Baseball
Sharon, 0 @ Archbishop Williams, 8 – Final
Softball
Canton, 0 @ King Philip, 16 – Final (5 Inn.) – King Philip senior Libby Walsh hit her fourth home run in as many games and the Warriors rolled at home over Canton. Walsh had four RBI in the opening inning, driving a run in with a double and then launching a three-run homer later in the first. Liv Ali had a hit, an RBI, and two runs scored, Jordan Bennett had a two-run double, Lucy Weineck had two walks and scored a run, Charlotte Griffin went 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored, and Sydney Burch had one hit, one RBI, and one run. Bennett and Allie Cecere combined for the shutout for the Warriors.
Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 6:00
King Philip, 6 @ Lincoln-Sudbury, 11 – Final – King Philip came up short on the road against a top 10 ranked Division 1 squad, falling 11-6 to LS. Donovan DeVellis (assist), Hayden Schmitz (assist), and Noah Minkwitz each scored twice for the Warriors, and both Mason Thompson and Cullen McCarthy recorded an assist. James Boldy played well in net with 12 saves.
Foxboro, 16 @ Bishop Feehan, 9 – Final – Foxboro came out strong, staked a four-goal lead by halftime, and carried the lead the rest of the way for a convincing win over Bishop Feehan. Paige Curran was nearly unstoppable as she scored half of the Warriors’ 16 goals along with two assists. Mya Waryas (four assists) and Val Beigel each added a pair of goals while Addie Riley, Grace Riley, Cate Noone (assist), and Mary Collins each scored once. Audrey Campbell played well for Foxboro, making eight saves.
Mansfield, 18 @ North Attleboro, 11 – Final – Stella Moore led the way with five goals and an assist to help the Hornets earn their second win in three days and keep their late push for a playoff spot alive. Brooke Butler scored four times and had two assists and Ava Adams added four goals. Lola Varricchione had two goals and two assists, Keira Fitzpatrick had a goal and two assists, and Rose Maher had one of each. Maeve Anastasia scored once and Ella Souza dished out an assist. Caitlin Zajac made seven saves in the win.
Mansfield won 18-11
Sharon @ Bellingham, 6:30
Girl Tennis
Stoughton, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Stoughton swept all three singles matches to return home from Canton with a win over the Bulldogs. Junior Ally Lada landed a 6-0, 6-2 win at first singles, Nadia Prokopiuk added a 6-2, 6-4 win at second singles, and Dhruvi Patel rounded out the sweep with a 6-1, 6-3 win at third singles. Canton’s Grace Powers and Kelli Woodworth won in straight sets (6-3, 6-1) at first doubles, and the Bulldogs added a second point on a win at second doubles from Panayiota Michaelidis and Liv McCloskey (6-3, 6-1).
Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 1 @ New Bedford, 3 – Final
Canton and Oliver Ames both reached the postseason last spring. Read our team-by-team breakdown of the upcoming girls lacrosse season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2022 Record: 3-14 2022 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Shane Collins
It has been a few years since Attleboro challenged for a playoff spot, but the Bombardiers are hoping that the program is taking steps to get back to that level. First-year coach Shane Collins inherits a group with some varsity experience and a little more depth in the roster to try and exceed the three wins from 2022.
Attleboro’s attack will be led by senior Jordan Mooney, a three-year starter, and classmate Stella Krawiec, whose speed adds a different dimension on offense. Sophomore Isabella Cavallini gained a lot of experience as a freshman and could have a breakout year. Junior Molly Moore and freshman Amelia Collins will also get chances to contribute in attack.
Junior Addison Papagolos will be a key player in midfield, making an impact at both ends of the field. Senior Gabriela Sprovieri will also chip in. Senior Ella Stromfors is a three-year starter in defense and her leadership will be invaluable for the Bombardiers alongside juniors Kristin Vasquez-Trudeau and Leandra Lennon. Sophomore Peyton McAuliffe is in goal after seeing some action in the cage as a freshman.
“There’s nothing but upside for this team,” said Collins. “Most of these girls have at least a season of varsity lacrosse under their belts. I feel we have some depth in the midfield, attackers improving on getting to the cage, and a defense and keeper who are communicating extremely well leading up to the start of the season. Our success this season truly hinges on everyone’s commitment to the team-first mentality.”
2022 Record: 14-4 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Casey Bradley
Under first-year coach (and former player) Casey Bradley, Canton saw a resurgence in 2022. The Bulldogs battled Foxboro for the league title all the way to the final game of the regular season and returned to the state tournament. This season, Canton returns loads of talent to make another title challenge and try to add a playoff victory.
Midfield is going to be a strength for the Bulldogs. Junior Devan Spinale is a talented, speedy player with a great finishing touch. Senior Emily McCabe provides the team with endless energy at both ends of the field and was the team’s leading scorer last year. Freshman Nora Giannacopoulos has been impressive in the preseason and there is a lot of potential for her to make an instant impact.
The attack is spearheaded by senior Ella Yeaton, another quick, skillful player who can break down opposition defenses. Canton’s strength last year was its defense and the Bulldogs will be leaning on a couple of experienced players to keep that solidity going into the new season. Juniors Tori Carr and Ava Gilmore are vocal leaders who will maintain the organization in front of goal.
“I am very excited to work with this talented group and continue to build on the foundation from last year,” Bradley said. “We have a ton of returners who will lead the way for the younger girls. The girls are super happy to be back and love working with each other every day.”
2022 Record: 14-6 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Quarterfinal (Davenport champion) Coach: Kathleen McCullough
Foxboro came within a goal of reaching the Div. 3 Final Four last year and the Warriors bring back a strong core that should be among the contenders for the D3 title again this spring. The 10-time defending Davenport division champions have experience all over the field, return their top two scorers from last year, and are focused on making another tournament run.
The Warriors were the second-highest scoring team in the Hock last year and should be right there again, as seniors Paige Curran, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, and Mya Waryas spearhead a deep, talented group of attackers. Senior Grace Riley and sophomore Cate Noone and junior midfielders Val Beigel and Mary Collins will add even more offensive punch.
Senior Jenney Gallagher is a vocal leader in the defense and she’s not afraid to rush forward and cause problems for the opposition on the other end of the field as well. Junior Ella Campbell is an experienced defender who can disrupt opposing attacks. Sophomore Audrey Campbell gained confidence from a strong freshman season, including a couple of impressive displays in the playoffs, and will be a leader in goal.
“I am thrilled to get back to work with this group of girls,” said Foxboro coach Kathleen McCullough. “They are extremely hardworking and motivated to make a playoff run this year. Right now, we are focusing on team chemistry and game strategies as we approach a schedule that poses some tough opponents and challenges.”
2022 Record: 18-3 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion) Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
Franklin has been untouchable in the Hockomock League for a decade. Last spring, the Panthers extended their league winning streak to more than 90 games and they come into this season as the heavy favorites to bring home another Kelley-Rex title. Expectations remain sky-high for a program that only seems to reload, not rebuild, and the Panthers will continue to have aspirations to challenge the best programs in the state and compete for a first state title.
The experience in the midfield will be key to Franklin’s season. Senior Kaitlyn Carney led the team with 50 goals in the regular season in 2022 and classmate Katie Peterson was right behind her with 65 points. Seniors Jamie Tanner and Lindsay Atkinson will also return in what should be a dynamic attacking unit. What makes Franklin so difficult to play against is that all of those midfielders also contribute on the other end as well. Senior Payten Crandall will be back in the heart of the defense, giving the team needed leadership in front of its own goal.
As always, when players graduate, Franklin has new players ready to step into the lineup. Junior Katie Ryan will add to the attacking firepower up front, while sophomore Sophia Sacchetti will add to the midfield. Both were on varsity last season but will have bigger roles to play this spring. Freshman midfielder Vera Hansen, the lone rookie on the roster, will also get the chance to show off her speed. Junior Keira Kucich will join Crandall in defense in front of sophomore goalie Ella Mahoney, who’s had a strong start to the season.
“I am really looking forward to the 2023 season,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “We have a good mix of upperclassmen leaders and new players who are ready to step up. Every player has an important role on this team, and if we play together we can go far!”
2022 Record: 14-6 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen Coach: Kourtnie Wilder
King Philip is coming off another strong season. The Warriors lost only once in the league, to Franklin, and went on the road to beat Needham in the opening round of the state tournament. KP returns 12 players from last year’s team and will lean on its experienced defenders to keep the team in the hunt for a first league title since 2012.
Senior goalie Emily Campbell will be back in the cage this season and her leadership and shot-stopping will be important for the Warriors. Junior Lily McNulty can play in defense or midfield and is another experienced player who can limit the opposition
In attack, the Warriors will have some new faces stepping in and familiar faces who will have much bigger roles. Sophomore Makenzie McDevitt is coming off a breakout freshman season and could be pivotal as either an attacker or a midfielder. Juniors Alyssa Legere and Nicole McDonald will also be counted on to fire in the goals and junior midfielder Sarah Brown can help at both ends of the field.
“We are looking forward to working with this new group,” said KP coach Kourtnie Wilder. “The team has worked hard so far and put in work in the offseason. A lot of our players are multi-sport athletes, and play other sports together and have great chemistry. We as a coaching staff are excited to see what this group can do this spring.”
2022 Record: 9-6 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round Coach: Mary Kiley
After a tough start to 2022, Mansfield went on a six-game win streak to close out the regular season (four of those wins by three goals or fewer) and earned a trip to Westford Academy in the first round of the playoffs. The Hornets will be hoping that the momentum from that late-season run will carry over to 2023 and that they can make a title challenge in their first spring in the Davenport division.
Offensively, the team will lean on senior Ava Adams. The team’s leading scorer from last season is a dynamic playmaker and she can open up chances for the entire attack. On defense, experience will be key for the Hornets. Senior goalie Caitlin Zajac returns to be the backstop for the defensive group and classmate Audrey Murphy gives the Hornets much-needed leadership at the back.
Mansfield is counting on the experience gained last year to build depth throughout the roster. Senior Brooke Butler, juniors Keira Fitzpatrick and Lola Varricchione, and sophomore Ella Palanza will play big roles in the midfield, supporting the attack but also dropping in and bolstering the defense.
“We’re having a great start to the season – focusing on fundamentals like our fitness and stickwork, but also elevating our play with high-intensity drills that are super competitive as well as team building,” said Mansfield coach Mary Kiley. “We have a large, talented team and are looking to strategize by using quicker, line-type subbing (like hockey) that will allow us to always have fresh legs on the field. Overall, the team is confident, hard-working, and ready to bring it in our new division!”
2022 Record: 11-9 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round Coach: Kacey Young
Milford is coming off one of the best seasons in program history. Under first-year coach Kacey Young, the Hawks won 11 games and reached the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. Now the challenge is building off that success and trying to continue the momentum that has been created around the program.
The Hawks return 15 seniors from last year’s team, so there will be plenty of experience on the field, even with the graduation of leading scorer Aislinn Bennett. Offensively, several players will be counted on to step up and provide scoring punch, including senior midfielders Emily Croteau and Carly Haley. Senior Jordan Douglas and junior Erin Michelson will add to the attack along with a talented group of sophomore newcomers: TJ Downing, Yas Martinez, Alexa Landry, and Kaitlin Landry.
Experience will be a strength of Milford’s defense. Senior Caitlyn Bangert had an impressive 2022 in goal and will be back in the cage to provide vocal leadership and organization. In front of Bangert, seniors Tessa Scrimgeour, Sophia Soares, and Molly Hartman form a cohesive group to try and keep opposing attackers at bay.
“Our focus this year is to continue to work together as a team, celebrate the successes and growth, learn from our mistakes, and have fun,” Young explained. “With 15 seniors on the team, their leadership is spread across the field in all positions. Every player will be a contributor on this team and I look forward to seeing them all play together this season.”
2022 Record: 7-12 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Amanda Welch
After reaching the playoffs in 2022, North Attleboro returns to the Kelley-Rex division this spring with a roster that is significantly younger. The Rocketeers graduated nearly all of its starting lineup, so the opportunity is there for a lot of players to make instant contributions.
Midfield is where most of North’s experience will be, including its two returning starters. Seniors Ava McKeon and Caroline Folan are the top two scorers coming back for North but also give the Rocketeers athleticism, energy, and leadership all over the field.
As expected from a team that graduated so much of its lineup, there will be a lot of newcomers that will get valuable varsity experience this year. North has a talented sophomore group that could be poised for big seasons. Lily Ramm and Ellie Regan will be in the attack and Carleigh Swenson will step into the defense.
“For our 2023 season we are looking up,” said North coach Amanda Welch. “Despite losing 90% of our starting lineup of seniors, we have really put in the work in the offseason and it’s showing. We have a bright future for this team as we recruited young talent that will help fill the gaps of those seniors. The girls have come to play this year and we will be a team to look out for.”
2022 Record: 11-8 2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Marisol Henderson
Oliver Ames reached the state tournament a year ago and the Tigers are looking to make another playoff run this spring under first-year coach Marisol Henderson. With only one senior on the roster, OA is going to lean heavily on younger players to step into big roles, but there is a lot of excitement about the potential on the roster.
Senior Catie Wilson is the team’s top returning scorer and she’ll lead the team from the front. Juniors Leanna Hudson and Kayla Magit add to OA’s attacking strength. Junior Olivia O’Rourke will be the key to the midfield. The St. Anselm commit provides energy on both ends of the field. Junior Hailey Goldman and sophomore Summer Silverman have been aggressive through preseason and junior Erin Cottam has the potential for a breakout season.
Junior goalie Claire O’Rourke will bring vocal leadership to the defensive group. Juniors Taylor McAndrew and Gennie Fulford have a lot of skill at cutting off opposition attacks. Freshman Molly Nager has already shown how her speed could be a threat on the break and has the potential to be an instant contributor.
“I have been really impressed by the positive energy and hard work that the team has shown,” Henderson said. “It has also been great to see how well they support each other. They are coming into another season with a new coach, and it can be tough to not have consistency from one year to the next, but they aren’t letting that get to them and they are eager to learn. We have a lot of potential and I am looking forward to seeing improvements every game.”
2022 Record: 0-20 2022 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Ali Bowery
Sharon is coming off a difficult 2022 season. The Eagles were unable to find a win last year, although they did have two losses by just a single goal, and are in the midst of a rebuild under first-year coach Ali Bowery. She is leaning on her experienced seniors to get the team ready to compete this spring.
One of the seniors who the Eagles will count on this season is goalie Tess Letendre, who has been a solid shot-stopper for each of the past three years. Senior Carly Buckman will also provide much-needed vocal leadership. Juniors Anna Hertzel and Keira Lydeard have been named captains and give the Eagles energy on both ends of the field.
Underclassmen to watch out for this season include sophomore Bailey Garte, who is a three-sport varsity athlete, and classmate Megan Porcaro. Bowery has been impressed with the pair’s stick work and speed in the preseason. Overall, Bowery is expecting Sharon’s attack to be more potent this season.
“I have a great group of girls that all mesh well with each other,” Bowery said. “They have been working hard during practice improving their shots and ball movement. I am looking forward to the start of the season. I am rebuilding the program and this group of girls will take it to the next level!”
2022 Record: n/a 2022 Finish: n/a Coach: Kelly Fahey
Stoughton is making its varsity debut this spring and head coach Kelly Fahey is looking forward to seeing how the Black Knights can bring the chemistry built over the past few seasons to fully compete in the Hockomock League.
A pair of sisters will be important players for Stoughton as it makes the jump into varsity. Junior attacker Morgan Groppi and freshman midfielder Casey Groppi and junior midfielder Nicole Reid and freshman attacker Amanda Reid bring versatility and lacrosse experience to the field. That foursome will be counted on to create opportunities for themselves and their teammates, while also helping out in other areas of the game.
Junior Mia Rivera is moving up from defense to attack and her aggression and defensive instincts will be helpful at that end of the field. Sophomore Lily Nourse is a versatile newcomer who can play on either end.
“We have a lot of girls who are not afraid to take shots and create opportunities,” Fahey said. “The girls have been playing together for a few years and have solid team chemistry. This is our first year as a varsity program and we are excited to compete.”
2022 Record: 2-14 2022 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Adilson Galvao
After graduating the program’s all-time leading scorer, Taunton was bound to have a rebuilding season in 2022. The Tigers had a pair of one-goal wins against Sharon, but with only 68 goals scored Taunton struggled to pick up any other results. Second-year coach Adilson Galvao is hoping that a year of experience will be a boost for the young Tigers and see a big improvement this spring.
Some of the players who seem ready for a big step up this season include senior midfielders Kayla Bayanilla and Hailey Tanguay, both of whom can contribute on both ends of the field. Senior Raquel Azevedo and sophomore Madison Szala will lead the way on the attacking end, while junior Cali Melo brings her athleticism into the midfield.
Newcomers who have made instant impacts during preseason play are freshmen Taryn Campbell and Lillian Bonneau. Galvao is excited about the connections that are already building between his attacking players. Senior Melissa Jesus will be an important leader for the Tigers this year, as she returns in the goal to keep things organized at the back.
“The team has a mix of new, young, and returning faces that are all determined to become a better player for themselves and towards the team,” Galvoa said. “This year’s season will show the maximum potential and ambition these girls have towards the game of lacrosse.”
King Philip senior Julia Marsden was one of the league’s top scorers last season and will be a player to watch as a new year kicks off. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
Carney finally got to step onto the lacrosse field for Franklin last season and showed off the skills that have made her a Div. I recruit. The James Madison-commit tied for the team lead with 36 goals last season and added 11 assists while bringing her trademark intensity to the middle of the field. Strong, quick, and willing to be physical in the attack, it was hard to keep Carney out from the middle of the crease and her creative finishing meant that she was a threat to score any time that she was around the cage. She was also unfazed by the biggest stage, scoring a pair of goals against Westwood in last year’s state title game. With the array of attacking talent at Franklin’s disposal, goals are going to be spread around and Carney’s ability to draw attention from multiple defenders will open up scoring chances for her teammates. Franklin is back to having one of the toughest schedules in the state to help prepare it for another deep tournament run and Carney is one of the dynamic players that could help win a first state title for the Panthers.
