Mansfield players celebrate the opening goal by Maddie Fernandes in a 2-1 win over league-leading Oliver Ames. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Sometimes the final minutes of a game are about calmness, composure, and coolly holding onto possession to see out the result. Other times, those last few minutes are all about holding on for dear life and doing anything and everything to keep the ball out of your net.
The finish to Tuesday night’s Davenport division clash at Alumni Field was anything but calm.
Maddie Fernandes scored twice in two minutes to put Mansfield in front but fellow freshman Jolie Diaz halved the deficit for Oliver Ames with 11 minutes play, setting up a wild, frenetic ending. In a game that had playoff intensity, the Hornets demonstrated a trait that could serve them well in two weeks, when tournament play begins, holding off OA’s late charge and pulling out a 2-1 win.
“I told Britt those last 10-plus minutes you guys were making every crack for us evident and you got one of them through and I was waiting for the next one to get through, but we kind of held it together,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith explained. “We’ll learn from it.”
“We’ll learn how to clear the ball and how to have composure. It’s a great learning experience for us. We did hold…enough, so that was good. We’re getting better every day.”
While OA coach Britt Sellmayer was happy that his team kept fighting to the final whistle, he wanted that level of intensity much sooner. “Happy how we played the last 15 minutes but you have to play 80 minutes and we didn’t have that sense of urgency when we came out.”
“The idea is not to put yourself in that position and we did.”
From the opening kick, Mansfield made it a point to put the pressure on OA, trying to put balls in behind the defense and pressing high up the pitch. The Hornets started the game well, pinning OA back and limiting the chances to move through midfield, but they also weren’t creating many opportunities of their own.
Despite the home team having an edge in territory in the opening 40 minutes, it was the visitors who had the best chances.
Lindsey Nosalek created the first look at goal after 12 minutes, crossing a ball from the right wing to Rhiya Fisher, whose first-time effort was comfortably held by Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury (five saves). Two minutes later, Mary Cross teed up a long shot for Taykor deVos but again it was easy for Salisbury.
Midway through the first half, Mansfield had its first good look. Freshman Olivia Dunham played an angled free kick into the box to her center back partner Kara Santos, but the junior headed wide of the far post. Carly Devine then had a chance with a quick turn after a throw in and OA keeper Janiya Mathier was able to push the shot around the post.
OA finished the first half with a flurry of chances. Diaz chased a long ball down the right wing, won the battle for possession, and cut back inside before firing a shot that Salisbury had to hold near the post. Inside the final five minutes, Jenna Gilman got loose on the left and cut the ball back. Mansfield was unable to clear cleanly and Emma Gavin popped up with a shot on target from the edge of the box.
“Mansfield played so well in the first half,” said Sellmayer. “We played seven minutes in the first half, they dominated about 30 of it. We were lucky to be there at that point. We decided to play the last 15 minutes of the match and that’s not good enough. That’s a life lesson and we’re going to have to learn from it.”
Mansfield turned the game on its head 10 minutes after the break.
Olivia Homsi played the ball to freshman Alexandra Fernandes, who worked space for a powerful strike that Mathier (four saves) kept out at full stretch. The OA keeper was quick to her feet and charged down Lyla Nappa, who was racing in to get the rebound. Dunham curled the resulting corner to the back post where Maddie Fernandes was able to get enough of the cross to sneak it inside the post.
With the momentum of the opening goal, Mansfield quickly doubled the advantage. Good pressure down the right wing forced a loose ball about 20 yards from goal. Fernandes ran onto and drilled a shot up over the keeper and just under the bar.
“We don’t have a lot of big-time, double-digit goal scorers,” Smith said about how his team seems to have a different player stepping up each game. “We kind of spread it around and it’s a team effort. We’re a good sum of our parts.”
The cliche is that a two-goal lead is the most dangerous in soccer. It started to feel that way for the Hornets when OA suddenly picked up the tempo of its play in the final quarter of an hour.
With 11 minutes to go, the Tigers were able to get on the board. deVos angled a long free kick to the back post where Gavin rose highest and cleverly nodded it back across the face of goal. The Hornets were drawn to the first ball and Diaz was alone in the six to head it in.
OA seemed to have wind in its sails and started to deliver a series of free kicks into the Mansfield penalty area. Each one seemed to bounce around multiple times before it was eventually cleared. Diaz also created a chance with a cut back to deVos that Salisbury was able to hold and with three minutes to go deVos had another set piece that hit players on both sides before Salisbury gratefully fell on it a few feet from the goal line.
“One of our three keys is put so much pressure on the other team that they have trouble playing forward,” Smith said about his team’s energy level from the start. “We know we can do that and we can come up with that second ball, force errant passes, and then go on our attack. We did it really well for a large part of the game tonight.”
Mansfield (7-3-3) extended its unbeaten run to eight games, since a loss to OA in the first meeting, and will try to keep that going when Sharon comes to Alumni Field on Thursday. Oliver Ames (10-2-1) saw its 11-game unbeaten run come to an end on Tuesday, but can still seal at least a share of the league title with a win against Canton on Friday.
2021 Record: 10-8-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro ended its long wait for a return to the postseason in 2021 and head coach Steve Santos is hoping that success will breed more winning for the program. The Bombardiers will have a strong foundation this season because of a big senior class and experience across the pitch. If Attleboro can overcome some early season injuries and illnesses, they could be in the mix for another postseason spot.
With 34 goals as a team last year, Attleboro wasn’t one of the league’s most prolific attacking groups, but the Bombardiers have talented players who can make an impact in the final third. Junior Jamie Davies had a breakout sophomore year with nine goals and two assists and will be expected to lead the line this fall. Senior midfielder Kahlan Gray, who is dealing with an injury, can add to the attack either in the center of the field or out on the wing and freshman Tatum O’Brien is a newcomer to the lineup that has a good soccer IQ and will provide playmaking from the center of the pitch. Sophomore Tatum Leahy will give the team a boost after a year on JV.
The Bombardiers are going to be experimenting with defensive groups early in the season. Senior Emily Dunlea is a versatile player who can impact play no matter where she slots in and could be used in the defense at the start. Senior Ella Stromfors is battling illness but will give the team good experience and aggressiveness in the back line and junior Bethany Alves had an impressive sophomore season at the back and can also step into midfield. Junior Presley Biller will also add depth in the defensive unit. Senior Alexis Campbell is back in goal and her composure and vocal leadership will be important to keep things organized while the team gets healthy.
