05/17/201905/17/2019

Perfect Night for Erti, North Clinches Title at Canton

North Attleboro softball — North Attleboro junior pitcher Bella Erti was perfect over five innings, as the Rocketeers clicnhed at least a share of their first title since 1990. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

CANTON, Mass. – With an opportunity to make history for the program, North Attleboro put together a near perfect performance on Friday night under the lights at Walsh Field. The Rocketeers shut down division rival Canton, with junior pitcher Bella Erti throwing a five-inning perfect game, and the bats came alive, pounding out 17 hits and 13 runs.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

It all came together for Big Red, which rolled to a 13-0 victory and secured at least a share of the program’s first league title since 1990. On top of that, it was also the 250th win of head coach Bill Wallace’s 20-year career (18 at North and two at Walpole).

After the game, the team presented Wallace with a ball signed by all the players and they gathered in the outfield and at home plate with a sign that had 1990 crossed out on one half and 2019 written on the other.

“We had a team meeting before the bus and we said, this is it,” Wallace explained after the game. “This is the homestretch and we need to get our focus and start winning every pitch. Not win every inning, every game, it’s got to be every pitch and the kids were really dialed in today.”

Canton freshman pitcher Sophia Santos threw a perfect top of the first, but the Rocketeers got to the Bulldogs starter in the second. Annabelle Hebard (4-for-4) led off with a double to left center and Katie Daby (3-for-3) followed with a single. Emily Nardelli walked to load the bases and then Alex Moulson lined a two-run single to left.

After a sac bunt moved two runners into scoring position and a walk to No. 9 hitter Mandi Hanewich (2-for-2), Olivia Capobianco drilled a base hit to center, aggressively taking second just ahead of the throw, to plate two more. A sac fly from Abby Gallagher made it 5-0, but the inning ended with Canton centerfielder Liz Bickett throwing out Capobianco as she tried to advance to third.

Erti started the game strongly, striking out two in each of the first two innings. In the third, North tacked on three more. Ashley Cangiano (2-for-3) singled and took second on a wild pitch before scoring on a hit by Hebard. After Caroline Hughes took over in the circle for the Bulldogs, Daby drilled a triple over the head of the right fielder. Daby scored on a groundout by Nardelli.

The Bulldogs continued to struggle at the plate, but started making contact against Erti, striking out only once after the second inning. North’s infield defense made no mistakes to keep Canton off the base paths.

“They played so clean and I look at all nine positions they play the game the right way,” said first-year Canton coach Dave Bohane.

He added, “Against some girls you can try to be patient because they might have a wild streak to them but with Bella Erti, she’s in control out there. But, our kids went up there not overwhelmed. We can play better than that but again no shame in losing to them.”

North sealed the win in the fourth with five more runs. Hebard drove in her second run of the night, Moulson brought in her third run with a hard grounder off the third baseman and Hanewich cleared the bases with a double pulled straight down the line and right over the first base bag.

“I thought Hughes came in and did well,” Bohane said. “She’s a veteran and battled. I know it’s a lot of runs, but they’re a good hitting team. The bottom of the order has gotten us in both games too.”

In the bottom of the fifth, the Rocketeers clearly wanted to finish off the perfect game for Erti. She induced grounders from SSteph Trendell, Jackie Morrissey, and Hughes. The last one went to first baseman Alivia Byrne, who took it to the bag herself and set off the team’s celebration.

“They’re so happy,” said Wallace about the team pulling for Erti to get the perfect game. “That means a lot to me. At the end of the day, that is what’s important and they really pull for each other.”

When asked about what it meant for the program to get over the hump (North had a stretch of three straight seasons that it finished one game out of first place) and claim an elusive league title, Wallace pointed out that his team has made the playoffs 11 out of the last 12 years, reached two South semifinals, and one South final.

As he explained, North’s 29-year wait for a league crown was more a product of the level of competition that the Rocketeers faced within the league.

“Part of it was that we were in the Kelley-Rex division with Taunton and King Philip,” Wallace said. “And then there was Milford, which lost like three games in two seasons. It shows how strong the league is. Since 2008, we’ve missed the tournament just once and yet this is our first league title.”

North Attleboro (12-3, 10-2) can clinch the outright Davenport division crown on Monday with a win at Foxboro. Canton (6-10, 5-9) will host Milford on Tuesday and needs a win against Dedham on May 23 to secure a playoff spot thanks to the Sullivan rule.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

05/14/201905/16/2019

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/15/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 5 @ King Philip, 1 – Final (8 Inn.) – Attleboro junior Nick McMahon had a day to remember, scoring both the tying and game-winning runs to lead the Bombardiers to a key road win. McMahon went 3-for-3 at the play, stole three bases, and played stellar defense at second base for Attleboro. King Philip scored in the fourth to take the lead but Attleboro tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. McMahon singled, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice fly from Camden Fitzpatrick and hustled home on a passed ball to make it 1-1. McMahon was the catalyst for a four-run eighth inning for Attleboro. After leading off with a single, McMahon stole second and then stole third when Alvaro Espinal drew a walk. Fitzpatrick delivered an RBI single to bring McMahon home, and Lorenzo Wilson had a two-run double to push the lead to 4-1. Wilson came home to score on a sac fly from Troy Van Vliet. Eoin Kelleher started and went four innings giving up one run while Max Amaral pitched four shut out innings in relief to pick up his fourth win of the season.

Sharon, 10 @ Canton, 13 – Final – Canton’s offense came alive for 17 hits, resulting in 13 runs and a win over visiting Sharon. Nate Quan set the table for the Bulldogs, going 5-for-5 with four runs and an RBI from the leadoff spot. Canton scored three runs in each the first two innings and then plated five in the third inning. Sharon scored six runs in the sixth inning to make it a three-run game. Steven Burbank (three runs, three RBI), Sawyer Julier-Albert (two runs, two RBI), Matt Connolly (RBI), and Mike Konzal (two runs, RBI) each had two hits apiece for the Bulldogs. Sharon’s Justin Nault went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run, and Justin Brown (run, RBI), Hank Ward (two RBI, run), and Max LeBlanc (run) each had two hits for the Eagles.

Foxboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Foxboro’s Joe Cavaleri had a strong day on the mound, limiting the Black Knights to just five hits in a complete game effort. Cavaleri allowed one run in the third inning, finishing with one walk and four strikeouts. After Stoughton took the lead in the third, Foxboro responded with a pair of runs in each the fourth and fifth innings, tacking on an insurance run in the seventh. Cavaleri led the charge offensively with three hits and two runs scored while Kyle McGinnis (two RBI) and James Kaeser (RBI) each had two hits for the Warriors. Stoughton junior George Currier had two hits while Jacob Kaplan drove in Zak Paquette with a sacrifice fly.

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final – Franklin junior Liam Dailey tossed a complete game shutout and senior Jake Macchi uncorked a grand slam as the Panthers swept the season series against the Tigers, clinching at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title with the win. Dailey needed just 63 pitches, allowing three hits with no walks, striking out four in an efficient performance. Macchi finished with six RBI total, Alex Haba also had an RBI and a run scored, Jack Nally scored twice, Scott Elliott had a hit and two runs scored, and Joe Lizotte and Brennan Rivera each scored once.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Mansfield, 15 – Final – Mansfield built a 3-1 lead over the first three innings but then exploded for seven runs in the fourth and added five more in the fifth to pull away with a big win over visiting Oliver Ames. Juniors John Carney and Chris Jenkins combined for a one-hitter with no walks allowed. Nick Dumouchel was the lone Hornet with multiple hits, recording six RBI on two hits for Mansfield, which totaled nine hits as a team. Kyle Moran (run) drove in two runs while Carney, Connor Fitzpatrick, and Michael DeBolt each drove in one run. Carney struck out eight in five scoreless with one hit allowed (and one hit batter) while Jenkins tossed two scoreless innings.

Milford, 6 @ North Attleboro, 8 – Final – North Attleboro seniors Brendan McHugh and Todd Robinson each hit a home run as the Rocketeers knocked off visiting Milford for a season sweep of the Hawks. After trading runs in the first inning, North Attleboro had its biggest inning with four runs in the second. After an RBI double from Kyle Bolger (three hits), McHugh launched a three-run home run to give the Hawks a 5-1 lead. An inning later, Robinson (two hits) smashed a two-out solo shot to extend the advantage to 6-1. The Hawks battled back with two runs in the fourth and again in the fifth to make it a one-run game at 6-5. But Nick Raneri and Jake Palmer each drove a run in in the sixth inning to give the Rocketeers the cushion they needed. Sophomore Dennis Colleran got the win on the mound while senior Matt Seavey earned the save. Sophomore Jared Penta added three hits and two runs scored.

Softball
King Philip, 13 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Sharon, 1 @ Canton, 13 – Final (6 Inn.) – Caroline Hughes went 3-for-3 at the plate and drove in a run, while Steph Trendell went 2-for-3 and brought in three runs to power the Bulldogs to a division win. Taylor Reynolds helped break the game open for Canton with a two-run double. Sophia Santos earned her fourth win of the season, allowing one run and striking out three. Ally Chin and Katy Lynch both went 3-for-4 in the win.

Stoughton, 13 @ Foxboro, 5 – Final – Stoughton jumped out to a 7-0 lead and then scored six unanswered after the Warriors cut the deficit to two with a five-run third inning. Freshman Sydney Menz paced the Black Knights with three hits (two singles, triple, RBI), Nikki Coppola also had a triple, a single, and an RBI, and sophomore Nicole Baker had a single, a double, and drove in two runs. Brianna Ferrandiz (two RBI), Sarah McGrath (two RBI), Melody Casna (RBI) and Lexi Baptista each had two hits for Stoughton. Foxboro scored all five of its runs in the third with Maria Dunn hitting a triple and Allie Willis driving in two runs. Baker earned her 11th win of the season, scattering six hits, one walk, and striking out six.

Franklin, 0 @ Taunton, 5 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Mansfield, 8 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – Final – Mansfield rallied in the final three innings to pull out a road win that clinches a playoff berth for the Hornets. OA scored all five of its runs in the third inning, but Sarah Cahill (10 strikeouts) settled down to hold the Tigers off the board for the final four innings and the Hornets offense got going. In the third, Emma Varella squeezed in Colleen Larson (double) and both Katie Abreu and Taylor Lake launched two-run home runs for the Tigers, who played terrific defense. In the fifth, Mansfield rallied to tie the game. Caty DeMassi and Mary Muldoon both had two-RBI singles in the frame. In the sixth, the Hornets grabbed the lead. Mady Bendanillo and DeMassi singled and both scored on a Muldoon double. Cahill came into score an insurance run in the seventh when she scored from first on a double by Kara Bendanillo. Mansfield had 15 hits as a team, including a 3-for-4 day for Megan Letendre.

North Attleboro, 17 @ Milford, 0 – Final (6 Inn.) – Bella Erti struck out 10 in six innings and allowed only five hits to lead North to a road win. Mandi Hanewich had three hits, three runs scored, and three RBI for the Rocketeers. Olivia Capobianco, Abby Gallagher (four RBI), and Alex Moulson all had two hits for North. Katy Daby drove in one with a sac fly and Emma Bailey drove in two in the win.

Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 2 @ Canton, 13 – Final – Canton raced out to an 8-0 lead by halftime and never looked back in a win over visiting Attleboro on Senior Night. Seniors Griffin Roach (three goals, two assists), Dan Cohen (two goals, assist), Matt Martin, and Brendan Albert each scored for the Bulldogs while George Kent and Sam Walsh anchored the defense. Junior Tommy Vaughan added three goals and three assists.

