09/04/201709/04/2017

Girls Soccer: 2017 Davenport Division Preview

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.”

06/09/2017

Rocketeers Battle But Fall to Top Seed in Semis

North Attleboro softball — North Attleboro’s Sam Courtemanche lays down a bunt against Silver Lake. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

TAUNTON, Mass. – North Attleboro came into Thursday night’s Div. 1 South semifinal against top seed and unbeaten Silver Lake at Taunton High’s Jack Tripp Field as the heavy underdog. The Rocketeers were the No. 12 seed, had three freshmen in the starting lineup, including a freshman starting pitcher, and were playing their fourth game in seven days.

When the Lakers jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning, the game seemed like nothing more than a formality on Silver Lake’s path to the sectional final, but North did not go quietly and continued to battle all the way to the final out, making the top seed work for the win.

In the end, Silver Lake had too much for North Attleboro, pulling out a 12-5 victory and setting up a match-up with No. 2 seed Milford in Saturday afternoon’s South final. Despite the defeat, North coach Bill Wallace was proud of how far his young team had come this season.

“I like how they didn’t give up…and it’s hard,” said Wallace. “Even when it was 11-3, we’re still banging hits and, you know, we had the bases loaded…I’m thrilled with the way the kids played this year.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

The Lakers looked every bit the top seed with six runs in the first two innings. A two-out single by senior pitcher Jill Richards scored an unearned run in the first and in the second inning the Lakers sent 10 batters to the plate and brought home five runs, including a two-out, two-run single by senior catcher Emily Critch.

Trailing 6-0 and with no hits through two innings, the Rocketeers could have rolled over and called it a spring, but instead North showed signs of life in the third and cut the lead in half.

Freshman Ashley Cangiano (4-for-4) and junior Andrea Miceli started the inning with singles and freshman Abby Gallagher reached on an error to load the bases. The Lakers got the first out at the plate but senior Megan Barlow drew a walk to get North on the board. Senior Liz Morehouse followed with a two-run single off the glove of Silver Lake shortstop Caroline Videtto.

The Lakers responded in the bottom half of the inning with another five runs to break the game open again. After freshman Bella Erti got a comebacker for the first out, the Lakers had five straight hits, including a two-run single by Videtto to make it 11-3 heading to the fourth.

Wallace said of Silver Lake, “That team can rake. They get the barrel on the ball quite a bit.”

Gallagher got one back for North in the fourth with a sacrifice fly to left that scored Cangiano, who had somehow gotten to third on the play before with an unorthodox slide to avoid the tag.

In the fifth, the Rocketeers got a fifth run with a two-out rally. Pinch hitter Amelia Murphy, who has battled injuries all season, reached on an infield single, took second on a wild pitch, and then scored on a single to center by Kristina Murphy.

After a rough start, Erti settled into her start and, despite having pitched a complete game against Marshfield just a day early, seemed to get stronger as the game went on. She retired eight Lakers in a row between the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

“Bella is a freshman and she just kept gutting it and gutting it and I couldn’t be any prouder of her,” said Wallace. “She’s a tough nut and when you’re a freshman you have the weight of the seniors on your shoulder and all the upperclassmen and she’s handled it great. She’s very coachable and she’s just going to get better.”

In the top of the sixth, North had the chance to make things interesting when Cangiano and Miceli started the inning with singles, but Richards struck out Gallagher, Anna Battista chased down an Olivia Capobianco fly ball in foul territory, and Barlow lined out to second to end the inning.

“The kids just kept battling, but when you’re chasing you can’t do the things that get you there,” Wallace said. “We’re a little bit of a different team when we’re ahead than when we’re chasing runs, but we’ve got more dimensions.”

With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Alexandra Ruprecht reached on an error. Two batters later, Hannah Mitchell singled to right center for an unearned insurance run.

In the seventh, North continued to put pressure on the Lakers. Morehouse and Murphy each singled to get things started. Morehouse was forced out at third and Sam Courtemanche lined out to short before Cangiano got her fourth hit of the day to load the bases. Richards closed out the hard-fought win with a strikeout.

While the night ended in defeat for North Attleboro (14-7), there is plenty for the Rocketeers to be optimistic about. Six of the nine starters will be back next season, including Erti in the circle.

“If you could’ve told me at the beginning of the year that we’d be standing here in the semifinal, I’d say that’s great, but not only did they get it but they got to live through the four games to get here.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

06/04/2017

North Attleboro Upsets Taunton In D1 South Showdown

TAUNTON, Mass. – North Attleboro head coach Bill Wallace knew he had the game plan to beat Taunton, it was just a matter of execution.

All 12th-seeded North Attleboro had to do was play perfect.

Mission accomplished.

Big Red was nearly flawless on the defensive end, came up with timely hitting and walked away from Jack Tripp Field with a 4-1 upset win over fifth-seeded Taunton.

“We played nearly flawless tonight – and that’s how you have to play to beat a team like Taunton,” Wallace said. “You have to play as sound as possible. We got a few breaks and that’s what we needed.”

Freshman Bella Erti pitched a complete game for the Rocketeers, scattering eight hits and one walk and struck out won to earn her second straight postseason win.

“Bella pitched great tonight,” Wallace added. “The good thing was that they didn’t see her the first time around (an 8-1 win by Taunton). That was a new wrinkle coming in. Especially when you draw someone from you own league, you usually see a pitcher you’ve seen before. She made two big plays in the field too.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

It took Taunton just three batters to take the lead in the bottom of the first. Sophomore Jaime Brown led off with a single, advanced to second on a sac bunt from junior Liane Duarte and scored on an RBI double from junior Kya Enos to put the Tigers ahead early.

The Tigers had at least one runner on base in every inning after that except for the sixth and had a runner reach third in three of those innings but couldn’t get another run in.

“[North Attleboro] played a great game,” said Taunton head coach Dave Lewry. “I told Coach Wallace after the game that they executed everything the way it should be executed. And he said that’s the only way to beat you – to be perfect. And they were damn near perfect tonight. They played a real solid game defensively, they got key hits when they had to and they took advantage of our mistakes. That usually turns the tide, especially in tournament time.”

