan followed with her second hit of the day, a line drive single to right to bring both Ava Kelley and Lanza home.

Sharon, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Taylor Reynolds had two hits and an RBI, Emily Ciampa had a hit and an RBI, and Gillian Gordon scored a run as Canton secured a close win over visiting Sharon. Jessica Vo had a solid game defensively in right for the Bulldogs, and Sophia Santos was the winning pitcher, striking out four. For Sharon, Ally Foulsham had two hits, Ciara McAuliffe played a strong game defensively behind the plate, and Trinity Payne struck out six in four innings of work.

Foxboro, 12 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final (6 inn.) – Foxboro exploded for eight runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back in a win on the road at Oliver Ames, earning a season sweep of the Tigers. Freshman Vittoria Cuscia tossed a complete game shutout for the Warriors with three strikeouts, and helped her cause at the plate with a hit and an RBI. Peyton Feldman went 3-for-5 from the leadoff spot with three runs scored and two RBI, Allie Willis added two RBI, and Natalia Leach drove in three runs for the Warriors.

Milford, 2 @ Franklin, 10 – Final – Milford jumped ahead with two runs in the top of the third but Franklin quickly responded with seven runs in the bottom half and went on to secure a big win over the visiting Scarlet Hawks. Sophomore Camille Bonina launched a two-run home run in the top of the third to put Milford ahead 2-1. In the bottom half, Franklin had its first five batters reach base including a two-run double from Hailey Fales as the Panthers jumped back ahead 4-2. Avery Chalk and Dana Stott had back-to-back RBI singles and Katy Liberman smacked a two-out, two-run double to push Franklin’s lead to 8-2. Junior Kiera Kotwicki earned the win for the Panthers, allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks, striking out four in a complete game effort.

Taunton, 13 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final (6 Inn.) – Taunton bounced back after losing two of its last three games by picking up a big win at Mansfield. The Tigers finished with 19 hits as a team, including nine extra-base hits, and scored five runs in the second and four in the third to break the game open. Ava Venturelli was 2-for-5 with a homer, a double, and four RBI, while Kaysie DeMoura also was 2-for-5 with a homer and drove in three. Taunton got good production from the bottom of the order, including Kylie Thorpe, who was 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI. Liv Mendonca and Cate Larson combined to pick up the win. The Hornets got their lone run in the third inning. Amanda Schwarz singled and courtesy runner Sydney Fernando took second on a wild pitch before crossing the plate on a Callie Lake double. Mansfield finished with seven hits as a team.

North Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final (8 Inn.) – Freshman Maryellen Charette drove in the game-winning run in the top of the eighth and Kelly Colleran made it stand up by striking out the side in the bottom half to secure the win and clinch the outright league title for North. Zoey McDonough started the winning rally with an infield hit and took second on the throw. Shaelyn Burns singled to move McDonough to third and Charette followed with a hit of her own to bring in the go-ahead run. Colleran went the distance in the circle and struck out 16 hitters. Charette, Burns, and Grace Simmons each had two hits, while Colleran scored twice and McDonough had a pair of RBI.




Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 9 @ Sharon, 12 – Final
King Philip, 10 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 9 – Final (3 OT)
Franklin, 11 vs. Longmeadow, 16 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 3 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 12 – Final

Sharon, 2 @ Canton, 15 – Final – Canton had seven different scorers to pick up its 10th win of the season, sweeping the season series with the Eagles. Emily McCabe was the spark plug for the Bulldogs, scoring five goals. Ella Yeaton added a hat trick for Canton and Elyse Broderick made nine saves. Bailey Garte scored both of Sharon’s goals and Tess Letendre had a big game, making 14 saves in the loss.

Franklin, 9 vs. Notre Dame Academy, 7 – Final

Foxboro, 11 @ Natick, 8 – Final – Foxboro pulled out a big non-league win at Natick to build momentum for the postseason. Val Beigel led the Warriors with four goals and Paige Curran finished with a hat trick and four assists. Mary Collins added two goals and an assist, while Cate Noone and Grace Riley each found the back of the net once. Mya Waryas had an assist and Audrey Campbell made nine stops in the win.




