Tag: Carolyn Durand

Canton Can’t Overcome Tough Start in Finals Defeat

Canton girls hockey
Canton plays celebrate Audrey Koen’s third period power play goal against Duxbury. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
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BOSTON, Mass. – Even when you’ve played at the TD Garden before, the experience of skating on the biggest stage with the chance to win a state championship can be daunting. In the first period of Sunday morning’s Div. 2 final, Canton (19-3-4) struggled to find its footing against No. 2 seed Duxbury.

The Dragons were flying from the start, held Canton to just one shot on goal in the first, and jumped out to a two-goal lead. Despite twice battling back within one, the Bulldogs were never able to overcome that tough start to the game. Duxbury skated to a 5-2 victory and its first state title since 2014.

It was the fifth state final appearance for the Bulldogs in the past seven seasons, but Canton is still looking for that first win at the TD Garden.

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“The nerves and the stage and they did to us what we wanted to do to them, just get a consistent flow, heavy forecheck, over the red line, and get it deep and we were just struggling to do that,” said Canton coach Nikki Petrich about her team’s difficulties in the opening period.

She added, “They’re nervous too, but they’re applying more pressure. So, once we started to relax a little bit, as you saw in the second period, and really get into our game plan we had several scoring opportunities.”

Duxbury wasted no time creating chances. Samantha Norton circled the net and teed up Addyson Harrington for a quick shot that hit the outside of the post. Izzy Cusack worked hard on the forecheck to earn Canton a scoring opportunity, but Devan Spinale’s shot from the point went wide on the blocker side.

Zoey Madigan then fired a pass to Megan Carney for a chance from close range and Maya Battista had to be in the right spot to block. Seconds later, the Dragons went on the first power play. It took only eight seconds for them to convert. Madeleine Greenwood’s slap shot from the edge of the right wing circle snuck through a crowd and past Carolyn Durand’s pad.

Play continued to be almost exclusively in the Canton zone. Carney forced a blocker save from Durand, who then had to react quickly to smother the rebound attempt from Harrington.

With 1:43 left in the first, Duxbury doubled the lead on a stellar solo goal. McKenna Colella picked up the puck behind her own net, skated the length of the ice weaving through Canton players, and then slipped a backhand shot under the pads of Durand to make it 2-0.

Canton came out with more energy to start the second, although Colella nearly added a third after forcing a turnover, but she flicked her shot wide. Ellie Bohane worked hard to force a turnover on the other end and had a good look blocked by Lucia Rose.

Midway through the period, Canton got back into the game. Tori Carr collected the puck at the right point and fired a shot through bodies in front and past Duxbury goalie Anna McGinty.

“That’s kind of been the beauty of our postseason run,” Petrich said about Carr providing the score. “We’ve had several different scorers every single game and that’s what we really needed. It was great that she scored that goal to really get us going.”

The goal was a momentum builder for the Bulldogs, who were inches away from tying the game. On the power play, Kayleigh Koen shot one from the high slot that just missed the stick of her sister Audrey, who was stationed on the post. Battista got room in the right wing circle for a wrister, but put it just wide.

Cusack would get the best chances of the period when she connected with a pass across the crease from Audrey Koen, but could only tip it wide. Seconds later, they tried it again and this time it was on target only for McGinty to flash a pad and keep it out.

The save turned out to be huge because Duxbury would add a third against the run of play. Colella fired a shot from the point and Greenwood was able to get a telling touch to lift it over Durand with a minute left in the period.

Petrich explained, “When another team is doing what we want to do and you can’t get your shots through, they’re incredible with blocking shots, and it was just another kind of punch in the face. Every time we were able to punch, they were able to punch us back twice as hard.”

Although the swallowed up any of the momentum that the Bulldogs had built in the second period, Canton continued to push in the third to try and get back into the contest. Durand (11 saves) was called into action again early in the period, stopping a backhand try from Harrington.

Kayleigh Koen had a shot from the point stopped by McGinty (10 saves) and the rebound popped out to fellow freshman defenseman Georgia Campbell. She fired the puck back on net but classmate Abby Stock’s tip was wide.

The chance to make it a game was presented with six minutes to go when the Bulldogs went on the power play. Canton took the chance. Cusack got it started with a good forecheck on the side of the net, winning possession and dropping a pass back to Battista, who was pinching in from the right point. The senior threaded the needle with an angled pass to the back post and Audrey Koen was in right spot to tap in.

It was game on again with 5:19 to play, but it was Duxbury that responded better. Durand had to stay strong to deny a point-blank tip from Greenwood, but the Dragons just kept coming. Carney set up Harrington in the slot for a one-timer that made it 4-2 with 2:30 to go. Just a minute later, Greenwood nearly completed her hat trick with a power move that Durand stopped only for Parker Metzler to follow up and put the game away.

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“Just a phenomenal feeling,” Petrich said, reflecting on taking Canton to the Garden in her first season in charge. “We got here extremely early and to see the ice, to see no one in the stands and to see their faces, to be able to take those pictures on the bench, and to kind of visualize and understand the moment that they’re in was really, really special.

“I just really enjoyed seeing them. It’s why hockey is so awesome because we get to play here.”

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Late Koen Winner Sends Canton Back to the TD Garden

Canton girls hockey
Canton players surround Audrey Koen after her wraparound found the back of the net with less than three minutes remaining in the semifinal, sending Canton back to the TD Garden. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. – It was at that stage of a tied hockey game when every shot towards goal was met with triumphant cheers from one end of the stands and a collective intake of breath from the other. Time was winding down and it felt like one goal would either end a team’s season or give it the chance to play for a state title.

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With 2:38 left to play in Saturday night’s Div. 2 state semifinal at the Gallo Ice Arena, Canton seniors Audrey Koen and Ellie Bohane went flying into the Archbishop Williams zone. The Bulldogs pride themselves on their aggressive forecheck and the two senior forwards set the tone.

After forcing the puck to the end boards, Koen won the battle for possession and skated behind the Archies goal. She popped out on the other side and slid a backhand shot into the skates of the goalie, squeezing her shot through the five-hole and across the line.

That would be enough to lift Canton to a 1-0 win over the top seed and send the Bulldogs to the final at the TD Garden for the fifth time in six seasons.

Canton coach Nikki Petrich said, “Before the game, I saw [Audrey] briefly in between watching our boys team, she was literally over there in the corner, had her headphones on, and was just in her zone. I said, I guarantee she scores today. It just shows the work that she puts in and her senior leadership as a captain really taking on that responsibility of relentless effort and commitment to make her team better.”

Senior goalie Carolyn Durand said, “It’s amazing. It’s a different experience every single time because we have a new group of girls and it’s just so awesome because we get to go with the boys (who beat Duxbury in the game before). The whole town goes to the Garden. It’s just everybody’s dream come true. I’m so excited.”

Canton won the regular season meeting with the Bishops by a single goal, so it was expected to be another tight, hard-fought encounter. A physical first period played out as expected, with neither team able to create much in the attacking zone.

Bohane had one chance coming down the slot that was saved by Archies freshman goalie Evelyn Lacey (22 saves). Tori Carr had a shot from the point that Bohane tipped in front but Lacey kicked aside. The best chance for the Bishops in the first came in the final minute of the period, as Abigail Dunn fed Caroline Batchelder for a shot from the right wing circle, but Durand (18 saves) was equal to it.

After a period with very few notable scoring chances, both goalies were called into action early in the second.

Anna Lehan made a nice play at the blue line to get free on a shorthanded breakaway and tested Lacey with a slap shot from the right wing circle. A minute later, Grace Mottau teed up Dunn in the slot, but Durand held her ground and made the stop and then quickly recovered to block Mottau’s rebound effort as well.

Lacey needed to be on her toes again just seconds later when Koen found Bohane on the edge of the crease. Kate O’Toole would get two chances to try and beat Durand from about five feet away, but both of her shots were smothered by the Hockomock League MVP. Late in the second, Georgia Campbell threw the puck to the front of the net and Lehan whacked it just wide of the post.

Canton came out of the locker room intent on finding the breakthrough. Just 30 seconds into the third, Koen forced a pad stop with a backhand shot and Carr fired one from the point that Lacey was able to spot through a crowd of bodies.

A minute into the period, Bohane, who seemed to be everywhere on Saturday, was an inch away from the opener. She got free in the slot and ripped a shot off the inside of the top corner and back out. A couple of Canton players, and the Canton bench, raised their arms thinking that the puck had gone in.

Petrich said, “Ellie is almost underrated, sneaky fast. When she really goes after it, she flies and throughout the season you could really see some of her field hockey stick-handling skills come into play on the ice. There were a couple of great moves where she slid it through the D’s stick and cut to the middle.”

The chances kept coming for the Bulldogs. Freshman Izzy Cusack gained the zone and dropped a pass off to Bohane, who forced a blocker save. Soon after it was Koen that flew down the right wing and dropped a pass back to Cusack for another shot on target. Freshman Christina Curran dragged the puck out of the corner on her backhand and nearly found the corner.

With three minutes to go, Archies had its best chance of the third. Maggie Lynch played a nice give-and-go with Mottau and got free to fire a shot from the circle that Durand was able to glove and hold.

Just 30 seconds later, Koen found a way to get the puck through and put the Bulldogs in front. Archies started pressing, but a major penalty meant that the Bishops finished the game down a player. Durand was called into action once in the final minute, but calmly pushed the shot aside.

When the final horn sounded, the bench exploded onto the ice. The Bulldogs were back in the final.

“I don’t think I’ve ever yelled so loud in my life,” Durand said about the moment she saw Koen’s shot went in. “Normally I don’t really celebrate, but I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, we only have two minutes left, we’ve got this, it’s over.’ It’s awesome.”

Although this is her first year on the Canton bench, Petrich is no stranger to state title games at the Garden. She was part of the coaching staff last winter at Austin Prep, which won the D1 championship.

“I was joking with them, we both went there last year, I know how it feels to win and I want you to experience that too,” Petrich said. “That feeling we just had today, now imagine that on the Garden ice. You’re going to remember that for the rest of your life. It’s really something special that we have here.”

Canton (19-2-4) will face No. 2 seed Duxbury in the championship game at the TD Garden next Sunday, at a time to be determined.

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Canton Exacts Revenge on Algonquin to Return to Final Four

Canton girls hockey
Senior Carolyn Durand made 21 saves, as Canton earned a shutout against Algonquin in a rematch of last year’s state title game. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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CANTON, Mass. – Although Canton won when the teams faced each other near the end of the regular season, the Bulldogs still remembered how it felt when Algonquin found the back of the net in overtime of the 2022 Div. 2 title game and there was still a desire to fully avenge that loss.

On Thursday night at the Canton Ice House, the Bulldogs got the opportunity for revenge and they took it.

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Behind a stellar performance from senior goalie Carolyn Durand (21 saves) and a pair of goals from freshmen, Canton knocked Algonquin out of the tournament with a 3-0 victory and, in the process, booked a return to the D2 Final Four.

“This game was definitely our revenge game,” said senior Audrey Koen. “This time with the stakes and taking a little piece away from them that they took from us last year, I think everyone had it in their mind that this was our time and we’re the better team. We’ve all come so far and we work so hard together and we’re going to do it for each other.”

Canton got off to a strong start, putting the pressure on the Algonquin defense by getting the puck deep, letting the forecheck get to work, and using the defense to pinch in at the blue line to maintain possession. It led to a 9-4 edge in shots in the first.

The first good chance came after six minutes, when freshman Kayleigh Koen’s shot from the point was tipped in front by Anna Lehan. Algonquin goalie Kaitlin Mathews was able to get a pad on the puck and quickly covered up. It took more than 10 minutes for the Titans to create a quality chance, with Olivia Bower’s shot from the point forcing a late kick save from Durand.

Pressure started to mount in the closing minutes of the first, as Canton had a flurry of chances. Freshman Izzy Cusack won the puck along the right wing boards and fired a wrister that Mathews managed to get a blocker to, with Audrey Koen following up but not getting full purchase on the rebound.

Ellie Bohane forced another blocker save from a tough angle and then, with Canton on the power play, she found herself in the slot with shooting space, but narrowly missed the top corner. With just seconds left in the first, Algonquin nearly stole the lead, as Emily Johns took advantage of a turnover for a shorthanded breakaway, but Durand stood tall to make the stop as the horn sounded.

“Her biggest strength is she’s just cool and ready and willing and wants to win so badly for her teammates that she will do anything to stop that puck,” Canton coach Nikki Petrich said of Durand.

Canton came out strong to start the second. Three minutes in, the Bulldogs finally got the breakthrough. Koen, who had a good shot saved a minute before, created the chance when she circled behind the net and flicked a pass out in front. Cusack was in the slot and managed to not only settle the puck but then chip it up over the goalie to make it 1-0.

“These freshmen are incredible,” said Koen. “They came into this team and they just clicked right away. I think all of these freshmen have stepped right into place. They don’t play like freshman, they play like they’ve been here for three or four years.”

The hosts had some chances to try and double the lead. Bohane sacrificed herself to block a shot in the defensive zone and that gave Lehan the chance to get out into open ice. As the back check reached her, Lehan spun onto her backhand and forced a save out of Mathews.

With six minutes left in the second, Devan Spinale’s shot from the point skidded wide but Bohane chased it down and snapped off a quick shot that went off the goalie’s skates and stayed out.

Algonquin sensed that it needed to step up its work in the offensive zone and had several chances in the final five minutes of the period. The best opportunity fell to Harper Ruderman, but Durand was in perfect position to make the point-blank stop. Maya Battista nearly doubled the Canton lead shortly after when she fired one from the point but Mathews stuck out the blocker and got a piece of it.

There was a different intensity about Algonquin in the third. The defending champs were on the front foot for the first time in the game, with Johns coming closest on a redirection that slid just wide of the bottom corner.

While the visitors were pressing forward in search of an equalizer, Canton struck again. The Bulldogs had several chances in close succession and finally freshman Christina Curran pounced on a loose puck and slammed the rebound just inside the post to give Canton that crucial two-goal cushion.

“Depth is huge and we want to give every girl an opportunity to play,” Petrich said about Curran, the third-line center getting on the board. “To get the experience, you have to have the opportunity. When other girls can step up and provide scoring opportunities, as well as not get scored on, it’s great.”

Petrich also noted that two freshmen scored for the Bulldogs. She added, “The seniors have done an exceptional job off the ice of welcoming the freshmen and making them feel a part of the team, a part of a family. They’re able to really build that chemistry off the ice and translate that on the ice.”

Most of the remainder of the game was played in the Canton zone. Algonquin had three power play opportunities in the third and was playing with the desperation of a team that saw its season on the brink. But, Durand stood in the Titans’ way and the Hockomock League MVP was equal to the task, making 11 saves in the third, including one off the mask from Johns and then again sticking out the blocker to stop a fierce wrister.

“She definitely plays a huge role in why we’re so good,” Koen said about Durand. “We know that she’s going to make the big saves and that we’re going to make the big plays in the offensive zone. I love how we all come together.”

With just 22.5 on the clock, Koen got free at the blue line, skated the length of the ice, and deposited an empty net goal that finished off the Titans and sent the Bulldogs to the next round.

“It was incredible,” Koen said about scoring the final goal. “I was just trying not to miss. I just wanted to make sure that it went in and just being able to feel that feeling and know that we’re putting it away was awesome.”

Canton (18-2-4) will face top seed Archbishop Williams, who the Bulldogs also beat in the regular season, on Saturday evening at Gallo Ice Arena.

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Canton Starts Playoff Run By Beating Westwood

Canton girls hockey
Senior Audrey Koen (17) skates in to celebrate after freshman Kayleigh Koen (5) swept home the game-winning goal in the second period of the playoff opener against Westwood. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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CANTON, Mass. – When the current crop of Canton seniors were freshmen, they were part of a tournament run that ended with a berth in the final and being named the Div. 2 co-champions. After yet another run to the TD Garden last winter, the program’s third title game in five seasons, the senior class brings plenty of playoff nous to the ice each game.

Of course, adding a new group of talented freshmen ready to step into the spotlight that comes with trying to continue the recent playoff success certainly helps.

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Canton’s blend of senior savvy and youthful energy was on full display on Wednesday night at the Metropolis Rink. With two goals from seniors and two more from freshmen, the Bulldogs beat Westwood 4-1 to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

“They have the experience from playoffs and from the regular season this year,” said Canton coach Nikki Petrich. “Several games we’ve been up [and the other team came back]. It’s a long hockey game. We know we’re going to score, they’re going to score, but it’s who’s going to finish the battle to the end.”

The game could have been a much bigger win, but Westwood goalie Marissa Poma finished with 37 saves, many of them spectacular.

Canton came out flying in the first period, nearly finding the back of the net inside the opening two minutes when freshman Kayleigh Koen slipped a pass across the crease to Izzy Crugnale, only for Poma to somehow stretch and get a pad on the shot. Tori Carr had a shot from the point saved and Poma was able to cover up when Lilah Spinelli crashed the net to get on the rebound.

The breakthrough came on the power play. Senior Maya Battista collected the puck on the right point, picked her spot, and flung a shot towards the far post. Canton had plenty of bodies in front and the puck flew past Poma and inside the post.

“February was tough for us,” said Petrich, referencing Canton’s strong schedule, “but we didn’t start the games as hard, fast, and strong as I wanted us to, so that was the emphasis here starting playoffs was to really get after it, but their goalie just played phenomenal. All the credit to her. I tried to give her a hug because she played phenomenal.”

Westwood finally got going after falling behind, although Canton would finish the first with a 15-4 edge in shots on goal. Four minutes after allowing the opener, the visitors leveled the score. Freshman Livvy Hicks sent a knuckling puck through a crowd and over the shoulder of goalie Carolyn Durand to make it 1-1.

Audrey Koen nearly restored the lead with a nice wraparound attempt on her backhand, but Poma made the save. With less than 30 seconds left in the first, freshman Izzy Cusack stole the puck in the offensive zone and got the puck into the slot to Koen, who partially fanned on the shot but managed to put it on frame only for Ava Krouson to block the shot on the line.

Durand was called into action early in the second, making a nice glove save on a Kate Sullivan effort. Cusack nearly put the Bulldogs in front, but her chipped shot from close range clipped the bar on its way across the net.

With 9:33 to go in the second, Kayleigh Koen scored what turned out to be the game-winner. She pinched in from the blue line, blocking a chip up the boards and keeping possession. Koen pushed up the left wing boards and cut towards goal, forcing a pad stop from Poma. The puck squirted out in front and Koen was able, on the second attempt, to redirect it into the open net.

“No longer a freshman and no stranger to big moments,” Petrich said about Koen. “Big players step up in big moments and that’s what she does for us every time. Her ability to skate with the puck as a defenseman, she’s so offensive-minded but so strong and solid on the blue line you almost don’t expect it.”

Poma continued to excel, keeping Canton from extending the lead on the power play. Battista had another good look from the point and Ellie Bohane pounced on the rebound, but the goalie stuffed the point-blank chance. Battista then tried to follow up with a quick wrister, but Poma recovered in time to glove it.

Canton started the third period on the kill, but it didn’t stop the Bulldogs from continuing to pepper the Westwood goal. Cusack had a good chance almost directly from the face-off, and Poma also had to be alert to stop the rebound as well. Bohane would come close after good work by Audrey Koen down the wing and a nifty behind-the-back-pass into the slot, but the shot went either off Poma’s glove or the post and stayed out.

Another dominant start to a period finally paid off with a goal. Freshman Georgia-Ann Penders, who was injured to start the season, made a perfect pass across the crease to classmate Abby Stock. Stock was able to pick the five-hole and give the Bulldogs a two-goal cushion.

With 4:34 to go, Canton wrapped up the win. This time, it was the seniors who got on the score sheet. Bohane raced out on a two-on-one, drew the defender, and saucered a pass to Koen on her right. Koen ripped a shot into the top corner to book Canton’s place in the next round.

“The message from me is always to play the right way, which is passing the puck,” Petrich explained. “Several times we came out of the corner right here and we missed the net, and it’s a breakout. I said, listen, play hockey the right way, smarter hockey, move the puck. I said, stop playing hero hockey and start playing smarter hockey.”

Canton (16-2-4) will face the winner of No. 13 Milton and No. 20 Framingham on Saturday night at the Canton Ice House. The time is to be determined.

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Canton Beats KP to Secure Fourth Straight Hock Title

Canton girls hockey
Canton senior Audrey Koen (17) celebrates her third goal of the night, on the power in the third period, leading the Bulldogs to a 5-2 win over KP. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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FOXBORO, Mass. – Since the Hockomock League introduced girls hockey six years ago, the games have always been competitive but Canton has stood above the others as the team to beat each winter. King Philip went into Wednesday night’s showdown at the Foxboro Sports Center looking to knock Canton off its perch and bring home its first league title in the process.

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Canton’s title-winning experience proved to be too much to overcome. Behind an Audrey Koen hat trick, the Bulldogs pulled out a 5-2 victory, winning their fourth straight Hock championship and fifth in the past six years.

“Experience is everything and unfortunately the only way to get it is to get it and to go through it, so I couldn’t have asked for a better balance,” first-year Canton coach Nikki Petrich said about her roster’s blend of youth and experience.

She continued, “Having a more tenured player maybe working with some of the younger girls and walking them through, you’re going to feel this way, you’re going to feel that way, but remember what we do in practice, remember to listen for our voices. It’s been great to have their leadership and experience because big players step up in big games.”

The Bulldogs outshot KP 11-5 in the opening period (and 36-15 for the game), but each Warriors shot was a quality scoring chance.

Nicole McDonald had the first look when she reacted to a loose puck after a face-off and was stopped from close range by Canton goalie Carolyn Durand. McDonald also forced a turnover in the attacking zone and played a pass across the crease to Katarina Precobb, but Durand somehow got across to the far post to make the point-blank pad stop and keep the game scoreless.

“I was like okay it’s 1-0,” Petrich said, thinking about that moment. “Carolyn makes the save and we go down, and to me it’s always transition hockey, but a huge save like that really lifted our team and the momentum to fight some more. Every single game she makes a save like that and we’re able to get energy from it.”

Kelly Holmes would have another good chance for KP after keeping the puck in at the blue line, but Durand got her blocker to it. On the other end, Tori Carr had one of Canton’s best early chances with a steal in the neutral zone and hard shot that KP goalie Mallory Johnston knocked aside. Abby Stock also had a chance from the high slot that forced a glove save.

Things felt even in the early going, but Canton got the game’s first power play and made sure to take advantage of the opportunity. Maya Battista collected the puck just outside the right wing circle and played a diagonal pass across the zone to the back post. Koen was pinching in from the boards and collected the puck, despite a slight deflection, before roofing a shot over Johnston’s glove side from a tight angle.

With the lead, Canton came out of the intermission full of energy. Koen almost doubled the lead after two minutes when she won the puck on the left wing boards, cut hard towards the net, and forced Johnston into a good save.

About 30 seconds later and the Bulldogs did make it 2-0. Freshman Izzy Cusack had her shot from the slot saved. The rebound kicked out in front of Johnston, who attempted to dive out and cover the loose puck, but Cusack stayed with it and was able to slide it past the goalie. KP argued that the whistle had gone to blow the play dead, but the goal stood.

KP continued to create chances. Mara Boldy slipped a pass between a pair of defenders and Holmes was able to slam the puck towards goal, but Durand got the pads down to make sure of the save.

With 9:10 left in the period, KP was back in the game. Holmes intercepted an outlet pass at the blue line and skated in alone on Durand before flicking a shot into the top corner. About a minute later, Canton was back in control. Koen flew down the right wing and rifled a shot just under the bar to make it 3-1 and steal back all the momentum from the hosts.

“I always tell them hockey ebbs and flows like life,” Petrich explained. “I don’t like to say we need another goal, it’s always one shot. To me, when you say a goal, it’s so much pressure. Never get too low, never get too high, so when you come out next shift clear your mind, clear your head, and go after it. For her to score that fast, I couldn’t have written it better.”

The goal sparked the Bulldogs back into life and they dominated the rest of the period, creating a 14-5 edge in shots on goal. Ellie Bohane had a good two tries to extend the lead when she drove towards goal and forced Johnston into a stop and then fired the rebound on net only for the KP goalie to flash a pad out and make the save.

Canton opened up a three-goal cushion with 3:46 left in the second. Anna Lehan came from the right wing and attempted a wrap around that was saved, but the loose puck came right out into the middle where Stock was charging towards goal and the freshman buried the chance.

KP’s hopes of a comeback in the third period were blunted by starting on the penalty kill and Canton wasted no time putting the game away. Koen completed her hat trick just 13 seconds in, whipping a wrister into the bottom left corner and making it 5-1.

The next several minutes were played almost exclusively in the KP zone. The Warriors finally got some chances down the other end of the ice with less than five minutes to play. While falling down, Holmes was able to slide a pass across the crease to McDonald, but Durand made the save. About 30 seconds later, Holmes again drove towards goal and got the puck in front and this time McDonald was able to squeeze it home.

Canton finished with a flourish, getting scoring chances from Cusack and Kayleigh Koen, but the work had already been done. The Bulldogs swarmed Durand at the final horn, having retained their Hock title once again.

“That was more pressure on me, I couldn’t let them down,” Petrich joked when asked about how it felt to bring home a fourth title in a row. “It feels amazing to accomplish that with them in our first year. As I’ve said all year, we’re continually learning from each other. The girls that have been here on the team who know the players and the teams and (assistant coach) Kevin [Cleary] and I and our knowledge of hockey and the teams we’ve played. It’s coming together.”

Canton (11-2-2) will be off until Monday when it faces Archbishop Williams, currently the top-ranked team in Div. 2, and then follows that with a trip to Duxbury, the No. 2-ranked team in the division. King Philip (7-9) will host Arlington Catholic on Monday night.

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2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars

Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

Mary Collins, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars

Siobhan Landers, Attleboro
Marley Young, Attleboro
Ellie Bohane, Canton
Carolyn Durand, Canton
Carolyn Schiavo, Canton
Laura Valkanas, Canton
Mary Collins, Foxboro
Mya Waryas, Foxboro
Valerie Beigel, Foxboro
Katherine Ferguson, Foxboro
Kaitlyn Carney, Franklin
Shaw Downing, Franklin
Emily Carney, Franklin
Kelly Holmes, King Philip
Mara Boldy, King Philip
Nicole McDonald, King Philip
Lily Danehy, Mansfield
Lola Varricchione, Mansfield
Ashlynn Ringo, Milford
Julia Puccio, North Attleboro
Caroline Folan, North Attleboro
Erin Cottam, Oliver Ames
Olivia O’Rourke, Oliver Ames
Julia Maclaine, Oliver Ames
Katherine Giroux, Stoughton
Kaysie DeMoura, Taunton

Honorable Mentions
Jordan Mooney, Attleboro
Audrey Koen, Canton
Mia DiNunzio, Foxboro
Haley Wernig, Franklin
Leah Santoro, King Philip
Ava Adams, Mansfield
Samantha Fazo, Milford
Ava McKeon, North Attleboro
Abby Welz, Oliver Ames
Natalie Kessler, Sharon
Kerry Driscoll, Stoughton
Thal Nogueira, Taunton

Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. 2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars

Girls Hockey: Players to Watch in 2022-2023

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch Maya Battista
Canton senior Maya Battista will one of the players to keep an eye on during the winter season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

Player are listed alphabetically

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Ava Adams, Senior – Hockomock Stars

The Mansfield/Oliver Ames/Foxboro co-op only had a handful of skaters set to return this year, so the Warriors have added in players from all around the league to become the Hockomock Stars. On top of the two original teams and its third member Foxboro, the team also has players from Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton, and now go by Hockomock Stars. One of the returning skaters back is Mansfield’s Ava Adams, who is also a standout lacrosse player for the Hornets. Adams is coming off a solid season a year ago, scoring four goals. Her experience playing at the varsity level as the Stars look to build some chemistry in the attack.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Maya Battista, Senior – Canton

When Battista joined the Bulldogs four years ago, she was a stay-at-home defender who was always in the right spots, cutting out opposition attacks at the blue line or funneling everything to the corners. Battista has grown into a three-zone player, still just as capable a defender, she is now also providing more offensive punch. Her aggressiveness and confidence carrying the puck out of the zone allows Canton to turn any opposition attack into a transition opportunity going the other way. Deadly on the power play, Battista has a strong, accurate shot from the blue line and great vision to pick out the right pass to create a scoring chance for a teammate. Coming off a season where she scored seven times and had eight assists, Battista looks ready to be one of the top defensive players in Div. 2. Canton remains the team to beat in the Hockomock League and Battista’s leadership, physicality, and skills are one of the main reasons why.










Ava Buckley, Senior – Stoughton/Sharon

Stoughton/Sharon remains a young program that is still building a foundation for success, but even with low numbers at this stage in the team’s development, the Black Knights have a college-level talent. Buckley, who is committed to skate at Assumption College next year, is a versatile talent, who can play at either forward or defense for the Black Knights. The team’s top attacking threat, Buckley has the stick skills to find seams in opposition defenses to open space for a scoring chance for herself or for her teammates. Her strength makes it hard to dislodge the puck when she carries into the zone, even as teams send multiple players to try and win it back. On a team with only 14 players on the roster, some who are still learning the game, Buckley gives the Black Knights a ready and willing outlet for the puck, never seems to dip with her energy level, and is a much-needed leader on the ice. Stoughton/Sharon has been competitive in its independent schedule the past couple of seasons and Buckley is one of the reasons for that success, giving the Black Knights a dynamic player to rely on each game.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Shaw Downing, Senior – Franklin

Franklin’s quest for a second league title will rely a lot on Downing continuing to be one of the top players in the Hock. The senior defenseman is a three-zone standout for the Panthers, chasing the puck into the defensive zone and carrying it the length of the ice to create chances down the other end. With the stick skills of a forward, Downing can skate her way through traffic to turn any situation into a breakout, but she also has the tenacity to battle behind her own net and the physicality to keep the opposition on the perimeter. A vocal leader for a relatively young team, Downing scored three times and added nine assists last season. Her accurate passing from the defensive zone allowed Franklin’s quick forwards to leak out without worrying about turnovers and created numerous transition opportunities. Downing has a good shot to be a weapon on the power play and her reliability makes her a constant on the penalty kill. With her seemingly endless energy, Downing carries big minutes for the Panthers and that remains the expectation this winter, as the Panthers lean on her experience and skills to try and unseat Canton at the top of the league standings.




Carolyn Durand, Senior – Canton

For the past three seasons, Durand has been the backstop for one of the best defensive teams in the state. Canton has reached a pair of state title games during that stretch, including last March, and Durand has been at the heart of it all, developing into an elite shot-stopper. After allowing only 39 goals in 25 games last year and saving more than 94 percent of the shots she faced, Durand is back for her fourth year as the Bulldogs starter and is playing as well as ever. Always well-positioned, Durand rarely has to make the flashy saves, although she also has the quick glove and athleticism to recover for big stops when the forward does get a step on her. Durand sees the puck well, is aggressive in the crease, and maintains good balance to give forwards few openings to shoot at. Having Durand in goal is a huge confidence boost for the Canton defensemen, knowing that they can take some chances in the zone and it will still likely not end up in a goal, one of the reasons the Bulldogs remain a threat to get back to the Garden this season.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Julia Flynn, Sophomore – Franklin

Flynn had an impressive debut season for the Panthers. As a freshman, she led the team with 12 goals and seven assists, finishing in the top 10 in the league in scoring. A powerful skater, Flynn had no problem matching the physicality of varsity hockey, driving at defenses time and again to create scoring chances. Strong and skillful, the opposition struggled to get the puck off her stick all season, and she kept teams on their heels with her aggressiveness in the attacking zone. Flynn always seemed to be driving right at goal, forcing teams to keep a constant eye on where she was on the ice. Combining a strong shot with good vision and the ability to pick the right pass, when Flynn was able to pick up speed entering the zone then it was very likely the rush would end with a scoring chance. Franklin will be looking to get back on top and win a second Hockomock League crown and Flynn’s development as an all-around forward will be a key component of that title challenge.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Kelly Holmes, Junior – King Philip

King Philip scored goals for fun last year and Holmes was right at the heart of all that the Warriors were able to accomplish offensively. The leading scorer in the league, Holmes had 22 goals and 25 assists as a sophomore and powered one of the state’s top forward lines. A skillful forward with the ability to dance through crowded spaces, Holmes can track the puck into her defensive zone and with a quick burst can turn it into a chance down the other end. Strong and athletic, Holmes always seems unfazed even as teams throw multiple defenders at her and she helps the team regardless of the situation, whether it’s on the power play or the penalty kill, chasing a goal, or trying to hold onto a lead. Holmes has infectious energy on the ice, never seeming to slow down even as it gets late into the third period, and that was one of the reasons for KP putting together an 18-win season. The Warriors have a young lineup this season, as they try to become the third team to claim a Hockomock title, but Holmes gives them a leader on the ice and one of the most talented scorers in the area to try and build the team around.




Mallory Johnston, Senior – King Philip

While the KP attack understandably drew a lot of the attention last year, Johnston also put together an impressive season in goal to help the Warriors get to 18 wins. The Warriors allowed 41 goals in 23 games last year and Johnston was busy, making more than 400 saves and stopping nearly 93 percent of the shots she faced. Her quickness and athleticism stood out, as she seemed capable of pulling off stunning saves when it looked for sure like she was beaten. Johnston reads the play well to get into the right positions, something that she has developed as a three-year starter, and she is aggressive in the crease to try and cut down shooting angles. Her quick reflexes make her tough to beat up high and she moves well laterally, going side-to-side to make big saves. Confidence is an important trait for a defense to have and, with Johnston back between the pipes, the KP blue line knows that it can count on its goalie to come up with the big stops, which will be critical for a young Warriors team seeking a first league title.

Audrey Koen, Senior – Canton

Canton has long been a defense-focused team. Stopping opposition attacks has been at the core of why the Bulldogs have consistently been among the top teams in the state, but Koen and the forward line deserve some credit for that success as well. The team’s leading goal scorer last year, Koen had 12 goals and eight assists, as Canton returned to the state title game. Quick and strong on the puck, Koen is dangerous when she can get a full head of steam. Her skills allow her to weave through the opposition, but she can also take contact and find a way to get the puck on net. Koen also seems to come up with big moments in the clutch, finding important goals when the team needs one most. Like all Canton’s forwards, Koen is expected to provide two-way support, starting with an aggressive forecheck and continuing back into the defensive zone. Canton’s goal of returning to the TD Garden requires the offense to find the back of the net and Koen has emerged as the top offensive threat for the defending league champs.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Mya Waryas, Senior – Hockomock Stars

Foxboro senior Mya Waryas has established herself as a top player for the Warriors’ field hockey and lacrosse teams, finishing inside the top five in scoring for both sports in the preview seasons. Now she will be looking to carry that success over to the ice and the Hockomock Stars, who took on a new name after adding players from four more league schools: Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton. With a lot of last year’s offense gone to graduation, Waryas will have an increased role for the Stars. She had three goals and two assists last season and will be a key piece for the Stars’ offense this year.

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Canton

2021-2022 Record: 18-7-0
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final
Coach: Nikki Petrich
Canton has won four of the five Hockomock titles since league play began, including three in a row, and last winter the Bulldogs went to their fourth state title game in the past six seasons. It was an incredible stretch of success under Dennis Aldrich, who stepped down in the off-season, and the Bulldogs don’t look ready to slow down anytime soon. First-year coach Nikki Petrich, a former Northeastern University standout, comes to Canton after being an associate head coach for Austin Prep, helping them win a pair of Div. 1 state titles, and she has an experienced roster aiming for another trip to the Garden in March.

The Bulldogs can count on plenty of senior leadership this winter, starting up front with forwards Audrey Koen and Ellie Bohane. Koen is the team’s top returning scorer with 12 goals and eight assists last year and will be a focal point in the attack. Juniors Maggie Dailey, Lilah Spinelli, and Anna Lehan also contributed important minutes and important goals during last year’s playoff run and could be ready to step into bigger roles this season. As always, Canton can reload with talented underclassmen and freshmen Christina Curran, Abby Stock, and Izzy Cusack could also feature in a deep forward group.

Defense has long been a strength for Canton and it starts in goal with senior Carolyn Durand. The four-year starter has been one of the best shot stoppers in the state since her freshman year and gives the team a strong foundation in its own zone. Senior Maya Battista is another four-year starter and has emerged as a force on the blue line, both with her work in the defensive zone as well as her goals on the other end of the ice. Juniors Tori Carr and Devan Spinale will be back on the blue line with freshmen Kayleigh Koen and Georgia Campbell part of a talented rookie class that could contribute right away.

“We are looking to build off of the success of last year and continue to make sure that every single girl in our program has an incredible experience representing their town, high school, and family,” Petrich said. With a senior captain in net, a senior captain on the blue line, and two senior captains leading the way for your forwards, our team is going to compete every single game. A strong freshman class rounds out what is truly a team with extensive experience playing in meaningful games come the end of February.”







2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Franklin

2021-2022 Record: 6-11-4
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Mike Lubin
Franklin is the only team other than Canton to have won a Hockomock League title and the Panthers come into the season with a more experienced, and deeper, roster to try and get back on top. Former assistant Mike Lubin has taken over as head coach after the retirement of longtime coach Margie Burke and he has a balanced lineup to work with this winter.

The Panthers will be hoping to be more solid on the defensive end of the ice this season, building on the structure they have created in all three zones. Senior Shaw Downing is a four-year varsity player and a dynamic skater along the blue line, not only being sure on the puck in her own zone but also capable of carrying the play into the attack. Junior Lindsay Dennett continues to improve each season and sophomore goalie Izzy Brown is coming off an impressive rookie campaign between the pipes.

Sophomore Julia Flynn was the team’s leading scorer last year and she is back to power the Franklin offense. Senior Lindsay Atkinson is also back, after missing all of last winter with an injury. Atkinson had a big sophomore season and will be a huge addition to the top line. Senior forwards Dana Stott and Molly Hurley bring two-way strength to the forward line.

“We’re a close group with great leadership and a good mix of young talent,” Lubin said. “We’re all excited to get the season started and build on our strong team chemistry from last year.”

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Hockomock Stars

2021-2022 Record: 3-16-1 (formerly Mansfield/Oliver Ames)
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Jamie Mullin
The biggest co-op team in the Hockomock League is getting bigger. The Mansfield/Oliver Ames Warriors, which also featured skaters from Foxboro, now includes players from Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton and will be going by the name of Hockomock Stars.

Jamie Mullen returns for her second year at the helm of the program and now has some more players to work into her lineup. The Stars lost some key players to graduation, including longtime goalie Jess Widdop and speedy forward Sam Ledin, and also have to replace the production of last year’s leading scorer Kylie O’Keefe (20 points). Leading the offense will be a pair of Mansfield juniors: Cammy Shenteler, fresh off a 7-goal, 9-assist season, and Maeve Anastasia, who totaled 11 points with six goals last year.

North Attleboro has four players in the mix with junior Ava O’Dwyer, sophomore Grace Cabeceiras, and freshmen Brittany Nordbeck and Alana Rice. Attleboro (Emily Davignon, Avery Drainville, McKenzie Sullivan) has three players, Taunton (Hannah Albert, Kendell Scheralis) has two, and Milford has one (Lindsay Casman).

Foxboro’s Mya Waras (five points) and Mansfield’s Ava Adams (five points) will also be key pieces in the attack. Foxboro junior Macy Quinn is back to anchor the blue line for the Stars while Davignon will be between the pipes.

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

King Philip

2021-2022 Record: 18-5-0
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Ken Assad

King Philip is coming off a really strong year. The Warriors won 18 games last winter but saw the season come to an end in the opening round of the state tournament. KP scored 93 goals in 23 games in 2021-22 but graduated the bulk of one of the state’s top scoring lines, so will need new players to step into bigger roles in search of the program’s first Hock title.

While the top scoring line may look a little different this winter, KP does return its top goal scorer. Junior Kelly Holmes is back to lead the offense and is one of the most dynamic players in the league. Senior Katarina Precobb and junior Nicole McDonald will add more punch to the top line this season. The Warriors will have decent depth in the attacking zone, with senior Sydney Cloutier, junior Rylie Ryan, and freshmen Cam O’Shea and Kate McGann each ready to provide an attacking punch. Eighth graders Tayla McDuff, Rylan McKillop, Ella Morgan, Erin Steck, and Molly Murphy should all get their chance to contribute.

In the defensive zone, KP will have plenty of experience to try and keep other teams out. Seniors Brielle Hearon, Mara Boldy, and Emma Sullivan will all be back on the blue line, providing leadership and physicality to slow down the opposition. Freshmen Lydia Maxwell and Grace Lehan-Allen both saw time as eighth graders and will build on that important year of varsity action. Eighth-grader Calleigh Brady should see time in defense this year. Goalie is another position of strength for the Warriors with senior Mallory Johnston in her third year as a starter and classmate Haley Bright backing her up.

“I never call it a rebuilding year,” said KP coach Ken Assad. “With the returning players and newcomers, I believe with hard work and not taking any nights off we can be in the hunt for the Hockomock title and get into the tournament.”




2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Stoughton/Sharon

2021-2022 Record:
2021-2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Chad Kelley
Stoughton/Sharon continues to be a young program that is building up its numbers. With only one senior and two juniors in the program, the Black Knights will be focusing on youth and trying to build a foundation for future seasons. After a close loss in the season opener, Stoughton/Sharon continues to find ways to stay competitive even with a smaller roster of just 14 players.

Eighth-grader Sarah Scappaticci from Sharon will be the starting goalie this season. She made 34 stops in the opener against Cambridge and is already showing that she is a skilled player between the pipes. Brockton junior Molly Corvino will be one of the leaders in the defensive zone, along with classmate Samantha Calapai. Both players are solid in their own zone but can push the team into the attack. Stoughton freshman Addison Strunk will also be one of the defenders in the top two pairings.

Stoughton’s Ava Buckley is the lone senior on the team. The Assumption-commit will be the focal point for the Black Knights on the offensive end of the ice. Sharon eighth grader Ella Cummings has a lot of skill on the puck and already opened her varsity account with a goal against Cambridge. Sharon sophomores Peri Rodman and Heather Kelly and Stoughton sophomore Leila Uchani return to the forward lines. Stoughton freshmen Julia Monaghan, Meghan McGowan, Amanda Reid, and Stoughton eighth graders Nya’Lia Lindsey and Julia Henein will give the Black Knights depth up front.

“We are a young team with only one senior and two juniors in our program,” said head coach Chad Kelley. “Ava Buckley and Molly Corvino are our captains for this season. Both Ava and Molly have been tremendous with our young group. They are great examples for others to model.”

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/24/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Franklin, 1 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Franklin converted a penalty kick 15 minutes into the second half to get a win on the road over Attleboro and clinch the Kelley-Rex division title. An unlucky hand ball on a service into the area from Noah Cain gave the visitors a chance from the spot. Senior Trey Lovell stepped up and buried a low shot for the only goal of the game.

Canton, 5 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final

King Philip, 0 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – North Attleboro scored once in each half to record a win at home over visiting King Philip. Givany Carney found Zach Smahi at the top of the box and he deposited his shot into the back of the net just five minutes into the game for a 1-0 advantage. Smahi returned the favor in the second half, setting up Carney at the 50th minute mark to double the hosts’ advantage. Cole Templin had some big saves for North Attleboro to keep the Warriors off the board. “I’m extremely proud of the effort from all of the seniors tonight,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Lacasse.

Mansfield, 2 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – A back-and-forth battle ended in a 2-2 draw with each side taking a point. Senior Matheus Groberio blasted a free kick into the back of the net from just outside the area to give the hosts the lead but just two minutes later Connor Palinski finished off a cross to bring the Hornets level. Mansfield carried that momentum and scored again less than 10 minutes after tying it as Dan Checkoway headed in a corner kick from Grady Sullivan. Stoughton came back and found the equalizer before the break as Groberio set up Sam Santos to make it 2-2. Mansfield freshman goalie Troy Lasbury-Casey made 13 saves and played well in his first career start.

Milford, 4 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – The Scarlet Hawks deposited a pair of goals in each half to return home with two points via a 4-0 win over Taunton. Eduardo Santana opened the scoring, running onto a long ball from Nate Dinis and poking it past the keeper to make it 1-0. Rodrigo Lourenço drew a foul with clever dribbling and Lucas Nalon Ribero buried the free kick to double the lead going into the half. Ribero grabbed his second of the day, blasting a rocket of a shot from 40 yards away to make it 3-0. Kaua Pereira capped the scoring for the Hawks, finishing off a corner from Lourenço.

Sharon, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – Oliver Ames broke the stalemate midway through the second half to get a win at home over visiting Sharon. Senior Mirray DaSilva converted a pass from Joey Carney in the 60th minute for the lone goal of the game.








Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Anya Zub’s hat trick pushed the Panthers to a big home win and maintained their lead at the top of the Kelley-Rex. Selene Hammad opened the scoring for Franklin just two minutes into the game, with Zub picking up the assist. Zub would score the next three goals. Kelly O’Connor, Olivia Costa, and Hammad had the assists. Jamie Davies added a late goal for the Bombardiers, converting a penalty after Tatum O’Brien’s nice run into the box drew a foul. Alexis Campbell made double digit saves in the loss.

Foxboro, 1 @ Canton, 2 – Final – After Foxboro battled back to tie the game, Mekhala Costello’s second half goal lifted Canton to the win and kept the Bulldogs within two points of league-leading OA heading into the final game of the regular season. Canton grabbed the lead in a first half that was delayed by lightning. Foxboro answered back three minutes into the second half. Grace Riley got the equalizer off a Shea Dorney corner. Costello found the winner with a blast from distance to secure two points.

North Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – Mikayla Thompson scored twice and Heidi Lawrence and Ella Pisani each recorded two points to keep the Warriors in the league title mix with one match remaining. KP sits just a point back of Franklin in the division. Lawrence opened the scoring for KP when she took a nice pass from Pisani and lifted it over the keeper. Pisani also had the helper on KP’s second goal four minutes later, putting in a perfect cross for Thompson to tap home from close-range. Thompson would add KP’s third in the second half, this time getting a toe to a cross from Lawrence.

Stoughton, 0 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Olivia Salisbury set a new school record with her 30th career clean sheet (ninth of the season), as Mansfield continued its impressive run. The Hornets have gone 11 games without a loss and picked up a sixth straight win. Avery Hawthorne made it three straight games with a goal, scoring what turned out to be the winner 10 minutes into the second half. Bridget Hanley’s ball over the top set up the goal. Mansfield added a second just two minutes later when Lyla Nappa scored off a cross from Olivia Dunham.

Taunton, 1 @ Milford, 6 – Final – Milford celebrated senior night with its biggest win of the season. Dani Atherton scored a brace to the lead the way for the Hawks, who scored four unanswered in the second half to break open a close game. Kaylee Whitney, Serena Borges, Paige Caldon, and Ava Baglione each scored once for Milford and Kayleigh Tourtellot had a solid game in goal. Juliana Matos had the lone goal for the Tigers.

Oliver Ames, 6 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Emma Gavin recorded three goals and Lucinda Li Cotter had four points (two goals and two assists) to lift the Tigers to a win in a back-and-forth game in the rain at Sharon. With the win, OA kept hold of a two-point lead on Mansfield and Canton going into the final match of the regular season. Jolie Diaz added a goal and Jenna Gilman had a pair of assists for the visitors. Sharon battled back two get within two twice, Autumn Simon finishing with a brace. Sofia Goclowski and Jessica Li had the assists. Taylor Standring had a strong game in net for the Eagles.




Field Hockey
Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Attleboro kept it close, trailing just 2-0 at halftime, but Franklin scored a late goal in the third quarter and two more early in the fourth to pull away for the win. After a scoreless first quarter, Emily Carney scored three minutes into the second (from Kaitlyn Carney and Sophia Cuneo) and then again with under a minute to play until halftime (from Haley Wernig and Cuneo). Payten Crandell (from Kaitlyn Carney) pushed the Panthers’ lead to 3-0 with just over a minute to play in the third, and both Wernig and Kaitlyn Carney scored inside the first five minutes to make it 5-0. Siany Ortez made 10 saves in net for the Bombardiers.

Stoughton, 0 @ Mansfield, 6 – Final – Mansfield scored two goals in each the first and third quarters and tacked on one each in the second and fourth quarters to get a win over Stoughton. Ava Adams opened the scoring and Danni Cuzzi scored back-to-back goals, one in the first quarter and one in the second to give the Hornets a 3-0 lead at halftime. Adams grabbed her second in the third, Kristina Kipp made it 5-0 in the third quarter, and Adams completed her hat trick with the lone goal of the fourth.

Taunton, 3 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Kaysie DeMoura scored a pair of goals to lead the Tigers to a shutout win on the road at Milford. Caelen O’Leary added one goal to go along with DeMoura’s two while Jasmine Lucier made three saves in net for the shutout.

Oliver Ames @ Sharon – Postponed to Tuesday, 10/25 at 3:30.

Foxboro, 1 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Mary Collins scored midway through the fourth quarter to cancel out Maggie McCready’s opener and send both times home with a point. The first half was a defensive struggle, with Foxboro having the only shot on net in the opening 30 minutes. Canton turned things around in the third, dominating the quarter and breaking the deadlock. Carolyn Schiavo created space on the right side and fired a shot that Kathryn Ferguson needed to save. The rebound sat in the crease for a couple seconds before McCready pounced to knock it home. Foxboro took control of play in the fourth. Carolyn Durand made a series of good saves but eventually Mya Waryas’ shot from distance was tipped in the circle by Collins. The ball caromed out from the back of the net, causing confusion, but after a discussion between the officials the goal was given.




Volleyball
North Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip landed a dominate win at home, and along with Franklin’s win over Attleboro, the Warriors moved back into a first place tie atop the Kelley-Rex division with one match to go. Emily Sawyer landed 10 kills along with seven aces and three blocks to lead the Warriors to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-7, 25-11) win over the Rocketeers. Sami Shore (three aces) and Ahunna James (five digs) each added seven kills while Olivia O’Neil finished with four kills and two aces.

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – Junior Claire O’Rourke had a big day at the net to help Oliver Ames shake off a close loss in the third set and finish off the win, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 24-26, 25-15). O’Rourke notched 13 kills while Sarah Hilliard added 12 kills to lead the offense. Maddie Homer had 16 digs and six aces, Clare Kavolius recorded 35 assists and five aces, and Cecelia Cupples had a strong game at the net.

Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Foxboro, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Canton rallied from a 2-1 deficit to stay alive and force a fifth set and then outlasted visiting Foxboro to get the win, 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 15-9). Jess Wright had an efficient night at the net, hitting 0.425 with 19 kills while Liana Lamparelli added 13 digs, three kills, and three blocks for the Bulldogs. Seniors Haley Duhaime, Nevaeh Osborne, Liz Beal and Riley Costa played well in the five set battle.

Stoughton, 3 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final

Taunton @ Milford, 5:15

O’Rourke Stars to Help OA Earn Draw With Canton

Oliver Ames field hockey
Oliver Ames junior goalie Olivia O’Rourke came up with 12 huge saves to help the Tigers keep Canton at bay and pull out a 1-1 tie. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


NORTH EASTON, Mass. – The ball seemed to be stuck at the far end of the field for the entirety of the fourth quarter, but then, with just seconds remaining and out of nowhere, Oliver Ames broke away. Erin Cottam went on a lung-bursting surge down the left channel, carrying the ball from deep in her own half to the edge of the Canton circle. Her angled pass across the face of goal was inches away from being turned inside the post by freshman Kayla Kenney.

It was almost the perfect smash-and-grab by the Tigers, nearly stealing the win and two points right at the death.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Canton held a 13-1 edge in corners and put 13 shots on frame in Wednesday night’s visit to Muscato Stadium, but OA goalie Olivia O’Rourke kept the Bulldogs at bay. She made 12 saves, including three impressive stops in the final quarter, to help the Tigers hold on for a 1-1 tie.

“She’s been a solid rock this entire season,” first-year OA coach Alex Sylvia said of O’Rourke. “Anytime we were worried about the game or knew we had a tough game coming up, I knew she’d be a rock in net. Every time we got it out of the circle, I said play for Liv because she’s playing out of her mind right now so you need to play for Liv and match her intensity.”

For Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor, her team’s performance was good, but it was a case of missed opportunities for the Bulldogs that put them in a position where they nearly were left going home with nothing.

“How many missed opportunities can you have?” she asked. “I was happy with how they played overall, clearly we dominated, but at the end of the day you’ve got to put one of those corners in.”

The visitors came storming out of the gates, forcing O’Rourke into three saves inside the opening two minutes. Ellie Bohane created the best look off an early corner, firing a pass to Audrey Koen, who had a shot stopped. The rebound popped out to the other side of the goal, but O’Rourke got across to block that attempt, and recovered her balance to kick aside a shot from Bohane in the middle.

Six minutes in, another Canton corner was played to the edge of the circle by Izzy Digirolamo. Maggie McCready blocked the ball to tee up Bohane for a blast, but again the OA goalie was equal to the chance.

After being on its heels for the first portion of the quarter, OA started to control play in the midfield and pinned the Bulldogs back. Cottam was the creator of the hosts’ best chance of the first, firing a pass to winger Julia Maclaine, who forced Carolyn Durand (four saves) into her first stop of the night.

The second quarter was all Canton. O’Rourke was forced into five saves in that period alone. Bohane had another rip off a corner that O’Rourke showed her athleticism to get a toe to then Bohane opened play up on the right for Koen to have a go with a quick turn and shot. A corner gave Bohane yet another chance to put one on net and McCready was denied on the rebound as well.

Two minutes before halftime, Carolyn Schiavo made a good run down the right side and passed it across the crease to McCready, but the tip went wide of the post. Just after the break, Isabel Cusack would create an opening with a run on the left wing, but no one could get a piece of her pass fired across the face of the goal.

Midway through the third, the deadlock was broken and then almost instantly the game was tied, as the teams split a pair of goals in just 16 seconds.

OA was having some joy playing in transition and using its speed on the ball to run at the Canton back line. Maclaine was one of the main outlets for the Tigers and her run on the right wing would lead to the opener. She cut the ball back into the middle and, after a slight deflection, Megan Crabtree smashed a first-time shot inside the post to make it 1-0.

“[Julia] and Megan Crabtree have been working great together this season and I keep telling Julia to bring it up the side,” Sylvia said. About her team’s speed in transition, she added, “Once we get in that transition, I have every faith that the ball is going in the circle just because once they connect there’s no stopping them.”

Straight from the restart, Canton was back on the attack. Schiavo, the freshman attacker, went on a run at the OA back line, weaving her way through the middle and onto her forehand. Instead of looking for a teammate, she coolly picked the bottom corner to bring the Bulldogs level.

“Which means we can do [score], we’d just like to do it more often,” said O’Connor with a chuckle.

Things were far more back-and-forth in the third. Maclaine continued to be a thorn in Canton’s side. She made another long run and played the ball back to Crabtree, who knocked it on for Tyla Delamere at the far post but she couldn’t get the final touch. Maclaine also forced Durand into a save with a long shot from the right. Koen had a good chance for Canton late in the quarter after she managed to separate herself from her marker, but the shot was wide.

In the fourth, Canton got back in control of the game. The Bulldogs had six corners in the fourth. McCready was denied by a sprawling save from O’Rourke. Koen tried to cross to Cusack at the back post, but she was just missed getting a stick on it.

Schiavo played a nice pass back to Bohane in the middle of the circle but she was unable to beat O’Rourke, who also made a nice slide to her right to deny Bohane off a corner.

All those chances without a goal for Canton and OA nearly pulled out the unlikely win with its only chance of the quarter.

“This is the type of game you’re going to see in the tournament,” O’Connor said. “So for us it was a good eye-opener. This was a great game for us to see what we need to do to get ready for the tournament.”

Sylvia added, “This game, we need to take it and learn from our mistakes. We gave up way too many corners today, so we have to learn from that so we’re ready for Foxboro [next week].”

Oliver Ames (8-5-2) travels to Sharon on Monday in its penultimate league game of the season. Canton (11-3-1) can’t catch Foxboro for the division title, but the Bulldogs will try to have the Warriors their first loss of the season when they play Monday at WWII Veterans Memorial Field.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.