Oliver Ames has a new coach this season but also plenty of familiar faces on the field, with seniors lining up at most positions. Costello, a Salve Regina-commit for field hockey, will be one of the key players returning for the Tigers. A versatile attacker, who can also line up in the midfield, Costello will be counted on to provide the scoring punch and to be a playmaker, setting up her teammates in what is a senior-laden attacking corps. Quick and strong on the ball, Costello can break defenses down on the dodge and has the vision to set up teammates in good scoring positions. She has the athleticism to help on the ride and provide cover on defense, but it is her finishing and play in the attacking end of the field that could be the difference for an OA team seeking a return to the state tournament.
The second-leading scorer in the Hock last season, Curran returns to the Foxboro midfield ready to keep the Warriors on top in the Davenport division and to make a deep run in the state tournament. Last year, Curran scored 46 goals and assisted on 30 others. Her 76 points were only four off the league lead. A dynamic attacker, Foxboro always tries to get the ball on Curran’s stick because of her ability to find space for her own shot to find openings for teammates around the goal. No matter where she gets the ball, Curran is a threat to create a scoring chance. She is also important on the ride and helping out on the draw, an all-around performer for a team that finished with a plus-150 goal differential in 2021. Curran and the Warriors will be looking beyond just another league title this season, as they will have their sights set on being one of the teams to beat in Div. 3.
North Attleboro finished in a tie for second in the Davenport division last year and will be aiming to get back into the postseason this spring. A fully healthy Doherty giving leadership and adding athleticism in the defensive group could be a key to the Rocketeers being in the state tournament conversation again. Quick and strong, Doherty isn’t one to shy away from the physical side of defending, as she has shown in both the soccer and basketball seasons, and she is vocal in making sure her teammates are in the right spots. North was fourth in the league in goals scored last season, but the Rocketeers will hope that Doherty can help shore things up defensively to keep its place in the Davenport division.
Letendre was a bright spot in a tough 2021 season for a young Sharon team. The junior goalie is hoping to build on her debut season in goal for the Eagles and get them back into the running for a playoff spot. Quick and athletic, Letendre is able to cover all the corners and is aggressive to close down the angles and make it difficult for shooters to find the right spots. Last season, Letendre made 141 saves and stopped 43 percent of the shots that she faced. It was the second-most saves in the league during the regular season and with a year of experience at the varsity level, Letendre can be even more vocal to ensure her team is making the right slides and covering attackers. Sharon is looking to get back into the state tournament mix this season and having a good defensive record will be a key, so Letendre’s development in goal will be critical for the Eagles.
Marsden, a senior attacker, was one of KP’s most dynamic players last season, showing no ill effects from a year off by scoring 50 goals and dishing out 10 assists. The St. Anselm commit was the sixth-highest scorer in the league last year and the second-highest among players that have returned this spring. A strong, physical attacker, Marsden is hard to take the ball off, even in a crowded crease, and she is willing to drive into traffic to finish off an attack. Her quickness and athleticism make her a threat in transition and facing a settled defense and she showed a lot of patience last year, biding her time for the right moment to drive at the goal. KP continues to be the biggest challenger to Franklin’s control of the Kelley-Rex title and the experience and scoring punch that Marsden brings to the table will be a big boost for the Warriors as they look to unseat the Panthers.
One of the best facilitators in the Franklin offense, Regan creates as many chances for her teammates as she does for herself, and her endless supply of energy in the midfield makes her a key player on both ends of the field. The Colby College commit scored 28 goals last season and assisted on 32 others, providing key passes for the wide array of attacking talent that the Panthers throw on the field. A quick, athletic player, who now seems to be fully healed from the broken leg she suffered as a sophomore, Regan can beat players off the dodge and then pick out the perfect pass to get teammates clean looks at goal. Coupling her speed in transition with her patience and willingness to move the ball against a set defense makes her vital to Franklin’s balance on offense. She knows when to push and when it is time to step back and keep possession. Coming off an appearance in the state title game, expectations might never be higher around the program and Regan will be one of many players that Franklin is counting on to take that final step and bring home silverware this spring.
Spinale stepped in as a freshman last season and showed off impressive skills in the attack, giving the Canton offense an important boost, helping the Bulldogs score in double digits in eight of their 14 games. Quick and agile, Spinale is a hard one-on-one cover and she has the footwork and stick work to find seams to drive to the goal. She also is a willing runner to help back on the defensive end and showed good vision in transition, making the right passes to set up teammates for chances. With a year of varsity experience, Spinale should be ready to face the tough defenses in the Hock and help Canton make a return to the state tournament. Canton has a versatile, athletic group of attackers as well as midfielders that could make them a dangerous team to face in the playoffs, and Spinale’s development as a go-to weapon on offense will be key to the Bulldogs giving Foxboro a challenge in the Davenport.
Waryas was the fourth-leading scorer on Foxboro a season ago, but the junior midfielder should get even more looks this year. Another member of a talented junior class for the Warriors, Waryas finds ways of creating space in the defense, through her movement with and without the ball and is a solid finisher around the cage. Coupling her strong stick work with good vision, Waryas can draw defenders to create lanes for teammates to take advantage of has the ability to make the right pass at the right time. She scored 29 goals and had 15 assists as a sophomore and the experience of her first varsity season should lead to even more offense this year (for a team that scored 225 goals in just 13 games last year). As Foxboro looks to make a run in the Div. 3 state tournament, Waryas will be one of the players that the Warriors will count on developing into a go-to attacking threat this season.
Although there are a lot of new faces on the Mansfield roster, and the coaching staff, the Hornets have an experienced back line that could be tough to score against this season. Zajac will be a key to the Hornets keeping the opposition at bay. In her debut season as a sophomore goalie, Zajac made 214 saves and saved 56 percent of the shots that she faced, both of which were tops in the league during the regular season. Her quickness and aggressiveness in goal helps cut down shooting angles and she is a vocal leader at the back, making sure her defenders are in the right places. She is also capable of springing an attack the other way with good distribution. Mansfield will be moving to the Davenport next spring, so the Hornets would love to move up the standings in their last season in the Kelley-Rex, and Zajac’s ability to marshal the back line will be a key to having an impressive final season in the division.
Franklin returns a loaded roster after reaching the state title game. Read full team previews for the new season below. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2021 Record: 2-13 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Chrissy Quinn
Attleboro will continue rebuilding this season, but the Bombardiers also feel like there is talent and experience on the roster to improve on the results of 2021 and possibly climb a spot in the division standings. Last season was a struggle, Attleboro had the fewest goals scored and most goals allowed in the league, but so much of the roster was getting its first taste of varsity play. With that year of experience, the Bombardiers are expecting more at both ends of the field.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Senior midfielder Olivia Calderone will lead the Bombardiers in attack. Sophomores Molly Moore and Addison Papagolos are back to provide a threat around the cage, while seniors Corrine Whiting and Kelsey Sherry and junior Jordan Mooney give Attleboro a lot of depth in the attack. Freshmen Isabella Cavallini and Ryann Mooney are a pair of talented newcomers who are going to get the chance to boost Attleboro’s scoring punch.
In defense, senior Avery Vieira and junior Ally Haigh are back to protect the goal. Both are strong presences in the defensive area with their athleticism and reading of the game. Sophomore Kristen Vasquez-Trudeau and junior Ella Stromfors also return and have shown great progress during the preseason. Attleboro will have a pair of new goalies this season with senior Alex Insani and freshman Peyton McCauliffe.
“I am excited to watch this talented group of athletes come together on the field this season,” said Attleboro coach Chrissy Quinn. “They have great potential and I think our program is making positive strides in the right direction.”
2021 Record: 5-9 2021 Finish: Reached D1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Casey Bradley
Canton got off to a decent start in 2021, winning five of its first seven games, but the Bulldogs closed with a tough stretch, losing each of the last seven, including overtime losses to Oliver Ames and Whitman-Hanson to end the season. Former Bulldog Casey Bradley steps in as the head coach and she is confident that a year of experience will be the key for a lineup that is largely unchanged from last spring and has the potential to move up the standings.
The Bulldogs will have a strong midfield group. Senior Allie McCabe is a three-sport star and gives them energy and leadership alongside junior Ella Yeaton and sophomore Devan Spinale, who had an impressive rookie season as an attacker. Freshman Annie McLean will step in and add a new dimension to the midfield. Senior Carly Fitzgerald and junior Emily McCabe give Canton a lot of depth at that end of the field.
Defensively, seniors Tess Khoury and Sydney Gallery will hold down the middle of the field in front of classmate Elyse Broderick, who is stepping into the cage after four seasons as the goalie on the soccer team. Broderick’s athleticism will be important to help Canton’s defense hold off the opposition.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Bradley said, “As a first-year head coach, I couldn’t be more excited to work with this group. These girls love the game and love working with one another every day. We have great leaders. I believe as long as we work hard and spend our time together efficiently, we will be a really strong team this year and may surprise some people.”
2021 Record: 11-2 2021 Finish: Reached D2 East Quarterfinals Coach: Kathleen McCullough
Last season, the first under new head coach Kathleen McCullough, Foxboro lost its season opener against Franklin then rolled through the next 11 games before falling by a goal against Bedford in the state tournament. Over that 11-game win streak, the Warriors outscored teams 204-44. Foxboro’s schedule looks a little tougher this year to help build up towards a potential tournament run, as the nine-time defending Davenport champs return a loaded lineup on both ends of the field.
The Warriors should have one of the most potent attacks in the league this season with a junior class that is loaded with talent and now has a year of varsity experience as well. Senior Kate Collins gives the team leadership up front, while junior Paige Curran was second in the league in scoring as a sophomore. Junior Mya Waryas and sophomores Valerie Beigel and Mary Collins would be the headliners in most teams’ attacking units.
While the offense will draw a lot of headlines, Foxboro’s defense is experienced and difficult to score on. Seniors Hannah Blake and Meghan Burke will be the leaders ahead of classmate Lilli Jones, who is stepping into goal this year after having a strong fall for the field hockey team. Junior Grace Riley and Jennifer Gallagher make this one of the deeper defensive groups in the Hock. Freshman midfielder Cate Noone is a newcomer to watch, who could make an instant impact all over the field.
“Our biggest strength is that we have a large returning group this year,” said McCullough. “My hope is that their playing experience and the fact that they have been playing together since youth level will develop the confidence needed to compete well against our opponents. We have put together a strong schedule this year and we look forward to challenging ourselves as a team and program.”
2021 Record: 18-1 2021 Finish: Reached D1 State Championship Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
There is no hiding that the goal for Franklin this season is to return to the state championship game and bring home the program’s first title. Even just a quick look at the roster shows why. The Panthers return the vast majority of last year’s team that was seconds away from overtime in last year’s final and added a few new faces that could be impact players. Franklin has experience and depth at every position. With a league win streak that has extended beyond 80 games, Franklin’s next goal is to be the best in the state.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
While those are lofty expectations, Franklin has a lineup filled with college commits. In the midfield and attack, seniors Stella Regan, Jackie O’Neil, Kate O’Rourke, Maura Cogavin, and Kenzie Baker are entering their third seasons as starters and all can be playmakers. Katie Peterson and fellow junior Kaitlyn Carney are both coming off impressive sophomore seasons and junior Lindsay Atkinson and Jamie Tanner can be threats anywhere near the cage.
Defensively, Franklin will be aggressive and athletic. Senior Anna Grasso will be the leader at the back in front of classmate Brigid Earley, who was the star of the final with a series of great saves. Juniors Riley Cross and Payten Crandall make a group that works well together. Freshman goalie Ella Mahoney is a new face that will get some time this year and gives Franklin depth at that position as well.
“I am really excited for this season, as this is one of the most talented and cohesive Franklin teams I have ever coached,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “Everyone is all in and it is our goal to win a state championship!”
2021 Record: 12-3 2021 Finish: Reached D1 East Quarterfinals Coach: Kourtnie Wilder
Overall, King Philip had a strong season in 2021. The Warriors only lost three games and two of those were to state finalist Franklin and the other to Div. 1 East finalist Concord-Carlisle. Still, KP can look at it as a season to build experience, get players back into the groove of varsity lacrosse, and prepare for more this spring. With a strong returning corps. KP will be eyeing a tournament run.