Boys Tennis
King Philip, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Behind a pair of single wins and one from doubles action, King Philip went on the road and picked up a win over Attleboro. Jonathan Cohen took care of business with a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles and Jackson Hom captured a 6-1, 6-2 victory at third singles for the Warriors. The team of Leo Manning and Arjun Kullo added KP’s third point, getting a 6-1, 6-2 win at second doubles. Attleboro’s Kyle Neuendorf grabbed a 6-3, 6-2 win at first singles and the duo of Tyler Rocchio and Evan Sousa earned a 7-6, 6-3 win at first doubles.

Sharon, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Sharon swept both doubles matches and added another win from third singles to fend off host Canton. Jacob Stavsky earned a 6-0, 6-0 third singles win, the team of Ruemon Bhattacharyya and Mitch Weiss earned a 6-0, 6-0 first singles victory, and the team of Hyojae Park and Sava Kassev emerged from second doubles with a 6-1, 6-4 verdict. Canton sophomore Max Kupferman and senior Suraj Ramanathan both continued their strong seasons with wins at first singles (6-4, 6-2) and second singles (6-1, 6-1), respectively.

Foxboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin’s experience was on full display as the Panthers used five seniors in the lineup to knock off visiting Milford. Senior Vayshnav Malhotra and senior Sameen Shaik both won 6-0, 6-0 at first and second singles, respectively, while senior Drew Mahoney earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles. The senior tandem of Thomas Broyles and Tyler Fitzpatrick captured a 6-2, 6-0 win at first doubles and Franklin’s sophomore pairing of Ahan Shetty and Jay Gorgas captured a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Taunton, 1 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield used a trio of underclassman to sweep singles action and added a fourth point in a win at second doubles to defend home court against Taunton. Freshman Neema Khosravani captured a 6-3, 6-1 win at first singles, while sophomores Iniyan Karruppusami and Nikhil Nain both won 6-0, 6-0 at second and third singles, respectively. The tandem of Jesse Colchamiro and sophomore Dhruv Jain added a 6-1, 6-0 second doubles win for the Hornets. Taunton’s first doubles pairing of senior Andrew Letourneau and junior Derek Deseault battled to a 6-3, 5-7, 10-8 win.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – Behind a three-set victory at first doubles, North Attleboro returned home from Stoughton the victorious side of a 3-2 match. Junior Griffin Rodden and sophomore Quinn DiFiore won the first set but Stoughton took the second, sending it to a third set. Rodden and DiFiore had their best set of the match and prevailed with the win (6-4, 4-6, 6-1). North senior Will Folan captured a 6-0, 6-2 win at first singles and junior Brody Carter took a 6-1, 6-0 verdict at second singles. Stoughton senior Anish Sinha earned a 6-4, 6-3 win at third singles.

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final – In a battle of two of the top teams in the Kelley-Rex division, King Philip took a clean sweep over visiting Attleboro. Ahunna James (6-4, 6-1), Shea Mellman (6-0, 6-0), and Caroline Freese (6-1, 6-2) swept the singles matches for the Warriors. Resha Ajoy teamed up with Lauren Casper and emerged from a 90-minute battle to take a 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 victory at first doubles, and the pairing of Priya Riar and Carlie Burns used their strong chemistry to capture a 6-2, 6-2 win at second doubles for KP.

Canton, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon took three matches in straight sets and two more in third-set tiebreakers to earn a 5-0 sweep of visiting Canton. In a great battle at first singles, sophomore Navya Shukla emerged with a hard-fought win over Canton freshman Camila Cutter (7-5, 4-6, 10-8). Sharon’s Sophia Oh and Ritu Sreeram also prevailed in a tiebreaker, taking a win at first doubles (6-2, 4-6, 10-6). Sharon’s Ale Aguilar won 6-2, 6-4 at second singles, Judy Song added a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at third singles, and Jenny Sand teamed up with Alina Hou for a 6-1, 6-2 second doubles victory.

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames swept both doubles matches and got a key win in singles action from a senior to take a 3-2 verdict on the road at Foxboro. Senior Elizabeth O’Brien played a very smart and consistent match to take a 6-2, 6-2 win at third singles for the Tigers’ lone point in singles action. The senior pairing of Morgan Vasiliou and Caroline Peper were strong at the net in a 6-3, 6-2 win and the duo of Marina Mierzwinski and Olivia Querzoli also won in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) for OA. Foxboro’s Athena Li continued to shine at first singles with a 6-0, 6-0 win while Hailey Kornbluth took a 6-1, 6-0 win at second singles for the Warriors.

Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Franklin took all five matches in straight sets to take down Milford and stay in first place in the Kelley-Rex division with three matches to go. Izzy Trull (6-2, 6-1) Chloe Essum (6-3, 6-2), and Sarah Schiavo (6-1, 6-2) swept the three singles matches for the Panthers while Vedika Vinayak and Lexy Winkler secured a 6-2, 6-3 win at first doubles, and Amulya Jayam and Nihara Lijan captured a 6-4, 6-4 win at second doubles.

Mansfield, 0 @ Taunton, 5 – Final

Stoughton @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Boys Volleyball
King Philip @ Millis, 6:00
Milford @ Medfield, 6:00

Friday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/13/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Mansfield, 1 vs. Bishop Feehan, 2 – Final – Mansfield cut the deficit in half to make it a one-run game going into the final inning, but the Hornets came up just short in a pitcher’s duel. Jimmy Gilleran tossed a 6-inning complete game for the Hornets, allowing five hits and three walks, striking out four with two unearned runs charged. Feehan took advantage of three straight Hornet errors to push across two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Jared Fraone brought in pinch runner Rocco Scarpellini on a sac fly in the top of the sixth to make it 2-1 but the Hornets went quietly in the seventh to end the game.

Sharon, 9 @ Stoughton, 8 – Final – Sharon exploded for six runs in the fifth inning and added three more in the sixth to take a big lead and then held off Stoughton’s late inning charge. The Black Knights built a 4-0 lead with two runs in each the second (Hunter Malkin & Joseph Rush RBIs) and the third (Anthony Tilton RBI triple, Dom Belle sac fly) innings. After a pair of one-out walks, Ryan Baker cut the lead in half with a two-run double, Will Hippler made it a one-run game with a triple to center and Dan Okstein tied it with a single to right. Sharon tacked on two more runs with two outs as Dylan Labbe doubled in a run and an infield error allowed one more run to cross. Hippler added a one-out RBI in the sixth, Okstein tripled to plate another and scored on a wild pitch for a 9-4 lead. A double steal brought Belle home in the sixth to make it 9-5 and then Stoughton struck for three runs in the bottom of the seventh. Tilton brought in two with a double and scored on a single from Joe McNulty to make it 9-8. Stoughton had the tying run at third and the winning run at second but Okstein induced a ground ball for the final out.








Softball
Canton, 0 @ Milton, 9 – Final

Stoughton, 10 @ Franklin, 13 – Final – For the second time in as many days, Franklin pushed across 13 runs but this time had to hold off a late surge from Stoughton to get the win. The game featured over 30 hits and the teams combined for over 20 runs, including 13 in the first inning. Stoughton had a great start with five runs in the top of the first, highlighted by an RBI double from Julie Powers and a two-out RBI single from Kate Bulger. But Franklin responded in a big way in the bottom half, scoring eight runs to take a lead it never relinquished the rest of the way. Katy Liberman sparked the offense with a two-run triple and Sarah Boozang delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded to give Franklin a 6-5 lead. Aislinn Lavery added a sac fly and Reece Allen smacked a two-out triple for another run and an 8-5 advantage. The Panthers pushed across three more in the bottom of the second, all with two outs. Boozang brought home a pair on a double and another scored on the throw to make it 11-5. Franklin once again tacked onto its lead with two outs in the bottom of the fourth with Carly Johnson-Pellegri scoring one with a double and Liberman brought another home with her second triple of the game. Stoughton cut into the deficit with four runs in the top of the fifth as Camryn Whitman had a two-run double and Melody Casna brought another run in on a ground out. The Black Knights made it a three-run game by scoring on an error in the sixth and brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh with one out, but the Panthers got a ground out and a fly ball to right to end the game.

Milford, 1 vs. Grafton, 13 – Final

King Philip, 11 @ Cumberland (RI), 4 – Final – King Philip scored seven runs between the second and fourth innings and then tacked on four key insurance runs in the top of the seventh to get a win on the road in the Ocean State. Jordan Bennett and Charlotte Raymond had back-to-back RBIs in the second, Taylor Regan brought in one with a RBI single and scored on a double steal before Sarah Cullen knocked in Caitlyn Sencaj to extend the lead to 5-0. After Cumberland got two runs back in the third, Ava Kelley scored on a passed ball and Regan plated Ava Lanza with a groundout. Holding a 7-4 lead going into the final inning, KP scored four runs to put the game away — and earn key rating points with the max margin of victory at five runs. Maddie Paschke had a single to center to bring in a run in the seventh.




Boys Lacrosse
Foxboro, 10 @ Bishop Feehan, 9 – Final – Foxboro’s Tommy Sharkey fired a shot into the back of the net to break a tie with just seven seconds to go to give the Warriors a dramatic win on the road over Feehan. With the game tied 9-9, Sharkey scored the game-winner to hand Foxboro a key win over a good Shamrocks squad. The goal completed Sharkey’s hat trick while Lincoln Moore scored five goals and Conor Noone had two goals and two assists in the win. Adam Addeche made nine saves in net for the Warriors.

King Philip, 17 @ Medway, 10 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 10 vs. Quincy, 6 – Final – Canton held visiting Quincy to just one goal in the first half and goalie Elyse Broderick made 10 saves in net as the Bulldogs denied the visiting Presidents. Emily McCabe led the charge offensively with four goals for the Bulldogs, who claimed a 3-1 lead at the halftime break. Ella Yeaton chipped in with a pair of goals as well.

King Philip, 10 vs. Natick, 8 – Final – Freshman goalie Kaitlyn Parish turned aside six shots to lead King Philip to one of its best wins of the season, knocking off Natick at home. Nikki McDonald had a breakout game for the Warriors, scoring a team-high four goals along with Julia Marsden.

Sharon vs. Ursuline, 3:45

Boys Tennis
Mansfield, 3 vs. West Bridgewater, 2 – Final – Using a member of each grade, Mansfield swept doubles action and took one win from singles to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win over non-league foe West Bridgewater. Senior Jonah Fine and junior Benson Delaney took care of business with a 6-2, 6-1 win at first doubles while sophomore Jacob Weiner and freshman Josh Weiner were victorious (6-2, 6-1) in straight sets at second doubles. Freshman Neema Khosravani rolled to a 6-2, 6-0 win at second singles to clinch the win for the Hornets.

Oliver Ames, 2 @ Milton, 3 – Final – OA got wins at third singles from senior Kylash Ganesh (6-3, 6-3) and its freshman pairing of Patrick Dolan and Alex Efremidas at No. 1 doubles (6-4, 6-3).

Girls Tennis
Canton, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Canton and Stoughton split the first two matches but the Bulldogs took third singles and both doubles matches for a 4-1 win on the road. Camila Cutta (6-3, 6-2) and Olivia Maloney (6-4, 7-5) won at first and third singles, respectively, for the Bulldogs while Olivia Durham and Grace Powers teamed up for a 6-4, 6-0 first doubles win and Allie Wong teamed with Liv McCloskey for a 7-6, 7-6 second doubles victory. Stoughton’s Emilia Lada secured a 6-3, 6-1 win at second singles.

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 0 vs. Quincy, 3 – Final
Milford, 3 vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, 0 – Final