Big Red took a couple of innings to get its offense in gear. The Rocketeers went down in order in both the first and second inning and had just one hit in the third – an Andrea Miceli single – and just a two-out single from Erti in the fourth.

North finally broke through in the fifth inning. Sam Courtemanche reached after a throwing error to first and took second on the same play. Freshman Ashley Cangiano laid down a bunt and beat the throw to put runners on the corners for Big Red.

With both the infield and the outfield playing in, Abby Gallagher laced a hard grounder up the middle, the ball hitting the edge of the outfield grass and hopping over Taunton’s center fielder. Both runs came in to score and Gallagher took third on the play.

Meg Barlow delivered a single in the next at-bat to plate Gallagher and give North Attleboro a 3-1 lead.

“This place has been a house of horrors for us over the years,” Wallace said. “One reason is that Taunton has had such a great program over the years and the other is that when you get to the state tournament and in the semifinals and finals, you play great teams. This is a great memory for the girls to get the win here.”

Taunton was close to coming up with a big response in the bottom of the fifth. Enos reached on an infield error and went to third on a one-out double to right field from MacKenzie Handrahan. A line drive to center was snagged by Olivia Capobianco and she fired a strike home to get the runner on the tag up, ending the threat.

“That was the play of the game,” Wallace said of Capobianco’s throw.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

North Attleboro pushed an insurance run across in the top of the seventh. Gallagher reached on Taunton’s sixth error of the day and moved to second on a sac bunt from Capobianco. Barlow just just a piece of the ball, putting it in the dirt right in front and the throw from first hit both Barlow and Taunton’s first baseman, allowing Gallagher to score.

“They executed better than we did and they deserved to win the game,” Lewry said. “We hit the ball pretty well most of the night, made good solid contact. But they made the plays, that’s the difference in the game”

Taunton threatened once again in the bottom of the seventh inning with Duarte (error) and Enos (walk) reaching with two outs, but Erti got a line drive to Cangiano in left field for the final out.

North Attleboro softball (13-6) advances to the D1 South Quarterfinals and will take on the winner of #4 Marshfield (15-3) and #20 Mansfield (13-8) on a date and time to be announced. Taunton finishes at 17-5.

04/05/201704/21/2019

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

Attleboro

2016 Record: 2-18
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Mark Homer

Attleboro struggled through a difficult 2016, the first season under new head coach Mark Homer, winning only two games while giving up a league high 177 runs and scoring a league-low 46. Heading into this spring, the Bombardiers will be counting on a group of young players to try and turn things around and it seems to be working so far, as Attleboro has played two games and already matched last year’s win total.

One of the true bright spots from last season was freshman pitcher McKenzie Bergdoll, who showed flashes of the potential to be an ace for Attleboro, and this season she will be counted on to keep the Bombardiers in games and to provide big hits from the three-spot. Julia Woyton will be behind the plate this year while senior Ilea Caverley and junior Casey Whelan (outfield) and Jordyn Lako (second base) are the few returning players on the roster.

The Bombardiers are going to turn to youth this spring with freshman MacKenzie Killough taking over at shortstop. Freshmen twins Emma and Jenna Gittle will add depth to the Attleboro pitching staff and classmate Ashley Macia will take over in centerfield. Homer also said that there were underclassmen who would provide speed off the bench.

“The expectations are to play hard, be committed and get excited with every game and practice that they take part in,” said Homer. “With the added depth in each position this year, the girls hope to gain advantages from the previous year and reach their set goals for the season.”

Canton

2016 Record: 3-17
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Jennifer Robillard

Former King Philip and Sacred Heart University shortstop Jennifer Robillard takes over the Canton program this spring with the hope of bringing some of the success that she enjoyed playing for two state champions and a Division I college to the Bulldogs, who are coming off a three-win season.

The Bulldogs will be looking to their experienced players to help turn things around in 2017, including seniors Molly Loughran, Taylor Carrington, and Julia Ezepik and junior Hannah Jerrier, who are all captains this spring. Jerrier and Ezepik will start the season injured, but Robillard is hoping that other players can step up until they return. Canton will have depth in the circle, as both junior Caitlyn Cahill and freshman Caroline Hughes will see action at pitcher.

Lillian Carrington and Samantha Keefe are two other players that will be counted on to contribute and both provided home runs in a loss to Mansfield in the second game of the season. Robillard is excited about the opportunity to get back into the Hockomock League and she sees a team that “wants to learn.”

“This team has a lot of potential. If we can tap into this potential, I truly believe that we are going to take teams by surprise,” Robillard said. “I am here to share my passion for and knowledge of the game I love with these girls. It is important to me that these girls learn how to be strong, independent and respectful young women.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 9-13
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round
Coach: Mark Maguire

In 2016, Foxboro finished 6-10 in the Hockomock League but got its chance to play in the postseason and took advantage with a preliminary round win over Westwood and a near-upset of Abington in a nine-inning classic. The Warriors will hope to build on that experience this spring with a number of key players returning.

League all-star Hannah Davis is back behind the plate for the Warriors and will be one of the top hitters in the Hockomock. Davis will likely be in the three-spot in the lineup and right behind her will be senior Kelly Fisher, who head coach Mark Maguire called one of the best first basemen in the league. Kelly McCarthy will try to set the table for the power hitters in the lead-off spot.

Sophomore pitcher Emma Rohan is back in the circle and Maguire expects that she will compete every game and build on her rookie campaign. Behind Rohan, Cam Willis will moved from second base to short and Chelsea Gibbons will provide good ‘D’ and a solid bat at third. Lefty Lexi Buckner could grab the second base spot and senior Jamie Gorham could provide an unexpected boost as a first-year player in the outfield. Mandy Ryan and Kayla Wheatley are two of the players coming up from JV that Maguire is hoping will step in to provide depth.

“They’re all working hard and they’re ready to build together as a team,” said Maguire. “The expectations are really to compete every game.”

Franklin

2016 Record: 12-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Kate Fallon

Once the rains go away for a few days, Franklin will be able to open its new field and make official its move back to the high school after a couple seasons playing at Dean College. The Panthers are excited about the new facility and about the team’s potential for success this spring with seven returning starters from last year.

