Franklin senior Norah Anderson makes a tackle in the penalty area, denying Oliver Ames a scoring opportunity in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
FRANKLIN, Mass. – When Franklin head coach Tom Geysen left practice on Thursday evening, he didn’t know what to expect from his team when it lined up to face Oliver Ames in the season opener. Once things kicked off for real though, the Panthers eased their coach’s fears and welcomed him back to the sidelines with a win.
Franklin scored twice in the opening half and used its typically stout defense to earn a 2-0 victory over a young Tigers team, winning Friday afternoon’s battle of defending league champions at Pisini Field.
“I knew what was going to happen in the second half because that’s how they play and I told these kids ahead of time, they’re going to play long ball, they’re going to push to the wings, and that’s what they did,” said Geysen, who was forced to miss last season because of health issues. “I thought defensively, the kids in the back played really well.”
Despite the loss, OA coach Britt Sellmayer was upbeat about his team’s play, particularly in the second half, and the way it battled against another of the league’s elite.
“Usually after a 2-0 loss I’m not too happy,” he explained, “but the way we played from where we’re starting and where we’re going that was a good game.”
The home team had the game’s first chance after just two minutes when Olivia Costa had a look from the right corner of the box that flashed wide of the far post. Freshman Jolie Davis started brightly for OA on her debut and she had a low cross to Jenna Gilman at the back post cut out by Franklin keeper Rachel Welch.
Franklin started to get its forward line in sync as the first half wore on. Kelly O’Connor tracked back to make a steal in the defensive half and played a one-two with Anya Zub, but after a long run her shot was easily held by OA keeper Janiya Matier.
A minute later, Maddie Horton played a ball out wide to left back Katie Ewald who advanced and found O’Connor on the wing. The sophomore played a ball into the middle where Zub got a toe on it but could only direct it over the bar.
In the 24th minute, Franklin got the breakthrough. Center back Norah Anderson played a long ball over the top of the OA defense. Zub wouldn’t give up on the bouncing ball and her pressure caused some confusion in the back line. The ball ricocheted off the defender and slid past Matier, who was rushing out to collect.
There may have been an element of fortune about Franklin’s opener, but there was nothing lucky about the second goal five minutes later. Tori Carmignani found a little pocket of space on the right side and played a ball to the edge of the box. O’Connor had cut in from the left wing and with her first touch split a pair of OA defenders. Her next touch was a cool finish lifted over the keeper.
“Kelly wanted to keep going left, left, left and I said no, if you go left then you’re going to sit down,” Geysen said. “You go right because that’s where they’re not expecting you to go and and you can use your right foot. Those three kids up in the front will be tough once we get a little more experience together.”
OA nearly halved the deficit right before the whistle. Mary Cross laid a perfect through ball behind the Franklin defense for Davis to run onto. The freshman was clean through on goal but her shot went just wide and left her slamming the turf in frustration.
The Tigers seemed to gather some momentum from that chance and from the move of Taylor deVos into the midfield, as they had a much better second half. OA created a number of set piece opportunities, although Franklin’s defense, especially Anderson, always seemed to be in the right place to clear.
Chances were at a premium after halftime, but Lucinda Li Cotter nearly created a goal for OA by charging down an Anderson clearance in the box. The ball caromed to the far side but Welch was quickly off her line to snag the loose ball at the feet of Gilman.
Three minutes later, deVos created a chance with an interception near midfield. She carried the ball to the edge of the Franklin penalty area before the ball kicked to Cotter on the left side of the box. The OA forward showed quick feet to fashion room for a shot but Horton was able to get across with a crucial block. OA kept pressing and again came close when Cross collected a loose ball and hit the post.
Franklin finished with a flurry. O’Connor connected with Zub, who laid off a pass to freshman Mia Eglintine, but her shot was over the bar from 25 yards out. Seconds later, a turnover led to a chance for Costa at the back post but she couldn’t bundle it home and Zub wasn’t able to get a clean strike on the rebound, which rolled into the grateful arms of Matier.
“The first goal was a sophomore-sophomore conversation in the back, first varsity start for a couple of players, so it happens,” Sellmayer said. “I thought we played a lot better in the second half. They worked hard. I’m pleased.”
Franklin (1-0-0) will host division rival King Philip (1-0-1) on Tuesday. Oliver Ames (0-1-0) will be on the road again on Monday to face Stoughton (0-1-0)
2021 Record: 10-8-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro ended its long wait for a return to the postseason in 2021 and head coach Steve Santos is hoping that success will breed more winning for the program. The Bombardiers will have a strong foundation this season because of a big senior class and experience across the pitch. If Attleboro can overcome some early season injuries and illnesses, they could be in the mix for another postseason spot.
With 34 goals as a team last year, Attleboro wasn’t one of the league’s most prolific attacking groups, but the Bombardiers have talented players who can make an impact in the final third. Junior Jamie Davies had a breakout sophomore year with nine goals and two assists and will be expected to lead the line this fall. Senior midfielder Kahlan Gray, who is dealing with an injury, can add to the attack either in the center of the field or out on the wing and freshman Tatum O’Brien is a newcomer to the lineup that has a good soccer IQ and will provide playmaking from the center of the pitch. Sophomore Tatum Leahy will give the team a boost after a year on JV.
The Bombardiers are going to be experimenting with defensive groups early in the season. Senior Emily Dunlea is a versatile player who can impact play no matter where she slots in and could be used in the defense at the start. Senior Ella Stromfors is battling illness but will give the team good experience and aggressiveness in the back line and junior Bethany Alves had an impressive sophomore season at the back and can also step into midfield. Junior Presley Biller will also add depth in the defensive unit. Senior Alexis Campbell is back in goal and her composure and vocal leadership will be important to keep things organized while the team gets healthy.
“We’ve had a good preseason,” Santos said. “We have a lot of seniors who are a good group of friends who all look out for each other. We had a good season and now they expect more this year. We want to not just get into the tournament, but win a couple of games.”
2021 Record: 6-7-5 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton battled through injuries for much of last season, but the Bulldogs were able to rally and made a playoff push. Entering his third season as coach, Idris Senyonjo has a roster filled with players that understand his style of play and he believes that the Bulldogs will be ready to push on and challenge the top teams in the division.
Senior midfielder Emily McCabe had a breakout season in 2021, becoming the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, and her leadership will be a key to the team’s success this fall. Senior Han Hong and sophomore Paige Sullivan add more experience in the center of the pitch. Up front, sophomores Emma Cahill and Caira McKinney (who missed last season with an injury) will be the top forward options.
Defensively, the Bulldogs graduated several starters, but seniors Kristine Keefe and Sarah Dempster are back and will provide the foundation for the back line. Junior Ava Gilmore is a versatile player who can help out in the midfield or drop into the defense, giving the Bulldogs options in the lineup. Junior Mekhala Costello took a year off to shine on the golf course, but she is back on the pitch this fall and is another dynamic player who can line up in multiple spots.
“Yes we have had multiple players graduate over the past couple of years but this is the first time in my tenure that most of the players from last year will be returning and my hope is that it brings a sense of continuity going into this season,” said Senyonjo. “The best we can do now is prepare to the best of our ability and we will be taking it game by game.”
2021 Record: 16-2-4 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four Coach: Jen Lippolis
Despite an injury to All-American Kailee McCabe, Foxboro made a historic run to the Div. 3 state semifinal last fall, and the Warriors will try to use that experience to put together another tournament run this season. In addition to the graduation of McCabe, who set a program record with 32 goals in 2021, the Warriors will also be making a change on the sideline with assistant Jen Lippolis taking over for Katie Stalcup.
Foxboro will be young this season but many of those players got valuable experience last fall. Seniors Lauren Miley and Jaclyn Vecchione will be back in the middle of the pitch this season, as junior Erin Foley will be moved further forward to try and bolster the attack. Sophomore Neve Taylor had a strong rookie campaign and will step into a bigger midfield role this year, while senior Grace Riley will give the Warriors a boost when she returns from a preseason injury.
The Warriors were known as an attack-minded team last season, but the defense was excellent, allowing only 20 goals in 22 games and recording three clean sheets in the tournament. Junior sweeper Lindsey Resnick will be back in the heart of the defense and sophomore Sophia Auclair is coming off an impressive freshman season. Sophomore Maddy Luck is another young defender who should be ready for a big step up in responsibility this season. Foxboro should be strong in goal with senior Maddie Maher joined by junior Allie Sougaris, fresh off her playoff heroics.
“We’re excited to be back on the soccer field,” Lippolis said. “We are a young team this year. With the leadership of our returning varsity players, we’re excited for a fun, competitive season.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Kelley-Rex champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Tom Geysen
In 2021, under interim coach Jodi Klein, Franklin continued its success in the Kelley-Rex winning a second straight league title. Head coach Tom Geysen is back on the sidelines this fall and the Panthers have a lineup loaded with experience that looks ready to make a challenge for a three-peat.
Defense has long been a strength for the program and last year was no different. The Panthers allowed only 11 goals in 18 matches and bring back one of the league’s top center back pairings. Senior Norah Anderson is a four-year starter in defense and she will be partnered by junior Maddie Horton, who had a breakout sophomore campaign. Junior Rachel Welch will be back in goal behind them and has proven to be one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. Junior Lily Deforge is a versatile player who can also help out at the back.
The Franklin attack took a big step forward last year. Junior Anya Zub moved from the wing to center forward and the reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put together a 20-goal season. Sophomore Kelly O’Connor was a breakout star on the wing who could take over a game. There were a few graduations in the midfield, but seniors Bridget Leo and Avery Greco can control the game in the center of the pitch and create scoring chances for the forward group.
“They have worked incredibly hard all year and done all the things necessary for success,” Geysen said. “All that is left is putting it all together on the field.”
2021 Record: 12-7-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Gary Pichel
Despite being very young in 2021, King Philip was in contention for the Kelley-Rex title until the final weeks of the regular season and took highly ranked Bishop Feehan to overtime in the Round of 16. With a more experienced roster this year, the Warriors will be looking to take the next step and get back on top of the division for the first time since 2019 and make a deep tournament run.
