04/09/202304/10/2023

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/10/23

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Stoughton, 0 @ Attleboro, 15 – Final (5 Inn.) – Attleboro’s offense exploded for 16 hits and 15 runs to secure its first win of the season against visiting Stoughton. Peter DelPozzo had an RBI single in the second at-bat of the game, scoring Brody McKenna (double) and the Bombardiers never looked back from there. Both DelPozzo (three RBI, three runs) and McKenna (four RBI, two runs) each finished with three hits while Aiden Hochwarter (two RBI), Ran Martin (two RBI, run), and Jackson Huntington (two runs) each had two hits apiece. Matt Harvie earned the win for the Bombardiers, allowing one hit and four walks in 3.1 innings of work, stirking out seven. Ryan Landry (0.2 IP) and Braxton Levin (1.0 IP) both pitched well in relief.

Canton, 0 @ Taunton, 11 – Final (5 Inn.) – Taunton jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the first inning and Peter Moor had a strong performance on the mound to lead the Tigers past Canton. AJ Lewis had a bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the first inning to give the host an early lead. Dawson Bryce led off the bottom of the third with a solo home run and Dwayne Burgo roped a two-run double to left field as Taunton doubled its lead to 6-0 after three innings. Brayden Cali led off the bottom of the fourth with a triple and both him and Bryce scored on a one-out single from Shawn Cali. Brady Boucher reached on an error and three runs scored to cap the scoring. Moor allowed just two hits in four scoreless innings on the mound, striking out four in the win. Brady Morin tossed a scoreless inning in relief for Taunton. Jack Digirolamo and Matt Lesser each had a hit for Canton.

Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final – Franklin senior Alfred Mucciarone had his second straight stellar start on the mound for the Panthers with a complete game shutout in a win over visiting Foxboro. Mucciarone a strong Warrior offense to just two hits (both singles) and one walk, striking out double-digit (10) batters for the second straight game. Offensively, Franklin built its lead over the course of the game with single runs in the first (two-out infield RBI single from Henry Digiorgio to score Jase lyons), third (Lyons RBI single to score Luke Sidwell), and fourth (Sidwell bases-loaded walk), before extended its lead with three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth (Eisgi Chin RBI double, Lyons sac fly). Louis Carangelo and Mike Marcucella each had a hit for Foxboro.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ King Philip, 10 – Final (5 inn.) – After a scoreless first inning, King Philip plated at least a run in four straight including a big five-run fifth inning to end the game. Seven different Warriors recorded a hit, including two apiece from Max Robison (three RBI, run, walk) and Rudy Gately (two RBI, run, walk). Matt Kelley had a two-run single in the bottom of the second inning to push KP’s lead to 3-0, while Tommy McLeish (third inning) and Gately (fourth inning) each drove in a run. S D’Arcy had a two-run single to right field in the bottom of the fifth to cap the win. Nick Pennini had his second straight strong outing for the Warriors, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three in five scoreless innings.

Mansfield, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final (8 Inn.) – Down to its final out in the bottom of the seventh, North Attleboro tied the game to stay alive and then walked off with the victory in the bottom of the eighth to knock off Mansfield. Reed Collins reached on an error to start the bottom of the seventh, stole second, and advanced to third on an error. Sophomore Gio Martello delivered the big hit, sending a single to right to bring the tying run in. After Dillon Harding pitching a 1-2-3 top half in the eighth inning, Jack Munley had a one-out single, Ayden Delaney followed with a single to move Munley to third, Collins was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Munley came racing home on a wild pitch for the winning run. Harding earned the win, allowing two unearned runs on five hits and two walks, pitching all eight innings with five strikeouts. North took a 1-0 lead after Nate Kelly singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an error in the bottom of the second but the Hornets jumped ahead with a pair of runs in the top of the third. Matt DeShiro walked and scored when Jake Maydak reached on an error, and then Maydak scored on a single from Brian Butler (two hits). Connor Curtis pitched well for the Hornets, allowing two unearned runs on fit hits and one walk, striking out eight in seven innings.

Sharon, 0 @ Milford, 14 – Final (5 inn.) – Milford plated five runs in each of the first two innings on its way to a big win at home at Fino Field over Sharon. Evan Cornelius had a big day both offensively and on the mound, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, one RBI, and three runs scored while also tossing four shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out seven in four innings of work. Louis Consigli had a three-run triple to clear the bases in the bottom of the fourth while Ian Carter went 1-for-2 with a walk, a run, and two RBI.

Softball
Attleboro, 13 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final (5 inn.) – Attleboro plated nine runs between the second and third innings to secure a win on the road at Stoughton. Freshman pitcher Jenna Callahan and freshman catcher Nina Sullivan both had big days at the dish as they each recorded two hits and scored two runs for the Bombardiers. Sarah Maher added three hits and three RBI while Paige Quaglia had a big showing with four RBI on three hits.

Taunton, 21 @ Canton, 1 – Final (5 Inn.) – Taunton belted out 20 hits as a team and used a big first inning to set the tone in a win on the road at Canton. Bella Bourque (RBI, three runs), Ava Venturelli (five RBI, three runs, double, triple), Kaysie DeMoura (three RBI, run, double), and Brooke Aldrich (RBI, two runs, triple) each had three hits for the Tigers, who pushed across 11 runs in the first inning. Sophomore Cate Larson had a strong all-around game with a pair of hits, three RBI and a run scored offensively while allowing one unearned run on one hit and one walk, striking out 12 in five innings.

Franklin, 11 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Franklin clubbed out 21 hits and scored in five straight innings, including a five-run sixth inning, to get a win on the road over Foxboro. Franklin scored twice in the top of the third on an RBI single from Sarah Boozang and a sac fly from Katy Liberman but the Warriors cut the deficit in half in the bottom half on a single from Emma Callahan. The Panthers tacked on a run in the fourth (bases-laded walk from Katie Dowley) and fifth (Marley Allen home run) before exploding for five runs in the sixth. Carly Pellegri and Liberman had back-to-back RBI singles, Allen roped a two-run double to left, and Caitlin Hickey brought in a run with a single. Avery Chalk (run), Boozang, and Allen all finished with four hits for Franklin. Kiera Kotwicki allowed one unearned run on four hits and a walk in three innings while Sophia Sacramone didn’t allow a run in four innings, striking out six with four hits and one walk. Callahan and Natalia Leach each had two hits for the Warriors.

King Philip, 17 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – King Philip sophomore Liv Petrillo drilled her third home run of the young season and senior Libby Walsh hit her second home run in as many games to lead the Warriors to a win over Oliver Ames on the road. The Tigers jumped out to a 3-2 lead after two innings off a couple of early walks but KP rallied for six runs in the top of the sixth, five runs between the next two innings, and four more in the seventh. Charlotte Raymond was hit by a pitch and Taylor Regan draw a walk before Petrillo sent a bomb over the fence in center field. KP tacked on two more on a sac fly from Ali Gill and Walsh followed with a solo shot to left field. Petrillo (three runs), Walsh (two RBI, two runs), Regan (four runs), and Sarah Cullen (RBI, run) each finished with three hits while Raymond clubbed two doubles. Freshman McCoy Walsh earned the win in relief, tossing six shutout innings with three hits, one walk, and 11 strikeouts. Emily Martin and Maddie Homer each had a hit and a run scored for OA.

North Attleboro, 5 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final (11 Inn.) – North Attleboro senior Kelly Colleran struck out 28 batters as the Rocketeers were able to outlast Mansfield in an 11-inning thriller. North took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first before Mansfield knotted the score in the bottom of the second as Reilley Slaney’s bunt single scored Molly Kucharski (triple). North threatened but Mansfield’s defense kept the game tied at 1-1 as Jill Koppy and Kucharski combined to pick off a runner at third, and another great play from Liv Medeira and Slaney to catch a runner between second and third. With the international tiebreaker in effect, North pushed across four runs in the 11th as Julia Forman drove in Grace Forman to give North the lead. Arianna McDavitt, Molley Willey (three hits), Maryellen Charette (four hits) and Emma Hanwell each followed with singles to extend North’s lead. Mansfield brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the inning with runners on second and third but Colleran closed it out. Freshman Dani Jameson pitched all 11 innings for Mansfield, scattering eight hits with 11 strikeouts.

Milford, 18 @ Sharon, 1 – Final (5 Inn.) – Milford got off to a strong start with six runs between the first two innings and the offense stayed hot throughout to earn its first win of the season over Sharon. Olivia Baglione set the table from the leadoff spot, going 5-for-5 (two doubles) with an RBI and four runs scored for the Hawks, who had 22 hits as a team. Cae Pellegrini added three hits, including a home run, and two RBI and four runs while Maeve Driscoll and (two RBI, run), Jianna Fernandes (RBI, run) also had three hits on the day. Driscoll earned the win in the circle, striking out five in five innings of work. Natalie Kessler had a hit for the Eagles with Ally Foulsham scoring the run.

Boys Lacrosse
Taunton, 2 @ Attleboro, 17 – Final

Franklin, 19 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game.

Foxboro, 9 @ King Philip, 12 – Final – King Philip created some separation in the second quarter and stayed ahead the rest of the way in a key crossover win over Foxboro. James Boldy had another big game in the cage for the hosts, coming up with 17 saves to keep KP ahead. Donovan DeVellis paced the offense with a team-high four goals and added one assist while Mason Thompson scored a hat trick and added three helpers. Cullen McCarthy (assist) and Hayden Schmitz each added two goals, Tommy Kilroy recorded three assists, and Noah Minkwitz scored once. Tyler Douglas had a strong defensive game for KP with six ground balls. Adam Addeche also had a big game in net, making 17 saves for Foxboro to keep his Warriors in it. Conor Noone led the charge for Foxboro with five goals and one assist, Jon Sachetti added a hat trick, and Aidan Waller scored once.

Mansfield, 11 @ Sharon, 7 – Final

North Attleboro, 13 @ Milford, 7 – Final – North Attleboro turned a one-goal lead at halftime in a 13-7 win on the road at Milford. The Rocketeers led 5-4 at the break. For Milford, Eric Farrell scored a hat trick while both Jacob Ligor and Jayden Martins scored two goals apiece.

Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 18 @ Taunton, 4 – Final – Buoyed by a big first half, Attleboro ran away with a win on the road at Taunton. The Bombardiers erupted for 11 goals in the opening half to build a big lead. Isabella Cavallini (six draws) paced Attleboro’s offense with five goals and two assists, Amelia Collins added four goals and one assist and Molly Moore chipped in with three goals and three assists in the win. Addison Papagolos (six draws), Jordan Mooney, and Kristin Vasquez-Trudeau each scored twice in the win. AHS head coach Shane Collins praised the defensive effort of Vasquez-Trudeau and Ella Stromfors. Cali Mello led Taunton with a pair of goals while Maddie Szala and Raquel Azevedo each had a goal and an assist. Mel Jesus turned away 13 shots in net for the Tigers.

Canton, 3 @ Franklin, 18 – Final – Franklin had 10 different players record a point as they earned a big win over visiting Canton. Lindsay Atkinson led the charge offensively with four goals while Kaitlyn Carney (five draws) had a hat trick and three assists. Katie Peterson (seven draws) and Jamie Tanner each added a pair of goals and three assists in the win while Ella Mahoney made three saves. Emily McCabe scored all three goals for the Bulldogs.

King Philip, 8 @ Foxboro, 10 – Final – Locked in a one-goal battle, Foxboro sophomore goalie Audrey Campbell came up with a huge point-blank save off of a free position bid from King Philip and the Warriors held on for a key crossover win. The teams were level at 5-5 at halftime and traded goals early on in the second half before Foxboro finally built a two-goal cushion at 9-7. KP got one back and had a chance to tie it with just over two minutes to go but Campbell made the save. Foxboro was able to kill some clock and Val Beigel clinched the win, cleaning up a rebound off her own shot to make it 10-8 with 1:21 to play. Mary Collins had a team-high three goals and one assist, Mya Waryas and Beigel each had two goals, while Paige Curran (two assists), Cate Noone, and Grace Riley each scored once. Makenzie McDevitt led KP with three goals while Kelly Holmes (two assists), Sammy Cloutier, Emily Heslin, Nikki McDonald, and Abby MacDonald each scored once. Emily Campbell played well in net for the visitors with 10 saves.

Sharon, 6 @ Mansfield, 19 – Final – Ava Adams scored eight goals, including the 100th of her career, to power the Hornets to a big league win. Lola Varricchione added four goals in the win, while Cammy Shanteler and Carys Colby each found the back of the net twice. Mansfield also got goals from Tessa Johnson, Rose Maher (two assists), and Ella Palanza. Keira Fitzgerald dished out a pair of helpers and Caitlyn Zajac made five saves in the victory.

Milford @ North Attleboro – Postponed to Sunday, 5/21 at 5:00.

Stoughton, 6 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final – Amanda Reid scored four times for the Black Knights, while chipping in with an assist and three draw controls. Stoughton also got two goals and seven draw controls from Morgan Groppi, an assist and draw control from Nicole Reid, and 12 saves in goal from Jordan Coleman.

Boys Tennis
Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Behind a pair of wins in both singles and doubles action, Attleboro returned from Stoughton with a 4-1 verdict over the Black Knights. Kyle Neuendorf battled his way to a close 7-5, 6-4 win at first singles while Tyler Rocchio dropped just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 victory at second singles. The team of Luke Hinton and Brady Rosen earned a 6-3, 6-0 win at first doubles, and the Bombardiers’ second doubles pair of Clay Tyler and Noem Cook prevailed 6-4, 4-7, 7-5. Stoughton’s Paul Medeiros earned a 6-4, 6-4 win at third singles.

Taunton, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Canton’s second doubles team of senior Drew Garrett and freshman Matt Wright prevailed from a hard-fought match with a win to clinch a 3-2 for the Bulldogs against visiting Taunton. Garrett and Wright battled for a 6-4, 6-4 win while Max Kupferman (first singles, 6-4, 6-0) and Bharat Ramanathan (second singles, 6-1, 6-0) also won for the Bulldogs. Taunton’s Heitor Sens secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles while Collin Lofgren and Derek Desseault grabbed a 6-2, 6-2 win at first doubles.

Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Foxboro took first and second singles but Franklin swept both doubles matches and had a third win at third singles to edge out Foxboro in a tight match. Both doubles matches came down to the wire but it was Franklin’s Ahan Shetty and Eric Tomaino that prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (5) at first doubles and the team of Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy that emerged with a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) win at second doubles to clinch the win. Will Forrest added a 6-1, 6-1 third singles win for the Panthers. Foxboro’s Raj Jetty grabbed a 6-1, 6-4 win at first singles and Luca Meyer earned a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles.

King Philip, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

North Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final – Mansfield’s doubles team were pushed in the second set but both pairs were able to finish it off and complete a sweep of the Rocketeers, all five matches in straight sets. Neema Khosravani (first singles, 6-0, 6-1), Nikhil Nain (second singles, 7-5, 6-3), and Iniyan Karruppusami (third singles, 6-1, 6-1) each won for the Hornets in singles action. The team of Josh Weiner and Jacob Weiner prevailed 6-3, 7-5 at first doubles while the pairing of Jesse Colchamiro and Dhruv Jain took a 6-2, 7-5 decision at second doubles.

Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon defended home court with a clean sweep, winning all five matches in straight sets over visiting Milford. Jacob Slavsky took a hard-fought 6-1, 7-5 verdict at first singles, Matthew Lally added a 6-3, 6-0 win at second singles, and Hyojae Park dropped just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 third singles victory. The team of Rithvik Neti and Sava Kassev rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 first doubles win, and Sharon’s second doubles team of Michael Wang and Mihir Basil won 6-2, 6-1.

Girls Tennis
Stoughton, 2 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Attleboro’s Bree Paulette had another thrilling win, taking her match in three sets to clinch a victory for the Bombardiers over visiting Stoughton. After splitting the first two sets, Paulette emerged victorious in the third set for a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win. Attleboro also got wins from the first doubles team of Zoe Stanley and Kyra Johnson (6-0, 6-0) and the second doubles team of Julia Leonardo and Katie Lortos (6-1, 6-1). Stoughton’s Ally Lada battled to a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) win at first singles, and Nadia Prokopiuktook a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory at second singles for the Black Knights.

Canton, 2 @ Taunton, 3 – Final – Taunton took a pair of wins from singles play and one more in doubles action to pick up a close win over visiting Canton. Junior Ava Alves grabbed a 6-2, 6-4 win at second singles while Morgan Smith secured a 6-1, 7-5 win at third singles for the Tigers. The team of juniors Courtney Martin and Caroline Pietnik helped secure the win, taking a 6-2, 6-3 verdict at second doubles. Canton’s Camila Cutter won 6-2, 1-6, 10-5 at first singles, and the team of Grace Powers and Kelli Woodworth prevailed 7-5, 6-2 at first doubles.

Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Franklin swept both doubles matches and took two more wins from singles play for a 4-1 verdict at home against visiting Foxboro. Sophomores Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen earned a 6-4, 6-1 win at first doubles while seniors Allison Bagley and Shriya Rajesh secured a 6-3, 6-3 second doubles victory for the Panthers. In singles action, junior Brooke Taylor was victorious with a 6-1, 6-2 verdict at second singles, and freshman Isabelle Simino rallied from a one-set deficit to grab a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. Foxboro’s Hailey Kornbluth dropped just two games in a 6-2, 6-0 win at first singles.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ King Philip, 4 – Final – King Philip’s Shea Mellman and Caroline Freese both earned tight wins in singles matches to help the Warriors secure a win over Oliver Ames in a match that was closer than the score might indicate. Mellman ended up with a 6-3, 6-2 win but most of the games reached deuce; the win gave KP the match-clinching third win. Freese split the first two sets but gained some momentum late in the second set that she carried into the third for a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 win at second singles. The team of Carlie Burns and Priya Riar added a 6-3, 6-4 victory at first doubles for KP, and the team of Lauren Casper and Jaelyn Dang rallied from a three-game deficit in the second set to secure a 6-2, 6-4 win at second doubles. OA’s Hannah Farber prevailed from a three-hour marathon of a match to win 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 at first singles.

Mansfield, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – North swept singles and won at first doubles to stay unbeaten through three matches. Lauren Hunt won at first singles without dropping a game, Megan Atwood won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles, and Grace Noreck won by the same score at third singles. The Rocketeers also got a point at first doubles with sophomores Audrey Noreck and Liz Silva winning in straight sets (6-4, 6-2). At second doubles, North’s Kaeleigh Folan and Lizzy Fang and Mansfield’s Caroline Guravage and Rachel Goldman split the first two sets with the Hornets’ duo winning the tiebreak to take a point.

Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Sharon went on the road and returned home from a long trip to Milford with a clean sweep, winning all five matches in straight sets. Judy Song lost just two games in a 6-2, 6-0 first singles win, Navya Shukla rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win at second singles, and Sophia Oh earned a 6-3, 6-1 third singles victory. Sharon also picked up wins from the first doubles team of Zayna Cheema and Grace Zhong (6-2, 6-2) and the second doubles team of freshmen Sydney Wiener and Lila Hogan (6-0, 6-4).

Boys Volleyball
King Philip vs. Norwood, 5:45
Milford, 1 @ Agawam, 3 – Final
Taunton, 1 vs. North Quincy, 3 – Final

04/04/202304/05/2023

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 3-14
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Shane Collins
It has been a few years since Attleboro challenged for a playoff spot, but the Bombardiers are hoping that the program is taking steps to get back to that level. First-year coach Shane Collins inherits a group with some varsity experience and a little more depth in the roster to try and exceed the three wins from 2022.

Attleboro’s attack will be led by senior Jordan Mooney, a three-year starter, and classmate Stella Krawiec, whose speed adds a different dimension on offense. Sophomore Isabella Cavallini gained a lot of experience as a freshman and could have a breakout year. Junior Molly Moore and freshman Amelia Collins will also get chances to contribute in attack.

Junior Addison Papagolos will be a key player in midfield, making an impact at both ends of the field. Senior Gabriela Sprovieri will also chip in. Senior Ella Stromfors is a three-year starter in defense and her leadership will be invaluable for the Bombardiers alongside juniors Kristin Vasquez-Trudeau and Leandra Lennon. Sophomore Peyton McAuliffe is in goal after seeing some action in the cage as a freshman.

“There’s nothing but upside for this team,” said Collins. “Most of these girls have at least a season of varsity lacrosse under their belts. I feel we have some depth in the midfield, attackers improving on getting to the cage, and a defense and keeper who are communicating extremely well leading up to the start of the season. Our success this season truly hinges on everyone’s commitment to the team-first mentality.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Canton

2022 Record: 14-4
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Casey Bradley
Under first-year coach (and former player) Casey Bradley, Canton saw a resurgence in 2022. The Bulldogs battled Foxboro for the league title all the way to the final game of the regular season and returned to the state tournament. This season, Canton returns loads of talent to make another title challenge and try to add a playoff victory.

Midfield is going to be a strength for the Bulldogs. Junior Devan Spinale is a talented, speedy player with a great finishing touch. Senior Emily McCabe provides the team with endless energy at both ends of the field and was the team’s leading scorer last year. Freshman Nora Giannacopoulos has been impressive in the preseason and there is a lot of potential for her to make an instant impact.

The attack is spearheaded by senior Ella Yeaton, another quick, skillful player who can break down opposition defenses. Canton’s strength last year was its defense and the Bulldogs will be leaning on a couple of experienced players to keep that solidity going into the new season. Juniors Tori Carr and Ava Gilmore are vocal leaders who will maintain the organization in front of goal.

“I am very excited to work with this talented group and continue to build on the foundation from last year,” Bradley said. “We have a ton of returners who will lead the way for the younger girls. The girls are super happy to be back and love working with each other every day.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Foxboro

2022 Record: 14-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Quarterfinal (Davenport champion)
Coach: Kathleen McCullough
Foxboro came within a goal of reaching the Div. 3 Final Four last year and the Warriors bring back a strong core that should be among the contenders for the D3 title again this spring. The 10-time defending Davenport division champions have experience all over the field, return their top two scorers from last year, and are focused on making another tournament run.

The Warriors were the second-highest scoring team in the Hock last year and should be right there again, as seniors Paige Curran, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, and Mya Waryas spearhead a deep, talented group of attackers. Senior Grace Riley and sophomore Cate Noone and junior midfielders Val Beigel and Mary Collins will add even more offensive punch.

Senior Jenney Gallagher is a vocal leader in the defense and she’s not afraid to rush forward and cause problems for the opposition on the other end of the field as well. Junior Ella Campbell is an experienced defender who can disrupt opposing attacks. Sophomore Audrey Campbell gained confidence from a strong freshman season, including a couple of impressive displays in the playoffs, and will be a leader in goal.

“I am thrilled to get back to work with this group of girls,” said Foxboro coach Kathleen McCullough. “They are extremely hardworking and motivated to make a playoff run this year. Right now, we are focusing on team chemistry and game strategies as we approach a schedule that poses some tough opponents and challenges.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Franklin

2022 Record: 18-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion)
Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
Franklin has been untouchable in the Hockomock League for a decade. Last spring, the Panthers extended their league winning streak to more than 90 games and they come into this season as the heavy favorites to bring home another Kelley-Rex title. Expectations remain sky-high for a program that only seems to reload, not rebuild, and the Panthers will continue to have aspirations to challenge the best programs in the state and compete for a first state title.

The experience in the midfield will be key to Franklin’s season. Senior Kaitlyn Carney led the team with 50 goals in the regular season in 2022 and classmate Katie Peterson was right behind her with 65 points. Seniors Jamie Tanner and Lindsay Atkinson will also return in what should be a dynamic attacking unit. What makes Franklin so difficult to play against is that all of those midfielders also contribute on the other end as well. Senior Payten Crandall will be back in the heart of the defense, giving the team needed leadership in front of its own goal.

As always, when players graduate, Franklin has new players ready to step into the lineup. Junior Katie Ryan will add to the attacking firepower up front, while sophomore Sophia Sacchetti will add to the midfield. Both were on varsity last season but will have bigger roles to play this spring. Freshman midfielder Vera Hansen, the lone rookie on the roster, will also get the chance to show off her speed. Junior Keira Kucich will join Crandall in defense in front of sophomore goalie Ella Mahoney, who’s had a strong start to the season.

“I am really looking forward to the 2023 season,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “We have a good mix of upperclassmen leaders and new players who are ready to step up. Every player has an important role on this team, and if we play together we can go far!”

King Philip

2022 Record: 14-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Kourtnie Wilder
King Philip is coming off another strong season. The Warriors lost only once in the league, to Franklin, and went on the road to beat Needham in the opening round of the state tournament. KP returns 12 players from last year’s team and will lean on its experienced defenders to keep the team in the hunt for a first league title since 2012.

Senior goalie Emily Campbell will be back in the cage this season and her leadership and shot-stopping will be important for the Warriors. Junior Lily McNulty can play in defense or midfield and is another experienced player who can limit the opposition

In attack, the Warriors will have some new faces stepping in and familiar faces who will have much bigger roles. Sophomore Makenzie McDevitt is coming off a breakout freshman season and could be pivotal as either an attacker or a midfielder. Juniors Alyssa Legere and Nicole McDonald will also be counted on to fire in the goals and junior midfielder Sarah Brown can help at both ends of the field.

“We are looking forward to working with this new group,” said KP coach Kourtnie Wilder. “The team has worked hard so far and put in work in the offseason. A lot of our players are multi-sport athletes, and play other sports together and have great chemistry. We as a coaching staff are excited to see what this group can do this spring.”

Mansfield

2022 Record: 9-6
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Mary Kiley
After a tough start to 2022, Mansfield went on a six-game win streak to close out the regular season (four of those wins by three goals or fewer) and earned a trip to Westford Academy in the first round of the playoffs. The Hornets will be hoping that the momentum from that late-season run will carry over to 2023 and that they can make a title challenge in their first spring in the Davenport division.

Offensively, the team will lean on senior Ava Adams. The team’s leading scorer from last season is a dynamic playmaker and she can open up chances for the entire attack. On defense, experience will be key for the Hornets. Senior goalie Caitlin Zajac returns to be the backstop for the defensive group and classmate Audrey Murphy gives the Hornets much-needed leadership at the back.

Mansfield is counting on the experience gained last year to build depth throughout the roster. Senior Brooke Butler, juniors Keira Fitzpatrick and Lola Varricchione, and sophomore Ella Palanza will play big roles in the midfield, supporting the attack but also dropping in and bolstering the defense.

“We’re having a great start to the season – focusing on fundamentals like our fitness and stickwork, but also elevating our play with high-intensity drills that are super competitive as well as team building,” said Mansfield coach Mary Kiley. “We have a large, talented team and are looking to strategize by using quicker, line-type subbing (like hockey) that will allow us to always have fresh legs on the field. Overall, the team is confident, hard-working, and ready to bring it in our new division!”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Milford

2022 Record: 11-9
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Kacey Young
Milford is coming off one of the best seasons in program history. Under first-year coach Kacey Young, the Hawks won 11 games and reached the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. Now the challenge is building off that success and trying to continue the momentum that has been created around the program.

The Hawks return 15 seniors from last year’s team, so there will be plenty of experience on the field, even with the graduation of leading scorer Aislinn Bennett. Offensively, several players will be counted on to step up and provide scoring punch, including senior midfielders Emily Croteau and Carly Haley. Senior Jordan Douglas and junior Erin Michelson will add to the attack along with a talented group of sophomore newcomers: TJ Downing, Yas Martinez, Alexa Landry, and Kaitlin Landry.

Experience will be a strength of Milford’s defense. Senior Caitlyn Bangert had an impressive 2022 in goal and will be back in the cage to provide vocal leadership and organization. In front of Bangert, seniors Tessa Scrimgeour, Sophia Soares, and Molly Hartman form a cohesive group to try and keep opposing attackers at bay.

“Our focus this year is to continue to work together as a team, celebrate the successes and growth, learn from our mistakes, and have fun,” Young explained. “With 15 seniors on the team, their leadership is spread across the field in all positions. Every player will be a contributor on this team and I look forward to seeing them all play together this season.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 7-12
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Amanda Welch
After reaching the playoffs in 2022, North Attleboro returns to the Kelley-Rex division this spring with a roster that is significantly younger. The Rocketeers graduated nearly all of its starting lineup, so the opportunity is there for a lot of players to make instant contributions.

Midfield is where most of North’s experience will be, including its two returning starters. Seniors Ava McKeon and Caroline Folan are the top two scorers coming back for North but also give the Rocketeers athleticism, energy, and leadership all over the field.

As expected from a team that graduated so much of its lineup, there will be a lot of newcomers that will get valuable varsity experience this year. North has a talented sophomore group that could be poised for big seasons. Lily Ramm and Ellie Regan will be in the attack and Carleigh Swenson will step into the defense.

“For our 2023 season we are looking up,” said North coach Amanda Welch. “Despite losing 90% of our starting lineup of seniors, we have really put in the work in the offseason and it’s showing. We have a bright future for this team as we recruited young talent that will help fill the gaps of those seniors. The girls have come to play this year and we will be a team to look out for.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 11-8
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Marisol Henderson
Oliver Ames reached the state tournament a year ago and the Tigers are looking to make another playoff run this spring under first-year coach Marisol Henderson. With only one senior on the roster, OA is going to lean heavily on younger players to step into big roles, but there is a lot of excitement about the potential on the roster.

Senior Catie Wilson is the team’s top returning scorer and she’ll lead the team from the front. Juniors Leanna Hudson and Kayla Magit add to OA’s attacking strength. Junior Olivia O’Rourke will be the key to the midfield. The St. Anselm commit provides energy on both ends of the field. Junior Hailey Goldman and sophomore Summer Silverman have been aggressive through preseason and junior Erin Cottam has the potential for a breakout season.

Junior goalie Claire O’Rourke will bring vocal leadership to the defensive group. Juniors Taylor McAndrew and Gennie Fulford have a lot of skill at cutting off opposition attacks. Freshman Molly Nager has already shown how her speed could be a threat on the break and has the potential to be an instant contributor.

“I have been really impressed by the positive energy and hard work that the team has shown,” Henderson said. “It has also been great to see how well they support each other. They are coming into another season with a new coach, and it can be tough to not have consistency from one year to the next, but they aren’t letting that get to them and they are eager to learn. We have a lot of potential and I am looking forward to seeing improvements every game.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Sharon

2022 Record: 0-20
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Ali Bowery
Sharon is coming off a difficult 2022 season. The Eagles were unable to find a win last year, although they did have two losses by just a single goal, and are in the midst of a rebuild under first-year coach Ali Bowery. She is leaning on her experienced seniors to get the team ready to compete this spring.

One of the seniors who the Eagles will count on this season is goalie Tess Letendre, who has been a solid shot-stopper for each of the past three years. Senior Carly Buckman will also provide much-needed vocal leadership. Juniors Anna Hertzel and Keira Lydeard have been named captains and give the Eagles energy on both ends of the field.

Underclassmen to watch out for this season include sophomore Bailey Garte, who is a three-sport varsity athlete, and classmate Megan Porcaro. Bowery has been impressed with the pair’s stick work and speed in the preseason. Overall, Bowery is expecting Sharon’s attack to be more potent this season.

“I have a great group of girls that all mesh well with each other,” Bowery said. “They have been working hard during practice improving their shots and ball movement. I am looking forward to the start of the season. I am rebuilding the program and this group of girls will take it to the next level!”

Stoughton

2022 Record: n/a
2022 Finish: n/a
Coach: Kelly Fahey
Stoughton is making its varsity debut this spring and head coach Kelly Fahey is looking forward to seeing how the Black Knights can bring the chemistry built over the past few seasons to fully compete in the Hockomock League.

A pair of sisters will be important players for Stoughton as it makes the jump into varsity. Junior attacker Morgan Groppi and freshman midfielder Casey Groppi and junior midfielder Nicole Reid and freshman attacker Amanda Reid bring versatility and lacrosse experience to the field. That foursome will be counted on to create opportunities for themselves and their teammates, while also helping out in other areas of the game.

Junior Mia Rivera is moving up from defense to attack and her aggression and defensive instincts will be helpful at that end of the field. Sophomore Lily Nourse is a versatile newcomer who can play on either end.

“We have a lot of girls who are not afraid to take shots and create opportunities,” Fahey said. “The girls have been playing together for a few years and have solid team chemistry. This is our first year as a varsity program and we are excited to compete.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Taunton

2022 Record: 2-14
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Adilson Galvao
After graduating the program’s all-time leading scorer, Taunton was bound to have a rebuilding season in 2022. The Tigers had a pair of one-goal wins against Sharon, but with only 68 goals scored Taunton struggled to pick up any other results. Second-year coach Adilson Galvao is hoping that a year of experience will be a boost for the young Tigers and see a big improvement this spring.

Some of the players who seem ready for a big step up this season include senior midfielders Kayla Bayanilla and Hailey Tanguay, both of whom can contribute on both ends of the field. Senior Raquel Azevedo and sophomore Madison Szala will lead the way on the attacking end, while junior Cali Melo brings her athleticism into the midfield.

Newcomers who have made instant impacts during preseason play are freshmen Taryn Campbell and Lillian Bonneau. Galvao is excited about the connections that are already building between his attacking players. Senior Melissa Jesus will be an important leader for the Tigers this year, as she returns in the goal to keep things organized at the back.

“The team has a mix of new, young, and returning faces that are all determined to become a better player for themselves and towards the team,” Galvoa said. “This year’s season will show the maximum potential and ambition these girls have towards the game of lacrosse.”

2023 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview