Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Softball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
Kelley-Rex Division Co-MVPs
Hanna Aldrich, Taunton
Kelsey White, Taunton
Kelley-Rex Division All Stars
Lora Woyton, Attleboro
Lindsey Perry, Attleboro
Libby Walsh, King Philip
Sarah Cullen, King Philip
Charlotte Raymond, King Philip
Jordan Bennett, King Philip
Paige Berdos, King Philip
Kelsey White, Taunton
Hanna Aldrich, Taunton
McKenzie McAloon, Taunton
Kylie Thorpe, Taunton
Tayah DaCosta, Taunton
Davenport Division MVP
Morgan Sylvestre, Foxboro
Davenport Division All Stars
Liz Bickett, Canton
Morgan Sylvestre, Foxboro
Peyton Feldman, Foxboro
Emma Callahan, Foxboro
Emily Nardelli, North Attleboro
Zoey McDonough, North Attleboro
Kelly Colleran, North Attleboro
Belle Clarkin, North Attleboro
Maddie Homer, Oliver Ames
Trinity Payne, Sharon
Sydney Menz, Stoughton
Nicole Baker, Stoughton
Honorable Mentions:
Hailey Perry, Attleboro
Stephanie Tendell, Canton
Allie Willis, Foxboro
Molly Collins, Franklin
Mia Bennett, King Philip
Ashlyn Conley, Mansfield
Elise Fauerbach, Milford
Mandi Hanewich, North Attleboro
Grace Simone, Oliver Ames
Melody Casna, Stoughton
Angelina Lynch, Taunton
Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Softball All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league.
Baseball
D1 South
#8 Norwood, 7 @ #1 Franklin, 11 – Final – Franklin’s offense stayed hot in the postseason as the Panthers pushed across double-digit runs for the second straight game (and sixth time this season) in an 11-7 win over upset-minded Norwood, the #8 seed in the bracket. Franklin built a four-run lead (6-2) through the first four innings but the Mustangs rallied to tie the game with a four-run fifth inning. Franklin responded with five runs in the bottom half and never looked back to book its spot in the D1 South semifinals. Franklin received contributions from up and down the lineup with Nate Cooke (run, RBI) and Jack Marino (run, two RBI) each recording a pair of hits in the win. Chris Goode added two runs on two walks, a hit, and an RBI, Ryan Gerety and Luc Boudreau each scored a pair of runs, Jake Fitzgibbons smacked an RBI double, and Ben Jarosz had an a hit, a walk, and an RBI. James Kuczmiec earned the win in relief, tossing 1.1 innings with one run allowed on one hit and two walks, striking out one. Sophomore Alfred Mucciarone was had a strong start, allowing two runs on four hits over four innings without issuing a walk. Franklin will play #13 seed BC High on Friday at 7:00.
#7 Taunton, 13 @ #2 Bridgewater-Raynham, 0 – Final – Taunton had one of its best showings of the season, tying a season-high with 13 runs while blanking the #2 seed Bridgewater-Raynham to advance to the D1 South Semifinals. On the mound, senior Danny MacDougall tossed six shutout innings, working around four hits and three walks while striking out three in the win. And offensively, MacDougall had a pair of hits, driving in one run while scoring four times. Sophomore Ryan MacDougall had a big day a the dish for the Tigers, who scored single runs in the first and second innings, twice in the fourth, three times in the sixth, and put the game away for good with six runs in the top of the seventh inning. The younger MacDougall had three hits on the day, driving in five runs — one on an RBI single in the first, two on a base hit in the fourth, and two more in the sixth. Alyjah Marshall recored three RBI and a run, Dawson Bryce had three hits, three runs, and two RBI, Braden Sullivan added two hits and two RBI, and Colby DeCouta scored once and had two hits in the win. Taunton will travel to #3 Xaverian in the D1 South Semifinals on Friday at 4:00.
