OA senior Jenna Gilman celebrates after scoring the second goal in a 3-0 win over Stoughton in the D2 Sweet Sixteen. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
NORTH EASTON, Mass. – When you’re the underdog, the team that is new to the playoff experience, the team on the road facing the top seed and league champion, you want to make sure to stay close early in the game. You want to keep within touching distance to build confidence and let the favorite start to fell the pressure.
Stoughton went into Wednesday afternoon’s visit to Muscato Stadium with that game plan, but it last all of 40 seconds before Oliver Ames opened the scoring. The Tigers would add two more within a minute and then kept the Black Knights at arm’s length for the final 70 minutes to secure a 3-0 victory and a place in the Div. 2 quarterfinal.
“They came out gunning for us,” said Stoughton coach Jon Grant. “They came out very fast. They came out very clean and they capitalized on every moment. I tip my hat to them, they’re a phenomenal team. They basically punched us in the mouth the first 10 minutes and then we battled and battled and battled. It’s hard to comeback from a three-goal deficit.
Before the crowd had even gotten settled into the bleachers on a chilly night, OA was on top. Emma Gavin picked up the ball in space in the midfield and slid a pass out to the right wing for freshman Jolie Diaz to run onto. Diaz carried the ball to the end line and then cut the ball back to Gavin, who was making a late run into the box and smacked it past Stoughton keeper Katrina Varnum (seven saves) with a first-time shot.
Eight minutes later, OA doubled its lead on a very similar goal. This time it was Lucinda Li Cotter on the right wing and she dribbled her way to the end line and fired a low cross to the edge of the six-yard box where Jenna Gilman was waiting to power her shot inside the post.
Less than a minute was off the clock before OA had put daylight between itself and the visitors. Diaz again provided the assist with a hard-hit cross into a mass of bodies in the box. Varnum made a diving parry on the pass, but only managed to knock it to the feet of Carly Gibson, who made no mistake with another unerring finish.
“We had senior night here and it was 0-0 and we spent the whole night in their half, but they’re so hard to break down,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “You have to get to the end line and get the ball across because you’re not going to beat [Katrina] high. The first two goals were low and Carly’s was just a bullet through a crowd.”
Holding onto a 3-0 lead took some of the impetus away from the Tigers, who were content to hold the ball and continue looking for its dangerous front three of Cotter, Gilman, and Diaz.
The rest of OA’s chances in the first half came from set pieces. Taylor deVos forced Varnum into a save with a 35-yard free kick. Another deVos delivery, this time from a better angle, went straight across the box to Gavin at the far post, but the sophomore midfielder could only find the side-netting.
Stoughton was struggling to create anything going forward, which wasn’t helped by an injury to sophomore Emma Tran midway through the half. OA keeper Janiya Matier was forced into only one save, on a ball that ricocheted off the knee of Makenzie O’Connor. The Black Knights almost forced an opening in the final minute when Morgan Cook slid a pass into Shayla Ford, but Matier was off her line quickly to collect on the slide.
Coming out of the break, OA nearly added to its lead. A ball in behind the Stoughton defense let Gavin have a chance from close-range, but Varnum was able to smother it. Seconds later, the ball was recycled out to Gibson, who forced the Stoughton keeper into a nice diving stop to her right.
Stoughton had more possession and more of the territorial advantage than it did in the first half, but the Black Knights still struggled to create any chances of note. The OA back line of deVos, Sophia Byron, Catie Wilson, and Molly Capece was impenetrable.
“First half we had to basically stop the bleeding, we had to stop them from scoring,” Grant explained. “In the second half, it was okay lets see if we can get some offense going. We were able to get a little more forward in the second half, but their counterattack, they dump and they’re fast and they’re good. They capitalize on any mistake.”
In the end, OA managed the second half well, making sure to keep the game from getting dramatic in the closing minutes. After a loss at this stage last year, the Tigers were determined to get to the next round.
“We talked about that,” Sellmayer admitted. “Having Jenna gives us an edge and having Jolie gives us pace up front.” When asked about managing the lead late in the game, he added, “It wasn’t as efficient in terms of containing the ball, but we didn’t give them any corners kicks, they had a couple scary chances. They’re a real physical team and we wanted to match it but didn’t want to foul.”
For Stoughton (8-8-4), this season marked the first playoff appearance in 14 years and has the potential to be a jumping off point for a talented sophomore class that makes up a good chunk of the team’s starting lineup.
“Phenomenal,” said Grant. “Absolutely night and day from last year. The work ethic has been phenomenal, the leadership from the seniors has been phenomenal, they’re going to be missed. We do have a young crew coming up and hopefully they can match the leadership that’s been there, but this has been a good building block for the next two years.”
Oliver Ames (14-3-1) will host the winner of Canton and Duxbury, who meet on Thursday, in the quarterfinal on Saturday at a time to be determined.
Stoughton players celebrate after Bianca Casna’s last-minute goal sealed a 2-1 win over Marblehead in the D2 tournament opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
STOUGHTON, Mass. – It had been 14 years since the Stoughton girls soccer team had gotten a taste of state tournament play. To put that into perspective, none of the current Black Knights were in school when Stoughton last made the postseason. A huge crowd turned out on Monday at Memorial Field to cheer on the Black Knights, making it a memorable occasion for the players.
In the final minute of a tie game, sophomore left back Caitlin Driscoll curled a cross into the box. Driscoll’s classmate Bianca Casna read the flight of the ball, making a late run from midfield. Casna snuck inside her defender and managed to get a foot on the cross, knocking it past the onrushing Marblehead keeper and into the net.
Casna’s goal ensured the game wouldn’t just be remembered as the night Stoughton returned to the playoffs, but for the 2-1 win that sends the Black Knights to the Sweet Sixteen and a rematch with league champion and top seed Oliver Ames.
“We were trying to keep it similar to a league battle and I was hoping that was the intensity we were going to come out with,” said first-year Stoughton coach Jon Grant. “I was a little concerned where we’ve never been here before, but the senior leadership has been tremendous. They’ve kept the energy high, the excitement high, and you can’t beat this crowd here right now.”
“It means everything,” added senior forward Shayla Ford about the experience of playing in the tournament. “We put our heart and soul into this whole entire season. We haven’t been here for 14 years, it’s a new feeling and I’m just really happy that we got here and showed up today.”
She continued, “We were excited. We couldn’t give this opportunity up. With everyone supporting us, we didn’t want to let anyone down.”
Despite not having been on this stage before, the Black Knights came out of the gates ready to meet the physical demands of tournament soccer. The game was filled with robust challenges on both sides, as neither team was willing to give an inch or back down from a tackle.
The Black Knights had a good early chance when Emma Tran crossed from the left sideline to Casna arriving at the back post, but the header went just wide. Marblehead’s first scoring opportunity came off a set piece on the edge of the box, but Samantha Dormer’s shot was well over.
In the 15th minute, Tran gave the crowd reason to get even louder. A foul right in front of the Stoughton bench gave the Black Knights a free kick from about 35 yards out. With the wind at her back, Tran curled a ball into the box. Whether it was intended as a shot or as a cross, only Tran will know, but the ball arrowed towards goal, over the keeper, and just under the bar.