“We’ve had a good preseason,” Santos said. “We have a lot of seniors who are a good group of friends who all look out for each other. We had a good season and now they expect more this year. We want to not just get into the tournament, but win a couple of games.”
2021 Record: 6-7-5 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton battled through injuries for much of last season, but the Bulldogs were able to rally and made a playoff push. Entering his third season as coach, Idris Senyonjo has a roster filled with players that understand his style of play and he believes that the Bulldogs will be ready to push on and challenge the top teams in the division.
Senior midfielder Emily McCabe had a breakout season in 2021, becoming the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, and her leadership will be a key to the team’s success this fall. Senior Han Hong and sophomore Paige Sullivan add more experience in the center of the pitch. Up front, sophomores Emma Cahill and Caira McKinney (who missed last season with an injury) will be the top forward options.
Defensively, the Bulldogs graduated several starters, but seniors Kristine Keefe and Sarah Dempster are back and will provide the foundation for the back line. Junior Ava Gilmore is a versatile player who can help out in the midfield or drop into the defense, giving the Bulldogs options in the lineup. Junior Mekhala Costello took a year off to shine on the golf course, but she is back on the pitch this fall and is another dynamic player who can line up in multiple spots.
“Yes we have had multiple players graduate over the past couple of years but this is the first time in my tenure that most of the players from last year will be returning and my hope is that it brings a sense of continuity going into this season,” said Senyonjo. “The best we can do now is prepare to the best of our ability and we will be taking it game by game.”
2021 Record: 16-2-4 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four Coach: Jen Lippolis
Despite an injury to All-American Kailee McCabe, Foxboro made a historic run to the Div. 3 state semifinal last fall, and the Warriors will try to use that experience to put together another tournament run this season. In addition to the graduation of McCabe, who set a program record with 32 goals in 2021, the Warriors will also be making a change on the sideline with assistant Jen Lippolis taking over for Katie Stalcup.
Foxboro will be young this season but many of those players got valuable experience last fall. Seniors Lauren Miley and Jaclyn Vecchione will be back in the middle of the pitch this season, as junior Erin Foley will be moved further forward to try and bolster the attack. Sophomore Neve Taylor had a strong rookie campaign and will step into a bigger midfield role this year, while senior Grace Riley will give the Warriors a boost when she returns from a preseason injury.
The Warriors were known as an attack-minded team last season, but the defense was excellent, allowing only 20 goals in 22 games and recording three clean sheets in the tournament. Junior sweeper Lindsey Resnick will be back in the heart of the defense and sophomore Sophia Auclair is coming off an impressive freshman season. Sophomore Maddy Luck is another young defender who should be ready for a big step up in responsibility this season. Foxboro should be strong in goal with senior Maddie Maher joined by junior Allie Sougaris, fresh off her playoff heroics.
“We’re excited to be back on the soccer field,” Lippolis said. “We are a young team this year. With the leadership of our returning varsity players, we’re excited for a fun, competitive season.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Kelley-Rex champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Tom Geysen
In 2021, under interim coach Jodi Klein, Franklin continued its success in the Kelley-Rex winning a second straight league title. Head coach Tom Geysen is back on the sidelines this fall and the Panthers have a lineup loaded with experience that looks ready to make a challenge for a three-peat.
Defense has long been a strength for the program and last year was no different. The Panthers allowed only 11 goals in 18 matches and bring back one of the league’s top center back pairings. Senior Norah Anderson is a four-year starter in defense and she will be partnered by junior Maddie Horton, who had a breakout sophomore campaign. Junior Rachel Welch will be back in goal behind them and has proven to be one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. Junior Lily Deforge is a versatile player who can also help out at the back.
The Franklin attack took a big step forward last year. Junior Anya Zub moved from the wing to center forward and the reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put together a 20-goal season. Sophomore Kelly O’Connor was a breakout star on the wing who could take over a game. There were a few graduations in the midfield, but seniors Bridget Leo and Avery Greco can control the game in the center of the pitch and create scoring chances for the forward group.
“They have worked incredibly hard all year and done all the things necessary for success,” Geysen said. “All that is left is putting it all together on the field.”
2021 Record: 12-7-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Gary Pichel
Despite being very young in 2021, King Philip was in contention for the Kelley-Rex title until the final weeks of the regular season and took highly ranked Bishop Feehan to overtime in the Round of 16. With a more experienced roster this year, the Warriors will be looking to take the next step and get back on top of the division for the first time since 2019 and make a deep tournament run.
The Warriors were the third-highest scoring team in the league last year with 57 goals and offense should be a strength again with senior Ella Pisani back to run things in attack. The team’s leading scorer in 2021, Pisani had 19 goals and eight assists last fall and she will be the focal point on offense. KP has talent on the wings that can take advantage of any space defenses leave open. Junior Eilish McGowen and sophomores Danielle Lomuscio and Mikayla Thompson have the pace and skill to create scoring chances as well. The forward line is also boosted by the return of junior forward Heidi Lawrence and senior Danielle Gresham will shore up the midfield.
The defense has plenty of experience from last season. Senior Grace Lawler will be the leader of the back line and continues to be called upon to mark the opposition’s top attacker. Junior Rylie Wesley and sophomores Rihanna Mason and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn give KP a lot of athleticism in the defensive third of the field. There will be experience in net as well with the return of senior Lauren Casper and junior Makenna Norrman, who both saw action in 2021.
“I am really looking forward to competing this season with all the great Hockomock teams,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “We were very young last year. With a year under our belt, we should see improvements across the board in every facet of our game.”
2021 Record: 12-5-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield was in the running for the Kelley-Rex title into the final weeks of the regular season and this year the Hornets will be hoping that their first fall in the Davenport will feature a similar title challenge. With a young roster that features four freshmen and four sophomores, the Hornets will be relying on the upperclassmen to keep the team heading in the right direction in what promises to be a very competitive division.
The Hornets are without their top three scorers from last season (Tarynn Smith, Katie Miller, and Gabby Smith) so there will be room for other players to step in and provide an attacking threat. Senior forward Olivia Homsi will lead the line and junior Carly Devine is a skilled forward who can play up top or just behind the strikers, while senior Abby Jean gives Mansfield speed on the wing. Senior Bridget Hanley is coming off a breakout season in a holding midfield role and could be asked to get forward a little more this season to help support the offense.