D2 South
#8 North Attleboro, 17 @ #1 Nauset, 9 – Final (8 Inn.) – Down to its last out in the seventh inning, North Attleboro rallied to tie the game to force extras, where the Rocketeers pulled away to earn a big win over previously undefeated Nauset. In another roller coaster, back-and-forth contest, North scored twice in the final frame to stay alive. Christian Bates was hit by a pitch to lead off, Jared Penta singled to left to move pinch runner Eric Malcolmson to second and sophomore Derek Maceda was intentionally walked to load the bases. Junior Gavin Wells, who had the game-winning hit against OA in the opening round, hit a two-out, two-run single to center to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning. North senior Aidan Weir tossed a scoreless seventh inning to force extras as sophomore Aidan Conrad threw a runner out at second to end the inning. In the top of the eighth, Penta (four hits) plated Tyler Bannon with a single down the third base line to give North a 10-9 advantage. North went on to score seven more runs on four hits, six walks, and two hit batters. In total, the Rocketeers recorded 15 hits, 14 walks and three hit batters, bringing in 16 of the 17 runs on an RBI. North jumped out to an early lead (4-0 on a hit, error, and six walks) but Nauset battled back to tie the game 5-5 after three innings. The Warriors took their first lead in the top of the fifth but Maceda stroked a two-run single to put North back in front, 7-6, in the sixth. Nauset took a 9-7 lead with a three-run home. Weir closed the game out in the bottom of the tenth with a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. North Attleboro will play again on Friday, scheduled for a 4:00 PM start against the winner of #4 Dighton-Rehoboth and #5 Hopkinton.
Softball D1 South
#9 Walpole, 0 @ #1 Taunton, 9 – Final – Taunton jumped out to an early lead with a pair of runs in the first inning and added runs in four of the next five innings to take down the visiting Timberwolves of Walpole. The Tigers scored a pair of runs in each the first, third, fifth and sixth innings, tacking on a single run in the fourth. Meanwhile, senior Kelsey White continued her dominance in the circle with another complete game shutout. In seven innings, White allowed four hits and one walk while striking out 15 batters. Offensively, the Tigers had nine hits with White smacking a pair of home runs, driving in a total of four. Senior Hanna Aldrich had three runs, including a triple and a home run, finishing with three RBI. McKenzie McAloon added a hit and an RBI for Taunton. Taunton will host Hock rival and #4 seed King Philip on Thursday at 7:00.
#10 Mansfield, 5 @ #7 Silver Lake, 8 – Final – Mansfield tried to mount a seventh inning comeback but was unable to erase a five-run deficit and saw its playoff run come to an end at Silver Lake. The Hornets trailed 8-3 heading to the final inning, but Callie Lake doubled, pinch hitter Olivia Harnden walked, and Jill Koppy singled to bring in a run. With two runners on, Casey Moussette hit a deep fly ball, but it stayed in play for the center fielder. It was Mansfield that got off to a good start to the game, with a pair of two-out runs in the first. Koppy started the rally by getting by a pitch, Moussette singled, and Molly Kucharski brought both runs in with a single. The Hornets pushed the lead to 3-1 in the fourth on a Nicole Kobasa double and an Alanna Conley RBI single. Silver Lake was able to score twice to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning and went ahead with four runs in the fifth.
D2 South
#12 Foxboro, 5 @ #4 Notre Dame Academy, 0 – Final – Emma Callahan struck out six and allowed only two hits to record a shutout and keep Foxboro’s playoff run going. Fiona Dunn had a big hit from the seven-hole, leadoff hitter Peyton Feldman scored a pair of runs, and Morgan Sylvestre had a sac fly with a deep fly to center. Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said, “We took advantage of some mistakes to get some runs and we’re on to the semis.” The Warriors will travel to top seed Middleboro on Thursday at 6:30.
Boys Tennis D1 South
#3 Sharon, 0 @ #2 Brookline, 5 – Final
Boys Volleyball
Central
#6 Wachusett, 0 @ #2 Milford, 3 – Final – Milford will host #9 seed Lincoln-Sudbury in the Central sectional final on Friday at 5:00.
