Boys Soccer Division 1
#39 Malden, 0 @ #26 Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin matched its best scoring output of the season in its playoff opener, rolling to a big win over visiting Malden. Senior Tyler Powderly finished off a pass from classmate Jack Moran to give the Panthers an early lead and Franklin never looked back. Sophomore Rex Cinelli scored back-to-back goals, his first two goals of the season on assists from junior Max Tobin (to make it 2-0) and from senior Kevin Proenca (to make it 3-0). Sophomore Sean O’Leary (from junior Will Krysak) scored to make it 4-0 while Jacob Crisileo (from Connor Brown) capped the goals with a late strike. Franklin will travel to #7 Framingham to take on the Flyers on Saturday at 6:00 at Bowditch Field.
#34 Attleboro, 2 @ #31 New Bedford, 1 – Final (PKs) – Sophomore Tyler Rocchio denied the Whalers’ on their fourth attempt to secure a win on the road for Attleboro, a 4-2 edge in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regulation. Sophomore Alex Vecchioli scored just three minutes into the second half, finishing off a pass from Billy Badger. In penalty kicks, Vecchioli, Esvin Morales, Cashel Stuger, and Kyle Neuendorf all scored to help the Bombardiers book a trip to the next round. Attleboro will travel to #2 Needham on Saturday at 2:00.
Division 2
#33 North Attleboro, 0 @ #32 Dartmouth, 1 – Final (PKs) – North Attleboro battled through regulation, overtime, penalty kicks, and into one extra round of penalties before falling to Dartmouth in a closely contested game. The Rocketeers saw its first five players convert from the spot but Dartmouth did as well, and it was the hosts who scored in the first additional round to get the win.
#36 Marblehead, 2 @ #29 Mansfield, 1 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this match. Marblehead took advantage of a slip at the back and a loose ball in the box to score once in each half and then held on to grab the road win. Michael Caridi’s long throw went off the fingers of the keeper in the 67th minute, cutting the lead to just one and setting up a an exciting finish. Mansfield had its chances throughout the match. After falling behind in the eighth minute, Matt Hyland nearly got onto the end of a pass from Andrew Bain but the keeper was out quick to smother and Daniel Checkoway had a shot that was cleared off the line. At the half-hour mark, the Hornets had a flurry of chances that started with a long throw on the far sideline. Hyland flicked on Dylan Buchanan’s throw forcing a great diving save. Off the corner, Ian Leeds drew another great save and Nate Kablik’s rebound effort was blocked on its way to goal. Checkoway then headed the ball towards goal and off the knee of a defender, sending it just over the bar. Hyland blazed over from inside the box and Connor Palinski shot wide after being played in behind the right back. Jack Lasbury-Casey made a big save on a breakaway in the final minutes to give Mansfield one last chance.
Girls Soccer Division 1
#38 Springfield Central, 1 @ #27 Attleboro, 3 – Final – The Bombardiers scored the first three goals of the match to seal a preliminary round win and advance in the state tournament. Jamie Davies scored the opening goal just four minutes in, assisted by Emily Khang, and then added her second of the day in the final minute of the first half. Bethany Alves assisted the second goal. Davies recorded her third point of the day when she set up Kahlan Gray for a third goal five minutes into the second half. Head coach Steve Santos praised his team’s energy from the opening whistle and said it was a “Great team victory!”
#37 Somerville, 0 @ #28 North Attleboro, 3 – Final – Steph McKenna scored a second half brace to lead the Rocketeers to a win in the Div. 2 preliminary round. After a scoreless first half, McKenna found the back of the net in the 45th minute, assisted by Charlotte Moynihan, and then doubled the lead seven minutes later, this time off a pass from Lily Adams. Emma Pratt closed out the scoring just before the half-hour mark, with Moynihan recording her second helper of the game. Brayden Rice had solid delivery from corner kicks that led to several second half chances. Caroline Ferrin, Brooke Sullivan, Haley Sinacola, Autumn Hewitt, and Summer Doherty dominated the midfield and defensive third for North, holding Somerville to only two shots. Maddie Ferrin earned her sixth clean sheet of the season.
Field Hockey Division 1
#29 Beverly, 0 @ #4 Franklin, 6 – Final – After a scoreless first quarter, Franklin scored three goals in just over a span of four minutes and the Panthers never looked back from there in a win over Beverly. Junior Payten Crandall broke through just over a minute into the second quarter and junior Kaitlyn Carney scored twice within a three-minute span to make it 3-0 at halftime. Kaeley Dubriske (from Kaitlyn Carney) had the lone goal of the third quarter while Shaw Downing (from Crandall) and Emily Carney had fourth quarter goals. Megan Sullivan made three saves to earn the shutout. Franklin will host the winner of the #13 Central Catholic/#20 Attleboro game on Tuesday with a time to be determined.
Division 2
#21 North Quincy, 3 @ #12 Mansfield, 2 – Final
#20 Wakefield, 3 @ #13 Milford, 1 – Final
#24 Westfield, 2 @ #9 Canton, 3 – Final – Canton overcame a 2-1 deficit, winning back-to-back sets to grab a win over Westfield, 3-2 (5-13, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 15-10). Syd Gallery had a great match for the Bulldogs with 10 kills, three blocks, and an ace while Jess Wright added 12 kills, a pair of blocks, and 10 digs. Anna Verille was amazing defensively with 18 digs along with four kills and two aces, and Taylor Reynolds added 33 assists, a pair of aces and six digs. “It was a great comeback match by the entire team!” said Canton head coach Pat Cawley.
Division 3
#22 Foxboro, 0 @ #11 North Middlesex, 3 – Final
Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 4 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – King Philip took an early lead but the visitors scored three goals before halftime and added an insurance tally in the second half to get the two points and stay in the Kelley-Rex division title hunt. Trailing 1-0, sophomore Billy Badger scored a pair of goals — the first off an assist from Alex Vecchioli and the second from senior Yianni Skordas. Skordas then extended the lead before halftime off of Vecchioli’s second assist of the season. Attleboro senior Liam Bischoff capped the scoring with a late strike off an assist from junior Esvin Morales.
Canton, 2 @ Sharon, 2 – Final
Oliver Ames, 4 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Oliver Ames scored four goals in the last 40 minutes of action to beat Foxboro, and combined with other results from around the league, clinched the Davenport division title outright. It marks the second straight Davenport title, the program’s third straight division crown, and the fourth in the last five seasons for OA. “I think we just started to relax and play our game,” said OA head coach John Barata. “To achieve that with this new group, I’m very happy for him. Our first goal is always qualifying for the the tournament, the next is to win the league and we’ve done those too…the third is to see what we can do in the tournament.” Foxboro took the lead in the 18th minute when senior Matt Angelini was taken down in the area. Angelini deposited the penalty kick low to the left and that 1-0 advantage held up to halftime. But it didn’t hold long into the second half as OA struck less than a minute into the second frame. Michael Haikal’s shot was denied on a good save by Derek Axon but senior Clide Neau, back in his first game after missing a handful of games due to injury, was first to the rebound and touched it over the keeper and into the net. OA doubled the lead 15 minutes later as Haikal blasted a free kick over the wall and in from 25 yards out. Foxboro nearly drew level in the 62nd minute when sophomore John Hollis whipped in a cross that was met by junior Alex Penders, but his header was stopped on a diving save from OA keeper Drew Hall, who was forced into the match due to an injury that happened on the penalty kick. “Drew had a fantastic save, what a save for a freshman,” Barata said. OA tacked two more within a five-minute span; first a free kick from just over midfield from Mathias Taylor was finished off at the near post by freshman Casey Milliken, and then Milliken played Neau in behind and he slotted a low shot past the oncoming keeper to the far stick.
Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Milford and Franklin scored just a minute apart in the second half as the teams each took a hard-fought point in a physical battle that felt like a playoff game. After a scoreless first half, Milford junior John Borges delivered a terrific cross from the right side and classmate Eduardo Santana made a nice run to the near post and finished to put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute. But Franklin orchestrated an immediate response as senior Jack Moran stuck with the play down the left wing, somehow keeping it in bounds around a pair of defenders before sliding a low cross that was finished at the far post by junior Will Krysak. Franklin’s back four, anchored by senior Aidan Griffth and sophomore Rex Cinelli, played well. Franklin goalie Griffin Tolonen made a point-blank save in the 74th minute while Milford keeper Kevin Gomes did the same in the final three minutes to preserve the draw.
Mansfield, 1 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Mansfield took down Taunton for the second time this season, snapping a six-game winless streak to get back in the win column. Senior Matt Hyland headed in a long throw from classmate Michael Caridi in the 24th minute for the lone tally of the game. Sophomore Ty Duffin earned his first career shutout in his first career start, making 10 saves for the win. Sophomore Derek McGrath filled in at center back for the Hornets and had a terrific showing to help the visitors get the shutout. Caridi, senior Ian Leeds, senior Kevin McCarthy, and junior Brendan Flynn also played well defensively alongside McGrath while Hyland, senior Danny Rowe, and juniors Dan Checkoway and Grady Sullivan all had a good game in the midfield.
Stoughton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final – Holding a 1-0 lead at halftime on an own goal, North Attleboro turned it on offensively in the second half with six different goal scorers to run away with a win over the visiting Black Knights. Sophomore Kaden Burns, junior Carson Dameron, senior Connor Ward, senior Patrick McDermott, senior Jaad Ismail (from junior Silas Brooks-Hedstrom), and senior Connor Bearer (from Joe Shepard) all scored (in that order) in the second half for the Rocketeers.
Girls Soccer
King Philip, 2 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro battled back from two goals down at halftime to earn a tie with KP and move the Bombardiers to the brink of tournament qualification. Emily Dunlea started the comeback with a free kick from 18 yards that cut the lead in half. Attleboro tied it on a run by Emily Khang, who fed the ball across to Zoe Johnson-Kiff for the finish. Bombardiers coach Steve Santos praised his team’s defensive effort and goalie Alexis Campbell for timely saves.
Sharon, 3 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton jumped out to a 4-1 lead and then held off a Sharon comeback in the second half to get back to .500 on the season. Emily McCabe continued her torrid scoring form with a hat trick and Anne Hoban returned from an injury that has kept her out for the past few weeks, scoring a goal in her final home game. Wendy Wooden got Sharon’s first goal, assisted by Olivia Soby. After the break, the Eagles got a brace from Autumn Simon, both goals set up by Sofia Goclowski. Amber Marcus-Blank played well defensively in the loss.
Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – With the win, and KP’s draw against Attleboro, Franklin clinched the outright Kelley-Rex title. Anna Grasso scored twice to lead the Panthers on senior night. Riley Fitzpatrick and Anya Zub each had a goal and assist, while Stella Regan and Emily Reilly each had assists for the Panthers.
Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield bounced back with a clean sheet against Taunton. Lyla Nappa, Carly Devine, and Gabby Smith each found the back of the net for the Hornets.
North Attleboro, 7 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – North kept its playoff hopes alive with a big win at Stoughton. Emma Pratt and Steph McKenna each scored a pair of goals to lead the Rocketeers. Caroline Ferrin opened the scoring by finishing off scrum in front of goal and Pratt doubled the lead off a Casey Butanowicz assist. McKenna made it 3-0 and then Pratt closed out the half with her second of the day, assisted by Brooke Sullivan. McKenna got her brace early in the second half, with Ferrin getting the assist, and Charlotte Moynihan added one from the spot. Butanowicz closed out the scoring with her first varsity goal, finishing off a Moynihan corner. Maddie Ferrin stopped a penalty to record the clean sheet. Samantha Tran played well and Abigail Durand made several big stops for the Black Knights.
Field Hockey
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – For Oliver Ames, Georgia Costello had the goal on a penalty stroke while Maddie Proia, Lily Gaskill, and Ava Costello all played well.
Volleyball
Foxboro vs. Westwood, 5:00
King Philip, 3 @ Medway, 0 – Final – King Philip earned its fourth non-league win of the season and improved to 18-0 with a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-11, 25-22) on the road at Medway, who entered the game at 14-2. Senior Gianna DiLorenzo had a stellar showing at the service line for the Warriors with 17 service points while Stella Bailey also played well overall with four aces and five digs. Ahunna James (seven kills) and Sami Shore (seven kills, three blocks) both played well at the net.
Boys Soccer
King Philip, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro netted a pair of goals in the second half to earn two hard-fought points at home against visiting King Philip. A long throw from sophomore Luke Hagopian played senior Connor Adema down the right wing, and Adema cut in before tapping a centering pass for an easy touch in front for sophomore Billy Badger in the 58th minute. The Bombardiers doubled the lead in the 67th minute when junior Lucas Marques forced a turnover, connected with Esvin Morales, who one touched it on to Alex Vecchioli and the sophomore’s shot eluded the keeper on the bounce.
Sharon, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Canton twice came back from a goal down in the first half and then Erik Valdovinos found a winner just three minutes after the break to lift Canton to the division victory. Adam Eastman scored twice in the first half for the Eagles. The first came after three minutes when he ran onto a through ball and side-footed his finish into the far corner. His second was in the 24th minute as he rounded the keeper and was able to slide his shot in from a tight angle. Dylan Baird equalized for Canton after a nice turn and a shot through a defender’s legs into the bottom corner. After falling behind again, Canton was able to get back level six minutes before halftime. A low cross from Jake McCabe was partially deflected by Jacob Crugnale into the path of Charlie McKinney and he curled it from 18 yards. Three minutes into the second half, Valdovinos hit a low cross from the left that deflected off a Sharon defender and into the corner for the go-ahead goal. Sharon’s best chance at a tying goal came on a breakaway in the final 10 minutes but Amjad Kordab’s shot was parried by Canton keeper Giovanni Ruggeri and cleared by Jay Kelleher.
Foxboro, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames scored once in each half to earn a key division win over Foxboro, pushing its win streak to five games. Senior Clide Neau put the hosts ahead in the first half, finishing off a pass from Antonio Fernandes. The Tigers doubled the lead in the second half when freshman Casey Milliken played sophomore Joey Carney for a goal. Mathias Taylor and Michael Haikal played well in the middle for OA.
Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – Franklin and Milford traded first half goals and the match finished level with each team taking home a point. The hosts struck first to take the lead when Jack Moran scored off of an assist from Rex Cinelli in the 14th minute. But just five minutes later, Bill Silva knotted the score on a pass from Avi Serri.
North Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – North Attleboro twice erased a one-goal deficit and then scored the final two goals in the last 20 minutes to take a win on the road over Stoughton. The Black Knights opened the scoring in the 16th minute only for North Attleboro’s Brody Rosenberg to equalize in the 35th minute, finishing off a corner from Connor Ward. Stoughton regained the lead early in the second half but Bryce Newth nodded in a cross from Griffin Rodden in the 57th minute to bring the game level again. Quinn Conley gave the visitors their first lead by finishing off a cross from Ward in the 64th minute and tacked on an insurance goal in the 71st minute off a feed from Carson Dameron.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 6 – Final – Ella Pisani and Mikayla Thompson each recorded a brace and KP scored three times in each half to pick up the big win and remain atop the Kelley-Rex. Pisani opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing a corner kick from Morgan Norrman. Thompson doubled the lead eight minutes before the break, after a great pass by Dani Lomuscio, and then added her second two minutes later, this time off an assist from Pisani. Pisani scored in the opening minute of the second half on a free kick. Norrman had her second assist, setting up Kylie Menendez to make it 5-0 and Sarah Harper wrapped up the scoring with four minutes to play after being played behind the defense by Danielle Gresham.
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Jordan Carman found the back of the net with four minutes left in regulation to lift Foxboro to a dramatic win and into a tie for first place in the Davenport division. Camryn O’Connor broke the deadlock with 25 minutes to play, putting the Tigers in front by a goal, but Kailee McCabe equalized from the penalty spot. Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said, “I am so proud of my team and the fight they gave today. All-around amazing effort by all!” Kyla Melton and Mary Cross both had strong games for OA.
Franklin, 4 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Anya Zub had a hat trick to lead the Panthers to the road win and keep them within two points of first place in the division. With three goals on Thursday, Zub hit double digits (12) for the season. Kelly O’Connor added the fourth for Franklin. Stella Regan, Bridget Leo, Reilly Lorenzo, and Tori Carmignani all had assists for the visitors. Kailany Ferreira had a big game for the Hawks, making 18 saves to keep the hosts in the game. Brooke Ferreira, Serena Borges, and Aislinn Bennett also played well for Milford, whose head coach Lou Colabello said he was proud of how his team competed despite not getting the result.
Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – Emma Pratt had a goal and an assist and North Attleboro earned its second straight win, moving back to .500 on the season. Steph McKenna opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, off a pass from Pratt. Autumn Hewitt set up Pratt for what turned out to be the game-winner, as Pratt was able to beat the keeper to the ball and finish. Sivannah Marcy got the lone goal for the Black Knights in the closing minutes. North coach Bill Wallace praised the play of midfielders Brayden Rice, Charlotte Moynihan, Brooke Sullivan, and Lily Adams. Stoughton coach Hermes Lima is hoping that his team can carry momentum from a solid performance into Friday’s game with Norwood. He highlighted Morgan Cook for her playmaking and Shayla Ford for being able to create scoring chances. Lima also credited Bianca Casna and Emma Byrne for being able to put pressure on the North defense.
Boys Cross-Country
Taunton, 24 @ Franklin, 32 – Final
Oliver Ames @ Canton, 3:45
Girls Cross-Country
Taunton, 40 @ Franklin, 21 – Final – Franklin took first and second overall, three of the top five, and used its depth to take a win over Taunton. Senior Charlene Peng clocked in at 20:20 for first overall while sophomore Alexandra Batla took second in 20:30. Taunton freshmen Colby Dunham (20:39) and Emerson Deponte (20:49) finished third and fourth, respectively, while Franklin sophomore Vivienne Loukota took fifth in 21:33.
Oliver Ames @ Canton, 3:45
Golf
Canton, 147 @ Taunton, 177 – Final – Canton’s Will Gefteas fired a two-under par round to lead the Bulldogs to a big win on the road. Gefteas came in with a two-under round of 34 for medalist honors while Mekhala Costello shot a 37, and both Conor Hunter and Mike Leonetti carded rounds of 38. Jack Gobin led the way for Taunton with a 38.
Mansfield, 164 @ Taunton, 177 – Final – Junior Drew Urban fired a 41 in his first varsity match, helping the Hornets pick up their 10th win of the season against Taunt. Senior Cian Goulet shot a team-low round of 39, senior Hunter Tang added a 40, Urban came in with a 41, and Jordan Tavares, Ryan Doherty and Nathan McLean all shot a 44. Jack Gobin earned medalist honors, leading Taunton with a low-round of 38.
Attleboro, 161 @ Milford, 170 – Final – Brendan Raymond earned medalist honors, coming in as the lone golfer under 40 for the day to lead the Bombardiers past Milford at Hopedale Country Club. Raymond shot a 36, Evan Houle and Leo Lombardo each carded a 41, and Jackson Sweeney finished with a 43 for Attleboro. Nate Lawrence led the Scarlet Hawks with a 40 while Ronan Fleming shot a 43.
Foxboro, 162 @ King Philip, 148 – Final – Mike Matheson had the best individual round of any Hock golfer this season as King Philip took down Foxboro. Matheson had three birdies (three, four, six) and added an eagle on the fifth hole to finish with a 31. Jared Curran added a 37 while both Pat Reardon and Gavin Croke shot a 40 for the hosts. Jack Watts led Foxboro with a team-low round of 37.
Oliver Ames, 150 @ Stoughton, 196 – Final – Oliver Ames senior Jo Jo Gaultier recorded four birdies and the Tigers rolled to a win at Easton Country Club. Gaultier birdied on two, six, eight, and nine to finish with a two-under medalist round of 34. Senior Jake Kaplan added a 38 in the win while sophomores Sean Kearns and David Rodgers each carded a 39. Anthony Hern led the way for the Black Knights with a 41.
Boys Soccer
Stoughton, 1 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Sophomore Alex Vecchioli’s second goal of the game turned out to be the game-winner for the Bombardiers in a win over Stoughton. With the game tied 1-1, Vecchioli pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box after a service from Luke Hagopian in the 68th minute to put the hosts ahead. Vecchioli opened the scoring in the 6th minute, taking a pass from Chris Russo before cutting it back on his left foot for a beautiful blast into the top corner at the far post from just under 30 yards out. Stoughton leveled the match shortly before halftime after a great hustle play from junior Joao Marotti led to an open shot from atop the area from freshman Alex Kozak.
Canton, 1 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip scored three goals for the second straight game to earn its second straight win, this time against visiting Canton. After trading early goals, the Warriors scored in the last 10 minutes of the first half and again in the first 10 minutes of the second half for their third win of the season. Matt Crago put the hosts ahead from the spot after Tommy Lomuscio was fouled in the 10th minute but Canton’s Erik Valdovinos equalized moments later to make it 1-1. KP regained the lead in the 32nd minute when Lomuscio finished off a feed from Dermott Amorim to give KP a 2-1 advantage at the break. The Warriors added an insurance tally in the 46th minute when Crago completed his brace on an assist from Sean McCarthy.
Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – In a well-played, hard fought match, it was the Franklin Panthers that secured two points after converting a late chance from the penalty spot. Sean O’Leary earned the pen in the 76th minute and senior Terry O’Neill stepped up and buried his shot for the lone goal of the game. Foxboro goalie Derek Axon received high praise from Franklin coach Fran Bositis for his strong play (12 saves) in net.
Sharon, 1 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Mansfield senior Matt Hyland scored with less than a minute to play to help the Hornets earn the win and take two points after it looked like the game was destined to finish level. The Hornets had the upper hand in the opening half and converted less than 10 minutes into the contest. Michael Caridi’s long throw in the attacking third was met at the near post by Hyland but his header was turned aside by a terrific reactionary save from Sharon goalie Brady Daylor. The ball bounced off the crossbar and back into play where junior Andrew Bain was quick to clean up the rebound for the lead. Sharon equalized in the 48th minute, becoming the first team to score against Mansfield this season, snapping a 537:15 shutout streak to start the season. Amjad Kordab played a perfectly weighted through ball behind the defense and junior Adam Eastman placed it far post pass the oncoming keeper to make it 1-1. In the final minute, Hyland cut the ball back onto his left while on the right sideline and curled a shot on net that beat the keeper and found the back of the net.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Milford, 2 – Final – Junior Eduardo Santana scored the go-ahead goal and assisted on the insurance tally — both coming in the second half — as the Hawks picked up a win over visiting North Attleboro. Santana put the hosts ahead on a feed from Alex Siquera and then set up David Desa to double the lead. Milford head coach Antonio Pinto praised the effort from his backline in the shutout.
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames pushed its win streak to four with a well-earned two points on the road against a game Taunton squad. Sophomore Joey Carney opened the scoring on a feed from Clide Neau, and the Tigers took that 1-0 advantage into the break. But the game changed quickly when Neau doubled the lead very early in the second half on an assist from Mathias Taylor. Taylor then capped the scoring with a goal assisted by freshman Casey Milliken. Sasha Priajinski picked up his third shutout of there season while Collin Lozano, Jake Williams, Antonio Fernandes, and Hector Bucio all played well defensive for OA.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Zoe Johnson-Kiff recorded her first career hat trick, leading Attleboro to its fourth win in the last five games. Jamie Davies opened the scoring the Bombardiers, from a Kahlan Gray assist. Johnson-Kiff scored the next three goals for the visitors. Emily Dunlea had a brace of assists and Kacey Parker had one helper. Olivia Calderone and Emily Khang both had solid games for Attleboro.
King Philip, 4 @ Canton, 0 – Final – KP went on the road and picked up its sixth win in six league games this season. Ella Pisani scored eight minutes into the game, off a feed from Dani Lomuscio, and it held up as the game-winner. KP added two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half to seal the win. Heidi Lawrence and Mikayla Thompson got the goals, both assisted by Morgan Norrman. Kylie Menendez made it 4-0 midway through the second half, assisted by Pisani.
Mansfield, 6 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – The Hornets made it back-to-back wins with a strong performance on the road. Tarynn Smith scored twice and assisted on two others to lead the Mansfield attack. Anna Darlington scored once and had two assists and Avery Hawthorne, Gabby Smith, and Courtney Crook also found the back of the net for the Hornets. Freshman Autumn Simon started in goal for the Eagles but then moved to forward late in the game and scored Sharon’s lone goal.
Milford, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North scored twice in the opening 10 minutes to pull out its third win of the season. Steph McKenna opened the scoring just four minutes in, finishing off a pass from Brooke Sullivan. Four minutes later, Emma Pratt ran onto a chip by Caroline Ferrin and made it 2-0. Haley Sinacola wrapped up the scoring with her third free kick goal of the season. Summer Doherty played well in the North defense, marking Milford star Dani Atherton. Maddie Ferrin saw five shots and penalty kick, but earned a clean sheet. Carli Guertin, Chloe Mearn, Kate Johnson, Morgan Eaton, and Jess Hennessey all played well for the Rocketeers.
Taunton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 9 – Final – Oliver Ames sophomore Lucinda Li Cotter scored four goals as the Tigers rolled to a big win at home. Katie Gibson added two goals in the win while Alexa Lane, Carly Gibson and Lindsay Nosalek each scored once for OA, who remained unbeaten at 6-0-1.
Field Hockey
Taunton, 0 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – Attleboro defended its home turf by earning a shutout win over visiting Taunton. Madison Ellis scored the lone goal of the game, finishing off a shot on assists from Olivia Hillman and Sarah McMahon.
North Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 5 – Final – North Attleboro took the lead on the road at Canton but the Bulldogs bounced back with five straight to take the win. Julia Puccio put the Rocketeers ahead but Ellie Bohane scored her first of two goals on the night to make it 1-1. Senior Erin Lane and Sophomore Maggie Mcready found the back of the net before the break for a 3-1 halftime lead. Junior Audrey Koen extended the lead for the hosts and Bohane tacked on her second to cap the scoring.
Sharon, 0 @ Foxboro, 7 – Final
Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final – Franklin built a three-goal lead by halftime then pumped in five more after the break as the Panthers stayed red-hot on offense in a win over Mansfield. Haley Wernig and Delaney Hess (first varsity goal) each scored two goals to lead the attack while Raena Crandall, Emily Carney, Kaitlyn Carney, and Ella Mahoney (first varsity goal) all scored once in the win. Shaw Downing, Kaeley Dubriske, Kendall Jones, and Kiera Kotwicki all recorded assists in the win.
King Philip, 4 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Sophomores Kelly Holmes and Mara Boldy each had multi-point games as King Philip bounced back from its first loss of the season with a shutout win on the road on the turf field at Woodland Elementary. Senior Margo Reilly and freshman Makenzie McDevitt also scored in the win while both Sydney O’Shea and Lily Brown had strong games for the Warriors.
Stoughton @ Oliver Ames, 3:45
Volleyball
Taunton, 1 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Attleboro shook off a close loss in the third set to take down Taunton in four (25-13, 26-24, 19-25, 25-20) for its fifth win of the season. Senior Natalie Brojek set the offense in motion with 26 assists and had a strong showing at the service line with six aces, freshman Julia Leonardo continued her stellar start to the season with 20 kills, and Lilly Boedeker anchored the defense with 21 serve receptions.
Sharon, 0 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final
North Attleboro, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Canton completed a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-15, 25-12) to earn a key victory over division foe North Attleboro. Sydney Gallery paced the attack for the Bulldogs with 10 kills and also had a great game defensively. Talya DeGraw had a strong all-around match with four kills, six digs, three aces, and two blocks, Taylor Reynolds recorded 26 assists, and Anna Verille put down 15 kills and added four aces in a good all-around team effort from the Dogs.
Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin got off to a strong start and then fended off a strong fight from the Hornets for a 3-0 sweep (25-10, 25-23, 25-22). Sophomore Taylor Lacerda recoded nine digs, eight kills, and two aces in the win while Brigid Earley added six kills and four blocks for Franklin. For Mansfield, Lexi Scibilia notched six blocks and a kill, sophomore Elyssa Buchanan added six kills, and Julia Kelly finished with four kills and four digs.
King Philip, 3 @ Milford, 1 – Final – King Philip dropped its first set of the season after a marathon first game but bounced back to take the next three in a win on the road over Milford (26-28, 25-8, 25-13, 25-11). Sami Shore (six blocks) and Ahunna James (three aces, three digs) paced the offense for the visitors with 15 kills apiece while Liv Carey added five kills in the win. Sofia Riedel had a big day at the service line with 29 service points won along with 11 digs while Samantha Asprelli added eight digs.
Stoughton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Oliver Ames took care of business at home, sweeping visiting Stoughton (25-11, 25-18, 25-10). The Tigers got key contributions from three different classes with senior Hadley Rhodes recording 15 assists and eight aces, junior Maddie Homer adding 14 digs and 10 serve receptions, and senior Sarah Hilliard finishing with 10 kills and five aces.
Golf
Franklin, 151 @ Attleboro, 152 – Final
Oliver Ames, 167 @ Mansfield, 155 – Final – Mansfield bounced back from a one-stroke loss at Pine Oaks to Oliver Ames by splitting the season series with the Tigers, earning their eighth win of the year with a win over the Tigers at Norton Country Club. Senior Cian Goulet shot an even par medalist round of 36 to lead the way while sophomore Nathan McClean added a 39 and both seniors Hunter Tang and Ryan Doherty shot a 40. Jo Jo Gaultier led Oliver Ames with a 37 while Sean Kearns added a 39 for the Tigers.
Sharon, 173 @ Milford, 167 – Final – Milford broke into the win column for the season with a victory over Sharon at Hopedale Country Club. Anthony LaPierre and Jacob Hipolito both earned medalist honors by shooting a match-low round of 40 in the win. Sharon’s Nathan Daley also took a share of medalist honors with a 40 while Eric Carter added a 42.
Stoughton, 188 @ North Attleboro, 151 – Final – North Attleboro’s Tyson Laviano fired an ever par round of 35 to lead the Rocketeers to a win on the middle course of Heather Hill in a match against Stoughton. Jake Gaskin came in one-over at 36, Dillon Harding shot a 39, and Ishan Kohli finished at 41.
Boys Soccer
Milford, 1 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Milford scored 10 minutes into the second half and that was enough to earn two points on the road against Attleboro. Arthur Tome netted the long goal of the game, finishing off a pass from David Desa to put the Hawks ahead. Lucas Fernandes earned his first career shutout in net in his first start, forced into action due to injury.
Canton, 8 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Canton junior Jake McCabe scored twice and had two assists as the Bulldogs snapped a short two-game skid in emphatic fashion. Jacob Crugnale added a pair of goals and an assist in the win while Charlie McKinney, Caden Mirliani, Zack Dowling, and Drew Garrett each scored once.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Foxboro scored just minutes into the first half and Derek Axon notched the shutout in net for the Warriors. A blocked shot fell to the feet of sophomore John Hollis, who took a touch and ripped a blast on the bounce from 25-yards out that went just under the bar to put the Warriors on the board.
Franklin, 0 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Taunton junior Riley Rebello set up the game-winning goal in the first half and scored the insurance tally in the second as the Tigers improved to 4-0 on the season, matching their best start since joining the Hockomock League. Rebello set up freshman Ian Robicheau to put the Tigers ahead in the 33rd minute. Rebello put the game away with a nice shot from outside the area in the 63rd minute.
Mansfield, 1 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – Mansfield defender Ian Leeds made the play of the game, coming up with a clearance to preserve the win for the Hornets. The Warriors nearly got on the board but Leeds was there to keep it out and help the Hornets get their fourth shutout of the season. Liam Anastasia took a pass from Danny Rowe and went in alone on goal and finished for the lone goal of the game.
Sharon, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – After being shutout by Franklin last week in their first loss of the season, Oliver Ames bounced back in big way with a 6-1 win over visiting Sharon. The Eagles cut the deficit in half early in the second half to make it 2-1 but Clide Neau scored three straight for a hat trick as the Tigers pulled away. Mathias Taylor and Michael Haikal scored goals in the first half as OA staked a 2-0 lead at the break. Senior John Dobbin tacked on a sixth goal for OA off an assist from Christian Haikal.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Kacey Parker scored a pair of goals to help Attleboro pick up a second straight win in what head coach Steve Santos called a “solid team performance.” Jamie Davies opened the scoring in the first half, finishing an assist from Bethany Alves. Parker got her first of the day, from an Emily Dunlea assist, to make it 2-0 heading into halftime. The Bombardiers added three goals after the break to pull away. Zoe Johnson-Kiff scored off an Allison Rebelo assist, Parker doubled her tally this time from an Emily Khang helper, and then Kahlan Gray wrapped up the scoring from an Aly Santoro assist.
Foxboro, 2 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – The Warriors made it four straight wins with a win at North. Brooke Berreira had the eventual game-winner with three minutes left in the first half, scoring off a pass from Erin Foley. Grace Riley added a second in the closing minute, finishing a Kailee McCabe corner to seal the win. Summer Doherty had a strong game in the North defense trying to mark McCabe and keep the league’s leading scorer quiet. Haley Sinacola also had a good game in a reworked North defense. Brayden Rice, Lily Adams, Brooke Sullivan, and Casey Butanowicz played well in the North midfield.
Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 7 – Final – After being held scoreless in the first half, Franklin exploded for seven goals after the break. Anya Zub scored four times, including one from the penalty spot, Stella Regan added a brace, and Selene Hammad scored once for the Panthers, who remain just one point back of KP in the division standings. Izzy Arnold, Lily Deforge, Anna Grasso, Avery Greco, and Tori Carmignani each had an assist for the Panthers.
Stoughton, 0 @ Canton, 7 – Final – Canton couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first half, heading into the break scoreless, but the Bulldogs scored seven times in the final 40 minutes, including a hat trick for Gabriella Herivaux, to pick up their first win of the season. Stoughton coach Hermes Lima was thrilled with his young team’s fight in the first half on both ends of the field. Lauren Mitchell and Emma Tran had string games in the heart of the Stoughton defense and Mia Rivera was excellent in goal. Sofia Issa played well in midfield, with Shayla Ford creating a few scoring chances along with Sivannah Marcy.
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – OA scored twice in the final five minutes to finally break the game open and secure the two points. Senior Lauren Sellmayer headed in a pair of corner kicks from Katie Gibson while Camryn O’Connor found the back of the net once. Halle Kander and Allison Evin had strong games for OA while Emily Meyers notched her first shutout of the season. Autumn Simon had a big game in the Sharon goal to keep the Tigers at bay for most of the afternoon. Amber Marcus-Blank, Jordanna Morris, and Samantha Connors also played well for the Eagles.
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 1 vs. Bishop Feehan, 3 – Final – Sarah McMahon scored the lone goal for the Bombardiers in a loss against visiting Bishop Feehan. Livie Hillman and Jordan Croteau had the assists to set up the goal.
Volleyball
Canton, 3 @ Brockton, 0 – Final – Canton’s Taylor Reynolds set the offense in motion as the Bulldogs landed a knockout of the visiting Boxers with a 3-0 sweep. Reynolds had 25 assists to go along with a pair of aces, Liz Beal added four kills in her first start, Amaiah Christian also added four kills, and both Katie Dever and Ella Lewis provided a spark off the bench.
Oliver Ames, 3 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames senior Reese Blass had a strong all-around game to lead the Tigers to a 3-0 sweep (25-13, 25-18, 25-13) over visiting Bridgewater-Raynham. Blass had a total of 15 service points to go alone with five kills and a pair or blocks in the win. Hadley Rhodes added 15 assists and seven kills, Shannon Willard added 10 assists, and sophomore Claire O’Rourke chipped in with seven kills.
Golf
Sharon, 162 @ North Attleboro, 149 – Final – Jake Gaskin fired a two-under par round and North Attleboro carded its lowest score of the season to knock off visiting Sharon. Gaskin, who birdied three, four, and five, came into the clubhouse with a round of 33 on the south course at Heather Hill. Dylan Harding added a round of 37, Tyson Laviano finished with a 38, and Rohan Kohli chipped in with a 41. Sharon’s Nathan Daley was the match medalist with an three-under round of 32, after sinking birdies on two, three, and four.
Mansfield, 160 @ King Philip,160 – Final – In a battle of two of the top teams in the Kelley-Rex division, King Philip emerged with a close win over Mansfield. King Philip’s Mike Matheson shared medalist honors with Mansfield’s Cian Goulet, each coming in with a round of 36. Pat Reardon shot a 39 for the Warriors while both Jared Curran and Ethan Sullivan shot a 40. Hunter Tang added a 39 for the Hornets.
Franklin, 164 @ Milford, 173 – Final – CJ Steel continued his strong start to the season, earning match medalist honors with a low-round of 38 to lead the Panthers on the road at Hopedale Country Club. Ben Paterson added a round of 41 for Franklin. Anthony LaPierre carded a 40 for the hosts while Jacob Hipolito added a 42 for the Hawks.
Stoughton, 182 @ Oliver Ames, 155 – Final – Senior Carter Allbritton shot a match medalist round of 35 to lead Oliver Ames to a win at Pine Oaks over visiting Stoughton. Sophomore David Rodgers carded a 38 in the win, senior Jake Kaplan added a 39, and senior Brendan Connelly chipped in with. 40 for OA.
Attleboro senior Emily Khang celebrates her second half goal that lifted the Bombardiers to a win over North Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
ATTLEBORO, Mass. – With the Attleboro boys soccer and football teams piled into the stands behind the benches, the noise felt more like a playoff game than simply the third league game of a long season. Wednesday night’s crowd seemed to spur on both teams, adding extra energy to a rivalry that has a history of close, physical encounters.
Heading into the final 15 minutes of a scoreless game at Tozier-Cassidy Field, the home crowd started chanting that they wanted a goal. The Bombardiers almost immediately obliged. Emily Khang, who sat out the abbreviated 2020 season, got on the end of a knockdown header by Ally Haigh and slammed home the go-ahead goal.
Attleboro managed to hold on over a frantic closing stretch, pulling out a 1-0 win over North Attleboro. It was a game that saw both teams have goals disallowed and North watch a late penalty appeal controversially get waved away.
“It was a pretty cool atmosphere to be a part of and I thought it was pretty interesting the timing of the chant and the goal,” Attleboro coach Steve Santos said afterwards. “That was a good effort to not quit on that.”
He added, “We’ve just got to work on finishing. They grind, they fight, but it’s just one ball away, one call one way, a goal taken away on each side, it’s crazy and it becomes anyone’s game.”
North coach Bill Wallace said, “Three games into the season and you have that kind of play? It’s pretty good. I’m proud of the way they played and we just need to find the back of the net.”
The first half was all Attleboro. The Bombardiers came storming out of the gates and took control of the center of the pitch, forcing North backwards. Jamie Davies had a good chance in the opening minute but her shot from the edge of the box was saved by North keeper Maddie Ferrin. Four minutes later, Kahlan Gray had a look from the left side of the box but it sailed just over the bar.
North’s first good break came in the 16th minute when Steph McKenna got free in the right channel. She tried to play the ball into the path of Brooke Sullivan, but Bethany Alves rushed back to clear the ball on the edge of the Attleboro penalty area.
Davies continued to be a thorn in the side of the North defense. She nearly took advantage of a bad bounce to get in behind only for Ferrin to slide out and collect. Three minutes later, a good turn by Kacey Parker on the right opened space for Davies in the middle. She had a nice touch to create room for a shot but again Ferrin was able to get behind it.
The visitors had their first good scoring chances in the final 10 minutes of the half. Emma Pratt’s corner bounced multiple times in the box, but the Bombardiers were finally able to clear. Another Pratt corner picked out Caroline Ferrin at the back post but the header was just wide. Maddie Ferrin had to be quick on the other end to beat Zoe Johnson-Kiff to a Haigh ball over the top.
After being on the back foot for much of the opening 40 minutes, North nearly scored twice in the first five minutes after the break. Caroline Ferrin’s through ball sprung McKenna behind the Attleboro defense but Alexis Campbell was able to make a good kick save. The ball rebounded to McKenna, who chipped the ball over the keeper and into the middle where Pratt nodded it home only to have the goal waived away for offsides.
Two minutes later, Campbell was called into action again. This time Ferrin’s ball over the top found Pratt on the left side of the box and again the Attleboro keeper showed quick feet to deny the chance. The rebound was knocked wide.
“It helps us feel a little more relaxed,” said Santos of Campbell, his junior netminder who was playing her first game back from an injury. “She brings a lot of that varsity experience back there with this being her second year.”
Nearing the midway point of the second half, a goal was disallowed on the other end. An Attleboro corner turned into a scrum in the box and the ball was eventually smashed in under the bar. The official quickly whistled to end the home team’s celebration, as the ball had crossed the end line (hitting the official that was stationed out of bounds) before the goal.
Wallace said, “They fed off the crowd. Both teams did. I think the energy we had was, to a point, more of an angry energy and we made mistakes that we don’t ordinarily make but it’s from playing with pride, playing with passion and I can’t fault them for that.”
Seven minutes later, Attleboro had the lead. Alves set everything up with a long free kick to the back post. Haigh rose highest and headed the ball down towards the penalty spot. The ball took a slight deflection off a North defender and fell to Khang, who buried the close-range chance.
North had a penalty shout with 11 minutes on the clock. Following a throw, Haley Sinacola chipped the ball into Autumn Hewitt, who was bundled over from behind. Although the players ended up on the ground in the box, the official ruled that contact started outside and gave only a free kick. “I’d rather he not blow the whistle and just play on,” said Wallace after the game. Pratt’s ball to the back stick just missed Ferrin and went wide.