“As she kicked it, I was like oh no, keep it away from the goalie, keep it away from the goalie, that’s going in!” Grant joked. “Whether she was shooting or crossing, it doesn’t matter because it was in the back of the net.”
Marblehead’s most dangerous player was Sydney Ball and she showed off her skills to work shooting space a few minutes later but her effort was right at Stoughton keeper Katrina Varnum. Freshman Julia Vasconcelos had a try from distance for the Black Knights, taking a big hit in the process, but it was also right at the goalie.
Stoughton would have one more chance with the wind at its back. Morgan Cook played a high ball towards the Marblehead back line. Ford watched the bounce of the ball elude the last defender and was on it like a flash, but so was Magicians keeper Kate Ford, who was off her line quickly to collect.
It was a game in which the fouls, and the delays for injuries, outnumbered the clear-cut scoring chances, so it was always likely that set pieces would play a big role. Just three minutes after the break, the Magicians had a chance to line one up. A handball on the edge of the box gave Dormer another opportunity and this time she made it count by belting a shot into the top corner.
Rather than letting the equalizer get the down, the Black Knights went right back on the attack. Less than a minute after the goal, Makenzie O’Connor made a run down the left wing, angling into the box and forcing a diving save with her left-footed shot. The keeper spilled the initial try and Ford was the first to the rebound, but Burns redeemed herself by leaping up and smothering the second shot.
Stoughton’s back line of Sabrina Rodrigues, Lauren Mitchell, Emma Tremblay, and Driscoll (two sophomores and two seniors) were excellent all night, keeping everything to the perimeter and not allowing a chance inside the 18.
“When he called a timeout, I knew there’s only about a minute left and I said, girls they’re going to throw it in the box, we have to counter,” Grant explained. “They’re going to push forward because they have the wind right now, weather the storm and lets hit them on the counter attack.”
Chances remained at a premium. Tran played in a nice free kick from the left to Casna but her downward header bounced wide. Dormer would get two more free kicks in the span of a minute. The first from 35 yards she blazed over and the second one from 10 yards closer was smashed into the wall.
The game looked destined for overtime. Then Driscoll delivered the perfect ball and Casna delivered the finishing touch to create celebration more than a decade in the making.
“They all play on a club team with each other, so they’re all close, connected and you can see that on the field,” Ford said about the play of the underclassmen, including six starters who are sophomores or freshmen. “We just love playing with each other and everyone’s proud of each other and how they performed today.
Stoughton (8-7-4) will take on top seed Oliver Ames on Wednesday afternoon. The teams had two close games in the regular season, with the Tigers winning by a goal in the first meeting and the second finishing in a draw.
“They’ve been the best team, so I wouldn’t want anything less,” Grant said about facing the Tigers again. “I trust these girls and I know they’re going to be excited for [Wednesday].”
Boys Soccer
Foxboro, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – Final – Oliver Ames junior Joey Carney and sophomore Casey Milliken each scored a pair of goals as the Tigers finished their league schedule undefeated, closing it out with a 5-0 win over Foxboro. Sophomore Jackson Mercieri notched his first career goal, Milliken and junior Ryan Linhares each had two assists, and sophomore Luke Churchill recorded his sixth assist of the year.
Sharon, 2 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Stoughton took the lead with just four minutes to play but Sharon rallied for a pair of goals inside the final three minutes to stun the Black Knights. Junior Kyle Grant broke the stalemate in the 76th minute to put the hosts ahead. A minute late, Miguel Vasconcelos brought the visitors level off of an assist from Tyler Goodman. And less than a minute later, Vasconcelos bagged the game-winner on a feed from Adam Eastman.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – A terrific second half goal from junior Billy Badger was the difference as Attleboro claimed the Leach & Garner Cup. Junior Alex Vecchioli found senior Steve Etienne with a ball up the middle. Etienne sprayed a pass wide, Badger cut into the area and blasted a shot top corner at the far post for the game-winner in the 73rd minute.
Franklin, 2 @ Milford, 3 – Final – After seeing a two-goal lead disappear, Milford found an unlikely game-winner with just minutes to go to earn a season sweep of the Kelley-Rex division champs. Following a scoreless first half, the Hawks built a 2-0 lead, opening the scoring in the 48th minute and doubling it in the 60th minute. Kaua Pereira finished off a corner from Arthur Tome to give the hosts the lead, and a deflected shot from Gabriel Machado — who was making his varsity debut — doubled the advantage. Franklin rallied for a pair of goals, the first coming with 15 minutes to play. A corner from Noah Cain went through a crowd and to the far end of the area where Max Tobin hit it on a half volley back to the opposite post to halve the deficit. With just under nine minutes left, the Panthers cashed in on another Cain corner, this time the ball finding the feet of Will Kryzak and he buried it. With under five minutes to go, Milford’s Andre Baiano smashed a ball from 60 yards out that caught the keeper off the line and bounced in for the game-winner.
Girls Soccer
North Attleboro, 0 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Alexis Campbell made a save on the final penalty kick to lift the Bombardiers to the Blue-Red Cup title. After a scoreless regulation, the teams went to penalties to decide who would get the cup for the year. Campbell, who was named Most Outstanding Player for Attleboro, came up with a big stop on the final kick to secure a 4-3 shootout win.
Oliver Ames, 2 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – Mary Cross and Lucinda Li Cotter each found the back of the net to lift the Tigers to the win, which clinched a second straight outright Davenport division title. Cross opened the scoring off a Sophia Byron corner in the first. Cotter doubled the lead in the second half off a feed from Emma Gavin. Foxboro senior Maddie Maher returned from injury to play goal for the Warriors, making several big saves. Neve Taylor and Shea Dorney played well in the Foxboro midfield, covering for Lauren Miley, who was out with an injury, and Erin Foley provided energy up top and in the middle of the pitch.
Milford, 2 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Anya Zub and Olivia Costa each recorded three points, leading the Panthers to a win that clinches a third straight league title. Franklin finished a point above KP in the Kelley-Rex. Zub and Costa each scored twice and had an assist to pace the Franklin attack. Kelly O’Connor added a goal off an Avery Greco assist. Serena Borges and Dani Atherton (assisted by Borges) scored for the Hawks to put them up 2-0 before Franklin rallied with five straight goals. Milford was only the third team to score more than one goal in a game against Franklin this season.
Taunton, 1 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip closed out the regular season with a win over Taunton. Kylie Menendez and Brooke Noonan scored first half goals to put the Warriors in front and Ella Pisani finished off a cross from Eilish McGowen 15 minutes into the second half to make it 3-0. Taunton got one back with three minutes to play on a free kick from sophomore Amelia McQuiggan. Eighth grader Ashlyn Hebert had a strong game in goal for the Tigers, making 11 saves. Taunton will close out the season on Friday against New Bedford.