Baseball D1 South
#16 Durfee, 1 @ #1 Franklin, 15 – Final (5 Inn.) – Franklin exploded for 12 runs in the fourth innning, turning a two-run game into a blowout against visiting Durfee. The Panthers built a 3-1 lead over the first three innings but the offense was nearly unstoppable in the fourth, recording nine hits and three walks to put the game out of reach. Junior Chris Goode (double, run, three RBI), sophomore Ryan Gerety (double, three runs, two RBI) and freshman Henry DiGiorgio (three runs, RBI) all smacked three hits to lead the way for the Franklin offense. CJ Jette added two hits and two runs, Jack Marino drove in two runs and scored twice, Jake Fitzibbons hit a double, had a walk and drove in two runs, Nate Cooke reached twice with an RBI, and Ben Jarosz had a hit, two walks, a run scored and an RBI. Jacob Jette earned the win on the mound, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in four innings of work while striking out six. Franklin will host #8 Norwood on Wednesday at 7:00PM.
#10 Walpole, 4 @ #7 Taunton, 6 – Final (8 Inn.) – Taunton senior Danny MacDougall launched a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth as the Tigers survived a scare from visiting Walpole. The Timberwolves got off to a strong start with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning but Taunton was quick to respond, plating four runs in the bottom of the first. Ty Cali, Dawson Bryce, and Danny MacDougall all singled to load the bases and sophomore Ryan MacDougall cleared them with a three-run triple to put the hosts ahead. A wild pitch allowed Ryan MacDougall to score to make it 4-2. Walpole cut the deficit to one with a run in the top of the second and then tied the game with a single in the top of the seventh. Bryce managed a two-out single in the bottom of the eighth to keep the inning alive and Danny MacDougall launched his third home run of the year to win it. Conor Quinlan shined in relief for the Tigers, taking over to start the third inning. Quinlan allowed just one run on five hits, striking out eighth to get the win. Taunton will travel to #2 seed Bridgewater-Raynham on Wednesday at 4:00.
#12 Mansfield, 0 @ #5 Wellesley, 1 – Final – Mansfield went pitch-for-pitch with Wellesley but couldn’t push across a run, falling 1-0 on the road to the Raiders. Aaron Blinn allowed just one run on three hits without issuing a walk, striking out nine in five innings of work. James Gilleran struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief. Mansfield was limited to just two hits between two Wellesley pitchers, putting on five baserunners via walk but couldn’t get a run home.
#22 Attleboro, 4 @ #6 Braintree, 14 – Final
#14 King Philip, 3 @ #3 Xaverian, 8 – Final
D2 South
#9 Oliver Ames, 11 @ #8 North Attleboro, 12 – Final – North Attleboro’s Gavin Wells singled up the middle with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Rocketeers a walk-off win over Oliver Ames in an epic back-and-forth battle at Community Field. Oliver Ames jumped ahead with five runs in the first two innings and a two-run home run from Jake Waxman helped push the Tigers’ lead to 7-4 in the top of the fifth innings. The Rocketeers responded with six runs in the bottom half as Christian Bates smacked a two-run double to tie the game and Derek Maceda put North ahead with a two-run double for a 9-7 advantage. Wells added an RBI single in the sixth to make it a three-run game and Dennis Colleran launched a solo home run to make it 11-7 going into the last inning. Down to their final three outs, the Tigers rallied to tie the game as Nate Fulford blasted a three-run home run to make it 11-11. Jared Penta led off the bottom of the seventh with a single and stole second. North loaded the bases with no outs after an intentional walk and Wells brought in the game-winner with a base hit. Penta and Wells each had three hits for the Rocketeers while Colleran and Tyler Bannon each had two hits. For OA, Will Whiteside went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs while Jadon Ricci (two RBI, two runs), Waxman, and Patrick Finnerty (run, RBI) each had two hits. North Attleboro will travel to #1 seed Nauset on Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 1:00PM.
#11 Canton, 0 @ #5 Plymouth South, 4 – Final – Plymouth South scored twice in each of the first two innings and that was all the offense the Panthers needed to knock off visiting Canton. The Bulldogs were limited to just three hits total with Nate Hewitt recording a pair of them, including a double. Matt Quan also reached base twice with one hit and one walk.