Davies nearly put the contest to rest with a few minutes to go, but Maddie Ferrin was able to get a fingertip to a shot heading for the bottom corner and keep it a one-goal game. Despite North throwing everything forward, Attleboro held on for its first league win of the season.
“I think we played a lot more composed that first half,” Santos explained. The second half we started getting away from the way we should be playing. The panic started setting in a little bit and then once we got that goal it was adrenaline and it became fight time but we still never got to the point where we settled down and moved the ball.”
Attleboro (2-2) will try to carry the momentum Monday’s trip to Milford. North Attleboro (1-2) will try to rebound with a non-league game against Braintree on Friday.
Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final – Attleboro found the back of the net early and that was enough to pick up two points on the road at Franklin. Senior Connor Adema tracked down a long punt from sophomore keeper Tyler Rocchio and buried it in the fourth minute to put the visitors ahead. Rocchio recorded his first shutout of the season in the win.
Stoughton, 2 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – Stoughton scored less than a minute into the game but Foxboro responded with three first half goals and never looked back. Freshman Alex Kozak gave the visitors a 1-0 lead on an assist from senior Val Pierre but Foxboro’s Matt Angelini leveled the score before the 10-minute mark and Jorge Sanchez scored twice before the break for a 3-1 advantage. Sophomore John Hollis extended the lead to 4-1 before Angelini scored twice in three minutes to complete his hat trick. Stoughton junior Miguel Millis tacked on a late goal on an assist from Joao Marotti. Hollis also had three assists in the win and Jacob Tessier had two helpers.
King Philip, 1 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Taunton scored once in each half to pick up its second win of the season. Sete Deletoile gave the Tigers the lead in the 28th minute, a lead that the hosts took into the halftime break. Early in the second half, Deletoile sent a corner kick in that was headed home by Quincy Jones-Sylvia. Riley Rebello and Delano Costa-Hanlon both played well in the win for Taunton. KP cut the deficit in half with a goal in the 70th minute.
Mansfield, 2 @ Milford, 0 – Final – After a scoreless half, Mansfield found the back of the net twice inside a 10-minute span to knock off Milford. Senior Matt Hyland blasted a shot from just under 40 yards out to put the Hornets ahead in the 48th minute. Grady Sullivan doubled the lead in the 57th minute, converted a feed from Liam Anastasia. Jack Lasbury-Casey made seven saves in net to earn his second straight shutout to start the season.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Sharon, 3 – Final
Girls Soccer
Franklin, 2 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – The Panthers scored twice in the first half and it was enough to make it two straight wins to start the season. Freshman Kelly O’Connor added her first career goal to put the Panthers in front, assisted by Riley Fitzpatrick. Anya Zub then scored for the third time in two games, finishing a feed from Chloe Barca. Rachel Welch made eight saves for her second clean sheet of the season. Franklin’s midfield of Selene Hammad, Bridget Leo, Chloe Stavely, and Barca did well to control the game, and Norah Anderson, Katie Ewald, and Izzy Arnold had strong performances in the back line. Attleboro coach Steve Santos praised his team for battling through the second half and the Franklin defense for keeping the Bombardiers at bay. Emily Dunlea, Bethany Alves, and Kahlan Gray all played well for Attleboro.
Canton, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – Final – Camryn O’Connor and Alexa Lane each scored twice to lead the Tigers to a big win against a Davenport title rival. Lauren Sellmayer opened the scoring with a long free kick and Lucinda Li Cotter had a pair of assists. Emily McCabe got Canton’s only goal with 10 minutes remaining.
Foxboro, 9 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – For the second straight game, Kailee McCabe scored three times and assisted on another to lead the Warriors to a win. Jordan Carman and Neve Taylor each had braces for Foxboro and Lauren Miley and Sophia Auclair (first varsity goal) both added one score as well. The Warriors have now scored 14 goals in the last two games since being shut out in the season opener. Makenzie O’Connor scored her second goal of the season, finishing off an Isabella Rodrigues corner. Olivia Tran got on the end of another Rodrigues cross for Stoughton’s second. Lauren Mitchell played well for the Black Knights in both defense and the center of the pitch.
Taunton, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final – KP scored four times in a 12-minute span in the first half to put away the Tigers and make it back-to-back wins to start the season. Ella Pisani scored the first two goals, both of them assisted by Morgan Norrman. Pisani played provider for the third, setting up Paulina Baczkowski to make it 3-0. Rachel DeFlaminis added a fourth, assisted by Kylie Anderson, to put the Warriors in control heading to halftime. In the second half, Kylie Menendez made it 5-0, assisted by DeFlaminis.
Milford, 1 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield scored twice in two minutes to turn around a one-goal deficit and pull out a second straight win. Dani Atherton had given the Hawks the lead in the opening minute of the game. It took the Hornets 18 minutes to tie the game on an Avery Hawthorne goal. Lyla Nappa scored what turned out to be the game-winner two minutes later. Both Mansfield goals were assisted by Katie Miller. Nine minutes into the second half, Gabby Smith teed up Tarynn Smith for an important insurance goal. Bridget Hanley helped Mansfield control the game in the center of the pitch.
Sharon, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North scored twice in the second half to seal its first win of the season. Steph McKenna and Emma Pratt each scored once and assisted on another for the Rocketeers. Pratt opened the scoring midway through the first half, running onto a ball over the top from McKenna and then finding the corner. Haley Sinacola doubled the lead 14 minutes into the second half with a 35-yard free kick. It was her first varsity goal. McKenna capped the scoring when she got on the end of a Pratt cross with nine minutes to play. Maddie Ferrin earned the clean sheet for North with Summer Doherty and Meaghan Dowd playing well defensively. North coach Bill Wallace also praised midfielders Sophia Bostock, Autumn Hewitt, and Brooke Sullivan.
Field Hockey
Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – Franklin scored with no time left in the first half to level the scoring and pumped in three second half goals to run away with a win on the road at Attleboro. After a scoreless opening quarter, the Bombardiers took the lead in the 27th minute on a goal from Madison Ellis. Since Franklin earned a penalty corner, play continued after time expired in the second quarter. Kendall Jones converted a pass from Kiera Kotwicki to bring the Panthers even. Shaw Downing put the Panthers ahead on a pass from Kaitlyn Carney in the 43rd minute, and Kaeley Dubriske made it a 3-1 advantage after another assist from Carney. Sydney Rogan put the game away (assisted by Downing) in the 58th minute. Ava Haggerty was strong in net for Attleboro with 19 saves.
Canton @ Oliver Ames, 6:30
Foxboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final
Taunton, 1 @ King Philip, 4 – Final – Sophomore Mara Boldy continued her strong start to the season, scoring a hat trick to pace the Warriors to a win over visiting Taunton. After scoring the first goal and assisting on the second in KP’s win over Foxboro last week, Boldy scored three times on Monday. Freshman Makenzie McDevitt scored for the second straight game for KP’s other tally. Haley Bright made four saves in the win while seniors Sydney O’Shea, Lily Brown, Haley Izydorczak, and Molly Piller.
Milford, 0 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final
Sharon, 0 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – North Attleboro put the ball into the back of the cage in each quarter, taking advantage of 17 penalty corners against visiting Sharon. Julia Puccio opened the scoring in the 10th minute on a feed from Ava Spencer, and then made it 2-0 in the 19th minute off a pass from Caroline Folan. Folan scored two goals of her own in the second half, first in the 33rd minute (assisted by Caitlin Vacher) and then again in the 48th minute (from Spencer). Gracie Leary posted the shutout in net for North. Sharon coach Paulina Kosmadakis said Kayleigh Connolly had incredible game defensively for the Eagles while Tanya Wadekar and Samantha Newbold both played well.
Volleyball
Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Franklin fended off a good push from Attleboro in the second set and went on to complete the sweep (25-9, 25-20, 25-14). Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 19 assists and had a huge day at the service line with 10 aces. Cate Roberge and Taylor Lacerda both notched three aces to go along with six kills apiece. For Attleboro, Lilly Boedeker recorded 17 digs while freshman Julia Leonardo had 15 digs and nine kills.
Foxboro, 1 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final – Foxboro battled to win a close third set to avoid the sweep and keep the match going, but Stoughton but the game to rest with a win in the fourth set for a 3-1 decision (25-23, 25-11, 22-25, 25-12). For Foxboro, Mallorie Meyer had 17 digs, Sami Sloan added 12 digs, and Juliana Pettigrew finished with seven kills and eight digs.
Canton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – All three sets were tight but Oliver Ames came out victorious in all three, taking each one by five or fewer points. The Tigers battled to a 25-20 win in the first set, edged out the Bulldogs 25-22 in the second, and completed the sweep with a 25-21 decision in the third. For OA, Maddie Homer was everywhere defensively with 17 serve receptions and 25 digs. Hadley Rhodes added 18 assists and five kills while Sarah Hilliard added nine kills to go along with 15 serve receptions. Canton Talya DeGraw played well in the loss with five digs, four kills, and three aces while sophomore Fatima Sidibay was a spark off the bench, playing well at the net for the Bulldogs.
Taunton, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip took care of business at home, recording a 3-0 sweep (25-12, 25-12, 25-9) to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Junior Sami Shore put down nine kills to pace the Warriors’ offense while Emily Sawyer added six kills. KP had a strong game at the service line with Stella Bailey picking up four aces and 11 service points while Ahunna James added 15 service points.
Sharon, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North Attleboro went the distance to secure a win in the second set and went on to complete the sweep (25-19, 26-24, 25-14) in the third against visiting Sharon. Madelyn Corsetti paced the offense for the Rocketeers with 13 kills while Katherine McHoul dished out 15 assists. Ava Dunlevy and Julianne Chen anchored the defense with six digs apiece.
Golf
Milford, 169 @ Attleboro, 156 – Final – Attleboro’s Brendan Raymond and Leo Lombardo shared match medalist honors to help the Bombardiers sink Milford at Stone-E-Lea. Raymond and Lombardo each shot 38 on the day while Evan Houle chipped in with a 39 and Dane Holske recorded a 41. Nate Lawrence led the Hawks with a team-low round of 40, Jacob Hipolito added a 41, and Anthony LaPierre shot a 42.
Taunton, 101 @ New Bedford, 105 – Final (Stableford) – Taunton’s Jack Gobin shot a team-low round of 40 to score 23 points but the Tigers fell to New Bedford in a match determined by Stableford scoring. Logan Letourneau added a round of 41.
Franklin, 161 @ King Philip, 145 – Final – King Philip had all four of its scorers come in with a round under 40 to help the Warriors sweep the season series with rival Franklin. Mike Matheson was the match medalist, shooting a round of 35 that included a birdie. Gavin Croke, who had an eagle on the fifth hole, and Jared Curran each shot 37 while Pat Reardon finished at 38. Franklin’s CJ Steele had a team-low round of 38.
The Hockomock League kicked off its girls soccer season and we have the team-by-team rundown of how everyone stacks up this year. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2020 Record: 5-5-5 Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro has been on the brink of tournament qualification for the past several seasons, but narrowly missed out. Last fall’s team had the potential to end head coach Steve Santos’ wait to get back into the playoffs only for the pandemic to force an abbreviated season. After graduating the team’s leading scorers and playmakers (Bella Salviati, Jessica Gates, and Briley Harnois), the Bombardiers will count on new faces stepping in and giving them a chance to taste the postseason.
The Bombardiers will be hoping to build on a strong defense. Senior Olivia Calderone and junior Ella Stromfors will be the anchors in the heart of the back line and their leadership will be critical. Attleboro will miss senior Olivia Cook, who had a strong preseason at outside back but suffered an injury that will keep her out for the season. Junior goalie Alexis Campbell also has an injury at the start of the season but will hopefully be back soon to take over in net.
In midfield, Attleboro has several returning players who will be looking at slightly different roles this year. Junior Emily Dunlea is a dynamic and versatile midfielder and could be the team’s playmaker this season. She will get help from senior Emily Khang, who missed the 2020 season. Another skillful midfielder, Khang will give Attleboro an attacking boost. Sophomore Bethany Alves can play as a holding or attacking midfielder, depending on the situation. Up top, junior Kacey Parker and sophomore Jamie Davies will be counted on to make up some of the goals that were lost to graduations.
“We graduated a solid core of players who brought a lot to the team, so we’re trying to figure out who’s going to embrace those roles,” said Santos. “We have some good talented players who can keep the ball on the ground and play some solid soccer. We have some more to grow on and learning how to play aggressive, Hockomock soccer.”
2020 Record: 8-3-1 Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Last season, Canton edged Foxboro by a single point to win its first league title since 2012. The Bulldogs graduated a strong class of seniors, particularly in the midfield and the attack, but there is plenty of returning talent on both ends of the pitch and second-year coach Idris Seyonjo to feel confident of another title challenge this fall.
The attack will look very different this season after graduating prolific forward Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia (17 goals combined in 2020), but senior Gabriella Herivaux returns after scoring five times last year and could be poised for a breakout season as the primary target up top. Seniors Fay Gallery and Anne Hoban (who played at outside back last season) will also join in the attack and freshman Emma Cahill is a newcomer that could provide creativity in the final third. Sophomore Emily McCabe will step into the attacking midfield role and try to provide the killer pass from the center of the pitch.
Defense should be a strength for the Bulldogs this season with a mix of veterans and several incoming freshmen who could step in right away and contribute. Senior Allie McCabe continues to be the lynchpin of the Canton defense, commanding the heart of the back line with her strong play and leadership. There is plenty of experience in goal as well with senior Elyse Broderick back and healthy and junior Marissa Staffiere ready to step in, after being the starter all of 2020.
Seyonjo said, “Most important thing about this season is that I believe all teams are looking forward to what will hopefully be a normal season. I am excited. I look forward to my first full season as head coach. Every game will be different and we hope to be able to match or even better our performances from last season.”
2020 Record: 7-2-2 Coach: Katie Stalcup
Foxboro was just a single point short of a three-peat last season, dropping to second in the Davenport behind Canton, and the Warriors will have a lot of new faces this fall as they try to get back on top in the division. The Warriors graduated 10 seniors, but still have a lot of varsity experience, especially in the midfield, that will make them a tough challenge for their title rivals.
Senior Kailee McCabe, the reigning league MVP, is back in the middle for the Warriors this season. The four-year starter tied for the team (and league) lead with 11 goals in 2020 but she may have to take on a bigger scoring role this fall with Jordyn Collins now at Bryant. She should have a lot of help in the middle of the pitch. Senior Brooke Barreira, junior Lauren Milley, and sophomore Erin Foley all played significant minutes last year and capable of the quick combination passing that has been a hallmark of Foxboro’s play. Senior Jordan Carman will bring her versatility to the forward line this season, after playing pretty much every position (including goalie) last year.
Defensively, senior Meghan Burke will be the leader in the back line. An aggressive, solid defender, Burke has regularly been tasked with marking the opponent’s best attacker. Sophomore Lindsey Resnick had a strong rookie season and will add some game experience to the defense. Senior Maddie Maher and sophomore Alexis Sougaris will be the goalies tasked with replacing Morgan Sylvestre between the posts.
Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said, “We had some major losses with our 10 graduating seniors last year, but I am very excited about this team and what I have seen from them so far and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do against the tough competition in this league.”
2020 Record: 6-4-2 Interim Coach: Jodi Klein
Long-time head coach Tom Geysen is dealing with a medical issue, so former JV coach Jodi Klein will take over this season and is emphasizing pressure high up the pitch and keeping possession in attack. Franklin returned to the top of the Kelley-Rex last season and Klein has an experienced squad to work with this fall, as they look to go back-to-back in what should be a wide-open title race.
The Panthers have built a lot of their recent success on a strong defense. This season should be no different. Junior Norah Anderson has been a mainstay in the heart of the back line for the past two seasons and she’ll be joined by junior Reilly Lorenzo and sophomore Maddie Horton. Senior Izzy Arnold and junior Katie Ewald give the Panthers speedy outside backs to provide width in attack and cover in the defensive third. Sophomore Rachel Welch will get the nod in goal after splitting time as a freshman and her reading of the game will help direct the defensive unit.
Franklin’s midfield has the potential to control games. Seniors Stella Regan and Chloe Barca and junior Bridget Leo bring plenty of experience to the middle of the pitch. Each are quick and solid in possession. Juniors Avery Greco and Chloe Stavely and sophomore Selene Hammad will step into the midfield to add depth. The Panthers will be looking to use the speed of the forward line to create chances. Senior Riley Fitzpatrick is the most experienced player up top and sophomore Anya Zub had three goals and four assists as a freshman. Freshman Kelly O’Connor is a new player to watch out for in the forward line.
“This is an exciting season for all of us,” said Klein. “I am a new coach to all of our returning varsity players and any of these girls who have played for me in the past have never played at the varsity level before. We are working through a brand-new system and style of play and we’re all very eager to see what we can accomplish together this season.”
2020 Record: 7-5-2 Coach: Gary Pichel
After graduating a large, talented group of seniors, including the top two scorers in program history, last year was bound to be transitional for King Philip, but it was also an opportunity for several players to step up into bigger roles. As it turned out, the Warriors had plenty of talent still on the squad and stayed in the hunt for a league title right to the final week.
The Warriors will be hoping last year’s game experience will pay off with a title challenge this season. The midfield should be a strength for KP. Junior Ella Pisani had a breakout 2020 season, showing off her skills as both a forward and midfielder and leading the team in scoring. She will be at the center of the KP attack again this year. Senior Paulina Baczkowski will give the Warriors width on the outside and delivers accurate crosses. Senior Morgan Norrman is an accurate passer who can push the Warriors into quick counterattacks.
Senior Brooke Mullins has improved every year in the KP defense, and she adds aggression and a willingness to get the ball forward quickly. After an impressive rookie year, junior Grace Lawler missed all of 2020 with an injury, but she is back and gives KP an instant upgrade in the back line with her ability to mark the opposing team’s best attacker. Freshmen Dani Lamuscio (midfield), Mikayla Thompson (defense), and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn (defense) should make an instant impact and add extra energy for the Warriors this season.
“I see this team keeping up with our KP tradition of good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to the cause,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “Our team will be competitive in every game as we go through the gauntlet of the Hockomock League.”
2020 Record: 6-4-3 Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield entered the abbreviated 2020 season with a relatively inexperienced group, and it showed during the early parts of the fall, but the Hornets put things together quickly and finished only a point back of Franklin for the division title. With nine starters returning, including most of the defensive corps, the Hornets should be in the mix for the title again this year.
Although the Hornets will definitely miss the on-field leadership and versatility of senior Maria Sevastos, who was injured in the spring, Mansfield has plenty of experience in the back line. Senior Anna Darlington will be the leader in the defense alongside sophomore Kara Santos, who is coming off an impressive rookie season at centerback. Junior goalkeeper Olivia Salisbury brings two years of experience in net and classmate Caitlin Zajac is a capable backup.
Senior Katie Miller will control the middle of the field. A four-year starter, Miller provides an extra layer of protection for the back line and can get the Hornets into the attack as well. Up front, senior forward Tarynn Smith is a willing runner, who can give opposing defenses a physical challenge. Sophomore Carly Devine is a creative playmaker that will give the Hornets an offensive spark.
“We are still very young with only four returning seniors,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith explained, “but it’s a good core of players who have multiple years of varsity experience already.”
2020 Record: 3-6-3 Coach: Lou Colabello
Milford closed the 2020 season on a strong run, going 2-1-1 over its final four games that included two hard-fought games with Mansfield. Only three seniors are returning from last year’s roster, so the Hawks will be young this fall, but not necessarily inexperienced since many of the underclassmen stepped into the lineup last year.
The key to the Milford attack is junior Dani Atherton. She was the team’s leading scorer with eight goals last season (more than half of the team’s total) and most of the offense will flow through her feet. The Hawks will hope for more creativity and goals from the rest of the team, including juniors Brooke Ferreira and Amy Oliveira, a pair of players who can start up top or in the midfield. Junior Brianna Guerreiro is also back in the center of the pitch.
At the back, seniors Aubrey Korpi and Aislinn Bennett will provide much-needed leadership for this young crew and senior Jill Araujo can jump into the back line or help supply cover from the midfield. Junior Catarina Mestre is another returning defender from last season’s squad.
2020 Record: 5-5-3 Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro battled to a .500 record in 2020 and did it thanks to a strong defensive foundation. The Rocketeers allowed only 11 goals in 13 games last year and had five clean sheets. After graduating 15 players from that squad, and losing a starter to an injury, North coach Bill Wallace is enthusiastic about the potential for this year’s team to make a playoff push.
The Rocketeers return both of last year’s leading scorers. Senior Steph McKenna and junior Emma Pratt each scored five times last season and they will be counted on to improve those numbers with a full season (and without the restrictions that were in place in 2020). Behind the strikers, North’s midfield got a lot of experience last year. Senior Brayden Rice and junior Caroline Ferrin will be in the middle, while senior Autumn Hewitt and juniors Brooke Sullivan and Lily Adams provide the width.
Defense was a strength last year and it should be again in 2021. Senior Summer Doherty returns after missing a lot of last season with an injury. Her leadership and athleticism will be important in the middle of the back line. Seniors Meaghan Dowd and Charlotte Moynihan and junior Haley Sinacola make up the rest of the starting back four with junior Maddie Ferrin in goal.
“Right now, we are organized and making opponents work hard to develop their offense,” Wallace said. “Our goal is to play faster and with more urgency. The work rate is high, and the girls are looking forward to competing in the always tough Hockomock League!”
2020 Record: 8-1-5 Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Oliver Ames lost only once in 2020 and avenged that defeat by beating Canton in the Hock Cup final. The Tigers did draw five matches last season, but with eight starters returning, and several younger players who got valuable experience, OA will hope to turn those single points into two and bring home its first league title since 2016.
The Tigers pride themselves on being a tough team to break down and the defense should be stout again this fall. Senior Emily Meyers is back in goal and will be a vocal leader at the back. Senior Allison Evin moved from up top to the heart of the defense last season and her speed and understanding of the game made her a tough marker for opposing forwards to get away from, while juniors Mary Cross and Sophia Byron are looking to build off strong sophomore seasons. Senior Kyla Melton has transferred in from Milton Academy and her versatility will be a boost to the back line or in midfield.
Midfield will continue to provide cover for the back line with the likes of seniors Katie Gibson and Lauren Sellmayer not only giving the Tigers a physical, aerial presence, but also consistent delivery on set pieces. Senior Camryn O’Connor, a Boston University-commit, adds creativity to OA’s bite in the center of the pitch and will be a key to turning defense into attack. Junior Jenna Gilman will also provide playmaking and width and speedy sophomore forward Lucinda Cotter has been in good scoring form during the preseason.
“We have eight starters returning from last season, plus some younger players pushing for playing time,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “We are hoping our depth will be an advantage for our team this year.”
2020 Record: 2-8-2 Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon won a pair of games in 2020, but was also competitive in several losses that showed there was potential for improvement heading into the new season. The Eagles will be young this year, particularly after a pair of preseason injuries cost them returning starters, including junior Sally Brouhard, but there is still reason for optimism about the athleticism in the squad.
The Eagles will lean on the midfield, as the most experienced group. Junior Sofia Goclowski stepped in last year and had an all-star-caliber season and will be the primary playmaker in the center of the pitch. Junior Amber Marcus-Blank is moving up from the back line and her aggression will be key to shielding the defense. Junior Olivia Soby combines physical presence with technical skills and will be an important piece to the attack.
Senior forward Wendy Wooden will be the team’s primary threat up top and her speed will stretch opposition defenses to open space for the midfielders. On the other end of the field, the Eagles will be very young. Senior Amanda Hu is the only returning player in the back line and she’ll be counted on to keep everything organized. Sophomore Jordanna Morris will add much needed speed and athleticism to the defense and already looks comfortable at the varsity level.
“We have a very young squad this year, but I am excited about our mix of talent and athleticism,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “As always, the league looks to be extremely competitive, but we welcome the challenging matches that help us grow and continue to move our program in the right direction.
2020 Record: 0-11-1 Coach: Hermes Lima
Second-year Stoughton coach Hermes Lima is still looking for his first win, but he is confident that this year’s team has the right combination of skill and speed to give teams problems. The Black Knights are counting on increased depth and the pairing of experienced players and talented newcomers to get back in the win column.
One of the key players for Stoughton this season is junior Shayla Ford. Blessed with great speed, Ford can either stretch the opposition and attack the space behind the defense or drop into the Stoughton back line and give cover for her teammates. Freshman Makenzie O’Connor is going to step in up top and will add another dynamic element to the attack, while classmate Morgan Cook can slot in as a forward or in the back line to add aggression and a physical element. Junior Isabella Rodrigues gives the Black Knights speed on the wings and gives more speed for the forwards to run into.
The Black Knights will have experience in defense. Senior Abigail Durand is back in goal and provides vocal leadership for the back line. Senior Samantha Tran can play anywhere across the back line and her versatility is important. Junior Emma Tremblay and freshman Lauren Mitchell will both play in the center of midfield and can protect the back line or facilitate the Stoughton counter attack. Both can also slot in at central defense when needed. Junior Sabrina Rodrigues is another versatile player, jumping in at wingback or in the heart of the midfield.
“Every player bought into the culture last year and the new/returning players have bought in to every word/thing said and given to them this year!” said Lima. “The players are ready to fight for one another, represent their school and make this program proud of every achievement in their path. As a coach, I cannot ask anything else of them! This will be an intriguing but yet good step in the right direction for this program.”
2020 Record: 0-3-7 Coach: Mike Couture
Taunton coach Mike Couture only got four games to assess his team in 2020 before the season came to an abrupt end. Now in his second year, Couture is building around a young roster, composed mostly of sophomores, and is excited about the talent and the potential. The Tigers will be hoping to get off to a good start and end their wait for a nearly two-year wait for a league win.
Senior Isabella Anslow will be the leader of the defensive unit. She has been a busy goalkeeper in the past but has come up with several big games against big opponents. An example of that was being able to hold Mansfield to a scoreless draw in the first meeting between the teams last year. Junior Emily Calderon will lead the Tigers on the other end of the field. The forward is quick and experienced and she’ll be counted on to give Taunton a cutting edge in attack.
“This is a strong group and how quickly this good group of less experienced players develop, will determine the degree of our progress and we are off to a good start,” said Couture.
The Hockomock League kicked off its girls soccer season and we have the team-by-team rundown of how everyone stacks up this year. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2019 Record: 7-9-2 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Steve Santos
Last year, Attleboro was just one win away from ending its playoff drought and while the Bombardiers aren’t going to have a tournament to look forward to this season they have plenty of experience and talent coming back to be in the mix in what should be a wide open Kelley-Rex division. The Bombardiers will also have an extra week to prepare after the first two games against Taunton were postponed.
Attleboro should be potent in front of goal this season. Senior forwards Isabella Salviati and Briley Harnois have been dynamic scoring threats for the past three years and have proved to be a tough combination for teams to handle. Senior Jessica Gates also returns to play provider and pull the strings from midfield.
Sophomore Emily Dunlea will pair up with Gates in the center of the midfield, while senior Cassondra Stuger and Meghan Panzer were on the outside. Panzer can also step in and give Attleboro minutes up top when Harnois or Salviati need a breather.
At the back, senior Eleanor Graber and junior Olivia Calderon have been teaming up in the center, while seniors Gabby Bosh and Riley Sullivan have been the outside backs. Sophomore Alexis Campbell will be back in goal after seeing time as a freshman last year. Experience won’t be an issue for the Bombardiers, which should help them cope with the challenges of a unique season.
“The rule modifications cater to our style of play maybe more than it does for other,” said Attleboro coach Steve Santos. “There are a lot of returning players, so I think we’ll be okay. We just have to be able to adjust.”
2019 Record: 12-9-0 2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Semifinal Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton made a run to the Div. 2 South semifinal a year ago and the perpetually young Bulldogs will be hoping to build on that experience and challenge Foxboro for the division title this fall. Former coach Kate Howarth is plying her trade with the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, so Idris Senyonjo takes over this season and picked up an impressive win on his debut with the team scoring eight goals in the process.
The attack has been a strength for Canton for the past several years and with senior forwards Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia back to lead the line the Bulldogs have a pair of potential match winners up front. Junior Gabriella Herivaux adds a different dynamic to the forward line and senior Mia Gilmore emerged last year as one of the league’s top playmaking midfielders.
In the heart of the pitch, Canton has plenty of players who can contribute both on offense and defense. Sophomore Emily McCabe is coming off a strong rookie season and combines well with Gilmore in the middle. Senior Sarai Costello is another player that the coaches expect big things from this year.
Consistency on defense will be a big point of emphasis this year and junior defender Allie McCabe and junior goalie Elyse Broderick should give the Bulldogs a foundation to build on. Freshmen Mekhala Costello and Ava Gilmore have impressed coached during the preseason and both are expected to step in and add strength to the back line.
“I am coming into a program that has a great group of girls who love the game and play for each other,” said Senyonjo. “This made it easy for me to start implementing my philosophy and approach of the game. No matter how short the season might be, I believe we have a good group of girls who will be hungry for a great season.”
2019 Record: 16-2-2 2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal Coach: Katie Stalcup
Foxboro has won back-to-back Davenport division titles and comes into this season with eyes on a three-peat and a roster loaded with talent and experience. The Warriors had one of the best attacks in the Hock in 2019, scoring 80 goals as a team, while only allowing 12. Expectations are very high for Foxboro to win a third title in a row, something it hasn’t done since winning the league from 1985-90.
Attack continues to be one of the strengths for the Warriors led by senior forward Jordyn Collins. The Bryant University-commit scored 23 goals last year and already has two to her name after one game this fall. Junior Kailee McCabe is the lynchpin of the midfield, dominating with and without the ball and adding to the team’s scoring punch. Senior Katelyn Mollica can get up and down the wing and her crossing ability gives the strikers more opportunities to get on the board.
It isn’t all about the offense. The Warriors are also stingy on the other end of the field. Senior defender Emma Dahl will lead the back line this season and senior Grace Ferguson will be a key player in the heart of the midfield, helping Foxboro play the possession style of soccer that it prefers. Senior Morgan Sylvestre gives the Warriors an experienced, talented shot-stopper in goal.
“We are all just so excited to be playing soccer and I am so excited about this team and our talent,” said Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup. “We know that this season will look a little different, but we are going to make the most of it and enjoy ourselves and enjoy winning soccer games.”
2019 Record: 12-5-1 2019 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Tom Geysen
Franklin had one of the league’s top defenses in 2019, holding teams scoreless in 11 of the final 12 games of the 2019 regular season. The Panthers will hope to be just as stingy this year and, with the rule changes in place, try to add more scoring punch, as they look to get back on top of the Kelley-Rex division standings for the first time since 2015.
Sophomore Norah Anderson will be back in the heart of the Franklin defense after an impressive rookie campaign and her physicality will be important after the graduation of Sabrina Addi. Senior Carissa Alers will partner Anderson in the middle and junior Izzy Arnold will be on the outside. Senior Julia Bertone and freshman Rachel Welch will both see time in goal, replacing Brenna Atwood.
Senior Erin Quaile will be in the heart of the midfield for the Panthers, providing endless running and contributions in both boxes. Sophomore Bridget Leo saw a lot of time at the end of last season and she will be in the midfield again. Junior Stella Regan is also back after a long time out with broken leg and gives Franklin a different option with her skill on the ball as she continues to work back to 100 percent.
In the attack, senior Sydney St. Marie will be the primary goal scorer, and she is off to a good start after two goals in the season opening win against Milford. Junior Riley Fitzpatrick will join St. Marie up front and there are several younger players that could step in and help out the offense, including freshman Anya Zub, who had an assist on her debut.
“We’re moving along,” said Franklin coach Tom Geysen. “it’s just hard to assess progress because of the changes in rules and everything. The kids are hesitant. My advice is play as hard as you have to play to get the job done and if they call an indirect, then they call an indirect.”
2019 Record: 21-1-0 2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Final Coach: Gary Pichel
King Philip reached the Div. 1 South final last year, for the second time in three seasons, but enter the fall without not only the program’s top two all-time scorers but with a large group of seniors that helped the program win two of the last three league titles and nearly finish an undefeated season. Even without some of the big names from last year, KP brings back a number of players who saw action in that finals run and will be counted on for bigger roles this year.
With Chloe Layne and Avery Snead, goals were never an issue for the Warriors. This season, several players will look to pick up the scoring load. Sophomore Ella Pisani and senior Kiera Lindmark will both lead the attack but will get help from senior midfielder Jenny Montville, who had several big goals during the playoff run in 2019.
Seniors Ava Tormey and Maeve Lawlor will provide control in the midfield and will get a boost from the return of senior Charlotte Majer to the program. Majer spent last year with a development academy program and will be a big boost to the Warriors in the center of the pitch.
Defense could be a strength for KP, with several returning players. Sophomore Grace Lawler was impressive as a freshman, regularly marking the opposition’s top attacker. Senior Paige Varvarigos is also back after a strong season at outside back. Seniors Taryn Greenberg, Jillian Anderson, and Taylor Thompson will also help out at the back. Senior Emma Glaser will take over in goal.
“We will all do the best we can and hope for the best in a much abbreviated season,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “I hope the best for all of our teams and to have fun and to do it safely. The most important thing is to keep our girls healthy while returning to competition so they can do what they like to do best!”
2019 Record: 6-8-4 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Kevin Smith
Last season was a learning experience for a young group of Hornets, but even with only four returning varsity players Mansfield finished just one win shy of a playoff appearance. This year, Mansfield brings back 18 players from last season’s roster, including nine starters, so the Hornets will expect to quickly return to being one of the challengers for the Kelley-Rex title.
Even with all of the returning players, Mansfield remains a young team. There are three freshmen, five sophomores, and six juniors on the roster. Despite their youth, many saw plenty of time on the field last year and will be leaning on that experience for more success this fall.
Junior Katie Miller returns in the heart of the midfield and gives Mansfield a foundation to build its attacks and to stifle the opposition. Junior Maria Sevastos will return in the defense and the speedy converted forward gives the Hornets a threat on the outside. Junior Tarynn Smith will be back up top after a solid season leading the line and sophomore Olivia Salisbury returns in goal after a strong rookie year.
“After a year of experience under the young kids’ belts, I’m excited to see how much they’ve learned and how they can apply it this fall,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith.
2019 Record: 9-6-4 2019 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round Coach: Lou Colabello
Milford made a run at a league title last fall and reached the state tournament, but now the Hawks are moving into the Kelley-Rex division and doing so without 32 goals and several key pieces from the spine of last year’s team. With experience at the back and in goal, the Hawks will be hoping to be tough to beat and let the young attack have a chance to win games.
Senior Carly Ferreira is back in goal this season and has already been busy, coming up with more than 20 saves in the season opener against Franklin. With seniors Catherine Madden and Alyssa Monahan in the back line, the Hawks won’t lack for leadership and experience in the defensive third. Senior Brianna Franzini will add more of that veteran presence in the midfield, which was hard-hit by graduation.
Up top will be sophomore Dani Atherton, who reached double digits in goals during her freshman season and can play as a forward or as a creative midfielder. Sophomores Brooke Ferreira, Serena Borges, and Brooke Guerreiro all saw limited action as freshmen, but will be expected to step into bigger roles this year to shore up the center of the pitch and push into the attack.
“I think the season will depend on how quickly we adjust once games begin,” said Milford coach Lou Colabello. “Replacing key players in the midfield will be a big part of how successful we are. Hopefully, we can get better from game to game. One thing is for sure, we will play hard and have fun doing it.”
2019 Record: 4-10-4 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro will have a lot of new faces in the lineup this season, coming off a tough, four-win campaign. Although many of the names will be new, the Rocketeers feel confident that the revamped defensive unit will make them tough to beat this year and allow them to compete against the top teams in the division, as they proved in a scoreless draw with Oliver Ames in the season opener.
Senior Jordyn Sullivan and junior Summer Doherty are the lone returning players that saw time in the back line last year, but they will be pushed by a host of other players ready to step in. Seniors Ari Newth and Katie Manning, juniors Charlotte Moynihan and Autumn Hewitt, and sophomores Brooke Sullivan and Haley Sinacola will all see time in the defense. Senior Kaylah Seavey and sophomore Maddie Ferrin will be in goal this season.
After missing last season with a knee injury, senior Lydia Santos will provide leadership in the midfield. Classmates Abby Noreck and Ari Rice will also see time in the middle, while a trio of sophomores – Clara Giuliano, Lily Adams, and Caroline Ferrin will add energy and speed in the center.
Up top, senior Tess Collins and junior Steph McKenna are back to lead the line with their speed and creativity. Senior Ally Scott and junior Brayden Rice will give North depth and different looks up top, while sophomore Emma Pratt is a newcomer that could contribute in the attack right away.
“We are working hard to figure this all out,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “Spirits are high and practices have been productive. Girls are possessing better and better and hopefully that will equate to more success on the scoreboard.”
2019 Record: 14-5-2 2019 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Oliver Ames returns to the Davenport division this fall. The Tigers won three straight Davenport titles before moving to the Kelley-Rex (making it four straight titles in their first year in the new division) and with an experienced, if still relatively young, group they expect to challenge Foxboro’s place at the top of the standings this season.
The Tigers have only four seniors on the roster this year, but they have 17 players with varsity experience. While the attack will certainly miss the scoring Erin Holmberg’s scoring touch and the new rules will hinder OA’s typically prolific set piece scoring, there is plenty of strength throughout the roster to be both tough to break down and tough to keep away from goal.
Senior Emma Pereira is a dominant presence in the middle of the pitch and she will be joined by Reese Pereira and Lauren Sellmayer to try and take control of the midfield. Junior Allison Evin can play up top or in the midfield and classmate Camryn O’Connor is a dynamic playmaker and tough to stop when she starts running at defenses.
Kathryn Gibson will solidify the defensive unit, while Jenna Gilman provides speed on the wings. In goal, OA has two solid options with senior Emma O’Donnell and junior Emily Meyers sharing time between the pipes.
OA coach Britt Sellmayer said, “The biggest issue for the new rules is the interpretation by referees, we have had them come to practice twice and one scrimmage. Let’s just say the games were different. Hopefully the kinks get worked out.”
2019 Record: 0-17-3 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Despite its record last season under first-year head coach Catherine Sullivan, Sharon demonstrated the ability to compete with the top teams and Sullivan is hoping that with an experienced corps and the addition of talented younger players the Eagles will be a tough team to beat in a very competitive Davenport division this year.
Experience will be a key at the back. Three-year starting goalie Cass Barbera has proven to be a solid shot-stopper and her leadership is a confidence boost for the entire defensive unit. Senior Molly McAlevey will be the anchor of the back line with her physicality and communication. Sophomore Sally Brouhard is coming off a strong freshman season, where she emerged as one of the team’s top defenders.
Senior Amelia Scappaticci adds steel to the midfield and gives cover to the back line and classmate Emily Griffin adds the speed from the center of the pitch to get forward as often as possible. Sophomore Sofia Goclowski and freshman Kate McLaughlin are a pair of newcomers that should step into the midfield and add a different dimension with their skill. With new faces helping out in the attack, Sharon will be looking to find the back of the net more consistently this year.
“We have excellent leadership this season with a great mix of strong returning players and new talent stepping in,” said Sullivan. “The Davenport division looks to be extremely competitive this year, but our kids are dedicated to improving our style and speed of play, and I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of growth in short time this season.”
2019 Record: 3-13-2 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Hermes Lima
Stoughton made strong strides last season, scoring 34 goals as a team, which was three times the total from the year before and the Black Knights will be hoping to keep that going this fall under new coach Hermes Lima. A tough loss to Canton on the opening day won’t deter Stoughton, which is hoping to continue building on the experience gained last season.
The attack should be potent again with the combination of sophomore forward Shayla Ford, coming off an impressive rookie campaign, and four-year starter and leading scorer Mackenzie Manning, who has developed into a dynamic playmaker either up top or in the midfield. Senior Rebecca Desousa and sophomore Isabella Rodrigues will both be expected to use their speed and aggressiveness to add to the offense, as the Black Knights promise to be a threat on the counterattack.
Senior Nikki Anderson is a versatile defender who can play in the center of the pitch or drop into the back line and she will be counted on to lead a young defensive group. Sophomore Sabrina Rodrigues is tenacious at the back and Liv Tran’s speed will help stymie the opposition. Speed and pressure will be two keys for the Black Knights at the back this season.
“I am here to continue the growth and culture of this program while also helping them become young successful individuals not only on, but off the field,” said Lima. “My goal is to ensure players learn a few things, create their own path, and reach for the moon!”
2019 Record: 2-14-2 2019 Finish: Missed playoffs Coach: Michael Couture
For the second time in two seasons, Taunton heads into a new season with a new coaching staff and with the goal of building a foundation for the program to compete against the top teams in the Kelley-Rex division. First-year head coach Michael Couture will be counting on a mix of experience and youth to improve on last year’s results.
The Tigers have players up front that can ask questions of the opposing defenses and on the other end of the field Taunton will try to soak up pressure and break quickly. They will also get an extra week of practice before games kick off after the games with Attleboro were postponed.
Experience will come from a group of seniors that have spent multiple years at the varsity level. Seniors Emily O’Gara and Madison Ribeiro can both play up top or in the midfield, while classmates Caitlin Smith, Kayla Botelho, and Morgan Zakrzewski provide leadership in the defensive third. Junior Isabella Anslow will be between the pipes this season. Sophomore midfielders Abigail Gamble and Christina DeCosta and sophomore forward Emily Calderon will provide energy and could step right in to contribute this season.
“Our main goal during the season is to get better every single day and play like it can be taken away from us at any time,” said Taunton coach Michael Couture. “We are on our way to building something special here at Taunton High and have the right group of dedicated girls.”
