Tag: Fiona Dunn

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/10/23

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Milford, 7 – Final – Milford mustered up some early offense and senior Evan Cornelius was in control on the mound to help the Hawks land a key win over Kelley-Rex rival Attleboro. A three-run first inning proved to be all the run support Cornelius needed but Milford added on one run in the third, one in the fourth, and two more insurance runs in the sixth. Cornelius tossed six shutout innings, scattering three hits and four walks along with five strikeouts to earn the win; Mason Baldic threw two scoreless innings in relief, allowing only one hit and one walk while fanning five. Offensively, Damien Carter went 2-for-3 with another triple, recording one RBI and three runs. Nick Koch added two hits from the leadoff pot, Sean McGee drove in three runs, and Keith Lee had one RBI the win. Brody McKenna had a single, a walk, and stole two bases for Attleboro.

Sharon, 1 @ Canton, 13 – Final (5 Inn.) – Canton had three big innings offensively, punctuated with a six-run fifth inning to end the contest. Matt Chafin went 2-for-4 (four RBI, three runs, stolen base) including a three-run home run to put an exclamation mark on the win. Hayden Rose (RBI, run) added two doubles, Jack Digirolamo had a single, two RBI, and two runs, and both Matt Hart and Matt Lesser had two RBI in the win. Kyle Redquest had a solid showing on the mound, allowing just one hit on eight hits and one walk. Harry Librot went 2-for-2 for the Eagles while Liam Conway, Palash Raina, Drew Yaffe, Alex Coughlin, and Seth Bonner each had a hit.

Foxboro, 2 @ Mansfield, 8 – Final – Sparked by a two-out home run from Matt DeShiro in the first inning, Mansfield landed a key win over fellow Davenport title contender and rival Foxboro on Wednesday. The Warriors took the momentum early on Sean O’Leary’s solo home run in the top of the first but DeShiro answered in the bottom half, scoring Sam Martin — who had a two-out walk — to take the lead for good. The Hornets extended their lead with four runs in the second and tacked on two more in the fourth after the Warriors got one back in the top half. DeShiro, Conner Zukowski (triple, two RBI, two runs), and Jake Maydak (two doubles, RBI) each had two RBIs in the win while Brian Butler had a single, two walks, a stolen base, and a run scored. Connor Curtis earned the win, scattering five hits and two walks for two runs, striking out eight in 6.1 innings of work; DeShiro got the last two outs, including one strikeout. O’Leary finished 2-for-3, adding a second RBI with a double in the top of the fourth, scoring Ryan LeClair (triple).

King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Franklin junior lefty Austin Campbell dazzled on the mound, tossing a complete game shutout against a talented King Philip squad. Campbell allowed only three hits — all singles — and issued just one walk while striking out eight in seven scoreless innings. The Panthers provided run support by pushing a pair of runs across the plate in both the third and fourth innings. Senior Ryan Carlucci led off the bottom of the third with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice from Ryan Gerety. A single to right from Jase Lyons opened the scoring, and then Lyons — who stole second — came sprinting home on a single from Eisig Chin. Matt Kelley had a leadoff single for KP in the top of the fourth but was caught stealing by Franklin catcher Tyler Bellan. A one-out single from Ethan DePaolo ignited the Panthers in the fourth as Luke Sidwell reached on an error to put two runners on. DePaolo came home to score on a single from Carlucci and Sidwell scored on a sac fly from Gerety to make it 4-0. Rudy Gately pitched well in the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits and one walk, striking out four in six innings.

Taunton, 9 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – In just his third career start, Taunton sophomore Johnny Escobalez tossed a no-hitter as the Tigers bounced back in a big way by blanking North Attleboro. Escobalez retired the side in order in the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth innings; after a pair of walks to start the seventh, the sophomore got back-to-back strikeouts before getting a grounder to second to end it. He quickly worked around a leadoff error in the fourth, erasing a pair on strikes, finishing with 11 for the day. Offensively, Taunton took the lead on a solo home run from Ryan MacDougall in the second and never looked back, plating four more in the third, one more in the fifth, and three in the seventh. Brayden Cali went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and two runs, and Sean Murphy added two hits, including a double, with two RBI. Braden Sullivan, Dawson Bryce, and Shawn Cali also had an RBI in the win.

Oliver Ames, 12 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final (6 inn.) – Andrew Zagami had a strong performance on the mound and Oliver Ames’ offense roared to life in a big win on the road at Stoughton. Zagami scattered five hits and no walks, striking out five in six shutout innings. Offensively, Lucas Riley had a big day at the plate as he went 3-for-4 with five RBI and three runs scored. Harrison Fitzpatrick (two runs), Matt Lawson (two RBI, run), and Patrick Finnerty (two runs) each added two hits, Ryan Lemay had a double and two runs scored, Drew Hall added a double, Jack Perron had two RBI, and both David Rodgers and Nick Ferrini drove in a run.








Softball
Milford, 0 @ Attleboro, 13 – Final (5 Inn.) – After being no-hit on Tuesday, Attleboro’s offense rebounded quickly. The Bombardiers pounded out 14 hits to bounce back with a win. Paige Quaglia and Lily Routhier both drove in four runs to lead the Attleboro attack at the plate. Freshman Jenna Callahan allowed only three hits (just one to the outfield) to pick up the shutout in the circle. Attleboro took the lead in the first when Sarah Maher reached on a bunt hit, stole second, reached third on a throwing error, and scored on a passed ball. In the second, Emily Eby led off with a single, stole second and scored on a single by Quaglia. The game was broken open in the third. Lauren Eby singled in a run and Quaglia blasted a homer over the fence in right to plate three more and make it 6-0. Milford got out of the inning on a nice lunging grab by shortstop Olivia Baglione. Attleboro added four more in the fourth. Routhier brought in one with a single, Emily Eby drove in a pair with a single, and Callahan helped her own cause with an RBI groundout. Milford center fielder Sarah Wengal threw out a runner at the plate for an inning-ending double play. In the seventh, leading by 10, Routhier ripped a walk-off, bases loaded double to left center, bringing in all three runs.

Canton, 15 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Chloe Guerschuny (two RBI), Sam Grady (three RBI), and Kailyn Durham (two RBI) led the charge offensively for the Bulldogs with two hits apiece, and Shaelyn Murphy earned the win in the circle with just two hits allowed.

Mansfield, 3 @ Foxboro, 10 – Final – After a scoreless first inning, Foxboro scored in each inning after en route to a 10-3 verdict over visiting Mansfield. Freshman Meghan Kelley went 3-for-4 with a run, sophomore Emma Callahan added two hits, two runs, and an RBI, and junior Fiona Dunn went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored for the Warriors. Sophomore Ava Hill also drove in two runs for Foxboro while freshman Mia Flanagan had a double, an RBI, and two runs. Vittoria Cuscia earned the win in the circle, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk, striking out nine. Jill Koppy went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Hornets while Callie Lake, Molly Kucharski, Avery Lake, and Dani Jameson each had one hit.

Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 12 – Final (5 Inn.) – King Philip senior Liv Ali punctuated a big third inning with a bases-clearing triple and the Warriors rolled to a big win over Franklin, earning a season sweep of the Panthers. Ava Kelley, Maddie Paschke, and senior Ava Lanza (2-for-3, three RBI, run) each drove in a run before Ali ripped a double to center to score three runs in a six-run third inning. Senior Charlotte Raymond had a big day at the dish, launching a first-inning home run to present KP with another early 2-0 lead and added a double as well. Senior Sarah Cullen had a double, an RBI, and a run scored, senior Libby Walsh scored two runs, and senior Charlotte Griffin had a leadoff single in the second, a walk, and scored two runs. McCoy Walsh allowed just one hit and one walk in five shutout innings, striking out nine.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Taunton sophomore Brooke Aldrich led off the bottom of the seventh with a triple to right field and came home to score on a wild pitch two batters later to hand the Tigers a walk-off win after another pitcher’s duel between the two squads. Sam Lincoln dazzled in the circle for the hosts, tossing a no-hitter shutout with only one walk issued, striking out 15. Kelly Colleran was equally impressive for the Rocketeers, holding a dangerous lineup to one run on four hits and no walks, striking out 13. Kyleah Plumb and Bella Bourque had bunt singles in the sixth but Colleran stranded them at second and third with a big strikeout. Kaysie DeMoura also had a single for Taunton.

Stoughton, 7 @ Oliver Ames, 8 – Final – Oliver Ames jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first three innings but had to hold off a furious comeback bid from the Black Knights, escaping a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh inning to earn a key division win. Doubles from Maddie Homer, Devon Morris, and Caitlin Miller helped the Tigers push across three runs in the first inning while a two-run double from Paige Taylor and a two-run home run from Homer highlighted a five-run third for OA, resulting in an 8-0 advantage. Stoughton’s offense came alive in the sixth as Julie Powers, Anna Hobbs, Kerry Driscoll, Leila Alaoui, and Camryn Whitman all had RBIs to score six runs and get Stoughton right back into the game. Alyssa Edwards (walk) scored on a single from Whitman in the top of the seventh to cut the deficit to just 8-7, and Caitlin Driscoll reached on a bunt to load the bases with one out. OA pitcher Katie Melendy induced a grounder to Homer at short and she got the force out at home, and then Melendy got a shallow pop up to second for the final out.




Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 4 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 13 – Final

King Philip, 5 @ North Attleboro, 6 – Final – North extracted revenge from the first meeting between the two squads, squeaking out a one-goal victory in a non-league contest. For KP, Noah Minkwitz (assist), Hayden Schmitz (assist), Donovan DeVellis, Tommy Kilroy, and Henry LeClair each scored once, Mason Thompson recorded two assists, and James Boldy made 12 saves in net.

Mansfield, 16 @ Braintree, 4 – Final – Mansfield picked up a big non-league win on Wednesday. Tommy Smith (two assists), Cody Gordon, Nico Smith (one assist), and Andrew Burnham all recorded hat tricks for the Hornets. Tommy Vallett had three assists and Andrew DeGirolamo had one helper. Drew Sacco added two goals and an assist. Nico Smith was 14-of-15 on face-offs to give Mansfield plenty of offensive opportunities and Ryan DeGirolamo made 11 saves.

Milford, 10 vs. Seekonk, 7 – Final – Milford avenged a loss to the Warriors from earlier this season, notching a 10-7 non-league victory on Wednesday afternoon. Jayden Martins had a big day for the Scarlet Hawks as he found the back of the net six times while Jacob Ligor added two assists and freshman Harry Baldic chipped in with a goal.

Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 15 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 14 – Final (OT)

Canton, 5 vs. Natick, 15 – Final – Devan Spinale hit a career milestone but the Bulldogs couldn’t keep pace with visiting Natick in a non-league clash. Spinale had two goals and assist, eclipsing the 100-point mark for her career. Emily McCabe added three goals and Ashley Balunas made eight saves in net for Canton.

Milford, 6 @ Norwood, 13 – Final

Sharon @ Ursuline Academy, 4:00

Taunton, 15 @ Stoughton, 10 – Final – Five different Tigers found the back of the net as Taunton went on the road and landed a win over Stoughton. Maddi Szala led the charge with a team-high six goals as well as two assists and Taryn Campbell notched four goals in the win. Cali Melo had a hat trick along with two helpers, Raquel Azevedo had one goal and one assist, and Caroline Vallarelli (goal) and Isabella Leite (assist) each had one point. Mel Jesus made 14 saves for the Tigers. Morgan Groppi (10 draw controls) and Amanda Reid each had three goals to lead Stoughton, Nicole Reid (two goals) and Casey Groppi (two assists) each had two points, and both Hazel McBurney and Sarah Riker scored once for the Black Knights. Jordan Coleman made five saves in net for the hosts.




Boys Tennis
Milford, 1 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – Attleboro’s Kyle Neuendorf bounced back after dropping the first set to emerge victorious at first singles, highlighting the Bombardiers’ 4-1 win over Milford. Neuendorf rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 win while Tyler Rocchio emerged from a tight first set at second singles to land a 7-5, 7-1 win. Attleboro’s first doubles pairing of Luke Hinton and Brady Rosen notched a 6-4, 6-1 win, and Noam Cook and Clay Tyler rolled at second doubles to a 6-0, 6-0 verdict. Milford’s Corey Rattray took a 6-4, 6-4 decision at third singles.

Canton, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sharon dropped just two games total from its two doubles matches and added two more straight set victories in singles action to take down visiting Canton. Sava Kassev and Rithvik Neti only lost one game in the second set (6-0, 6-1) at first doubles while Joel Zwicker and Savir Basil dropped just one game in the first set (6-1, 6-0) to sweep doubles action. Junior Matthew Lally added a 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles and Alex Budovalcev earned a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. Canton junior Max Kupferman was once again on his game, taking a 6-0, 6-4 win at first singles.

