Today’s games are listed below. The list is updated with all changes we have received.
Baseball
Stoughton, 6 @ Canton, 3 – Final – For the second straight game, Stoughton rallied from a deficit and plated the game-winning runs in the seventh innings. Jackson Maffeo’s three-run home run put the Bulldogs ahead 3-0 but Stoughton chipped away, tying the game with two runs in the sixth and went ahead with three runs in the seventh. Ryan Sullivan and Jack Connelly each had a single in the sixth and both came around to score to tie the game. Nick Hardy doubled to lead off the top of the seventh, advanced to third and came home on a double from Sullivan. Luke Johnson followed with a two-run double to put Stoughton up 6-3. Justin Hutchinson earned his seventh win of the seven, tossing three hitless innings with seven strikeouts. Hutchinson struck out the side in the sixth and retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh.
Foxboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Mansfield’s Colin Gibbons launched a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Hornets a close win over Foxboro. Mansfield took the lead in the bottom of the second when Anthony DeGiolamo (1-for-2) drove in Cullin Anastsia (2-for-3). Foxboro tied the game in the top of the third when Anthony Mollica knocked in John Cronin. Gibbons finished with two hits in the game. Connor Sheehan earned the win in a complete game effort, allowing just four hits while striking out four.
King Philip, 1 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Sharon junior Max Tarlin tossed a complete game and the Eagles’ offense did all of its damage early to notch a non-league win over KP. Tarlin allows five hits, five walks, one earned run and struck out seven in a complete game effort to earn the win. After Ben Stamm battled for a single, junior Drew Naisuler (2-for-3, double) launched a two-run home run to put the Eagles head. Aiden Arnold (2-for-2) followed that with a triple and scored on a single from Danny Emerman. SHS head coach Kee Arguimbau said senior Jake Marglous played incredible defense at catcher for the Eagles.
Milford, 3 @ Taunton, 1 – Final
Softball
Canton, 4 @ Stoughton, 13 – Final – Nikki Coppola went 4-for-4 with two triples and four runs scored and Karly Estremera went 4-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI to power the Black Knights offense. Gina Carafa had three hits and three RBI and got the win with six innings of work, striking out nine. Shannon Flaherty also had a pair of hits and drove in two for Stoughton. Canton was led offensively by Molly Loughran, who was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles.
Franklin, 9 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Franklin scored three runs in the third and added three more in the sixth inning to beat Foxboro in a game continued from Sunday (rain). Franklin held a 1-0 lead when the game resumed. Olivia DiGiacomo (four RBI) went 3-for-4 and put an exclamation point on the day with a bases-clearing double in the sixth inning. Kylie Bouzan added two hits and scored a pair for runs for Franklin. Jackie Cherry pitched four innings, retiring the side in order in the first, second and third innings. Emily Valentino pitched the last three innings and recorded three strikeouts. FHS head coach Kate Fallon Comeau said Tara Hartnett played excellent defense at shortstop.
King Philip, 3 @ Milford, 6 – Final – Holding a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth, Milford tacked on three runs and then held off King Philip’s late comeback attempt. Shannon Cormier went 2-for-3 with a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI, Kaitlin DeCapua had an RBI single, Maddy Bonvino had two hits, including a double, and a run scored and Emily Piergustavo reached base four times and scored one run. Ali Atherton (three strikeouts) earned the win, escaping a pair of jams in both the sixth and seventh innings. King Philip’s Hailey McCasland, Jenn Hutnyan, Jess Bonner and Nicole Carter each had two hits apiece for the Warriors.
Oliver Ames, 0 @ Walpole, 13 – Final – Lexie Campbell had a pair of hits while Victoria Ziner (double), Caroline Mahoney and Katie Mills had recorded one hit for the Tigers.
Taunton, 24 @ New Bedford, 0 – Final (5 Innings) – Taunton booked its place in the state tournament with a dominating win against the Whalers. Courtney Fisher and Jaylin Couto combined on a one-hitter and struck out 11 batters. Kya Enos went 3-for-3 with four RBI and homer, Rebekah Lajoie went 5-for-5 with five RBI and a homerun and eighth grader Hannah Aldrich drove in four for the Tigers. Katie Van Zandt (three RBI) and Alexa White also hit homers for Taunton.
Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 8 @ Mansfield, 10 – Final – Mansfield goalie Sean Powers turned away 12 shots and Sam O’Connell accounted for four points as the Hornets clipped Canton. Tommy Donnelly and Mike Zampine had strong games on defense in front of Powers. O’Connell scored a hat trick and had one assist while Aidan Sacco scored twice and Cullen Murphy, Hunter Ferreira, Joe Cox and Brad Grant each had a goal and an assist. Danny DeGirolamo also scored once for Mansfield.
Oliver Ames 4 @ King Philip, 10 – Final
Girls Lacrosse
King Philip, 14 @ Oliver Ames, 4 – Final
Boys Tennis
King Philip, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final – King Philip earned wins at second and third singles and swept doubles play to beat Canton. Martin Matous won 6-3, 6-2 at second singles and Marco DiStefano recorded a 6-2, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Sam Collela and Ryan Gemelli prevailed 6-3, 6-3 at first doubles and Aidan Ignatius and Jake Webster won 6-2, 6-2 at second doubles. Canton junior Jake Wolicki earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles.
Sharon, 4 vs. Bishop Feehan, 1 – Final – Sharon picked up an impressive non-league win, sweeping doubles play and notching two wins in singles play to beat the Shamrocks. The team of senior Alex Romantz and sophomore Danujan Thirumavalavan won 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 at first doubles and Ashwin Sreevatsa and Alberto Olivei won 6-4, 6-3 at second doubles. Fred Bondar notched a 6-3, 6-1 win at second singles and junior Andre Olivei recorded a 6-4, 6-3 win at third singles.
Taunton, 5 @ New Bedford, 0 – Final – Taunton recorded its third straight win with a rout of New Bedford. Sophomore Brett Beaulieu won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Mike Briggs recorded a 6-0, 6-0 win at second singles and Eric Gwordz won 6-0, 6-2 at third singles. The team of Charlie Fiske and Dylan Kullas prevailed with a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles and Kyle Dennehy and Alex Pugh won 6-0, 6-3 at second doubles.
Girls Tennis
Stoughton, 0 @ Attleboro, 5 – Final – Attleboro won all three singles matches in straight sets and recorded a sweep of the Black Knights. Torey Lussier won 6-3, 6-1 at first singles, Bri Aronne won 7-5, 6-1 at second singles and Anna Nelson emerged from third singles with a 6-1, 6-4 victory. The team of Taylor Palermo and Merri Piazza nothched a 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5 win at first doubles and seniors Brooklyn Palermo and Cam Liberatore won 6-0, 6-3 at second doubles.
Canton, 3 @ Milford, 2 – Final – Canton swept doubles play and earned a win at third singles to edge Milford on the road. Kiki Karavas won 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at third singles to help the Bulldogs clinch the match. The team of Julia Burkowsky and Jena Moyle won 7-5, 6-2 and Stelina Michaelidis and Sarah Hernandez won 6-1, 7-5 at second doubles. Milford’s Julie Rabinowitz won 7-5, 6-1 at first singles and Allison Buckenmaier won 6-2, 6-2 at second singles.
Taunton, 5 vs. New Bedford, 0 – Final – Taunton lost just three games in doubles play in a big win over the Whalers. The team of Emily Moor and Ashleigh Eason won without a blemish, picking up a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles. Callie Hebert and Jordan Martin recorded a 6-1, 6-2 win at second doubles. In singles play, Olivia Sweeney (first) won 6-1, 6-0, Jordan Pagliuca (second) won 6-3, 6-1 and Jillian Pagliuca (third) won 6-3, 6-2.
Boys Track
Milford, 78 @ Canton, 58 – Final – Canton’s Muhammed Sambo and Cordell Smith each qualified for states but the Bulldogs fell to Milford. Sambo came in first in the 200M at 23.1 while Smith finished first in the high jump (5’10). Gerry Sullivan also came in first for the Bulldogs, clocking in at 2:11.9 in the 800M. Canton swept the 400M hurdles with John Guenthner coming in first (1:01.1), Matt Floyd (1:03.6) coming in second and Riley McDonnell (1:04.00) taking third.
Girls Track
Milford, 78 @ Canton, 58 – Final – Canton’s Bronwyn Mahoney and Sarah Collins each won a pair of events but Milford prevailed with a win. Mahoney took first in the shot put (29’6.5″) and discus (68’8″) and Collins won the 400M hurdles (71.5) and the 800M (2:34.5). Andrea McNeil was first in the one mile (5:57.4) and second in the 800M (2:37.3) and Jimisha Williams crossed first in the 200M (28.0).
With a deep and experienced lineup and both pitchers returning, Milford will once again be the favorite to retain the Davenport division title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2016 Record: 2-18 2016 Finish: Missed Postseason Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro struggled through a difficult 2016, the first season under new head coach Mark Homer, winning only two games while giving up a league high 177 runs and scoring a league-low 46. Heading into this spring, the Bombardiers will be counting on a group of young players to try and turn things around and it seems to be working so far, as Attleboro has played two games and already matched last year’s win total.
One of the true bright spots from last season was freshman pitcher McKenzie Bergdoll, who showed flashes of the potential to be an ace for Attleboro, and this season she will be counted on to keep the Bombardiers in games and to provide big hits from the three-spot. Julia Woyton will be behind the plate this year while senior Ilea Caverley and junior Casey Whelan (outfield) and Jordyn Lako (second base) are the few returning players on the roster.
The Bombardiers are going to turn to youth this spring with freshman MacKenzie Killough taking over at shortstop. Freshmen twins Emma and Jenna Gittle will add depth to the Attleboro pitching staff and classmate Ashley Macia will take over in centerfield. Homer also said that there were underclassmen who would provide speed off the bench.
“The expectations are to play hard, be committed and get excited with every game and practice that they take part in,” said Homer. “With the added depth in each position this year, the girls hope to gain advantages from the previous year and reach their set goals for the season.”
2016 Record: 3-17 2016 Finish: Missed Postseason Coach: Jennifer Robillard
Former King Philip and Sacred Heart University shortstop Jennifer Robillard takes over the Canton program this spring with the hope of bringing some of the success that she enjoyed playing for two state champions and a Division I college to the Bulldogs, who are coming off a three-win season.
The Bulldogs will be looking to their experienced players to help turn things around in 2017, including seniors Molly Loughran, Taylor Carrington, and Julia Ezepik and junior Hannah Jerrier, who are all captains this spring. Jerrier and Ezepik will start the season injured, but Robillard is hoping that other players can step up until they return. Canton will have depth in the circle, as both junior Caitlyn Cahill and freshman Caroline Hughes will see action at pitcher.
Lillian Carrington and Samantha Keefe are two other players that will be counted on to contribute and both provided home runs in a loss to Mansfield in the second game of the season. Robillard is excited about the opportunity to get back into the Hockomock League and she sees a team that “wants to learn.”
“This team has a lot of potential. If we can tap into this potential, I truly believe that we are going to take teams by surprise,” Robillard said. “I am here to share my passion for and knowledge of the game I love with these girls. It is important to me that these girls learn how to be strong, independent and respectful young women.”
2016 Record: 9-13 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round Coach: Mark Maguire
In 2016, Foxboro finished 6-10 in the Hockomock League but got its chance to play in the postseason and took advantage with a preliminary round win over Westwood and a near-upset of Abington in a nine-inning classic. The Warriors will hope to build on that experience this spring with a number of key players returning.
League all-star Hannah Davis is back behind the plate for the Warriors and will be one of the top hitters in the Hockomock. Davis will likely be in the three-spot in the lineup and right behind her will be senior Kelly Fisher, who head coach Mark Maguire called one of the best first basemen in the league. Kelly McCarthy will try to set the table for the power hitters in the lead-off spot.
Sophomore pitcher Emma Rohan is back in the circle and Maguire expects that she will compete every game and build on her rookie campaign. Behind Rohan, Cam Willis will moved from second base to short and Chelsea Gibbons will provide good ‘D’ and a solid bat at third. Lefty Lexi Buckner could grab the second base spot and senior Jamie Gorham could provide an unexpected boost as a first-year player in the outfield. Mandy Ryan and Kayla Wheatley are two of the players coming up from JV that Maguire is hoping will step in to provide depth.
“They’re all working hard and they’re ready to build together as a team,” said Maguire. “The expectations are really to compete every game.”
2016 Record: 12-11 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Kate Fallon
Once the rains go away for a few days, Franklin will be able to open its new field and make official its move back to the high school after a couple seasons playing at Dean College. The Panthers are excited about the new facility and about the team’s potential for success this spring with seven returning starters from last year.
Leading the way is third baseman, and four-year starter, Olivia DiGiacomo, who has been a mainstay at the hot corner and provides leadership for the infield. To her left is shortstop Alyssa DaSilva, a three-year starter with two years of experience at short. Sophomore Allie Shea is back at first base and senior Clara DeCarvalho is back behind the plate and poised for a “breakout season,” according to head coach Kate Fallon. The outfield is also filled with veterans, including seniors Rachel Cousineau in left and Olivia Haba in center.
The seventh starter is senior Alex Niss, who started as a pinch hitter last season before taking over the DP role and turning into one of the top power hitters in the Hockomock League. The Panthers should be solid defensively and at the plate and Fallon is hoping that sophomore pitchers Jackie Cherry (who carried a shutout into the seventh in the season opening loss to North Attleboro) and Emily Valentino can make an instant impact in the circle.
“Win 11 games and make the tournament again,” said Fallon when asked about the expectations for the team this season. “I expect the seniors to provide leadership and be role models for the underclassmen. It’s always a dogfight in this league…but I think we are a good team.”
2016 Record: 24-4 2016 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship Coach: Norm Beauchemin
King Philip comes into 2017 on the back of its third state title in the past six years and, while expectations remain high for one of the region’s top programs, there are key pieces from last year’s team that need to be replaced in order for the Warriors to get back on top in the Kelley-Rex division and in the state.
The biggest absence this season is, of course, pitcher Kali Magane, who is now in the circle for Boston University and who was dominant during KP’s playoff run a year ago. Senior Jenn Hutnyan will step in to be the team’s starting pitcher after several starts and relief appearances in the past two seasons. Hutnyan will also be an important bat in the lineup. Junior Brie Lacy will be back behind the plate to help Hutnyan and head coach Norm Beauchemin noted that junior Jessica Bonner will be a solid defensive third baseman.
KP rarely rebuilds and almost always reloads for another title push. This year should be no different with a lineup that features several familiar names from last season’s title run, including sophomore Meghan Gorman and juniors Brooke Taute, Elise Pereira, and Hailey McCasland. Each of those players had important roles last season and will be ready to step up for the Warriors this spring as KP tries to regain the league title after Taunton ended its nine year run in 2016.
“Though it’s hard to replace last year’s seniors,” said Beauchemin, “we have a solid core of returning players ready to represent King Philip and its proud softball legacy.”
2016 Record: 13-9 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield is coming off a 13-win season that included a tournament win against Notre Dame Academy, but after four years of being able to count on Maddie Letendre in the circle the Hornets will be handing the ball over to a new pitcher this spring, although as it turns out only the first name will be changing.
Megan Letendre, who played shortstop as a freshman, will take over in the circle for the Hornets and her development as the No. 1 pitcher will go a long way to determining if Mansfield can repeat last year’s success. Pitcher is not the only position that needs to be replaces, as the Hornets will have a new catcher and three new infielders. Still, with nine returning players, there is plenty of experience on the roster.
Kara Bendanillo will move from third base to second, according to head coach Lori Letendre, and Megan Letendre will sometimes see time at second when not pitching. Liz Mackin will take over at first base, while Marissa Staffier and Amanda Giambanco will take the corner outfield positions. Mady Bendanillo will be back in center after an impressive first season for the Hornets.
“This is one of the hardest working teams I have had at Mansfield and they have been putting in a lot of effort to get ready for the season,” said Coach Letendre.
2016 Record: 17-5 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal Coach: Steve DiVitto
Milford has been the class of the Davenport division for the past four seasons and the Hawks come into 2017 with the expectations of being heavy favorites for another league title, but, with three seniors and nine juniors on the roster and eight starters returning, head coach Steve DiVitto is hopeful that the talent will translate to a deep run in the state tournament.
The Hawks are one of the few contenders to return not just one but two starting pitchers from last season. Senior Ali Atherton is back to be the primary option in the circle and the Southern New Hampshire-commit has been dominant at times in her career. If Atherton gets into trouble or needs a rest, junior Kelley Reichert has demonstrated that she is more than just a fill-in but can also shut down opponents. They will be pitching to sophomore Emily Hartman, who will step into the starting lineup this season.
There are very few question marks in this year’s lineup with junior Emily Piergustavo moving from second to short to replace Jill Powers, which is Piergustavo’s natural position and one she has played several times in the past year. Junior Jess Tomaso is back at first base and in the heart of the lineup where she will be joined by senior outfielder Maggie Farrell and senior third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua. Junior Kate Irwin will try to be the table-setter at the top of the order and juniors Maddy Bonvino (second base) and Shannon Cormier (outfield) will also be contributors.
“This has been a focused and driven group ever since the end of last season,” said DiVitto. “They have worked hard in the off-season and that was very apparent in the early stages of the season. We are excited to compete in the best league in the state, which will hopefully prepare us for a long run into June.”
2016 Record: 11-10 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro returned to the postseason in 2016 and for the Rocketeers to get back to the tournament this spring it will be the younger players that will lead the way. Head coach Bill Wallace knows that his team will be “green” (with only four seniors on the roster), but he is excited about North’s athleticism and versatility.
Pitching may be North’s biggest strength this season with five players in the rotation, led by freshman Bella Erti, who won her first career start, and last year’s starter Amelia Murphy. Juniors Olivia DesRoches, Jaclyn Buckley and Abby Warren could also step into the circle to help out. Senior Sam Courtemanche will be behind the plate to help the pitchers.
Senior Liz Morehouse returns at first base and Andrea Miceli will be at second. Megan Barlow moves in from the outfield to take over at short (and provided the walk-off hit in North’s season opening win), while Murphy will see time at third when she’s not pitching. Olivia Capobianco will play center with Katherine Munley and Kristina Murphy in left and right with freshmen Ashley Cangiano and Abby Gallagher getting playing time.
“With only four seniors on the roster, I am hoping the learning curve will be brief!” said Wallace. “This may be the year we see a lot of pinch hitting and pinch running! For a young team, they are very focused between the lines!”
Oliver Ames finished in second in the league in 2016 and qualified for the postseason, but that will be an even tougher task now that the Tigers have made the move to the Kelley-Rex division. Even with facing the likes of defending state champion King Philip twice this spring, head coach Lindsey Allison is optimistic that the 10 returning players have the experience to get back into the playoffs.
Senior Victoria Ziner will be the spark on offense for the Tigers this season, but OA also has a number of juniors that Allison said can “do some damage at the plate.” Among those players is Caroline Mahoney, whose bat “is still as dangerous as ever,” according to Allison. Freshman Katie Abreu will be a newcomer to watch for the Tigers as her versatility will make her a valuable member of the lineup.
The Tigers will bring back sophomore Kayla Georgeu in the circle and will be hoping that she continues to develop and keep OA competitive against the league’s top teams. Junior Alexis Campbell will be a second pitcher and also help out at second base.
“We have a solid 10 players returning from last year’s roster,” said Allison, “and we are looking to fill holes behind the plate, in the outfield and at first base this year. Definitely hoping to use some of the speed we have on our team to our advantage this year.”
2016 Record: 4-16 2016 Finish: Missed Postseason Coach: Deb Parker
Sharon is coming off a four-win season in 2016 but head coach Deb Parker believes that the Eagles have the potential to be a contender in the Davenport division this spring as long as the players continue to develop over the course of the season.
Although the Eagles are a relatively young team, Parker is counting on senior captains Clara Cook and Sam Marglous to provide the leadership needed to keep the team on the right track. Cook will be back in the circle for Sharon, while Marglous will be back behind the plate. Parker said, “Both have been solid contributors for their entire high school careers.”
Sophomore centerfielder Rebecca Clayman and shortstop Ally Small, who Parker referred to as “standouts,” will be the anchors of the defense. Freshman Shoshanna Lowe will step in to play third base and should have a positive impact in the lineup as well.
“I believe we have the right combination of experience, talent and drive to be a contender in the Hock,” said Parker. “This is a team that works hard every day to be better than they were the day before. They have great chemistry and our captains have done an excellent job leading them into the season.”
2016 Record: 10-11 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round Coach: Tim Norton
The Black Knights made a return to the state tournament in head coach Tim Norton’s first season in charge, and nearly pulled out a win against Braintree, and Stoughton will be counting on last year’s freshmen to continue developing and keep the program heading in the right direction.
One of the sophomores that the team will be leaning on is third baseman Jordan Lyons, who brings a strong bat to the hot corner and her leadership skills had her named a captain for this spring. Brianna Ferrandiz will take over behind the plate for Sam Tullis and Karly Estremera will move into the infield and continue to be the table-setter as the leadoff hitter.
Norton is excited to have depth in the circle with Shannon Flaherty and Gina Carafa both capable of racking up innings and “setting great examples on and off the field.” Stoughton will also have depth in the outfield with first-year starters Krista Michienzi, Val Whalen and Alessandra Loffredo.
“We were extremely fortunate in Stoughton last year to have such a strong freshman class with great senior leadership,” Norton explained. “This year that sophomore class is going to have to come into their own. While this team is young they got a taste of the post season last year and are hungry for more.”
2016 Record: 22-2 2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal Coach: Dave Lewry
Last season, Taunton won its first outright league title, ending King Philip’s nine-year reign atop the Hockomock. It was a fitting coda to the impressive careers of Taunton’s senior class, but this spring the Tigers will now have to move forward with six new faces in the starting lineup, including at pitcher and the middle infield positions. Taunton typically reloads quickly and head coach Dave Lewry believes this year’s team has a plenty of potential.
Senior Courtney Fisher will step into the circle hoping to make a seamless transition from 2016 Player of the Year Aimee Kistner. Fisher tossed three shutout innings and had three hits in the season opener and got several opportunities to pitch in the past two seasons. She will be pitching to junior captain Kya Enos, who is making the move back to catcher after two seasons in the outfield. Other starters coming back include first baseman Katie VanZandt, junior outfielder Liana Duarte, and sophomore Jaime Brown, who is in her third year at third base.
The Tigers have always found young players who can step right in an make an impact at the varsity level and this year could be a breakout season for eighth grader Hannah Aldrich, who will take over from Jordan Wade at short. Sophomore Alexa White looks ready to step in at second, while senior Rebekah Lajoie and junior Hailey Medeiros are in line to start in the corner outfield places. Taunton could also get contributions at pitcher from eighth grader Kelsey White and freshman Jaylin Couto.
“While we lost six starters from last season, I am excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Lewry. “I expect there will be some growing pains with six new starters in the lineup, but with some seasoned veterans and good young talent we are optimistic that we’ll be competitive this season.”