Experience will be important up front where Saint Anselm-commit Julia Marsden is back after a 50-goal junior season and will be joined by fellow senior Lily Brown, who had 55 points last year. In defense, senior Haley Izydorczak is in her third year on varsity and gives KP a strong presence in the crease.
In goal, KP has a pair of talented juniors who will both see time. Emily Campbell and Haley Bright give the Warriors enviable depth in the cage. Senior Colleen Crowther is another experienced defender that will help out at the back. There are plenty of talented underclassmen who can step in this season, including four freshmen, Abby MacDonald, Sammy Cloutier, Makenzie McDevitt, and Sierra King.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
“Our greatest strength is we have a lot of returners that we are going to rely on heavily this year,” said KP coach Kourtnie Wilder. “The players we have are experienced and excited to play together again this season. We also have a few new ninth graders that are going to give us more depth on the field this year.”
2021 Record: 8-6 2021 Finish: Reached D1 East Preliminary Round Coach: Mary Kiley
Mansfield has a third coach in as many years with Mary Kiley taking over this spring. Kiley is a former league MVP and a four-time league champion with King Philip and she’ll be looking to push Mansfield into contention in its final spring in the Kelley-Rex. The Hornets will have experience in defense but looking for new faces to step up and contribute to the attack to make a push for the postseason.
Junior goalie Caitlin Zajac impressed in her debut season and she will be back between the pipes to provide leadership to the back line. The rest of the defensive unit is also experienced with seniors Grace Bertolino, Gabriella Geminiani, and Kayla Doherty adding intensity and aggression at that end of the field, while also looking to spring the Hornets in transition.
The attack is largely new this season. Juniors Ava Adams and Brooke Butler have looked solid in the preseason and sophomores Lola Varricchione and Cammy Shanteler will look to build on solid rookie seasons. Sophomores Keira Fitzpatrick and Ella Souza are two newcomers in the Mansfield attack who will be looking to make immediate impacts.
“On attack we have great discipline and patience with the ball, waiting for just the right opportunity to score,” said Kiley. “We’re looking forward to a competitive season this year.”
2021 Record: 1-12 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Kacey Abbriano
With 28 players on the roster this spring, Milford will have the numbers to try and make a push up the division standings, but only eight of those players are returning from last year. There will be a lot of new faces for first-year head coach Kacey Abbriano to try and get up to speed with the new defense she is implementing.
Midfield is an area of experience for the Hawks with senior Aislinn Bennett and junior Carly Haley and Emily Croteau all back from last season. The hope is that their athleticism and leadership will help Milford improve the number of scoring opportunities that it is able to create this season with an eye on improving on the one win from 2021.
Junior goalie Caitlyn Bangert is another returning player from last year who will be counted on to provide a dose of experience in the defensive end of the field. Although many of the players are new to the varsity level this year, Milford is largely led by upperclassmen with only two sophomores, attackers Ryara Madruga and Rhea Mathew, on the roster.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
“Besides the obvious of trying to win games, we’re trying to build confidence in our player’s skills and ability, work together with one another, and just have a fun season together,” said Abbriano. “I’m excited for this season and look forward to getting started!”
2021 Record: 7-6 2021 Finish: Reached D1 East Preliminary Round Coach: Amanda Welch
North Attleboro has had several coaching changes in the past two seasons but still managed to finish second in the Davenport division last spring. New head coach Amanda Welch will look to build on that this year with a solid returning corps. North lost six times in 2021, but all of those were to teams that qualified for the postseason and the Rocketeers will look to continue their success against the teams around them in the standings to get back in the postseason mix.
Leading scorer Taylor McMath is back to spearhead the North attack. The senior finished with 24 goals last season, and she will have help up top from junior Ava McKeon. Their speed and stickhandling make them tough to stop around the cage. North will also count on seniors Kelsey Briere and Morgan Eaton to add punch to an attack that was fourth-best in the league last year (behind only Franklin, Foxboro, and King Philip).
Defensively, North is counting on the leadership and athleticism of senior Summer Doherty to keep things solid at the back. Senior Zoe McKeon is another quick, athletic defender that gives North a strong foundation in front of senior goalie Avery Beale. Welch is hoping that some of the underclassmen will be ready to make instant impacts this season, including freshmen Lily Ramm and Ellie Regan.
“Overall, this 2022 season will look a lot different than last year,” Welch said. “We had some rough patches in the past but now we are back, focused, and ready to show the league what we have.”
2021 Record: 6-6 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Rylie Dalzell
After a 2-6 start to the 2021 season, which included half of those losses coming to Foxboro and Franklin, the Tiger roared down the stretch, winning the final four games to finish at .500. New head coach Rylie Dalzell, who played at King Philip, is hoping that momentum will carry over this spring with an experienced group that sees seniors taking important roles in every position.
In the attack, seniors Georgia and Ava Costello will be back to provide the scoring punch that the Tigers hope will keep them in the running for the postseason. Junior Catie Wilson and Olivia O’Rourke will also chip in offensively, while also providing cover for the defensive group.
Senior midfielder Hailey Bourne returns in the midfield, giving OA a dose of athleticism and providing defensive effort. The defensive group will be a lot of new faces as the only returning defenders from last year’s team are sophomore Taylor McAndrew and senior Alyssa Kiff. Senior Jessica Widdop is the team’s returning goalie.
“This year the team has many strengths,” Dalzell said. “Something that has been great for us is our senior leadership across the field. We have seniors in all positions across the field. The team is very athletic and dynamic, and every player on the field could play in any position. There are many contributors on this team and I expect big things from many different individuals.”
2021 Record: 2-11 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Shara Ginthwain
After graduating three Div. I commits in the past three seasons, it was inevitable that Sharon would have a rebuilding season. After winning twice in 2021, the Eagles bring back five players from last year’s team and an exciting group of underclassmen that will jump right into the lineup and could provide the energy to get the Eagles back up the Davenport standings.
Senior Athena Merck will provide leadership at the back for Sharon this season, while classmate Kaitlyn Galeota will do the same in the attack. Junior Tess Letendre is an important returning player, as she had a solid season in goal as a sophomore and adds vocal leadership for the defensive unit. Sophomore Anna Hertzel could be poised for a breakout season as the team’s playmaker.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
The freshmen class has a lot of skill and is expected to be a big boost to the team’s depth. Bailey Garf and Ava Jacobson are newcomers in the midfield that could provide goals this year, while Serene Bien-Aime will try to prevent goals in the defense.