Mansfield, 4 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – A clean sweep in singles action highlighted Mansfield’s road win at Foxboro. Neema Khosravani (6-3, 6-2 at first singles), Nikhil Nain (7-5, 6-4), and Iniyan Karruppusami (6-2, 6-2) all won in straight sets in singles action for the Hornets while Mansfield’s first doubles tandem of Josh Weiner and Jacob Weiner landed a 6-2, 7-5 win. Foxboro’s second doubles pairing of Greg Simone and Nathan Cote prevailed in see-saw battle by wining both sets via tiebreaker (7-6 (4), 7-6 (0)).

Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Franklin won first doubles in three sets, clinched a win at second doubles with a second set tiebreaker, and added one win from singles action to edge out host King Philip. Franklin senior Eric Tomaino and junior Ahan Shetty prevailed in the third set after splitting the first two for a win at first doubles (6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-2) while Aaron Ramaswamy and Andrew Amante closed out a competitive second doubles match in straight sets with a 6-3, 7-6 (8) win. Franklin senior Tyler Fitzpatrick added a key singles win, landing a 6-3, 6-1 win at second singles. KP’s Jacksom Hom won 6-4, 6-1 at first singles and Arjun Kollu added a 6-0, 6-2 win at third single.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Brody Carter emerged with a hard-fought win at first singles and North Attleboro swept doubles action to take a 3-2 decision over a much-improved Taunton squad. Carter prevailed 7-5, 6-2 at first singles, the team of Brody Gaulin and Carson Dameron only lost one game in a 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles, and the team of juniors Arnav Raghuvanshi and Aaryan Anjna overcame a one-set deficit at second doubles to clinch the win (3-6, 6-3, 6-2). Taunton’s Martin Frankimet earned a 6-4, 6-1 win at second singles and Heitor Sens landed a 6-4, 6-4 third singles victory.

Stoughton, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 4 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Attleboro won in straight sets at first and third singles as well as both doubles matches to return home from Milford with a 4-1 victory. Maddie Fuscaldo notched a 6-1, 6-2 win at first singles and Aarna Sodhani dropped just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles for the Bombardiers. Attleboro’s first doubles team of Zoe Stanley and Kyra Johnson impressed in a 6-1, 6-0 result while the all-sophomore tandem of Julia Leonardo and Katie Lortos added a 6-1, 7-5 win at second doubles for the visitors. Milford senior Kaylee Whitney recorded a 6-1, 7-5 win at second singles.

Sharon, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Sophomore Camila Cutter had an impressive win at first singles for the Bulldogs but Sharon’s depth was on full display as the Eagles returned from Canton with a 4-1 decision. Cutter came out of a back-and-forth first singles battle with a 6-4, 6-4 win. Sharon junior Navya Shukla (6-1, 6-4) and senior Ale Aguilar (6-1, 6-0) took wins at second and third singles, respectively, for the Eagles. The team of seniors Sophia Oh and Abby Vilk won a tiebreaker in the first set before completing the win in the second (7-6 (0), 6-1), and senior Ellie Zhao and junior Akshata Adkoli added a 7-5, 6-1 win at second doubles for Sharon.

Foxboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield won two of three singles matches and both doubles matches to avenge an earlier loss to the Warriors and secure its first victory of the season. Claire Copp won 7-5, 6-1 at second singles and Caroline Guravauge took third singles 6-2, 6-0. The second doubles team of Rachel Goldman and Anushka Srivastava swept second doubles without dropping a game. The first doubles match went three sets. Savannah Corey and Jillian Hanley took the first set 6-3, but Foxboro’s Katelynn Dineen and Emily Stow rallied to win the second 6-1. The Hornets got the point with a 10-4 tiebreaker win in the third. Foxboro’s Hailey Kornbluth continued her dominant season at first singles, winning 6-0, 6-0.

King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin swept both doubles matches and one key win in singles action to secure a close 3-2 win over visiting King Philip. Sophomores Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen continued their impressive campaign at first doubles for the Panthers, notching a 6-0, 6-3 win, and Franklin’s second doubles team of senior Allison Bagley and junior Ava Davies prevailed in a tight match 6-4, 6-4. Junior Brooke Taylor was impressive in a 6-0, 6-0 victory at third singles for the hosts. KP’s Ahunna James dropped just one game in a convincing 6-0, 6-1 first singles win and junior Shea Mellman added a 6-0, 6-2 win at second singles.

Oliver Ames, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames overcame one-set deficits at both second and third singles to finish off the sweep of Stoughton. Hannah Farber continued to roll at first singles for the Tigers, who were playing their third match in as many days. Farber notched a 6-0, 6-2 win, Olivia Querzoli bounced back from dropping the first set to win in a super tiebreak (4-6, 7-5, 10-5), and Stella Zachos did the same at third singles after dropping a tiebreaker in the first set (6-7 (3), 7-5, 10-8). OA’s first doubles team of Ava Barth and Emily Beaulieu dropped just two games in a 6-0, 6-2 victory while Marina Mierzwinski and Ella Mierzwinski teamed up to take a 6-0, 6-4 win at second doubles.

Boys Volleyball
King Philip, 1 @ Norwood, 3 – Final
Milford, 0 @ St. John’s Prep, 3 – Final

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Taunton has won back-to-back D1 state titles and the Tigers will be among the favorites to bring home another championship this spring. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 15-7
2022 Finish: Reach Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro is hoping a mix of experienced veterans and skilled newcomers will keep the squad playing competitively in the best league in the state, and more specifically maybe the most talented division across any sport in the league.

Senior Lily Routhier returns to the circle after going 8-2 last season, striking out 47 with a 2.24 ERA during the regular season. Routhier will likely see an increase in innings with the graduation of Lindsey Perry (69 innings), and she’s also one of the best offensive weapons in the league after posting a 0.510 average (fourth in the Hock) with 41 hits and 45 RBI. There are a lot of weapons in the lineup back with senior captains Rylie Camacho (0.410) and Lauren Eby (0.490) leading the way, and senior Sarah Maher, fresh off a 36-hit, 22-RBI regular season, will take over in center field and set the table offensively from the leadoff spot. Paige Quaglia, Merry Bosh, Lilly McGilvray, Jenna Callahan, and Nina Sullivan are all in the mix to get some time in the outfield and provide offensive depth.

In the infield, there are some newcomers looking to find a spot in the lineup. Maddie Moran and Victoria Parent are in the mix for time at third base while Emily Eby, who had an impressive freshman campaign with 20 hits, will play at second base. Destiny Miranda is also competing for time behind the dish while Ari Amaral will continue to be a force with her bat in the lineup.

“Things will not change for us as far as offense and defense, and we will work to be consistent and continue to improve as the season goes on,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Homer. “We want to be at our best when the competition calls for it and find positives in all adversity that we will face during the season. We want to continue the success we had as a team last season and improve. Every game will be a challenge for us.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Canton

2022 Record: 4-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
With seven returning players, Canton coach Sandy Lombardi is confident that the Bulldogs can make a jump in her second year in charge. Playoff contention is the aim for a team that won only four games in 2022 but also lost four games by four runs or less, including a pair by just one run.

Junior first baseman and pitcher Jess Wright was the team’s MVP last season and she returns to the heart of the lineup along with senior catcher Olivia Mackwell. The pair combined for 48 hits and 30 RBI last season, so will be important pieces in the heart of the order. Also returning for the Bulldogs are junior shortstop Laura Valkanas, sophomore infielder Chloe Guerschuny, and an outfield of junior Anna Lehan and sophomores Klara Redquest and Kailyn Durham. Senior Abby Chin carries an injury into the season but Canton will hope that she can return to contribute.

Canton is hoping that a group of newcomers will add the depth it needs to compete over a long season. Junior Alexa Gordon and freshman Shaelyn Murphy can both step into the circle to give the Bulldogs big innings. Freshmen Abby Stock and Caitlin Reynolds and junior Sami Grady can all fill spots in the infield and junior Kaitlyn Bigham is a versatile player off the bench.

“We have a great mix of returning varsity players and new varsity players,” Lombardi said. “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and to qualify for the tournament.”

Foxboro

2022 Record: 12-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Maguire
It has been over 51 years since Foxboro last won a softball league title, but with experienced pitchers and a versatile lineup of players who can fill in at multiple positions, this might be the season that the Warriors can finally come out on top.

Pitching depth should be a strength for the Warriors this season. Sophomore Vittoria Cuscia was a league all-star after being Foxboro’s ace last year and classmate Emma Callahan was an all-star as an eighth grader. Despite their youth, both pitchers have already won games in the postseason. Both players will also fill in at third base. Sophomore Ava Hill, who is already entering her third season on varsity, will move from first to behind the plate.

The Warriors should be athletic this year. Freshman Meghan Kelley will get the start at short, the latest in a line of talented underclassmen to step into that position, and will bat third. Freshman Mia Flanagan and sophomore Autumn Stowell can each play second base, while junior Angelina Rifai, sophomore Natalia Leach, and Stowell will get time at first. The outfield is experienced with all three starters returning. In left is Leach, while sophomore Jillian Slattery is back in center, and junior Fiona Dunn will be in right. All three will also be in the middle of the order for the Warriors. Freshman Emma Fisler will get chances to contribute in multiple positions.

“Our strengths are our young, tough pitchers,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. “We are very athletic in the outfield and we have pretty good team speed. Although we are a young team, mostly freshman and sophomores, this group has been ‘battle tested’ the last couple of years playing significant games in the Hockomock League and state tournaments.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview







2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Franklin

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Breanna Shaffer
Last season, Franklin won nine games in the league, but was only able to take fourth in the Kelley-Rex division. This year, the addition of North Attleboro makes the division even deeper, but the Panthers will turn to King Philip alum, and two-time state champion, Breanna Shaffer and lean on an experienced lineup to try and make a push up the standings.

The Panthers will have plenty of pitching depth this year. Senior Kiera Kotwicki returns in the circle and has the experience of battling the top teams in the league. Senior Caroline Bruso and freshman Sophia Scaramone will also get their chances to toe the rubber. Senior catcher Hailey Fales will guide the pitching staff as well as being a big bat in the heart of the Franklin lineup.

Junior Carly Johnson-Pellegri is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign and returns at short. Senior Katy Liberman is back at third base, while sophomore Sarah Boozang takes over at first base and junior Katie Dowley will be at second. Seniors Reece Allen and Dana Stott are back as starting outfielders and classmate Avery Chalk will step into the outfield as well.

“This group of seniors work hard and lead by example every day,” said Shaffer, who previously coached JV at Canton and Sharon. “The leadership and experience that they bring to this team will leave such a positive impact on this program. I am excited to see what this team will accomplish this season!”

King Philip

2022 Record: 22-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion)
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip comes into every season with state title aspirations. This spring, the Warriors have added motivation, as the defending Kelley-Rex division champions watched rival Taunton, who KP beat twice in the regular season, go all the way for the second year in a row. The league seems as competitive as ever, but the Warriors return a strong core that looks ready to make a run at another title.

There is plenty of experience and leadership coming back this season. Junior Jordan Bennett will be in the circle for the third year in a row and has developed into an ace who can be relied upon against even the strongest lineups. Freshman McCoy Walsh and junior Taylor Regan will add depth to the pitching staff and can eat up some innings. Junior Maddie Paschke will be behind the dish to work with the pitchers.

Seniors Charlotte Raymond and Sarah Cullen will both patrol the outfield this season, while classmate Ava Lanza will be at third. Sophomore Liv Petrillo returns to the left side of the infield while senior Libby Walsh is back in the mix this season. Junior Ava Kelley had a big season at the plate in 2022 and she returns to take the third outfield spot.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting season and competing in one of the best and most respected leagues in the state,” said KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau.

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Mansfield

2022 Record: 10-12
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield finished 4-2 in non-league play a season ago and reached the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen. This year, the Hornets will play in the Davenport division for the first time and could benefit from not having two games apiece against perennial powers like Taunton, King Philip, and North Attleboro. With a roster that is still relatively young, only two seniors and nine freshmen, Mansfield will hope that being battle-tested in 2022 could help in a fight for a league title in 2023.

The Hornets graduated seven seniors, including five starters, from last year’s team, so there will be a lot of new faces in the lineup, but a talented group of juniors will provide leadership for the younger players. Junior Callie Lake was a spark plug for the Mansfield offense last season and a strong defensive center fielder. Junior Live Madeira returns at shortstop, giving the Hornets another good glove and tough out, while classmate Jill Koppy controls the game from behind the plate and fellow junior Molly Kucharski will start again at second.

Senior Amanda Schwarz will be the starting pitcher for the Hornets at the beginning of the season after sharing time with Julia Kelly last year. Mansfield will have plenty of depth in the circle this spring, as freshmen Molly Crowley and Dani Jameson can also step in and give them important innings.

Mansfield coach Lori Letendre said, “We have a lot of new players on the team this year and will be looking for leadership from our captains and returning starters. They are a talented group and I am starting to see the chemistry that will bring us together as a team. It should be a fun season!”