Softball D1 South
#16 Stoughton, 0 @ #1 Taunton, 17 – Final (5 Inn.) – Taunton opened its playoffs with an offensive explosion. The Tigers had 17 hits as a team, including three homers, and rolled to a big win. McKenzie McAloon led the way, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a triple, four runs scored, and five RBI. Hayley Krockta went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI and bashed a home run. Angie Lynch (2-for-4) added a homer, drove in two, and scored twice, while Tayah DaCosta had Taunton’s third homer, part of a 3-for-4 day where she drove in three and scored two runs. Kelsey White dominated in the circle, allowing only one hit and striking out 11 over five innings. Nicole Baker had the lone hit for the Black Knights. Taunton hosts Walpole on Wednesday in the quarterfinal.
#13 Milton, 3 @ #4 King Philip, 6 – Final – King Philip overcame an early three-run deficit to fend off an upset big from Milton. An infield single, a bunt single, and a home run in the top of the first gave the Wildcats an early 3-0 lead but KP scored in four straight innings between the third and the sixth to get the lead for good. Paige Berdos got the hosts on the board in the third inning, leading off with a single, stealing a base and scoring on a sac fly from Charlotte Raymond. Patience at the plate helped the Warriors bring two more runs in during the fourth inning to tie the game. Maddie Paschke walked, Ava Kelly singled, and Taylor Regan walked to load the bases before Jordan Bennett drew a walk to bring a run in. Berdos was then hit by a pitch to bring in another run to make it 3-3. In the bottom of the fifth, sophomore Sarah Cullen smacked a two-run home run to put KP ahead for the first time and the Warriors added a key insurance run in the sixth when Raymond drove in Berdos with a single. Bennett settled in nicely after the first inning, allowing just one base runner after the third inning which was a walk in fifth that was erased on a double play. King Philip will host #5 seed Plymouth North on Wednesday at 6:30 at the Plainville Athletic League complex.
#18 Mansfield, 5 @ #2 Natick, 4 – Final (8 Inn.) – Mansfield pulled off the upset of the tournament so far, going on the road and beating the number-two seed in extra innings. Natick came from behind to tied the game in the seventh and force extras, but Jill Koppy led off the top of the eighth with a triple and she came in to score the game-winning run on a two-out single from Ashlyn Conley. Natick had a 2-0 lead after four innings, but the Hornets responded with a four-run fifth. Ashlyn Conley singled to start the rally and Nicole Kobasa followed with a hit of her own. Alanna Conley drove them both in with a single. After an error moved Conley to third, she was brought home on a bunt by Olivia DeTrolio that led to another defensive mistake. Callie Lake bunted and heads up base running from DeTrolio turned it into Mansfield’s fourth run. Mansfield will travel to Silver Lake in the D1 South quarterfinal.
#14 Attleboro, 3 @ #3 Bishop Feehan, 4 – Final
#11 Bridgewater-Raynham, 3 @ #6 North Attleboro, 2 – Final (9 Inn.) – North faced extra innings for the second playoff game in a row, but the Rocketeers couldn’t find a way past the defending South champions. The Rocketeers got off to a great start with a run in the first. Mandi Hanewich doubled and was bunted to third by Emily Nardelli. Zoey McDonough drove in the go-ahead run with a single. North doubled its lead in the fourth. Ally Levine reached on an error and pinch runner Emma Hanwell scored on a Shaelyn Burns double. B-R tied the game in the fifth with a two-run inning. The game stayed tied until the top of the ninth when a solo homer put the Trojans in front. McDonough allowed only one earned run and struck out seven in the loss. North also flashed the leather, with two double plays, one initiated by Belle Clarkin and the other started by Kelly Colleran.
D2 South
#12 Foxboro, 18 @ #5 Diman, 6 – Final – The top three in the lineup drove in 13 combined runs and the Warriors rolled to a win in Fall River. Foxboro scored 10 runs in the first four innings and scored at least once in every inning but the sixth. Leadoff hitter Peyton Feldman set the table for Foxboro, as she went 3-for-3 with three walks, but she also added punch with a double, a triple, three runs scored, and five RBI. Emma Callahan had a pair of hits and drove in four and Morgan Sylvestre went 2-for-5 with four RBI. Jillian Slattery continued her strong playoffs with two hits, three runs scored, and two RBI from the nine-hole. Fiona Dunn scored four times and Nicole Theriault scored three times for the Warriors. Callahan had seven strikeouts and got better as the game went on, retiring the final 11 hitters that she faced to pick up her second postseason win. Foxboro will travel to Notre Dame Academy in the D2 South quarterfinal.
#22 Canton, 6 @ #6 Plymouth South, 18 – Final – Canton cut an 8-0 deficit to just three in the fourth inning, but Plymouth South scored eight times over the fifth and sixth innings to seal the win and a place in the quarterfinal. Brogan O’Leary sparked the fourth inning rally with a single and Taylor Reynolds and Olivia Mackwell both drove in runs. Amanda Vrabel had the big hit, a two-RBI triple. Reynolds added another RBI in the fifth.
Boys Lacrosse D1 South
#16 Mansfield, 3 @ #1 Franklin, 16 – Final – Franklin’s Justin Alexander only lost one faceoff as the Panthers rolled to their third win over Mansfield this season, this one in the state tournament. Sophomore Luke Davis led the attack with three goals and six assists, Matt Lazzaro added three goals and four assists and Jayden Consigli netted five goals in the win. Owen Kielty added a pair of goals and Joe Consigli notched a goal and four assists. Franklin will host #9 seed Wellesley on Wednesday at 6:30.
#10 King Philip, 2 @ #7 Duxbury, 16 – Final
D2 South
#8 Nauset, 11 @ #1 Canton, 15 – Final
D2 Central/East
#8 North Attleboro, 3 @ #1 Medfield, 16 – Final
#7 Walpole, 12 @ #2 Foxboro, 9 – Final
Girls Lacrosse D1 East
#9 Acton-Boxboro, 10 @ #1 Franklin, 15 – Final – Franklin jumped ahead of Acton-Boxboro early and never surrendered the lead to advance to the next round. The Panthers took a 5-1 lead after the first quarter and pushed the advantgae to 11-1 by halftime. Franklin held a 13-4 advantage going into the final quarter where A-B pumped in some goals to tighten the score. Katie Jones scored three goals and had two assists while Katie Peterson accounted for a pair of goals and a pair of assists in the win. Jamie Tanner played well on defense and in the midfield, notching six draw controls and three caused turnovers. Brigid Earley made eight saves in the win for Franklin, who will host #5 seed Lincoln-Sudbury on Wednesday at 4:00.
Boys Tennis D1 South
#8 Needham, 3 @ #1 Franklin, 2 – Final – Franklin took wins at first and second singles but lost both doubles matches and third singles, falling to Needham to end the season. Senior Liam Marr emerged from a battle at first singles with a 6-4, 4-6, 14-12 win while Vayshnav Malhotra recorded a 6-3, 2-6, 10-5 win at second singles for the Panthers.
#11 Plymouth North, 0 @ #3 Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon won all five matches in straight sets to get past Plymouth North and advance to the D1 South Semifinals. Freshman Mehul Bhattacharyya secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at first singles, junior Ruemon Bhattacharyya added a 6-4, 6-3 win at second singles, and junior Max Chen battled to a 6-0, 6-3 win at third singles. Sharon’s first doubles team of freshmen Matthew Lally and Alex Budoraclev won in straight sets while the Eagles also were victorious at second doubles. Sharon will travel to #2 seed Brookline on Wednesday at 3:00 at Waldstein Park.
D2 South
#5 Bishop Feehan, 3 @ #4 Canton, 2 – Final
Girls Tennis D1 South
#8 Sharon, 2 @ #1 King Philip, 3 – Final
D2 South
#8 Monomoy, 2 @ #1 Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro dropped a total of four games between its three singles matches and that was enough to take down Monomoy and advance. Athena Li rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles, Pam Nelson continued her hot streak with a 6-0, 6-0 blanking at second singles, and Sarah Prag clinched the win with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at third singles. Foxboro will host the winner of #4 seed Martha’s Vineyard and #5 seed Medfield on Thursday.
Wrestling D2 South
#3 Hingham, 33 @ #2 North Attleboro, 45 – Final
Foxboro got six hits, three RBI, and seven runs scored from the bottom four in the order to beat Medfield 12-0 in the tournament opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
FOXBORO, Mass. – Foxboro has been working all season to build a lineup that from top-to-bottom can make teams pay. On Friday afternoon, all of that work paid off as the Warriors got a total team effort in the Div. 2 South preliminary round game against Medfield.
The bottom four in the Foxboro order combined for six hits, seven runs scored, and three RBI as the Warriors rolled to a 12-0, five-inning victory.
“You need that,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. He praised the influence of former Foxboro star (and league MVP) Hannah Davis, who has been helping out this season. He added, “The end of the order, I’m really happy for them because at first it was the Peyton [Feldman] and Morgan [Sylvestre] show and now the end of the order is getting involved. They’re making the plays in the field more because of it too.”
There has been a youth movement with the Foxboro program this season, as three eighth graders are in the starting lineup, including starting pitcher Emma Callahan, who allowed a lead-off single and then retired the next 15 batters she faced to earn the win. Nine-hitter Jillian Slattery also stepped up with two hits, two RBI, and two runs scored and first baseman Ava Hill reached base twice and scored once.
Sylvestre said, “From the youth to the high school, there’s a step but they’ve adjusted well. The three eighth graders we have, they play club so they’re already at the level we need them at, but they’re just going to be studs when they’re older.”
Maguire noted, “Jill has been made maybe the biggest leap. She’s really getting the barrel on the ball, really helping the bottom of our lineup. We didn’t know whether these kids could play at this level or not. All three of them have been a blessing. If we don’t have the eighth grade waiver, we’re not competing in the league.”
Medfield started the game well, as Brooke Lyons lined a single into left field, but Callahan came right back to strikeout the next hitter, snagged a pop up in the circle, and then got a fly ball to Nicole Theriault in center to get out of the inning unscathed.
After putting two on with two outs in the bottom of the first but not getting a run against Medfield starter Chloe Hunt, Foxboro broke the deadlock in the second.
Theriault, the No. 6 hitter, led off the inning with an infield single and Fiona Dunn followed with a single to right. Hill dropped a bunt in front of the plate and reached when Medfield catcher Bitsy Crowley held the ball to keep Theriault at third. A one-out error scored the first run and two-out walks to Sylvestre and Kaylee Bruce (0-for-1, three walks) made it 3-0.
It could’ve been more for Foxboro, but Alexandra Willis’ line drive to right was snagged by Jess Coletti to end the rally.
Callahan sat down the side in order in the top of the third, with help from a nice play by Sylvestre, who showed off her range at short to end the inning. In the bottom half, Foxboro broke the game wide open.
Again the offense was sparked by the bottom half of the order. Theriault (3-for-3, walk, two runs) singled to left and stole second. Dunn reached on an error and then Hill was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Slattery (2-for-3) stepped up and drilled a double over Coletti’s head in right to bring in two.
Although Hill was cut down at the plate, Callahan doubled to score the third run of the inning and Sylvestre (1-for-3, three RBI) scored two with a double to left. Foxboro led 8-0 and was cruising into the first round.
The Warriors put the game away in the fourth. With one out, Slattery doubled to the base of the wall in right. Feldman, who had reached base twice previously, got her first hit of the day on an infield single and, with Slattery on third, got caught in a run down. After the throw went into center, she moved up to second and Slattery came home with Foxboro’s ninth run.
Callahan helped her own cause with her second hit and second RBI of the game, forcing a pitching chance, as Medfield turned to Kaelyn Larkin. After Sylvestre popped up to third, Bruce reached on an error. Willis kept the rally going with an RBI single to score Callahan and then Theriault got her third hit, a single to center to plate Bruce.