The Warriors were the third-highest scoring team in the league last year with 57 goals and offense should be a strength again with senior Ella Pisani back to run things in attack. The team’s leading scorer in 2021, Pisani had 19 goals and eight assists last fall and she will be the focal point on offense. KP has talent on the wings that can take advantage of any space defenses leave open. Junior Eilish McGowen and sophomores Danielle Lomuscio and Mikayla Thompson have the pace and skill to create scoring chances as well. The forward line is also boosted by the return of junior forward Heidi Lawrence and senior Danielle Gresham will shore up the midfield.
The defense has plenty of experience from last season. Senior Grace Lawler will be the leader of the back line and continues to be called upon to mark the opposition’s top attacker. Junior Rylie Wesley and sophomores Rihanna Mason and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn give KP a lot of athleticism in the defensive third of the field. There will be experience in net as well with the return of senior Lauren Casper and junior Makenna Norrman, who both saw action in 2021.
“I am really looking forward to competing this season with all the great Hockomock teams,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “We were very young last year. With a year under our belt, we should see improvements across the board in every facet of our game.”
2021 Record: 12-5-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield was in the running for the Kelley-Rex title into the final weeks of the regular season and this year the Hornets will be hoping that their first fall in the Davenport will feature a similar title challenge. With a young roster that features four freshmen and four sophomores, the Hornets will be relying on the upperclassmen to keep the team heading in the right direction in what promises to be a very competitive division.
The Hornets are without their top three scorers from last season (Tarynn Smith, Katie Miller, and Gabby Smith) so there will be room for other players to step in and provide an attacking threat. Senior forward Olivia Homsi will lead the line and junior Carly Devine is a skilled forward who can play up top or just behind the strikers, while senior Abby Jean gives Mansfield speed on the wing. Senior Bridget Hanley is coming off a breakout season in a holding midfield role and could be asked to get forward a little more this season to help support the offense.
Defense was a significant strength for the Hornets last year, allowing only 17 goals in 18 games, including a shutout of Canton in the opening round of the playoffs. Junior Kara Santos is back for her third year in the heart of defense and, although she will have her third center back partner in three years, gives the Hornets a strong foundation. She is also the team’s top returning scorer with seven goals and is a threat on any set piece opportunity. Senior goalie Olivia Salisbury has become one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. They’ll provide vocal leadership for the younger players at the back.
“We have a very young team with many first-year varsity players,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith. “We will be leaning on our seniors and returning players to provide leadership as we grow as a team.”
Milford is coming off a three-win season in 2021, but the Hawks are hoping that an influx of young talent from a successful JV team will help them climb the league standings and make a playoff push. The Hawks have 10 seniors and have added seven freshmen who can contribute right away in their first varsity seasons.
The key for Milford this season will be the play of leading scorer Dani Atherton. The four-year starter has been the focal point of Milford’s attack since she jumped on the team and this year head coach Lou Colabello is counting on a move to outside midfield to give her more chances to get on the ball and run at defenders. Freshman Ava Baglione will step in up top and there is hope she can add firepower to the Hawks’ attack. Sophomore Paige Caldon had a good season in attack as a freshman and this year will drop back to help out in the center of the pitch.
Senior Serena Borges will be moved further up in midfield so that she can produce more in the attack, but classmate Brooke Ferreira will be pushed from midfield to the back line to cover for preseason injuries. Ferreira will be joined by senior Evalysse Pierce, who is coming back from an injury that kept her out of last season. Freshman Kayleigh Tourtellot is another rookie who should be ready for the physical test of the Hockomock League, while classmate Chloe Murdock will step between the pipes after a strong season as an eighth grader on JV.
“It’s a fun team,” Colabello said about the mix of veterans and talented newcomers. “There is a lot of talent there. We’re deeper than we were last year. We’ll hold our own. We’re hoping to get out of the blocks well and build some confidence.”
2021 Record: 8-10-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Geoff Burgess
North Attleboro is making the move back to the Kelley-Rex division this fall and the Rocketeers will be turning to a familiar face on the sidelines, as Geoff Burgess moves back to the girls’ program after coaching the boys for the past few seasons. After graduating 12 players, North will have a lot of new faces implementing a new style this season.
Up top, North will be counting on senior Emma Pratt. After scoring nine goals last year, Pratt is the team’s top returning scorer and will be counted on to give the Rocketeers the firepower to compete with the league’s best. Senior Caroline Ferrin will be one of the key playmakers in the center of the pitch and will help Burgess bring in a more possession-based approach.
The North boys have been known as a strong defensive team and Burgess will hope that solidity carries over to his work with the girls as well. Senior Haley Sinacola will be the team’s leader at the back. Sinacola was the team’s MVP last season and gives North a strong foundation in the defensive third, as well as a constant threat on set pieces. Senior Maddie Ferrin is back in goal for the Rocketeers and adds experience to the back line.
“Lots of changes to the team, the philosophy and the style of play,” said Burgess. “We are still learning about ourselves and who we can be this season. We are going to try and possess the ball and build attacks rather than kick and chase.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Davenport champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Even after graduating 10 players from last season, Oliver Ames looks prepared to defend its Davenport division title. Many of the younger players got experience on the pitch in 2021 and could be poised for big years as they step into larger roles.
OA was second in the league with 68 goals last year and the attack will continue to utilize the speedy wings that have become a signature of the Tigers’ style. Junior Lucinda Li Cotter and senior Jenna Gilman will continue to provide width and service into the box. Senior Carly Gibson will move into the forward line to give additional creativity in the final third.
The midfield will continue to be strong, physical, and direct. Senior Mary Cross will move forward from defense and give leadership in the middle of the field. Sophomore Emma Gavin impressed during her rookie season and gives another weapon in the midfield. Seniors Sophia Byron and Molly Capace will be leaders in a back line that allowed only 11 goals in 18 games last year. Sophomore Taylor deVos is a versatile player who can line up on the wing or at outside back. Sophomore Janiya Matier will be the team’s new keeper this season.
“Even graduating seven senior starters (10 total) we feel we have a competitive team returning this year,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “The key will be returning taking on larger roles and new players having an impact for a successful season.”
2021 Record: 3-14-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon went through a tough 2021 season, with only three wins, but the Eagles are another team returning the bulk of its roster, and the experience that they have from back to front promises the potential for more positive results in 2022.
The key for Sharon will be senior Sofia Goclowski. The team’s top playmaker, Goclowski is a back-to-box midfielder who will contribute on both ends of the field and, as she continues to develop her finishing, could be ready to lead the Sharon attack. The Eagles will also lean on a pair of underclassmen in the forward line. Sophomore Autumn Simon, who also played in goal last season, makes good runs behind the back line and is one of the team’s top returning scorers. Freshman Jessica Li is an exciting newcomer that will add speed and athleticism on the wing.
Defense will be bolstered by the return of senior Sally Brouhard. After missing all of last season with an injury, Brouhard provides reliability in the back line and is a leader that will keep things organized. Senior Carly Pinnix is another technically proficient midfielder that gives Sharon composure in the midfield and can jump into the attack when she gets the chance.
“With so many returning varsity players, we have strength across every line this season and we have the potential to be very good,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “We will need to stay focused and committed to continuous improvement if we are going to be competitive in the challenging Hockomock, but I am excited to see what this talented group can do together.”
2021 Record: 3-15-0 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Jon Grant
Stoughton had three wins in 2021, but the Black Knights also displayed potential for a brighter future with a host of underclassmen that looked ready to start competing with the top teams. Former boys coach Jon Grant has taken over the girls’ program this season and he will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, hoping to shore things up at the back to help secure more positive results.
The Black Knights should be dynamic in the final third this season. Senior Shayla Ford is back for her fourth varsity season and her speed and ability to find space make her a constant threat to the opposition defense. Sophomores Makenzie O’Connor and Bianca Casna both had strong freshman seasons and can cause problems with the ball at their feet. Sophomores Morgan Cook and Emma Tran showed good chemistry in the midfield last year and will help provide the killer pass to the forwards.
After allowing 86 goals last year, defense will be a priority for the Black Knights this year and there were several players who will be leaning on the valuable experience they got in 2021. Senior Sabrina Rodrigues will add a veteran presence, while junior Ally Lada and sophomore Lauren Mitchell will anchor the middle of the back line. Junior Katrina Varnum is a vocal leader in goal.
“This season we are focusing on team and individual defending,” said Grant. “I’m excited to watch this group grow throughout the season and compete in such an extremely competitive league. Everything I’ve thrown at them so far has been received positively. This group is very coachable and has such a passion to learn and get better.”
2021 Record: 2-15-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Danny Borges
Taunton is coming off a difficult 2021 season, after just two wins, but there is optimism in the squad with many younger players gaining valuable experience last season. The Tigers will have a new face on the sideline this fall, with Dan Borges taking over. Although new to the Hockomock, Borges spent 34 years as the coach of the boy’s team at Coyle-Cassidy and he is excited about the progress the team has made in picking up his system in the preseason.
Goals were hard to come by at times last season, as Taunton scored only 14 overall and just eight in league play. Senior midfielder Emily Calderon returns to be the team’s primary playmaker and will be counted on to get the Tigers moving upfield into the attack. Junior forwards Jenna Pereira and Ava Alves will be the main targets up top, as Taunton is looking to add more firepower at that end of the field.
On the other side, the Tigers have a question mark in goal with several younger players looking to replace Izzy Anslow, who was impressive between the sticks for the past couple of seasons. Senior Christina Da Costa and junior Cali Melo will give Taunton athleticism and leadership in the back line to try and shore things up and limit the opposition.
“Our team spirit is high, the girls have been working very hard and adjusting to a new game model,” Borges said. “I believe we have a good mix of experience and youth, and we hope to be more competitive in the traditionally strong Hockomock League.”
OA senior Camryn O’Connor tries to break between a pair of North Middlesex defenders in the state tournament opener at Muscato Stadium. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
NORTH EASTON, Mass. – Although Oliver Ames is a relatively experienced team, it has been two years since the Tigers have played in the postseason (aside from last fall’s Hock Cup). So, a few nerves at the beginning of Saturday night’s Div. 2 tournament opener at Muscato Stadium could be expected.
The Tigers didn’t allow the nervous energy to overwhelm them and midway through the first half got a fortuitous bounce to take the lead. OA settled down and started playing like the No. 2 seed, controlling the play and not allowing a shot on target in a comfortable 4-0 win over No. 31 seed North Middlesex.
“I told them, this is the best team that I’ve had in a long time but if you don’t believe in yourself and you don’t have confidence it’s just not going to work,” OA coach Britt Sellmayer said after the game. “I spoke for about 60 seconds at halftime and said it’s either you or them and they got together and figured it out and played better in the second half.”
While things were a little shaky at the start, with passes being sprayed out of bounds or hoofed up front to no one in particular, the Tigers were still the team creating chances. In the sixth minute, Kyla Melton stole the ball in midfield and sent Alexa Lane free down the right. Her cross went straight through the box to Lauren Sellmayer on the opposite wing. She settled it and sent in a cross of her own that Katie Gibson put wide.
Eleven minutes later, Camryn O’Connor had her first look of the night, sending a low, speculative shot from the right corner of the box towards the back post. The North Middlesex goalie could only watch as it sailed past her and hit the woodwork. Katie and Carly Gibson both attacked the rebound but neither was able to turn it goalward.
At the midpoint of the first half, OA got the breakthrough goal. There was a big of fortune to the score, as Katie Gibson hit a ball in from the right side of the box that appeared to take an early deflection. It landed in the six-yard box and the bounce eluded the keeper to find the back of the net.
The goal eased some of the pressure and OA started to get into its usual patterns of play. The left side was particularly dangerous, as Sellmayer combined well with forward Lucinda Li Cotter, who was proving to be a handful whether heading to the end line or cutting back inside.
Cotter played a nice ball into the run of Sellmayer down the left touchline and the senior crossed to the back post where Gibson brought it down, but her shot hit the woodwork and stayed out.
With seven minutes to go before halftime, OA doubled its advantage. There was no luck involved this time. Gibson played a perfect through ball into the path of O’Connor and the Boston University-commit made no mistake when clean through on goal. She fired a shot past the onrushing keeper to make it 2-0.
Even while the passing was a little out of control at the start, the OA defense of Sophia Byron, Allison Evin, Mary Cross, and Taylor deVos were stifling the Patriots attack. The Tigers didn’t allow a shot on target until late in the match and starting keeper Emily Meyers was largely a spectator.
“I sit there and complain that they weren’t connecting their passes but they weren’t giving anything up either,” Sellmayer said. “That team has a couple good forwards. I yelled at my backs for not passing but they played great defense.”
In addition, Melton was doing a solid job of protecting the defense. The Milton Academy transfer has settled in nicely in her role in the heart of the midfield.
Sellmayer explained, “It’s been revelation for our team because (Kyla) started at the back and we just needed a little more push in the midfield. She wins a lot of 50-50 balls, settles things down for us, and take a lot of pressure off Cam when we can push her up top.”
Six minutes after the break, OA tacked on a third. O’Connor fired in a free kick from the left. The ball hit a crowd of bodies in front of goal and landed at the foot of Lane. She didn’t try to take an extra touch but instead lashed in a left-footed strike that effectively sealed the win.
The chances kept coming from the hosts. Gibson’s corner was headed over by Sellmayer, a Cotter cross was hit over the bar on the half-volley by Gibson, and O’Connor’s cross from the left found Carly Gibson in the box but again it was headed wide.
In the 62nd minute, the Tigers wrapped up the scoring. A corner was swung in from the left and caused a scrum in front of goal. Sellmayer had one attempt blocked and then the ball ended up in a host of swinging legs. Eventually the ball was bundled over the line by Cross in a sequence that resembled an offensive line trying to push a running back into the end zone.
At the end of a cold night, it was a comfortable win for Oliver Ames (14-1-2), which advances to the Round of 16 and will host No. 15 Westwood on Tuesday.
“We’re good. We can play a lot better than we did in the first half,” Sellmayer said. “Got one [win] under our belt, got Westwood next, and maybe we can play better for 80 minutes.”
Football
Mansfield, 23 @ Attleboro, 7 – Final 1st Quarter: (M) CJ Bell 6-yard rush, James Gilleran XP good.
2nd Quarter: (A) Kaiden Murray 1-yard rush, Anthony Salviati XP good; (M) Rocco Scarpellini 5-yard rush, J. Gilleran XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) Safety.
4th Quarter: (M) Connor Curtis 19-yard rush, J. Gilleran XP good.
Foxboro, 21 @ North Attleboro, 14 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game. 1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (NA) Tyler Bannon blocked punt, safety.
3rd Quarter: (NA) Chase Frisoli 24-yard pass to Gavin Wells, XP no good; (F) Tom Marcucella 40-yard pass to Rashaad Way, T. Marcucella conversion pass to R. Way.
4th Quarter: (NA) Tyler DeMattio 1-yard rush, Conversion no good; (F) Dylan Gordon 72-yard rush, Sam Carpenter XP good; (F) T. Marcucella 68-yard pass to R. Way, XP blocked.
Milford, 14 @ King Philip, 17 – Final
Stoughton, 31 vs. Brockton, 13 – Final 1st Quarter: (S) Anthony Girolamo 24-yard rush, Conversion no good.
2nd Quarter: (S) Jonah Ly 1-yard rush, Conversion no good; (B) Mauricio Powell 20-yard rush, John Dumas XP good.
3rd Quarter: (S) A. Girolamo 19-yard rush, J. Ly XP good; (S) Jarred Daughtry 5-yard rush, XP no good.
4th Quarter: (B) Jason Wonodi 24-yard rush, XP no good; (S) J. Daughtry 8-yard rush, XP no good.
Sharon, 7 @ Norwell, 32 – Final
Boys Soccer
Canton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames hit the post and hit the crossbar but couldn’t find the back of the net and the Tigers and Bulldogs of Canton took a point each. Mathias Taylor, Michael Haikal, Hector Bucio and Diego Rivera had great games for the Tigers while Sasha Priajinski earned his eighth shutout of the season in net.
Foxboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Foxboro scored twice in each half to pick up two points on the road over Stoughton. The Warriors scored in quick succession in the first half as AJ Carvalho opened the scoring in the 26th minute and then an own goal (credited to John Hollis) doubled the advantage just two minutes later. In the second half, Cam Barreira set up Alex Penders in the 60th minute for the 3-0 lead and then Barreira capped the scoring with a goal of his own off a feed from Jacob Tessier. Derek Axon notched the shutout in net for Foxboro.
Taunton, 1 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – King Philip and Taunton traded goals, one coming in each half, and the Warriors and Tigers split the two points. Andrew Seropian gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute, finishing off a pass from Stephen Griffin to make it 1-0. Taunton’s Riley Rebello equalized in the 49th minute, finishing a free kick to the back post to bring the Tigers level.
Milford, 2 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Milford used a pair of first half goals to earn two points on the road, splitting the season series with Mansfield. Artur Tome opened the scoring with an assist to Bill Silva. Just minutes later, Eduardo Santana doubled the lead with the assist going to Tome.
Sharon, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – The Rocketeers registered a pair of goals before the half hour mark and then put the game away with a third with just 10 minutes to go for a win over Sharon. Quinn Conley earned a penalty for the Rocketeers early in the match and Connor Ward buried the chance from the spot, putting the hosts ahead in the 10th minute. Junior Griffin Rodden doubled the lead in the 28th minute, taking a pass from Givany Carney and finishing. Jaad Ismail’s goal in the 70th minute secured the points for North as the senior finished a corner kick from Ward for a 3-0 lead.
Girls Soccer
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Canton, 0 – Final – Junior Mary Cross scored the lone goal of the game as Oliver Ames claimed a key two points on the road over Davenport for Canton. Cross finished off a pass from Allison Evin in the first half for the lone goal of the game. Emily Meyers earned the shutout in goal for the Tigers.
Stoughton, 0 @ Foxboro, 7 – Final – Foxboro scored four times in the second half to break the game open and keep itself in a first-place tie with OA. Kailee McCabe and Jordan Carman each recorded four points for the Warriors. McCabe scored three times and added an assist, while Carman found the back of the net once and had a hat trick of assists. Lauren Miley scored a brace and DeAnna Hardiman got one. Shayla Ford had a solid game in defense for the Black Knights and Sivannah Marcy was a good outlet up front.
King Philip, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – A day after she tallied a hat trick and five points, Ella Pisani added two more goals and another assist to lift KP to another road win. The Warriors pulled even on points with Franklin for the league lead, having played one more game. Pisani, Brooke Mullins, and Dani Lomuscio all scored in the first half to put KP comfortably ahead. Morgan Norrman, Eilish McGowen, and Pisani each had assist in the opening half. After the break, Pisani completed her brace and Kylie Menendez added the fifth. Paulina Baczkowski and McGowen assisted on the second half goals.
Mansfield, 2 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Tarynn Smith’s brace lifted the Hornets to a road win at Milford, getting Mansfield back on track and keeping it alive in the league title race. Olivia Salisbury made one stop to earn the clean sheet.
North Attleboro, 3 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – Emma Pratt and Abbie Pratt each scored in the first half to put the Rocketeers in front. Autumn Simon scored early in the second half off a Sofia Goclowski assist to cut the North lead in half, but Emma Pratt added her second of the game to seal the two points. Haley Sinacola assisted on each of Emma Pratt’s goals and Caroline Ferrin had the assist on Abbie Pratt’s. North came close several times in the second half, with Steph McKenna, Autumn Hewitt, and Casey Butanowicz narrowly missing. Brayden Rice played well for the Rocketeers in midfield, while Meaghan Dowd, Summer Doherty, and Charlotte Moynihan had good games at the back. Leah Steinberg and Carmen Leonardi played well defensively for the Eagles.
Volleyball
North Attleboro, 3 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final
Canton, 3 @ Fontbonne Academy, 1 – Final – Canton overcame an error-prone opening set to settle in, using a complete team effort to rally for a 3-1 win (23-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-15) on the road at Fontbonne. Talya DeGraw had an all-around good match for the Bulldogs with six kills and 27 digs, Katie Dever played well in the middle with four kills and two blocks, and Kelly MacDonald played strong in the backcourt and served well.
King Philip, 3 @ Walpole, 0 – Final – KP swept Walpole for the second time this season, winning 25-12, 25-15, 25-10 to stay unbeaten. Sami Shore led the way with 11 kills and four aces, while Ahunna James had eight kills and seven digs, and Emily Sawyer finished with seven kills and three blocks. Sofia Reidel had a strong service game with seven aces and Stella Bailey chipped in with four aces and five digs. Samantha Asprelli had another strong defensive match with eight digs.
Taunton, 3 vs. Durfee, 1 – Final – Taunton jumped out to a two-set advantage and took care of business in the fourth to win the match 3-1 (25-15, 25-15, 23-25, 25-14) after dropping a close third set. Angie Lynch had a great all-around game for the Tigers with eight kills, seven digs, four aces, and a block to lead the way. Mikayla Cleary added five kills, four aces, and four blocks while Anna Abouzeid dished out 18 assists and added three kills and a pair of aces. Dani Lofgren (14 digs and excellent serve receive) and Jess Foley (eight digs, three aces) both played well defensively for Taunton.
OA senior Camryn O’Connor set up the game-winning goal with a long run and pinpoint cross, as the Tiger remain in a first-place tie. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
SOUTH EASTON, Mass. – Sometimes it takes just one moment to separate two good teams. On Wednesday night at Muscato Stadium, the moment came right before halftime when Oliver Ames senior Camryn O’Connor burst out of midfield and crossed to junior Jenna Gilman at the back post. Making her first start of the season up top, Gilman made no mistake from a few yards out to put the Tigers back in front.
OA was able to hold onto its halftime lead, beating Mansfield 2-1 in a game that had the proper intensity for two teams fighting for first place in their respective divisions, battling for higher rankings in the state tournament, and getting prepared for making deep playoff runs next month.
“I preach all the time that a great game is 2-1,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “Someone is going to make a mistake, someone is going to hit a brilliant goal, and you need two [goals] to win. That’s two games in a row that this team has shown some growth since the Foxboro game where we had a 1-0 lead with 10 minutes to go and it kind of slipped away.
“It’s one of our best games of the year, so I’m pleased because Mansfield’s always tough to break down.”
The first half was largely dominated by the hosts. OA’s pressure on the ball was forcing turnovers high up the pitch and forcing Mansfield to resort to long balls over the top. There was very little time to take a touch and the Hornets struggled early.
Just six minutes into the game, OA had its first chance on a set piece. An in-swinging corner was only partially cleared and Ella McDonough got a foot to it. The shot was blocked onto the post and then a goal-bound rebound effort was blocked by Carly Devine.
In the 12th minute, another set piece would provide the opener. Mansfield keeper Olivia Salisbury did really well to prevent Katie Gibson’s corner from heading straight in, clawing the ball out from under the bar. Alexa Lane was there to knock the rebound back at goal but it was blocked out to Mary Cross. Third time was the charm, as the senior defender poked it home.
Lyla Nappa would have Mansfield’s first shot on goal in the 18th minute and it was comfortably saved by Emily Meyers. At the half-hour mark, the Hornets equalized out of nothing. Abby Jean and Tarynn Smith played a nice one-two about 35 yards from goal. Smith looked up and, for once, had no pressure on her so decided to have a go. The shot slid just under the bar and over the fingers of Meyers to make it 1-1.
“She’s starting to and we need it,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith said of Tarynn Smith finding the back of the net more often in recent games. “We’re built on a team offense. We don’t have the Steph Kemp or the Cam O’Connor or the Kailee McCabe, so we have to get contributions from everybody.”
The remainder of the half was largely controlled by O’Connor. The Boston University-commit was proving difficult to contain, even as the Hornets threw multiple defenders on her. After sending one just wide from 25 yards, O’Connor dribbled past a pair of defenders into the box taking advantage of a Gabby Smith clearance ricocheting off Kara Santos for another chance that went just wide.
In the 39th minute, Lucinda Li Cotter teed up O’Connor from 20 yards that forced Salisbury into a full stretch save, tipping it around the post.
With the clock stopped at the end of the half, O’Connor had her moment. She rode a challenge near midfield and then carried the ball a full 40 yards down the left channel, got to the end line, and sent over a pinpoint, left-footed cross to Gilman ghosting in unmarked at the back post.
“Cam had the big play that we need every game from her,” said Sellmayer. “She is one of those rare players that has pace on the ball. Sometimes there will be a tackle and it ends up on your foot, ends up on my foot, well it usually ends up on her foot a little more often.”
The second half would feature very few chances for either team, but the Hornets made significant improvements in how they played out of the pressure. Smith admitted that it had little to do with his team talk at the break.
He explained, “Got to halftime and said what do you guys think? They were like, coach we were playing scared a little bit. They actually self-reflected and they figured out how to break it down. It’s what I love about these kids, they really think about the game and we’re growing.”
OA had a chance of yet another corner early in the second half but McDonough didn’t catch it cleanly and Santos was in the way to block and clear. In the 64th minute, Katie Gibson had a deflected cross find her at the back post but she couldn’t make clean contact and hit it right at Salisbury. A minute later, Carly Gibson set up O’Connor on her right foot but it was a tame effort that Salisbury snagged.
Those were the only chances for the Tigers after the break, but they were also limiting Mansfield, who was playing better and getting into advanced areas down the wings but still not troubling Meyers. The foursome of McDonough (making her first start), Cross, Allison Evin, and Sophia Byron largely held the Hornets at arm’s length.
“We really didn’t give them many chances inside the 18 and that’s something they’ve worked on,” said Sellmayer. “I thought Kyla [Melton] playing in the midfield gave us another edge on those headers that we didn’t have in the Foxboro game.”
Still, in a one-goal game, all it takes is a single chance to turn two points into one. Mansfield finally got that look in the 70th minute. Santos won the ball at the back and hit a quick outlet to Anna Darlington down the right wing leading to a corner. Smith curled one into the six-yard box and Devine was there but unable to keep her header down.
OA was able to run out the final nine minutes to secure the win and stay level with Foxboro in the Davenport title race
“I keep saying we’re young and learning and we are,” said Smith. “It’s been our mantra all year and it’s a great opportunity to learn about those little things and how to play against a team that’s, in the power rankings, No. 4 four in the state. It was good for us, I’m proud of my girls.”
Oliver Ames (9-1-1) will travel to Canton on Friday. Mansfield (8-3-0), which is four points behind Franklin in the Kelley-Rex with game in hand, will be on the road at Milford on Friday.
Today’s games are listed below. This post will be updated with any changes as they are submitted.
Boys Soccer
Attleboro @ Sharon – Postponed to TBA.
Mansfield @ Canton – Postponed to Thursday, 10/7 at 6:00.
Milford, 2 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Milford senior Chris Tocci converted a pair of penalty kicks to give the Hawks an important win on the road at Foxboro. The visitors took the lead in the first half after David Desa was taken down in the box and Tocci stepped up and buried his chance. Foxboro knotted the score at 1-1 when Matt Angelini scored in the second half but minutes later, John Borges was fouled by the keeper and Tocci scored from the spot once again.
Franklin, 5 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Five different players found the back of the net as Franklin had its best offensive showing of the season in a win at Stoughton. Jack Moran opened the scoring on a goal from Nelson Martinez while Will Krysak scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal on an assist from Terry O’Neill. Noah Cain, Gavin Scagliarini (from Connor Brown), and Andrew O’Neill (from Trey Lovell) also scored for the Panthers.
King Philip, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – Oliver Ames came out of the games flying, scoring less than two minutes into the game, tacking on two more within the first 10 minutes, and riding a total of five first half goals to a win at home over King Philip. Hector Bucio headed in the opening goal in the 2nd minute, finishing off a cross from Ryan Linhares. OA doubled the lead two minutes later when freshman Casey Milliken got his first of the game on a pass from Clide Neau. Milliken then returned the favor in the 7th minute, connecting with Neau, who made it 3-0. Mathias Taylor (from Milliken) scored on a great shot from distance and Milliekn (from Neau) grabbed his second shortly before halftime. Milliken completed his hat trick on a feed from Linhares.
Taunton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game – North Attleboro scored with just over 10 minutes to play and senior Brody Rosenberg made a pair of key defensive plays as the Rocketeers topped Taunton. Carson Dameron sprayed the ball wide to the right wing and Griffin Rhodes tracked down the loose ball. Rhodes’ looping cross was met at the near post by Givany Carney, who beat the keeper to the ball and his header went inside the near post in the 69th minute. Rosenberg had a goal line stop in the second half and then came up with a big clearance on a loose ball inside the six yard box in the final minute after Taunton’s Riley Rebello hit the underside of the crossbar with a shot from 25 yards out.
Girls Soccer
Sharon, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro was able to pull out a win in the rain, holding off Sharon with a one-goal advantage and then adding a second goal in the final minute to secure the points. Jamie Davies put Attleboro in front in the 24th minute and then assisted on the second goal in the 79th. Allison Rebelo hit a one-touch shot into the top corner to make it 2-0. Alexis Campbell played well in goal to keep the clean sheet for Attleboro. Sharon coach Cat Sullivan praised defender Jordanna Morris and midfielders Sofia Goclowski and Amber Marcus-Blank for their performances in the tough conditions.
Canton, 0 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Tarynn Smith continued to be in torrid form in front of goal, scoring what turned out to be the game-winner against Canton. It was the fifth straight win for the Hornets, who are in a three-way tie atop the Kelley-Rex. Alexi O’Keefe added the second goal for Mansfield.
Foxboro, 10 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Three different Warriors scored hat tricks, as Foxboro continued its unbeaten run, extending it to nine games. Kailee McCabe scored three times and had three assists, Erin Foley had three goals and two assists, and Jordan Carman added one assist to her three goals. Neve Taylor also found the back of the net for Foxboro. Brooke Barreira and Lauren Miley both had assists in the win. Alexis Sougaris earned the clean sheet with three saves.
Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – The rain didn’t slow down sophomore striker Anya Zub, who recorded a hat trick to power Franklin to a win that moves them into a tie at the top of the Kelley-Rex. Kelly O’Connor added a goal and an assist and Stella Regan had a pair of helpers for the Panthers. Haylie Aniki had a good second half in goal for the hosts and Chloe Barca stood out in the Franklin midfield. Sivannah Marcy scored Stoughton’s lone goal, running onto a ball over the top by Morgan Cook. Katrina Varnum had a good game in net for Stoughton, helping keep Franklin to four, and Sabrina Rodrigues had a strong game at the back.
Oliver Ames, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – Lauren Sellmayer and Camryn O’Connor scored second half goals to lift OA to a come-from-behind road win at Kelley-Rex leader KP, handing the Warriors their first league loss of the season. After a scoreless first half, Rihanna Mason scored for the hosts to put them in front, but OA tallied twice in the final 20 minutes to secure the victory and stay in a first-place tie with Foxboro in the Davenport division. Sellmayer headed in a corner kick from Katie Gibson in the 73rd to bring the Tigers level. A minute later, O’Connor won a foot race on a breakaway and tucked away the game-winner. Allison Evin, Emily Meyers and Mary Cross all had great games for the visitors.
North Attleboro, 6 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Six different players scored for North Attleboro to pick up the win and move the Rocketeers back to .500 in the league. It took almost the entire first half for the opening goal. Following a timeout inside the final minute, Haley Sinacola scored with a 35-yard free kick, her fourth of the season, to put the hosts in front. Steph McKenna doubled the lead in the second half off an Autumn Hewitt assist. Charlotte Moynihan hit an Emma Pratt pass first-time for the third goal and then Jessica Hennessey followed with her first varsity goal (on an assist from Brooke Sullivan). Hennessey added an assist, setting up Pratt for North’s fifth, and Lily Adams rounded out the scoring off a pass from Casey Butanowicz. North coach Bill Wallace added that Morgan Eaton, Sophia Capriotti and Lauren Peckham played well in the win.
Field Hockey
Franklin @ Algonquin – Postponed to Monday, 10/18 at 4:00.
Volleyball
Foxboro, 3 vs. Walpole, 2 – Final
Taunton, 1 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Taunton stayed alive with a win in the third set and pushed the Eagles in the fourth set but Sharon was able to close it out for a 3-1 (23-25, 15-25, 25-23, 20-25). For Taunton, Jessica Foley had a strong game at the service line with nine aces. The Tigers also had a balanced attack led by Aislinn Campbell (six kills), Angie Lynch (five kills), Mikayla Cleary (five kills), Hayley Krockta (three kills), and Kylie Burgo (three kills).
Golf
Sharon @ King Philip – Postponed to Tuesday, 10/5 at 3:15.
Attleboro @ Dighton-Rehoboth, 3:30
North Attleboro @ Mansfield – Postponed to TBA.
Oliver Ames @ Milford – Postponed to TBA.
Boys Soccer
King Philip, 0 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Attleboro netted a pair of goals in the second half to earn two hard-fought points at home against visiting King Philip. A long throw from sophomore Luke Hagopian played senior Connor Adema down the right wing, and Adema cut in before tapping a centering pass for an easy touch in front for sophomore Billy Badger in the 58th minute. The Bombardiers doubled the lead in the 67th minute when junior Lucas Marques forced a turnover, connected with Esvin Morales, who one touched it on to Alex Vecchioli and the sophomore’s shot eluded the keeper on the bounce.
Sharon, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Canton twice came back from a goal down in the first half and then Erik Valdovinos found a winner just three minutes after the break to lift Canton to the division victory. Adam Eastman scored twice in the first half for the Eagles. The first came after three minutes when he ran onto a through ball and side-footed his finish into the far corner. His second was in the 24th minute as he rounded the keeper and was able to slide his shot in from a tight angle. Dylan Baird equalized for Canton after a nice turn and a shot through a defender’s legs into the bottom corner. After falling behind again, Canton was able to get back level six minutes before halftime. A low cross from Jake McCabe was partially deflected by Jacob Crugnale into the path of Charlie McKinney and he curled it from 18 yards. Three minutes into the second half, Valdovinos hit a low cross from the left that deflected off a Sharon defender and into the corner for the go-ahead goal. Sharon’s best chance at a tying goal came on a breakaway in the final 10 minutes but Amjad Kordab’s shot was parried by Canton keeper Giovanni Ruggeri and cleared by Jay Kelleher.
Foxboro, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames scored once in each half to earn a key division win over Foxboro, pushing its win streak to five games. Senior Clide Neau put the hosts ahead in the first half, finishing off a pass from Antonio Fernandes. The Tigers doubled the lead in the second half when freshman Casey Milliken played sophomore Joey Carney for a goal. Mathias Taylor and Michael Haikal played well in the middle for OA.
Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – Franklin and Milford traded first half goals and the match finished level with each team taking home a point. The hosts struck first to take the lead when Jack Moran scored off of an assist from Rex Cinelli in the 14th minute. But just five minutes later, Bill Silva knotted the score on a pass from Avi Serri.
North Attleboro, 4 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – North Attleboro twice erased a one-goal deficit and then scored the final two goals in the last 20 minutes to take a win on the road over Stoughton. The Black Knights opened the scoring in the 16th minute only for North Attleboro’s Brody Rosenberg to equalize in the 35th minute, finishing off a corner from Connor Ward. Stoughton regained the lead early in the second half but Bryce Newth nodded in a cross from Griffin Rodden in the 57th minute to bring the game level again. Quinn Conley gave the visitors their first lead by finishing off a cross from Ward in the 64th minute and tacked on an insurance goal in the 71st minute off a feed from Carson Dameron.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 6 – Final – Ella Pisani and Mikayla Thompson each recorded a brace and KP scored three times in each half to pick up the big win and remain atop the Kelley-Rex. Pisani opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing a corner kick from Morgan Norrman. Thompson doubled the lead eight minutes before the break, after a great pass by Dani Lomuscio, and then added her second two minutes later, this time off an assist from Pisani. Pisani scored in the opening minute of the second half on a free kick. Norrman had her second assist, setting up Kylie Menendez to make it 5-0 and Sarah Harper wrapped up the scoring with four minutes to play after being played behind the defense by Danielle Gresham.
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Jordan Carman found the back of the net with four minutes left in regulation to lift Foxboro to a dramatic win and into a tie for first place in the Davenport division. Camryn O’Connor broke the deadlock with 25 minutes to play, putting the Tigers in front by a goal, but Kailee McCabe equalized from the penalty spot. Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said, “I am so proud of my team and the fight they gave today. All-around amazing effort by all!” Kyla Melton and Mary Cross both had strong games for OA.
Franklin, 4 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Anya Zub had a hat trick to lead the Panthers to the road win and keep them within two points of first place in the division. With three goals on Thursday, Zub hit double digits (12) for the season. Kelly O’Connor added the fourth for Franklin. Stella Regan, Bridget Leo, Reilly Lorenzo, and Tori Carmignani all had assists for the visitors. Kailany Ferreira had a big game for the Hawks, making 18 saves to keep the hosts in the game. Brooke Ferreira, Serena Borges, and Aislinn Bennett also played well for Milford, whose head coach Lou Colabello said he was proud of how his team competed despite not getting the result.
Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final – Emma Pratt had a goal and an assist and North Attleboro earned its second straight win, moving back to .500 on the season. Steph McKenna opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, off a pass from Pratt. Autumn Hewitt set up Pratt for what turned out to be the game-winner, as Pratt was able to beat the keeper to the ball and finish. Sivannah Marcy got the lone goal for the Black Knights in the closing minutes. North coach Bill Wallace praised the play of midfielders Brayden Rice, Charlotte Moynihan, Brooke Sullivan, and Lily Adams. Stoughton coach Hermes Lima is hoping that his team can carry momentum from a solid performance into Friday’s game with Norwood. He highlighted Morgan Cook for her playmaking and Shayla Ford for being able to create scoring chances. Lima also credited Bianca Casna and Emma Byrne for being able to put pressure on the North defense.
Boys Cross-Country
Taunton, 24 @ Franklin, 32 – Final
Oliver Ames @ Canton, 3:45
Girls Cross-Country
Taunton, 40 @ Franklin, 21 – Final – Franklin took first and second overall, three of the top five, and used its depth to take a win over Taunton. Senior Charlene Peng clocked in at 20:20 for first overall while sophomore Alexandra Batla took second in 20:30. Taunton freshmen Colby Dunham (20:39) and Emerson Deponte (20:49) finished third and fourth, respectively, while Franklin sophomore Vivienne Loukota took fifth in 21:33.
Oliver Ames @ Canton, 3:45
Golf
Canton, 147 @ Taunton, 177 – Final – Canton’s Will Gefteas fired a two-under par round to lead the Bulldogs to a big win on the road. Gefteas came in with a two-under round of 34 for medalist honors while Mekhala Costello shot a 37, and both Conor Hunter and Mike Leonetti carded rounds of 38. Jack Gobin led the way for Taunton with a 38.
Mansfield, 164 @ Taunton, 177 – Final – Junior Drew Urban fired a 41 in his first varsity match, helping the Hornets pick up their 10th win of the season against Taunt. Senior Cian Goulet shot a team-low round of 39, senior Hunter Tang added a 40, Urban came in with a 41, and Jordan Tavares, Ryan Doherty and Nathan McLean all shot a 44. Jack Gobin earned medalist honors, leading Taunton with a low-round of 38.
Attleboro, 161 @ Milford, 170 – Final – Brendan Raymond earned medalist honors, coming in as the lone golfer under 40 for the day to lead the Bombardiers past Milford at Hopedale Country Club. Raymond shot a 36, Evan Houle and Leo Lombardo each carded a 41, and Jackson Sweeney finished with a 43 for Attleboro. Nate Lawrence led the Scarlet Hawks with a 40 while Ronan Fleming shot a 43.
Foxboro, 162 @ King Philip, 148 – Final – Mike Matheson had the best individual round of any Hock golfer this season as King Philip took down Foxboro. Matheson had three birdies (three, four, six) and added an eagle on the fifth hole to finish with a 31. Jared Curran added a 37 while both Pat Reardon and Gavin Croke shot a 40 for the hosts. Jack Watts led Foxboro with a team-low round of 37.
Oliver Ames, 150 @ Stoughton, 196 – Final – Oliver Ames senior Jo Jo Gaultier recorded four birdies and the Tigers rolled to a win at Easton Country Club. Gaultier birdied on two, six, eight, and nine to finish with a two-under medalist round of 34. Senior Jake Kaplan added a 38 in the win while sophomores Sean Kearns and David Rodgers each carded a 39. Anthony Hern led the way for the Black Knights with a 41.
Foxboro, 51 vs. Plymouth South, 14 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game. 1st Quarter: (F) Tom Marcucella 18-yard pass to Tommy Sharkey, Sam Carpenter XP good; (F) Safety; (F) Dylan Gordon 14-yard rush, S. Carpenter XP good; (F) T. Marcucella 16-yard pass to Rashaad Way, S. Carpenter XP good.
2nd Quarter: (F) D. Gordon 12-yard rush, S. Carpenter XP good; (PS) Casious Johnson 76-yard rush, Ian Wernik XP good; (F) D. Gordon 5-yard rush, S. Carpenter XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) T. Marcucella 19-yard pass to R. Way, S. Carpenter XP good; (PS) C. Johnson 80-yard rush, I. Wernik XP good; (F) D. Gordon 59-yard rush, S. Carpenter XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.
Franklin, 27 @ Duxbury, 14 – Final 1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (D) Matt Festa 22-yard pass to Brady Madigan, Dennen Sullivan XP good; (D) M. Festa 26-yard pass to Chris Walsh, D. Sullivan XP good; (F) Jared Arone 15-yard pass to Shane Kindred, XP blocked; (F) J. Arone 35-yard pass to Will Tracey, Garrett Portesi XP good.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (F) J. Arone 30-yard pass to Will Deschenes, J. Arone conversion pass to S. Kindred; (F) Mack Gulla 46-yard rush, XP blocked.
Stoughton, 14 @ Mansfield, 42 – Final – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game. 1st Quarter: (S) Jonah Ly 14-yard rush, J. Ly XP good.
2nd Quarter: (S) Jarred Daughtry 50-yard pass to J. Ly, J Ly XP good; (M) Rocco Scarpellini 2-yard rush, James Gilleran XP good; (M) Conner Zukowski 7-yard pass to Brian Butler, J. Gilleran XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) C. Zukowski 46-yard pass to CJ Bell, J. Gilleran XP good; (M) C. Zukowski 24-yard pass to Trevor Foley, J. Gilleran XP good; (M) R. Scarpellini 50-yard rush, J. Gilleran XP good.
4th Quarter: (M) Connor Curtis 11-yard rush, J. Gilleran XP good.
Oliver Ames, 34 vs. Bedford, 27 – Final
Taunton, 28 @ Middleboro, 8 – Final 1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (T) Evan Perrotta 8-yard rush, Nathan Keenan XP good.
3rd Quarter: (T) Jacob Leonard 6-yard pass to Jose Touron, N. Keenan XP good; (T) J. Leonard 32-yard pass to Isaiah Williams, N. Keenan XP good.
4th Quarter: (M) Jacob Briggs 5-yard pass to John Chor, J. Briggs conversion pass to Isaiah Furtado; (T) E. Perrotta 34-yard rush, N. Keenan XP good.
Canton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – It was a battle between the boxes for the Bulldogs and the Rocketeers, settling for a scoreless draw and a point apiece. North threatened with a pair of dangerous crosses from Kaden Burns in the second half but couldn’t find the other end of the service. Canton had a pair of dangerous second half corners but couldn’t convert. North head coach Geoff Burgess praised the defensive effort of Brody Rosenberg and Jaad Ismail.
Foxboro, 5 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Foxboro built a 2-1 lead by halftime and then pumped in three more in the second half to take two points on the road at Gavin Pond against Sharon. Seniors Matt Angelini and Jacob Tessier each scored a pair of goals to pace the attack for the visitors while sophomore defender Ian Foley tacked on another goal in the win.
Franklin, 0 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Mansfield senior Jack Lasbury-Casey denied the visiting Panthers on a pair of good goal scoring chances late to preserve a draw and a point for the hosts. The Hornets have yet to concede on the season with Lasbury-Casey notching his sixth straight shutout to start the season.
Oliver Ames, 7 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Freshman Casey Milliken scored his first career hat trick and the Tigers rolled on the road for their fourth victory of the season. Milliken opened the scoring off an assist from sophomore Carney, added his second to make it 4-0 on a pass from Clide Neau, and completed the hat trick on a feed from Hector Bucio for a 6-0 lead. Bucio, Neau, Ralph Vache, and senior Sam Schoenfeld all scored for the Tigers while Michael Haikal, Mathias Taylor and John Dobbin all had assists. Sasha Priajinski recored his second shutout of the season.
Girls Soccer
Taunton, 0 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – Jamie Davies had a brace and an assist, powering Attleboro to its fourth win of the season. Davies set up Bethany Alves for the opening goal of the game after 14 minutes and then doubled the lead, taking a pass from Ayla Santoro, to make it 2-0 midway through the half. Davies added her second and the team’s third shortly after the break, assisted by Avery Vieira. Emily Khang sealed the win with a goal from an Angelic Duran assist.
North Attleboro, 2 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Canton extended its unbeaten run to four games, securing a point against North Attleboro on senior night. North Attleboro took the lead on a 40-yard blast on a free kick from Haley Sinacola and then salvaged a point with a goal with less than 10 minutes to go. Brayden Rice connected on a volley from just outside the box in the 72nd minute to bring the visitors level. Gabriella Herivaux had a goal and an assist for the Bulldogs, while Emily McCabe added the second. Freshman Paige Sullivan continued her impressive rookie campaign and classmate Emma Cahill had a nice pass leading to McCabe’s goal. North Attleboro head coach Bill Wallace praised the play of Casey Butanowicz, Charlotte Moynihan, Summer Doherty, and Brook Sullivan in front of Maddie Ferrin.
Sharon, 0 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Kailee McCabe continued to be practically unstoppable, scoring both goals to extend Foxboro’s win streak to six games. McCabe scored in the first half off an assist by Grace Riley. In a hard-fought second half, the Warriors were finally able to double the lead when Lauren Miley played a perfect through ball that split the Sharon defenders. McCabe ran onto it and calmly slid the ball past Sharon’s freshman keeper Autumn Simon, who had an impressive game for the Eagles. Amber Marcus-Blank and Jordanna Morris also played well in the Sharon defense, trying to keep track of attackers McCabe and Jordan Carman. Sofia Goclowski had another solid game in the Sharon midfield, battling with Foxboro midfielder Erin Foley, but an injury to forward Wendy Wooden limited the chances that the Eagles were able to create.
Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final – Abby Jean scored midway through the first half off an assist from Katie Miller to give Mansfield its fourth straight win against Franklin. The Hornets also beat the Panthers three times last fall, and all four games finished 1-0. Mansfield’s back line of Kara Santos, Gabby Smith, Kayla Doherty, and Anna Darlington played great to limit the Panthers, forcing goalie Olivia Salisbury to make only one save to get the clean sheet. Franklin struggled to get into its typical attacking system, but Norah Anderson and Jackie O’Neil both played well in defense and midfielders Stella Regan, Chloe Barca, and Bridget Leo played well in the second half to try and get back into the match.
King Philip @ Milford – Postponed to TBD.
Stoughton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 9 – Final – Camryn O’Connor proved too hard to stop, as her four goals powered the Tigers to a comfortable win. OA scored all nine goals before halftime. Lucinda Li Cotter, Katie Gibson, Mary Cross, Emma Gavin, and Taylor deVos also found the back of the net, as the Tigers put together and impressive opening 40 minutes to remain in first place in the Davenport. Sofia Issa made her first start for the Black Knights and played well alongside classmate Sivannah Marcy. Mia Rivera played well in the Stoughton goal, despite the score, and freshman Lauren Mitchell had another solid performance.
Field Hockey
King Philip, 0 @ Westwood, 4 – Final – Junior Haley Bright turned away eight shots but the Warriors fell for the first time this season, playing in their sixth game in the past two weeks. Seniors Christina Gifun and Margo Reilly played well in the midfield for KP.
Volleyball
North Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip earned another sweep, this time knocking off North Attleboro in a non-league clash, 3-0 (25-13, 25-3, 25-18). Junior middle Sami Shore had a strong all-around showing (six kills), but really shined at the service line with 21 service points and five aces. Emily Sawyer put down 8 kills and Ahunna James added seven kills in the win. Sofia Riedel had 13 service points, including two aces, and Stella Bailey recorded four aces.
Taunton, 3 @ Durfee, 0 – Final
Golf
King Philip, 150 @ Attleboro, 152 – Final – King Philip’s depth was on display as all four of the Warriors’ scorers came in under 40 to squeak out a victory over an upset-minded Attleboro squad. Pat Reardon had birdies on both 10 and 12, finishing with a team-low round of 36. Mike Matheson, Jared Curran, and Tim Hartwell all shot 38 to round out the scoring. Attleboro’s Brendan Raymond continued his stellar play with four birdies — on 10, 13, 14, and 17 — to finish with a match medalist round of 34. Dane Holske and Leo Lombardo each shot 39 and Carter Shelton came in with a 40.
Foxboro, 173 @ Franklin, 165 – Final – Sophomore Tyler O’Brien shared match medalist honors, shooting a team-low round of 39 to pace the Panthers to a win over Foxboro. Sophomore CJ Steel added a 41 in the win, freshman Ben Paterson came in with a 42, and sophomore Brendan Collins shot a 43 in the win. Foxboro’s Jack Rounds was the other co-medalist with a round of 39.
The Hockomock League kicked off its girls soccer season and we have the team-by-team rundown of how everyone stacks up this year. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2020 Record: 5-5-5 Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro has been on the brink of tournament qualification for the past several seasons, but narrowly missed out. Last fall’s team had the potential to end head coach Steve Santos’ wait to get back into the playoffs only for the pandemic to force an abbreviated season. After graduating the team’s leading scorers and playmakers (Bella Salviati, Jessica Gates, and Briley Harnois), the Bombardiers will count on new faces stepping in and giving them a chance to taste the postseason.
The Bombardiers will be hoping to build on a strong defense. Senior Olivia Calderone and junior Ella Stromfors will be the anchors in the heart of the back line and their leadership will be critical. Attleboro will miss senior Olivia Cook, who had a strong preseason at outside back but suffered an injury that will keep her out for the season. Junior goalie Alexis Campbell also has an injury at the start of the season but will hopefully be back soon to take over in net.
In midfield, Attleboro has several returning players who will be looking at slightly different roles this year. Junior Emily Dunlea is a dynamic and versatile midfielder and could be the team’s playmaker this season. She will get help from senior Emily Khang, who missed the 2020 season. Another skillful midfielder, Khang will give Attleboro an attacking boost. Sophomore Bethany Alves can play as a holding or attacking midfielder, depending on the situation. Up top, junior Kacey Parker and sophomore Jamie Davies will be counted on to make up some of the goals that were lost to graduations.
“We graduated a solid core of players who brought a lot to the team, so we’re trying to figure out who’s going to embrace those roles,” said Santos. “We have some good talented players who can keep the ball on the ground and play some solid soccer. We have some more to grow on and learning how to play aggressive, Hockomock soccer.”
2020 Record: 8-3-1 Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Last season, Canton edged Foxboro by a single point to win its first league title since 2012. The Bulldogs graduated a strong class of seniors, particularly in the midfield and the attack, but there is plenty of returning talent on both ends of the pitch and second-year coach Idris Seyonjo to feel confident of another title challenge this fall.
The attack will look very different this season after graduating prolific forward Olivia Rodman and Elisa Diletizia (17 goals combined in 2020), but senior Gabriella Herivaux returns after scoring five times last year and could be poised for a breakout season as the primary target up top. Seniors Fay Gallery and Anne Hoban (who played at outside back last season) will also join in the attack and freshman Emma Cahill is a newcomer that could provide creativity in the final third. Sophomore Emily McCabe will step into the attacking midfield role and try to provide the killer pass from the center of the pitch.
Defense should be a strength for the Bulldogs this season with a mix of veterans and several incoming freshmen who could step in right away and contribute. Senior Allie McCabe continues to be the lynchpin of the Canton defense, commanding the heart of the back line with her strong play and leadership. There is plenty of experience in goal as well with senior Elyse Broderick back and healthy and junior Marissa Staffiere ready to step in, after being the starter all of 2020.
Seyonjo said, “Most important thing about this season is that I believe all teams are looking forward to what will hopefully be a normal season. I am excited. I look forward to my first full season as head coach. Every game will be different and we hope to be able to match or even better our performances from last season.”
2020 Record: 7-2-2 Coach: Katie Stalcup
Foxboro was just a single point short of a three-peat last season, dropping to second in the Davenport behind Canton, and the Warriors will have a lot of new faces this fall as they try to get back on top in the division. The Warriors graduated 10 seniors, but still have a lot of varsity experience, especially in the midfield, that will make them a tough challenge for their title rivals.
Senior Kailee McCabe, the reigning league MVP, is back in the middle for the Warriors this season. The four-year starter tied for the team (and league) lead with 11 goals in 2020 but she may have to take on a bigger scoring role this fall with Jordyn Collins now at Bryant. She should have a lot of help in the middle of the pitch. Senior Brooke Barreira, junior Lauren Milley, and sophomore Erin Foley all played significant minutes last year and capable of the quick combination passing that has been a hallmark of Foxboro’s play. Senior Jordan Carman will bring her versatility to the forward line this season, after playing pretty much every position (including goalie) last year.
Defensively, senior Meghan Burke will be the leader in the back line. An aggressive, solid defender, Burke has regularly been tasked with marking the opponent’s best attacker. Sophomore Lindsey Resnick had a strong rookie season and will add some game experience to the defense. Senior Maddie Maher and sophomore Alexis Sougaris will be the goalies tasked with replacing Morgan Sylvestre between the posts.
Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said, “We had some major losses with our 10 graduating seniors last year, but I am very excited about this team and what I have seen from them so far and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do against the tough competition in this league.”
2020 Record: 6-4-2 Interim Coach: Jodi Klein
Long-time head coach Tom Geysen is dealing with a medical issue, so former JV coach Jodi Klein will take over this season and is emphasizing pressure high up the pitch and keeping possession in attack. Franklin returned to the top of the Kelley-Rex last season and Klein has an experienced squad to work with this fall, as they look to go back-to-back in what should be a wide-open title race.
The Panthers have built a lot of their recent success on a strong defense. This season should be no different. Junior Norah Anderson has been a mainstay in the heart of the back line for the past two seasons and she’ll be joined by junior Reilly Lorenzo and sophomore Maddie Horton. Senior Izzy Arnold and junior Katie Ewald give the Panthers speedy outside backs to provide width in attack and cover in the defensive third. Sophomore Rachel Welch will get the nod in goal after splitting time as a freshman and her reading of the game will help direct the defensive unit.
Franklin’s midfield has the potential to control games. Seniors Stella Regan and Chloe Barca and junior Bridget Leo bring plenty of experience to the middle of the pitch. Each are quick and solid in possession. Juniors Avery Greco and Chloe Stavely and sophomore Selene Hammad will step into the midfield to add depth. The Panthers will be looking to use the speed of the forward line to create chances. Senior Riley Fitzpatrick is the most experienced player up top and sophomore Anya Zub had three goals and four assists as a freshman. Freshman Kelly O’Connor is a new player to watch out for in the forward line.
“This is an exciting season for all of us,” said Klein. “I am a new coach to all of our returning varsity players and any of these girls who have played for me in the past have never played at the varsity level before. We are working through a brand-new system and style of play and we’re all very eager to see what we can accomplish together this season.”
2020 Record: 7-5-2 Coach: Gary Pichel
After graduating a large, talented group of seniors, including the top two scorers in program history, last year was bound to be transitional for King Philip, but it was also an opportunity for several players to step up into bigger roles. As it turned out, the Warriors had plenty of talent still on the squad and stayed in the hunt for a league title right to the final week.
The Warriors will be hoping last year’s game experience will pay off with a title challenge this season. The midfield should be a strength for KP. Junior Ella Pisani had a breakout 2020 season, showing off her skills as both a forward and midfielder and leading the team in scoring. She will be at the center of the KP attack again this year. Senior Paulina Baczkowski will give the Warriors width on the outside and delivers accurate crosses. Senior Morgan Norrman is an accurate passer who can push the Warriors into quick counterattacks.
Senior Brooke Mullins has improved every year in the KP defense, and she adds aggression and a willingness to get the ball forward quickly. After an impressive rookie year, junior Grace Lawler missed all of 2020 with an injury, but she is back and gives KP an instant upgrade in the back line with her ability to mark the opposing team’s best attacker. Freshmen Dani Lamuscio (midfield), Mikayla Thompson (defense), and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn (defense) should make an instant impact and add extra energy for the Warriors this season.
“I see this team keeping up with our KP tradition of good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to the cause,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “Our team will be competitive in every game as we go through the gauntlet of the Hockomock League.”
2020 Record: 6-4-3 Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield entered the abbreviated 2020 season with a relatively inexperienced group, and it showed during the early parts of the fall, but the Hornets put things together quickly and finished only a point back of Franklin for the division title. With nine starters returning, including most of the defensive corps, the Hornets should be in the mix for the title again this year.
Although the Hornets will definitely miss the on-field leadership and versatility of senior Maria Sevastos, who was injured in the spring, Mansfield has plenty of experience in the back line. Senior Anna Darlington will be the leader in the defense alongside sophomore Kara Santos, who is coming off an impressive rookie season at centerback. Junior goalkeeper Olivia Salisbury brings two years of experience in net and classmate Caitlin Zajac is a capable backup.
Senior Katie Miller will control the middle of the field. A four-year starter, Miller provides an extra layer of protection for the back line and can get the Hornets into the attack as well. Up front, senior forward Tarynn Smith is a willing runner, who can give opposing defenses a physical challenge. Sophomore Carly Devine is a creative playmaker that will give the Hornets an offensive spark.
“We are still very young with only four returning seniors,” Mansfield coach Kevin Smith explained, “but it’s a good core of players who have multiple years of varsity experience already.”
2020 Record: 3-6-3 Coach: Lou Colabello
Milford closed the 2020 season on a strong run, going 2-1-1 over its final four games that included two hard-fought games with Mansfield. Only three seniors are returning from last year’s roster, so the Hawks will be young this fall, but not necessarily inexperienced since many of the underclassmen stepped into the lineup last year.
The key to the Milford attack is junior Dani Atherton. She was the team’s leading scorer with eight goals last season (more than half of the team’s total) and most of the offense will flow through her feet. The Hawks will hope for more creativity and goals from the rest of the team, including juniors Brooke Ferreira and Amy Oliveira, a pair of players who can start up top or in the midfield. Junior Brianna Guerreiro is also back in the center of the pitch.
At the back, seniors Aubrey Korpi and Aislinn Bennett will provide much-needed leadership for this young crew and senior Jill Araujo can jump into the back line or help supply cover from the midfield. Junior Catarina Mestre is another returning defender from last season’s squad.
2020 Record: 5-5-3 Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro battled to a .500 record in 2020 and did it thanks to a strong defensive foundation. The Rocketeers allowed only 11 goals in 13 games last year and had five clean sheets. After graduating 15 players from that squad, and losing a starter to an injury, North coach Bill Wallace is enthusiastic about the potential for this year’s team to make a playoff push.
The Rocketeers return both of last year’s leading scorers. Senior Steph McKenna and junior Emma Pratt each scored five times last season and they will be counted on to improve those numbers with a full season (and without the restrictions that were in place in 2020). Behind the strikers, North’s midfield got a lot of experience last year. Senior Brayden Rice and junior Caroline Ferrin will be in the middle, while senior Autumn Hewitt and juniors Brooke Sullivan and Lily Adams provide the width.
Defense was a strength last year and it should be again in 2021. Senior Summer Doherty returns after missing a lot of last season with an injury. Her leadership and athleticism will be important in the middle of the back line. Seniors Meaghan Dowd and Charlotte Moynihan and junior Haley Sinacola make up the rest of the starting back four with junior Maddie Ferrin in goal.
“Right now, we are organized and making opponents work hard to develop their offense,” Wallace said. “Our goal is to play faster and with more urgency. The work rate is high, and the girls are looking forward to competing in the always tough Hockomock League!”
2020 Record: 8-1-5 Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Oliver Ames lost only once in 2020 and avenged that defeat by beating Canton in the Hock Cup final. The Tigers did draw five matches last season, but with eight starters returning, and several younger players who got valuable experience, OA will hope to turn those single points into two and bring home its first league title since 2016.
The Tigers pride themselves on being a tough team to break down and the defense should be stout again this fall. Senior Emily Meyers is back in goal and will be a vocal leader at the back. Senior Allison Evin moved from up top to the heart of the defense last season and her speed and understanding of the game made her a tough marker for opposing forwards to get away from, while juniors Mary Cross and Sophia Byron are looking to build off strong sophomore seasons. Senior Kyla Melton has transferred in from Milton Academy and her versatility will be a boost to the back line or in midfield.
Midfield will continue to provide cover for the back line with the likes of seniors Katie Gibson and Lauren Sellmayer not only giving the Tigers a physical, aerial presence, but also consistent delivery on set pieces. Senior Camryn O’Connor, a Boston University-commit, adds creativity to OA’s bite in the center of the pitch and will be a key to turning defense into attack. Junior Jenna Gilman will also provide playmaking and width and speedy sophomore forward Lucinda Cotter has been in good scoring form during the preseason.
“We have eight starters returning from last season, plus some younger players pushing for playing time,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “We are hoping our depth will be an advantage for our team this year.”
2020 Record: 2-8-2 Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon won a pair of games in 2020, but was also competitive in several losses that showed there was potential for improvement heading into the new season. The Eagles will be young this year, particularly after a pair of preseason injuries cost them returning starters, including junior Sally Brouhard, but there is still reason for optimism about the athleticism in the squad.
The Eagles will lean on the midfield, as the most experienced group. Junior Sofia Goclowski stepped in last year and had an all-star-caliber season and will be the primary playmaker in the center of the pitch. Junior Amber Marcus-Blank is moving up from the back line and her aggression will be key to shielding the defense. Junior Olivia Soby combines physical presence with technical skills and will be an important piece to the attack.
Senior forward Wendy Wooden will be the team’s primary threat up top and her speed will stretch opposition defenses to open space for the midfielders. On the other end of the field, the Eagles will be very young. Senior Amanda Hu is the only returning player in the back line and she’ll be counted on to keep everything organized. Sophomore Jordanna Morris will add much needed speed and athleticism to the defense and already looks comfortable at the varsity level.
“We have a very young squad this year, but I am excited about our mix of talent and athleticism,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “As always, the league looks to be extremely competitive, but we welcome the challenging matches that help us grow and continue to move our program in the right direction.
2020 Record: 0-11-1 Coach: Hermes Lima
Second-year Stoughton coach Hermes Lima is still looking for his first win, but he is confident that this year’s team has the right combination of skill and speed to give teams problems. The Black Knights are counting on increased depth and the pairing of experienced players and talented newcomers to get back in the win column.
One of the key players for Stoughton this season is junior Shayla Ford. Blessed with great speed, Ford can either stretch the opposition and attack the space behind the defense or drop into the Stoughton back line and give cover for her teammates. Freshman Makenzie O’Connor is going to step in up top and will add another dynamic element to the attack, while classmate Morgan Cook can slot in as a forward or in the back line to add aggression and a physical element. Junior Isabella Rodrigues gives the Black Knights speed on the wings and gives more speed for the forwards to run into.
The Black Knights will have experience in defense. Senior Abigail Durand is back in goal and provides vocal leadership for the back line. Senior Samantha Tran can play anywhere across the back line and her versatility is important. Junior Emma Tremblay and freshman Lauren Mitchell will both play in the center of midfield and can protect the back line or facilitate the Stoughton counter attack. Both can also slot in at central defense when needed. Junior Sabrina Rodrigues is another versatile player, jumping in at wingback or in the heart of the midfield.
“Every player bought into the culture last year and the new/returning players have bought in to every word/thing said and given to them this year!” said Lima. “The players are ready to fight for one another, represent their school and make this program proud of every achievement in their path. As a coach, I cannot ask anything else of them! This will be an intriguing but yet good step in the right direction for this program.”
2020 Record: 0-3-7 Coach: Mike Couture
Taunton coach Mike Couture only got four games to assess his team in 2020 before the season came to an abrupt end. Now in his second year, Couture is building around a young roster, composed mostly of sophomores, and is excited about the talent and the potential. The Tigers will be hoping to get off to a good start and end their wait for a nearly two-year wait for a league win.
Senior Isabella Anslow will be the leader of the defensive unit. She has been a busy goalkeeper in the past but has come up with several big games against big opponents. An example of that was being able to hold Mansfield to a scoreless draw in the first meeting between the teams last year. Junior Emily Calderon will lead the Tigers on the other end of the field. The forward is quick and experienced and she’ll be counted on to give Taunton a cutting edge in attack.
“This is a strong group and how quickly this good group of less experienced players develop, will determine the degree of our progress and we are off to a good start,” said Couture.
The Oliver Ames girls soccer team poses with the Challenge Cup trophy after beating Canton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
CANTON, Mass. – The Oliver Ames girls soccer team started the season without a win in its first four games.
The Lady Tigers ended the 2020 campaign as the hottest team in the Hockomock League, earning a pair of trophies including the Hockomock Challenge Cup with a 3-1 win over Davenport division champion Canton.
Canton girls soccer Oliver Ames girls soccer
After defeating King Philip on Tuesday to win the Hockomock Cup, the Tigers avenged their only loss of the entire season by taking down the Bulldogs in the Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup was created after Canton was forced to quarantine out of an abundance of caution after playing a team that had a positive COVID test. It gave the Bulldogs, the top seed out of the Davenport, a chance to play in the postseason after having to forfeit their first round of the Hockomock Cup.
“We’re a young team and it’s also about a coach learning who can do what,” said Oliver Ames head coach Britt Sellmayer of the turnaround from the start of the season. “We’re not playing the same positions that we were the first couple of games. COVID put everybody behind but for us, it was just a little bit more because we were younger. When you have experience, when you come back you get rolling a little bit sooner. We peaked at the right time, I’m very proud of the girls for how they played at the end of the year.
“Canton got a chance to play another game, they are a great, great team that I really feel like taking two weeks off didn’t help their cause. They were on a roll themselves when they were playing. They have some super players and the coach has done a great job in his first year. But it’s tough to sit out for two weeks and come out and play a team that’s hot, and we’re playing well, and we’ve been playing every three days for the past two weeks. I think that kind of hindered them a bit. I don’t want to take anything away from them being a great team.”
The Tigers started with four straight ties, finally breaking into the win column in their fifth game with a 2-0 decision over Sharon. Canton and OA tied in their first meeting of the season, and the Bulldogs handed the Tigers their only loss (3-1) in the second meeting.
OA caught fire after that loss, winning five straight to win the Hockomock Cup, and earned its sixth straight victory with the win on Thursday evening.
“We weren’t overly excited about [playing again] at first but then we looked at what it meant for Canton,” Sellmayer said. “And I said to my seniors ‘this is it, this is a chance to play one more game’ and we talked about playing for the seniors. We made sure all the seniors played.”
Although the result wasn’t what Canton, who had just one loss in the regular season, had hoped, the Bulldogs relished in the opportunity to get back on the field. The Bulldogs hadn’t played or practiced since the final week of the regular season, getting one training session in on Wednesday evening.
“It was amazing to least get out there to have one more chance to compete…a team that was having such a great season only to be cut short by, unfortunately, unforeseen events,” said first-year Canton head coach Idris Senyonjo. “Our seniors, especially, they needed this. Of course it didn’t end how we wanted it, but they needed to finish the season. They’ve worked so hard to be able to get there.
Canton girls soccer Oliver Ames girls soccer
“A big layoff is such a big difference in this spot, it means everything. Even if you only take a couple of days, but you take 10 days …that’s a long time not kicking the ball. We practiced for the first time just last night out in the cold. [OA] had a gameplan, they stuck to it and they were the better team today, so you can’t take that away from them. You just hope we could have done better on a couple of chances in the first half but that’s how the game goes. If you don’t take your chances, the other team will.”
The Tigers scored in each the first and second quarters, and tacked on a key insurance goal in the fourth quarter before the Bulldogs pulled one back in the final minutes.
Before Oliver Ames opened the scoring late in the first quarter, Canton had a pair of chances to take the lead. Just nine minutes in, Gabriella Herivaux played a through ball into the area for Olivia Rodman but her chance from in close was met with a terrific stop from OA keeper Emma O’Donnell. Minutes later, Rodman returned the favor for Herivaux but her bid skipped wide at the far post.
Off a kick-in in the attacking third, Katie Gibson knocked down a service into the area. Alexa Lane was the first to pounce on the loose ball, a quick touch past the keeper from in close to give the visitors a 1-0 lead going into the second quarter.
At the midway point of the second quarter, OA senior Emma Pereira took down a clearance and used her time and space to turn and fire a rocket inside the far post from 25 yards out to double the Tigers’ advantage.
Canton opened the second half with a pair of chances to get back into it but Mia Gilmore’s free kick a minute in was just off frame, and an intercepted pass by Elisa Diletizia led to a chance but her shot was over the bar.
Canton girls soccer Oliver Ames girls soccer
COVID restrictions nearly led to a goal for the Tigers in the 50th minute when Pereira’s cross was met with a good take off Carly Gibson’s shoulder but it was right at the keeper.
Canton’s Allie McCabe came up with a big stop on the goal line to deny a shot from Lane to keep the score at 2-0 at the end of the third quarter, but the score didn’t stay that long at the start of the fourth.
Oliver Ames was quick to clear a Canton corner and sophomore Jenna Gilman latched into the loose ball and used her speed to race up the right wing. Her cross into the area was cleared away by a defender but only as far as Pereira, who brought it down and laid it off to junior Lauren Sellmayer. Sellmayer took a touch to put it on her left foot and fired a perfectly placed shot off the far post and in to make it 3-0.
“Emma had a great goal, Lauren had a great goal, and Alexa’s scored two games in a row coming off the bench for us, and her work and her speed has helped with pressure,” Britt Sellmayer said. “We’re not the most skilled team but I think we’ve outworked everybody the last four games. Our work rate in the midfield, contesting every 50-50 ball. They showed a lot of heart. Canton is definitely more skilled than us but I think we had a little more work rate today and maybe our team is a little bit deeper. But we’re also fresher, those two weeks off is huge. I tip my hat to [Canton], they are a great team, and congrats on being Hockomock champs.
“We definitely connected a lot more passes today than the first two times we played Canton. We started playing better as a team, the communication came together. Plus, finding the right role for everybody. Sometimes as a coach, it takes a while to put people in the right spot where they can be successful.”
Canton continued to fight back against OA’s back four of Sophia Byron, Mary Cross, Allison Evin, and Madeleine Taylor. After coming close on a couple of chances before, Gilmore blasted a free kick from 30 yards out just under the bar to get the Bulldogs on the board.
“It’s been a rollercoaster for us, having to start late and then cut the season short, only to go back again,” Senyonjo said. “The team had a new coaching staff so they had to adjust to the new system, the way we want to play. So kudos to them, it speaks volumes the kind of kids that are here. I’m definitely looking forward to going again next year.”
Oliver Ames girls soccer finishes the season at 8-1-5 and won both the Hockomock Cup and the Challenge Cup. Canton’s record finishes at 8-3-1, though one loss was via forfeit at the start of the Hockomock Cup.