2023 Hockomock League Baseball Preview

Milford

2022 Record: 3-17
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve Divitto
With a young squad last season, Milford struggled through some growing pains during the spring of 2022. After only graduating a pair of seniors from the roster, the Scarlet Hawks are looking to compete against one of the most talented leagues in the state and make a push for the postseason.

Milford is still young as they don’t have any seniors on the roster this year but the majority of the players on the team have one or two years of experience already. There is a group of seven juniors that include catcher Maddie Burn, first baseman Camille Bonina, middle infielder Grace Bonina, pitcher/shortstop Maeve Driscoll (who can also play in the outfield), outfielder Olivia Luchini, who is back from injury, infielder/outfielder Maeve Williams, and outfielder Sarah Wengal. Head coach Steve DiVitto will be leaning on their experience and leadership to guide a young squad.

Cae Pellegrini, Jianna Fernandes, and Olivia Baglione emerged as key contributors as freshmen last year and are looking to take the next step this time out. Pellegrini returns to third base, Fernandes will patrol the outfield, and Baglione is back at shortstop. A group of freshmen featuring Ava Baglione, Angelina Bonina, Katelyn Kearnan, and Isabella Loscerbo will look to make an impact right away. In the circle, Driscoll will look to pick up where she left off last year before being derailed by injury, with freshman Angelina Bonina in line to get some innings as well.

“With no seniors this year, we will be looking to our juniors and returners as leaders,” DiVitto said. “While still considered young, the vast amount of game experience that our players have had makes us a veteran team. No more excuses; we are ready to compete in the best league in Massachusetts. The girls are ready to get on the field.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 17-7
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final Four (Davenport champion)
Coach: Bill Wallace
After three straight Davenport titles, which was the first three-peat in program history, and reaching the Div. 2 Final Four for the first time last season, North Attleboro returns to the ultra-competitive Kelley-Rex division with a lineup that features a lot of new faces and a lot of underclassmen. The Rocketeers still expect to be right in the title mix and make another run in the tournament.

Pitching will be the key for North this season. Reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kelly Colleran will be back in the circle as the team’s main starter. Colleran was dominant last year, both as a pitcher and a hitter, and will have big expectations this spring. Sophomore Arianna McDavitt got a couple of starts last year and freshman Grace Forman can step in to eat some innings as well. Sophomore Maryellen Charette will be behind the plate for North after a solid freshman campaign.

Colleran and McDavitt will also play short when not pitching. Senior Maddie Bailey and sophomore Mary Rogers will play second and freshmen Lucy Palmer (first base) and Molly Willey (third base) will take over at the corners. Sophomore Emily Tucker gives North versatility off the bench. The outfield will be relatively experienced, as seniors Emma Hanwell and Grace Simmons will be in center and right. Senior Julia Forman and her sister Grace can play multiple positions.

“If our hitting continues to improve, we should be a dangerous team,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We will continue to work on defense and hitting but team chemistry and leadership will give us the opportunity to continue to grow as a team. I really enjoy coaching this group.”




2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 7-14
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Oliver Ames didn’t graduate a single player from last season and the Tigers will be aiming for another playoff appearance and to make a run at their first league title since 2014. The Tigers should be solid defensively and have a lineup able to manufacture runs and they will hope to build on last year’s postseason experience.

Pitching is always critical and senior Katie Melendy returns for her third year in the circle. After a strong offseason, Melendy could be ready for a breakout year after putting up a 2.03 ERA last spring. Senior shortstop Maddie Homer and senior center fielder Caitlin Miller give OA a strong spine and junior catcher Katharine Farley brings her cannon of an arm back behind the plate.

Juniors Madison Monteiro, Paige Taylor, Sammy Johnson, and Skylar Dearborn are all back for the Tigers, while sophomores Emily Martin and Devon Morris round out the infield after solid freshman campaigns. Junior Crystaliah Covel and sophomore Ava Tracia are newcomers who will add versatility to the OA roster.

“It has been a really smooth transition into the season in order to get game-ready,” said OA coach Lindsey Allison. “We are looking forward to a great season and continuing to build on last year’s successes. In practices, the defense has been really solid, as they are all used to each other mostly from last season. Katie Melendy has put in a lot of work in the offseason, and we are looking forward to seeing her build on her success from last year with support from the power and speed of the OA lineup.”

Sharon

2022 Record: 2-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
Sharon swept a season series with Duxbury last year, but struggled in Hockomock play, scoring only 13 runs in the 16 league games. The Eagles will go into this season hoping to pull some surprises and, with a roster that includes eight freshmen and sophomores, build some momentum for the future as well.

Ally Foulsham will get the call in the circle this season. The senior has worked this offseason to finetune her pitches and Sharon coach Heather Poliferno is hoping for big things from her captain both as a pitcher and in the middle of the lineup. Senior Natalie Kessler also returns for the Eagles. After spending 2022 in a utility role, playing multiple positions, Kessler will start in center this season.

Junior Natalie David will be moving from the outfield to first base this spring and is another hitter that the Eagles will be counting on to try and improve their offensive output. Junior Maddie Hu will be at shortstop, using her speed to cover a lot of ground in the field and causing havoc on the base paths.

Poliferno said, “Every year, we go into the season with the mentality of ‘why not us?’ We will be going into every game this season with that thought.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Stoughton

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Laura Whittaker
Stoughton heads into the spring with a new coach, as Laura Whittaker takes over in the dugout. The expectations will remain high for a team hoping to challenge for the Davenport division title, which would be its first league title since 2005, and to make a run in the Div. 2 tournament.

The Black Knights will have a lot of returning talent to lean on this season. Senior Kerry Driscoll will be back in the circle, after an 11-8 season, and also in the heart of the order here she was the team’s leading hitter in 2022. Senior Camryn Whitman returns at shortstop with junior Alyssa Edwards next to her at third. Both players provide leadership and swing big bats to add to a potent lineup. Junior Julie Powers gives the Black Knights a lot of stability from behind the plate.

Juniors Leila Alaoui (second base) and Maddie Hinds (first base) round out an experienced, tested infield. Sophomores Caitlin Driscoll and Angelina Berry and newcomers Anna Hobbs and Lauren Price will give Stoughton plenty of speed in the outfield and some big arms to slow down runners. Julia Monaghan, Emersyn Grover, and Megan McGowan add depth and consistency to the lineup, while Alyssa Antonino, Grace Weisenberger, and Isabella Kuznitz give Whittaker a lot of versatility off the bench.

Taunton

2022 Record: 21-4
2022 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Michelle Raposo
The two-time defending Div. 1 state champions have a new coach this season, as Michelle Raposo, a starter on the Taunton teams that won titles in 2002 and 2003, takes over the Tigers this spring. Taunton looks poised to make a run at a three-peat with the return of six starters and the addition of one of the state’s top pitching prospects.

Pitching is always the place to start when thinking about a team’s state title qualifications and the Tigers will bring back sophomore Cate Larson, who was part of a pitching duo that helped Taunton win it all in 2022. In addition, junior lefty Sam Lincoln is back after a year away from the program and the Texas Tech commit would be a boost to any team’s staff. Senior Kaysie DeMoura is back behind the plate after a breakout season and her leadership and ability to work with both pitchers will be critical.

There is plenty of experience on Taunton’s roster. Senior Ava Venturelli had a standout season in 2022 and the Louisville commit is back in the outfield this year. Senior Kyleah Plumb is the spark plug at the top of the order, senior first baseman Hayley Krockta added power in the heart of the order, and senior Mia Fernandes will return at second base. Sophomore Brooke Aldrich returns at short following her solid freshman season. Eighth-grader Bella Bourque will take over at third and freshman Mia Torres will start in the outfield. Senior transfer Morgan Fitzgerald and Molly Carnes will give the Tigers extra depth in the outfield as well.

“The team chemistry these 15 girls have in such a short amount of time is remarkable,” Raposo said. “Not only do these girls have chemistry, they all have talent and determination to work hard and get better every day. I am excited to see where this season takes us as my first year taking over as head coach.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 05/23/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Mansfield didn’t record a hit but took advantage of its opportunity to steal a win over visiting Attleboro. Jimmy Gilleran led off the fourth with a walk, moved to second after Conner Zukowski was hit by a pitch, took third after a pop up, and scored on an error for the lone run of the game. Anthony Sacchetti did the rest, tossing a complete game shutout with six hits allowed and no walks, striking out seven for the win. Parker Sackett had a terrific outing in the loss, tossing a six-inning no-hitter with three walks and a pair of strikeouts. Junior Cooper Johnson had two hits, including a double, for the Bombardiers and one stolen base.

Foxboro, 6 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Each team scored in three innings but it was the visiting Warriors that took advantage of two runs in each the second, fourth, and fifth innings to secure a win over Canton. Canton sandwiched a pair of runs around Foxboro’s two runs in the top of the second, taking a 2-2 game into the fourth inning. Foxboro jumped back ahead after an RBI ground out from freshman Mike Marcucella and an RBI single from senior Jack Watts in the fourth. In the top of the fifth, both Ryan LeClair (single) and Sean O’Leary (walk) got on before Canton recorded back-to-back outs. Liam Mulkern (3-for-3, two runs, two RBI) came through with a clutch hit, sending a two-out single to center to bring both runs in to make it 6-2. Canton got a run back in the bottom half on an RBI single from Jack Digirolamo to score Andy Butler (walk), but the Bulldogs couldn’t get a run across in the final two innings. Foxboro freshman Nolan Gordon improved to 7-0 on the season, allowing three runs on nine hits and three walks, striking out seven in six innings of work. Matheiu Sullivan earned the save, retiring the side in order in the seventh.

Franklin, 16 @ King Philip, 5 – Final (6 Inn.) – Scoreless after two innings of play, Franklin’s offense came roaring to life over the final four innings, scoring a season-high 16 runs in a win on the road over King Philip to clinch sole possession of the Kelley-Rex division title. Evan Raider hit a one-out double with the bases loaded to get the offense started, putting the Panthers ahead 3-0 in the top of the third. King Philip had the answer early as sophomore Travis Crawford singled in a run and junior Rudy Gately followed with a two-run double, but Franklin’s offense couldn’t be stopped the rest of the way. After scoring three more runs in the fourth, Franklin used three straight singles from Ben Jarosz, Joe Tirrell, and Ryan Gerety (4-for-4, four runs) to score three runs, and two at-bats later, Chris Goode smoked a two-run double to center to make it 11-4. The Panthers pushed across five more in the sixth as Jase Lyons and Eisig Chig had back-to-back RBI doubles, Tirrell brought a run in on a sac fly, and Goode added two more RBI with a double.

Milford, 2 @ Taunton, 12 – Final (6 Inn.)

North Attleboro, 10 @ Oliver Ames, 11 – Final – In a back-and-forth, see-saw battle, Oliver Ames scored the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the seventh, taking the win on a walk-off walk from sophomore Ian Kelly. The Tigers had it going early, scoring first in the bottom of the second, exploding for four runs in the third (highlighted by a two-out, two-run triple from Jack Muir, who had three hits), and then three more in fourth (including an RBI triple from Jake Waxman and an RBI double from Muir) to create a 8-1 lead. That lead quickly vanished when North’s offense erupted for seven runs in the top of the fifth inning, with Derek Maceda (three hits, two runs, two RBI) driving in a run with a single, Gavin Wells scoring on a passed ball, Danny Curran knocking in two with a single to right, Dillon Harding making it a one-run game with a triple to right, and Gio Martello tying the game at 8-8 with a double to center. But it didn’t take long for Oliver Ames to regain the lead as senior Jack Richardson smacked a two-out double in the bottom half to make it 9-8. The top of the sixth was North’s turn for offense as Maceda doubled in Tyler Bannon (three hits, two runs, one RBI) to tie it, and three at-bats later, Martello reached on an error and a run came home to make it 10-9. OA stranded the tying run at third in the sixth, but came through in the bottom of the seventh. Nathanial Lewis (three hits, three RBI) led off with a single to center, Richardson was hit by a pitch, and Nathan Carpentier reached on an error to bring in a run to tie the game. After an intentional walk to load the bases, North got the second out on a fielder’s choice with the force out at home, but Kelly drew a full-count walk to score the winning run.

Sharon, 2 @ Stoughton, 9 – Final – Stoughton closed out the season with its best offensive output of the season, taking down rival Sharon 9-1 at home, but as a the away team. The Black Knights scored twice in the first and took a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning where the offense came alive for four runs and stayed hot an inning later with three more in the sixth. Senior Owen Wiesnberger got things started with a two-out, two-run single to bring Anthony Tilton (single) and Anthony Girolamo (error) home for the early edge. Sharon cut the deficit in half in the bottom half on an RBI single from Ryan Baker, but the Eagles’ offense stayed quiet for the rest of the game. In the top of the fifth, Wiesnberger and Joe McNulty earned back-to-back bases loaded walks to bring in a run each, and senior James Price drove in a pair with a single to left for a 6-1 lead. A two-out error allowed Tilton to reach in the sixth and brought Brad Franey home. Two more Eagle errors turned into two more runs for the Knights. Tilton tossed a complete game for the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks, striking out seven.