Defense was a significant strength for the Hornets last year, allowing only 17 goals in 18 games, including a shutout of Canton in the opening round of the playoffs. Junior Kara Santos is back for her third year in the heart of defense and, although she will have her third center back partner in three years, gives the Hornets a strong foundation. She is also the team’s top returning scorer with seven goals and is a threat on any set piece opportunity. Senior goalie Olivia Salisbury has become one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. They’ll provide vocal leadership for the younger players at the back.
“We have a very young team with many first-year varsity players,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith. “We will be leaning on our seniors and returning players to provide leadership as we grow as a team.”
Milford is coming off a three-win season in 2021, but the Hawks are hoping that an influx of young talent from a successful JV team will help them climb the league standings and make a playoff push. The Hawks have 10 seniors and have added seven freshmen who can contribute right away in their first varsity seasons.
The key for Milford this season will be the play of leading scorer Dani Atherton. The four-year starter has been the focal point of Milford’s attack since she jumped on the team and this year head coach Lou Colabello is counting on a move to outside midfield to give her more chances to get on the ball and run at defenders. Freshman Ava Baglione will step in up top and there is hope she can add firepower to the Hawks’ attack. Sophomore Paige Caldon had a good season in attack as a freshman and this year will drop back to help out in the center of the pitch.
Senior Serena Borges will be moved further up in midfield so that she can produce more in the attack, but classmate Brooke Ferreira will be pushed from midfield to the back line to cover for preseason injuries. Ferreira will be joined by senior Evalysse Pierce, who is coming back from an injury that kept her out of last season. Freshman Kayleigh Tourtellot is another rookie who should be ready for the physical test of the Hockomock League, while classmate Chloe Murdock will step between the pipes after a strong season as an eighth grader on JV.
“It’s a fun team,” Colabello said about the mix of veterans and talented newcomers. “There is a lot of talent there. We’re deeper than we were last year. We’ll hold our own. We’re hoping to get out of the blocks well and build some confidence.”
2021 Record: 8-10-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Geoff Burgess
North Attleboro is making the move back to the Kelley-Rex division this fall and the Rocketeers will be turning to a familiar face on the sidelines, as Geoff Burgess moves back to the girls’ program after coaching the boys for the past few seasons. After graduating 12 players, North will have a lot of new faces implementing a new style this season.
Up top, North will be counting on senior Emma Pratt. After scoring nine goals last year, Pratt is the team’s top returning scorer and will be counted on to give the Rocketeers the firepower to compete with the league’s best. Senior Caroline Ferrin will be one of the key playmakers in the center of the pitch and will help Burgess bring in a more possession-based approach.
The North boys have been known as a strong defensive team and Burgess will hope that solidity carries over to his work with the girls as well. Senior Haley Sinacola will be the team’s leader at the back. Sinacola was the team’s MVP last season and gives North a strong foundation in the defensive third, as well as a constant threat on set pieces. Senior Maddie Ferrin is back in goal for the Rocketeers and adds experience to the back line.
“Lots of changes to the team, the philosophy and the style of play,” said Burgess. “We are still learning about ourselves and who we can be this season. We are going to try and possess the ball and build attacks rather than kick and chase.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Davenport champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Even after graduating 10 players from last season, Oliver Ames looks prepared to defend its Davenport division title. Many of the younger players got experience on the pitch in 2021 and could be poised for big years as they step into larger roles.
OA was second in the league with 68 goals last year and the attack will continue to utilize the speedy wings that have become a signature of the Tigers’ style. Junior Lucinda Li Cotter and senior Jenna Gilman will continue to provide width and service into the box. Senior Carly Gibson will move into the forward line to give additional creativity in the final third.
The midfield will continue to be strong, physical, and direct. Senior Mary Cross will move forward from defense and give leadership in the middle of the field. Sophomore Emma Gavin impressed during her rookie season and gives another weapon in the midfield. Seniors Sophia Byron and Molly Capace will be leaders in a back line that allowed only 11 goals in 18 games last year. Sophomore Taylor deVos is a versatile player who can line up on the wing or at outside back. Sophomore Janiya Matier will be the team’s new keeper this season.
“Even graduating seven senior starters (10 total) we feel we have a competitive team returning this year,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “The key will be returning taking on larger roles and new players having an impact for a successful season.”
2021 Record: 3-14-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon went through a tough 2021 season, with only three wins, but the Eagles are another team returning the bulk of its roster, and the experience that they have from back to front promises the potential for more positive results in 2022.
The key for Sharon will be senior Sofia Goclowski. The team’s top playmaker, Goclowski is a back-to-box midfielder who will contribute on both ends of the field and, as she continues to develop her finishing, could be ready to lead the Sharon attack. The Eagles will also lean on a pair of underclassmen in the forward line. Sophomore Autumn Simon, who also played in goal last season, makes good runs behind the back line and is one of the team’s top returning scorers. Freshman Jessica Li is an exciting newcomer that will add speed and athleticism on the wing.
Defense will be bolstered by the return of senior Sally Brouhard. After missing all of last season with an injury, Brouhard provides reliability in the back line and is a leader that will keep things organized. Senior Carly Pinnix is another technically proficient midfielder that gives Sharon composure in the midfield and can jump into the attack when she gets the chance.
“With so many returning varsity players, we have strength across every line this season and we have the potential to be very good,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “We will need to stay focused and committed to continuous improvement if we are going to be competitive in the challenging Hockomock, but I am excited to see what this talented group can do together.”
2021 Record: 3-15-0 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Jon Grant
Stoughton had three wins in 2021, but the Black Knights also displayed potential for a brighter future with a host of underclassmen that looked ready to start competing with the top teams. Former boys coach Jon Grant has taken over the girls’ program this season and he will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, hoping to shore things up at the back to help secure more positive results.
The Black Knights should be dynamic in the final third this season. Senior Shayla Ford is back for her fourth varsity season and her speed and ability to find space make her a constant threat to the opposition defense. Sophomores Makenzie O’Connor and Bianca Casna both had strong freshman seasons and can cause problems with the ball at their feet. Sophomores Morgan Cook and Emma Tran showed good chemistry in the midfield last year and will help provide the killer pass to the forwards.
After allowing 86 goals last year, defense will be a priority for the Black Knights this year and there were several players who will be leaning on the valuable experience they got in 2021. Senior Sabrina Rodrigues will add a veteran presence, while junior Ally Lada and sophomore Lauren Mitchell will anchor the middle of the back line. Junior Katrina Varnum is a vocal leader in goal.
“This season we are focusing on team and individual defending,” said Grant. “I’m excited to watch this group grow throughout the season and compete in such an extremely competitive league. Everything I’ve thrown at them so far has been received positively. This group is very coachable and has such a passion to learn and get better.”
2021 Record: 2-15-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Danny Borges
Taunton is coming off a difficult 2021 season, after just two wins, but there is optimism in the squad with many younger players gaining valuable experience last season. The Tigers will have a new face on the sideline this fall, with Dan Borges taking over. Although new to the Hockomock, Borges spent 34 years as the coach of the boy’s team at Coyle-Cassidy and he is excited about the progress the team has made in picking up his system in the preseason.
Goals were hard to come by at times last season, as Taunton scored only 14 overall and just eight in league play. Senior midfielder Emily Calderon returns to be the team’s primary playmaker and will be counted on to get the Tigers moving upfield into the attack. Junior forwards Jenna Pereira and Ava Alves will be the main targets up top, as Taunton is looking to add more firepower at that end of the field.
On the other side, the Tigers have a question mark in goal with several younger players looking to replace Izzy Anslow, who was impressive between the sticks for the past couple of seasons. Senior Christina Da Costa and junior Cali Melo will give Taunton athleticism and leadership in the back line to try and shore things up and limit the opposition.
“Our team spirit is high, the girls have been working very hard and adjusting to a new game model,” Borges said. “I believe we have a good mix of experience and youth, and we hope to be more competitive in the traditionally strong Hockomock League.”
Mansfield celebrates Tarynn Smith’s third goal in a 3-0 win against Canton in the opening round of the D2 state tournament. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Even with one of the teams changing divisions and the tournament format changing to statewide, there was still an all-Hockomock League matchup in the first round of this year’s state tournament. On Thursday night at Alumni Field, Mansfield hosted Canton in battle of familiar foes.
Mansfield’s center back duo of sophomore Kara Santos and freshman Gabby Smith may never have played in the postseason before, but they looked like seasoned veterans on Thursday, providing a wall in the defensive third and scoring punch on the other end of the field. Smith scored once and assisted on the other and Santos got the game-winner, as the Hornets won 3-0 to advance to next week’s Round of 16.
“They really work well together,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith said of his central defensive pairing. “They have a great friendship, they have an understanding (on the field), they seem to want to just find each other on set pieces. They’re great together.”
The Hornets dominated the ball in the opening half, testing Canton on both flanks and through the middle, but the Bulldogs showed some defensive resiliency. Ava Gilmore and Han Hong provided cover for the back four and centerbacks Allie McCabe and Sarah Dempster largely kept the hosts at bay.
Canton’s issue was getting the ball into the attacking third, where Emily McCabe was being shackled by Smith and Santos and struggling to combine with Fay Gallery.
“Their defense stays compact all the time,” said Canton coach Idris Senyonjo. “They let you play the ball in front of them not behind them, which works.”
Mansfield had the game’s first good chance when Katie Miller got the ball out to Tarynn Smith in the left channel and her cross just missed Olivia Homsi making a late run into the back post. Less than 10 minutes later, Smith tested the range on a 25-yard free kick that looked as though it had gone in, but had actually skimmed over the bar.
It took nearly half and hour for either keeper to be tested. From a throw-in, Miller had a chance on the right side of the box, but her looping shot was comfortably held by Canton keeper Elyse Broderick. It would be the only shot on target by either team in the first half.
The Hornets had a couple of looks from corners late in the half. Tarynn Smith played the first one to the edge of the six-yard box but Carly Devine was unable to keep her header down. The second corner from Smith was an attempt directly on goal, but it slid just wide of the far post.
Three minutes after halftime, the Hornets got the breakthrough. After a rare Canton foray into the Mansfield box, the hosts broke quickly and were able to win a corner when Miller’s shot from distance had Broderick scrambling down to her left to save. Gabby Smith curled an in-swinger with her left foot to the back post and Santos rose above her marker to power a header into the back of the net.
“It was great,” Smith said about the opening goal. “I thought we were on top most of the first half but Canton is a good team. They were organized, tough to break down that first half and that first goal just kind of loosened up the bonds for us and then we were able to find some more.”
In the 49th minute, the Hornets nearly doubled the lead. A cross from left back Anna Darlington picked out Abby Jean in the middle of the box. She beat her defender to the ball and the header beat the keeper only to come back off the post.
Two minutes later, Smith provided Mansfield with a welcome cushion. The freshman lined up a 35-yard free kick and bent a shot up over the outstretched arm of Broderick and under the post for a 2-0 lead.
Canton was pushing for a goal to get back into the game and was having a little more success getting into the final third, although the final ball was lacking. Freshman Emma Cahill was making good ground on the right wing and sophomore Devan Spinale was battling in the midfield but to no avail.
Just after the half-hour mark, Mansfield booked its place into the Sweet Sixteen. Tarynn Smith pounced on a mishit clearance, took a touch onto her right foot, and fired a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-0.
The Bulldogs would manage to test Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury only once in the game, when McCabe lined up a shot in the closing minutes. In addition to the play of the back four, Bridget Hanley continued to play an important role for the Hornets’ midfield, breaking up attack after attack with strong tackles and clever interceptions.
“She’s done a great job just flying under the radar,” said Smith about Hanley. “People don’t know who she is and what she does and she just brings it every day.”
Canton (6-7-5) battled injuries throughout the season and had many players getting their first taste of tournament play.
“I think we beat a few odds to even make the playoffs, considering the injuries,” Senyonjo explained. “We’ve not been consistent enough to know what kind of game we’re going to have on any given day. I think having made the playoffs this year will drive the team to want to do better next year.”
Mansfield (12-4-1), the No. 11 seed, awaits the winner of No. 6 Medfield and No. 27 West Springfield. If the Warriors win, then Mansfield will be on the road, but if the Terriers win then the game will be back at Alumni Field.
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.
Sophomore Anya Zub (5) drives at the Mansfield defense during Franklin’s 3-1 win at Alumni Field. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Sometimes everything just clicks on the pitch. The game plan, the formation, the passes, the runs, the marking, the energy, everything comes together over 80 minutes and makes it hard for the opposition to keep pace.
In Wednesday night’s Kelley-Rex title showdown at Alumni Field, Franklin had one of those rare nights. The Panthers hardly put a foot wrong from the opening whistle, scored twice in the opening 18 minutes, and walked away with a 3-1 victory over Mansfield.
“That was the best 80 minutes of soccer we’ve played all season,” said Franklin coach Jodi Klein. “That is what we’ve been working for all season long. We knew how we needed to play to beat this team and they did it.”
Franklin’s win ended a run of four straight defeats to the Hornets, including a 1-0 loss almost exactly a month ago, opened up a four-point gap on Mansfield in the title race, and kept Franklin two points in front of King Philip with two matches to play. It was the first time in the last seven meetings that either team scored more than one goal.
“They played great,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith admitted. “They were fast, they were quicker than us to the ball, they connected their passes, and they came out in the first 20 minutes and scored the two goals and then we started settling in a little bit. On the whole, the better team won tonight.”
It was mostly one-way traffic in the opening half. Franklin needed only two minutes to fashion a good chance, as freshman Kelly O’Connor got forward down the left wing and crossed to an unmarked Anya Zub on the edge of the six-yard-box. The Panthers’ top scorer headed the chance wide.
Chances kept coming. In the eighth minute, an out-swinging corner was partially cleared to Bridget Leo, who hit a perfect half-volley from 20 yards only to have Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury made a full-stretch save to prevent the opening goal. It turned out to be only a momentary reprieve. On the ensuing corner from Izzy Arnold, Salisbury could only knock it down and Zub made no mistake from close range.
The lead was doubled in the 18th minute. Another run down the left by O’Connor opened up the Mansfield defense. Her line drive cross into the box missed Zub’s run but Riley Fitzpatrick cut in from the right wing and was able to direct the cross past the dive of Salisbury.
Franklin kept coming. The midfield trio of Stella Regan, Chloe Barca, and Leo were passing their way past the Hornets and forcing a lot of running and tackling out of holding midfielders Bridget Hanley and Katie Miller. While there were impressive performances all over the pitch, it was O’Connor that stood out in the first half. Every time the freshman touched the ball, the Panthers created a chance.
Another O’Connor cross was palmed out of the box but right to Regan, who teed up Leo for a shot from distance that went well over. A minute later, O’Connor was running at the back line again, dancing past a pair of defenders before firing a shot into the side netting.
At the half-hour mark, O’Connor and Regan played a nice one-two with Regan slipping the winger in behind the defense. O’Connor got all the way to the end line and fired a cross off Salisbury that Hanley had to be alert to clear.
“She’s a monster,” Klein said about O’Connor. “She doesn’t have a ton of points this season, but she creates so much offense. She just creates chances and excitement and energy. She doesn’t stop and I’m so excited to see what she does in the next few years.”
Right before halftime, Leo had one more good look from distance. She picked the pocket of a Mansfield player and ran to the edge of the box before forcing Salisbury into another good save down low to her right.
The Panthers were good value for the two-goal advantage. Mansfield had created little of note in the attack, as the center back pairing of Norah Anderson and Maddie Horton were repelling everything that came their way.
Olivia Homsi had the first shot on target for Mansfield in the second half, cutting in from the left and putting a shot into the hands of Rachel Welch. A long pass from Anderson sent O’Connor off on a run. She split a pair of defenders but the shot was comfortably saved by Salisbury.
Ten minutes after the break, Franklin added a contentious third. O’Connor was bundled over on the far edge of the box and, much to the frustration of the Mansfield defenders, the official on the opposite side pointed to the spot. Regan stepped up and fired a shot over Salisbury, who had guessed right.
The third goal seemed to spark Mansfield into life. Tarynn Smith set up Carly Devine for a shot from the edge of the box that Welch got down well to hold. Smith had a shot from 18 yards that again forced a save out of the keeper. Homsi and Devine both thought they had gotten behind the defense only to have the official rule them offsides. Gabby Smith had a long free kick that she put on target but Welch made a good catch.
Klein explained, “We haven’t really needed to manage a lead in such a high-intensity game. We’re just really starting to be confident and trust each other and know that we can do that against a team with that kind of speed. You can do it against teams that aren’t putting any pressure on you but when you’ve got Mansfield girls running down your back it’s different.”
Franklin wasn’t finished. A corner from Arnold went all the way across the box and out to her fellow fullback Jackie O’Neil, who played it back in. Salisbury bravely got down at the far post to smother with O’Connor waiting to pounce. In the 71st minute, Salisbury denied Fitzpatrick a brace after Zub’s steal and cross.
With five minutes to play, Mansfield got on the board from the spot after another contentious call. Miller made no mistake from the spot, firing into the bottom corner past the dive of Welch.
“It was a great build up and experience of what tournament is going to be like, playing every other day against a top-level team,” Smith said about the challenge of facing OA, KP, and Franklin in the past week. “It was great for us. What else can you ask for than playing top teams to get you ready?”
Franklin (11-1-2) can clinch at least a share of its second straight league title if it beats Milford on Monday. Mansfield (10-4) will look to bolster its tournament positioning when it hosts Taunton.
OA senior Camryn O’Connor set up the game-winning goal with a long run and pinpoint cross, as the Tiger remain in a first-place tie. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
SOUTH EASTON, Mass. – Sometimes it takes just one moment to separate two good teams. On Wednesday night at Muscato Stadium, the moment came right before halftime when Oliver Ames senior Camryn O’Connor burst out of midfield and crossed to junior Jenna Gilman at the back post. Making her first start of the season up top, Gilman made no mistake from a few yards out to put the Tigers back in front.
OA was able to hold onto its halftime lead, beating Mansfield 2-1 in a game that had the proper intensity for two teams fighting for first place in their respective divisions, battling for higher rankings in the state tournament, and getting prepared for making deep playoff runs next month.
“I preach all the time that a great game is 2-1,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “Someone is going to make a mistake, someone is going to hit a brilliant goal, and you need two [goals] to win. That’s two games in a row that this team has shown some growth since the Foxboro game where we had a 1-0 lead with 10 minutes to go and it kind of slipped away.
“It’s one of our best games of the year, so I’m pleased because Mansfield’s always tough to break down.”
The first half was largely dominated by the hosts. OA’s pressure on the ball was forcing turnovers high up the pitch and forcing Mansfield to resort to long balls over the top. There was very little time to take a touch and the Hornets struggled early.
