04/05/201704/21/2019

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

Attleboro

2016 Record: 2-18
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Mark Homer

Attleboro struggled through a difficult 2016, the first season under new head coach Mark Homer, winning only two games while giving up a league high 177 runs and scoring a league-low 46. Heading into this spring, the Bombardiers will be counting on a group of young players to try and turn things around and it seems to be working so far, as Attleboro has played two games and already matched last year’s win total.

One of the true bright spots from last season was freshman pitcher McKenzie Bergdoll, who showed flashes of the potential to be an ace for Attleboro, and this season she will be counted on to keep the Bombardiers in games and to provide big hits from the three-spot. Julia Woyton will be behind the plate this year while senior Ilea Caverley and junior Casey Whelan (outfield) and Jordyn Lako (second base) are the few returning players on the roster.

The Bombardiers are going to turn to youth this spring with freshman MacKenzie Killough taking over at shortstop. Freshmen twins Emma and Jenna Gittle will add depth to the Attleboro pitching staff and classmate Ashley Macia will take over in centerfield. Homer also said that there were underclassmen who would provide speed off the bench.

“The expectations are to play hard, be committed and get excited with every game and practice that they take part in,” said Homer. “With the added depth in each position this year, the girls hope to gain advantages from the previous year and reach their set goals for the season.”

Canton

2016 Record: 3-17
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Jennifer Robillard

Former King Philip and Sacred Heart University shortstop Jennifer Robillard takes over the Canton program this spring with the hope of bringing some of the success that she enjoyed playing for two state champions and a Division I college to the Bulldogs, who are coming off a three-win season.

The Bulldogs will be looking to their experienced players to help turn things around in 2017, including seniors Molly Loughran, Taylor Carrington, and Julia Ezepik and junior Hannah Jerrier, who are all captains this spring. Jerrier and Ezepik will start the season injured, but Robillard is hoping that other players can step up until they return. Canton will have depth in the circle, as both junior Caitlyn Cahill and freshman Caroline Hughes will see action at pitcher.

Lillian Carrington and Samantha Keefe are two other players that will be counted on to contribute and both provided home runs in a loss to Mansfield in the second game of the season. Robillard is excited about the opportunity to get back into the Hockomock League and she sees a team that “wants to learn.”

“This team has a lot of potential. If we can tap into this potential, I truly believe that we are going to take teams by surprise,” Robillard said. “I am here to share my passion for and knowledge of the game I love with these girls. It is important to me that these girls learn how to be strong, independent and respectful young women.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 9-13
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round
Coach: Mark Maguire

In 2016, Foxboro finished 6-10 in the Hockomock League but got its chance to play in the postseason and took advantage with a preliminary round win over Westwood and a near-upset of Abington in a nine-inning classic. The Warriors will hope to build on that experience this spring with a number of key players returning.

League all-star Hannah Davis is back behind the plate for the Warriors and will be one of the top hitters in the Hockomock. Davis will likely be in the three-spot in the lineup and right behind her will be senior Kelly Fisher, who head coach Mark Maguire called one of the best first basemen in the league. Kelly McCarthy will try to set the table for the power hitters in the lead-off spot.

Sophomore pitcher Emma Rohan is back in the circle and Maguire expects that she will compete every game and build on her rookie campaign. Behind Rohan, Cam Willis will moved from second base to short and Chelsea Gibbons will provide good ‘D’ and a solid bat at third. Lefty Lexi Buckner could grab the second base spot and senior Jamie Gorham could provide an unexpected boost as a first-year player in the outfield. Mandy Ryan and Kayla Wheatley are two of the players coming up from JV that Maguire is hoping will step in to provide depth.

“They’re all working hard and they’re ready to build together as a team,” said Maguire. “The expectations are really to compete every game.”

Franklin

2016 Record: 12-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Kate Fallon

Once the rains go away for a few days, Franklin will be able to open its new field and make official its move back to the high school after a couple seasons playing at Dean College. The Panthers are excited about the new facility and about the team’s potential for success this spring with seven returning starters from last year.

Leading the way is third baseman, and four-year starter, Olivia DiGiacomo, who has been a mainstay at the hot corner and provides leadership for the infield. To her left is shortstop Alyssa DaSilva, a three-year starter with two years of experience at short. Sophomore Allie Shea is back at first base and senior Clara DeCarvalho is back behind the plate and poised for a “breakout season,” according to head coach Kate Fallon. The outfield is also filled with veterans, including seniors Rachel Cousineau in left and Olivia Haba in center.

The seventh starter is senior Alex Niss, who started as a pinch hitter last season before taking over the DP role and turning into one of the top power hitters in the Hockomock League. The Panthers should be solid defensively and at the plate and Fallon is hoping that sophomore pitchers Jackie Cherry (who carried a shutout into the seventh in the season opening loss to North Attleboro) and Emily Valentino can make an instant impact in the circle.

“Win 11 games and make the tournament again,” said Fallon when asked about the expectations for the team this season. “I expect the seniors to provide leadership and be role models for the underclassmen. It’s always a dogfight in this league…but I think we are a good team.”

King Philip

2016 Record: 24-4
2016 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Norm Beauchemin

King Philip comes into 2017 on the back of its third state title in the past six years and, while expectations remain high for one of the region’s top programs, there are key pieces from last year’s team that need to be replaced in order for the Warriors to get back on top in the Kelley-Rex division and in the state.

The biggest absence this season is, of course, pitcher Kali Magane, who is now in the circle for Boston University and who was dominant during KP’s playoff run a year ago. Senior Jenn Hutnyan will step in to be the team’s starting pitcher after several starts and relief appearances in the past two seasons. Hutnyan will also be an important bat in the lineup. Junior Brie Lacy will be back behind the plate to help Hutnyan and head coach Norm Beauchemin noted that junior Jessica Bonner will be a solid defensive third baseman.

KP rarely rebuilds and almost always reloads for another title push. This year should be no different with a lineup that features several familiar names from last season’s title run, including sophomore Meghan Gorman and juniors Brooke Taute, Elise Pereira, and Hailey McCasland. Each of those players had important roles last season and will be ready to step up for the Warriors this spring as KP tries to regain the league title after Taunton ended its nine year run in 2016.

“Though it’s hard to replace last year’s seniors,” said Beauchemin, “we have a solid core of returning players ready to represent King Philip and its proud softball legacy.”

Mansfield

2016 Record: 13-9
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield is coming off a 13-win season that included a tournament win against Notre Dame Academy, but after four years of being able to count on Maddie Letendre in the circle the Hornets will be handing the ball over to a new pitcher this spring, although as it turns out only the first name will be changing.

Megan Letendre, who played shortstop as a freshman, will take over in the circle for the Hornets and her development as the No. 1 pitcher will go a long way to determining if Mansfield can repeat last year’s success. Pitcher is not the only position that needs to be replaces, as the Hornets will have a new catcher and three new infielders. Still, with nine returning players, there is plenty of experience on the roster.

Kara Bendanillo will move from third base to second, according to head coach Lori Letendre, and Megan Letendre will sometimes see time at second when not pitching. Liz Mackin will take over at first base, while Marissa Staffier and Amanda Giambanco will take the corner outfield positions. Mady Bendanillo will be back in center after an impressive first season for the Hornets.

“This is one of the hardest working teams I have had at Mansfield and they have been putting in a lot of effort to get ready for the season,” said Coach Letendre.

Milford

2016 Record: 17-5
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford has been the class of the Davenport division for the past four seasons and the Hawks come into 2017 with the expectations of being heavy favorites for another league title, but, with three seniors and nine juniors on the roster and eight starters returning, head coach Steve DiVitto is hopeful that the talent will translate to a deep run in the state tournament.

The Hawks are one of the few contenders to return not just one but two starting pitchers from last season. Senior Ali Atherton is back to be the primary option in the circle and the Southern New Hampshire-commit has been dominant at times in her career. If Atherton gets into trouble or needs a rest, junior Kelley Reichert has demonstrated that she is more than just a fill-in but can also shut down opponents. They will be pitching to sophomore Emily Hartman, who will step into the starting lineup this season.

There are very few question marks in this year’s lineup with junior Emily Piergustavo moving from second to short to replace Jill Powers, which is Piergustavo’s natural position and one she has played several times in the past year. Junior Jess Tomaso is back at first base and in the heart of the lineup where she will be joined by senior outfielder Maggie Farrell and senior third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua. Junior Kate Irwin will try to be the table-setter at the top of the order and juniors Maddy Bonvino (second base) and Shannon Cormier (outfield) will also be contributors.

“This has been a focused and driven group ever since the end of last season,” said DiVitto. “They have worked hard in the off-season and that was very apparent in the early stages of the season. We are excited to compete in the best league in the state, which will hopefully prepare us for a long run into June.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 11-10
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro returned to the postseason in 2016 and for the Rocketeers to get back to the tournament this spring it will be the younger players that will lead the way. Head coach Bill Wallace knows that his team will be “green” (with only four seniors on the roster), but he is excited about North’s athleticism and versatility.

Pitching may be North’s biggest strength this season with five players in the rotation, led by freshman Bella Erti, who won her first career start, and last year’s starter Amelia Murphy. Juniors Olivia DesRoches, Jaclyn Buckley and Abby Warren could also step into the circle to help out. Senior Sam Courtemanche will be behind the plate to help the pitchers.

Senior Liz Morehouse returns at first base and Andrea Miceli will be at second. Megan Barlow moves in from the outfield to take over at short (and provided the walk-off hit in North’s season opening win), while Murphy will see time at third when she’s not pitching. Olivia Capobianco will play center with Katherine Munley and Kristina Murphy in left and right with freshmen Ashley Cangiano and Abby Gallagher getting playing time.

“With only four seniors on the roster, I am hoping the learning curve will be brief!” said Wallace. “This may be the year we see a lot of pinch hitting and pinch running! For a young team, they are very focused between the lines!”

Oliver Ames

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames finished in second in the league in 2016 and qualified for the postseason, but that will be an even tougher task now that the Tigers have made the move to the Kelley-Rex division. Even with facing the likes of defending state champion King Philip twice this spring, head coach Lindsey Allison is optimistic that the 10 returning players have the experience to get back into the playoffs.

Senior Victoria Ziner will be the spark on offense for the Tigers this season, but OA also has a number of juniors that Allison said can “do some damage at the plate.” Among those players is Caroline Mahoney, whose bat “is still as dangerous as ever,” according to Allison. Freshman Katie Abreu will be a newcomer to watch for the Tigers as her versatility will make her a valuable member of the lineup.

The Tigers will bring back sophomore Kayla Georgeu in the circle and will be hoping that she continues to develop and keep OA competitive against the league’s top teams. Junior Alexis Campbell will be a second pitcher and also help out at second base.

“We have a solid 10 players returning from last year’s roster,” said Allison, “and we are looking to fill holes behind the plate, in the outfield and at first base this year. Definitely hoping to use some of the speed we have on our team to our advantage this year.”

Sharon

2016 Record: 4-16
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Deb Parker

Sharon is coming off a four-win season in 2016 but head coach Deb Parker believes that the Eagles have the potential to be a contender in the Davenport division this spring as long as the players continue to develop over the course of the season.

Although the Eagles are a relatively young team, Parker is counting on senior captains Clara Cook and Sam Marglous to provide the leadership needed to keep the team on the right track. Cook will be back in the circle for Sharon, while Marglous will be back behind the plate. Parker said, “Both have been solid contributors for their entire high school careers.”

Sophomore centerfielder Rebecca Clayman and shortstop Ally Small, who Parker referred to as “standouts,” will be the anchors of the defense. Freshman Shoshanna Lowe will step in to play third base and should have a positive impact in the lineup as well.

“I believe we have the right combination of experience, talent and drive to be a contender in the Hock,” said Parker. “This is a team that works hard every day to be better than they were the day before. They have great chemistry and our captains have done an excellent job leading them into the season.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Tim Norton

The Black Knights made a return to the state tournament in head coach Tim Norton’s first season in charge, and nearly pulled out a win against Braintree, and Stoughton will be counting on last year’s freshmen to continue developing and keep the program heading in the right direction.

One of the sophomores that the team will be leaning on is third baseman Jordan Lyons, who brings a strong bat to the hot corner and her leadership skills had her named a captain for this spring. Brianna Ferrandiz will take over behind the plate for Sam Tullis and Karly Estremera will move into the infield and continue to be the table-setter as the leadoff hitter.

Norton is excited to have depth in the circle with Shannon Flaherty and Gina Carafa both capable of racking up innings and “setting great examples on and off the field.” Stoughton will also have depth in the outfield with first-year starters Krista Michienzi, Val Whalen and Alessandra Loffredo.

“We were extremely fortunate in Stoughton last year to have such a strong freshman class with great senior leadership,” Norton explained. “This year that sophomore class is going to have to come into their own. While this team is young they got a taste of the post season last year and are hungry for more.”

Taunton

2016 Record: 22-2
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Dave Lewry

Last season, Taunton won its first outright league title, ending King Philip’s nine-year reign atop the Hockomock. It was a fitting coda to the impressive careers of Taunton’s senior class, but this spring the Tigers will now have to move forward with six new faces in the starting lineup, including at pitcher and the middle infield positions. Taunton typically reloads quickly and head coach Dave Lewry believes this year’s team has a plenty of potential.

Senior Courtney Fisher will step into the circle hoping to make a seamless transition from 2016 Player of the Year Aimee Kistner. Fisher tossed three shutout innings and had three hits in the season opener and got several opportunities to pitch in the past two seasons. She will be pitching to junior captain Kya Enos, who is making the move back to catcher after two seasons in the outfield. Other starters coming back include first baseman Katie VanZandt, junior outfielder Liana Duarte, and sophomore Jaime Brown, who is in her third year at third base.

The Tigers have always found young players who can step right in an make an impact at the varsity level and this year could be a breakout season for eighth grader Hannah Aldrich, who will take over from Jordan Wade at short. Sophomore Alexa White looks ready to step in at second, while senior Rebekah Lajoie and junior Hailey Medeiros are in line to start in the corner outfield places. Taunton could also get contributions at pitcher from eighth grader Kelsey White and freshman Jaylin Couto.

“While we lost six starters from last season, I am excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Lewry. “I expect there will be some growing pains with six new starters in the lineup, but with some seasoned veterans and good young talent we are optimistic that we’ll be competitive this season.”

04/05/2017

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/05/17

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 5 @ Stoughton, 14 – Final – Stoughton’s offense exploded for 20 hits with seven players registering at least two hits for the Black Knights. Ruben Gonzalez went 4-for-5 with a triple, three runs and two RBI, Pat Hagerty was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, three runs and two RBI and Jack Connelly was 3-for-4 with a run and three RBI. Luke Johnson (double, triple, 3 RBI), Ryan Sullivan and Nick Hardy each had two hits. Justin Hutchinson (3-for-3, 2 RBI) earned the win on the mound, tossing 4.1 innings with four earned runs. The senior struck out 10, including six straight, and scattered three hits.

Mansfield, 15 @ Canton, 0 – Final – Mansfield scored in each of the first five innings, including six in the third inning to break the game open. The Hornets connected for 15 hits and reached base on 11 walks. Senior Matt Farragher led the way from the nine hole, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and a run scored, Anthony DeGirolamo went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored, Max Boen was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored and Zach Peterson had a pair of hits, an RBI and a run scored. Nolan Dousa tossed a complete game shutout to earn the win, striking out six while allowing just three hits and one walk.

Foxboro, 1 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Senior Kyle Guenthner initiated a game-ending 4-3 double play as the Warriors hung on for a 2-1 win over Foxboro. Foxboro loaded the bases in the seventh but Guenthner’s double play helped KP survive. Will Weir wen 2-3 with three stolen bases, scoring both of King Philip’s runs. First, Weir had a two-out single in the first inning, stole both second and third and then scored on an error. Weir scored again in the sixth, connecting on another two-out second, stealing second and then scoring on a single from Ben Furfari. Foxboro had tied the game in the fourth when AJ Bubencik singled, stole second and scored on two passed balls. Sophomore Jack Webster got his first career win, tossing two scoreless innings in relief with just two hits allowed. Junior Jackson Sheibler went 4.1 innings, allowing just one hit and one run and junior Jeremy Rhines got the save with a scoreless seventh inning.

Franklin @ Milford – Postponed to Thursday, 4/13 at 3:45.

Taunton, 3 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – North Attleboro seized the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth but Taunton responded, grabbing two runs in the top of the sixth to edge the Rocketeers. The Tigers cashed in on three walks and two hit batters to pushed across the tying and winning run. Taunton’s David Schofield earned the walk to draw in the game-winning run in the top of the sixth. Joe Manchester (1-for-3, run) and Jack Moynihan also had an RBI for Taunton, while Matt Machado had two hits. Moynihan tossed four scoreless innings while striking out five. Danny Keogh earned the win, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings with one strikeout. North Attleboro’s Nate Pearce (3-for-4, double, triple, RBI) allowed just one run in five innings of work. Zach DeMattio added two hits, an RBI and a run and Nick Crawley added a pair of hits for the Rocketeers.

Sharon, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – Oliver Ames got its offense going early, scoring in the first inning for the second straight game and then adding four more runs in the third inning. Junior Mitch Goulet had a pair of hits in the win for the Tigers.

Softball
Attleboro, 2 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – McKenzie Bergdoll made an impact both in the circle and at the plate, leading the Bombardiers to a walk-off win over Stoughton. Bergdoll tossed a complete game, scattering six hits while striking out nine. Attleboro was the home team despite the change of venue, giving them the opportunity to bat last. In the bottom of the seventh, Bergdoll connected for a double, driving in MacKenzie Killough (2-for-4) for the winning run. AHS head coach Mark Homer said Jordyn Lako and Ashley Macia had strong games defensively for the Bombardiers.

Canton, 7 @ Mansfield, 14 – Final – Megan Letendre pitched a complete game for the Hornets allowing six hits and striking out six batters. She also went 1-for-3 with an RBI at the plate. Kara Bendanillo went 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI and Kerran Holmes went 2-for-3 and drove in four runs for Mansfield. Caty DeMassi had three hits and Hayley McGowan had two for the Hornets. Lillian Carrington and Samantha Keefe each hit a home run for the Bulldogs.

Foxboro @ King Philip, 3:45

Milford @ Franklin – Postponed to Thursday, 4/13 at 3:45.

North Attleboro, 1 @ Taunton, 8 – Final – Courtney Fisher picked up the win with a complete game, allowing only one run on six hits, while striking out four. MacKenzie Handrahan powered the offense, going 3-for-3 with three RBI, and Kya Enos chipped in with two hits and two RBI and Katie Van Zandt hit a homer for Taunton. North Attleboro junior Amelia Murphy was 2-for-3 with a double.

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

Boys Lacrosse
Mansfield, 12 @ Attleboro, 5 – Final – Mansfield raced out to a 6-2 lead and kept that pace up in the second half to earn the win over Attleboro. Mansfield junior Hunter Ferreira had his way, scoring eight goals while notching an assist as well. Midfield Joe Cox was a top distributor, recording five assists while finding the back of the net once. Cullen Murphy and Danny DeGirolamo each scored once and had two assists and Sam O’Connell scored once. Sean Powers made nine saves in net for the Hornets.

Stoughton @ Canton – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – Foxboro goalie Jake Addeche turned away 11 shuts and Pat Stapleton had a strong game on defense with five groundballs as the Warriors blanked Oliver Ames. Foxboro scored three goals in each half, led by Trey Guerini’s two goals and one assist. Sophomore Pete Conley scored once and had two assists while Brendan Tully, Mike Collins and Sam Blake each scored once in the win.

North Attleboro, 6 @ Franklin, 7 – Final – Franklin held a 3-2 lead at half, extended it to 7-3 early in the fourth quarter and then held off North Attleboro’s late charge of three straight goals. Franklin goalie Connor O’Rourke had 10 saves and came up big in the final minute as the Panthers held on to their one goal lead. Chase Tanner scored twice and had one assist to lead the Panthers, Kyle McEinry and Packie Watson each scored once and had an assist, Sam Arsenault had a pair of assists and Nitin Chaudhury and Jake Davis each scored once. North Attleboro’s Dan MacDonald made 15 saves to keep the Rocketeers in the contest while both Jack Dakin and Zach McGowan scored twice and had one assist. Tommy Lindstrom added a goal and an assist and Nick Moore also found the back of the net for Big Red.

Sharon, 6 @ King Philip, 14 – Final – The Warriors opened the season with a win as senior Tim Watson accounted for eight points and classmate Paul Macrina made 13 saves in goal. Watson scored five goals and had three assists while sophomore Colin DeVellis scored twice and had three assists. John DeLuca scored twice and had one assist and Zach D’Amico had one goal, one assist and 11 groundballs for the Warriors.

Milford, 9 @ Taunton, 3 – Final

Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 4 @ Mansfield, 19 – Final

Canton, 1 @ Braintree, 14 – Final

Foxboro, 16 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – Final – Oliver Ames goalie Ari Waldorf made 19 saves for the Tigers while head coach Abby Tepper said Sydney Hedrick had a strong game on defense.

North Attleboro, 7 @ Franklin, 13 – Final – North Attleboro took a 4-3 lead into the halftime break but Franklin’s offense came to life with 10 second half goals. Seven different Panthers found the back of the net, led by senior Kendall Reardon’s four goals. Annie Walsh, Erin Walsh and Kelsey MacCallum each scored two goals for Franklin. Freshman Gianna Cameron made nine saves in net while head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said freshman Alex Field played well defensively and on the draw.

King Philip, 13 @ Sharon, 7 – Final – King Philip raced out to a 8-2 lead at halftime and never looked back to open the season with a win over Sharon. Katie Crowther, Meg Wagner and Caroline Klim each scored a pair of goals in the for the Warriors while Alli Meehan, Angela Vellante, Dana Truini, Victoria Tormey and MacKenzie Mazur each scored once. Caroline Watson made 13 saves in net for KP.

Taunton, 12 @ Milford, 11 – Final (OT) – Taunton won its second game in a row to start the season thanks to a game-winning overtime goal by eighth grader Alana Tavares, her sixth of the game and 11th in the first two games of her varsity career. Delaney Powell chipped in with three goals for the Tigers and Lorna Li made 12 saves. Emily Hayley had three goals for the Hawks, while Jordyn Lombardo, Taylor Dube, and Jill Burley each had two.

Boys Tennis
Stoughton, 2 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Attleboro’s Shawn Gordon and Abdul Khatib each won three set thrillers to help the Bombardiers edge Stoughton and pick up their first win of the season. Shawn Gordon won 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 at first singles and Khatib won 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 at third singles. The team of Eli Araujo and Ryan Gordon picked up a 6-0, 6-4 win at second doubles. Stoughton’s Tony Jordan won 6-1, 6-3 at second singles and the team of Jon Podesta and Erik Anderson won 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 at first doubles.

Canton, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final

Foxboro, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Foxboro’s Andre Jabari won the deciding match, winning in a three-set thriller at second singles to help the Warriors edge King Philip. Jabari dropped the first set 6-7 (7-9) but battled back to win the next two 6-3, 6-3 to earn Foxboro the win. Foxboro swept doubles play for its other two points. The team Shawn McNamara and Matt Tierney won 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at first doubles and Brandon Wasserman and Ben Dorman won 6-4, 6-2 at second doubles. King Philip’s Cole Ginter won 6-1, 6-1 at first singles and Blake Ginter won 6-3, 6-3 at third singles.

Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin picked up a sweep, winning all five matches in straight sets to beat Milford. Rahul Herur won 6-3, 6-4 at first singles, Eli Brooks won 6-3, 6-0 at second singles and Rohan Herur won 6-3, 6-2 at third singles. The team of James Johnston and Derek Wu won 6-0, 6-3 at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Rahul Hosdurg paired together for a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles.

North Attleboro, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – North Attleboro etched its first tally into the win column for 2017 with a sweep on the road at Taunton. Senior Zac Pfeffer won 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 at first singles, senior Dan Zhang won 6-4, 6-2 at second singles and junior Alex Rinaldi won at third singles without dropping game, 6-0, 6-0. Junior Ben Pfeffer and senior Andrew Harris won 6-0, 6-1 at first doubles and senior Mayank Wadekar and sophomore Vikram Senthilakumaran won 6-3, 6-1 at second doubles.

Sharon, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final

Girls Tennis
Attleboro @ Stoughton, 3:45

Mansfield, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final – The Hornets of Mansfield took care of singles play, winning all three in straight sets and also grabbed a win in doubles to beat Canton. Paulina Martin won 6-0, 6-1 at first singles, Sarah Doyle took second singles 6-1, 6-0 and Elizabeth Elsner won 6-1, 6-0 at third singles. Mansfield’s fourth win came from the team of Chloe Peters and Tessa Garufi, notching a 6-0, 6-1 victory at first doubles. Canton’s Jenna Paynter and Stelina Michaelidis won 6-1, 6-1 at second doubles.

King Philip, 2 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro swept singles play to edge King Philip on Wednesday afternoon. Sophia Prinos won 6-0, 6-1 at first singles, Lexi Nelson didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 victory at second singles and Julia Muise won 7-5, 6-1 at third singles to clinch the win for the Warriors. King Philip’s Corrine Palumbo and Carly Adams won 6-4, 6-1 at first doubles and the team of Lucy Barnard and Caitlin Gonser won 6-2, 6-3 at second doubles.

Franklin, 3 @ Milford, 2 – Final – Franklin won in straight sets at first and second singles and then used three-set win at second doubles to edge the Scarlet Hawks. Senior Hannah Sweeney didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles and classmate Anja Deric won 6-1, 6-4 at second doubles. The team of senior Julia Hogan and junior Jillian McLaughlin won the deciding point with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 decision at second doubles. Milford’s Caitlin Cafarella won 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) at third singles and the team of seniors Victoria Beyer and Daniella Arojo won 6-2, 6-4 at first doubles.

Taunton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final – North Attleboro had to claw back at both first singles and first doubles to claim a win over North Attleboro in a rematch of last season’s epic playoff showdown. North’s Emily Chiasson dropped the first set 0-6 but rallied back to win the next two, 6-4, 6-1. The team of Gabby Duva and Azka Siddiq fell behind after losing the first set 2-6, but won a huge tiebreaker 10-8 to win the second set 7-6 and then took the third 6-3. Jordan Willis won 6-1, 6-0 at second singles and the team of Katie Demontigny and Hana Hershey won 6-0, 6-3 at second doubles for Big Red. Taunton’s Jillian Pagliuca won 6-0, 6-2 at third singles for the Tigers.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sophomore Nupur Shukla and freshman Emily Zhang won in straight sets, at first and second singles respectively, without dropping a game as the Eagles picked up the win. The team of juniors Katie Merport and Emily Wen won 6-0, 6-1 at first doubles and sophomore Sachi Bhasin and Sydney Gordon won 6-0, 6-3 at second doubles. Oliver Ames freshman Maura Kiernan made her varsity debut with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 win at third singles.

Boys Volleyball
Milford, 0 vs. St. John’s Prep, 3 – Final

Taunton, 3 @ North Quincy, 0 – Final – Taunton picked up its third straight sweep and second in a row on the road with a 25-14, 25-21, 25-21 win over North Quincy. The Tigers used a balanced attack with Lens Esquil leading the way with 12 kills and three blocks. Malik Charles added six kills and one block, David Fusiecki had six kills and four aces and Collin Hunter had five kills and two blocks.

12/11/2016

Girls Basketball: 2016-17 Davenport Division Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2016-2017 Davenport Girls Basketball Preview

CANTON

2015-16 Record: 6-14 (3-13)
2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs
Head Coach: Jim Choquette

The Bulldogs continue to add to the program both on the court and on the bench with former Canton and UMass Boston star Olivia Murphy joining the coaching staff this season to help out with the freshman team. It is a sign of the continued growth of the program under head coach Jim Choquette, who is hoping that the momentum built at the end of last season will carry over to this year.

Senior forward Emma Murphy returns after a league all-star season and will be joined on the front line by returning starters senior Casey Shea and juniorHannah Jerrier, who was an honorable mention for all-star last winter. Adding depth on the front line will be sophomore forwards Molly Ludwig and Erin Devine, who lacks inexperience but adds significant height.

Jess Powers is recovering from an injury suffered during lacrosse season and her return will add more scoring punch to a deep and quick backcourt group. Sophomore Julia Hamilton is back to run the point for the Bulldogs and will be joined by classmate Maggie Connolly, junior Lindsey Barrett, senior Taylor Carrington, and junior twins Lillian and Evelyn Carrington. This group will allow Canton to keep defensive pressure high all game long.

“Our strengths will be scrappy defense and rebounding on both ends,” said Choquette. “our goal is to improve each game and be playing our best headed into the last part of the season…the faster we find chemistry the faster we’ll find the win column.”

FOXBORO

2015-16 Record: 15-7 (11-5)
2015-16 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South quarterfinal
Head Coach: Lisa Downs

Despite a lot of youth in the lineup, Foxboro has been one of the top teams in the Davenport division for several seasons and this year should be no different, as the Warriors enter the winter with very high expectations and as one of the favorites for the league title.

A lot of the interest in the Warriors stems from the continued development of junior point guard Ashley Sampson, who has turned into one of the best all-around guards in the Hockomock and is the player that the Foxboro offense flows through. Sampson has plenty of help in the backcourt with classmate Lily Sykes, who offers scoring from the perimeter, and seniors Lauren Flahive, Riley Collins (back after an injury), and Hailey Maling, who are all strong on the ball defenders.

In the front court, Kristen Bortolotti is back after missing last year with an injury and will add speed and a strong mid-range game. Junior Grace Tamulionis is another matchup nightmare for the opposition with her size on the boards and on defense and her ability to step outside and shoot the three. Junior Shannon Smally continues to improve and gives the Warriors an inside presence, while newcomers Chelsea Gibbons and Abby Hassmancould make big contributions for the Warriors.

“The girls have been playing together throughout the summer and fall and this familiarity should work to our benefit this season,” said head coach Lisa Downs. “We will continue to focus on our running game and our defensive efforts and I am fortunate to have the players that not only buy into this system, but, also appreciate this pace.”

MILFORD

2015-16 Record: 9-11 (5-11)
2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs
Head Coach: T.J. Dolliver

After missing out on a playoff spot by one game a season ago under first-year head coach T.J. Dolliver, Milford enters this winter with high hopes of making the leap into the postseason with a deep and versatile roster that has gained a lot of experience together over the past few seasons.

The enthusiasm for the Hawks begins with dynamic junior point guard Kate Irwin, who has shown the ability to get to the basket at will, draw defenses to get open looks for her teammates and also be a pesky on the ball defender. With Irwin creating open shots, junior Emily Piergustavo’s return after missing last year with an injury will be a big boost on the perimeter along with senior guard Jill Burley.

Milford will also have plenty of players to contribute on the glass and in the paint. Senior Nicole Dahlgren, a two-year captain, is a strong rebounder but can also step out and hit threes as can junior Jess Tomaso. Five-foot-8 senior Christine Pye, 5-foot-11 junior Gillian Valanzola, 5-foot-8 senior Emma Liskov, and 5-foot-10 Juliana Tracy give Milford an imposing group of front line players.

“These girls have been playing together for a while and their team chemistry is amazing,” said Dolliver. “We are starting to learn the minor details of offense and defense in order to give our team a better chance of success.”

NORTH ATTLEBORO

2015-16 Record: 11-10 (9-7)
2015-16 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South tournament
Head Coach: Derek Herber

The Rocketeers head into their first season in the Davenport division with eight returning players from last year’s team that was two points away from a first round victory in the Div. 2 South tournament against Hock rival Oliver Ames.

Senior Ashley Ahern is a three-year starter at guard and was the team’s leading scorer last winter. Ahern will be the player that gets the offense going, but she will get plenty of help from her classmates, Emily Schromm and Samantha Taggart. Schromm was one of the top defenders in the league and can stretch a defense with her outside shooting and Taggart can play all three guard positions and led North in assists last year. In the paint, senior Caroline Collard is the team’s leading rebounder and showed a soft touch around the basket.

North can also look for improvements from sophomore Julia Feid, who got valuable minutes as a rookie last year, senior Liz Morehouse, who adds depth in the post, and juniors Julia Santos, who both brought athleticism off the bench at the wing positions. Sophomore forward Mackenzie Roberts is a newcomer who adds size and outside shooting and junior Emily Pastore can step in at all three guard positions.

The Rocketeers have plenty of experience on the roster and will be one of the favorites for the league title at the beginning of the season. While head coach Derek Herber can count on a number of returning players, he hopes to “mix in a few new faces into the lineup to help with depth.”

SHARON

2015-16 Record: 5-15 (3-13)
2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs
Head Coach: Cliff Tomassian

Sharon is another team that has been building with youth and has created a lot of depth on its roster and, despite losing three of its top four scorers from last winter, has garnered preseason hype as a potential sleeper to make a return to the postseason for the first time since the Eagles made a run to the Div. 2 South final in 2013.

The Eagles will be hoping for an improvement on the offensive side of the ball, which was a challenge at times last winter. Junior point guard Shira Stoller, a three-year starter, is continuing to improve at limiting turnovers and looking for her own shot as well as setting up teammates. One of the players that benefits from Stoller’s ability to get into the lane is sophomore Emma Eberhardt, who was third on the team in points as a rookie and continues to develop into a consistent wing scorer.

Sophomore Veronica Wallace has emerged as one of the top backcourt defenders during the preseason and is one of the fastest players on the Sharon roster. Senior Ana Crosby, who is also a standout on the soccer and lacrosse fields, is another player that is continuing to improve and will have an increased role this season. Freshman Kaitlyn Wallace is a newcomer to watch and could have a bigger role to play over the course of the year.

“Our defense is going to have to be our key in order to compete, and our girls know that,” said third-year coach Cliff Tomassian. “We get our best looks on offense off of great defensive stands. Our girls are going to have to be patient and vigilant on both ends and be ready to take chances.”

STOUGHTON

2015-16 Record: 7-11 (7-9)
2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs
Head Coach: Charmaine Steele Jordan

The Black Knights lost six seniors to graduation but this offers plenty of opportunities for a new crop of younger players to get playing time and learn the system of second-year head coach, and former Stoughton star, Charmaine Steele Jordan.

Two of the players that will be counted on most this season are junior forwards Val Whalen and Jordan Motley, who are two of the best rebounders in the league and can also get out on the break and score in transition. Their development in the half-court offense will be a key for Stoughton making a playoff push in the Davenport division this season. Senior Lili Njiem is another player that could make a big impact, as one of the team’s three captains.

The Black Knights will have as many senior as freshmen on this year’s roster (three) along with four sophomores and three juniors, so the foundation for the future is in place. Shyanne Trinh, Lexi Baptista, and Aliyah Wright are the three newcomers to the program who will be hoping to make an instant impact.

“So excited for the upcoming season,” said Steele Jordan. “We lost six seniors so there is lots of opportunity for our players to step up. Our returnees from last year will contribute for us despite being pretty young.”

12/09/2016

Bulldogs Misfire in Season Opener on New Court

Canton girls basketball — Hannah Jerrier (45) scored nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs in a loss to Dover-Sherborn in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

CANTON, Mass. – It was one of those nights. The ball was moving well, solid screens were being set, the cuts were going to the basket and the passes were hitting the right players, but the shots were not falling for Canton on Friday night in the season opener.

The Bulldogs scored five or fewer points in the three of four quarters and, despite a strong defensive effort, lost 34-22 to Dover-Sherborn in the first game on Canton’s newly-laid court.

“If you asked us before the game, do you want to get a lot of layups and free throws and stuff…yes,” said Canton coach Jim Choquette. “Did we do that? Yes. So, we accomplished a lot tonight.”

The Bulldogs struggled out of the gates, scoring only four points in the opening quarter, two from senior Emma Murphy, who finished with six points and four rebounds in the game, and two from Hannah Jerrier (11 points). Jerrier’s first basket came off an inbounds play and Murphy had a layup to cut the lead to 6-4, which was the score after the opening quarter.

“Some of it was first game jitters,” Choquette said. “I don’t care if it’s home, away, if it’s a week from now or whatever, every time someone plays their first game you’re going to have a little of that first game type of stuff.”

Murphy and Hannah Jerrier each had four points in the second, as Canton had its best scoring quarter of the night with 10 points total. Jerrier had an assist to a cutting Murphy for a layup and then scored on a layup of her own from a Maggie Connolly assist to give Canton its first lead at 10-9.

Lindsey Barrett’s only basket of the night regained the lead at 12-11 but D-S answered with the next four points. Jerrier, who led the Bulldogs with 11 points and 10 rebounds, got Canton back within one at the half with a steal on one end and then a give-and-go with Julia Hamilton in transition for the layup.

Choquette said, “It’s no surprise that Emma is a league all-star and Hannah is one of our best offensive players, both of which just finished volleyball season, so they have to get into basketball mode and all those little things, that feel, the touch, it does come.”

Any momentum that the hosts had going into halftime did not carry over after the break. Canton went nearly seven minutes without a point and D-S was able to extend its lead to as many as 11 at 25-14 before Jerrier scored on a back cut off an inbounds pass. She added a free throw but that was all the Bulldogs would get in the third and trailed 26-17 heading to the fourth.

“The experience of being out on the court and everything we went through last year, helped us play better,” said Choquette. “If we make a few layups and hit a few free throws then we may win the game.”

The struggles continued in the fourth quarter with Canton making three free throws and only one shot from the field (Jerrier on a layup). Defensively though, the Bulldogs were able to pressure the Raiders, force turnovers and limited D-S to only eight points in the fourth and 34 for the game.

When asked if he thought the Bulldogs would win more games than not if they could hold teams to 34 points, Choquette said, “That’s what one of the coaches said to me when we stood up…The key is can we do that consistently. There are still things we need to work on because there were some letdowns and mistakes and frustration fouls but I think we’re going to get there.

The offense will largely come from the interior, but Choquette praised the backcourt for setting the tone on the defensive end. He said, “Our guards are fast. No matter who’s in there, whether it’s Julia, Maggie, the Carrington twins (Evelyn and Lillian), so I think defensively the guards will give us some offense.”

Despite the defeat on opening night, Choquette believed that it was the “details” that needed to be ironed out and he was optimistic because the Bulldogs have shown the ability in the past couple of years to be able to figure things out during the course of the season.

“The girls should be encouraged,” he said. “It’s going to be awesome to go play some of the best teams in the league and see where we stack up and see if we can correct things then it’s right back to them at their place and see how far we’ve come.”

Canton (0-1) will face the two favorites for the Kelley-Rex division title, Mansfield and Attleboro, in its next two games beginning with the Bombardiers on Tuesday.

04/04/2016

Softball: Davenport Division Preview 2016

Davenport softball — Junior pitcher Ali Atherton and Milford enter the spring with expectations of repeating as Davenport division champs. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

CANTON
2015 Record: 2-18
2015 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Tracy Andrews

Canton reached the postseason two seasons ago, despite only recording four wins, and this year’s crop of Bulldogs will be hoping to replicate that experience by getting the program back to the postseason. With senior lefty Sarah Reissfelder back in the circle, Canton has an experienced pitcher to rely on this spring and a power bat in the middle of the order.

Senior captains Gabby Matthews, Colleen Phelan, and Kaitlin McCarthy will also provide some pop, while sophomore Hannah Jerrier is hoping to carry over her success from the basketball court to the softball diamond. Taylor Carrington (third base) and Lillian Carrington (centerfield) will also be players to watch as the Bulldogs fight for a spot in the Div. 2 tournament under head coach Tracy Andrews.

FOXBORO
2015 Record: 9-12
2015 Finish: Reached D2 South preliminary round
Coach: Mark Maguire

Despite being below .500 again last season, Foxboro continued to improve its win total from the year before, going from six to seven to nine over the past three years, and clinching its fourth straight trip to the state tournament. Head coach Mark Maguire expects that a fifth trip will be in the cards for the Warriors again this spring but he is also setting his sights on challenging Oliver Ames and Milford at the top of the league standings.

Senior Jenna Weinstein is back in the circle for the Warriors and will be the primary starting pitcher, but Foxboro also has depth at pitching and that can make a big difference over the course of the season. Freshmen Camyrn Willis and Emma Rohan will be developed as pitchers of the future.

Weinstein will also be one of the Warriors’ top bats this season along with sophomore Hannah Davis, who is moving behind the plate to replace league all-star Bri Stern after a season at shortstop. Mary Lou Long will take over at short and Kelly Fisher will be at first base and batting cleanup, while senior Carolynn Will continues in center and has been a three-sport captain (soccer and basketball).

“We expect to compete for the Davenport division as long as our pitching comes along,” said Maguire. “We expect to make the playoffs and challenge for the league…and the girls are ready to go.”

MILFORD
2015 Record: 19-4
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South quarterfinal
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford enters the season with the potential to win a fourth straight league title and challenging the top teams in the Div. 1 South. Senior shortstop Jill Powers and catcher Meg Jacques will provide leadership for an experienced and still young roster that features sophomore infielder Emily Piergustavo, who is already getting Div. I college interest.

In the circle, junior Ali Atherton returns for a third year and she showed last year that she can compete with the best, as evidenced by her regular season win over South champ Silver Lake. Junior Maggie Farrell will add a lot of pop to the lineup and sophomore Jess Tomasso has transferred in from Hopedale and could make an instant impact in the middle of the order. Sophomore Kate Irwin will step in to fill an outfield role and freshman Emily Hartman will be used at multiple positions this year.

Milford coach Steve DiVitto said, “They are motivated to continue to exceed others expectations and truly believe they can compete with the best of the Hock and state. They have set the bar high-and have worked tirelessly in the off-season to strive and reach those goals.”

OLIVER AMES
2015 Record: 11-11
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South first round
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames finished behind Milford in the Davenport last year, but pulled an upset over league rival Mansfield to advance to the first round of the state tournament to face eventual South champ Silver Lake. The Tigers will be hoping to challenge the Hawks again this spring and make a run at the league title.

Spearheading the offensive attack for OA will be senior Jamie Gottwald, who led the Tigers with a .449 battling average and three homers last year. Classmate Katie Pursley will also be back after hitting .389 last year and fellow senior Missy Krim will bring experience to the outfield. Caroline Mahoney hit .352 last season and the sophomore return at third base, while junior Victoria Ziner has been off to a strong start at shortstop this preseason.

One of the biggest changes for the Tigers will be in the circle where freshman Kayla Georgeu will be the starter with sophomore Alexis Campbell will help out as a pitcher and second baseman. Head coach Lindsey Allison said, “There are still some puzzle pieces we are working on to finalize positions being filled from graduating seven last year…We are definitely looking to play .500 ball and make tournament again this year.”

SHARON
2015 Record: 3-16
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Deb Parker

Sharon will look to build on last season and while the Eagles may not be challenging for the league title this season they will be hoping that the mix of experienced starters and talented underclassmen can make a push towards the postseason.

Sharon will be aided by experienced pitching, as junior Clara Cook will be the starter for the third season in a row and her battery-mate is senior Rachel Ulsen, a two-time Hockomock all-star. Senior Jenna Kranseler will be back at first base and junior Sam Marglous will be at shortstop. Head coach Deb Parker will also be counting on versatile freshmen Allison Small and Rebecca Clayman.

Parker said, “Both play a variety of positions so we will spend the next few days figuring out where they will help us the most.”

STOUGHTON
2015 Record: 7-13
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Tim Norton

After many years in charge of Stoughton softball, Janet Sullivan has stepped down and first-year head coach Tim Norton has taken over. Norton inherits a team that has lost nine seniors from last year and has as many as eight starters playing new positions this season.

Sam Tullis will be behind the plate this year and the Black Knights will also return seniors Courtney Campbell, Nicole Bodette and Shannon Flaherty. Freshman Karly Estramera will be a player to watch, according to Norton, and may be the starting centerfielder.

Norton said, “Even with the high degree of turnover this year I think the tournament isn’t out of the question. We have a very solid core of young talented players and if they play up to their potential it could propel us back into the tournament.”