Softball
Mansfield, 0 @ Attleboro, 6 – Final – Attleboro used a four-run fifth inning to break open a one-run game and pull out the division win on senior night. Lily Routhier tossed a complete game shutout and helped her cause at the dish with three hits and an RBI. Hailey Perry made her return to the lineup and went 3-for-3 with two RBI in her season debut. Rylie Camacho, Lindsey Perry, Sarah Maher, and Lauren Eby all contributed to the offense with hits and RBIs. Mansfield was held to just four hits on the day, getting singles from Callie Lake, Cat Kipp, Casey Moussette, and Alanna Conley.

Canton, 2 @ Foxboro, 5 – Final – Vittoria Cuscia tossed a complete game and Peyton Feldman drove in a pair of runs as Foxboro knocked off visiting Canton. Cuscia struck out seven to get the win while Feldman collected a pair of hits and a pair of RBI in the win. Sophomore Fiona Dunn added two hits for the Warriors. For Canton, Sophia Santos pitched well with six strikeouts. Chloe Guerschuny had a hit and a run scored, Jess Wright had a hit and an RBI, and Taylor Reynolds added a double for the Bulldogs.

King Philip, 10 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – King Philip picked up its 18th win of the season, jumping out to a 4-0 lead through the first three innings and then tacking on six more between the fifth and sixth on the road at Franklin. Freshman Liv Petrillo got the scoring started with an RBI single in the second, and in the third, Meg Sherwood and Taylor Regan had back-to-back sacrifice flies before Charlotte Raymond (3-for-3) drove in another run with a single. Sherwood led off the fifth with a deep solo home run and Maddie Paschke made it 6-0 with a sac fly to right. In the sixth, Regan doubled in a run, Raymond brought one home on a sac fly, Petrillo added an RBI double, and Paschke capped KP’s scoring with an RBI single. Franklin freshman Sarah Boozang smacked a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to score Dana Stott to get the Panthers on the board. Emma Sheehan got the win for the Warriors, allowing one run on eight hits and two walks, striking out five in a complete game effort.

Taunton, 7 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Taunton took the lead in the top of the first and that was enough as freshman Cate Larson and senior Liv Mendonca combined for a one-hitter on the road at Milford. The Tigers scored three runs in the first, one in the second, and three more in the fourth on a total of 12 hits. Taunton’s top three hitters — Kyleah Plumb, Angie Lynch, Kaysie DeMoura — combed for seven of those hits and five of the runs with Lynch (homerun) driving in four runs on the day. Larson tossed two scoreless innings with a strikeout to start the game, allowing one hit. Mendonca tossed the final five innings and was perfect, retiring all 15 batters she faced with four strikeouts.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – OA scored an unearned run in the first inning, but North tied the game in the second and then pushed ahead the winning runs in the fifth to secure another league win. Kelley Colleran struck out 17 and blasted a two-run homer to help North pick up the victory. After OA jumped into the lead, North rallied in the second. Maryellen Charette reached on an infield hit, took second on an Emma Hanwell bunt, and scored on a grounder by Grace Simmons. In the fifth, Simmons got things started with a single and Grace Barry followed by beating out a bunt hit. Ally Levine plated the eventual game-winner with a sac fly, before Colleran stepped up and added two more runs with a homer. Colleran struck out the side in the seventh to close it out.

Stoughton, 17 @ Sharon, 1 – Final (5 inn.) – Stoughton grabbed its 10th win of the season with a league win on the road in Sharon. Kerry Driscoll earned the winning, allowing three hits with four strikeouts in five innings of work, getting exceptional defense behind her from Alyssa Edwards and Madison Hinds. Camryn Whitman led the offense for Stoughton with three hits, including a double, and an RBI while Edwards and Melody Casna each added a single, a double, and combined for five RBI. Kate Bulger chipped in with a three-run triple for the Black Knights.




Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 5 @ Franklin, 25 – Final – Franklin exploded for 20 goals in the first half on its way to a win over visiting Canton, completing another undefeated year against Hock opponents. Jake Davis (three assists) and Jayden Consigli (two assists) each pumped in five goals while John Walshe, Eddie O’Brien, and Ryan Grasso each scored a pair in the first half. Drew Hansen added three first half points with a goal and two helpers and Tyler Sacchetti recorded a goal and five assists.

Foxboro, 17 @ Milford, 3 – Final – Foxboro had nine players find the back of the net in a big win on the road at Milford. Junior Conor Noone led the charge with four goals and four assists while Tommy Sharkey and Lincoln Moore each chipped in with two goals apiece. Freshman John Sacchetti scored a hat trick in the win, Finn Stapleton added a pair of goals and an assist, sophomore Sully Kenneally scored once, and both sophomore Tony Sulham and freshman Aidan Waller

King Philip, 8 @ North Attleboro, 11 – Final

Sharon, 10 @ Mansfield, 14 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Taunton, 5 @ Attleboro, 7 – Final – For Taunton, Cali Melo scored a hat trick, Sarah Clark added two goals, and Mel Jesus recorded six saves in net.

Franklin, 17 @ Canton, 1 – Final – The Panthers completed yet another perfect Hock season, going 10-0 against league foes capped with Monday’s big win over Canton. Stella Regan (four goals, one assist) and Kaitlyn Carney (three goals, two assists) paced the offense with five points apiece, Kate O’Rourke (three goals, one assist, six draw controls) and Katie Peterson (one goal, three assists) each had four points, and Jamie Tanner (one goal) played well defensively for the Panthers. Allie McCabe scored for Canton while Elyse Broderick made nine saves in net.

Milford, 4 @ Foxboro, 15 – Final – Foxboro got goals from seven different players to pick up a big win at home and clinch its 10th straight league title. Kate Collins led the attack with six points, scoring three goals and assisting on three others. Paige Curran scored a team-high four goals and added a helper, Cate Noone had a pair of goals and three assists, and Val Beigel scored two and assisted on two. Mary Collins also had a pair of goals, adding an assist as well, while Mya Waryas (one assist) and Grace Riley each found the back of the net once. Audrey Campbell made five saves to secure the win.

North Attleboro, 3 @ King Philip, 19 – Final – King Philip celebrated senior night in grand fashion as Haley Izydorczak became the latest Warrior to hit a career milestone. Izydorczak had four goals to hit the 100-point mark for her career. Izydorczak and fellow seniors Lily Brown, Julia Marsden, Morgan Cunningham, Margo Riley, Colleen crowther, Laura Gelsomini, Rachael Anderson and Ally Peterson played well in the win.

Mansfield, 12 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – For Sharon, Bailey Garta scored a pair and Anna Hertzel added one goal. Tess Letendre had another great game in net for the Eagles, making 15 saves.




Boys Tennis
Mansfield, 4 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – Mansfield swept all three singles matches and added a fourth win from doubles play to take the win over Attleboro. Kailash Elumelai took the win at first singles (6-3, 6-0), Neema Khosravani added a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at second singles, and Jesse Colchamiro emerged from his match at third singles with a 6-3, 6-1 verdict. Sophomores Iniyan Karruppusami and Nikhil Nain delivered a 6-3, 6-1 win at first doubles for the Hornets. Attleboro’s Luke Hinton and Brady Rosen secured a 6-2, 6-3 win at second doubles.

Canton, 2 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – With two wins in singles action and one more from doubles, Foxboro fended off visiting Canton with a close 3-2 win. Bo Canfield (6-0, 6-0) and Raj Jetty won in singles action for the Warriors while Ryan Fossella and Luca Meyer secured a 7-5, 6-2 win at first doubles for Foxboro. Canton’s Suraj Ramanathan emerged from first singles with a 6-1, 6-0 win and the team of Davis Lamb and Justin Ngan captured a tight 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) win at second doubles.

King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin defended home court with a sweep and clinched the Kelley-Rex division title outright for the second straight season, and third straight title overall. The Panthers dropped a total of just two games in singles action with seniors Vayshanv Malhotra and Sameen Shaik each winning 6-0, 6-0, and senior Drew Mahoney taking a 6-2, 6-0 decision. Seniors Thomas Broyles and Tim O’Keefe battled to a 6-3, 7-5 win at first doubles, and the sophomore duo of Jay Gorgas and Ahan Shetty secured a 7-6 (4), 6-3 win at second doubles.

Taunton @ Milford, 4:30

Oliver Ames, 4 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – A doubles sweep and two wins from singles action delivered Oliver Ames a 4-1 verdict on the road at North Attleboro. OA seniors Raphael Vache (7-6 (2), 7-5) and Kylash Ganesh (6-0, 6-0) were victorious at second and third singles, respectively, while the team of Patrick Dolan and Alex Efremidas took first doubles (6-1, 6-1), and the tandem of Ben Dias and Alex Vasiliou earned a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win at second doubles. North Attleboro senior Will Folan captured a 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles.

Sharon, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 3 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Attleboro sophomore Maddie Fuscaldo overcame a one-set deficit to prevail in three, clinching a 3-2 win on the road for the Bombardiers. Fuscaldo dropped a tight first set (4-6) but came back to win two in a row (6-3, 6-2) while senior Ella Lynch-Bartek added a 6-1, 6-1 first singles win and the sophomore tandem of Kyra Johnson and Presley Biller earned a 7-5, 6-2 win at second doubles. Mansfield’s Caroline Guravage captured a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles while Savannah Grey and Alexis O’Keefe earned a 6-2, 6-4 first doubles win.

Foxboro, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Taking two wins from singles and another from doubles, the Warriors captured a tight 3-2 win on the over Canton. Athena Li continued to dominate at first singles for Foxboro taking a 6-0, 6-0 decision while Hailey Kornbluth added a 6-1, 6-0 second singles win for the Warriors. Foxboro added a third win when Emily Stow and Sydney Lebow secured a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles. Canton’s Olivia Maloney earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles and the team of Grace Powers and Olivia Durham gave the Bulldogs a 6-4, 1-6, 10-7 win at first doubles.

Franklin, 1 @ King Philip, 4 – Final – King Philip kept its division title hopes alive with a 4-1 win over Franklin, taking two wins from both singles and doubles action. The Warriors got straight set wins from Ahunna James at first singles (6-3, 6-2) and Shea Mellman at second singles (6-3, 6-1) while Franklin’s Sarah Schiavo secured a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. That meant the match would come down to doubles action, and both matches went into a third set. KP ended with winning both as the junior tandem of Priya Riar and Carlie Burns emerged with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 win at second doubles to clinch the win. Resha Ajoy and Lauren Casper added a fourth win, prevailed with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) win at first doubles. KP will play Franklin again on Wednesday in a continuation of a rain-delayed match from last week. Franklin will host Foxboro on Tuesday with a chance to clinch at least a share of the division title heading into Wednesday’s clash.

Milford, 1 @ Taunton, 4 – Final

North Attleboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – Final – Oliver Ames closed out the season by earning a 4-1 victory over North Attleboro, finishing the season at 13-3. Freshman Hannah Farber (6-0, 6-2) and senior Elizabeth O’Brien (6-0, 6-1) had the singles wins for the Tigers, at first and third singles, respectively. Morgan Vasiliou and Caroline Peper dropped just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles and the team of Olivia Querzoli and Marina Mierzwinski rallied from a one-set deficit to capture a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-1 win at second doubles. North Attleboro’s Grace Noreck won 6-3, 6-4 at second singles.

Stoughton, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final

Boys Volleyball
King Philip @ Nipmuc, 5:00 (@ Blackstone Valley HS)
Taunton, 0 @ Greater New Bedford, 3 – Final

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Taunton is coming off a state championship and a perfect season, but there will be plenty of competition for the league crown this season. Read team-by-team previews below. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2021 Record: 9-7
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Mark Homer
Last spring, Attleboro was an inning away from upsetting crosstown rival Bishop Feehan and reaching the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. The Bombardiers were also the only team to score on state champ Taunton. That is a good foundation to build on coming into a new season, as Attleboro brings back a strong core of players looking to challenge the top two in the Kelley-Rex and make another state tournament push.

Senior Lindsey Perry, who can also play second base, will be in the circle for the Bombardiers to start the season and will be throwing to sophomore Rylie Camacho, who had an impressive debut campaign at the plate and in the field. Senior Hailey Perry is coming back from a knee injury but should be at shortstop early in the season. Attleboro added pitching depth this season with junior Lily Routhier transferring in from Wheelock School (R.I.). Routhier will also play center field when she’s not pitching.

Sophomore Kayla Goldrick is another player coming off a standout rookie season and she will be at third and in the middle of the order. Junior Lauren Eby will return at the other corner and junior Sarah Maher gives Attleboro versatility by being able to play multiple positions. The Bombardiers have a balanced lineup and will be able to incorporate new faces to the program and players pulled up from JV to find the right combinations.