Foxboro, 5 @ Franklin, 12 – Final – Franklin used a strong performance to pick up a convincing win over visiting Foxboro. The Panthers took a 9-1 lead into the fourth quarter to win the Kelley-Rex division title outright. Jake Davis scored four goals and had two assists, Matt Lazzaro scored a hat trick and had two helpers and Jacob Alexander (14-for-21 faceoffs) scored twice with one assist. Foxboro’s Brendan Tully and Shayne Kerrigan each scored twice while Aidan Stapleton found the back of the net once. Freshman Matt Tully made 12 saves for Foxboro.

King Philip, 18 @ Milford, 6 – Final

Mansfield, 7 @ North Attleboro, 10 – Final – Mansfield had a terrific first half, building a 4-2 lead at halftime but North Attleboro scored eight second half goals and limited the Hornets to just three to get the win. Connor Quirk led Mansfield with four goals and two assists while Aidan Sacco, Mike Reed, and Jake DiSangro each scored once.

Sharon, 9 @ Oliver Ames, 13 – Final – Trailing 9-6, Oliver Ames scored the final seven goals of the game to earn a comeback win over the visiting Eagles. Colin Bourne had three timely goals for the Tigers while Shane Kilkelly (three goals, one assist) and Sam Stevens (two goals, two assists) each had four points. Remi Creighton added a pair of goals and an assist and Frankie Ireland chipped in with three helpers for OA.

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 20 @ Attleboro, 10 – Final

Franklin, 14 @ Foxboro, 10 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

North Attleboro, 19 @ Mansfield, 9 – Final – The Rocketeers kept their playoff hopes alive with a big win on the road. Katie Lindstrom scored seven goals and assisted on two others to lead North and Lexi Sinacola added a pair of goals and five helpers. Lindsay Spratt had a hat trick, and Maggie O’Brien and Siobhan Weir (assist) both scored twice, while Regan Fein (assist), Lily Cameron (assist), and Taylor McMath all scored once in the win. Faith Graveline preserved the win for Big Red with 15 saves.

Oliver Ames, 6 @ Sharon, 14 – Final – Jenna Goldstein (five goals) and Emma Eberhardt (four goals and an assist) combined for nine goals and 10 points to lead the Eagles to another league win. Mia Lappen added three goals and an assist, Maxine Gordon had a goal and two helpers, and Bridget McManus scored once and assisted on another in the victory.

Milford, 3 @ King Philip, 17 – Final – The Warriors had 11 different goal scorers to earn their 10th win of the season and clinch second place in the Kelley-Rex division. Caroline Klim and Mackenzie Mazur both scored hat tricks and Klim added an assist as well. Olivia Tormey and Ali Wilson both scored twice, while Victoria Tormey, Shayla Weitzman, Emma Izydorczak, Jess Sullivan, Ava Tormey, Dana Truini, and Lily Brown each scored once.

Boys Tennis
King Philip, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – King Philip won twice at singles and once in doubles, losing just two games between the three matches in a win over Attleboro. Marco DiStefano (first singles) and Nick Putney (second) each won 6-0, 6-1 while the team of Nate Ihley and Jack Cannon didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles. Attleboro’s Ryan Gordon won 6-3, 7-5 at third singles while the team of Tyler Evans and Ryan Solari picked up a 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) win at second doubles.

Sharon, 5 @ Canton, 0 – Final – Sharon went on the road and earned a sweep, winning all five matches in straight sets to beat Canton. Senior Danujan Thirumavalavan won 6-1, 6-2 at first singles, junior Alberto Olivei picked up a 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles, and freshman Rueman Bhattacharyya didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. Sharon’s first doubles team of senior Max Brody and freshman Max Chen won 6-1, 6-1 while Alex Aspel and Deyan Kassev teamed up for a 6-1, 6-4 win at second doubles.

Stoughton, 2 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro swept doubles play and got another win at third singles to squeak by visiting Stoughton. Sean McAvoy and Justin Neale earned a 6-2, 6-1 win at first doubles while Noah Hicks and Bo Canfield secured a 6-2, 6-1 win at second doubles. Senior Brian Gardner picked up the third point with a 6-2, 6-2 win at third singles. Stoughton sophomore Waseem Sablon won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles and senior Erik Anderson prevailed 6-4, 6-2 at second singles.

Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – The Panthers won all five matches in straight sets to get the sweep, picking up their 11th victory of the season. Liam Marr won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles, Rohan Herur earned a 6-2, 6-1 win at second singles, and Sameen Shaik emerged from third singles with a 2-6, 6-3, 10-6 decision. The team of Vayshnav Malhotra and Lucas Gulick won 6-3, 6-0 at first doubles while Saket Gandham paired up with Shoumik Sompally for a 6-0, 6-2 win at second doubles.

Milford, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final – The Rocketeers dropped just one game total in three singles matches and four in the two doubles matches in a win over visiting Milford. Jonah Manso won 6-0, 6-1 at first singles while Alex Pfeffer (second) and Sam Gallagher (third) both won 6-0, 6-0. North’s first doubles team of Tomas Bentley and Vikram Senthilakumaran secured a 6-2, 6-0 win while Saketh Uppuluri and Justin Strom walked away with a 6-1, 6-1 decision at second doubles.

Mansfield, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – Mansfield had impressive performances in all four matches, winning a fifth by default. Luke Nickerson won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles while Luke Devine served up a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles. The team of Sam Donellan and Jonah Fine won 6-0, 6-2 while Nikhil Lankipalle and Diwakar Sandhu teamed up for a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final – King Philip won all three singles matches in straight sets on its way to a victory over Attleboro. Erin Regnier picked up a 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles, Katarina Schneider added a 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles, and Mia Valencia didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Grace Ely and Meghan Powers emerged with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 win at first doubles while Laura Davenport and Katie Welch won 6-4, 6-2 at second doubles.

Canton, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sharon picked up three wins in singles action, all in straight sets, and added another point at first doubles to knock off the visiting Bulldogs. Nupur Shukla won 6-1, 6-2 at first singles, Valeria Barajas picked up a 6-4, 6-4 win at second singles, and Charlie Martinez earned a 6-1, 6-1 decision at third singles. The team of Sachi Bhasin and Lauren Glass dropped just one game at first doubles, winning 6-1, 6-0. Canton’s Rose Hazam and Nyah Claiborne picked up a 6-4, 6-0 win at second doubles.

Foxboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final

Taunton, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – The Tigers won in straight sets in all three singles wins as well as the point from first doubles to pick up a victory on the road. Jillian Pagliuca won 6-1, 6-1 at first singles, McKenzie Lucie secured a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles, and Jocelyn Pagliuca didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Brianna Fevrier and Kayla Parrett picked up a 6-4, 6-2 decision at first doubles. Franklin’s Ashvika Boopathy and Vaquri Kantheri earned a 6-2, 4-6, 12-10 win at second doubles.

North Attleboro, 4 @ Milford, 1 – Final – North Attleboro won in straight sets in its four victories, picking up a win on the road at Milford. Tara Nair won 6-1, 6-1 at first singles and Olivia Wills picked up a 6-4, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Sam Martino and Haley Strom earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at first doubles while North Attleboro’s second doubles pairing of Jayli Carmichael and Liana Nichols won 6-0, 6-3. Milford’s Juliana France emerged with a 6-0, 4-6, 10-7 win at second singles.

Oliver Ames, 2 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield punched its ticket to the state tournament with a 3-2 win over visiting Oliver Ames. The Hornets’ first doubles team of Hannah Podolske and Sam Sternburg prevailed 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 to secure the win for Mansfield. Lizzy Elsner added a 6-1, 6-4 win at first singles and Aryana Khosravani secured a 6-3, 6-2 win at third singles. Oliver Ames’ Maura Kiernan won 6-1, 6-1 at second singles and the team of Kate McCormick and Sarah Morley emerged 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 at second doubles.

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 3 @ Dighton-Rehoboth, 2 – Final – Taunton inched within one win of a state tournament berth, battling to a 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 16-14) win on the road over Dighton-Rehoboth. Jason Khang had a strong game defensively with 21 digs and Edward Paiva dished out 33 assists. Tyler Stewart paced the offense with 16 kills and five blocks while Fabio Goncalves and Alex Tavares each put down 13 kills and had two blocks.

05/07/201905/08/2019

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/08/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Mansfield, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro prevailed on the right side of a pitcher’s dual, earning a 2-0 win in a game that took just 80 minutes to complete. Attleboro senior Eoin Kelleher needed just 72 pitches to toss a complete game, scattering three hits with no walks, striking out one. Mansfield threatened in the second when Sam Nugent (error) and Jake Lund (double) reached to put runners on second and third but Kelleher got an infield ground ball and a fly ball back to himself to escape. Attleboro took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Alvaro Espinal singled and advanced to second on a pickoff attempt. Ryan Morry used a sac bunt to advance the runner and Lorenzo Wilson brought Espinal in with a sacrifice fly. The Bombardiers added a run in the fifth when Camden Fitzpatrick doubled and Tom Callahan had an RBI single to make it 2-0. John Carney was strong on the mound for Mansfield, allowing three hits in six innings, with one walk and one strikeout.

Foxboro, 9 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Foxboro got off to a strong start, scoring seven runners between the first two innings on its way to a win over Canton. The Warriors plated two runs in the first and then added five more in the second to build a 7-0 advantage. Foxboro tacked on two runs in the seventh while Canton scored once in the sixth and three in the seventh. Sophomores Sean Yoest (run) and Tom Marcucella (RBI, run) each had two hits to pace the Foxboro offense while Michael Devlin (run) and Joe Cavaleri (hit) each had two RBI. Canton’s Sawyer Julier-Albert and Nate Quan had two hits each. Yoest earned the win, allowing one run (unearned) on eight hits and two strikeouts in six innings of work.

King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 11 – Final – Franklin had three pitchers combine for a one-hitter scored double-digit runs for the fourth straight game. Liam Dailey allowed one unearned run on one hit and two walks, striking out four in five innings of work. Ben Guzman (two strikeouts) and Will Pacheco (three strikeouts) each pitched an inning in relief. Scott Elliott led the offense with three hits, including a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Alex Haba (two runs, RBI), Jake Macchi (two runs), and Brennan Rivera (run, two RBI) each had two hits for the Panthers.

Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 11 – Final – Milford senior Tyler Almeida drove in four runs and junior Colby Pires was strong on the mound and offensively to help the Scarlet Hawks beat Sharon. Almeida went 3-for-4 with a triple, Matt Shaver added two hits, two RBI, and a run scored, and Pires chipped in with two hits, including a double, and three runs scored. Pires allowed three runs in four innings of work, striking out a pair to earn the win.

Stoughton, 11 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – After trading runs early on, Stoughton exploded for eight runs in the fifth inning to turn a close game into a blowout. The Black Knights took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Robbie Seaman (3-for-4, two RBI, two runs, stolen base) singled, took second on a passed ball, stole third, and scored on another passed ball. North responded with a run in the bottom of the second. In the fifth. Cian Swierzewski got things going with a leadoff single, Zak Paquette and George Currier drew walks, Seaman had a two-run single, Jacob Kaplan had an RBI single, Paquette added a sac fly, and mixed in with a couple of Rocketeer errors, the Black Knights jumped ahead 9-1. Sophomore James Genest was strong on the mound, needing just 83 pitches to get the win. He allowed one run (unearned) on five hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.

Taunton, 6 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – Taunton senior Josh Lajoie had one of his best outings of the season, striking out 10 in a complete game effort to help the visiting Tigers take down Oliver Ames. Lajoie scattered five hits and walked two while allowing one run (unearned). Offensively, sophomore Danny MacDougall had three hits and knocked in two runs while Lucas Martins had a pair of hits and one RBI.

Softball
Attleboro, 4 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Attleboro scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie and then stranded a pair of Hornet baserunners in the bottom of the seventh to grab a win on the road. Attleboro took a 2-0 lead in the third but the Hornets knotted the score in the third when Mady Bendanillo smacked a two-run triple to make it 2-2. In the bottom of the seventh, with the Hornets down two, Mary Muldoon launched a one-out homer and the Hornets put two more on base but Attleboro closed out the win. Makenzie Killough went 2-for-4 with two RBI for the Bombardiers, Lora Woyton added three hits, including a double, and an RBI, and Brenna Morse hit a triple. Megan Letendre had two hits for Mansfield while Kara Bendanillo and Ella Verheggen each added a hit. Sarah Cahill had eight strikeouts for the Hornets while Emily Gittle (seven strikeouts) pitched a complete game for Attleboro.

Foxboro, 6 @ Canton, 5 – Final – Peyton Feldman (3-for-4) tripled for the second time in the game and aggressively took home when the throw went down to first on a dropped third strike to score the game-winning run. Feldman scored three times for the Warriors, who picked up and important Div. 2 win. Chelsea Gibbons also went 3-for-4 for Foxboro, while Camryn Willis went 2-for-4 and threw a complete game in the victory. Taylor Reynolds went 3-for-4 for the Bulldogs and scored a pair of runs, while Liz Bickett tripled and homered and Steph Trendell tripled and doubled in the loss. Caroline Hughes threw five innings in relief and allowed one run, striking out three. Canton coach Dave Bohane called it a great game between two improved teams.

Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 6 – Final – King Philip Faith Turinese had a strong performance in the circle, scattering five hits in a complete game shutout. Meghan Gorman had two hits, including a home run, to lead the Warriors’ offense. Liliana Rolfe also had two hits and Abby Carey came through with a key single with the bases loaded. Franklin’s Maddy White went 2-for-3.

Milford, 9 @ Sharon, 11 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery from this game – Sharon scored five unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, four coming with two outs, and then held off a final inning charge from Milford to secure a season sweep of the Hawks. Sharon sophomore Julia Earley went 3-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored, and an RBI, and played strong defense at short with three putouts and two assists to pace the Eagles, which totaled 11 hits as a team. Savannah Gray (double, RBI, run), Ciara McAuliffe (two RBI, run), and Penny Rabatsky (run) each had two hits for Sharon. Emily Botvin pitched three innings in relief, allowing just one earned run, with four strikeouts to get the win. Milford’s Amanda Wenckus went 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles and four RBI, Lucy Creedon (three runs) had three hits, including a home run that put Milford up 7-6 in the top of the sixth, and April Swain (run), Carly Ferreira (RBI), and Olivia Morelli (run, double) each had two hits.

North Attleboro, 6 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – North Attleboro belted out five consecutive hits, all with two outs, to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 5-1 lead, and junior pitcher Bella Erti took care of the rest as the Rocketeers swept the season series with the Black Knights. Emily Nardelli, Abby Gallagher (two hits), Ashley Cangiano (2B), Annabelle Hebard (three hits), and Katie Daby had consecutive hits to put the Rocketeers ahead. Erti tossed a one-hitter, limiting the Black Knights to one base runner (error) through six innings before Stoughton sophomore Nicole Baker recorded the team’s first hit. North coach Bill Wallace said Alex Moulson had a strong game in the field.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ Taunton, 15 – Final (5 inn.) – Taunton senior Alexa White was nearly perfect in four innings of work, striking out nine with just one hit allowed as Taunton completed a season sweep of Oliver Ames. Olyvia Mendonca pitched a scoreless inning in relief with one strikeout. Jaime Brown (two runs, RBI), Alexa White (double, run, three RBI), Hanna Aldrich (triple, three runs, two RBI, two stolen bases) Tayah DaCosta (run), and Ava Venturelli (two runs) each had two hits for Taunton. Kenzie McAloon (double, two RBI), Rylie Murphy (three RBI), and Kelsey White (two RBI) also contributed to the Taunton offense.

Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 10 @ King Philip, 9 – Final – Canton junior Tommy Vaughan scored the game-winning goal with just over five minutes left in the game to help the Bulldogs knock off previously unbeaten King Philip. Vaughan scored his fourth of the game with 5:07 left and the Bulldogs took advantage of a three-minute locked in penalty to possess the ball and kill the final moments of the game. Griffin Roach and David Allen each added two goals while Chris Lavoie and Andrew Canton found the back of the net once each for the Bulldogs. Dylan Coyne had a strong game in net for Canton while Brendan Albert anchored the defense.

Attleboro, 1 @ Foxboro, 17 – Final – Foxboro raced out to a 6-0 lead after a quarter and took an 11-1 advantage in halftime and never looked back to knock off visiting Attleboro. Junior Bobby Yerardi (four goals) and sophomore Charlie Baughan (three goals, one assist) each accounted for four points to pace the Foxboro offense. Junior Aidan Stapleton added two goals and two assists, sophomore Max Biegel had a goal and an assist, and freshman Tom Sharkey and junior Ronnie MacLellan each scored once for the Warriors.

Franklin, 21 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Franklin built a 13-1 lead by halftime and then pitched a shutout in the second half, rolling to a win over the Hornets. Senior Jacob Alexander continued to dominate at the face-off X, winning 20-of-22 draws to help the Franklin offense control possession. Sophomore Matt Lazzaro scored six goals and had two assists, junior Jake Davis scored five times and added two helpers, senior Nitin Chaudhury had a pair of goals and one assist, and both junior Ben Greco (three assists) and senior Tim Kolb (two assists) scored once. Senior Will Davis made nine saves in net.

Oliver Ames, 15 @ Milford, 4 – Final – Oliver Ames picked up a win on the road to punch its ticket for the state tournament, marking the first time in program history that the Tigers have qualified for the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Junior Shane Kilkelly paced the offense with six goals and two assists, sophomore Remi Creighton added a pair of goals and three helpers, senior Colin Bourne scored a hat trick and added an assist, and junior Sam Stevens netted a pair of goals with one helper.

Stoughton @ Sharon, 3:45

Girls Lacrosse
Foxboro, 19 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final

King Philip, 17 @ Canton, 3 – Final – King Philip exploded for 10 goals in the second half to run away with a win over Canton on the road. Caroline Klim paced the offense with eight points, scoring six goals and adding two assists while Jess Sullivan (assist) and Olivia Tormey each found the back of the net four times for KP. Haley Izydorczak, Julia Marsden, and Mackenzie Mazur each scored once for the Warriors while Caroline Watson made eight saves in the win.

Mansfield, 3 @ Franklin, 16 – Final – Franklin ran away with the game, picking up its seventh straight win with a 16-3 decision over visiting Mansfield. Senior Annie Walsh (four goals, three assists) and junior Erin Walsh (five goals, two assists) led the offense with seven points apiece, while Kelsey MacCallum added a hat trick and assists. Junior Gianna Cameron had a strong game in goal with 11 saves.

Milford, 9 @ Oliver Ames, 10 – Final – Milford scored two straight late in the game to get within one but Oliver Ames held on for the win. Senior Emily Haley paced the Hawks offense with five goals while senior Savannah Rosado had a strong game in net. Sophia Bucal added two goals while Alyssa Williamson and Stella Amour each found the back of the net once for Milford.

North Attleboro @ Taunton, 5:15

Boys Tennis
Attleboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield’s Luke Devine filled in at first singles and picked up a win in straight sets to help the Hornets defend home court. Devine won 6-0, 6-1 while Nilay Pangrekar secured a 6-0, 6-2 win at third singles for Mansfield. The team of Sam Shirmacher and Yash Sakhalkar picked up a 6-4, 6-1 win at first doubles while Jonah Fine and Ben Newcomb earned a 6-2, 6-2 win at second doubles for the Hornets. Attleboro’s Jared Cooper won 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) at second singles.

Canton, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Canton freshman Suraj Ramanathan won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles.

Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Franklin won two matches in singles action and won one doubles match in a three-set thriller to edge King Philip in a battle of top teams in the Kelley-Rex division. The Panthers, who entered tied with the Warriors in first in the division, got the deciding win from Saket Gandham and Shoumik Sompally, who pulled out a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 win at second doubles to give Franklin the win. Liam Marr won at 6-3, 6-3 at first singles and Vayshnav Malhotra didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. King Philip sophomore Nick Putney won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles and the team of Jack Cannon and Nate Ihley, both juniors, secured a 6-4, 6-0 win at first doubles.

North Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – North Attleboro won a pair of singles matches and both doubles matches, all in straight sets, to earn a 4-1 win over Stoughton. Junior Alex Pfeffer won 6-2, 6-1 at second singles and sophomore Sam Gallagher grabbed a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Vikram Senthilakumaran and Tomas Bentley lost just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 decision at first doubles while Saketh Uppuluri and Justin Strom dropped a total of two games in a 6-0, 6-2 win at second doubles. Stoughton sophomore Waseem Sablon earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at first singles.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Taunton, 4 – Final – Taunton earned two wins in both singles and doubles action to knock off visiting Oliver Ames. Brett Beaulieu won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Charlie Fiske picked up a 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles, and Barrett Hodgson and Tyler Goddard earned a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles. Oliver Ames junior Yusaf Hameed earned his fifth straight win with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at third singles.

Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon won all five matches in straight sets to earn a sweep on the road. Senior Danujan Thirumavalavan won 6-1, 6-3 at first singles, junior Alberto Olivei earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles, and freshman Max Chen grabbed a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles. The team of Max Brody and Jake Ross didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles while Sharon’s second doubles team of Deyan Kassev and Mitch Weiss earned a 6-2, 6-1 win.

Girls Tennis
Mansfield, 4 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – Mansfield’s Lizzy Elsner prevailed in a super tiebreaker to win at first singles as the Hornets battled for a 4-1 win over the Bombardiers. Elsner won 6-2, 4-6, 10-2, Aryana Khosravani earned a 6-1, 6-3 win at third singles, Hannah Podolske and Sam Sternburg earned a 6-2, 7-5 win at first doubles, and Lauren Hobaica and Alex Burnham notched a 6-1, 6-3 win at second doubles. Attleboro’s Brianna Aronne picked up a 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles.

Foxboro, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Foxboro’s second doubles team of Maggie McAuliffe and Neha Jammula prevailed with a win in a tight three-set thriller, helping the Warriors edge Canton. McAuliffe and Jammula earned a 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 win for the Warriors, who also picked up wins from Pam Nelson (6-4, 6-2) at first singles and the team of Kendall Milender and Paige Krockta (6-1, 6-3) at second singles. Canton’s Natalie Keppler rallied for a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 win at second singles, and Sarah Hernandez earned a 6-1, 6-2 victory at third singles for the Bulldogs.