Stoughton, 3 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Stoughton battled back from three goals down to secure a point in its regular season finale. Sharon took the lead with 17 minutes left in the first half. Sofia Goclowski played a pass into the run of Autumn Simon, who was able to keep possession under pressure and get the ball back to Goclowski on the edge of the box. The senior midfielder picked the bottom far corner to open the scoring. Sharon doubled the lead when Carly Pinnix made a nice move to open space on the right and dropped a pass behind the back line for Simon to run onto and finish first-time. Stoughton started the second half well, but the Eagles made it 3-0 against the run of play. Off a drop ball, Olivia Soby hit a nice pass out to Pinnix on the left and the senior hit a perfect cross through the box where Simon managed to get enough on it to redirect it inside the far post. Midway through the second half, Emma Tran got one back for the Black Knights with a 25-yard strike that dipped just under the bar. The Black Knights had a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper and missed from the penalty spot but just kept going. Morgan Cook hit an angled ball to the right wing. Bianca Casna brought it down and then arrowed in a cross to the near post. Shayla Ford, who earlier had a goal disallowed, got in front of her marker and was able to knock the ball just inside the post. Five minutes later, Stoughton completed the comeback. Casna hit a ball in from the right side and, whether it was intended as a shot or not, it flew into the top corner.
Field Hockey
Sharon, 0 vs. Norwell, 3 – Final
Volleyball
Sharon, 1 vs. Norwood, 3 – Final
Taunton vs. Durfee, 6:00
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Notre Dame Academy, 0 – Final
Boys Soccer
Stoughton, 4 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Stoughton junior goalie Ben Shirey made a terrific one-handed stop on a point-blank header with just under five minutes to play as the Black Knights prevailed from a see-saw battle with a win on the road over Foxboro. Foxboro opened the scoring in the 11th minute as Pradyu Gubbala finished off a corner kick from John Hollis as the hosts staked an early lead. Stoughton equalized just before the half hour mark as Kyle Grant was fouled in the box and Matheus Groberio buried the pen to make it 1-1. Just minutes later, Groberio pierced the defense with a through ball that Grant was able to run onto and eventually tuck a shot into the corner. The Warriors equalized just before the halftime break when Alex Penders headed in a service from Jack Sullivan. The scoring continued in the second half as the Knights went back in front just a minute into the second half when a free kick from Alex Kozak was flicked on by Groberio in behind the defense and Anthony Damasio finished in alone on the keeper. Penders got his second, latching onto a pass from Timothy Kerzner-Greenwall and finishing at the near post to make it 3-3. Stoughton’s game-winner came in the 54th minute when Joao Marotti buried a header into the corner on a service from Kozak.
Taunton, 0 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – Attleboro scored a pair of goals in each half to earn a shutout win at home over visiting Taunton. The Bombardiers took the lead just minutes in after Steve Etienne found the back of the net. A long throw from Zachary Diffenderfer was partially cleared by only as far as Lucas Marques, who nodded it back into the mix. Etienne was able to control it off of his chest, turn, and finish from in close for a 1-0 lead. With 10 minutes to go in the first half, Esvin Morales’ free kick from just outside the area smacked the crossbar and bounced out, Marques’ follow up header was denied by the keeper but Billy Badger pounced on the loose ball and buried it to make it 2-0. Taunton had a strong start to the second half but Attleboro cashed in after another failed clearance on a service into the area. This time it was Badger’s corner that bounced in the area and junior Alex Vecchioli was the first to it, burying a half volley for a 3-0 lead. Marques capped the scoring, taking down a centering pass from Morales, driving pass the Tigers’ defense, and finishing past the keeper to make it 4-0.
North Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Franklin saw its two-goal first half lead disappear but the Panthers pounced for two more in the second half to secure two points. It took less than five minutes for Franklin to find the back of the net. Senior Trey Lovell sent a through ball in for junior Hansy Jacques, who was met by the keeper off of his line, and the rebound fell right to sophomore Garrett Scagliarini and he one-timed a shot that just made it across the line for a 1-0 lead. An interception from right back Ben Costa started a counter for Franklin just minutes later; Costa found Scagliarini, who quickly linked up with Andrew O’Neill and he played Hansy in behind the defense. Jacques took one touch to settle and then slid a shot under the oncoming keeper to make it 2-0 in the eighth minute. After a timeout from the visitors, they cut the deficit in half in the 16th minute when Carson Dameron intercept a pass, carried possession forward with speed and found Givany Carney streaking in behind the defense and his one-touch finish beat the keeper. North used a creative set piece in the 60th minute to equalize as Patrick Etienvre played Ethan Almeida short on the ground and his one-timer from just inside the box found the back of the net. Franklin regained the lead with just under 10 minutes to play as Noah Cain played a corner on the ground and Lovell latched onto it with a one-timer that snuck in at the near post. Jacques grabbed his second, running onto a long ball from Matt Honekamp, won a one-on-one battle and finished on a tight angle with five minutes to play.
Milford, 1 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – Milford finally unlocked a defensive-minded King Philip squad with just under 15 minutes to play to earn a key two points on the road with a 1-0 decision. Freshman Johnny Castro played in Eduardo Santana behind the defense and he smashed a shot off the crossbar and in for the lone goal of the game, and his third goal in the past two games.
Mansfield, 0 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – After a scoreless first half, Sharon’s goal just past the midway point of the second half was enough as the Eagles took two points in a win over the visiting Hornets. Diego Martinez set up Adam Eastman, who found the back of the net in the 26th minute for the winner.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Freshman Tatum O’Brien continued her rich vein of form, scoring twice and assisting on the third goal, to get Attleboro back on track. Alexis Campbell earned the clean sheet with a couple of key saves. Jamie Davies added an assist for the Bombardiers, while Emily Dunlea, Bethany Alves, Ayla Santoro, and Presley Biller did their best to limit the chances for Taunton on a tough, physical game from both teams. Taunton had one of its best performances of the season, celebrating seniors Emily Calderon, Christina Da Costa, and Hayleigh Porter. Porter finished with 12 saves for the Tigers.
Foxboro, 0 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Morgan Cook’s penalty kick was the lone goal to lift the Black Knights to the win. Katrina Varnum made eight saves to preserve the clean sheet for Stoughton. Allison Touhey and Lindsey Resnick had strong performances for the Foxboro defense and Erin Foley worked hard in the midfield to try and creat scoring opportunities for the Warriors.
Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – Franklin extended its lead back to three points at the top of the division with a win at North. Norah Anderson got the eventual game-winner, finishing off a pass from Bridget Leo. Leo would then get a goal of her own, assisted by Selene Hammad, to make it 2-0 before the break. Rachel Welch earned the clean sheet in the Franklin goal.
King Philip, 7 @ Milford, 0 – Final – A Heidi Lawrence hat trick led the way for the Warriors in a big road win. Lawrence opened the scoring 16 minutes into the game, finishing a through ball from Dani Lomuscio. Two minutes later, Lomuscio was on the end of a cross from Lawrence to make it 2-0. Lawrence added her second at the midway point of the half, this time assisted by Ally Smith. Ella Pisani wrapped up the scoring in the first half by getting on the end of a deft chip by Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn. Lawrence completed her hat trick eight minutes into the second half, Lomuscio again providing the killer through ball. Rachel DeFlaminis would add a brace, scoring twice in less than a minute. The first was assisted by Pisani and the second by Eilish McGowen.
Sharon, 0 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final – Mansfield extended its unbeaten run to nine games by scoring four times within 15 minutes midway through the second half. Lyla Nappa, Kara Santos, Stella Moore, and Avery Hawthorne each found the back of the net for the Hornets. Santos, Nappa, Olivia Dunham, and Bridget Hanley had assists.
Field Hockey
Canton, 2 vs. Braintree, 1 – Final – Junior Maggie McCready gave Canton the early lead while freshman Carolyn Schiavo scored the game-winner with less than a minute to play as the Bulldogs took an exciting 2-1 decision over Braintree, a top 10 team in Division 1. McCready’s goal presented Canton with a 1-0 lead before the visiting Wamps leveled the game with a goal in the second quarter. After a nearly scoreless second half, Schiavo found the back of the net with just seconds left to earn the win.
King Philip, 1 @ Uxbridge, 3 – Final – King Philip put up a great right on the road but came up short to undefeated Uxbridge, who sits atop the Division 4 power rankings. Mara Boldy finished off a cross from Leah Santoro for KP’s lone goal while Haley Bright had a great game in net with seven saves.
North Attleboro, 6 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Holding just a one-goal lead at halftime, North Attleboro used a third quarter goal to extend its lead and three goals in the fourth quarter to pull away for good. Caroline Folan, who finished with a hat trick, opened the scoring for the visitors five minutes into the game, finishing off a pass from Emily Burnham off of a corner. Julia Puccio (from Kelsey Thompson) doubled North’s lead at 10:28 of the second quarter but Milford scored with under five minutes to go in the first half to make it 2-1 at the break. Burnham got her first varsity goal with 54 seconds left in the third off of an assist from Ava Spencer. In the fourth, Puccio got her second and Folan scored back-to-back goals in a two-minute span — both assisted by Puccio — to push the lead to 6-1.
Volleyball
Sharon @ Norwood, 5:00
North Attleboro @ Norton, 6:00
Boys Soccer
Foxboro, 0 @ New Bedford, 0 – Final
Stoughton vs. Norwood – Postponed to TBD.
Girls Soccer
Stoughton, 4 @ Norwood, 0 – Final – Four players found the back of the net for the Black Knights to sweep the season series with the Mustangs and get back to .500 on the season. Morgan Cook, Sabrina Rodrigues, Shayla Ford, and Makenzie O’Connor each scored for the visitors. Molly Fox made 10 saves to each the clean sheet.
Field Hockey
King Philip, 4 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Lauren Barreiro led the Warriors with three points, helping them pick up a big road win. Barreiro scored twice and assisted on a third, while Mara Boldy and Makenzie McDevitt each found the back of the net once. Nicole McDonald had a pair of assists. Siany Ortez had a massive game for the Bombardiers, making 17 saves in the loss.
Canton, 9 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final
Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final – Kaitlyn Carney and Haley Wernig each scored a pair of first goals while Emily Carney tacked on two in the third quarter as the Panthers picked up a big win. Carney netted a pair of unassisted first halfs while Wernig added one late in the first (from Chloe Fales) and another early in the second quarter (from Kaitlyn Carney). Emily Carney scored just over a minute apart in the third (first from Kaitlyn Carney, the second unassisted) while Sydney Rogan (from Shaw Downing) made it 7-0 at the midway point of the third. Downing capped the scoring with the lone goal of the fourth (from Emily Carney).
Oliver Ames, 2 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Kayla Kenney’s fourth quarter goal earned the Tigers a tie in a back-and-forth game at Alumni Field. Julia Maclaine put OA ahead in the second quarter, but Mansfield scored twice in the third to grab the lead. Rose Maher and Ava Adams each found the net for the Hornets. Kenney answered back in the fourth and both teams left with a point. Lily Danehy made eight saves for Mansfield.
Milford @ North Attleboro, 5:15
Sharon, 0 @ Foxboro, 9 – Final – Foxboro erupted for four goals in the second quarter and tacked on three more in the third on its way to a big win over Sharon. Mya Waryas was involved in the Warriors’ first five goals, setting up Ella Campbell for the lone goal of the first quarter, scoring the first goal of the second herself (from Mia Dinunzio and Mary Collins) and then assisting on the next three goals: two from Collins and another from Campbell (also assisted by Izzy Leclair). Collins and Campbell each finished with a hat trick and one assist, Jenny Gallagher and Catherine Cotter both scored once, and Macy Quinn registered an assist.
Volleyball
Sharon, 0 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro made it three straight wins, avenging a five-set loss to the Eagles earlier this season with a 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-22, 26-24). Sydney Lebow took over at the service line and served the Warriors back at the end of the third set after the Warriors were trailing late. She finished with a pair of aces and seven digs while Alyssa Cloherty added 24 assists, six digs, and two assists. Sami Sloan had a huge day at the net with 22 kills for the hosts along with three digs while Mallorie Meyer had a strong all-around game with seven kills, six digs, three aces, and two blocks.
Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
Canton, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Canton picked up its third straight win and fifth in its last six matches, returning home from a quick trip to Stoughton with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 26-24) win over the Black Knights. Jess Wright led the charge with 13 ills, eight digs, two blocks, and two aces while Sally Hoban added nine kills. Zoe Scibelli played well defensively with 13 digs and had a strong showing at the service line with eight aces.
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – OA pulled out a 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-22) win at Mansfield that keeps its two-game lead atop the Davenport division. Brianna Monteiro provided the Tigers with great defense on the back row, while Maddie Homer finished with 29 digs and 20 receptions. Clare Kavoulis had 24 assists for the Tigers and Courtney Raymond put in a strong all-around performance with six kills, four aces, and a pair of blocks.
Emily McCabe (19) celebrates Mekhala Costello’s last second goal that secured a win for Canton, despite the Bulldogs trailing Stoughton by a goal with just three minutes remaining. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
CANTON, Mass. – For about 77 minutes, Stoughton had yet to put a foot wrong. The Black Knights were organized, compact, and keeping Canton’s dynamic attack at arm’s length. Unfortunately for Stoughton, all it took was three minutes for the Bulldogs to finally find a way through and pull out an unlikely victory.
Stoughton led Monday’s game at WWII Veterans Memorial Field for more than 50 minutes following Shayla Ford’s opener, but in the closing moments Emily McCabe finally found space in behind the defense to equalize. With nearly the last kick of the game, McCabe played a one-two with Mekhala Costello, who curled a shot inside the far post to break Stoughton’s hearts and snare a 2-1 victory.
“I think it was good that we fought all the way to the end and we were able to grind a result out,” Canton coach Idris Senyonjo said. “That’s the league, the games are coming thick and fast now and you have to respond to what’s in front of you and hope that you can get a good result out of it.”
The Black Knights have shown a lot of resiliency so far this season, having lost close games to Oliver Ames and King Philip, and came into Monday on the back of two straight wins. They were intent on making sure it wouldn’t be easy for Canton, which went with a rotated lineup as the Bulldogs were playing their fifth game in 10 days.
Canton still had some good early moments. Gisella Berardi played a nice cross from the wing that found Lauren Shatkin in the middle, but the shot went wide. A minute later, Caira McKinney cross clipped off the head of a Stoughton defender and fell to Shatkin, but the shot was blazed over the bar.
Stoughton grew into the game. Ford played a give-and-go with Morgan Cook on the edge of the box, but Cook hit her shot straight at Canton keeper Marissa Staffiere.
In the 21st minute, the visitors went in front. A clearance out of defense was played up the far sideline towards Ford. The senior speedster felt the defender on her back and was able to spin her, racing onto the ball and into space in the right channel. With a full head of steam and at an acute angle, Ford fired her shot just inside the near post.
“I’m waiting for a team to realize you can’t play high on her and you’ve got to drop somebody back,” said first-year Stoughton coach Jon Grant. “Canton did have somebody dropping back in the first 10-15 minutes but I think they got antsy, they wanted to push, push, push, and Shayla was able to turn that girl and get past her.”
The goal gave the Black Knight confidence with Emma Tran pulling the strings in midfield and Ford and Cook regularly combining. Sofia Issa had a go from distance, but Staffiere was right behind it for the save.
Canton went to some of its regular starters following the goal, notably McCabe and Costello, to try and turn the tide. McCabe, who came into Monday with eight goals in her first four games, nearly equalized with her first touch. Shatkin’s ball into the box ricocheted off a pair of defenders before falling to McCabe, who poked a shot just wide.
Emma Cahill passed the ball from the left wing to Shatkin, whose nice first touch played the ball into the path of McCabe, but Stoughton keeper Katrina Varnum was off her line quickly and bravely got down at the forward’s feet to deny the shot.
“We stayed organized for I’d say 77 minutes and they kind of caught us with that last three minutes,” Grant explained. “They played great coming out of the gates, staying organized, shutting them down, not letting them through us. They got around us, a few dangerous crosses, but other than that we played a great first half.”
The game started to fall into a familiar pattern. Canton was able to have the lion’s share of the possession, while Stoughton worked hard to keep its shape and not allow any great chances. Costello nearly opened things up with a cross from the right to McCabe but Emma Tremblay got across to block.
Tran tried to double the lead with a long free kick, but it was right at Staffiere, who held onto it comfortably. Two minutes later, McCabe was given a chance with a 30-yard free kick, but Varnum used her long reach to safely tip it over the bar.
“They boxed all our forwards in in the right areas and they knew exactly what to do and when to do it,” Senyonjo said of the Stoughton defense. “The goalkeeper is also very commanding in the air, so nothing was going past her easily, which is credit to them.”
Costello played a ball into McKinney, who teed it up for Han Hong, whose second attempt was held by Varnum. It was hardly one-way traffic, as Stoughton showed its ability to counter quickly. Ella Derby played a give-and-go with Tran to find room to run in the right channel, but as she bore down on goal Kristina Keefe recovered to make the block.
McCabe had a shot closed down by Isabella Rodrigues on one end and on the other Tran’s free kick was glanced wide by Makenzie O’Connor. Stoughton had one golden chance to double the lead with four minutes to play. Ford broke free again, getting behind the Canton defense but Staffiere closed the angle and was able to make the kick save. The ball came out to O’Connor, who spun and fired but curled it just wide.
Grant said, “Shayla had that opportunity and then it bounced out and Kenzie was able to get a shot off as well that just went wide. Even after they scored, right off the kickoff, we went back down and I love that mentality they have, let’s just go.”
After being so close to sealing the win, it was shocking to see what happened next. Costello played an angled ball in behind the Stoughton back line. McCabe ran onto it, getting the slightest touch to take it past Varnum, and then slid in to get the ball across the line ahead of two Stoughton defenders.
“The middle was so clogged up,” Senyonjo said. “I just said let’s move Mekhala somewhere else because you know she’s going to be dangerous wherever you put her and as long as there’s half a chance in the box you know Emily will take it.”
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors. As time was just about out, Costello passed it into McCabe on the edge of the box and she slid a perfect pass inside the right back. Costello collected it, picked her spot, and coolly bent her shot around Varnum and into the bottom far corner to win it.
“The nature of the game, coming off the game we played Saturday (against Norwell), how well everyone played, the morale was up,” said Senyonjo. “This would’ve deflated us going into the next couple games, but the way they fought until the end could actually elevate us even a little bit more.”
Canton (4-0-1) will continue its busy start to the season on Wednesday with a trip to Milford. Stoughton (2-3-0) will try to bounce back when it visits North Attleboro.
Football
Attleboro, 27 vs. Bishop Feehan, 7 – Final 1st Quarter: (BF) Dante Bruschi 10-yard rush, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (A) Anthony Salviati 30-yard fumble recovery, A. Salviati XP good.
3rd Quarter: (A) Adrian Rivera 4-yard rush, XP blocked.
4th Quarter: (A) A. Salviati 16-yard interception return, A. Salviati XP good; (A) Matt Harvie 24-yard pass to A. Rivera, A. Salviati XP good.
Canton, 29 vs. Norton, 0 – Final 1Q: (C) Charlie Cox 50-yard interception return, XP failed.
2Q: (C) Owen Lane 22-yard rush, Hayden Rose XP good; (C) O. Lane 62-yard rush, 2pt conversion failed.
3Q: (C) O. Lane 3-yard rush, H. Rose XP good.
4Q: (C) H. Rose 17-yard field goal.
Foxboro, 0 vs. Whitman-Hanson, 7 – Final
Franklin, 37 vs. Brockton, 6 – Final 1Q: No scoring.
2Q: (F) Jase Lyons 3-yard rush, Garrett Portesi XP good; (F) J. Lyons 55-yard pass to Grayson Hunter, XP failed; (F) J. Lyons 35-yard pass to Luke Davis, G. Portesi XP good; (F) J. Lyons 3-yard rush, G. Portesti XP good.
3Q: (F) J. Lyons 5-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good; (F) G. Portesi 22-yard field goal.
4Q: (B) Monteiro 60-yard rush, XP failed.
King Philip, 42 vs. Needham, 0 – Final
North Attleboro, 27 @ Mansfield, 21 – Final (OT) – Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game. 1st Quarter: (M) Rocco Scarpellini 1-yard rush, Travis Hennessey XP good.
2nd Quarter: (NA) Greg Berthiaume 9-yard rush, Austin Clemente XP good; (NA) Chase Frisoli 8-yard pass to G. Berthiaume, A. Clemente XP good.
3rd Quarter: (NA) C. Frisoli 26-yard pass to Ryan Bannon, A. Clemente XP good; (M) Conner Zukowski 20-yard pass to Trevor Foley, T. Hennessey XP good.
4th Quarter: (M) Connor Curtis 40-yard rush, T. Hennessey XP good.
1st OT: (NA) C. Frisoli 10-yard pass to Aidan Conrad, 2-point conversion failed.
Milford, 34 vs. Wellesley, 14 – Final
Oliver Ames, 22 vs. Quincy, 27 – Final
Stoughton, 26 @ Braintree, 27 – Final
Sharon, 40 @ Westborough, 28 – Final
Boys Soccer
Foxboro, 0 vs. Milton, 3 – Final
Stoughton, 5 @ Norwood, 0 – Final – Matheus Groberio scored a pair of goals to help Stoughton bounce back in a big way with a rout of Norwood. Sam Santos, Tyler Teixeira, and Joao Moratti each scored once on top of Groberio’s brace while Ben Shirey posted the shutout in net.
Girls Soccer
Stoughton, 4 vs. Norwood, 1 – Final – Stoughton scored four times in the second half, winning for the second time in as many days. Norwood got the lone goal of the first half and went into the break with the lead, but the Black Knights responded six minutes into the second half and never looked back. Morgan Cook equalized with a shot off the post, assisted by Shayla Ford. Five minutes later, Emma Tran scored what turned out to be the game-winner from the spot. Ford doubled the lead in the 57th minute, breaking past the Norwood defense and finishing. Tran added her second of the day just two minutes later with a 30-yard free kick. Molly Fox made seven saves to pick up the win in goal.
King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – KP bounced back from a loss to OA by handing Franklin its first loss of the season. Heidi Lawrence scored a brace for the Warriors, who moved back into a first-place tie with the Panthers in the division. Lawrence scored 13 minutes before halftime after a nice run that was picked out by Ella Pisani’s diagonal ball. Norah Anderson got Franklin’s goal off a Katie Ewald corner, but then Lawrence popped up with the winner five minutes from full time. Pisani again provided the killer pass.
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. KP scored a pair of second half goals, both assisted by Kelly Holmes, to pull out a second straight win. The game was scoreless at halftime, but with seven minutes left in the third Holmes found a little bit of space on the left and fired a ball into the middle that was deftly tipped by Nicole MacDonald for the opening goal. The lead stayed at one until the final two minutes when Holmes hit a low cross from the right wing that was deflected in front by Ella McDonnell for a goal that sealed the points. Marley Young had Attleboro’s best chance when her second quarter shot was cleared off the line by Maggie Murphy. Siany Gomez had a huge game in goal for the Bombardiers to keep them in the game until the final minutes.
Stoughton, 0 @ Canton, 10 – Final
Franklin, 9 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Franklin scored five goals in the opening quarter and never went back in a big win on the road over Taunton. Sophia Cuneo opened the scoring less than a minute in, Sydney Rogan and Payten Crandall each scored once, and Haley Wernig scored two goals inside the final minute to give the Panthers a big lead early. Kaitlyn Carney, who scored two goals in the second half, assisted on Franklin’s first four goals. Lindsay Dennett and Brooke Taylor (first career goal) added a goal each for Franklin.
Mansfield @ Oliver Ames, 3:45
North Attleboro, 8 @ Milford, 0 – Final – North Attleboro scored three goals in each the first and third quarters on its way to a big win over Milford. Caitlin Vacher (from Caroline Folan), Madison Folan (from Ava Spencer), and Julia Puccio (from Sadie Barend) scored one apiece in the first to give North a 3-0 lead. In the third, Rory McGinley, Caroline Folan, and Puccio each had an unassisted goal. Kelsey Thompson and Ava Mckeon both played solid in the midfield to help stop Milford offense and transition the ball up the field for the North Attleboro offense.
Foxboro, 6 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
Volleyball
Foxboro, 2 @ Sharon, 3 – After a great back-and-forth battle, Sharon prevailed in five sets to take down visiting Foxboro (25-20, 17-25, 25-27, 25-23, 15-11). For the Warriors, Sami Sloan recorded eight kills, seven digs, and six aces, Alyssa Cloherty added 30 assists, seven digs, three blocks, and a pair of kills and aces, and Shannon McElhinney chipped in with 16 digs and two aces.
Mansfield, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – In a hard-fought, competitive match, Oliver Ames prevailed with a 3-0 25-15, 25-19, 25-20) sweep of visiting Mansfield. Senior Courtney Raymond had a strong game with 10 service points and four kills, senior Maddie Homer added 22 digs, sophomore Clare Kavoulis dished out 20 assists, junior Sarah Hilliard had 14 kills, and senior Mary Derba chipped in with five kills.
Attleboro, 0 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – After prevailing in a tightly contested first set, King Philip went on to complete the sweep to knock Attleboro from the ranks of the unbeatens (26-24, 25-17, 25-18). Emily Sawyer continued to dominate in the middle with 13 kills along with four blocks and three aces while the Warriors also got big offensive contributions from Ahunna James (six kills, 11 digs) and Sami Shore (eight kills, two ces). Shea Mellman anchored the KP defense with eight digs. For Attleboro, Julia Leonardo recorded 14 digs and six kills while Natalie Brojek added 12 assists, seven digs, and four aces in a strong all-around effort.
Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Franklin continued its undefeated start to the season with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-17, 25-16) on the road at Taunton. Makayla Kuykendall had a big game for the Panthers with 11 kills, eight digs, and four aces while Taylor Lacerda continued her streak of strong performances with 17 kills and 11 digs.
Milford @ North Attleboro, 5:15
Golf
Attleboro @ Dighton-Rehoboth, 3:00
Mansfield, 162 @ North Attleboro, 155 – Final – Jake Gaskin and Tyson Laviano shared match medalist honors to give North Attleboro a key non-league win over rival Mansfield. Gaskin and Laviano both fired a two-over par round of 37 on Heather Hill’s South Course to lead the Rocketeers. Zach Corsetti shot a 40 and Ishan Kohli rounded out North’s scoring with a 41. Brendan Vokey led the Hornets with a 38, Nate McClean and Hayden O’Connor each shot a 41, and Drew Urban carded a 42.
Foxboro, 162 @ Oliver Ames, 152 – Final – Oliver Ames picked up its fifth straight win to start the season, taking down Davenport division foe Foxboro at Pine Oaks. Junior David Rodgers was a co-medalist in the match, sinking a birdie on the fourth hole to finish with a 36 for OA. Michael McGinnis added a 37, Sean Kearns finished with a 39, and Lucas Riley came into the clubhouse with a 40. Foxboro freshman Zac Georgantas also shared match medalist honors with a 36.
Boys Soccer
Stoughton, 0 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – For the second straight game, Attleboro exploded offensively in the second half to run away with a big win. Alex Vecchioli took down a deflection off a throw from Luke Hagopian and somehow kept possession between a pair of defenders and ripped a shot to the far post to give the Bombardiers a lead right before halftime. In the second half. Vecchioli grabbed his second of the game early in the second half, tracking down a pass from Lucas Marques before cutting it back onto his left for a shot from just outside the box that was tipped by the keeper and in. Late in the second half, Vecchioli linked up with Kyle Neuendorf, who played a perfectly weighted through ball in behind the defense that was smashed home by Billy Badger to make it 3-0. In the final minutes, senior Steve Etienne tracked down a long punt from keeper Tyler Rocchio and hit a low shot into the back of the net from inside the area.
Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin junior Hansy Jacques scored for the third straight game and the Panthers picked up two points in a 3-0 blanking of visiting Foxboro. Junior Michael Fernandez-Martin opened his varsity account, finishing off a pass from sophomore Matt Honekamp to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Jacques doubled the lead before halftime after an assist from Will Kryzak. In the second half, Trey Lovell buried a penalty kick to cap off the scoring for the Panthers.
Mansfield, 2 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – After a scoreless first half, Mansfield tallied twice inside a 15-minute span in the second half to pick up two key points on the road at North Attleboro. Aidan Lopes set up Tyler Znoj for a blast from 25 yards out to put the Hornets ahead, 1-0, in the 53rd minute. Mansfield doubled the lead in the 65th minute as Aiden Steele’s header off a corner from Dan Checkoway ended up at the feet of Sean Higgins, who dropped in a shot from just outside the box. Liam Doyle recorded his second straight shutout for Mansfield, making six saves. Derek McGrath anchored another strong Mansfield defensive effort with a great individual performance.
Sharon, 1 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Each team converted off a set piece in a 1-1 draw at Milford. Visiting Sharon took the lead in the 18th minute as Adam Eastman buried a free kick from 25 yards out to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Milford pulled level in the 61st minute as Eduardo Santana buried a penalty kick, a call he earned himself, to bring the Scarlet Hawks level. Sharon goalie Matt Baur had a terrific performance in net.
Canton, 2 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – A late goal from Canton helped the Bulldogs pull even and earn a point in a 2-2 draw on the road at Taunton. Carson Eagles scored a late goal to help the Bulldogs erase a one-goal deficit and pull level at 2-2. Jake McCabe scored Canton’s first goal while Taunton’s Javonte Fernandes (first half) and Devin Poe (second half) scored for the Tigers.
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – Morgan Cook’s goal just before halftime proved to be the winner, as Stoughton picked up its first victory of the season and its first under new coach Jon Grant. Shayla Ford opened the scoring in the third minute, running onto a Sabrina Rodrigues through ball behind the Attleboro defense. Jamie Davies leveled the match for the Bombardiers from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Stoughton regained the lead in the 40th. Emma Byrne played a ball forward to Cook, who was able to get a telling touch on it and find the back of the net. Stoughton was able to limit Attleboro’s chances for a tying goal in the second half with a strong defensive effort. Katrina Varnum finished with 10 saves to help the Black Knights come out on top.
Taunton, 0 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Canton scored late in each half to earn its third win in as many games and move alone into first in the Davenport division. Emily McCabe scored both goals for the Bulldogs, her sixth and seventh of the season, the first assisted by Caira McKinney and the second by Gisella Berardi. While Canton held a sizable (17-4) edge in shots on goal and hit three posts, Taunton continued to fight and remained in the game until the final 90 seconds. Taunton coach Dan Borges praised the play of midfielders Juliana Matos and Emily Calderon for helping the Tigers compete to the end.
Franklin, 2 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – Franklin scored a pair of second half goals to maintain its perfect start to the season and hand Foxboro its first loss. Olivia Costa opened the scoring off a Norah Anderson assist and Costa then provided the assist for Selene Hammad’s goal that wrapped up the points for the Panthers. Franklin keeper Rachel Welch finished with six saves, while Foxboro’s Allie Sougaris made nine stops.
King Philip, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames sophomore Taylor deVos scored a pair of goals to lead the Tigers to a win over visiting King Philip. deVos converted a free kick opportunity in the first half to give the Tigers the lead. King Philip’s goal was scored by Heidi Lawrence, finishing a Rihanna Mason corner five minutes into the second half to bring the game level. Shortly after that, deVos buried another shot, which proved to be the game-winner. Catie Wilson, Rhiya Fisher, and Lucinda Li Cotter all had strong games for OA. Janiya Matier made six saves in net for the Tigers.
North Attleboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Mansfield and North each scored in the opening 20 minutes of the game and split a point apiece. Meghan McCann scored her first varsity goal four minutes into the game, off an assist from freshman Alexandra Fernandes. Emma Pratt equalized for North 15 minutes later, finishing off a corner to make it 1-1.
Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sofia Goclowski and Autumn Simon each scored a brace to lift Sharon to its second win of the season, already matching its league win total from 2021. Taylor Standring and Jessica Li each recorded assists for the Eagles and Kate Goloboy earned the clean sheet in goal.
Golf
Milford, 151 @ Attleboro, 157 – Final – After back-to-back close losses, Milford got back into the win column with its second win over the Bombardiers this season. Junior Anthony LaPierre was the match medalist, firing a low-round of 35 at Stone-E-Lea. Nate Lawrence added a 36 and David Fleming came in with a 39 for the Scarlet Hawks. Carter Shelton paced the Bombardiers with a 38 while Leo Lombardo chipped in with a 39.
North Attleboro, 155 @ Stoughton, 190 – Final – Tyson Laviano and Dillon Harding shared medalist honors to pace North Attleboro to a win over Stoughton at Easton Country Club. Laviano and Harding each fired a 38 in the win. Paul Medeiros had a team-low round of 45 for the Black Knights.
Foxboro, 172 @ Franklin, 149 – Final – Franklin junior CJ Steel fired a 35 to lead the Panthers to a win in their home opener at Franklin Country Club over visiting Foxboro. Steel, who had one birdie on the day, earned match medalist honors while Jack Hagerty added a 37, Tyler O’Brien shot a 38, and Brendan Collins finished with a 39. Mat Sullivan had a team-low round of 40 for the Warriors.
Mansfield, 162 @ Canton, 165 – Final – Mansfield had a trio of golfers all come in with a 40 to help the Hornets land a rare win for the visiting team at Blue Hill Country Club. Brendan Vokey, Jason Friedman, and Nate McClean each shot 40 in the win while Drew Urban chipped in with a 42. For Canton, Huck McCready earned match medalist honors after carding a 37 on the day. Brian Middleton added a 41, Brendan Tourgee chipped in with a 43, and both Joey Ryan and Teddy Shuman finished with a 44.
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.”
Boys Soccer
Canton, 2 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final – Canton’s Erik Valdovinos set up the first goal and scored the game-winner as the Bulldogs claimed a big two points on the road against Attleboro. Valdovinos’ speed was on full display as he used it to get around a defender down the left side before a centering pass found Jake McCabe for a shot from close range to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage in the 9th minute. In the 67th minute, Colton Mirliani launched a clearance behind the defense and Valdovinos used his speed to track it down and beat the keeper to make it 2-0. Just over a minute later, Thomas Russo played a ball through the defense and Liam Bischoff was first to it and slid it past the oncoming keeper to make it 2-1.
North Attleboro, 1 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – North Attleboro sophomore Carson Dameron liked his first career goal so much, he decided to replicate it. Dameron opened his account with the lone goal in North’s win over KP just under a month ago by forcing a turnover and scoring on a breakaway. He was at it again on Tuesday night, once again pressing high to force a turnover and turned that into a goal with 10 minutes to play.
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Oliver Ames freshman Andrew Martins scored his first career goal to lift the Tigers to a win over Mansfield in a battle of division leaders. Mansfield goalie Jack Lasbury-Casey saved a penalty kick with 15 minutes to play to keep the game scoreless but Martins scored off a pass from Mathias Taylor just minutes later for the lone goal of the game.
Stoughton, 2 @ Milford, 4 – Final – Milford scored a pair of goals in each half to knock off the visiting Knights. John Borges scored a pair of goals for the Hawks, opening the scoring on a feed from Eduardo Santana and then capping the scoring with a key insurance goal on a pass from Artur Tome. Tome also set up Bill Silva to make it 2-0 before Stoughton’s Rhuan Carvalho responded to cut the deficit in half. Tome then scored himself assisted by Chris Martinez for a 3-1 before Stoughton senior Wenderson Silva de Souza scored to make it a one-goal game.
Girls Soccer
Taunton @ Foxboro, 3:45
King Philip, 3 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Heidi Lawrence scored twice and Dani Lomsucio had a goal and an assist to help the Warriors get back on track and moved KP within two points of first-place Franklin. Lawrence opened the scoring by finishing off a Lomuscio through ball and then Lomuscio added a second with a 25-yard shot off an assist by Morgan Norrman. Lawrence again ran onto a through ball, this time from Ella Pisani, to round out the scoring before halftime. For North Attleboro, Brayden Rice scored on a header off a corner kick from Emma Pratt. Haley Sinacola, Autumn Hewitt, and Steph McKenna all played well for the Rocketeers.
Milford, 3 @ Stoughton, 8 – Final – Freshman Makenzie O’Connor scored four times and recorded five points to power the Black Knights to a second straight win. Stoughton found itself down 2-0 after six minutes but found a quick response when Bianca Casna flicked home a Samantha Tran corner in the ninth minute. After Sivannah Marcy drew a penalty, Emma Tran finished the chance to tie the game. Isabella Rodrigues played a nice pass to find O’Connor behind the defense for her first goal to put Stoughton in front and O’Connor’s curling pass picked out Morgan Cook for a shot to the top corner to make it 4-2 at the break. Cook assisted on Casna’s second goal of the day to extend the lead to three just minutes into the second half. After O’Connor snagged her brace (from another Rodrigues assist), Milford grabbed its third of the game. Lauren Mitchel set up O’Connor for her first career hat trick and then slipped a shot through the goalie to complete the scoring. Freshman Emma Byrne had the final assist. Shayla Ford played well in the defensive third, having moved back after Milford’s second goal, and Katrina Varnum had a solid game in goal for the Black Knights.
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. The Bulldogs scored once in each of the final three quarters and won for the ninth straight time. Canton has allowed only one goal during that win streak. Ellie Bohane got the scoring started with a blast in the second quarter and then assisted on a Sarah Cunningham goal on a third quarter corner. Audrey Koen added the third goal in the final quarter and Carolyn Durand picked up the shutout in goal.
Taunton, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Taunton’s goal came off the stick of Braeley MacDonald on an assist from Kaysie DeMoura.
Franklin, 7 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Franklin bounced back from its first loss of the season, a tough 1-0 decision to Walpole, with a big win on the grass at Sharon. Kaitlyn Carney scored a pair of goals — once in the first and once in the third — to lead the offense. Kaeley Dubriske, Haley Wernig, Raena Crandall, Caroline Gannon, and Lindsey Dennett each scored once for the Panthers. Megan Sullivan and Chloe Strassner split the shutout in net.
King Philip, 0 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – King Philip and North Attleboro battled to a scoreless draw at Beaupre Field. Junior Haley Bright made six saves in net for the Warriors to record the shutout while senior Molly Piller also denied the Rocketeers a goal to keep the hosts scoreless.
Mansfield @ Oliver Ames, 6:30
Milford, 1 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final – Stoughton picked up its second straight win, this time against visiting Milford. Three different Black Knights scored in the win with Ella Anderson, Carly Sanda and Zofia Bangs each finding the back of the net.
SCOREBOARD 3
Volleyball
Attleboro, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final
Taunton @ Foxboro, 6:30
Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Franklin went on the road and earned a sweep, bouncing back from its 3-2 loss to King Philip at the end of last week. The Panthers took three straight (25-16, 25-9, 25-9) to get the win; sophomore Taylor Lacerda recorded 11 kills, six digs, and a pair of aces to lead the way.
King Philip, 3 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – King Philip stayed unbeaten on the season with a clean sweep (25-11, 25-9, 25-10) over the Rocketeers. Sami Shore put down 16 kills to go along with three aces and two blocks, Ahunna James and Emily Sawyer each added eight kills, and Samantha Asprelli chipped in with 11 digs defensively.
Mansfield, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – After dropping a close first set, Oliver Ames rallied to win three straight to take the match, 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21). Sophomore Sarah Hilliard had the best game of her young career, putting down 24 kills to go along with 10 digs and six aces. Senior Hadley Rhodes added 27 assists and seven kills, junior Maddie Homer notched 36 digs, and junior Courtney Raymond added seven kills and four aces. For Mansfield, Julia Kelly notched six aces, five kills, and nine digs, Nicole Santos added seven kills, three blocks, and two aces, Elyssa Buchanan chipped in with 10 kills, and Christina Lydon (19) and Izzy Flint (9) combined for 28 assists.
Milford, 3 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final
Golf
Stoughton, 201 @ Taunton, 191 – Final
Sharon, 181 @ Foxboro, 167 – Final
North Attleboro, 164 @ Canton, 142 – Final – Canton clinched its fifth straight Davenport division title with a win at home over visiting North Attleboro. Seniors Will Gefteas and Mike Leonetti shared match medalist honors, each coming in with a round of 35. Senior Nate MacDonald and sophomore Mekhala Costello both shot a 36 to round out the scoring for the Bulldogs. Jake Gaskin led the way for North with a team-low round of 37, Tyson Laviano and Ishan Kohli each shot a 42, and Dillon Harding came in at 43.
Oliver Ames, 159 @ Milford, 178 – Final – Oliver Ames returned home from Hopedale Country Club with a win over host Milford. Senior captain Jake Kaplan fired a medalist round of 38 to lead the way for the Tigers. Senior Jo Jo Gaultier and Sean Kearns each shot a 39 in the win while senior Daniel Paul carded a 43. Anthony LaPierre led the hosts with a 39 while Nate Lawrence added a 41 for the Hawks.
King Philip, 158 @ Milford, 178 – Final – King Philip’s Pat Reardon birdied the seventh hole and the Warriors picked up a win on the road at Hopedale Country Club. Reardon earned match medalist honors with a 37, helping King Philip clinch at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title. Jared Curran added a 39 in the win, Gavin Croke shot a 40, and Mike Matheson came in at 42. Anthony LaPierre led the hosts with a 39 while Nate Lawrence added a 41 for the Hawks.
Boys Cross-Country
King Philip @ Attleboro, 3:45
Foxboro, 30 @ Canton, 25 – Final
Franklin @ Milford, 3:45
Taunton, 23 @ Mansfield, 32 – Final – Taunton had four of the top six runners and five of the top eight in a win over Mansfield. The win clinches the Kelley-Rex division title for the first time in program history as the Tigers finished the dual meet season at 5-0. Sophomore Brayden Cali won the race in 17:13 while classmate Andrew Cali was third overall just four seconds later. Junior Sam Dennis (17:30) took fifth, senior Ryan Strawbridge (17:43) was sixth, and freshman Cam Dorr (18:36) crossed the finish line eighth overall. For Mansfield, Chris Leonard was second overall in 17:15 while Collin Stevens took fourth in 17:29.
Oliver Ames @ North Attleboro, 3:45
Stoughton, 44 @ Sharon, 19 – Final
Girls Cross-Country
King Philip @ Attleboro, 3:45
Foxboro, 29 @ Canton, 26 – Final
Franklin @ Milford, 3:45
Taunton, 27 @ Mansfield, 28 – Final – Taunton and Mansfield split the top 10 but a 2-3 finish from freshmen Colby Dunham and Emersyn DePonte helped give the Tigers the edge. It marked the first time that Taunton beat Mansfield since joining the Hock nearly a decade ago and it also gave Taunton its third win of the dual meet, its best record in program history. Dunham clocked in at 20:59 for second overall while DePonte crossed in 21:02 for third overall. Juniors Kiley Quinlan (22:33) and Phylicia Dias (23:28) took fifth and seventh, respectively, while eighth grader Tori Corrao was 10th in 25:11. Mansfield sophomore Anna Moore won the race in 20:40, senior Megan Johnston took fourth (22:13), senior Alanna Conley was sixth (23:14), senior Sophia Allen took eighth (23:43), and junior Elizabeth Heavey was ninth (23:58).