Leading the way is third baseman, and four-year starter, Olivia DiGiacomo, who has been a mainstay at the hot corner and provides leadership for the infield. To her left is shortstop Alyssa DaSilva, a three-year starter with two years of experience at short. Sophomore Allie Shea is back at first base and senior Clara DeCarvalho is back behind the plate and poised for a “breakout season,” according to head coach Kate Fallon. The outfield is also filled with veterans, including seniors Rachel Cousineau in left and Olivia Haba in center.

The seventh starter is senior Alex Niss, who started as a pinch hitter last season before taking over the DP role and turning into one of the top power hitters in the Hockomock League. The Panthers should be solid defensively and at the plate and Fallon is hoping that sophomore pitchers Jackie Cherry (who carried a shutout into the seventh in the season opening loss to North Attleboro) and Emily Valentino can make an instant impact in the circle.

“Win 11 games and make the tournament again,” said Fallon when asked about the expectations for the team this season. “I expect the seniors to provide leadership and be role models for the underclassmen. It’s always a dogfight in this league…but I think we are a good team.”

King Philip

2016 Record: 24-4
2016 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Norm Beauchemin

King Philip comes into 2017 on the back of its third state title in the past six years and, while expectations remain high for one of the region’s top programs, there are key pieces from last year’s team that need to be replaced in order for the Warriors to get back on top in the Kelley-Rex division and in the state.

The biggest absence this season is, of course, pitcher Kali Magane, who is now in the circle for Boston University and who was dominant during KP’s playoff run a year ago. Senior Jenn Hutnyan will step in to be the team’s starting pitcher after several starts and relief appearances in the past two seasons. Hutnyan will also be an important bat in the lineup. Junior Brie Lacy will be back behind the plate to help Hutnyan and head coach Norm Beauchemin noted that junior Jessica Bonner will be a solid defensive third baseman.

KP rarely rebuilds and almost always reloads for another title push. This year should be no different with a lineup that features several familiar names from last season’s title run, including sophomore Meghan Gorman and juniors Brooke Taute, Elise Pereira, and Hailey McCasland. Each of those players had important roles last season and will be ready to step up for the Warriors this spring as KP tries to regain the league title after Taunton ended its nine year run in 2016.

“Though it’s hard to replace last year’s seniors,” said Beauchemin, “we have a solid core of returning players ready to represent King Philip and its proud softball legacy.”

Mansfield

2016 Record: 13-9
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield is coming off a 13-win season that included a tournament win against Notre Dame Academy, but after four years of being able to count on Maddie Letendre in the circle the Hornets will be handing the ball over to a new pitcher this spring, although as it turns out only the first name will be changing.

Megan Letendre, who played shortstop as a freshman, will take over in the circle for the Hornets and her development as the No. 1 pitcher will go a long way to determining if Mansfield can repeat last year’s success. Pitcher is not the only position that needs to be replaces, as the Hornets will have a new catcher and three new infielders. Still, with nine returning players, there is plenty of experience on the roster.

Kara Bendanillo will move from third base to second, according to head coach Lori Letendre, and Megan Letendre will sometimes see time at second when not pitching. Liz Mackin will take over at first base, while Marissa Staffier and Amanda Giambanco will take the corner outfield positions. Mady Bendanillo will be back in center after an impressive first season for the Hornets.

“This is one of the hardest working teams I have had at Mansfield and they have been putting in a lot of effort to get ready for the season,” said Coach Letendre.

Milford

2016 Record: 17-5
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford has been the class of the Davenport division for the past four seasons and the Hawks come into 2017 with the expectations of being heavy favorites for another league title, but, with three seniors and nine juniors on the roster and eight starters returning, head coach Steve DiVitto is hopeful that the talent will translate to a deep run in the state tournament.

The Hawks are one of the few contenders to return not just one but two starting pitchers from last season. Senior Ali Atherton is back to be the primary option in the circle and the Southern New Hampshire-commit has been dominant at times in her career. If Atherton gets into trouble or needs a rest, junior Kelley Reichert has demonstrated that she is more than just a fill-in but can also shut down opponents. They will be pitching to sophomore Emily Hartman, who will step into the starting lineup this season.

There are very few question marks in this year’s lineup with junior Emily Piergustavo moving from second to short to replace Jill Powers, which is Piergustavo’s natural position and one she has played several times in the past year. Junior Jess Tomaso is back at first base and in the heart of the lineup where she will be joined by senior outfielder Maggie Farrell and senior third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua. Junior Kate Irwin will try to be the table-setter at the top of the order and juniors Maddy Bonvino (second base) and Shannon Cormier (outfield) will also be contributors.

“This has been a focused and driven group ever since the end of last season,” said DiVitto. “They have worked hard in the off-season and that was very apparent in the early stages of the season. We are excited to compete in the best league in the state, which will hopefully prepare us for a long run into June.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 11-10
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro returned to the postseason in 2016 and for the Rocketeers to get back to the tournament this spring it will be the younger players that will lead the way. Head coach Bill Wallace knows that his team will be “green” (with only four seniors on the roster), but he is excited about North’s athleticism and versatility.

Pitching may be North’s biggest strength this season with five players in the rotation, led by freshman Bella Erti, who won her first career start, and last year’s starter Amelia Murphy. Juniors Olivia DesRoches, Jaclyn Buckley and Abby Warren could also step into the circle to help out. Senior Sam Courtemanche will be behind the plate to help the pitchers.

Senior Liz Morehouse returns at first base and Andrea Miceli will be at second. Megan Barlow moves in from the outfield to take over at short (and provided the walk-off hit in North’s season opening win), while Murphy will see time at third when she’s not pitching. Olivia Capobianco will play center with Katherine Munley and Kristina Murphy in left and right with freshmen Ashley Cangiano and Abby Gallagher getting playing time.

“With only four seniors on the roster, I am hoping the learning curve will be brief!” said Wallace. “This may be the year we see a lot of pinch hitting and pinch running! For a young team, they are very focused between the lines!”

Oliver Ames

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames finished in second in the league in 2016 and qualified for the postseason, but that will be an even tougher task now that the Tigers have made the move to the Kelley-Rex division. Even with facing the likes of defending state champion King Philip twice this spring, head coach Lindsey Allison is optimistic that the 10 returning players have the experience to get back into the playoffs.

Senior Victoria Ziner will be the spark on offense for the Tigers this season, but OA also has a number of juniors that Allison said can “do some damage at the plate.” Among those players is Caroline Mahoney, whose bat “is still as dangerous as ever,” according to Allison. Freshman Katie Abreu will be a newcomer to watch for the Tigers as her versatility will make her a valuable member of the lineup.

The Tigers will bring back sophomore Kayla Georgeu in the circle and will be hoping that she continues to develop and keep OA competitive against the league’s top teams. Junior Alexis Campbell will be a second pitcher and also help out at second base.

“We have a solid 10 players returning from last year’s roster,” said Allison, “and we are looking to fill holes behind the plate, in the outfield and at first base this year. Definitely hoping to use some of the speed we have on our team to our advantage this year.”

Sharon

2016 Record: 4-16
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Deb Parker

Sharon is coming off a four-win season in 2016 but head coach Deb Parker believes that the Eagles have the potential to be a contender in the Davenport division this spring as long as the players continue to develop over the course of the season.

Although the Eagles are a relatively young team, Parker is counting on senior captains Clara Cook and Sam Marglous to provide the leadership needed to keep the team on the right track. Cook will be back in the circle for Sharon, while Marglous will be back behind the plate. Parker said, “Both have been solid contributors for their entire high school careers.”

Sophomore centerfielder Rebecca Clayman and shortstop Ally Small, who Parker referred to as “standouts,” will be the anchors of the defense. Freshman Shoshanna Lowe will step in to play third base and should have a positive impact in the lineup as well.

“I believe we have the right combination of experience, talent and drive to be a contender in the Hock,” said Parker. “This is a team that works hard every day to be better than they were the day before. They have great chemistry and our captains have done an excellent job leading them into the season.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Tim Norton

The Black Knights made a return to the state tournament in head coach Tim Norton’s first season in charge, and nearly pulled out a win against Braintree, and Stoughton will be counting on last year’s freshmen to continue developing and keep the program heading in the right direction.

One of the sophomores that the team will be leaning on is third baseman Jordan Lyons, who brings a strong bat to the hot corner and her leadership skills had her named a captain for this spring. Brianna Ferrandiz will take over behind the plate for Sam Tullis and Karly Estremera will move into the infield and continue to be the table-setter as the leadoff hitter.

Norton is excited to have depth in the circle with Shannon Flaherty and Gina Carafa both capable of racking up innings and “setting great examples on and off the field.” Stoughton will also have depth in the outfield with first-year starters Krista Michienzi, Val Whalen and Alessandra Loffredo.

“We were extremely fortunate in Stoughton last year to have such a strong freshman class with great senior leadership,” Norton explained. “This year that sophomore class is going to have to come into their own. While this team is young they got a taste of the post season last year and are hungry for more.”

Taunton

2016 Record: 22-2
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Dave Lewry

Last season, Taunton won its first outright league title, ending King Philip’s nine-year reign atop the Hockomock. It was a fitting coda to the impressive careers of Taunton’s senior class, but this spring the Tigers will now have to move forward with six new faces in the starting lineup, including at pitcher and the middle infield positions. Taunton typically reloads quickly and head coach Dave Lewry believes this year’s team has a plenty of potential.

Senior Courtney Fisher will step into the circle hoping to make a seamless transition from 2016 Player of the Year Aimee Kistner. Fisher tossed three shutout innings and had three hits in the season opener and got several opportunities to pitch in the past two seasons. She will be pitching to junior captain Kya Enos, who is making the move back to catcher after two seasons in the outfield. Other starters coming back include first baseman Katie VanZandt, junior outfielder Liana Duarte, and sophomore Jaime Brown, who is in her third year at third base.

The Tigers have always found young players who can step right in an make an impact at the varsity level and this year could be a breakout season for eighth grader Hannah Aldrich, who will take over from Jordan Wade at short. Sophomore Alexa White looks ready to step in at second, while senior Rebekah Lajoie and junior Hailey Medeiros are in line to start in the corner outfield places. Taunton could also get contributions at pitcher from eighth grader Kelsey White and freshman Jaylin Couto.

“While we lost six starters from last season, I am excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Lewry. “I expect there will be some growing pains with six new starters in the lineup, but with some seasoned veterans and good young talent we are optimistic that we’ll be competitive this season.”

11/10/2016

Season Comes to a Close For Rocketeers at Natick

North Attleboro girls soccer — Haley Guertin and North Attleboro gave top seed Natick a battle on Wednesday night before falling 2-0 in the D1 South quarterfinal. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

NATICK, Mass. – It was always going to be a challenge to take on the top seed in the Div. 1 South bracket on the road, but when Natick scored just six minutes into Wednesday night’s quarterfinal matchup, the road got even steeper for North Attleboro.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

The Rocketeers pressed and harried the Redhawks throughout the game and created several scoring opportunities, but were never able to find a breakthrough. Natick added a second with 20 minutes remaining and closed out a 2-0 victory that ends a roller coaster fall for North, which changed coaches midseason in the midst of winning the program’s first league title.

“I thought we played well,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We knew what they were, we new what we had to do, but they sprung the one kid open and she finished.”

The opening goal came after North had pushed forward into the attack. Ashlyn Gaulin had a chance when the ball was cut back to her in the box but the shot was sliced wide. Just a minute later, Natick broke quickly and decisively with Gwyn Godin starting things with a through ball to Sheila McQuillen who then laid it off to her right for a one-time finish by Julia Adelmann.

North goalie Nina Beauvais> would make two saves in the half but was largely untroubled, as the combination of Emily Chiasson and Rachel Labonte cleaned up most of the Natick attacks as they got near the final third. On the other side, North had several chances to find an equalizer.

Just two minutes after Natick’s opener, Emma Gaulin cut in from the left and took aim at the far corner, but her deflected shot was held by Natick keeper Ashley Bianco. Five minutes later Aine Mendonca, who had a solid box-to-box game for the Rocketeers, intercepted an outlet pass and let fly from 25 yards forcing Bianco into another save.

Ashlyn and Emma Gaulin combined on the left in the 17th minute before squaring to Haley Guertin in the middle of the box. North’s leading scorer tried to lay it off for Kayla Pasquel but the pass had a little too much on it and Bianco was able to smother the chance.

Gaulin and Guertin were a constant thorn in the side of the Natick defense and it started with the work rate on the defensive side of the ball. The forwards started the North pressure, set the tone, and pushed the Rocketeers up the pitch.

“They knew going into it that they were basically going to have to disrupt four at the back and that’s what they did,” said Wallace. “We had some shots, we had some chances. We were first to the ball a lot.”

Labonte nearly evened the score with a ridiculous effort in the 33rd minute as her free kick from the other side of half took one big bounce in the box, sailed over the head of Bianco, and went just wide of the post.

In the first minute of the second half, North’s pressure again created a chance when Emma Gaulin stole a pass on the right and hit an early cross that found Guertin’s head but again the shot flashed wide. North took a different tack in the second half, backing off the Natick back line and allowing sideways passes but keeping the pressure high in the middle of the pitch.

“They play laterally very well,” said Wallace. “In the first we chased a little bit, in the second half we tried to play low pressure up top and press in the middle.” When asked how tough it was to break Natick down, especially after it took the lead, Wallace admitted, “I think they’ve only given up three or four goals all year.”

In the 58th minute, the home team doubled its lead. A free kick was given just in front of the North bench and the ball was played into the box by Rachel Jasinski. Godin rose highest at the back post and nodded it back towards the penalty spot where McQuillen was waiting to side foot the ball home for a 2-0 advantage.

Wallace said, “She got in behind the defense and on free kicks, anything can be dangerous. Rachel was amazing on her free kicks. She was hitting it 50-60 yards.”

Three minutes later Guertin had a quick turn and shot from the edge of the box that went wide and Labonte had a free kick from a dangerous area but could not get it to dip in time. With three minutes left in the match, Mendonca stepped forward and hit a high, looping shot that Bianco watched land on top of the goal.

“We tried to switch the formation with the timeout [in the 67th minute]” Wallace said. “I thought Emily Chaisson handled it really well in the midfield.”

The Rocketeers finished the season at 14-4-2.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

10/30/2016

North Shuts Out Attleboro and Wins the Blue-Red Cup

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. – Last year, Attleboro was able to hold off the Rocketeers with a strong defensive performance and claimed the annual Blue-Red Cup by a single goal. On Saturday afternoon at William T. Kelly Field, North Attleboro came out strong right from the opening kick-off intent on reclaiming the trophy and avoiding the upset.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Emily Schromm scored early in the first half to break the deadlock, Haley Guertin had a pair of assists and sisters Ashlyn and Emma Gaulin each had goals, as North rolled to a 4-0 victory to close out the regular season.

“We took care of business,” said North coach Bill Wallace, who took over the team when Glenn Pasquel resigned midway through the season. “I told the kids before we played Foxboro that these games count just as much as the first game of the year, as league title games. It’s as important to get as many points as we can and we’ll worry about everyone else later.”

In both last year’s cup game and the first meeting between these two teams two weeks ago, Attleboro stymied the Rocketeers early, but the Bombardiers could not manage that this time around.

Guertin, a University of Rhode Island-commit, flipped a ball over the top of the Attleboro defense towards Schromm, who was making a run from midfield. Attleboro keeper Madison Brown hesitated, struggling to read the ball off the uneven Kelly Field pitch, and that slight delay allowed Schromm the time to run onto it and line up a shot through the five-hole to make it 1-0.

“Last time we played them, their goalie stood on her head and we didn’t score until about 20 minutes left,” said Wallace. “As the game goes on and you start to feel the pressure, the net gets smaller and smaller. So, it was important [to score early].”

North was relentless in the midfield with Britta Anderson, Grace McGoldrick, and Juliana Direnzo taking turns to control the middle of the pitch, as Wallace subbed regularly and at times sent in 10 players at a time.

Schromm had a second chance saved by Brown at the near post later in the first half and Guertin had a try from the edge of the box but it was easy for the keeper. The lone Attleboro chance was a long shot from Hannah Meier that Emma Noreck caught after a bounce.

There was nothing easy about the second goal however. Guertin, under pressure from Attleboro defender Jordyn Forte, rolled the ball out to the right for Emma Gaulin to run onto and the sophomore rocketed a shot into the top corner to double the North lead.

“The first half we were our own worst enemy,” said Attleboro coach Steve Santos. “My goalie hesitated on the first one and the second one the halfback didn’t follow her mark in and she finished it nicely and made us pay for it.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

With the confidence of a two-goal cushion, North started the second half brightly. Guertin had an early chance that went just wide of the far post and just out of the reach of Gaulin sliding in at the far post.

The best chance for Attleboro came shortly after when Kara Thornton turned on the edge of the North box and had a shot but it was straight at the keeper. Aine Mendonca nearly curled in a free kick for North’s third but moments later the Rocketeers added another and put the game away.

The chance came from the wings with Felicity Monfils making the run from outside to in behind the left back and she got to a through ball Haley Ferrin and just managed to get a toe on it before Brown could smother it. The ball rolled to Ashlyn Gaulin and she tapped it into the empty net.

Wallace said, “We tried to use the width today. Some stuff we saw on film was that we had more success going wide and crossing through. Part of that is you get away from [Forte] in the middle.”

Santos was urging his team to push forward more at halftime, but the Bombardiers struggled to get into the attack. He explained, “We haven’t had a good offensive year and sometimes when a team scores early, 2-0 at halftime is like being down 4-0. They don’t want to make a mistake and give up that third goal and we get trapped back here and teams come at us even more.”

North wrapped up the scoring in the closing minutes when Leah Jette capped a solid all-around game by getting free for a breakaway and cooly finishing past Brown.

While North celebrated with the Blue-Red Cup and gets ready for the state tournament pairings this week, Santos reflected on the season gone by for the Bombardiers (2-15-1).

He said, “My captains (Rebekah Entwistle and Chloe Vieira) are the heart and soul of this team. They’ve never quit and they’ve played through some injuries and adversity and my whole team fed off of them and their no-quit attitude.”

North Attleboro(13-3-2), which won the program’s first ever league title in its first season in the Davenport division, will await the pairings for the Div. 1 South tournament.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

05/20/2016

North Beats Stoughton, Books Return to Tournament

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. – After losing star pitcher Meg Colleran and a host of seniors, North Attleboro coach Bill Wallace knew that 2015 would be a rebuilding year for the program. The additional loss of shortstop Mycala Moody to injury only added to a long spring.

Coming into this season, the Rocketeers returned seven starters, including a healthy Moody, and added sophomore KP transfer Amelia Murphy in the circle. The expectation was a for a quick return to the tournament and on Friday afternoon North fulfilled that goal secured its place in the postseason.

Behind a four-hit, three-RBI day from Moody in the leadoff spot and three RBI from No. 2 hitter Jordan Sharpe, North beat Stoughton 13-2 for its ninth win of the season.

“It’s good to be back in,” said Wallace. “The kids are thrilled.”

He added, “They knew last year was going to be a tough year with the amount of seniors we lost, so I think they came in here knowing we had seven starters coming back thinking we’re going to be in the tournament.”

The North offense was clicking with Moody setting the tone in her first at-bat with a hard grounder through the infield that was missed by the right fielder allowing her to take third. Sharpe brought her home with a groundout and North had a 1-0 lead.

The Rocketeers would have 18 hits as a team against Stoughton pitchers Shannon Flaherty and Gina Carafa and every batter in the starting lineup had at least one. In addition to Moody’s 4-for-5 day, Liz Morehouse went 2-for-4, Kaylea Sherman went 2-for-3 with a walk, Amelia Murphy was 2-for-2 with a walk, and No. 9 hitter Gina Miceli chipped in with a 2-for-3 day and reached base three times.

Miceli acts as a second leadoff hitter for North, setting the table for the top of the order, according to Wallace. He said, “I’ve been tempted to move her up but she’s very comfortable. Last year she dealt with injuries and things like that and this year she came out, won the spot and is very happy in the nine spot and we are too.”

Stoughton had seven hits, three of them in the four innings that Murphy pitched, but the Black Knights showed a lot of pop at the plate.

Unfortunately for the visitors, a lot of those line drives went right at North players, including shots to Sherman in center and Sharpe in right in the opening inning and a line drive ripped to Moody at short that she turned into a game-ending double play by picking off a runner at first.

“We’re snake-bitten,” said first-year Stoughton coach Tim Norton. “We’re swinging the bats real well right now. Everything was line drives; I think there was maybe one, two pop-ups. They just made the plays.”

The Rocketeers broke the game open in the third with four runs. Sherman had an infield single to start it and Murphy followed with a singe to left. Kristina Murphy bunted past the charging third baseman to load the bases.

Megan Barlow hit a sac fly to left for the first run, Sam Courtemanche had a squeeze bunt to plate the second, Miceli’s infield single scored the third and Moody lined a single to center for the fourth.

“After the first two innings I was a little frustrated,” Wallace explained, “because we left five runners on base, but then we started mixing in the bunt a little bit, we squeezed one home there. Sometimes that gets teams going and lately it seems to kind of kickstart us.”

The offensive outburst continued in the fifth. North sent 12 batters to the plate and scored seven runs to put the game out of reach.

A Morehouse single and an Amelia Murphy double put two in scoring position with one out and Kristina Murphy singled to bring one run in. A fielder’s choice reloaded the bases and a wild pitch scored another run.

After a walk loaded the bases for a third time, Moody doubled down the left field line for a pair of RBI and Sharpe followed it with a single to right center for two more runs. North led 12-0 after four innings.

“It’s a young team,” Norton said. “They’re still learning how to play together. It takes time and I think they’re learning but yeah occasionally we’re going to have those lapses in communication. You don’t need to help a team like that.”

Stoughton did not give up. Abby Warren came in to relieve Murphy in the circle after the starter had to leave for a family event and the Black Knights got on the board.

A walk to Taylor Levine and an infield single by Jenivieve D’Andrea put two on with no outs and Samantha Tullis followed with an RBI single to center. Jordan Lyons reached on a fielder’s choice and Brianna Ferrandiz smacked a single to right center that scored one, but Tullis slipped rounding third and was caught in a rundown for the first out.

North tacked on an insurance run in the sixth with Morehouse’s infield single bringing in Moody who had led-off with a hit and stolen second.

The Black Knights came into the game on a four-game win streak and had already clinched a playoff berth, their first since 2012. Norton was happy to see his team ensure tournament qualification in his first season as head coach.

“We’re really excited,” he said. “The future is bright. I was blessed with taking over a program that had a lot of young talent coming up.”

Stoughton (10-8, 7-7) will travel to Milford on Tuesday. North (9-8, 8-7) will host Attleboro on Monday afternoon.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

04/25/2016

Mansfield Grinds Out Win Against Rocketeers

Mansfield softball — Freshman Madyson Bendanillo (11) scores Mansfield’s fifth run in a win over North Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

MANSFIELD, Mass. – Heading into the seventh of Monday afternoon’s Kelley-Rex match-up, Mansfield pitcher Maddie Letendre had 10 strikeouts but had only one inning in which North Attleboro failed to put at least one runner on base.

Letendre struck out the lead-off hitter and got a fly ball to the left fielder and it looked as though she would cruise through the frame and seal the win. But, Megan Barlow lined a two-out triple to left and then scored on an error that allowed Sam Courtemanche to reach. Gina Miceli slapped a single over the shortstop to put the tying run on base.

The Rocketeers’ lead-off hitter Mycala Moody was up next, but her bunt down the third base line was fielded cleanly by Kara Bendanillo to close out a 5-3 victory for the Hornets, which moves them into a tie for third in the division.

“Overall, very, very happy with the outcome,” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre after the game. “The thing I’ve been telling the girls all season is we need to play as a team. We’ve got a lot of new faces this year and we’re finally starting to play together as a team.”

Maddie Letendre finished with 11 strikeouts, but also allowed nine hits and a walk against a pesky North Attleboro lineup that saw seven different players record base hits. In the end, Letendre only allowed two earned runs and worked out of a number of jams to get the Hornets’ fourth straight win.

“She had the confidence out there,” said Lori Letendre. “She and Bri have been working together for four years now and I think they did a great job keeping batters on their heels a little bit and not knowing what’s coming next.”

North Attleboro coach Bill Wallace saw his team leave 13 runners on base, including nine in scoring position, and that proved to be decisive.

“That’s a killer; that’s almost two an inning,” he explained. “We had some good at bats and she mixes up her speeds enough that every at bat is a challenge. She would come up with the big strikeout and pop-up when she needed to.”

After North left two on base in the top of the first, Mansfield took the lead in its trip to the plate. Freshman Madyson Bendanillo singled to right to start the inning and after a strikeout, her twin sister Kara walked. North pitcher Amelia Murphy got a comebacker for the second out, but Rachel Carafa blasted a two-out double into left to plate both Bendanillos.

The Rocketeers answered back in the second. Kristina Murphy singled to lead-off and, after Letendre struck out the next two batters, Miceli, who had a pair of singles and reached base all four plate appearances, singled to left. Moody walked to load the bases and Jordan Sharpe came through with a single that scored two and tied the game.

It was not tied long. Brianna Homer started the third with a single to center and Jocelyn Reardon reached on a fielder’s choice. Liz Mackin dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move both into scoring position for Madyson Bendaillo, who lined a triple into left field to clear the bases.

“She’s all in,” said Letendre of Bendaillo, who went 3-4, reached base all four times, scored two runs and drove in a pair. “She’s a very smart player, but sometimes she tries to work outside herself and put it all on her shoulders…she’s understanding that she doesn’t need to get the big hit all the time, it will happen.”

Bendanillo came in with the fifth Hornets run on a ground out by classmate Megan Letendre. Mansfield nearly added a sixth in the third inning, but Carafa was thrown out at the plate by centerfielder Kaylea Sherman trying to score from second on a single by Homer.

Murphy allowed at least one base runner every inning, but seemed to settle into her start after the second inning. She finished with five strikeouts and allowed 11 hits, but only two hits over her final three innings of work.

“She settled down and the defense settled down too,” said Wallace of Murphy. “That team can hit. I know they lost a lot the last couple years, but they had some kids come up that can hit.”

North had a golden opportunity to cut into the lead in the fourth inning. Courtemanche doubled and Miceli and Moody each reached on fielder’s choices to load the bases with just one out and bring the coach out to speak with Letendre.

The senior pitcher caught Sharpe looking after a prolonged at-bat and then got Liz Morehouse to pop up to third to end the inning and escape the jam. In the sixth, North had two on with one out, but again Letendre got a big strikeout and then a grounder to second to end the threat.

After a rough week in which North lost to league leaders Taunton and King Philip, the Rocketeers are in the midst of another challenging stretch against division rivals. Wallace is pleased with the confidence that his team has shown against tough opponents.

“Now we’ve got Franklin, Mansfield, and Attleboro…nothing is going to be easy in this league,” he said. “They’re picking each other up, which I like.”

North Attleboro (3-3, 2-3) will try to bounce back against Franklin on Wednesday. Mansfield (4-2, 2-2) will try to keep the momentum going when Attleboro visits Wednesday afternoon.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

04/04/2016

Softball: Kelley-Rex Division Preview 2016

The 2015 HockomockSports.com Softball Player of the Year Kali Magane is back in the circle this year for King Philip. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

ATTLEBORO
2015 Record: 7-13
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Mark Homer

Attleboro comes into the spring hoping to make a return to the state tournament for the first time since it joined the Hockomock League. Head coach Mark Homer is confident that his team can score runs this year. Senior Sarah Vincent will return as the lead-off hitter and first baseman while classmate and fellow captain Olivia Kass will hit in the two-hole and play shortstop. Catcher Julya Carlson bats third followed by Julia Woyton and Mikayla Harnois, who will see time as the starting pitcher and at third base.

The pitching staff got a boost this year with a pair of newcomers – freshman McKenzie Bergdoll and sophomore transfer Makayla Vasquez – who Homer said will see time in the circle. Inexperience in the outfield remains a question mark for the Bombardiers but Homer sees potential for a big spring.

He said, “Although its been tough getting in the outdoor practices that we need, the team as a whole are very motivated and excited to get the season going. Our goal is to improve from last season and take it one game at a time and continue to work hard all season long.”

FRANKLIN
2015 Record: 14-10
2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South first round
Coach: Kate Fallon

For the past few seasons, Franklin has been solidly entrenched as the third best team in the Kelley-Rex division, behind KP and Taunton, and also a team with the potential to make a run in the tournament. This spring, the Panthers will look to sustain that success with a number of new faces.

Senior Maddie Connelly returns as one of the team’s leading hitters and is a strong defensive outfielder. She will be joined by classmate Julia Arms and by Olivia Haba, as the Panthers look to fill the void left by Erin Hanley’s graduation. Seniors Caroline D’Aprile and Emily Sawyer will take over in the circle and try to replace Sabrina LoMonaco. In the infield, Olivia Di Giacomo returns at third base and classmate Alyssa DaSilva is back as well.

While there are question marks coming into the season, Franklin coach Kate Fallon is still expecting a strong year. She said, “We have some holes to plug from last years graduates, but we have a very hungry group!”

KING PHILIP
2015 Record: 20-3
2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South semifinal
Coach: Norm Beauchemin

King Philip has long been the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex division and that should continue coming into this spring as well. Led by senior pitcher and defending HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kali Magane, the Warriors boast a strong lineup and one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Senior Ashley Hession will be back as one of the state’s top shortstops and centerfielder Christa Wagner gives the Warriors one of the fastest players in the state. Senior Caeli Bench and junior Jenn Hutnyan will bring experience as well.

Head coach Norm Beauchemin, now in his fourth year in charge, believes that the team has a roster filled with players that could win a game for the team. “As usual King Phillip is always considered to be one of the top teams in the Hock and this year should be no different,” he said. “Offensively we will have to take advantage of our scoring opportunities and the team does have some power hitters. It should be a real fun season and I can’t wait for it to start.”

MANSFIELD
2015 Record: 11-9
2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South preliminary round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield can enter a new season with confidence because the Hornets return senior pitcher Maddie Letendre, who is coming off a season in which she struck out 226 hitters and posted an ERA of 1.41 in more than 138 innings. Letendre will also be throwing to a familiar face, as classmate Brianna Homer will return behind the plate.

Outside of that, there will be a lot of new faces for Mansfield with six new starters. Jocelyn Reardon will be back and will play multiple positions this year, as head coach Lori Letendre shuffles a roster that includes a sophomore and four freshmen.

Although the team may be young, Letendre is keeping the expectations high. She explained, “I have a talented group of girls and am very happy with the progress the team has made in the first week of the season. I like our chances for making playoffs this season!”

NORTH ATTLEBORO
2015 Record: 6-14
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro is coming off a season in which it won six games, a far cry from a South sectional final appearance in 2014, but this could be a rebound year for the Rocketeers who bring back seven starters. Included in that number is senior Mycala Moody, who only played six games last year due to injury, and will be the starter at short and a big bat in the middle of the order.

Liz Morehouse returns at first and the outfield (Kaylea Sherman, Meg Barlow, and Jordan Sharpe) is back in its entirety. Sam Courtemanche will be behind the plate for North to catch returning pitchers Carolyn Wallace and Abby Warren. King Philip transfer Amelia Murphy could be added to the mix in the circle and in the lineup.

“My first thoughts are we will be a little sounder defensively,” said Wallace. “My gut says we will win more than six like we did last year but the league is so strong I wonder where they will come from.”

TAUNTON
2015 Record: 23-3
2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South final
Coach: Dave Lewry

Taunton reached the Div. 1 South final last season before falling to eventual state finalist Silver Lake. The Tigers bring all but two players (and one starter, Hock MVP Kelly Reading) back to try and make another run at the sectional title. Senior pitcher Aimee Kistner will be back in the circle, with additional help from Courtney Fisher, and adds a power bat to the lineup.

Fellow seniors Jordan Wade (shortstop) and Meghan Navarro (second base) shore up the middle of the infield while sophomore Kya Enos will take her speed into centerfield. Freshman Jaime Brown returns at third, Amber Wainwright will be the designated player, and Sarah Bagge will be behind the plate. Sophomore Liana Duarte will step into right field to fill Reading’s shoes.

It is a familiar roster and the Tigers are looking forward to familiar success in the league and in the tournament.

11/07/2015

Stowells Provide Goals For Franklin Against Walpole

Victoria Stowell (16) scored direct from a corner kick for waht turned out to be the game-winner against Walpole on Friday. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By Josh Perry, Managing Editor

FRANKLIN, Mass. – There was little energy on the pitch, the passing was far from crisp, chances were practically non-existent and it seemed like both teams were grateful that halftime was only nine minutes away so they could try and regroup.

It was exactly how visiting Walpole and coach Bill Wallace wanted the first 31 minutes to go.

“When you play them in the tournament that’s how it goes,” said Franklin coach Tom Geysen. “I’m lucky it didn’t come down to penalty kicks because that’s how they play.”

“They don’t generate a whole lot of offense, but it’s always close with them because they don’t give you much.”

Then Victoria Stowell stepped up and curled a corner kick into the top corner to give Franklin the lead and changed the outlook for both teams at halftime.

“The corner kick screwed up our plan,” said Wallace, who had taken over two weeks ago when head coach Erin Kearney went into labor. “We usually don’t play a formation with five at the back and I think they did a great job on one day of preparation.”

He added, “She hit a laser…what are you going to do? With a team like that, then 1-0 is like 3-0.”

The goal stood as the game-winner, but also sparked a much-improved second half for the Panthers who ran out 3-0 winners and advanced to face league rival North Attleboro, which Wallace used to coach, on Sunday in the Div. 1 South quarterfinal.

There were chances in the first half, but all came within a four minute span. First Victoria set up her sister Alexis with a corner to the far post but the forward could not keep her header on frame.

Two minutes later, Walpole had a golden opportunity when Franklin’s normally rock solid defense allowed a player clean through on goal, but she dragged her shot wide of the post.

The Rebels had another chance shortly after when Meghan Dieterle and Dani Lonati had a miscommunication on a throw that bounced to Tayla Randall but she steered her header wide as well.

“The kids in the back, I don’t know if it was jitters or whatever, but they weren’t as tight as they usually are,” said Geysen. “I called timeout and told them to calm down on both sides of the ball.”

It was easier to calm down after Stowell’s “Olimpico” and at halftime Geysen reinforced his message that the Panthers needed to get back to playing their game.

“I said that you can’t allow them to be knocking you off the ball,” he explained. “I said, you have to put your big girl pants on an go after them and we kind of did that a little bit in the second half.”

Walpole was forced to come out of its shell a little in the second half and chase a goal, but also the Panthers started to move the ball with more purpose and make more runs off the ball to create scoring chances.

Victoria Stowell had the first chance on a free kick that skimmed the crossbar on its way past. Three minutes later and Alexis Stowell almost finished off a long throw by Ellie Teixeira, but Walpole keeper Kaitlin Brown did well to block.

Teixeira had a chance of her own after a good run forward by left back Abigail Gipson opened space in the middle but again Brown was on hand to make the save. Molly Duncan also had a chance from long range that forced Brown to back pedal and tip the shot over the bar.

With eight minutes to go, Alexis Stowell doubled Franklin’s lead. There was a mad scramble in the box, with several shots blocked by Brown and/or her defenders, and the ball popped loose to Stowell who managed to squeeze it inside the post.

Walpole had created no scoring opportunities since the opening minutes, so the lead looked safe, but Meghan Doherty ensured the win with a deflected shot from the edge of the box that gave Brown no chance.

Geysen hopes that the goal by Doherty and the performance of several young players will give them confidence against the Rocketeers in the next round. He explained that he writes a poem to the team before every game and that in this game’s poem he told them, “if you have butterflies that’s a good thing, it means you’re ready.”

He joked, “And some of them had more than butterflies.”

Franklin will host North Attleboro at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.