“From just the first week of the season, I can see that this team is made up of really driven players who work hard to improve every day!” said Sharon coach Shara Ginthwain. “We are so excited to get the season started and see what we can do!”
2021 Record: 4-10 2021 Finish: Reached D1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Adilson Galvao
After graduating the program’s all-time leading scorer Alana Tavares, Taunton will head into a new season with a new coach and a lineup filled with new faces in hopes of getting the Tigers back into the postseason. First-year coach Adilson Galvao is hoping that his seniors will provide leadership for a young crew that is looking to continue Taunton’s being competitive across the Hock.
Taunton will turn to a core of returning players that the Tigers hope will make new connections and keep the attack flowing. Sophomore Cali Melo is a quick, athletic player that they are hoping has taken a leap this spring. Senior Aria Cordero, Samantha Crowley, and Sarah Clark will give the team a lot of experience on both ends of the field.
In addition to the returning players, Taunton has a few new faces that will be looking to make a quick impression at the varsity level. Melissa Jesus will step into goal this year after playing on JV last year, while Alanna DeJesus and Maddison Szala have both stood out in the preseason.
2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
“The team has a mix of new and young faces that look poised to get better as the season progresses and lineups get figured out to maximize our potential,” Galvao said. “Our seniors on the team have been doing a great job leading practices and getting the team ready for this year.”
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.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Only teams that responded to HockomockSports.com with information regarding their team and the upcoming season are listed in this year’s preview.
A program that is still developing, Attleboro will be looking for its first league win since 2018 when things get started this spring and the Bombardiers are looking to combine returning players with exciting newcomers to compete with the teams in the Kelley-Rex.
2021 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Senior Hannah Webster and Isabella Salviati are the most experienced attackers on the roster and the Bombardiers will hope that the addition of sophomore Jordan Mooney and freshman Molly Moore will add a different dimension to the offense. Mooney and Moore have already scored half the team’s goals this season. Defensively, senior Carlie Jamieson and juniors Avery Vieira and Ally Haigh are the returning players who give Attleboro a good foundation. Sophomore Ella Stromfors is a newcomer that will give Attleboro depth in defense. Senior Maggie Porecca is back between the pipes this spring and has been busy in the early going with 35 saves in the opening three games.
“We have a lot of potential that we need to work hard to build on this season,” said Attleboro coach Chrissy Quinn. “It is very important that we set our own goals as a team, rather than worry so much about the score at the end of the game. The most important thing is that we continue to stay healthy, remain positive, and celebrate small victories!”
Canton struggled in 2019, missing out on the postseason, but it was a season of transition with a lot of young players getting their first taste of varsity action. Although they’ve had to wait two years to use that experience, those players are now the core of a Bulldogs team that is looking to make a push up the standings under first-year head coach Dani Aquino.
2021 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Junior midfielder Allie McCabe is a leader on both ends of the field and will be a key part of Canton’s transition game. Junior Tess Khoury will step into a bigger role in the defensive unit with sophomore Erin Beatty making her debut as the starting goalie. Juniors Fay (attack) and Sydney Gallery (defense) will also play more prominent roles this spring with sophomore Emily McCabe stepping in to add energy in the midfield. Senior Kayla Albert is a versatile attacker, who can take advantage of her size to give defenders issues near the cage, and junior Carly Fitzgerald can create scoring chances with her athleticism and tenacity. Sophomore Ella Yeaton and freshman Devan Spinale are exciting additions to the midfield, adding extra speed and creativity in the attack.
“Our outlook this season is to be competitive,” said Aquino. “I want to put up a fight for those crossover Kelly-Rex teams that we play, while taking away necessary lessons and walk off the field better than we walked on. My focus as a coach with this program to conquer the basics and ‘Master the things we can control.’”
The defending Div. 2 East champions have a lot of new faces, including on the bench where former Medfield coach Kathleen McCullough has taken over from (new Mansfield coach) Brittany Sherry, but the expectations don’t change for a program that has dominated the Davenport division, winning the league title in each of the past eight seasons. While the Warriors get to know each other and their new coach, they will still be looking to keep the run of title going this season.
2021 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
Foxboro is going to lean on several returning players who had key roles in winning the program’s first sectional title two years ago. Senior midfielder Ella Waryas can control things on both ends of the field and senior attacker Lilly Vey had a breakout sophomore season and is the team’s top returning scorer. Junior Kate Collins joins Vey and Waryas as captains this season and can play as either a midfielder or defender. The Warriors are reloading with a strong sophomore class as well. There are seven sophomores on the roster this season (and also four freshmen), including Paige Curran, Mia Dinunzio, Jenny Gallagher, Maddie Maher, Dylan Rappoli, Grace Riley, and Mya Waryas.
“We are going in with a clean slate and looking at each team as a new team and opportunity to grow and learn,” said McCullough. “We will focus on our game and daily improvement. I look forward to working with this group and having a great season.”
It may have been two years since Franklin last took the field, but the Panthers will have a lot of familiar names on the roster this season and the same set of expectations. Franklin has not lost a league game since 2012 and won the last eight Kelley-Rex division titles (sharing the title with King Philip in 2012). Heading into this spring, even with only three seniors on the roster, the Panthers will be favorites to bring home the league crown yet again.
After missing a lot of 2019 with an injury, senior Katie Jones is ready to lead the attack, while classmate Sydney Hawkins will be the leader in the defensive zone. Junior midfielders Kenzie Baker, Kate O’Rourke, Jackie O’Neil, and Stella Regan were all part of an impressive freshman group that stepped right into the lineup two years ago and are part of a dynamic group that could score a lot of goals this season. Newcomers include sophomores Kaitlyn Carney, Katie Peterson, Lindsay Atkinson, and Jamie Tanner, who just add to the abundance of attacking and midfield options that Franklin boasts. Junior Brigid Earley has taken over in goal and impressed with her athleticism.
“Once we start meshing, I think we will be a very strong team,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igo Guarino. “Offensively, any group of seven players who is in has the potential to be a threat, either as a dodger, feeder or cutter. This group is very dynamic in their stick skill and game sense. Defensively, we are athletic and have some solid leadership.”
King Philip is the last team other than Franklin to win a Kelley-Rex division title and the Warriors enter this spring hoping to end the seven-year reign for the Panthers. After two years off, KP returns an experienced group, especially on the defensive side, as it gets ready to challenge for a league championship.
Seniors Peyton Mellman and Caroline Pasquantonio will provide leadership for the Warriors this season and will be counting on a strong junior class to live up to the potential it showed in 2019. Julia Marsden, Lily Brown, Haley Izydorczak, and Colleen Crowther all saw ample playing time as freshmen and will now be expected to take the step up to be regular contributors. Head coach Kourtnie Wilder is hoping that the experience in the defensive end will make the Warriors tough to score against and has three goalies vying for the starting role. On offense, Wilder thinks the Warriors will be “crafty and aggressive.”
Wilder said, “We are excited to be back out on the field and finally playing together again. We have a great group of hard-working student-athletes that are dedicated and eager to get the season started.”
2019 Record: 11-8 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 East First Round Coach: Brittany Sherry
Former Foxboro coach Brittany Sherry will finally get her first season on the sideline at Mansfield and will be getting her first chance to work with a Hornets roster that saw a lot of turnover from two years ago. A couple of exciting newcomers and experience along the back line have Sherry confident that the Hornets can get back to the level that saw them win 11 games in 2019.
2021 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
The defensive side will be bolstered by senior Melissa Shanteler, who adds aggression to the back line. Juniors Gabriella Geminiani, Grace Bertolino, and Kayla Doherty will provide depth in defense, while sophomore Caitlin Zajac will get the start in goal in her first varsity season. Seniors Grace Danehy and AnnMarie McCoy provide size on the draws and versatility in the attack. A couple of newcomers will give Mansfield an added boost of playmaking, as sophomore attacker Ava Adam and freshman midfielder Lola Varrichione have the potential to create a lot of goals this spring.
“We’re definitely rusty but the girls are putting in the work to get back to where they were two years ago,” said Sherry.
Milford is making the move to the Kelley-Rex division this spring and the Hawks will be hoping that its returning players will be up to the challenge of a new season. There were positive signs in the opening game of the spring, as the Hawks were right in the game with Sharon.
Defense has the potential to be a strength for the Hawks this year with an experienced and athletic group coming back from the 2019 season. Seniors Jillian Michelson, Eva Parsons, and Katie Maietta will lead the team from the back and push the team into the transition as well. Junior midfielder Aislinn Bennett got playing time as a freshman two years ago and now she is looking to step into a bigger role on both ends of the field. Sophomore midfielders Emily Croteau and Carly Haley are newcomers to the varsity roster and will give an added boost of energy and creativity in the attack.
“Our team is growing stronger and stronger every day and it is a truly wonderful thing to witness as their coach,” said Milford coach Nicole Culhane. “I have so much faith in them and I know they are capable of surprising themselves with how much they can accomplish.”
2019 Record: 5-13 2019 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Gen Rogan
Oliver Ames is making the move to the Davenport division this season and will be looking to jump right into the mix and be competitive with the top teams. The Tigers will hope to make a leap under first-year head coach Gen Rogan, who is very familiar with the league and the competition having been an all-star at Foxboro.
2021 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview
The Tigers enter the season with nine seniors and six juniors on the roster, so experience shouldn’t be an issue. Seniors Emilee Nuss and Liliana Lozano will be the leaders on the defensive end, locking the opposition down in front of senior Emma O’Donnell or junior Jess Widdop, two vocal and quick goalies that OA can count on. Senior Emma Pereira will patrol the midfield, helping out on the defensive side and then pushing the Tigers forward into the attack. Freshman Taylor McAndrew is a newcomer who could make an instant impact this spring and provide a scoring boost. Versatility and balance will be important as Rogan is hoping that a lot of players will be able to chip in and add to the OA attack.
“I think this season will be a good test to our ability to stay tough and fight through some hard battles,” Rogan said. “We play in a very competitive league, but I have no doubt that this team is up to the challenge and will be exciting to watch this season.”
2019 Record: 12-9 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 East First Round Coach: Shara Ginthwain
Sharon has developed into a program that consistently gets into playoff contention, battling for the second spot in the Davenport division and looking to take the next step to put pressure on perennial league power Foxboro. The Eagles will a few seasoned veterans coming back this spring, but also a lot of newcomers and building that connection on the field will be a key early in this shortened season.
Senior Jenna Goldstein has been a standout in each of her first two seasons on varsity and will have a much bigger role this year, as the team’s primary playmaker. Senior Cass Barbera will lead the attacking unit and her combination with Goldstein will be a key to Sharon’s offensive output. Junior Athena Merck and freshman Anna Hertzel are newcomers that will add a different dimension to the attack. Senior Molly McAlevey is moving into the midfield this season to provide extra speed and athleticism. At the back, seniors Abby Hoffman, Amelia Scappaticci, and Carly Romanow give Sharon an experienced defensive unit in front of new goalie sophomore Tess Letendre.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to play together this season,” said Sharon coach Shara Ginthwain. “We really look forward to developing team chemistry as the season progresses, as this is the first time many of these girls have played together at this level.”
Taunton was on the brink of a playoff spot in 2019, coming up just one win shy of qualifying for the postseason and have several players returning, especially in the midfield, to compete with the top teams in the Kelley-Rex division.
Senior Alana Tavares is the centerpiece of the Taunton midfield. The reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year has put up big numbers in her first three seasons and the Marist-commit will be counted on to produce a lot of offense again this spring. Senior Anastasia Lajoie joins Tavares in the midfield. Committed to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Lajoie is another dynamic attacker who gives the Tigers a lot of energy at both ends of the field. Other seniors returning this season include Madison Vigliotti, Rosemary McGrath, Rebecca Berry, and Tori DaRosa. Junior Emily Gannon is back in goal and will be a vocal presence on the defensive side of the ball.
“We are very excited to be back out on the lacrosse field,” said Taunton coach Kerry Northup. “However successful we are with our record this year, we are just happy to be able to get out there again and play the game we love.”