“The team’s goal is to stay competitive for every practice and game, and qualify for states,” said Attleboro coach Mark Homer. “We must be consistent in every aspect of the game. It’s always a tall order, but this team has the potential and determination to make it happen. We’re gonna have fun doing it.”

Canton

2021 Record: 5-11
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Canton returns seven players from last year’s team, which went on the road to beat Cardinal Spellman in the first round of the state tournament. After Dave Bohane stepped down, Sharon girls basketball coach and former Duxbury softball coach Sandy Lombardi has taken over the Bulldogs hoping to take the mix of experience and new talent on another trip to the postseason.

The Bulldogs will have depth in the circle this season with seniors Gillian Gordon and Sophia Santos bringing experience to the position and sophomore Jess Wright adding another option. Senior Taylor Reynolds brings a strong bat to the top of the order and will play in left field. Senior Emily Ciampa will return at second base, with Wright playing mostly at first, and junior Olivia Mackwell behind the plate. Sophomore Laura Valkanas will be at shortstop.

Freshman Chloe Guerschuny is a new face at third base and classmate Klara Redquest will take over from Liz Bickett in center. Senior Jessica Vo, junior Sam Vrabel, and sophomore Anna Lehan are all newcomers on varsity who will give Canton additional options in the outfield and in the lineup.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Lombardi said, “We have a good mix of upper and underclassmen. The girls are working hard and we are looking forward to competing in a tough Hockomock League.”







Foxboro

2021 Record: 11-6
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Mark Maguire
With two eighth graders in the starting lineup, including one in the circle, no one was quite sure how good Foxboro could be last spring. As it turned out, the Warriors were good enough to make a run all the way to the Div. 2 South quarterfinal. With additional pitching depth and critical varsity experience, Foxboro will try to build on that momentum and make another deep tournament run.

Senior Peyton Feldman was one of the top hitters in the league last season and she will be moving to shortstop while continuing to lead off. Senior Allie Willis will add leadership from the catcher position, as she is in her third year behind the plate. Her experience is critical when working with Foxboro’s young pitching staff. Freshman Emma Callahan had a breakout season as the starter last year and she will get the chance to play some second and third base as well to make sure her bat stays in the lineup. Freshman Vittoria Cuscia and sophomore lefty Angelina Rifai will give Foxboro more options in the circle.

Foxboro will have plenty of speed in the lineup this season. Freshman Jillian Slattery and Natalia Leach are athletic outfielders and will add production from the bottom half of the order. Freshman Ava Hill is back to start at first base after a solid eighth grade season and Fiona Dunn will get the start in right field.

“We are a young team that is looking to compete for the Davenport division,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. “We have some very good athletes that look to take their softball skills to the next level. They are a group of kids who are a pleasure to coach.”

Franklin

2021 Record: 6-9
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Katie Holbrook
Last season, Franklin showed that it could score runs in bunches, hitting double digits in five of its 15 games, but the Panthers could also allow runs in bunches with teams reaching double digits six times. With seven returning players, second-year coach Katie Holbrook is hoping that experience and depth will carry the Panthers back up the standings and into the postseason.

Franklin will have depth in the circle this season with senior Aislinn Lavery taking the bulk of the innings and junior Kiera Kotwicki able to step in when needed. Both will mix pitches and keep teams off-balance. Junior Hailey Fales will be back behind the plate, adding another layer of experience to the pitching staff. Senior Julia White battled an injury all spring in 2021 but she is back healthy and back in the middle of the infield and the order. Junior Georgia Harvey is a versatile player who can fill in at multiple positions and batted 0.426 as a sophomore.

Sophomore Carly Johnson-Pellegri had an impressive rookie season and will be moving from second to short and senior Hannah Cacciapaglia is back at first, and in the middle of the order, after recovering from an injury that kept her out all of last spring. The outfield looks strong for the Panthers this season. Senior Kelly Moussa has a strong arm in right and juniors Reece Allen and Dana Stott are two newcomers that could play big roles for the team this season.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“We have a lot of different players who can jump in and be the spark at any given moment,” Holbrook said. “There are a lot of new players in the mix, but they are already showing signs of coming together as a team and leadership is not lacking in this group. If they can remain poised and confident and play their game, we should do well this season.”




King Philip

2021 Record: 14-3
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Semifinal
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip lost only three games last season and all of those were to league and state champion Taunton. The Warriors bring back a lot of players from last season and that has put high expectations on one of the state’s perennial powers to get back on top not only in the Kelley-Rex division but also once the tournament kicks off.

A year of varsity experience might be most beneficial in the circle where senior Emma Sheehan and sophomore Jordan Bennett give the Warriors a lot of depth for a long season. Both saw plenty of action last year, including in the playoffs and they should be ready for the challenge of the new season. Junior Sarah Cullen will also be back behind the plate for the Warriors after an impressive debut season in which she batted nearly .500.

Infield defense was a strength for the Warriors, even after an injury to junior shortstop Libby Walsh. Senior Mia Bennett returns at second base and sophomore Maddie Paschke will be back at third base, after an impressive playoff run at the hot corner. Senior Meg Sherwood will add leadership in the outfield, while juniors Charlotte Raymond and Ava Lanza provide a spark in the lineup.

KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau said, “We’re hoping to have a solid season, make the tournament, and see where it goes from there!”

Mansfield

2021 Record: 9-8
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield made a surprising run to the quarterfinal of the South sectional last spring, winning at Needham and at No. 2 seed Natick before falling to perennial power Silver Lake. With seven starters returning, the Hornets will be aiming at another tournament run this year and building the confidence that they can challenge the top teams in the Kelley-Rex.

Pitching will be a question mark for Mansfield this year after graduating last year’s starter Ashlyn Conley. Senior Julia Kelly, better known for her exploits on the volleyball court, will join the team for the first time in her career and will get the chance in the circle. Junior Amanda Schwarz will also be given time in the circle, as she makes the jump up from JV.

The lineup was young and inexperienced last season, but still proved to be dynamic and most of the players who came through with big at-bats have returned. Seniors Alanna Conley, Olivia DeTrolio, and Casey Moussette are all back along with sophomores Molly Kucharski, Callie Lake, Jill Koppy, and Liv Madeira, who all had impressive rookie seasons.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“It’s been fun to get back on the field and start working with a great group of girls and we are looking forward to the season!” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre.

Milford

2021 Record: 0-14
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve DiVitto
The Kelley-Rex division is loaded every year and a young Milford roster is hungry to move past a couple of tough seasons to be more competitive in a difficult league schedule. While the Hawks went winless in 2021, they lost twice to Mansfield by a combined five runs and lost by only two runs to Franklin and Sharon, so the Hawks had opportunities to come out on top. Now, with a year that is closer to normal, Milford hopes to take the next step and turn those close defeats into victories.

While the roster is almost all underclassmen, Milford does return seven players from last year. Only two of the returners are upperclassmen, senior pitcher and outfielder Olivia Morelli and senior third baseman Gianna Cacciola. Both captains are entering their third seasons on varsity and going to be expected to provide leadership for the rest of the lineup, which is almost all freshmen and sophomores.

Also returning this year are sophomores Maddie Burns (catcher and first base), Camille Bonina (first base and outfield), Grace Bonina (middle infield), Maeve Driscoll (pitcher, shortstop, and outfield), and Sarah Wengel (outfield and first base). Each player gained valuable experience as freshmen and provide a lot of versatility in how the team will line up. The Hawks will also look to a trio of freshmen for instant impact as starters or off the bench, including pitcher Cae Pellegrini, outfielder Jianna Fernandes, and shortstop Olivia Baglione.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

“With such a young crew, we will rely on our two seniors, our captains, who have four years of experience to help lead the way,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “We pride ourselves on keeping strong team chemistry; something that will be an important part of this season. We’re hungry to get back on the field!”




North Attleboro

2021 Record: 12-4
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro has won back-to-back league titles for the first time in program history and would love to make it a three-peat before moving to the Kelley-Rex division next season. The Rocketeers graduated four starters, so there will be opportunities for underclassmen to step in and contribute right away, but North also has a strong core, particularly with two strong starting pitchers, to make a run in the Div. 2 tournament.

Juniors Zoey McDonough and Kelly Colleran are back and give North an impressive one-two punch in the circle. Both players were all-stars in their debut seasons, and both are Div. I college recruits. Since they’re also important to the lineup, McDonough will play first and Colleran will play short when they’re not pitching. Senior Mandi Hanewich is battling a hand injury at the start of the season, but the four-year varsity player will add leadership in center, while senior Ally Levine will be behind the plate working with North’s staff. Junior Grace Simmons is the fifth returning starter and the right fielder will also get the chance to produce at the plate as well.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior Shaelyn Burns will take over at third after being the DP for most of last season, while freshman Maryellen Charette gets the nod at short or at first, depending on who the starting pitcher will be. Junior Emma Hanwell and senior Grace Barry will both get chances in the outfield, while juniors Maddie Bailey and Julia Forman will play second and be the DP. Freshman Aryanna McDavitt provides much-needed versatility, as she can play anywhere in the infield and pitch when called on.

“Our goals don’t change – what does change is the approach to get there,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We’re working at it, let’s see if we retain it. The girls are focused – they know what’s in front of them!”

Oliver Ames

2021 Record: 4-10
2021 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Despite having no seniors on the roster this season, Oliver Ames has set a goal of getting back into the state tournament picture and moving up the standings in the Davenport division. The Tigers return five players from last year’s team but there is excitement about the underclassmen who will be stepping into the lineup this year and the energy that they’re bringing to the team.

Junior Maddie Homer is the team’s top returning hitter and was also an all-star at shortstop last spring. She will provide leadership in the infield. Junior Katie Melendy has a year of varsity experience in the circle and will look to build on her four wins as a sophomore. Lexi Galsband will be at first base and fellow junior Caitlin Miller returns in center, while sophomore Katherine Farley is stepping in behind the plate.

The underclassmen will give OA important versatility to find the right spots for everyone in the lineup. Sophomores Madison Monteiro, Paige Taylor, Sammy Johnson, and freshmen Emily Martin and Devon Morris will fill out the roster this season. Although young, there is a lot of club experience that they will add to the Tigers.

“Overall, I am impressed with the attitudes, hard work, and teamwork that I have seen so far this season and I am looking forward to watching them grow together as a team,” said OA coach Lindsey Allison. “We expect to be competitive in the Hockomock League and get back to the culture of making tournament an expectation.”

Sharon

2021 Record: 2-12
2021 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
For Sharon to move up the Davenport division standings, the Eagles are going to need to produce more runs this season. Sharon was last in the league with 31 runs scored in 14 games last year, but there is optimism around the team this spring that the combination of returning players and talented new faces is making good contact, being aggressive on the base paths, and look ready to create more opportunities to manufacture runs.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior Trinity Payne will be a second-year captain for the Eagles, and she will need to produce in the circle (60 strikeouts last year) and at the plate (0.343 average in 2021). Senior catcher Ciara McAuliffe can hit for power and is an experienced battery mate for Payne, which will be a key to Sharon limiting the opposition’s base runners. Senior Savannah Gray is another power hitter in the middle of the Sharon order and a leader at first base.

Junior Ally Foulsham gives Sharon important versatility, being able to play solid defense at several positions and even jump in the circle to give Payne a breather. Foulsham, who will start at third base this spring, played third, short, and pitched last year and had a fielding percentage over 90 percent. Sophomore Maddie Hu will be the new shortstop this season and junior Natalie Kessler will start in the outfield but could see time at a few positions, including catcher.

“Our players have worked incredibly hard the last couple of weeks,” Sharon coach Heather Poliferno, “and we are all eager for them to get out on the field and show everyone what Sharon High softball is capable of.”

Stoughton

2021 Record: 8-7
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Deb Parker
After a year off, Stoughton got to experience the postseason in 2021, and a playoff win, and now the Black Knights will enter a normal spring with confidence that they can build on that foundation to make another run for a state tournament spot. With depth and talent throughout the lineup, Stoughton will be hoping to be back in the mix in the Davenport division standings as well.

Senior Sydney Menz will be the anchor for the team in center and as one of the top hitters in the middle of the order. She will be joined in the outfield by classmate Kate Bulger and freshman Angie Berry, who is going to get the chance to step right into the lineup this spring. Pitching is always critical and junior Kerry Driscoll will get the nod as the starter after getting a taste of facing varsity lineups last season.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The infield will be led by senior shortstop Melody Casna. Surrounded by underclassmen, Casna will give a dash of experience and is a vocal leader. Sophomore Alyssa Edwards is back at the corners, primarily at third, after a freshman season that saw her lead the team with a 0.417 batting average.

“I have so much confidence in this team and I expect big things from them this year,” said Stoughton coach Deb Parker. “They have come together really quickly and have chemistry that I have not seen in a long time. I am excited to see what this team will accomplish together this season, they have talent, depth, and personality, and they are willing to work. They are really fun to coach!”

Taunton

2021 Record: Won Div. 1 State Title
Coach: Carrie Consalvi
Not every team rebuilds in the same way. After graduating five starters from last year’s state championship-winning team, including in the circle and the heart of the order, Taunton will have plenty of new faces stepping into big roles this spring, yet the expectations remain high for the Tigers to challenge for a third straight league title and make another tournament run.

Senior Kylie Thorpe will be the anchor in the middle of the infield and add strong leadership at the top of the order. Freshman Brooke Aldrich will take over for her sister Hanna at shortstop and has already shown off a strong arm and a strong bat. Junior Kaysie Demoura will give the Tigers vocal leadership from behind the plate and looks set for a breakout season at the plate, while senior Angie Lynch was one of the stars of Taunton’s playoff run as a leadoff hitter and center fielder.

Junior Ava Venturelli is back in the fold this spring and the University of Louisville-commit will bring her big bat to left field, having hit a pair of homers during the preseason jamboree at the PAL fields. It won’t be easy to fill the shoes of Kelsey White in the circle, but senior Olyvia Mendonca will get that assignment and has had a strong preseason.

“We have a great crew this year, very different team from last year,” said second-year coach Carrie Consalvi, noting her team will have plenty of personality and rely on key leaders this year.

2022 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 06/23/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
D1 South
#8 Norwood, 7 @ #1 Franklin, 11 – Final – Franklin’s offense stayed hot in the postseason as the Panthers pushed across double-digit runs for the second straight game (and sixth time this season) in an 11-7 win over upset-minded Norwood, the #8 seed in the bracket. Franklin built a four-run lead (6-2) through the first four innings but the Mustangs rallied to tie the game with a four-run fifth inning. Franklin responded with five runs in the bottom half and never looked back to book its spot in the D1 South semifinals. Franklin received contributions from up and down the lineup with Nate Cooke (run, RBI) and Jack Marino (run, two RBI) each recording a pair of hits in the win. Chris Goode added two runs on two walks, a hit, and an RBI, Ryan Gerety and Luc Boudreau each scored a pair of runs, Jake Fitzgibbons smacked an RBI double, and Ben Jarosz had an a hit, a walk, and an RBI. James Kuczmiec earned the win in relief, tossing 1.1 innings with one run allowed on one hit and two walks, striking out one. Sophomore Alfred Mucciarone was had a strong start, allowing two runs on four hits over four innings without issuing a walk. Franklin will play #13 seed BC High on Friday at 7:00.

#7 Taunton, 13 @ #2 Bridgewater-Raynham, 0 – Final – Taunton had one of its best showings of the season, tying a season-high with 13 runs while blanking the #2 seed Bridgewater-Raynham to advance to the D1 South Semifinals. On the mound, senior Danny MacDougall tossed six shutout innings, working around four hits and three walks while striking out three in the win. And offensively, MacDougall had a pair of hits, driving in one run while scoring four times. Sophomore Ryan MacDougall had a big day a the dish for the Tigers, who scored single runs in the first and second innings, twice in the fourth, three times in the sixth, and put the game away for good with six runs in the top of the seventh inning. The younger MacDougall had three hits on the day, driving in five runs — one on an RBI single in the first, two on a base hit in the fourth, and two more in the sixth. Alyjah Marshall recored three RBI and a run, Dawson Bryce had three hits, three runs, and two RBI, Braden Sullivan added two hits and two RBI, and Colby DeCouta scored once and had two hits in the win. Taunton will travel to #3 Xaverian in the D1 South Semifinals on Friday at 4:00.

D2 South
#8 North Attleboro, 17 @ #1 Nauset, 9 – Final (8 Inn.) – Down to its last out in the seventh inning, North Attleboro rallied to tie the game to force extras, where the Rocketeers pulled away to earn a big win over previously undefeated Nauset. In another roller coaster, back-and-forth contest, North scored twice in the final frame to stay alive. Christian Bates was hit by a pitch to lead off, Jared Penta singled to left to move pinch runner Eric Malcolmson to second and sophomore Derek Maceda was intentionally walked to load the bases. Junior Gavin Wells, who had the game-winning hit against OA in the opening round, hit a two-out, two-run single to center to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning. North senior Aidan Weir tossed a scoreless seventh inning to force extras as sophomore Aidan Conrad threw a runner out at second to end the inning. In the top of the eighth, Penta (four hits) plated Tyler Bannon with a single down the third base line to give North a 10-9 advantage. North went on to score seven more runs on four hits, six walks, and two hit batters. In total, the Rocketeers recorded 15 hits, 14 walks and three hit batters, bringing in 16 of the 17 runs on an RBI. North jumped out to an early lead (4-0 on a hit, error, and six walks) but Nauset battled back to tie the game 5-5 after three innings. The Warriors took their first lead in the top of the fifth but Maceda stroked a two-run single to put North back in front, 7-6, in the sixth. Nauset took a 9-7 lead with a three-run home. Weir closed the game out in the bottom of the tenth with a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. North Attleboro will play again on Friday, scheduled for a 4:00 PM start against the winner of #4 Dighton-Rehoboth and #5 Hopkinton.










Softball
D1 South
#9 Walpole, 0 @ #1 Taunton, 9 – Final – Taunton jumped out to an early lead with a pair of runs in the first inning and added runs in four of the next five innings to take down the visiting Timberwolves of Walpole. The Tigers scored a pair of runs in each the first, third, fifth and sixth innings, tacking on a single run in the fourth. Meanwhile, senior Kelsey White continued her dominance in the circle with another complete game shutout. In seven innings, White allowed four hits and one walk while striking out 15 batters. Offensively, the Tigers had nine hits with White smacking a pair of home runs, driving in a total of four. Senior Hanna Aldrich had three runs, including a triple and a home run, finishing with three RBI. McKenzie McAloon added a hit and an RBI for Taunton. Taunton will host Hock rival and #4 seed King Philip on Thursday at 7:00.

#5 Plymouth North, 3 @ #4 King Philip, 9 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

#10 Mansfield, 5 @ #7 Silver Lake, 8 – Final – Mansfield tried to mount a seventh inning comeback but was unable to erase a five-run deficit and saw its playoff run come to an end at Silver Lake. The Hornets trailed 8-3 heading to the final inning, but Callie Lake doubled, pinch hitter Olivia Harnden walked, and Jill Koppy singled to bring in a run. With two runners on, Casey Moussette hit a deep fly ball, but it stayed in play for the center fielder. It was Mansfield that got off to a good start to the game, with a pair of two-out runs in the first. Koppy started the rally by getting by a pitch, Moussette singled, and Molly Kucharski brought both runs in with a single. The Hornets pushed the lead to 3-1 in the fourth on a Nicole Kobasa double and an Alanna Conley RBI single. Silver Lake was able to score twice to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning and went ahead with four runs in the fifth.

D2 South
#12 Foxboro, 5 @ #4 Notre Dame Academy, 0 – Final – Emma Callahan struck out six and allowed only two hits to record a shutout and keep Foxboro’s playoff run going. Fiona Dunn had a big hit from the seven-hole, leadoff hitter Peyton Feldman scored a pair of runs, and Morgan Sylvestre had a sac fly with a deep fly to center. Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said, “We took advantage of some mistakes to get some runs and we’re on to the semis.” The Warriors will travel to top seed Middleboro on Thursday at 6:30.

Boys Lacrosse
D1 South
#9 Wellesley, 5 @ #1 Franklin, 10 – Final – Click here for a Recap and a Photo Gallery from this game.

Girls Lacrosse
D1 East
#5 Lincoln-Sudbury, 7 @ #1 Franklin, 10 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

Boys Tennis
D1 South
#3 Sharon, 0 @ #2 Brookline, 5 – Final

Boys Volleyball
Central
#6 Wachusett, 0 @ #2 Milford, 3 – Final – Milford will host #9 seed Lincoln-Sudbury in the Central sectional final on Friday at 5:00.

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 06/21/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
D1 South
#16 Durfee, 1 @ #1 Franklin, 15 – Final (5 Inn.) – Franklin exploded for 12 runs in the fourth innning, turning a two-run game into a blowout against visiting Durfee. The Panthers built a 3-1 lead over the first three innings but the offense was nearly unstoppable in the fourth, recording nine hits and three walks to put the game out of reach. Junior Chris Goode (double, run, three RBI), sophomore Ryan Gerety (double, three runs, two RBI) and freshman Henry DiGiorgio (three runs, RBI) all smacked three hits to lead the way for the Franklin offense. CJ Jette added two hits and two runs, Jack Marino drove in two runs and scored twice, Jake Fitzibbons hit a double, had a walk and drove in two runs, Nate Cooke reached twice with an RBI, and Ben Jarosz had a hit, two walks, a run scored and an RBI. Jacob Jette earned the win on the mound, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in four innings of work while striking out six. Franklin will host #8 Norwood on Wednesday at 7:00PM.

#10 Walpole, 4 @ #7 Taunton, 6 – Final (8 Inn.) – Taunton senior Danny MacDougall launched a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth as the Tigers survived a scare from visiting Walpole. The Timberwolves got off to a strong start with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning but Taunton was quick to respond, plating four runs in the bottom of the first. Ty Cali, Dawson Bryce, and Danny MacDougall all singled to load the bases and sophomore Ryan MacDougall cleared them with a three-run triple to put the hosts ahead. A wild pitch allowed Ryan MacDougall to score to make it 4-2. Walpole cut the deficit to one with a run in the top of the second and then tied the game with a single in the top of the seventh. Bryce managed a two-out single in the bottom of the eighth to keep the inning alive and Danny MacDougall launched his third home run of the year to win it. Conor Quinlan shined in relief for the Tigers, taking over to start the third inning. Quinlan allowed just one run on five hits, striking out eighth to get the win. Taunton will travel to #2 seed Bridgewater-Raynham on Wednesday at 4:00.

#12 Mansfield, 0 @ #5 Wellesley, 1 – Final – Mansfield went pitch-for-pitch with Wellesley but couldn’t push across a run, falling 1-0 on the road to the Raiders. Aaron Blinn allowed just one run on three hits without issuing a walk, striking out nine in five innings of work. James Gilleran struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief. Mansfield was limited to just two hits between two Wellesley pitchers, putting on five baserunners via walk but couldn’t get a run home.

#22 Attleboro, 4 @ #6 Braintree, 14 – Final

#14 King Philip, 3 @ #3 Xaverian, 8 – Final

D2 South
#9 Oliver Ames, 11 @ #8 North Attleboro, 12 – Final – North Attleboro’s Gavin Wells singled up the middle with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Rocketeers a walk-off win over Oliver Ames in an epic back-and-forth battle at Community Field. Oliver Ames jumped ahead with five runs in the first two innings and a two-run home run from Jake Waxman helped push the Tigers’ lead to 7-4 in the top of the fifth innings. The Rocketeers responded with six runs in the bottom half as Christian Bates smacked a two-run double to tie the game and Derek Maceda put North ahead with a two-run double for a 9-7 advantage. Wells added an RBI single in the sixth to make it a three-run game and Dennis Colleran launched a solo home run to make it 11-7 going into the last inning. Down to their final three outs, the Tigers rallied to tie the game as Nate Fulford blasted a three-run home run to make it 11-11. Jared Penta led off the bottom of the seventh with a single and stole second. North loaded the bases with no outs after an intentional walk and Wells brought in the game-winner with a base hit. Penta and Wells each had three hits for the Rocketeers while Colleran and Tyler Bannon each had two hits. For OA, Will Whiteside went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs while Jadon Ricci (two RBI, two runs), Waxman, and Patrick Finnerty (run, RBI) each had two hits. North Attleboro will travel to #1 seed Nauset on Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 1:00PM.

#11 Canton, 0 @ #5 Plymouth South, 4 – Final – Plymouth South scored twice in each of the first two innings and that was all the offense the Panthers needed to knock off visiting Canton. The Bulldogs were limited to just three hits total with Nate Hewitt recording a pair of them, including a double. Matt Quan also reached base twice with one hit and one walk.










Softball
D1 South
#16 Stoughton, 0 @ #1 Taunton, 17 – Final (5 Inn.) – Taunton opened its playoffs with an offensive explosion. The Tigers had 17 hits as a team, including three homers, and rolled to a big win. McKenzie McAloon led the way, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a triple, four runs scored, and five RBI. Hayley Krockta went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI and bashed a home run. Angie Lynch (2-for-4) added a homer, drove in two, and scored twice, while Tayah DaCosta had Taunton’s third homer, part of a 3-for-4 day where she drove in three and scored two runs. Kelsey White dominated in the circle, allowing only one hit and striking out 11 over five innings. Nicole Baker had the lone hit for the Black Knights. Taunton hosts Walpole on Wednesday in the quarterfinal.

#13 Milton, 3 @ #4 King Philip, 6 – Final – King Philip overcame an early three-run deficit to fend off an upset big from Milton. An infield single, a bunt single, and a home run in the top of the first gave the Wildcats an early 3-0 lead but KP scored in four straight innings between the third and the sixth to get the lead for good. Paige Berdos got the hosts on the board in the third inning, leading off with a single, stealing a base and scoring on a sac fly from Charlotte Raymond. Patience at the plate helped the Warriors bring two more runs in during the fourth inning to tie the game. Maddie Paschke walked, Ava Kelly singled, and Taylor Regan walked to load the bases before Jordan Bennett drew a walk to bring a run in. Berdos was then hit by a pitch to bring in another run to make it 3-3. In the bottom of the fifth, sophomore Sarah Cullen smacked a two-run home run to put KP ahead for the first time and the Warriors added a key insurance run in the sixth when Raymond drove in Berdos with a single. Bennett settled in nicely after the first inning, allowing just one base runner after the third inning which was a walk in fifth that was erased on a double play. King Philip will host #5 seed Plymouth North on Wednesday at 6:30 at the Plainville Athletic League complex.

#18 Mansfield, 5 @ #2 Natick, 4 – Final (8 Inn.) – Mansfield pulled off the upset of the tournament so far, going on the road and beating the number-two seed in extra innings. Natick came from behind to tied the game in the seventh and force extras, but Jill Koppy led off the top of the eighth with a triple and she came in to score the game-winning run on a two-out single from Ashlyn Conley. Natick had a 2-0 lead after four innings, but the Hornets responded with a four-run fifth. Ashlyn Conley singled to start the rally and Nicole Kobasa followed with a hit of her own. Alanna Conley drove them both in with a single. After an error moved Conley to third, she was brought home on a bunt by Olivia DeTrolio that led to another defensive mistake. Callie Lake bunted and heads up base running from DeTrolio turned it into Mansfield’s fourth run. Mansfield will travel to Silver Lake in the D1 South quarterfinal.

#14 Attleboro, 3 @ #3 Bishop Feehan, 4 – Final

#11 Bridgewater-Raynham, 3 @ #6 North Attleboro, 2 – Final (9 Inn.) – North faced extra innings for the second playoff game in a row, but the Rocketeers couldn’t find a way past the defending South champions. The Rocketeers got off to a great start with a run in the first. Mandi Hanewich doubled and was bunted to third by Emily Nardelli. Zoey McDonough drove in the go-ahead run with a single. North doubled its lead in the fourth. Ally Levine reached on an error and pinch runner Emma Hanwell scored on a Shaelyn Burns double. B-R tied the game in the fifth with a two-run inning. The game stayed tied until the top of the ninth when a solo homer put the Trojans in front. McDonough allowed only one earned run and struck out seven in the loss. North also flashed the leather, with two double plays, one initiated by Belle Clarkin and the other started by Kelly Colleran.

D2 South
#12 Foxboro, 18 @ #5 Diman, 6 – Final – The top three in the lineup drove in 13 combined runs and the Warriors rolled to a win in Fall River. Foxboro scored 10 runs in the first four innings and scored at least once in every inning but the sixth. Leadoff hitter Peyton Feldman set the table for Foxboro, as she went 3-for-3 with three walks, but she also added punch with a double, a triple, three runs scored, and five RBI. Emma Callahan had a pair of hits and drove in four and Morgan Sylvestre went 2-for-5 with four RBI. Jillian Slattery continued her strong playoffs with two hits, three runs scored, and two RBI from the nine-hole. Fiona Dunn scored four times and Nicole Theriault scored three times for the Warriors. Callahan had seven strikeouts and got better as the game went on, retiring the final 11 hitters that she faced to pick up her second postseason win. Foxboro will travel to Notre Dame Academy in the D2 South quarterfinal.

#22 Canton, 6 @ #6 Plymouth South, 18 – Final – Canton cut an 8-0 deficit to just three in the fourth inning, but Plymouth South scored eight times over the fifth and sixth innings to seal the win and a place in the quarterfinal. Brogan O’Leary sparked the fourth inning rally with a single and Taylor Reynolds and Olivia Mackwell both drove in runs. Amanda Vrabel had the big hit, a two-RBI triple. Reynolds added another RBI in the fifth.




Boys Lacrosse
D1 South
#16 Mansfield, 3 @ #1 Franklin, 16 – Final – Franklin’s Justin Alexander only lost one faceoff as the Panthers rolled to their third win over Mansfield this season, this one in the state tournament. Sophomore Luke Davis led the attack with three goals and six assists, Matt Lazzaro added three goals and four assists and Jayden Consigli netted five goals in the win. Owen Kielty added a pair of goals and Joe Consigli notched a goal and four assists. Franklin will host #9 seed Wellesley on Wednesday at 6:30.

#10 King Philip, 2 @ #7 Duxbury, 16 – Final

D2 South
#8 Nauset, 11 @ #1 Canton, 15 – Final

D2 Central/East
#8 North Attleboro, 3 @ #1 Medfield, 16 – Final
#7 Walpole, 12 @ #2 Foxboro, 9 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
D1 East
#9 Acton-Boxboro, 10 @ #1 Franklin, 15 – Final – Franklin jumped ahead of Acton-Boxboro early and never surrendered the lead to advance to the next round. The Panthers took a 5-1 lead after the first quarter and pushed the advantgae to 11-1 by halftime. Franklin held a 13-4 advantage going into the final quarter where A-B pumped in some goals to tighten the score. Katie Jones scored three goals and had two assists while Katie Peterson accounted for a pair of goals and a pair of assists in the win. Jamie Tanner played well on defense and in the midfield, notching six draw controls and three caused turnovers. Brigid Earley made eight saves in the win for Franklin, who will host #5 seed Lincoln-Sudbury on Wednesday at 4:00.

#7 Concord-Carlisle, 21 @ #2 King Philip, 4 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game.

D2 East
#7 Bedford, 12 @ #2 Foxboro, 11 – Final




Boys Tennis
D1 South
#8 Needham, 3 @ #1 Franklin, 2 – Final – Franklin took wins at first and second singles but lost both doubles matches and third singles, falling to Needham to end the season. Senior Liam Marr emerged from a battle at first singles with a 6-4, 4-6, 14-12 win while Vayshnav Malhotra recorded a 6-3, 2-6, 10-5 win at second singles for the Panthers.

#11 Plymouth North, 0 @ #3 Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon won all five matches in straight sets to get past Plymouth North and advance to the D1 South Semifinals. Freshman Mehul Bhattacharyya secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at first singles, junior Ruemon Bhattacharyya added a 6-4, 6-3 win at second singles, and junior Max Chen battled to a 6-0, 6-3 win at third singles. Sharon’s first doubles team of freshmen Matthew Lally and Alex Budoraclev won in straight sets while the Eagles also were victorious at second doubles. Sharon will travel to #2 seed Brookline on Wednesday at 3:00 at Waldstein Park.

D2 South
#5 Bishop Feehan, 3 @ #4 Canton, 2 – Final

Girls Tennis
D1 South
#8 Sharon, 2 @ #1 King Philip, 3 – Final

D2 South
#8 Monomoy, 2 @ #1 Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro dropped a total of four games between its three singles matches and that was enough to take down Monomoy and advance. Athena Li rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles, Pam Nelson continued her hot streak with a 6-0, 6-0 blanking at second singles, and Sarah Prag clinched the win with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at third singles. Foxboro will host the winner of #4 seed Martha’s Vineyard and #5 seed Medfield on Thursday.

Wrestling
D2 South
#3 Hingham, 33 @ #2 North Attleboro, 45 – Final

Boys Volleyball
Central
#10 King Philip, 1 @ #2 Milford, 3 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

Bottom of Foxboro Lineup Leads Win Over Medfield

Foxboro softball
Foxboro got six hits, three RBI, and seven runs scored from the bottom four in the order to beat Medfield 12-0 in the tournament opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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FOXBORO, Mass. – Foxboro has been working all season to build a lineup that from top-to-bottom can make teams pay. On Friday afternoon, all of that work paid off as the Warriors got a total team effort in the Div. 2 South preliminary round game against Medfield.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

The bottom four in the Foxboro order combined for six hits, seven runs scored, and three RBI as the Warriors rolled to a 12-0, five-inning victory.

“You need that,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. He praised the influence of former Foxboro star (and league MVP) Hannah Davis, who has been helping out this season. He added, “The end of the order, I’m really happy for them because at first it was the Peyton [Feldman] and Morgan [Sylvestre] show and now the end of the order is getting involved. They’re making the plays in the field more because of it too.”

There has been a youth movement with the Foxboro program this season, as three eighth graders are in the starting lineup, including starting pitcher Emma Callahan, who allowed a lead-off single and then retired the next 15 batters she faced to earn the win. Nine-hitter Jillian Slattery also stepped up with two hits, two RBI, and two runs scored and first baseman Ava Hill reached base twice and scored once.

Sylvestre said, “From the youth to the high school, there’s a step but they’ve adjusted well. The three eighth graders we have, they play club so they’re already at the level we need them at, but they’re just going to be studs when they’re older.”

Maguire noted, “Jill has been made maybe the biggest leap. She’s really getting the barrel on the ball, really helping the bottom of our lineup. We didn’t know whether these kids could play at this level or not. All three of them have been a blessing. If we don’t have the eighth grade waiver, we’re not competing in the league.”

Medfield started the game well, as Brooke Lyons lined a single into left field, but Callahan came right back to strikeout the next hitter, snagged a pop up in the circle, and then got a fly ball to Nicole Theriault in center to get out of the inning unscathed.

After putting two on with two outs in the bottom of the first but not getting a run against Medfield starter Chloe Hunt, Foxboro broke the deadlock in the second.

Theriault, the No. 6 hitter, led off the inning with an infield single and Fiona Dunn followed with a single to right. Hill dropped a bunt in front of the plate and reached when Medfield catcher Bitsy Crowley held the ball to keep Theriault at third. A one-out error scored the first run and two-out walks to Sylvestre and Kaylee Bruce (0-for-1, three walks) made it 3-0.

It could’ve been more for Foxboro, but Alexandra Willis’ line drive to right was snagged by Jess Coletti to end the rally.

Callahan sat down the side in order in the top of the third, with help from a nice play by Sylvestre, who showed off her range at short to end the inning. In the bottom half, Foxboro broke the game wide open.

Again the offense was sparked by the bottom half of the order. Theriault (3-for-3, walk, two runs) singled to left and stole second. Dunn reached on an error and then Hill was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Slattery (2-for-3) stepped up and drilled a double over Coletti’s head in right to bring in two.

Although Hill was cut down at the plate, Callahan doubled to score the third run of the inning and Sylvestre (1-for-3, three RBI) scored two with a double to left. Foxboro led 8-0 and was cruising into the first round.

The Warriors put the game away in the fourth. With one out, Slattery doubled to the base of the wall in right. Feldman, who had reached base twice previously, got her first hit of the day on an infield single and, with Slattery on third, got caught in a run down. After the throw went into center, she moved up to second and Slattery came home with Foxboro’s ninth run.

Callahan helped her own cause with her second hit and second RBI of the game, forcing a pitching chance, as Medfield turned to Kaelyn Larkin. After Sylvestre popped up to third, Bruce reached on an error. Willis kept the rally going with an RBI single to score Callahan and then Theriault got her third hit, a single to center to plate Bruce.

With then chance to put an early end to the game, Callahan continued to keep the Medfield lineup under control. After a grounder to the sure-handed Sylvestre at short and Callahan’s third strikeout of the game, Willis capped the win by quickly getting out from behind the plate to make a sliding grab on a pop up in foul ground.

“Right when I saw Emma pitch, after the 5-0 win over Franklin in the first game of the season,” said Maguire about the moment when he realized his team’s potential. “She goes in there with that attitude and we’re just going to keep on working. Right when I saw that, I’m like we’re good.”

In 2018, Foxboro made a run to the D2 South quarterfinal and Sylvestre, who was a freshman on that team, thinks the Warriors have the talent to make a similar playoff push this spring. She said, “We definitely feel confident coming in because this is like as good a team as we’ve had since Hannah’s senior year. I think this is the best team we’ve had since, maybe it’s even better because our picthing is really good. We can definitely make a run.”

Foxboro (9-5) will now travel to Fall River to take on fifth-seed Diman Voke in the next round.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
King Philip’s Paige Berdos attempts a sliding catch against Attleboro during the 2019 season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2019 Record: 11-11
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Mark Homer

The Bombardiers will be fielding one of the most balanced lineups the program has seen in recent memory. Head coach Mark Homer believes his group of enthusiastic, hard-working, and motivated players can compete for the division title in what is always a very competitive division.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

It will start with a strong group of returners that picked up valuable experience two years ago during the 2019 season. Senior captains Brenna Morse and Lora Woyton have been leaders both on and off the field during the offseason and so far during the preseason. Homer credits their commitment for setting the tone for the entire program. Juniors Lindsey Perry, Hailey Perry, and Meghan Gordon all burst onto the scene as freshmen during the 2019 season and will be key pieces this year.

Homer is going to lean heavily on his senior class, which also features Natalie Mansur, Gabby Bosh, Nina Campbell, and Janie Hillman. The Bombardiers are set to get a boost from a strong core of underclassmen as well, including sophomores Lauren Eby and Sarah Mayer as well as freshmen Rylie Camacho and Kayla Goldrick.

“This year’s team represents one of the most balanced groups we’ve had here at AHS in a while,” Homer said. “Win, lose, or draw this year’s team is about working hard and having fun doing it.”

Canton

2019 Record: 6-14
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dave Bohane

With four seniors returning and five sophomore and freshmen making their varsity debuts, Canton has a good mix of youth and experience to build on this season. It will be the senior class that the Bulldogs hope will provide the leadership to make a move up the standings and maybe challenge the top teams in the Davenport.

Senior center fielder Liz Bickett has been a star for the Bulldogs, earning all-star honors as a sophomore, and is a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Senior Steph Trendell can play both corner infield positions or jump behind the plate and senior Sarah Kelly can step in at either middle infield spot. Both will be setting the table at the top of the order. Senior Amanda Vrabel will start at catcher and work with Canton’s younger pitchers including juniors Gillian Gordon and Sophia Santos and freshman Jess Wright.

Foxboro

2019 Record: 8-13
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Mark Maguire

Youth will be the story for Foxboro this season, as the Warriors will be relying on players seeing their first varsity action in several positions, including a pair of eighth-graders who have been called up for the spring. Still, confidence is high that the Warriors have the talent to compete with the top teams in the Davenport and make a push up the standings.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Senior shortstop Morgan Sylvestre gives the Warriors a good foundation to build on, batting third and giving them a strong arm at short. Junior Peyton Feldman will see time at both third and second and will bat leadoff. Senior Nicole Theriault will play second and center, one of the few outfielders on the roster with any varsity experience, and Fiona Dunn can also jump in at second as well. Eighth-grader Ava Hill has impressed in preseason and will play first. Junior Alexandra Willis will be behind the plate and working with a young pitching staff led by eighth-grader Emma Callahan. The Warriors will also count on Dunn, Juliana Pettigrew, and Lucy Mulkern as pitchers. Andrea and Jill Slattery, Sadie Calabrese, Kaylee Bruce, Ellie Smith, and Grace Pisarczyk will all get the chance in the outfield this season.

Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said, “I’m expecting the girls to compete hard, and really feed off the energy that Peyton and Morgan bring to the top of our order. With strong leadership from our captains, we’re looking for this team to come together quickly and, hopefully compete for the Davenport.”

Franklin

2019 Record: 16-7
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Holbrook

After coming within a game of sharing the league title with Taunton in 2019 (and within one run of facing the Tigers in the South semifinal), Franklin returns only two players and has a new coaching staff with Katie Holbrook taking over this season. Despite all the new faces, the Panthers expect to be in the mix for the league title again this year.

Senior Gabby Colace is the lone player on the roster with significant varsity experience and she will be counted on to be a run producer. Fellow senior Molly Collins will join Colace in the middle infield positions and the Panthers have players who are versatile to play multiple positions. Franklin has a potentially strong lineup with Libby Carter, Georgia Harvey, and Lauren Cote all capable of coming up with big hits and driving in a lot of runs. Juniors Julia White and Aislinn Lavery, and senior Jenny Maciel give Franklin good pitching depth and will try to keep the opposition off-balance and allow the defense to make plays behind them. Sophomore Hailey Fales will get the call behind the plate.

“They have already shown in just one scrimmage and a couple of practices great strides in gelling as a team and their commitment to team unity,” said Holbrook. “What we lack in experience we are making up for in determination and commitment to growth. I am impressed with the depth and solid foundation of all the players and it will give us a lot of options with lineups.”




King Philip

2019 Record: 13-9
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau

The Warriors will have a new coach this season with former Mansfield standout player and former Franklin coach Kate Fallon-Comeau takes over at the helm.

King Philip will have a relatively young and inexperienced group at the varsity level so Fallon-Comeau will lean on her four seniors to lead the way. Paige Berdos is a three-year starter and a captain for the Warriors, a member of the varsity team since her freshman season. She’s joined by classmate Anna Bradley as captain and that duo will look to provide excellent leadership to the young Warriors. Seniors Libby Curran and Rubi Butler round out the class of 2021.

Berdos will anchor the outfield from center field and will be the spark for the offense from the leadoff spot. Bradley returns to her spot at first base and provides some pop to the lineup. From there, the Warriors will feature a lot of faces new to the varsity level. Junior Meg Sherwood and sophomore Charlotte Raymond will round out the outside for KP while junior Mia Bennett takes over at second base. Sophomore Libby Walsh brings a big bat to the lineup and will be a reliable option defensively at shortstop while freshman Maddie Paschke is slated to start at the hot corner. Junior Lauren Hooper provides depth and can fit into multiple spots in the lineup.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Junior Emma Sheehan and freshman Jordan Bennett are both options to start in the circle for Fallon-Comeau. Both will be new to the varsity level this season so the Warriors will look to play strong defense to help out the pitchers. Sophomore Sarah Cullen will do the bulk of the catching for KP.

“We’re excited to be back out on the field and looking forward to having a successful season,” Fallon-Comeau said.

Mansfield

2019 Record: 12-9
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield has consistently been a playoff team and competitive in the Kelley-Rex division but, with only two players returning from 2019, the Hornets enter the spring as a little bit of a mystery. With four freshmen and a sophomore on the roster, and only two seniors, Mansfield will be looking to put talented players in the right spots to keep battling the league’s top teams.

Senior pitcher Ashlyn Conley is one of the few players with any varsity experience and will be back in the circle this year. Junior first baseman Casey Moussette is the other returning player, after a strong freshman season at the plate in 2019. Abby DeCoste is the only other senior on varsity this season, while Jill Koppy, Molly Kucharski, Callie Lake, and Liv Madeira are all rookies who could step in and make instant impacts. Sophomore Olivia Harnden is another underclassman stepping right into the varsity team this year.

“We have a lot of talent but are still trying to learn to work together at new positions,” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre. “It has been great to be on the field playing again and we are looking forward to the season.”

Milford

2019 Record: 2-18
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford is turning the page on a tough 2019. The Hawks have been a powerhouse since joining the Hock but have gone through a transition period after graduating the core of the last state title-winning team. That transition won’t be helped by moving into the Kelley-Rex division this season, but head coach Steve DiVitto is hoping his seniors can build a foundation for several talented underclassmen that are excited about their first opportunity on varsity.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The Hawks return five players from the 2019 team. Junior Olivia Morelli will be in the circle this season and can also play shortstop. Seniors Erin McEvoy and Carly Ferreira will be at the corner infield spots and senior Natalie Casilli will be back in the outfield. Senior Elise Fauerbach can play behind the plate or in the outfield. Junior Gianna Cacciola is a new face to watch at third base. Freshman Maeve Driscoll could see time at pitcher or at short and her classmate Camille Bonina will see time at first and in the outfield.

“This year’s team is focused on the here and now and not the past,” said DiVitto. “Keeping our awesome team chemistry will be an important part of this season. We’re excited for the challenges of playing in the Hock!”




North Attleboro

2019 Record: 16-6
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro ended a two-decade wait for a league title in 2019 and had the potential to be even better last season, but the Rocketeers will come into this spring having graduated seven starters, with only three players returning with varsity experience, and looking for a new crop of players to search for a second straight Davenport crown.

Senior second baseman Emily Nardelli has been a starter since her freshman year and will be an impact player in the lineup and in the field. Senior Belle Clarkin adds versatility with her ability to play catcher, outfield, and first base, and junior Mandi Hanewich will step into center field. Pitching should remain a strength for North with a pair of promising sophomores, Kelly Colleran and Zoey McDonough, jumping into the circle. Colleran will also see time at shortstop and McDonough at first. Junior Ally Levine will be the new starter at catcher and juniors Chloe Mearn and Shaelyn Burns can play corner infield spots. Emma Bailey and Grace Simmons will add to the outfield, while there are a host of young players, including the lone freshman on the roster, Aubrey Amado, who can play multiple positions and add useful depth.

“I feel like a new coach this year after missing last year,” said North coach Bill Wallace, who also notched his 200th career win in 2019. “Since the last time we had softball I have graduated seven starters.”

Oliver Ames

2019 Record: 4-16
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames is back in the Davenport division and has a small roster, but it is one that has coach Lindsey Allison excited about its potential and versatility. The Tigers will hope that a change of scenery and a speedy, athletic lineup will see a jump up the standings to put pressure on the top teams in the division this season.

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

The Tigers will have a pair of pitchers this season as senior Emma Varella will be joined by sophomore Katie Melendy. Both have multiple pitches to keep batters off-balance and both can play other positions when they’re not in the circle. Senior Grace Simone will provide leadership for the pitching staff and a big bat in the middle of the lineup. Her leadership will be important as the Tigers will be carrying four sophomores and a freshman along with its five seniors.

Allison said, “As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to a season with a versatile team that works together and picks each other up. These kids work hard every day, strive for greatness, and are hungry for wins. Looking forward to a great season.”

Sharon

2019 Record: 5-15
2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno

Sharon is filled with upperclassman so experience will be key as the Eagles look to compete in a wide-open Davenport division. The three captains this year are shortstop Julia Earley, second baseman Sneha Kini, — both seniors — and junior pitcher Trinity Payne so the Eagles will lean on their strength up the middle of the field.

Payne picked up plenty of experience during her freshman year so will be battle-tested for the 2021 season. Earley and Kini give the Eagles a strong defensive foundation and will provide leadership both in the field and at the plate. Of the 11 players on the roster, 10 are upperclassman so head coach Heather Poliferno has an experienced group at her disposal. Poliferno believes her team has a strong mix of power and contact hitters so versatility throughout the lineup will be key.

The one underclassman on the roster is sophomore Ally Foulsham, who could make an immediate impact in her first season with the program. Foulsham can also toe the rubber in the pitcher’s circle so the Eagles have options to work with in the pitching department. After missing out on last season, the Eagles are eager to get back on the field and compete for a division title.

“My high school coach always used to say ‘why not us?’ and I would say the same thing – Why not us? Our players work hard to be the best they can be,” Poliferno said. “They can compete in any setting. We are hungry to play and we have the skill set to do it. So, why not us?”

Stoughton

2019 Record: 15-7
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Deb Parker

Stoughton had an impressive 2019, finishing in second place in the Davenport behind North Attleboro and winning its opening playoff game on a walk-off against Somerset-Berkley. With five returning starters, the Black Knights will be looking to carry momentum into this spring and make another push for a league title.

One of the keys for Stoughton’s high hopes for the season is the return of senior pitcher Nicole Baker, who had a breakout sophomore campaign and emerged as one of the top arms in the league. Baker is the lone infielder returning but senior Julia Driscoll will take over at third and senior Sarah McGrath will be behind the plate. Junior Sydney Menz, who batted over .400 as a freshman, will start in center, while junior Melody Casna takes over at short. Junior Kate Bulger will get the nod in left and senior Lauren Turner starts in right. Sophomore Kerry Driscoll adds depth in the circle and Stoughton has a crop of freshmen who could contribute right away, including Alyssa Edwards, Maddie Hinds, and Julie Powers.

“It’s a little surreal coming back to the field after losing an entire season,” said Stoughton coach Deb Parker. “If we’ve learned anything from last year it’s that nothing is promised, and we have to take advantage of every opportunity we have on and off the field. These young women work hard, and I believe we have the depth, drive, and talent this year to have a great showing in this very competitive league.”

Taunton

2019 Record: 22-3
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Semifinal
Coach: Carrie Consalvi

Taunton is one of the few teams that is coming back from the two-year layoff with a lineup that looks pretty similar to the one from 2019. The biggest change for the Tigers will be on the bench with long-time coach Dave Lewry retiring at the end of the 2019 season and Carrie Consalvi taking over. Consalvi goes into her first spring with a team loaded with talent that looks ready to defend its Kelley-Rex title.

Senior pitcher Kelsey White is back healthy following an injury that would’ve kept her out of last season. The reigning league MVP looks back to the form that helped Taunton win a state title three years ago. Reigning HockomockSports.com Hanna Aldrich is back for her senior season at shortstop and as one of the top power hitters in the Hock. Aldrich is joined up the middle by senior second baseman McKenzie McAloon. All three will be playing DI softball next year. Senior Skylar Rheaume and Tayah Decosta add to the leadership on the team and Taunton will have enviable depth with sophomore Olivia Mendonca back after playing as an eighth-grader and freshman Sam Lincoln looking like Taunton’s next pitching prospect.

“These players have had just about every challenge thrown at them over the past year, but if there was one group that could take all of this and rise to the occasion it is this group,” said Consalvi. “They are hungry to win, and I am hopeful my senior leadership will recall what it took to win that state championship back in 2018 and impart their wisdom with this group of younger players, as it will take every single one of them to make something so special to happen again.”

2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview