Tag: Bella Berger

2019 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

Chloe Layne, King Philip

Hockomock League All Stars

Briley Harnois, Attleboro
Jessica Gates, Attleboro
Elisa Diletizia, Canton
Olivia Rodman, Canton
Jordyn Collins, Foxboro
Kailee McCabe, Foxboro
Yara Fawaz, Foxboro
Elizabeth Davis, Foxboro
Breanna Atwood, Franklin
Sabrina Addi, Franklin
Anna Balkus, Franklin
Chloe Layne, King Philip
Avery Snead, King Philip
Makayla Griffin, King Philip
Ally Stanton, King Philip
Taylor Butler, King Philip
Maria Sevastos, Mansfield
Katie Miller, Mansfield
Ashleigh Starks, Milford
Maddie Boyle, Milford
Lydia Hershey, North Attleboro
Erin Holmberg, Oliver Ames
Abby Hodges, Oliver Ames
Leah Johnson, Oliver Ames
Bella Berger, Sharon
Mackenzie Manning, Stoughton

Girls Soccer: 2019 Davenport Division Preview

Foxboro won the Davenport title last season and the Warriors brought all bur four players back to make a run at a second straight division crown. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2019 Davenport Girls Soccer Preview

Canton

2018 Record: 8-9-2
2018 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Kate Howarth
The Bulldogs finished third in the Davenport division last season and made it back to the state tournament, despite carrying a relatively young roster. Now, a year later, Canton brings back a strong corps, especially in the attack, and will look to take steps forward to try and challenge for the league title.

The best form of defense may be the attack for the Bulldogs, who will pair juniors Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia again in the forward line. The classmates are a dynamic pairing and critical to Canton scoring 52 goals last season, which was the fifth-best total in the league. Senior Morgan McCabe and sophomore Gabriella Herivaux add depth to the forward line.

In the midfield, sophomore Allie McCabe is coming off an impressive rookie season as a playmaker and will be the engine in the heart of the pitch. Sarah Collins will be tough to replace in the defense, but seniors Alexa Maffeo, Caroline Tourgee, and Kerstin Hansen are back. Sophomore Elyse Broderick is back to take over between the posts and will be the anchor of the defensive unit.

“I think the key for us this year will be consistency,” said Canton coach Kate Howarth. “Our girls are bought in and want to find ways to win! I think we will find ways to win some tough games and get better every single day! That’s always our goal. Every time we step out onto that field, improve and get better. If we do that, we will put together a great year.”

Foxboro

2018 Record: 15-2-3
2018 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Stalcup
Last season, a young Warriors roster brought home the program’s first league title since 1993 and it could start a run of success for Foxboro, which graduated only four players from last year’s team that led the league in scoring and allowed less than a goal per game. Adding a year of experience could make this year’s team even more of a threat not only for a division crown but for a deep tourney run.

Youth was on display all over the pitch last season, particularly up front. Junior Jordyn Collins had a breakout season putting her speed together with clinical finishing to become one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. There is plenty of help for the forwards from the midfield, senior Lizzy Davis and junior Kailtyn Mollica are both dangerous on the wings, creating chances and the odd goals as well.

The lynchpin last year was a freshman. Sophomore Kailee McCabe, the reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, had a remarkable rookie season. She controlled the midfield and drove forward to add scoring punch. Senior midfielder Kendra Wentling also adds a layer of protection for the defense, which will miss the graduated Alex Stamatos but has experience in senior Yara Fawaz and junior goalie Morgan Sylvestre.

“I am so excited about this team and what we are capable of this season,” said Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup. “I know if we stay focused and work together we will do great things.”

Milford

2018 Record: 5-12-0
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Lou Colabello
This is the second season in charge for Milford coach Lou Colabello and he is hopeful that his team will build a comfort level with his expectations and systems to try and get the Hawks into the state tournament picture and push up the Davenport division standings. With a strong core of returning players, many with two or three years of experience on varsity, Milford has the opportunity to make a leap this fall.

The midfield will be a strength for the Hawks with seniors Juliana France and Ashleigh Starks are capable of breaking up opposition attacks and turning those quickly into attacks. Freshman Daniella Atheron will jump right into the attack and is expected to contribute goals this season. Defensively, the Hawks have experience in the form of seniors Maddie Boyle and Annie Flanagan and can count on solid play from both goalies, senior Olivia Marshall, and junior Carly Ferreira.

“We are really excited about our opportunities this year,” Colabello said. “With a heavy nucleus returning on defense and in the midfield, we hope to improve offensively. With a good mixture of experience and youth, I feel that we will make a vast improvement from last year.”




North Attleboro

2018 Record: 12-3-4
2018 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro is entering a transition season after graduating 14 seniors, including nine starters, from last year’s Davenport division runners-up. The Rocketeers will especially have to cope with the loss of leading scorer, and 2018 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Ashlyn Gaulin, but there is hope that the new faces will be able to step in and rise to the challenge this fall.

The attack looks very different this season with junior Tess Collins, who is battling a preseason injury, taking on the responsibility of leading the line along with Steph McKenna. There have been promising signs from that duo during the preseason. Midfield is more experienced for North this year, with seniors Alex Moulson, Abi Slaney, and Lily Cameron back from last year, while Olivia Wills and Abby Noreck are making the jump from JV. The defense is mostly new, but senior Lydia Hershey is back and will offer much-needed leadership, while senior Regan Fein has the starting job in net.

“Right now we have six players who have been unable to practice preseason with injuries,” said North Attleboro coach Bill Wallace. “Once we get everyone healthy we should iron out some assignments and figure out our rotations.”

Sharon

2018 Record: 2-15-1
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Second-year head coach Catherine Sullivan will have a lot of new faces to work with this season after graduating 11 seniors from last year’s roster and she is hoping that the Eagles can use an experienced midfield to create more scoring opportunities and continue to improve over the course of the season.

The midfield combines technically-sound players with energy and speed. Seniors Marika Fillion sets the tone with her work rate and senior Bella Berger is one of the team’s top playmakers. Junior Amelia Scappaticci adds skill to the team’s passing game, while freshman Olivia Soby is expected to provide an attacking spark in the middle of the pitch. Up front, junior Emily Griffin will try to use her speed to create chances. In the back, junior goalie Cass Barbera got a lot of experience between the pipes last season and she will count on classmate Molly McAlevey to hold things down in front of her.

Sullivan said, “I’m excited about the mix of strong returning players and new talent stepping in this season. It’s a great group of kids who are dedicated to improving our style and speed of play, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Stoughton

2018 Record: 0-17-1
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Tara Daniels
It has been a decent preseason for the Black Knights and head coach Tara Daniels hopes that they carry that over once things kick off for real. Stoughton has been building cohesion for the last several seasons and Daniels believes that there is the right mix of upperclassmen and newcomers to make the Black Knights a competitive team this fall.

Senior Nicole Weir has found a spot in the back line and will provide the vocal leadership that the defense needs. Senior Brianna Buckley has won the starting job in goal this year after earning time between the posts last season. Junior Mackenzie Manning is the key to the Stoughton midfield, having led the team in points in each of her first two seasons on varsity and continuing to be the team’s primary playmaker. Freshman Shayla Ford will step into the attack this season and there is hope that she can make an instant impact with her speed and finishing ability. One of the most important developments of the preseason is the growing understanding between Manning and Ford going forward.

“This year we have a strong core of returning upperclassmen that have worked the past few years to help shape and strengthen this overall program, with the level of play I am seeing from this group of upperclassmen and the freshman class, it is going to be an extremely competitive season for the Knights,” said Daniels.

Girls Soccer: 2018 Davenport Division Preview

2018 Davenport Girls Soccer Preview
Canton and Milford will be among the teams looking to dethrone North Attleboro at the top of the Davenport division this fall. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2018 Davenport Girls Soccer Preview

Canton

2017 Record: 10-6-2
2017 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round.
Coach: Kate Howarth

Canton has been on the cusp of getting back to the top of the Davenport division in recent seasons and on their day the Bulldogs can be very difficult to play against. As one of the favorites for the league title this fall, consistency will be the biggest challenge for Canton as it tries to unseat North Attleboro at the top of the Davenport standings.

To get the attack in gear, Canton will be turning again to its youth. The Bulldogs will look to sophomores Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia to run at opposing defenses and continue developing a partnership that was one of the most potent in the league last fall. Senior defender Sarah Collins will be the leader of the Canton defense, which will look to improve on the 34 goals allowed from last season. Junior Morgan McCabe will be stepping into a larger role this season, with her versatility as a forward or midfielder, and senior Julia Hamilton adds tenacity in the center of the pitch.

“I think this is going to be an exciting year for us, with strong players returning and some exciting new talent stepping in,” said Canton coach Kate Howarth. “Our goal as a group is to push passed being a really good team and become the great team we know we can be. The Hock is such a strong league and every team pushes each other to become better.”

Foxboro

2017 Record: 10-9-0
2017 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round.
Coach: Katie Stalcup

Last year was a transition season for Foxboro under first-year head coach Katie Stalcup, as a group of talented young players made their debuts at the varsity level. The Warriors improved over the course of the season, made the playoffs, and now with a year of experience for a young squad there is a lot of buzz about Foxboro this fall.

The graduation of Lily Sykes, who was one of the league’s top players for all four years of her career, leaves big shoes to fill, but Foxboro has a number of players with potential to make up some of her production. Senior Mackenzi Fraser will be the main striker for Foxboro this year but sophomore Jordyn Collins will add speed on the wing and freshman Kaitryn Franchino will contribute up top as well. Junior Kendra Wentling returns in the midfield and freshman Kailee McCabe is a player to watch in the center of the pitch. Defensively, Foxboro has a lot of experience in senior Alex Stamatos, who will be joined in the back line by junior Yara Fawaz. Sophomore Morgan Sylvestre will be in net again this fall.

Stalcup praised the team’s tenacity and speed. She added, “I am very excited about this season. Even though we are still a young team, I think we will do very well. We have a team full of hard workers and great attitudes.”

Milford

2017 Record: 6-10-2
2017 Finish: Missed Playoffs.
Coach: Lou Colabello

For the past several seasons, Milford has been on the verge of getting back to the playoffs and now new coach Lou Colabello, who formerly coached at Douglas, will look to push the Hawks up the league standings with a number of experienced players in key positions.

The midfield will be patrolled by seniors Siena Pierce and Cassie Probert and junior playmaker Juliana France, who was named a league all-star as a sophomore and demonstrated the ability to cover a lot of ground in the middle of the pitch. The Hawks scored only 24 goals last season, so the attacking unit will be hoping to step it up this year, including senior Hannah Martin and junior Ashleigh Starks. The defense also has plenty of experience with junior Olivia Marshall back in goal and her classmates Maddie Boyle and Annie Flanagan in front of her to keep things organized at the back.

Colabello said, “We should have a solid midfield and many other players who can play different positions,and we expect big things from our returning goalkeeper. I feel this team is capable of competing with some of the elite teams in the league. There work ethics and attitude have been outstanding,thus I expect it will be a rewarding season and hopefully a playoff berth.”

North Attleboro

2017 Record: 14-3-3
2017 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal.
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro will need a number of players to step into bigger roles this season, if the Rocketeers are going to make it three league titles in a row. North graduated 14 seniors and eight starters from last year’s team, but there are a number of familiar names and big contributors who are back and aiming for a three-peat.

The Rocketeers scored 60 goals last year and senior Ashlyn Gaulin contributed on 27 of those (17 goals and 10 assists). She will be the focal point of the attack this season, after the graduation of 100-point scorer Haley Guertin, and her sister Emma will try to provide the assists from the midfield. Seniors Kayla Pasquel and Haley Ferris will add to the experience in the center of the pitch for North and classmates Morgan Silver, Liz Smahi, Lexi Sinacola, and Lauren Pezzi will add depth in the midfield and defense. Seniors Sam Hawkins and Brieann Westcott will be at heart of the defensive unit with classmate Emma Noreck in goal.

North coach Bill Wallace said that sophomores Lydia Santos and Tess Collins will be contributors this season in midfield and attack. He added, “This group is a pleasure to work with, they want to work hard and get better.”

Sharon

2017 Record: 3-13-2
2017 Finish: Missed Playoffs.
Coach: Catherine Sullivan

Sharon alum Catherine Sullivan takes over the program this season, as the Eagles look to rebuild and work towards a return to the state tournament. With the graduation of Ali Filipkowski, Sharon lost a lot of firepower but Sullivan is excited about the potential and the growth of the team during the preseason.

One of the key returning players is senior goalie Lydia Chase, who is a fearless shot stopper and her distribution will be important for the Eagles’ transition game. In front of Chase, senior Rose Wald is back in the heart of the defense and will partner with sophomore Molly McAlevey, who is a newcomer to the varsity but already showing a lot of composure on the ball. The midfield engine is senior Maxine Gordon, who will drive the Eagles forward, and junior Bella Berger will add playmaking and vision in the center of the pitch. Senior Bridget McManus will be the main forward and she will be expected to not only provide goals but also set up her teammates and get others involved in the attack.

“As a Sharon graduate, I’m really excited about the opportunity to once again represent the maroon and gold,” said Sullivan. “I think this team has a lot of talent and athleticism, and we will be striving to create a cohesive group that can consistently compete at a higher level.”

Stoughton

2017 Record: 0-15-3
2017 Finish: Missed Playoffs.
Coach: Tara Daniels

Although Stoughton was unable to pick up an elusive league win last season, Black Knights coach Tara Daniels felt that there was progress from the team, particularly in attack. A group of speedy, young attackers made Stoughton a more dangerous team and that experience has Daniels hopeful for even more in 2018.

Speed on the edges is going to be a key strength for the Black Knights this season led by senior outside back Cintia Khouzami and sophomore Nikki Anderson, who has gained a lot of confidence after playing a lot of minutes as a freshman. In the heart of the defense, senior Corina Kavanagh will be the leader of the group, ensuring everyone is organized. Sophomore Mackenzie Manning is another player who grew a lot over the course of her rookie season and will again be the primary playmaker for the Black Knights and a key to keeping possession. Senior Gabriela Diaz played a lot at the back last season, but this year her speed will be utilized up front to create even more opportunities.

Daniels said, “Our strength this year is our speed; our team has many players that excel on the track in the off-season. Last year we made big strides offensively and this year we plan on using the speed of many players to help us continue the offensive push we need.”

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 09/11/17

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Stoughton, 0 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Canton, 2 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield netted a pair of goals in each half in a win over visiting Canton. Senior Sam Hyland finished with a goal and three assists to pace the Hornets. Hyland opened the scoring 10 minutes into the match, taking a through ball from Luke Savoie. Five minutes later, Nick Wisnieski netted his first goal, finishing a throw from Hyland. Early in the second half, Wisnieski made it 3-0 off a cross from Hyland but Canton quickly made it a one-goal game. Junior Griffin Roach scored a pair of goals in a 10-minute span to make it 3-2 but Jared Gabrilowitz nodded home a throw from Hyland in the 79th minute to ice the game.

Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – King Philip found the game winner in the final five minutes for the second straight game. Tony Bozza played a 1-2 combination with senior Thomas Lugten to get in behind the defense and the junior calmly finished in the 78th minute to give the Warriors two points.

Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final – Franklin netted a pair of second half goals to erase a one goal deficit to earn its first win of the 2017 season. Milford’s Andre Oliveira put the visitors ahead in the first half but Franklin drew level midway through the second half. Sophomore Jacob Cummings made it 1-1 before the Panthers found the winner in the final two minutes. Sophomore Sam Stowell buried a penalty kick for the game-winner. Milford head coach Brian Edwards said Lucas Caetano had a strong game for the Hawks at left back.

North Attleboro, 2 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Taunton netted the go-ahead goal with less than five minutes to play but North Attleboro found an equalizer with just two minutes to play to earn a draw. The Tigers took the lead in the fourth minute when Francois Hennaux capitalized on a ball over the top and scored on a breakaway. North tied the game in the 60th minute when Gabe Pinhancos volleyed home a cross from Connor MacIver. The Tigers regained the lead when Liam Crowley buried a penalty kick but Pinhancos netted his second, again on a volley, on a cross from junior Joe Hilf.

Sharon, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames scored twice late in the second half to earn two points against Sharon. After hitting the post twice, the Tigers converted when senior Matt Alvarado’s cross found classmate Brandin Osborne, who buried his chance in front. Just before the halftime whistle, Alvarado found Nathaniel Cardoza, who rocketed his shot off the crossbar and in from distance for OA’s second goal.

Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 2 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.

Mansfield, 5 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Cassidy McMahon scored a brace for the Hornets, including the eventual game-winner in the second half, to help the Hornets hold off Canton in what Mansfield coach Kevin Smith called “a great game.” Bryn Anderson opened the scoring for the Hornets and Emily Vigeant added a second off a free kick. Canton got one back before McMahon scored her first for a 3-1 halftime lead. The Bulldogs again cut the lead to one but McMahon’s second made it 4-2. With five minutes left, Canton made it a one-goal game, but Emma Oldow sealed the points with Mansfield’s fifth.

King Philip, 4 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final KP scored three goals in the opening 12 minutes of the second half to overcome a one-goal deficit and make it four wins in four games. Ally Stanton scored the opener for KP off an assist by Avery Snead. Foxboro took the lead before halftime as Jordyn Collins scored off a Lily Sykes assist and the returned the favor by assisting on a Sykes goal. Chloe Layne tied it four minutes into the second half off an Emma Corcoran pass and then assisted on a goal by Snead three minutes later to take the lead for good. Five minutes later, Makayla Griffin scored off an Abby Baker assist to wrap up the scoring.

Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 0 – Final – According to Milford coach Jay Mastaj, Brianna Braza, Rachel LeBlanc and Maddie Boyle played well on defense and Julianna France and Leeanne Kibbee had good games in what he called, “a strong team effort.”

Taunton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – North Attleboro’s offense clicked on Monday, creating 21 shots and 11 corners. Haley Guertin opened the scoring in the first half off an Emily Chiasson assist, then created a second goal for Leah Jette. Jette then set up Ashley Gaulin to make it 3-0 and Britta MacDonald closed out the scoring off an assist by Meghan Slaney. Rachel Labonte played well defensively to secure the clean sheet.

Oliver Ames, 4 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Jackie Mills scored a brace for the Tigers, while Briana Gibson and Abby Hodges each added a goal apiece. Ally Filipkowski scored on a header off a Bridget McManus pass and Sabrina Robbins scored her first varsity goal off an assist by Bella Berger. All six goals were scored in the final 25 minutes of the game.

Field Hockey
Attleboro, 7 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Attleboro’s Grace Mayer and Alex Compton each recorded a hat trick in the Bombardiers win on the road. Abigail Boudreau added the other goal for Attleboro while Katie Pelletier turned away eight shots for the shutout.

King Philip, 2 @ Canton, 0 – Final – King Philip finally broke through in the second half, netting a pair of goals to beat Canton on the road. The Warriors had a large advantage in shots in the game. Alli Meehan opened the scoring with 12 minutes left in the game and then Christina Hathaway added an insurance goal, finishing a corner on an assist from Dana Truini with less than three minutes to play. Canton senior goalie Riley Brown made 25 saves, including denying a penalty stroke.

Franklin, 1 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.

Mansfield, 1 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Mansfield’s Tori Farrington scored the lone goal of the game, finding the back of the net just before the midway point of the second half to help the Hornets earn a win on the road. Mansfield’s Kayla Hunter made four saves in the second half to preserve the shutout. Stoughton’s Gianna Barbosa made 15 saves in net for the Black Knights.

Taunton, 6 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Taunton senior Kya Enos found the back of the four times and registered one assist to lead the Tigers to a big win on the road. Enos scored Taunton’s first two goals, the latter on an assist from freshman Alana Tavares. Diana Brens made it 3-0 on a feed from Enos and then Enos scored two straight goals, the first from Jillian Pagliuca. Lauren Torres capped the scoring with an assist from Mabel Smith. Junior Emma Sheehan made seven saves in the win. THS head coach Liz Hathaway said Smith, Tavares and Kathryn Robinson had strong games for the Tigers.

Oliver Ames, 2 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – Kayla Lozzi and Liz Nuss each scored for Oliver Ames while Caitlin Grant made nine saves to help the Tigers earn a tie on the road.

Volleyball
Stoughton, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Stoughton senior captain Val Whalen combined with juniors Molly Turner and Hanna Holden for 37 service points. SHS coach Erica Batchelder said solid defense from the entire Black Knight squad led the team to the win.

Canton, 0 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield recorded a sweep over visiting, earning a key win in the second set to get the win (25-18, 29-27, 25-16). For Mansfield, Julia Harrison had 14 kills and eight digs, Lexi Gardner had 18 service points, Meg Hill added 11 kills and 12 service points and Jolie O’Neil had nine digs. CHS head coach Pat Cawley said sophomore Taylor Harris had a good all around game with great serving including four aces, three blocks, and four kills. Hannah Jerrier added four kills and five blocks for the Bulldogs.

Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip earned a 25-10, 25-17, 25-6 sweep over the visiting Warriors of Foxboro. Rachel Veilleux led the way with 21 assists and 15 service points, Sydney Phillips added 11 kills and three digs, Michael Palumbo finished with five kills and five aces and Elise Pereira chipped in with four digs and three aces.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – North Attleboro picked up a win on the road with a 25-17, 22-25, 25-10, 25-13 decision over Taunton. Kezia De La Cruz recorded a team-high 18 kills and added six aces for the Rocketeers while Amelia Murphy added seven kills and four aces.

Sharon, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Sharon pulled out its second straight five set win, this time on the road at Oliver Ames (14-25, 25-22, 25-21, 22-25, 15-6). Oliver Ames’ Sadie Homer had 19 digs and two aces, sophomore Ally Kemp had 33 assists and three aces, senior Katie Flynn had 10 kills, senior Jackie Kandar added eight kills and three assisted blocks and sophomore Jordyn Vella chipped in with seven blocks and four kills.

Golf
Canton, 155 @ Milford, 166 – Final – Canton’s Jack Goyetch earned match medalist honors, carding a low-round of 37 as the Bulldogs opened the season with a win. Joey Vaughan shot a 38 for Canton. Milford’s Riley Lynch had a team-low round of 39.

Sharon, 155 @ North Attleboro, 150 – Final

Girls Soccer: 2017 Davenport Division Preview

2017 Davenport Girls Soccer Preview
The Davenport division is wide open in girls soccer in 2017 and the six teams will all have their sights set on competing for a title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Davenport Girls Soccer Preview

Canton

2016 Record: 10-8-2
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Semifinal
Coach: Kate Howarth

For each of the past two seasons, Canton has finished second in the Davenport division and, with only three seniors graduating from the 2016 roster, the Bulldogs are poised to make another run at a league title this fall. Enthusiasm is also high after a strong closing stretch to last year, which included a draw with Kelley-Rex champ Mansfield and playoff victories over Greater New Bedford and Milton.

Senior Riley Duserick is the focal point of the Canton midfield and her ability to open space, pick out the right pass, and shoot from distance gives the Bulldogs a consistent threat in the attack. Junior Julia Hamilton emerged last season as a solid counterpoint to Duserick in the heart of the midfield with her tenacity and speed adding even more cover to the back line. Sophomores Lauren and Morgan McCabe will be added to the midfield options after strong rookie seasons. Lauren Fitzpatrick could see more time up front to replace the graduated Hannah Link and Tessa Cudmore and head coach Kate Howarth expects several freshmen to contribute as well.

The defense had inconsistent moments early in 2016, but the Bulldogs seemed to figure things out midway through the season and with the back four all returning defense should be a strength for Canton. Seniors Sarah Connolly and Carly Hutchinson will lead the defensive unit and junior Sarah Collins brings energy and speed from her right back spot.

“We are working really hard every day to get better at the little things that will push us beyond being a good team this season,” Howarth said. “I think our biggest weakness last year was consistency, so if we can get ahead of that right away we will be in a much better place than we were last year.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 11-9-0
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Stalcup

Foxboro had an inconsistent 2016, but demonstrated the talent in the program by beating perennial power Notre Dame Academy in the first round of the playoffs and nearly going on the road to beat Medfield in the second round, only to fall in a penalty shootout. The Warriors have seven returning players, so this will be a young team in 2017, but new head coach Katie Stalcup will be familiar with those players after her stint as the JV coach last year.

The Warriors will be able to count on senior Lily Sykes. The four-year starter is one of the most dynamic players in the league and is capable of dominating the midfield by beating a defender off the dribble or picking out a defense-splitting pass. Senior Shaina Abbott will be one of the forwards that Sykes will be looking to set up, while senior Olivia Dantona adds speed on the wings. Senior Mackenzie Cusack is also back to lead the defensive unit along with junior Alex Stamatos.

Stalcup is counting on a number of young players to step in and contribute right away. Sophomore Lizzy Davis played for Stalcup on JV last year and brings speed and physicality to the forward position. Among the freshmen that will be on the roster are midfielder Katelyn Mollica, forward Jordyn Collins, and defender Emma Dahl.

“I am very excited about being the new varsity coach this year,” said Stalcup. “We have seven returning varsity players, four seniors who are all captains and five very impressive freshmen on the team for this season as well as some great players coming up from JV. We are a young team, but I am excited to see how well we can play together.”

Milford

2016 Record: 5-9-4
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Jay Mastaj

Milford is looking to bounce back from a five-win season to challenge for a spot in the state tournament this fall. The Hawks have a roster filled with youth and bring the majority of the starting lineup back and head coach Jay Mastaj is confident that the talent is there to make a push up the table and compete with the top teams in the league.

The Hawks are deep and experienced on the back line and the defense could be a real strength for Milford this season. Seniors Rachel LeBlanc and Brianna Braza will be the leaders in the heart of the defense and will try to keep everyone organized. Senior Leeanne Kibbee will lead the attack and will be counted on to finish off chances created by senior Maggie Boyle and sophomore Ashleigh Starks, who will look to create from the center of midfield.

Mastaj said of the attackers, “The combination brings strong skills, familiarity and solid varsity experience.” He is also excited about the younger players and what they can bring to the table this year, including sophomores Madelyn Boyle, Julianna France, and Annie Flanagan.

“This season we expect to be very competitive across the entire league,” Mastaj added, “and with a little bit of luck we believe we can challenge for the top of the Davenport.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 14-4-2 (Davenport Division Champions)
2016 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Bill Wallace

Despite changing coaches midway through the 2016 season, North Attleboro rolled to its first league title in its first season in the Davenport division. The Rocketeers racked up 14 wins and a goal differential of plus-40. Expectations are even higher coming into this fall with North returning a roster filled with experienced upperclassmen.

URI-commit Haley Guertin is the player to watch for the Rocketeers, as the senior forward is both a goal threat and also a playmaker who consistently opens up opportunities for her teammates. Her 37 career assists is tied for the most in program history. Head coach Bill Wallace said that there is a change in systems coming up front, but with Leah Jette and Ashlyn Gaulin joining Guertin, North will have a formidable attack.

In the midfield, Aine Mendonca returns to hold things down in the center of the pitch. Her poise in posession and ability to break up opposing attacks is critical for the Rocketeers. Of course, if anyone gets through, HockomockSports.com Best XI defender Rachel LaBonte and fellow senior Emily Chiasson are on hand to clean it up. North also returns both Nina Beauvais and Emma Noreck in goal.

“We should be up tempo and have a lot of depth,” said Wallace. “These kids have played together for years and generally care about each other. As always, the Hock is a ‘bear’ of a league and for us to continue last years success we are going to have to work hard and continue to improve!”

Sharon

2016 Record: 7-9-2
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Brad Furnival

Sharon narrowly missed out on reaching the playoffs last season under first-year head coach Brad Furnival. This year, making the playoffs could be even more difficult after the team lost nine seniors and seven starters from last year’s team. The Eagles will be building with youth this fall and gaining experience for a number of new faces.

One returning player that the Eagles will be counting on is senior Ally Filipkowski, who is coming off an exciting summer that saw her named to the U-20 Puerto Rican national team. The George Washington-commit is one of the most talented players with the ball in the league and she will be tasked with creating most of the chances for the Eagles. Senior Sabrina Robbins will step into a leadership role at the heart of the Sharon defense this fall and will be counted on to organize a young group.

Among the new faces to watch is junior Maxine Gordon, who will be starting in the attack this fall and is hoping to build off her experience from last season to be a consistent goal scorer. Sophomore Bella Berger is another player that Furnival believes could be in for a strong season. Berger will be influencing the game from the center of midfield.

“This season will be more of a transition season for Sharon girls,” Furnival said. “We have a very young team so the vision for this team is a couple of seasons down the line. We are hoping to continue playing an attacking brand of soccer and are looking forward to coming up against some top opposition that the Hock will pit us up against.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 0-17-1
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Tara Daniels

Stoughton has been in a rebuilding mode for the past couple of seasons, but entering 2017 head coach Tara Daniels is making changes to the formation and counting on an experienced back line to get the Black Knights moving up the table in the Davenport division.

The leader for Stoughton is senior Sarah Widrow, who was the team’s lone league all-star last fall and impressed during the HockomockSports.com Charity All-Star Game. As an attacking fullback, Widrow pushes the Black Knights forward and adds vocal leadership to the back line. She will be joined at the back by the speedy Gabriela Diaz, who was converted from striker to defender. Senior Mia Greene will be the focal point in the midfield to try and keep possession for Stoughton.

Sophomore Chinazo Odunze returns from a injury-shortened season to lead the line for the Black Knights attack. She had a strong start to her freshman campaign before her injury and Daniels calls her combination of speed and physicality a “game-changer” for the attack.

Daniels said, “This season we are trying a new formation to give us more offensive opportunities…Staying healthy and in good shape is key to a successful season. We are looking to step up our possession game and having more of an offensive push this year.”