King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

Stoughton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final – North Attleboro defended home court, winning all five matches in straight sets to earn a sweep of the visiting Black Knights. Senior Tara Nair won 6-0, 6-4 at first singles, senior Mae McLaughlin picked up a 6-0, 6-2 win at second singles, and junior Olivia Wills emerged with a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. The Rocketeers’ first doubles team of sophomore Haley Strom and junior Sam Martino dropped just two games in a 6-0, 6-2 win while junior Brototi Nandi and sophomore Jayli Carmichael secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Taunton, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Taunton won all three singles matches to secure a tight 3-2 victory over Oliver Ames. Jillian Pagliuca had a strong showing with a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles, McKenzie Lucie picked up a 6-4, 6-2 win at second singles, and Jocelyn Pagliuca recorded a 6-0, 6-2 win at third singles. Oliver Ames’ Eva Belanger and Morgan Vasiliou earned a 6-4, 6-4 win at first doubles, and the second doubles team of Kate McCormick and Sarah Marley recorded a 6-1, 6-3 win for the host Tigers.

Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Sharon lost a total of two games in singles action and won all five matches on the road at Milford. Nupur Shukla didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while freshman Valeria Barajas (second singles) and sophomore Charlie Martinez (third singles) each won 6-0, 6-1. The team of senior Sophia Fein and freshman Sasha Fein earned a 6-3, 7-6 win at first doubles while freshman Alice Zaniewski and sophomore Lena Lee won 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 at second doubles.

05/03/201905/03/2019

Friday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/03/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Oliver Ames, 9 @ King Philip, 8 – Final – Oliver Ames scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning, punctuated by a two-run double and run scored by Chris Pearsons, who also tossed four scoreless innings in relief, as the Tigers finished a comeback attempt at KP. Pearsons drove in Jared Spillane (HBP) and Kyle O’Connor (single), and then came around to scored on a single from Nick Marks. Pearsons didn’t allow a walk in his relief appearance, allowing the Tigers to claw back into the game. Spillane also had two hits and an RBI while Sean O’Brien had two RBI and a strong game defensively in center.

Taunton @ Mansfield – Postponed to Saturday, 5/4 at 12:00 at Taunton.

Sharon, 7 @ Stoughton, 13 – Final

Softball
Canton, 11 @ Milford, 7 – Final – Canton junior Caroline Hughes had a strong day in the circle and gave the Bulldogs a boost offensively in a road win at Milford. She struck out five and had three hits at the plate, driving in three runs. Jackie Morrissey (3-for-4) hit her first home run and Steph Trendell chipped in with three hits for Canton. Milford junior Megan Hart went 3-for-4 with a double two runs and two RBI while junior Amanda Wenckus (RBI, two runs), freshman Olivia Morelli (run, RBI) and senior Molly Moschilli (three RBI) each had two hits.

King Philip @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.

Mansfield, 1 @ Taunton, 6 – Final – Mansfield took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third but Taunton sophomore Hanna Aldrich connected for a grand slam in the bottom half, highlighting a six-run inning as the Tigers earned a win over the visiting Hornets. Mansfield’s Mary Muldoon singled, advanced to second on a sac bunt and scored on a double from Mady Bendanillo to take the lead. But Aldrich smacked her league-leading seventh home run in the bottom half to help the hosts pull ahead. Aldrich also had three stolen bases and had a stellar day defensively at short, as did McKenzie McAloon at second and Kelsey White in the circle. White allowed five hits total while striking out six. Alexa White added two hits and a run, Rylie Murphy had a hit and an RBI, and McAloon went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Sarah Cahill allowed five hits in the circle for Mansfield, who also got hits from Caty DeMassi, Ella Verheggen, and Emma Roche.

Stoughton, 11 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Stoughton sophomore Nicole Baker allowed just two hits and walked one, striking out 11 in a strong performance on the road. The Black Knights had 19 hits as a team with Lexi Baptista and Brianna Ferrandiz leading the way with three apiece. Karly Estremera (two RBI), Jordan Lyons (RBI), Nikki Coppola, Julia Driscoll, and Baker (three RBI) each had two hits while Melody Casna and Sydney Menz each contributed one hit for Stoughton.

Boys Lacrosse
Stoughton, 2 @ Attleboro, 9 – Final – Attleboro sophomore Mike Strachan scored a hat trick and senior Trevor Koppy made 12 saves behind a stellar defensive performance to lead the Bombardiers to a non-league win over Stoughton. Junior Thomas Shipman added two coals for Attleboro while junior Cam McKenna, sophomore Aidan Diggin, and freshman Keigan Conley each scored once.

Foxboro, 6 @ Newton North, 10 – Final – Foxboro’s Brendan Tully and Bobby Yerardi (assist) each scored twice but the Warriors fell on the road at Newton North. Pete Conley and Shayne Kerrigan each scored once while Ronnie MacLellan had a strong game defensively.

Sharon, 5 @ Shrewsbury, 13 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 20 @ Quincy, 15 – Final

Foxboro, 9 vs. Notre Dame Academy, 18 – Final

Mansfield vs. Ashland, 4:30

Sharon, 11 vs. Ursuline Academy, 12 – Final (2OT) – Sharon rallied from a four-goal deficit at halftime (9-5) to tie the game at the end of regulation but fell in double overtime to visiting Ursuline Academy. Jenna Goldstein had a team-high six goals, Emma Eberhardt totaled seven points with three goals and four assists, Bridget McManus scored twice, and Mia Lappen had an assist for the Eagles.

Taunton @ New Bedford, 4:00

Boys Tennis
Canton @ Milford – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.
King Philip @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.
Stoughton @ Sharon – Postponed to Thursday, 5/9 at 3:45.
Mansfield @ Taunton, 3:45

Girls Tennis
Milford @ Canton – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.
Oliver Ames @ King Philip – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.
Sharon @ Stoughton – Postponed to Thursday, 5/9 at 3:45.
Taunton @ Mansfield, 3:45

Boys Volleyball
King Philip, 3 @ Keefe Tech, 1 – Final – King Philip jumped out to a two game lead and then earned a win in the fourth game to prevent a comeback from Keefe Tech to win 3-1 (25-9, 25-21, 21-25, 25-16). Cam Corey had a strong game for the Warriors, dishing out 39 assists, adding 17 service points and finishing with seven digs. Eric Altobello (13 kills), Jimmy Peterson (10 kills), and Billy Hughes (six kills, block) paced the Warriors’ offense while Kyle Desrochers (10 digs) and Alex Bernhard (four digs) shined defensively.

Milford, 3 vs. Medfield, 0 – Final

Taunton vs. Durfee, 5:00

04/30/201904/30/2019

Tuesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/30/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Softball
Attleboro @ Taunton – Postponed to Saturday, 5/18 at 7:00.

Canton, 13 vs. Boston Latin, 7 – Final – Canton exploded for nine runs in the first inning and held on for a win over visiting Boston Latin. Steph Trendell had a pair of doubles and a home run to pace the Canton offense while Nikki Desjardins added two singles and a home run. Caroline Hughes and Sophia Santos combined to preserve the win in the circle.

Boys Outdoor Track
King Philip @ Attleboro, 3:45

Sharon, 67 @ Canton, 68 – Final – Canton’s Junior Sainvil won a pair of events and took second in two more to help the Bulldogs edge Sharon by a point. Sainvil won the 100M dash (11.0) and the triple jump (44’5”) and came in second in booth the long jump (18’) and the 200M (23.2). Lucca Terenzio won the 110M hurdles (16.8) and took second in the triple jump (42’), and Jonathan Chery won the 200M (22.9). The Bulldogs swept the relays, with the 4×100 (Gersom Rivera, Cam Sanchez, Terenzio, Chery) finishing in 45 seconds and the 4×400 (James Vo, Nate Rose, Mike Mazzola, Zach Goldstein) clocking in at 3:44.7.

Stoughton, 114 @ Foxboro, 22 – Final

Franklin @ Taunton, 3:45

Mansfield, 86 @ Oliver Ames, 50 – Final – Mansfield’s Andrew Williams won three events, Anthony Comer was first in two events, and Mike and Owen Mullahy won the 1 Mile and 2 mile races, respectively, to pace the Hornets to a win over Oliver Ames. Williams won the 110M hurdles (16.5), the long jump (20’11”), and the high jump (6’2”), Comer crossed the line first in the 100M dash (11.5) and the 200M (23.0), Mike Mullahy was the winner in the 1 Mile (4:48.5) and brother Owen secured first in the 2 Mile with a time of 10:43.1. Colby Eason won the shot put by more than five feet (50’2”) and other winners for the Hornets included Dan Rapoza in the javelin (140’9”), the 4×100 team (Ethan Thevenot, Joe Cappelletti, Vinnie Holmes, Jack Barry;45.9) and the 4×400 relay team (Jack Moussette, Stephen Saba, Chris Verros, Raffi Marzella). For Oliver Ames, Aaron MacDonald won two events (400M, 51.4; triple jump, 40’2.5”) won two events while Sean Flaherty (400M hurdles, 60.1), Zane Reservitz (800M, 2:01.0), and Anthony DeCosta (discus, 101’9”) each one once.

Milford, 60 @ North Attleboro, 76 – Final

Girls Outdoor Track
King Philip @ Attleboro, 3:45

Sharon, 72 @ Canton, 64 – Final – Canton sophomore Maddie Rousseau won three events but Sharon came away with the team win. Rousseau was first in the 100M dash (12.7), the 200M (26.2), and the long jump (15’9.5”). Also winning for Canton were Bronwyn Mahoney (discus, 82’8.5”’ shot put, 31’3.5”) and the Bulldogs’ 4×400 team (Chloe Pennacchio, Annie Hoban, Gabby McDuffie, Rosana Cho; 4:34.2).

Stoughton, 57 @ Foxboro, 79 – Final

Franklin, 78 @ Taunton, 58 – Final

Mansfield, 89 @ Oliver Ames, 47 – Final – The Hornets won 11 events, including both really events, in a victory over the Tigers of Oliver Ames. Senior Amanda Mangano took first in four individual events: the 100M dash (12.7), the 200M (25.6), the long jump (16-9), and the high jump (4-10). Other winners for Mansfield included Meghan Johnston (1 Mile, 5:34.8), Maria Sevastos (400M, 64.1), Tessa Lancaster (2 Mile, 12:19.8), Julia Hill (triple jump, 34-0), and Kerina Geminiani (shot put, 28-3). Mansfield’s 4×100 relay (Alexis Kiyanda, Emily Quitzau, Gabrielle Devlin, Lindsey Golden) finished in 53 seconds while the 4×400 (Sevastos, Mikaela Maughn, Grace Doyle, Bryn Anderson) finished in 4:27.9.

Milford, 46 @ North Attleboro, 90 – Final

Boys Tennis
Oliver Ames, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – North Attleboro won three matches without dropping a game and got another win by default to beat Oliver Ames. Jonah Manso (first singles), Alex Pfeffer (second singles), and the team of Vikram Senthilakumaran and Tomas Bentley (first doubles) each won 6-0, 6-0. OA’s Yusaf Hameed won 2-6, 6-2, 10-4 at third singles.

Girls Tennis
North Attleboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Oliver Ames’ second doubles team of Erika Mekler and Sarah Barron battled to win a pair of close sets to give the Tigers a 3-2 win over visiting North Attleboro. Mekler and Barron won 6-4, 7-5 to secure OA’s third point, with Sarah Leger (first singles, 6-0, 6-1) and Maura Kiernan (second singles, 6-2, 6-0) also winning for OA. North Attleboro’s Olivia Wills won 6-2, 6-4 at third singles while the team of Sam Martino and Haley Strom earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at first doubles.

Boys Volleyball
Milford, 3 @ Agawam, 1 – Final

04/03/201904/21/2019

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/04/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Mansfield junior John Carney pitched a complete game shutout and scored the game’s lone run to help the Hornets open the season with a win. Carney allowed just two hits without issuing a walk, striking out six to get the win. In the second inning, Carney singled and moved to third on a double by Eric Longley (2-for-2). Carney then scored the lone run on a passed ball. Attleboro’s Eoin Kelleher only allowed two four hits in 5.2 innings of work, striking out four with one walk. Sam Larkin had a double (and a terrific catch in right field) and Mason Houle had a single for Attleboro.

Canton, 14 @ Foxboro, 12 – Final – In a game dominated by offense, Canton prevailed with a 14-12 victory over Foxboro. The Bulldogs scored three runs in each the first, third, and fourth innings, and then tacked on five runs in the top of the fifth to take a 14-5 lead. Foxboro scored two runs in the first, three runs in the third, and rallied for seven runs in the fifth to make it a two-run game. Canton sophomore Steven Burbank went 4-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored while sophomore Matt Connolly had three hits, three RBI, and three runs scored. Junior Nate Quan added two hits and four RBI for the Bulldogs. Foxboro junior Kyle McGinnis went 3-for-3 with four RBI and a run scored, Michael Devlin was 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored, and Adam Lanctot added two hits, two RBI and a run scored for the Warriors. Phil Thomas pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Foxboro.

Franklin, 11 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – Franklin opened its season in style with an 11-1 win on the road against King Philip. Junior Brennan Rivera earned the win on the mound, scattering five hits with no walks over six innings of work. Rivera also struck out three without allowing an earned run. Jack Nally had two hits — a double and a triple — with two RBI and three runs scored while Scott Elliott added three hits, an RBI and a run scored. Alex Haba (RBI, run), Jake Macchi (two runs), Cooper Ross (two RBI), JB Floris (RBI), and Joe Lizotte (two runs) each had two hits apiece for Franklin.

Milford, 9 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Milford went on the road and picked up a shutout win in its first game of the 2019 season. Senior Danny Corsini tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six to earn the win. Offensively, senior Matt Shaver went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, junior Nick Wimmete had three hits and a run scored, and senior Justin Applebee had two hits, two RBI, and two runs scored for the Scarlet Hawks.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Stoughton, 6 – Final – Stoughton junior Jacob Kaplan connected on a two-out, bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the fourth inning to break a 3-3 tie, giving the Black Knights a win over the defending D2 State Champions in the season opener for both teams. Junior George Currier added two hits for the Black Knights. Stoughton senior Zak Paquette earned the win, tossing a complete game with four strikeouts, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits.

Softball
Mansfield, 6 @ Attleboro, 8 – Final – Natalie Mansur gave Attleboro the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth inning with a pinch-hit, two-run homer. The Bombardiers had jumped out to a 5-2 lead only to have Mansfield respond with four runs in the fifth to take back the lead before Mansur’s big hit. Makenzie Killough continued her hot start to the season with a double and a home, while McKenzie Bergdoll had a pair of hits for the second straight game and drove in a pair. Jenna Gittle pitched the opening 4-2/3 inning and Emily Gittle grabbed the win with 2-1/3 innings of relief. Mady Bendanillo had three hits, including a homer, and drove in four runs for the Hornets in the loss. She plated Kara Bendanillo with a first-inning single, blasted a solo homer in the third and drove in a pair with a single in the fifth. Mary Muldoon also drove in two with a fifth inning single, as the Hornets scored four in the frame to regain the lead at 6-5. Mansfield coach Lori Letendre said, “It was a great back and forth game.”

Canton, 7 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – Canton held off a late charge by the Warriors, who got a run in the bottom of the seventh and the tying run in scoring position before Caroline Hughes snared a line drive to end the game. Hughes threw a complete game with a pair of strikeouts, allowing three earned runs. Sarah Kelly went 2-for-4 with four RBI to power the Canton offense and Jackie Morrissey was 3-for-4 with an RBI.

King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final – Franklin edged out a pitcher’s duel against the defending league champions thanks to a dominant start from senior Jackie Cherry. She allowed no hits to the potent KP lineup and struck out 10 batters. Cherry allowed only four base-runners, three on walks and one batter reached on an error. Faith Turinese was almost as good for the Warriors, limiting the Panthers to just one earned run. Anna Balkus led-off the bottom of the first with a single, advanced to second on a sac bunt by Gabby Colace and to third on a single by Allie Shea (2-for-3 in the game). Maddy White drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run with an RBI-single. Franklin added a second run in the fifth. Colace doubled to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a groundout, before scoring on a wild pitch. Peyton Arone went 2-for-3 for Franklin and made a pair of great catches in left.

Sharon, 12 @ Milford, 7 – Final – Senior Rebecca Clayman went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI and freshman Savannah Gray went 2-for-4 and drove in four runs as the Eagles beat the defending division champs and picked up their first win under head coach Heather Poliferno. Freshman Trinity Payne pitched in relief, getting out of a jam in the fourth by striking out two and going 3-2/3 innings with 5 Ks. She also went 2-for-4 at the plate and hit a fifth inning homer. Meg Hart had an RBI-triple and Taylor Waldrup had two hits for the Hawks.

Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Taunton, 21 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final (5 inn.) – Taunton scored 21 runs on 17 hits in its season opener. Hanna Aldrich powered the offense with a pair of homers, three RBI, and four runs scored. Mckenzie McAloon (three runs), Payton Ceglarski, Riley Murphy (three RBI), and Skylar Rheaume (three RBI) all had two hits for Taunton. Kelsey White earned the win with four strikeouts over three innings with Alexa White and freshman Olyvia Mendonca each taking one inning in the circle. Katie Abreu drove in Emma Varella with a fifth inning double for OA’s lone run. Katie Mills and Colleen Larson each had hits for the Tigers.

Boys Lacrosse
Mansfield, 3 vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, 19 – Final
Milford, 13 @ Northbridge, 15 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Foxboro, 12 vs. Wellesley, 15 – Final
Milford, 11 @ Assabet Valley, 3 – Final

Boys Tennis
Mansfield, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Mansfield picked up a sweep on the road, winning all five matches in straight sets. Senior Luke Nickerson won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, senior Luke Devine earned a 6-1, 6-0 decision at second singles, and junior Nilay Pangrekar won 6-1, 6-1 at third singles. The team of Sethu Odayappan and Max Bank won 6-1, 6-2 at first doubles and Sam Donellan and Sam Schirmacher picked up a 6-0, 6-0 victory at second singles.

King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final – King Philip’s second doubles team of Tyler Dowd and Jake Mager pulled out a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4 win to give the Warriors a 3-2 win over rival Franklin. The Warriors also got wins from Nick Putney (6-3, 4-6, 6-3) at second singles and Jack Cannon (6-4, 6-0) at third singles. Franklin’s Liam Marr won 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 at first singles and the team of Saketh Saripalli and Vayshnav Malhotra won 6-1, 6-3 at first doubles.

Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – Stoughton sophomore Waseem Sablon won at first singles but North Attleboro won at the other four matches to get the win at home. Junior Alex Pfeffer won 6-1, 6-0 at second singles and sophomore Sam Gallagher earned a 6-0, 6-1 decision at third singles for the Rocketeers. The team of Vikram Senthilakumaran and Saketh Uppuluri pulled out a 6-1, 6-3 win at first doubles while Tomas Bentley teamed up with Justin Strom to pick up a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles. Sablon earned a 1-6, 6-3, 10-8 win at first singles for the Black Knights.

Taunton, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – Taunton didn’t drop a game at first or second singles as well as first doubles in a win on the road at Oliver Ames. Brett Beaulieu (first singles) and Charlie Fiske (second) each won 6-0, 6-0 while Dylan Kullas earned a 6-4, 6-1 win at third singles. Taunton’s Ryan Hebert and Alex Pugh won 6-0, 6-0 at first doubles.

Sharon, 4 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Sharon swept doubles play and earned two more wins in singles action to defeat Milford. Danujan Thirumavalavan (first singles) won 6-2, 6-3 while Ruemon Bhattacharya (second singles) earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory. The team of Max Chen and Max Brody won 6-2, 6-2 at first doubles and the team of junior Jake Ross and freshman Deyan Kassev won 6-0, 6-2 at second doubles. Milford senior Riley Lynch won 6-4, 6-0 at third singles.

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 3 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Attleboro senior Bri Aronne overcame a one-set deficit to win the next two and help the Bombardiers clinch a 3-2 win over Mansfield. Aronne won 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 while the first doubles team of Nicole Matheson and Lauren Anthony won 6-0, 6-4 and the duo of junior Rena Danho and junior Jordan Benardo earned a 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 win at second doubles. Mansfield’s Lizzy Elsner won 6-1, 7-5 at first singles and sophomore Aryann Khosravani picked up a 6-0, 6-2 win at third singles.

Canton, 0 @ Foxboro, 5 – Final – Foxboro picked up a win over division rival Canton, winning all five matches in straight sets. Pam Nelson won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Sarah Prag earned a 6-1, 6-1 decision at second singles, and Julia Muise won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles. Foxboro’s first doubles team of Kendall Milender and Paige Krockta won 6-1, 6-1, and the Warriors’ second doubles team of Maggie McAuliffe and Lindsey Young won 6-1, 6-2.

Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final

North Attleboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – North Attleboro earned a sweep on the road, winning all five matches in straight sets. Tara Nair won 6-0, 6-1 at first singles, Mae McLoughlin earned a 6-1, 6-4 decision at second singles, and Jayli Carmichael prevailed 6-1, 6-3 at third singles for the Rocketeers. North Attleboro’s first doubles team of Olivia Willis and Sam Martino won 6-3, 6-1 and the second doubles team of Hayley Strom and Brotiti Nandi didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ Taunton, 5 – Final – Taunton defended home court, winning all five matches in straight sets. Jillian Pagliuca (6-2, 6-2), McKenzie Lucie (6-1, 6-2), and Jocelyn Pagliuca (6-1, 6-0) won at first, second, and third singles, respectively. The team of Sam Martin and Briana Fevrier won 6-1, 6-0 at first doubles while Ogechi Ariguzo and Kayla Parrett secured a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon didn’t drop a single game in singles play, winning all three 6-0, 6-0 and all five matches in straight sets to beat Milford. Senior Nupur Shukla (first), freshman Valeria Barajas (second), and sophomore Charlize Martinez swept singles play for the Eagles. The first doubles team of Sachi Bhasin and Sophia Fein won 6-3, 6-4 while the duo of Lauren Glass and Makaila Cheung won 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles for the Eagles.

Boys Volleyball
King Philip, 3 @ Millis, 1 – Final – King Philip picked up its second win of the season, earning a 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 22-25, 25-9) win on the road at Millis. The Warriors rode the strong serving of Max Armour (11 service points) and Kyle Desrochers (16 service points), both of whom went on big runs at the service line. Desrochers added 10 digs and Alex Bernhard had a strong game with seven digs. Senior middle Jimmy Peterson paced the net defense with seven blocks.

Milford, 3 vs. Nipmuc, 0 – Final

04/03/2019

Softball: Ten Players to Watch for 2019

Hockomock Softball Players to Watch — King Philip senior shortstop Meghan Gorman will be one of the players to watch this spring as the softball season kicks off. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

Players are listed alphabetically

Nicole Baker, Sophomore – Stoughton

Stoughton sophomore pitcher Nicole Baker is poised for a big year in the circle for the Black Knights, stepping in to fill the shoes of graduated pitcher Gina Carafa and taking over as the ace this spring. Baker saw some league action as a freshman and head coach Deb Parker said that she has put in the work in the off-season to be a leader for the team, which was demonstrated in the season-opening win against Oliver Ames. She allowed only four hits and struck out eight while picking up the complete game victory. Baker also went 5-for-5 at the plate with a double, a grand slam, and six RBI. It was an impressive debut to the new season and a boost to the Black Knights, who will be hoping for a return to the postseason in 2019.

Mady Bendanillo, Senior – Mansfield

Although 2018 wasn’t the best spring for the Hornets, who missed the playoffs, senior centerfielder Mady Bendanillo remains one of the league’s most dynamic players, both in the field and at the plate. Her speed and athleticism allow her to cover the gaps in the outfield, chasing down hits that others might not get to, but also makes her a threat for extra bases any time she is at the plate. In the middle of an experienced lineup, Bendanillo gives Mansfield a run-producing threat who can also make plays and put pressure on the defense with her legs. She started 2019 well with a pair of hits and her first home run in Mansfield’s win over Foxboro and she will be counted on to get the Hornets back in the hunt for the postseason.

McKenzie Bergdoll, Senior – Attleboro

Attleboro senior McKenzie Bergdoll started her career with the Bombardiers as a freshman pitcher and she may see some time in the circle this spring, but in the past three seasons, she has turned into one of the league’s top power hitters. Bergdoll led the league in hitting last season, batting .522 and was third overall in total hits with 36. She was also tied for the league lead with seven homers, including some mammoth shots that cleared the fence at the Attleboro High field, which takes considerable pop. Tall and with a pure swing, the LeMoyne College-commit is a threat to knock one out of the park every at-bat, as she showed in Attleboro’s season-opening win against Canton with three hits and her first homer of the spring. With Bergdoll in the middle of the lineup, the Bombardiers will be eyeing another playoff berth this season.

Jaime Brown, Senior – Taunton

Taunton senior third baseman Jaime Brown, the 2017 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, is a five-year starter for the Tigers and has been one of the most consistent hitters in the league for every one of those seasons. Last year, Brown set the table for the Div. 1 state champions, batting .500 in the lead-off spot with 38 hits and 19 RBI. She also drew 19 walks to put runners on base for the heart of that potent Taunton lineup. When she was needed in clutch situations, Brown also came through with big hits, like a bases-clearing triple in the state semifinal against Newton North. She was also a strong fielder, including the final play of the state final against Wachusett. With quick hands, quick feet, and a tremendous eye at the plate, Brown is one of the toughest outs in the league and she will be one of the reasons that Taunton has its sights set on repeating in D1.

Bella Erti, Junior – Taunton

North Attleboro junior pitcher Bella Erti has been dominant in the circle for the past two seasons, leading North into the playoffs each spring, including a surprising run to the 2017 D1 South semifinal as a freshman. Last year, Erti went 15-5 and posted an ERA of 1.58, helping North finish second in the Davenport division. The hardest-throwing pitcher in the league last season, Erti struck out 137 batters and was able to keep the Rocketeers in just about every game. A tough loss to Braintree in the playoffs has the Rocketeers focused on putting together a deeper run this season and with Erti in the circle for the bulk of the innings, North knows that it has a pitcher who gives it a good shot at the program’s first league title since 1990. Erti is also a threat at the plate, batting .357 last spring with three homers. Expectations are as high as ever for North this season and much will rest on Erti’s right arm.

Meghan Gorman, Senior – King Philip

Shortstop has been a position of strength for the Warriors for quite a while and senior Meghan Gorman has been one of King Philip’s best at that position over her three years on varsity. The Central Connecticut State-commit is one of the best defensive shortstops in the state, rarely going through a game in which her jersey doesn’t get dirty from diving after a ball and with a very strong arm. She is also one of the top hitters on KP, batting .493 with 36 hits, 34 RBI, and 33 runs scored. She hit 12 doubles and stole 11 stolen bases. All of those were team highs. Last spring, Gorman recorded the 100th hit of her career while helping the Warriors win another league title, the program’s 11th in the past 12 seasons, and advance to the D1 South final against Taunton. KP always expects to be in the mix for the Kelley-Rex title and this season is no different, especially with Gorman leading the way at short and at the top of the lineup.

Caroline Hughes, Junior – Canton

Canton junior Caroline Hughes has been part of an upswing for the Bulldogs in the past two seasons, helping them jump from one win as a freshman to eight wins last spring and now under new coach Dave Bohane there is hope for even more in 2019. Hughes has played a major role in last year’s success as the team’s ace. She pitched almost every inning last year, helping Canton win twice as many games last spring as in the two previous seasons combined. Her development as a big-game pitcher will be a key to the Bulldogs making a run back at the state tournament in what is a very wide-open Davenport division and using the experience of last season (which ended in a loss to perennial power Dighton-Rehoboth) to maybe push a little further in the playoffs.

Ally Shea, Senior – Franklin

Franklin senior Ally Shea has been a consistent presence in the Panthers lineup since jumping in midway through her freshman season. The lefty batted .344 last season, which was down slightly from an even more prolific sophomore campaign, and finished with 22 hits. Shea has the power to find the gaps and rack up extra bases and defies expectations by being a hitter that likes to take the ball the other way. She loves to hit it through the hole between second and short and use the gap in left-center. The key for the Panthers will be getting more players on base ahead of her to get her up in more run-producing situations and with a strong core returning Franklin will see an opportunity for a return to the playoffs this spring. Shea is also a versatile player who can play catcher, first base and a little outfield when called upon, which makes her a mainstay in the Franklin lineup and allows flexibility for changes as the game goes along.

Morgan Sylvestre, Sophomore – Foxboro

Foxboro sophomore shortstop Morgan Sylvestre made an instant impact as a freshman, stepping right into the Warriors lineup and helping them not only make the postseason but win a pair of playoff games, reaching the D2 South quarterfinal. Sylvestre batted .419 with 26 hits as a rookie, driving in 16 runs for Foxboro. She also played a strong shortstop, showing consistency in the field and jumping into a leadership role on the left side of the infield, which will be important this season as well. Sylvestre’s continued development as a hitter will allow the Warriors to make up for some of the production lost to the graduation of Hannah Davis, while her play in the field will give confidence to senior pitcher Emma Rohan. As the Warriors make another playoff push, Sylvestre will be right in the heart of everything they’re doing.

Kelsey White, Sophomore – Taunton

Taunton sophomore pitcher Kelsey White steps back into the circle this spring after pitching every inning of the Tigers’ run to the Div. 1 state championship. White showed no indication that she was a freshman last season, displaying the composure of a veteran as she worked her way through some of the toughest lineups in the state. She finished with a record of 16-2 and an ERA of just 1.18. She struck out 114 batters in 119 innings, walking only nine. This year, White will have a new battery mate, after the graduation of Kya Enos, but her demeanor gives little indication that will be a problem. White is also a menace at the plate, batting .418 and driving in 24 runs while only striking out seven times in 79 at-bats. Taunton has hopes of repeating as champion and White is a major reason why the Tigers enter the season with confidence.

04/02/201904/26/2019

2019 Hockomock League Softball Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2019 Hockomock Softball Preview

Attleboro

2018 Record: 9-12
2018 Finish: Reached D1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Mark Homer

After back-to-back playoff appearances, the expectations are high around the Attleboro program this spring. The Bombardiers return eight of nine starters from last year’s team and the lineup should be loaded with good hitters, as well as multiple players who can step into the circle and produce a good start. With the depth on the roster this season, Attleboro will be eyeing another postseason berth.

Senior McKenzie Bergdoll is one of the top power hitters in the league and will be back for another spring in the heart of the Attleboro lineup. She will be joined by classmates Jordyn Lako and Kayla Battisti as starters. Junior Makenzie Killough will be back at shortstop and also batting cleanup and providing protection for Bergdoll in the order. Sophomore Lora Woyton returns behind the plate, sophomore Autumn O’Connell will be in center and batting second and junior Ashley Macia will be out in left. Sophomore Brenna Morse will be taking over in rightfield. In the circle, Attleboro has plenty of depth with juniors Emily and Jenna Gittle and Bergdoll all able to step in. The Bombardiers will try to take advantage of their overall team speed and head coach Mark Homer said there are a few freshmen who may see playing time right away.

“The bar was set high from last season,” said Homer. “So the girls are onboard to perform well again this season with high hopes of competing in every game they play. They have set some goals to achieve one a\t a time. I am cautiously optimistic with our chances of winning more games this season than we have in the past. Knowing that there are no easy games on our schedule so we have to come to play every night.”

Canton

2018 Record: 8-13
2018 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Dave Bohane

Canton had quite the turnaround in 2018 under second-year head coach Jennifer Robillard, winning eight games, seven more than in 2017, and making a return to the state tournament. Robillard, last season’s HockomockSports.com Coach of the Year, has moved on to a position at Bentley and football coach Dave Bohane has taken over a team that has seen an influx of young talent and has momentum on its side heading into the spring.

Junior pitcher Caroline Hughes is one of the reasons for optimism in the program, as she is looking to build off a strong sophomore season in which she pitched almost every inning. Hughes was also one of the team’s top hitters and she will be at the heart of the lineup along with sophomore outfielder Liz Bickett, who batted .409 last season. Bickett is just one of several sophomores who the Bulldogs will be counting on, including infielders Olivia Lanci and Sarah Kelly, catchers Steph Trendell and Amanda Vrabel. Junior catcher Jackie Howard and seniors Haley Donovan and Ally Chin will provide leadership for this young group to try and get the Bulldogs right back into the state tournament mix.

“I am very excited to be coaching this team,” said Bohane, who has previously served the program as an assistant coach. “They are extremely hard working and devoted to the program. I think they will set the standard for our future players who come through the program. It’s a very tough league, but we will take it one game at a time and try to improve each game”.

Foxboro

2018 Record: 11-12
2018 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Mark Maguire

Foxboro made a run in the Div. 2 tournament last season, winning a pair of games before being knocked out in the quarterfinals, and the Warriors will hope to build on that exciting finish to 2018 by making a run at the Davenport crown this spring. Even with the loss of catcher Hannah Davis, who was instrumental in the team’s playoff run, Foxboro has a strong returning core and some talented young players stepping in to give head coach Mark Maguire confidence ahead of the new season.

Senior Emma Rohan will be back in the circle for her fourth year as the Foxboro starter and she has the experience of pitching in a number of big games and against the top teams in the league. Senior Cam Willis will play first this season, but can also step in and pitch if needed along with junior Amelia Stowell. The pitchers will have a rookie to throw to, as freshman Allie Willis will be stepping in behind the plate. Sophomore Morgan Sylvestre returns at shortstop after a strong first season on varsity and will be one of the leaders of the infield. Senior Chelsea Gibbons is at third base and freshman Peyton Feldman takes over at second. Sophomore Nicole Theriault will be in centerfield but can play a number of positions, senior Riley Martignetti gives the team pop from the right side of the plate, and senior Jill Finn can play all three outfield positions.

“Preseason is going great as the girls are working very hard to be ready for the season,” said Maguire. “We have a group of girls who work hard. I think team defense should be good with our senior leadership, and the younger players who aggressively look to make plays in the field. I have high expectations for this team, as we look to compete for a Davenport title and gain a state tournament berth.”

Franklin

2018 Record: 9-11
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Kate Fallon

Franklin has consistently been right behind perennial league leaders Taunton and King Philip in the Kelley-Rex division standings but has narrowly missed out on the playoffs by a single win in each of the past two seasons. This year, the Panthers have eight seniors coming back with the goal of getting the team back into the postseason and use a typically tough schedule to prep for a tournament run.

Pitching will be a strength for the Panthers this year with seniors Jackie Cherry and Emily Valentino giving the team depth and different options in the circle. Throwing strikes will be the key for both and limiting opposition base runners. Behind the plate, Franklin has plenty of experience as well with seniors Ally Shea and Maggie Hobby both capable of stepping in and handling the pitchers as well as providing power at the plate. Senior Tara Hartnett will be back at shortstop and provides strong defense up the middle. Junior Anna Balkus will be in centerfield and will set the table for the offense as the lead-off hitter. Junior Maddy White will be at third base and joins Shea and senior Kylie-Jade Bouzan as the team’s primary run producers.

“We are excited to see the Panther players on the field again,” said Franklin coach Kate Fallon-Comeau. “Overall our tough league and non-league schedule will keep us focused for tournament and we will rely on our solid pitching and defense.”

King Philip

2018 Record: 21-4
2018 Finish: Reached D1 South Final
Coach: Norm Beauchemin

Every season King Philip loses important players and every season the Warriors seem to be right back in the mix for the league title. This spring should be no different. KP will have several important players to replace in the lineup, but it expects to challenge for a 12th title in the past 13 seasons and also make another tournament run, following last year’s South final loss to Kelley-Rex rival Taunton.

Meghan Gorman is the player to watch for the Warriors this season, as the senior shortstop is one of the top defensive players in the state and also the spark plug at the top of the lineup. Senior Faith Turinese will move from the outfield into the circle and will split time with classmate Heather Nix as the top pitchers for the Warriors. Turinese also batted over .400 last year and will be an important bat in the middle of the order. Junior Destiny Goyco will step in behind the plate, after overcoming an injury from basketball season, and fellow junior Liliana Rolfe will take over at third. Grace Kelley will be at second base and Anna Bradley will be at first. The outfield will be filled with speed, including Kara McWhinnie in left, sophomore Paige Berdos in center, and either Ryan Stagg or junior Reaegan Simeone in right.

“One to nine, everyone hits the ball,” said KP coach Norm Beauchemin. “I’m looking forward to another solid season. The league overall is going to be very competitive, so it should be fun.”

Mansfield

2018 Record: 7-13
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield is looking to bounce back from a tough 2018 season in which the Hornets struggled in the Hockomock (going 4-12 in league play) and missed the playoffs. This year, Mansfield hopes for a quick turnaround and return to the state tournament with an experienced roster that brings back 11 players, seven starters, and seven seniors from last season.

The battery of senior pitcher Sarah Cahill and senior catcher Caty DeMassi is back and should give the Hornets a good foundation on which to build on this season. Seniors Megan Letendre and Kara Bendanillo will hold down the left side of the infield and provide pop in the middle of the lineup, while Mady Bendanillo returns in centerfield to give Mansfield a dynamic defensive player and another strong bat. There is an influx of youth as well with two sophomores and a freshman jumping into varsity and having the chance to contribute right away.

“Our goal is to make it back to the tournament this year and with strong leadership from our captains and our seniors, I think we will have a good shot at it!” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre.

Milford

2018 Record: 18-3
2018 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round
Coach: Steve DiVitto

The biggest question for Milford is how do the Hawks move on from a group of 10 seniors that won a combined 79 games, four league titles, and the 2017 state championship? Milford has been the team to beat in the Davenport division for six years and a relatively inexperienced group will have to face a season in which the target for every team in the league is squarely on their backs.

Junior Megan Hart is one of the primary options to replace Kelley Reichert in the circle to start the season, with freshman Olivia Morelli showing potential to step in and contribute innings right away. Senior Lucy Creedon can step in at first or in the outfield. Junior April Swain will jump into the outfield along with classmate Taylor Waldrup, while junior Amanda Wenckus can play either position on the left side of the infield and sophomore Carly Ferreira can play either corner infield spot. Sophomore Elise Fauerbach can play behind the plate or in the outfield, while her classmate Natalie Casilli will take an outfield spot. There are a lot of spots to fill this year, but head coach Steve DiVitto is talking about that as an opportunity for a new group of players to step into.

“We understand that lack of experience is something that we will need to combat with, however the bar will continue to be set high!” DiVitto said. “Each year a new page is turned over, and as always the focus is: what’s your legacy going to be? Keeping our awesome team chemistry will be an important part of this season. We’re excited for the challenges of playing in the best league in the state!”

North Attleboro

2018 Record: 16-5
2018 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round
Coach: Bill Wallace

Two seasons ago, North Attleboro was a young team that made a surprise trip to the South semifinal, but this year the Rocketeers will have much higher expectations. North is now the experienced team in the Davenport division and has aspirations of unseating Milford and winning a first league title since 1990 and adding to the league’s recent history of strong tournament performances with another deep run.

Junior pitcher Bella Erti will be one of the league’s top pitchers again this season, after a 15-5 sophomore season in which she struck out 137 batters. She also hit .357. Junior Ashley Cangiano is also back for her third year as a starter and is one of the top catchers in the league. Abby Gallagher returns to the North outfield after hitting .500 last season as a sophomore and senior Olivia Capobianco will be back in centerfield and the middle of the North lineup. Freshman Mandi Hanewich and sophomores Emma Bailey and Belle Clarkin will compete for the third outfield spot after impressive preseasons. Senior Katie Daby is at first, while sophomore Emily Nardelli moves from shortstop to second base. Junior Alex Moulson takes over at short and her classmate Annabelle Hebard will be at third. Emily Bedard and Makenzie Nardelli add to North’s infield depth and Alivia Byrne will give Erti a rest in the circle and is another big bat in the lineup.

“We will need to be more multi-dimensional, as late in the year we couldn’t sustain our offensive start to the season,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “This group really wants to make their mark on the league and they know how much work that is going to take.”

Oliver Ames

2018 Record: 3-17
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Last season was a struggle for the Tigers, with only three wins and head coach Lindsey Allison is hoping that a group of younger players can add to the returning core and make a push to get Oliver Ames back into the state tournament. Allison is confident that the offense will get into the swing of things for the Tigers after scoring only 66 runs last season, second-lowest in the league.

Senior Kayla Georgeu will be back in the circle for OA and in the heart of the lineup. The Tigers will count on sophomore Emma Varella to provide some innings at pitcher, as well as playing in the infield. Senior first baseman Katie Mills is a big bat for the Tigers and junior Katie Abreu can step in at either shortstop or centerfield depending on the game to provide vocal leadership. Sophomore Grace Simone will be behind the plate this season.

“Every spot is open for the taking and there are many young players who are hungry to be on the field,” said Allison. “This group of players seem like a team – not just a group of individuals. They compete with one another for positions, but also support each other. They hold each other accountable and communicate. I am excited to see what hard work can accomplish this season.”

Sharon

2018 Record: 0-20
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Heather Poliferno

It was definitely a rough debut season for Sharon coach Heather Poliferno, but it was also a chance for a number of young players to get experience at the varsity level. This spring, there is renewed enthusiasm with a crop of underclassmen joining the experienced players to give Poliferno and the Eagles confidence for a much better spring.

Freshman Trinity Payne is the player to watch for the Eagles this season as she takes over as the starting pitcher and has already drawn the attention of coaches in the Davenport division. She will be used at a couple of different positions and gives the Eagles versatility in the lineup. Senior Alli Small will be back at shortstop this season, while classmate Jody Goldenberg is back at first, and senior Rebecca Clayman will be the leader of the outfield group. As the program is growing, Sharon is hoping for much different results this season.

“We are very excited for this season!” said Poliferno. “We have many returning players leading our varsity team, as well as the addition of a very talented freshman class. Though we have only had a handful of practices, one of our clear strengths is our desire to be the best on the field.”

Stoughton

2018 Record: 7-13
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Deb Parker

Stoughton struggled to find a groove in 2018 and ended up missing the playoffs under first-year head coach Deb Parker, who had made the switch from Sharon before last season. This year, the Black Knights bring back starters in key positions and once again have the potential to make a run at a state tournament berth and even challenge for the Davenport title.

Seniors Nikki Coppola (second base) and Jordan Lyons (shortstop) give Stoughton a strong combination up the middle and senior Karly Estremera brings plenty of experience at third base. Sophomore pitcher Nicole Baker will take over full-time in the circle this season and Parker is impressed by the work that she put in during the off-season to get ready. Baker will be throwing to an experienced catcher, as senior Brianna Ferrandiz is back behind the plate for the Black Knights. Junior Lexi Baptista will lead the outfield crew in center and could also be one of Stoughton’s top hitters this season. Freshmen Melody Casna and Sydney Menz will give the Black Knights versatility by playing multiple positions.

“This team has come together so quickly, it is a real tribute to the leadership of our captains,” said Parker. “This team knows what they are playing for this year and we have high expectations going into the season. Softball in the Hockomock League is incredibly competitive but if we continue to work hard, we should have a great season.”

Taunton

2018 Record: 26-2
2018 Finish: Won D1 State Championship
Coach: Dave Lewry

How do you follow up a state championship? For Taunton, it just may be to make a run at a repeat. The Tigers lost the second, third, and fourth hitters in the lineup (including league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kya Enos), who combined for 88 RBI, but there is a ton of talent coming back from last season, all of whom contributed at one point or another during Taunton’s run to the title.

It starts in the circle where sophomore Kelsey White will be the starter again this season after going 16-2 as a freshman and pitching every inning during the playoff run (not to mention batting .418). Her sister Alexa will also see time at pitcher, along with freshman Olyvia Mendonca, but will also play most of the season in centerfield. The infield will be a strength for the Tigers, with all four players back. Senior Jaime Brown (batted .469) is back for her fifth year at third base and is one of the top hitters in the league, sophomore Hanna Aldrich (.385 average with four homers and 30 RBI) is in her third year at shortstop and was this site’s Underclassman of the Year in 2018, sophomore McKenzie McAloon returns at second base for her third season, and junior Paige Silvia is back at first. Silvia and junior Riley Murphy are also in the running to replace Enos behind the plate, while junior Abbie McDonough takes over in left and eighth-grader Ava Venturelli could start the season in right.

“While we lost three outstanding players to graduation, I am excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Taunton coach Dave Lewry. “We have a good nucleus of returning players looking to defend our D1 state championship.”

07/02/2018

2018 HockomockSports.com Softball Awards

Click here for the 2018 HockomockSports.com Softball Awards

05/13/201804/21/2019

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/14/18

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames scored two runs in the second, added another in the third and stranded 13 Attleboro base runners to earn a win on the road. CJ Deveau had a two-RBI hit in the second inning to give Oliver Ames the lead while Chris Pearsons (double), Jake Erlich, and Matt Muir each scored for the Tigers. Tom Parker earned the with five scoreless innings of work while Muir got the save, striking out two in the seventh. Ryan Morry allowed five hits and two walks, striking out three in a complete game effort for the Bombardiers.

Sharon, 1 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Sharon tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the seventh but Canton came back with the game-winning run in the bottom half, walking off with a win over the Eagles. Mike Konzal led off the bottom of the seventh with a double and scored on a base hit down the first base line from Nate Quan for the win. The Dogs took the lead in the fourth off when Matt Casamento (double) scored on a passed ball. Sharon’s Ben Stamm singled in the top of the seventh to tie it. Robbie Wilkinson tossed a complete game for Canton, striking out six and walking four with just three hits allowed. Sharon’s Max Tarlin also threw a complete game, striking out six with three walks and seven hits allowed.

Foxboro, 7 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Foxboro senior Devin Hassett allowed just one hit in 3.2 innings of work and sophomore Anthony Mollica didn’t allow any hits in 3.1 innings of relief to lead the Warriors to a win on the road. Milford took a 1-0 lead (Aidan Wilde three walks, run) into the sixth inning but Foxboro exploded for seven runs in the frame to take the lead. Joe Freitas (1-for-3) had two RBI while Joe Cavaleri and JT Burke each had two hits and an RBI in the win. Matt Rongione and Hassett each added a hit and an RBI for the Warriors.

Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 10 – Final –Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Taunton, 11 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – Taunton’s offense had its best showing of the season, scoring two runs in each the third, fourth, fifth innings and then putting the game out of reach with a five-run sixth inning. Jacob Crawford led the Tigers with three hits while Jack Moynihan (two RBI), Jakob Roberts, and Tyler Medeiros each had two hits. Tyler Pietrzyk had a team-high three RBI for the Tigers. Moynihan tossed five scoreless innings for the win, striking out three.

Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – North Attleboro rallied with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to earn a walk off win over visiting Stoughton. Brendan McHugh got things going with a two-out single and then stole second to get into scoring position. Nick Raneri delivered the big hit with a single to right center to bring McHugh (1-for-2, walk, two stolen bases) home for the win. North took the lead in the fifth inning when Nick Sinacola had a one-out single, pinch-runner Jackson Billingkoff moved to third on a single from Zach DeMattio, and Billingkoff scored on a squeeze dropped by McHugh. Stoughton kept the game alive with a run in the top of the seventh behind a leadoff single from Zak Paquette. Pinch runner Jack Brown stole second and took third on an infield hit from Ruben Gonzalez. Brown then scored on a sacrifice fly from Evan Gibb. Stoughton had Gonzalez in scoring position with just one out but Nick Sinacola (CG, 8 H, 1 BB, 8 K) got two strikeouts to keep the game level. Nate Pearce added two doubles and a walk in the win for North.

Softball
Attleboro, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames freshman Emma Varella struck out four in a complete game effort but the Tigers fell just short against Attleboro. Katie Abreu was 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored. Abbi Holmes had an RBI and Lexie Campbell scored the other run for the Tigers.

Canton, 11 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Canton sophomore Caroline Hughes went 4-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles and three RBI while freshman Liz Bickett also was 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI to lead the Bulldogs to a big win on the road. Hughes also pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win. Sarah Kelly added a double, Torie Anglin chipped in with a triple, and Ally Chin had a pair of singles for the Bulldogs.

Milford, 19 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – Milford’s offense exploded for 22 hits, earning a big win on the road at Foxboro. Shannon Cormier (double, two runs, two RBI), Sabrina Haarstick (RBI), and Maddie Bonvino (double, two RBI) each had three hits to lead the Hawks’ offense. Emily Hartman (four RBI, two doubles), Jess Tomaso (three runs, RBI), and Emily Piergustavo (triple, three runs, RBI) added two hits apiece. Kelley Reichert struck out three while allowing three hits in four innings pitched.

Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 9 – Final – Franklin’s offense continued to roll, plating nine runs to sweep the season series against Mansfield. Franklin scored runs in all but two innings, plating three in each the second and fourth innings. Jackie Cherry tossed a one-hitter, striking out nine to earn the win in the circle. Maddy White (two doubles, run, three RBI) had three hits for the Panthers while Gabby Colace (two runs, RBI), Anna Balkus (three runs, three stolen bases, two RBI) and Meg Caron chipped in with two hits apiece. Megan Letendre had the lone hit of the game for the Hornets, doubling in the fourth inning to score Kara Bendanillo, who had reached on a walk.

King Philip, 3 @ Taunton, 4 – Final –Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

North Attleboro, 8 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – Andrea Miceli had a two-out single to drive in a run in the fifth and Olivia Capobianco broke the game open with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Bella Erti picked up the win, striking out five and allowing four hits, and helped her own cause with a pair of hits and an RBI. Abby Gallagher and Katherine Munley each had three hits for the Rocketeers, while Ashley Cangiano (two RBI) and Katy Daby both had two hits. Stoughton’s Karly Estremera was 1-for-3 with a triple, scoring both of the Black Knights’ runs. Jordan Lyons was 2-for-3 at the plate and played an outstanding game at shortstop. Haley Stone, Sarah McGrath, and Taylor Levine each had a single for the Knights.

Boys Lacrosse
Milford, 7 @ Attleboro, 10 – Final

Canton, 11 vs. Scituate, 10 – Final (OT) – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

King Philip @ Falmouth, 5:00

Sharon @ Mansfield, 3:45

Oliver Ames, 19 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames’ Steve Heino registered a shutout in his second career varsity start. The Tigers’ offense was balanced with 11 different goal scorers, led by four from Owen Gallagher and three from Colin Bourne.

Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 14 vs. Brookline, 13 – Final – Vicki Revanche made 21 saves to help Canton earn a one-goal victory on senior night. Canton coach Laurie Chabot said, “We controlled the game with quick transition, great defense and great shots on goal.” Leah McClellan sparked the Bulldogs offensively with four goals and six assists, while Maggie Connolly added two goals and two assists. Senior Molly Colburn chipped in with a hat trick in the win.

Franklin, 8 vs. Walpole, 9 – Final (OT) – Sophomore Gianna Cameron made 15 saves to keep the Panthers in the game, helping send the game against unbeaten Walpole to overtime, but the Rebels netted the winner to prevail with the win. Annie Walsh had three goals and an assist, Erin Walsh scored once and had an assist, and Kate Jones finished with two goals for the Panthers.

King Philip @ Bishop Feehan, 3:45

Mansfield, 8 @ Sharon, 12 – Final – Rose Wald had a big game for the Eagles, making 15 saves in the win. Sabrina Robbins led the Sharon attack with three goals and an assist, while Emma Eberhardt added two goals and two assists. Lydia Chase and Maeve Barbera each scored twice for the Eagles and Jenna Goldstein, Abbi Solomon, and Cass Barbera each had one goal apiece.

North Attleboro @ Braintree, 4:00

Taunton, 11 @ Oliver Ames, 17 – Final – Taunton freshman Alana Tavares scored six goals, including the 100th of her career in the loss.

Boys Tennis
Attleboro, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final

Canton, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon didn’t lose a single game in four of the five matches to earn a convincing win on the road at Canton. Fred Bondar (first singles), Andre Olivei (second), Arie Chinnappan (third), and Max Brody and Russell Rapaport (first doubles) all won 6-0, 6-0. The team of Alex Aspel and Eric Zhang earned Sharon’s fifth point with a 6-3, 6-3 win at second doubles.

Milford, 0 @ Foxboro, 5 – Final

Mansfield, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin picked up two wins in singles play and another in doubles to slip past the Hornets in a close match. Liam Marr picked up a big point with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 win at second singles, Saketh Saipalli didn’t lose a game at third singles, and the team of Tony Calderone and Dan Angermeier won 6-3, 6-1 at second doubles. Mansfield’s Luke Nickerson won 6-3, 6-2 at first singles and the team of Jalaj Singh and Sethu Odayappan won 6-7 (6), 6-2, 10-6 at first doubles.

King Philip, 4 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Taunton’s Francois Hennaux saved six match points at first singles en route to a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 win but King Philip won the other four matches to get the victory. Nick Putney won 6-3, 6-2 at second singles, Jack Cannon earned a 6-0, 6-3 win at third singles, the team of Nate Ihley and Sean Desroches rallied for a 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles, and Nick Ihley and Aidan Ignatius won 6-2, 6-1 at second doubles for the Warriors.

North Attleboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – North Attleboro won all five matches in straight sets to get a sweep on the road. Richard Bermudez won 6-2, 6-2 at first singles, freshman Jonah Manso earned a 6-3, 6-2 win at second singles, and sophomore Alex Pfeffer notched a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles for Big Red. The team of Vikram Senthilakumaran and Ben Pfeffer won 6-0, 6-3 at first doubles and Alex Rinaldi and Sam Gallagher notched a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis
Oliver Ames, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames’ Sarah Barron won a third set tiebreaker and the team of Olivia Groebe and Rachel Stryke rallied back from a one-set deficit to highlight the Tigers’ sweep of Attleboro. Barron won 7-5, 3-5, 10-4 at third singles while Tate Hadges (first singles) won 6-3, 6-4 and Maura Kiernan (second singles) earned a 6-3, 6-2 win. Groebe and Stryke rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win at first doubles while Emily Yu and Eva Belanger took a 6-2, 7-5 decision at second doubles.

Sharon, 5 @ Canton, 0 – Final – Sharon won all five matches in straight sets to earn a win on the road over Canton. Nupur Shukla won 6-1, 6-2 at first singles, Lulu Yuan earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles, and Emily Win prevailed 6-0, 6-1 at third singles. The team of Rithika Neti and Sophia Fein won 7-5, 6-4 at first doubles and Ellie Romantz and Makaila Cheung picked up a 6-3, 6-4 win at second doubles.

Foxboro, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – It was a clean sweep for the road Warriors, winning all five matches in straight sets. Sophia Prinos (first singles) and Pamela Nelson (second singles) each won 6-0, 6-0 while Kayla Prag earned a 6-1, 6-1 decision at third singles. Foxboro’s first doubles team of Sarah Prag and Julia Muise won 6-0, 6-1 while the team of Olivia Dantona and Kendall Milender picked up a 6-1, 6-2 victory at second doubles.

Franklin, 1 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – The Hornets defended home court by winning two singles matches and sweeping doubles play against visiting Franklin. Sarah Doyle picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles and Elizabeth Elsner followed suit with a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles. The team of Tessa Garufi and Hannah Podolske dropped just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 victory at first doubles, and Samantha Sternburg and Aryana Khosravani won 7-5, 6-3 at second doubles. Franklin’s Lucia Kehoe won 6-3, 6-2 at third singles.

Taunton, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final

Stoughton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final – North Attleboro punched its ticket to the state tournament with a sweep of visiting Stoughton. Jordan Willis (first singles) and Emily Chiasson (second) each won 6-0, 6-0 while junior Mae McLoughlin earned a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles for Big Red. Azka Siddiq and Katie Ovoian won 6-2, 6-0 at first doubles while Shurobhi Nani and Brototi Nandi picked up a 6-0, 6-4 victory at second doubles.

Boys Volleyball
Milford, 3 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final

Taunton, 3 vs. North Quincy, 0 – Final – After beating North Quincy on the road in five sets earlier this season, the undefeated Tigers flexed their muscles on home with a clean sweep (25-22, 25-15, 25-20). Lance Law paced the attack with 14 kills and an ace, Lens Esquil added 10 kills and five blocks, and Collin Hunter chipped in with three kills, three blocks, and three aces.