Just six minutes into the game, OA had its first chance on a set piece. An in-swinging corner was only partially cleared and Ella McDonough got a foot to it. The shot was blocked onto the post and then a goal-bound rebound effort was blocked by Carly Devine.
In the 12th minute, another set piece would provide the opener. Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury did really well to prevent Katie Gibson’s corner from heading straight in, clawing the ball out from under the bar. Alexa Lane was there to knock the rebound back at goal but it was blocked out to Mary Cross. Third time was the charm, as the senior defender poked it home.
Lyla Nappa would have Mansfield’s first shot on goal in the 18th minute and it was comfortably saved by Emily Meyers. At the half-hour mark, the Hornets equalized out of nothing. Abby Jean and Tarynn Smith played a nice one-two about 35 yards from goal. Smith looked up and, for once, had no pressure on her so decided to have a go. The shot slid just under the bar and over the fingers of Meyers to make it 1-1.
“She’s starting to and we need it,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith said of Tarynn Smith finding the back of the net more often in recent games. “We’re built on a team offense. We don’t have the Steph Kemp or the Cam O’Connor or the Kailee McCabe, so we have to get contributions from everybody.”
The remainder of the half was largely controlled by O’Connor. The Boston University-commit was proving difficult to contain, even as the Hornets threw multiple defenders on her. After sending one just wide from 25 yards, O’Connor dribbled past a pair of defenders into the box taking advantage of a Gabby Smith clearance ricocheting off Kara Santos for another chance that went just wide.
In the 39th minute, Lucinda Li Cotter teed up O’Connor from 20 yards that forced Salisbury into a full stretch save, tipping it around the post.
With the clock stopped at the end of the half, O’Connor had her moment. She rode a challenge near midfield and then carried the ball a full 40 yards down the left channel, got to the end line, and sent over a pinpoint, left-footed cross to Gilman ghosting in unmarked at the back post.
“Cam had the big play that we need every game from her,” said Sellmayer. “She is one of those rare players that has pace on the ball. Sometimes there will be a tackle and it ends up on your foot, ends up on my foot, well it usually ends up on her foot a little more often.”
The second half would feature very few chances for either team, but the Hornets made significant improvements in how they played out of the pressure. Smith admitted that it had little to do with his team talk at the break.
He explained, “Got to halftime and said what do you guys think? They were like, coach we were playing scared a little bit. They actually self-reflected and they figured out how to break it down. It’s what I love about these kids, they really think about the game and we’re growing.”
OA had a chance of yet another corner early in the second half but McDonough didn’t catch it cleanly and Santos was in the way to block and clear. In the 64th minute, Katie Gibson had a deflected cross find her at the back post but she couldn’t make clean contact and hit it right at Salisbury. A minute later, Carly Gibson set up O’Connor on her right foot but it was a tame effort that Salisbury snagged.
Those were the only chances for the Tigers after the break, but they were also limiting Mansfield, who was playing better and getting into advanced areas down the wings but still not troubling Meyers. The foursome of McDonough (making her first start), Cross, Allison Evin, and Sophia Byron largely held the Hornets at arm’s length.
“We really didn’t give them many chances inside the 18 and that’s something they’ve worked on,” said Sellmayer. “I thought Kyla [Melton] playing in the midfield gave us another edge on those headers that we didn’t have in the Foxboro game.”
Still, in a one-goal game, all it takes is a single chance to turn two points into one. Mansfield finally got that look in the 70th minute. Santos won the ball at the back and hit a quick outlet to Anna Darlington down the right wing leading to a corner. Smith curled one into the six-yard box and Devine was there but unable to keep her header down.
OA was able to run out the final nine minutes to secure the win and stay level with Foxboro in the Davenport title race
“I keep saying we’re young and learning and we are,” said Smith. “It’s been our mantra all year and it’s a great opportunity to learn about those little things and how to play against a team that’s, in the power rankings, No. 4 four in the state. It was good for us, I’m proud of my girls.”
Oliver Ames (9-1-1) will travel to Canton on Friday. Mansfield (8-3-0), which is four points behind Franklin in the Kelley-Rex with game in hand, will be on the road at Milford on Friday.
Boys Soccer
Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield built a 2-0 lead by halftime and then doubled its advantage inside a five-minute span in the second half to land a big win over visiting Taunton. Danny Rowe, Andrew Bain, Dan Checkoway, and Matt Hyland all scored, getting on the end of a service into the area. Rowe opened the scoring off of a feed from Hyland in the 12th minute, and then Hyland set up Bain off a throw-in from Michael Caridi in the 28th minute. Checkoway scored the first goal of the second half on a cross from Bain, and Hyland made it 4-0 four minutes later on another service from Bain. Jack Lasbury-Casey recorded the shutout with eight saves.
Girls Soccer
Mansfield, 7 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Tarynn Smith recorded a brace for the third time in a week and helped Mansfield to its fourth straight win. Katie Miller, Avery Hawthorne, Carly Devine, Kara Santos, and Aniela Diieso (first varsity goal) also found the back of the net for the Hornets. Abby Jean had a pair of assists.
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 9 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final
King Philip, 0 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Canton scored midway through the first half and the Bulldogs turned in one of their best defensive performances of the season to knock off King Philip. Carolyn Durand posted the shutout in net while senior Carly Fitzgerald, Junior Sierra Abbott, and Sophomore Laura Valkanas all played well defensively. Sarah Cunningham finished off a pass from Erin Lane for the lone goal of the game.
Franklin, 6 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Franklin found the back of the cage three times in each half to pick up a win on the road in Foxboro. The Panthers built a 2-0 lead in the first quarter with goals from Raena Crandall and Shaw Downing (from Crandall), and extended the advantage to 3-0 on a goal from Kaitlyn Carney (from Ella Mahoney) midway through the second quarter. Payten Crandall, Haley Wernig, and Downing all scored goals in the second half.
Mansfield, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
Milford @ North Attleboro, 6:00
Taunton, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – Final – Oliver Ames’ Georgia Costello scored twice and added an assist as the host Tigers took care of business against visiting Taunton. Erin Cottam opened the scoring in the first quarter for OA, who scored once in each quarter, with Lily Gaskill on the assist. Costello tacked on an unassisted goal int he second and then set up Gaskill for a goal in the third. Costello made it 4-1 by scoring in the fourth on a pass from Cottam. Sophomore Casey O’Leary scored for Taunton with an assist from senior Braeley MacDonald.
Volleyball
Attleboro, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Attleboro picked up its sixth win of the season after taking a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-21, 25-15) on the road at Stoughton. Freshman Julia Leonardo led the way for the Bombardiers with 11 kills and four aces while Brianna Frissora had a standout game at the net. Lilly Boedeker anchored the defense for the visitors.
Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – Franklin rolled to its seventh win of the season, this time in the form a 3-0 sweep (25-15, 25-20, 25-6) win on the road at Foxboro. The Panthers, which have only dropped one set all year, were led by Lindsey Tarantola, who had 10 kills and three blocks in the win.
Taunton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Oliver Ames defended its home court by taking down visiting Taunton with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-15, 25-14). Sophomore Sarah Hilliard led the charge for the host Tigers with a strong all-around game with 10 kills, 12 serve receptions, and 16 digs. Senior Hadley Rhodes added 18 assists and four kills, junior Maddie Homer notched 22 digs, and sophomore Claire O’Rourke recorded nine kills.
Boys Cross-Country
King Philip, 27 @ Mansfield, 28 – Final – Mansfield had the top two runners but King Philip’s depth was on display by taking third, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth to edge out the Hornets. Chris Leonard was first overall (17:46) with teammate Collin Stevens (17:47) finishing second.
Oliver Ames @ Canton – Postponed to Thursday, 9/30 at 3:45.
Stoughton @ North Attleboro, 3:45
Sharon, 19 @ Foxboro, 44 – Final
Milford @ Attleboro, 4:30
Girls Cross-Country
King Philip, 25 @ Mansfield, 30 – Final
Oliver Ames @ Canton – Postponed to Thursday, 9/30 at 3:45.
Stoughton @ North Attleboro, 3:45
Sharon, 27 @ Foxboro, 28 – Final
Milford @ Attleboro, 4:30
Golf
Attleboro, 157 @ North Attleboro, 158 – Final – After losing its last two matches by a combined three strokes, Attleboro ended on the right side of a close match with a win over rival North Attleboro at Heather Hill. Leo Lombardo led the way for the Bombardiers with a team-low round of 37, Carter Shelton added a 39, and Brendan Raymond and Parker Sackett each shot 41 in the win. Tyson Laviano was the match medalist with a low-round of 36, Aaron Levesque came in with a 40, Jake Gaskin added a 41, and Dillon Harding shot a 42 for the Rocketeers.
Foxboro, 158 @ Stoughton, 188 – Final – Foxboro’s Jack Rounds fired a medalist round of 38 and the Warriors went on the road and picked up a win at Easton County Club. Jack Watts added a 39 for Foxboro, Dylan Pothier added a 40, and Matt Fossella finished with a 41 in the win. Joseph Rush shot a team-low round of 44 for the Black Knights.
Canton, 154 @ Sharon, 173 – Final – Mike Leonetti was the match medalist for the Bulldogs and Canton stayed undefeated with a win on the road at the Cape Club of Sharon. Leonetti’s low-round of 37 led the way while Mekhala Costello added a 38, Will Gefteas shot a 39, and Conor Hunter came in with a 40. Nathan Daley paced the Eagles with a 40, Eric Carer and Noah Glassman each shot a 44, and Rosie Leonard chipped in with a 45.
Taunton, 197 @ Mansfield, 164 – Final – In the front end of a home-and-home matchup with Taunton, the Hornets secured a win at Norton Country Club over the Tigers. Hunter Tang was the match medalist with a round of 39, Cian Goulet added a 40 for the Hornets, Ryan Doherty chipped in with a 42, and Brendan Vokey added a 43.
Milford, 175 @ Franklin, 165 – Final – Junior Jack Hagerty birded on the seventh hole to help earn medalist honors and help the Panthers take care of Milford at Franklin Country Club. Hagerty finished with a low-round of 39 while sophomores CJ Steel and Brendan Collins, along with freshman Ben Paterson, all came in at 42. Nate Lawrence led Milford with a round of 40.
KP freshman Mikayla Thompson (24) celebrates with her teammates after scoring an early goal against Mansfield, which turned out to be the game-winner. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – When Mansfield and King Philip square off on the pitch, it is inevitable that the game will be close, physical, fast-paced, and usually come down to a single bounce of the ball in either direction.
On Monday night under the lights at Alumni Field, it was the Warriors that got the bounce. Morgan Norrman was able to chase down a long ball over the top, getting enough on it to push it into the path of freshman Mikayla Thompson to apply the finish. Despite Mansfield pressure throughout the second half, particularly on set pieces off the left foot of freshman Gabby Smith, Thompson’s goal held up and KP moved back into first place in the division with a 1-0 win.
“Another Mansfield/KP classic,” said KP coach Gary Pichel after the game. Mansfield coach Kevin Smith agreed. He said, “It was one heck of a game. There is a lot of talent in this league. Great coaching, great players, and the atmosphere was great.”
Pichel added, “We got the first bounce and I was looking for more bounces in the second half. I thought my keeper was outstanding. She came out and made some fantastic plays under pressure. It was a battle of the midfields again, like it usually is with us, and we were just lucky to get the right break at the right time.”
The goal came against the run of play, as the Hornets started brightly. A loose ball in the box gave the hosts two chances to put the ball on target but freshman defender Rihanna Mason, just called up from the JV team, was back on the line to block both efforts. In the 11th minute, Olivia Homsi cut inside from the right wing onto her left foot, but her shot was right at KP keeper Lauren Casper.
Although it was Mansfield that started on the front foot, in the 12th minute it was KP that was ahead on the scoreboard. A long ball over the top put the Mansfield back line under pressure. Normann gave chase and managed to squeeze between the defender and keeper Olivia Salisbury. A toe poke pushed the ball past the onrushing goalie and Thompson kept running to be there for the tap in into an empty net.
It was a first half of few clear-cut chances. Smith, the freshman defender, had a go from 25 yards on a free kick but sent it over the bar. Another Smith free kick in the final minute was only partially cleared and Carly Devine had a half-volley from the edge of the box that also went high.
Mansfield continued to put pressure on the KP defense, but the Warriors held firm with Casper controlling the penalty area, Grace Lawler sweeping up behind the back line, and Rylie Wesley holding up well as the Hornets consistently went down her wing.
“They were picking on our left side,” Pichel explained, “but Rylie played like it was our strong spot. She fought tooth and nail. It was a good battle. She held them off.”
Tarynn Smith had a chance early in the second half, but Casper was able to tip it over her head and then catch. Another cross from the right nearly picked out Smith at the back post, but again the keeper was in the way. Gabby Smith had another good look with a free kick on the right corner of the box and the shot curled inches over the bar.
The Warriors were trying to get forward quickly. Freshman Dani Lomuscio had a solid game in the midfield, sending angled balls out to the wings. It was her through ball that sent Ella Pisani clear down the right channel. KP’s leading scorer put her shot on target but Salisbury was able to palm it over the bar.
It was a rare chance for the visitors. The Mansfield defensive pairing of Smith and Kara Santos managed to repel most of KP’s attacks and leave Salisbury largely untroubled in goal.
“Except for that one long, over the top ball, we clamped down on them really well,” Smith said. When asked about the free kicks from his freshman center back, Smith added, “She’s learning and she’s growing. Her set piece delivery is fantastic.”
As the second half wore on, spurred on by a large crowd on both sides, the game became more frenetic. Mansfield continued to press, trying to avoid a second straight defeat. Devine sent in a low corner from the left that Smith volleyed just wide at the near post. Smith fired in a long free kick that was headed straight across goal. Anna Darlington met it at the far post, but the angle was tight and she only found the side netting.
Smith continued to play provider out of the back. Her ball over the top gave Darlington something to chase. The senior was able to get a toe on it at the edge of the box, but Casper was out quickly and smothered the shot.
It looked like the Hornets may have equalized with four minutes to go. Smith’s free kick was caught by Casper in traffic, but then the ball popped loose and went across the line. Celebrations were immediately cut short, as the official blew for a foul on the keeper.
Smith said, “We found a lot of space between their lines, we were playing quickly, we were finding gaps in their back line and credit to their keeper and their back line, I thought Grace Lawler had a great game, every time we got close they just had that last little touch.”
King Philip (4-1-0) will try to remain unbeaten in league play when it hosts Sharon on Wednesday. Mansfield (2-2-0) hosts Stoughton, trying to end its two-game skid.
Boys Soccer
Attleboro @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to TBD.
King Philip, 4 @ Foxboro, 5 – Final – Foxboro scored three goals in the opening 20 minutes but had to hold off a furious second half rally from the visitors to get the two points. Junior Alex Penders opened the scoring in the first minute off a cross from Matt Angelini, and Foxboro newcomer Jorge Sanchez made it 2-0 in the third minute. Angelini scored on his own in the 20th minute before sophomore John Hollis pushed the lead to 4-0 less than five minutes into the second half. KP scored back-to-back goals but Cam Barreira scored what turned out to be the game-winner int he 65th minute. KP scored twice in the final 10 minutes to make it a one-goal game.
Mansfield, 1 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – Junior Connor Palinski’s looping shot from just over 30 yards out was the difference as Mansfield secured a win on the road in the season opener. Palinski took a pass from Ian Leeds and launched one from distance that found the back post. Mansfield head coach Steve Sheridan praised his defensive unit of Leeds, Dylan Buchanan, Michael Caridi and Kevin McCarthy for their stellar play in front of Jack Lasbury-Casey (seven saves).
Taunton, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Itching to get on the field for the first time in nearly a year, Taunton exploded for five goals in a win on the road at Stoughton. The Tigers struck for a pair of first half goals before pumping in three more after the break, Devin Poe opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Conal Scully doubled the lead in the 31st minute. Riley Rebello made it 3-0 with a 49th minute strike, Scully bagged his second just two minutes later, and Quincy Jones-Sylvia capped the scoring in the 71st minute.
Girls Soccer
Oliver Ames @ Attleboro – Postponed to Friday, September 10 at 3:45.
Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Anya Zub scored a pair of goals to lift Franklin to a win in a battle of last year’s league champs and give interim coach Jodi Klein a debut win. Riley Fitzpatrick opened the scoring for the Panthers, finishing off a pass from freshman Kelly O’Connor. Zub then doubled the lead after combining with Fitzpatrick and sealed the two points with her second goal with just five minutes to play. Izzy Arnold had the assist on Franklin’s third. Rachel Welch made nine saves to preserve the clean sheet. Klein praised the effort of defender Norah Anderson and midfielders Stella Regan, Bridget Leo, and Selene Hammad.
Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – KP scored once in each half to pick up two points in the season opener. Sophomore Heidi Lawrence notched her first career goal when she took a nice pass from classmate Alyssa Legere and managed to squeeze a shot through a scrum in the box. Ella Pisani sealed the victory by firing a second-half free kick into the top corner for her first of the season. Lauren Casper stopped eight Foxboro shots to earn the clean sheet. KP coach Gary Pichel also praised freshman Dani Lomuscio, who made her varsity debut by marking reigning MVP Kailee McCabe. He also credited Legere for a great game in the midfield and the back line for doing its best to frustrate the Warriors attack.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Carly Devine was first to a rebound three minutes before halftime and scored the only goal of the game to lift the Hornets to a season-opening win. Olivia Homsi had the first shot and Devine reacted first to knock in the loose ball. Mansfield coach Kevin Smith praised the play of his back line, Gabby Smith, Kara Santos, Anna Darlington, and Kayla Doherty, for limiting North’s chances. Olivia Salisbury made four saves to record the clean sheet. North nearly had the equalizer on a shot from Steph McKenna but a Hornet defender made the goal line clearance. Haley Sinacola, Lily Adams and Charlotte Moynihan all played well defensively for North.
Sharon @ Milford – Postponed to Friday, September 10 at 3:45.
Stoughton, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Stoughton coach Hermes Lima picked up his first win with the Black Knights thanks to goals from freshmen Makenzie O’Connor and Lauren Mitchell. Lima praised O’Connor and Shayla Ford for their aggressive play up top that made it difficult for Taunton to get out of the defensive third easily. Mitchell and classmate Morgan Cook both played well in the midfield, while freshman Emma Tran had a great varsity debut in central defense. Abigail Durand earned the shutout in goal.
Field Hockey
Sharon vs. Norwell – Postponed to TBD.
Cross-Country
Canton @ Nauset – Postponed to Friday, September 10 at 4:30.
Golf
Foxboro @ Attleboro – Postponed to Thursday, September 16 at 2:30.
King Philip @ Taunton, 3:00
Sharon @ Stoughton – Postponed to TBD.
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.