With then chance to put an early end to the game, Callahan continued to keep the Medfield lineup under control. After a grounder to the sure-handed Sylvestre at short and Callahan’s third strikeout of the game, Willis capped the win by quickly getting out from behind the plate to make a sliding grab on a pop up in foul ground.
“Right when I saw Emma pitch, after the 5-0 win over Franklin in the first game of the season,” said Maguire about the moment when he realized his team’s potential. “She goes in there with that attitude and we’re just going to keep on working. Right when I saw that, I’m like we’re good.”
In 2018, Foxboro made a run to the D2 South quarterfinal and Sylvestre, who was a freshman on that team, thinks the Warriors have the talent to make a similar playoff push this spring. She said, “We definitely feel confident coming in because this is like as good a team as we’ve had since Hannah’s senior year. I think this is the best team we’ve had since, maybe it’s even better because our picthing is really good. We can definitely make a run.”
Foxboro (9-5) will now travel to Fall River to take on fifth-seed Diman Voke in the next round.
Baseball
King Philip, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – King Philip took a lead on three different occasions, the final time coming in the sixth inning and that one held as the Warriors scored a win on the road. KP took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Eli Reed walked, stole second and scored on a single by Shawn Lagere but Attleboro answered with a run in the bottom half, Owen Taber coming around to score after a leadoff walk. In the top of the fourth, Lagere singles again and scored on a triple from Grayden Lawrence for a 2-1 lead, but the Bombardiers once again answered. This time in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run from Jake Gorman to make it 2-2. KP pushed across the winning run in the sixth as Conor Cooke drew a walk and eventually scored on a sac fly from Mikey Malatesta.
Oliver Ames, 4 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Christian Papasodero came in to strike out the final batter of the game, earning the save, and a big win for OA. The victory keeps the Tigers just one back of North Attleboro in the win column heading into the final three games of the season. Nick Clark picked up the win for OA, going 6-2/3 innings and giving up four hits and three runs and striking out six. Jadon Ricci and Patrick Finnerty each went 2-for-4 with two runs scored to spark the OA offense. Jake Waxman, Nate Carpentier, and Nate Fulford each drove in a run.
North Attleboro, 12 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – North Attleboro jumped out to a 10-1 lead through five innings and then held off a late Foxboro rally to secure the win, moving half a game ahead of Oliver Ames in the Davenport title race. Danny Curran went 5-1/3 innings with eight strikeouts, allowing three runs, to pick up the win. Joe Hartnett went 1-2/3 innings of relief, allowing only three unearned runs. Curran also helped himself at the plate, going 2-for-4. Gavin Wells also went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while the bottom third of the order came up big for the Rocketeers. The 7-8-9 hitters accounted for six hits, five runs scored, and seven RBI. Tyler Bannon and Aidan Conrad each went 2-for-4, with two RBI and two runs and Justin Vecchiarelli went 2-for-2 with three RBI. Ryan LeClair, Jack Watts, and Sean O’Leary each had two hits for the Warriors and accounted for four of Foxboro’s six runs.
Sharon, 1 @ Stoughton, 16 – Final (5 Inn.) – Stoughton had its best offensive day of the season, exploding for 16 runs on 15 hits in a win over visiting Sharon. The Black Knights scored in each of the five innings with Ben Zola (two hits, two runs) setting the pace from the leadoff spot. Kyle Doolin had a pair of walks, two runs, and an RBI, Jake Queeney added two runs, one walk, and one RBI, and Jonah Ly chipped in with two runs and three RBI in the win. A day after coming up with a clutch two-out hit to force extras, Brandon Mantilla-Mercado had two hits and drove in four runs. Freshman Hunter Malkin earned his first career win on the mound, allowing one run on four hits and three walks, striking out five in five innings.
Foxboro, 4 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final – For the first time in program history, North Attleboro has repeated as league champion. The Rocketeers clinched the outright Davenport crown after sweeping the home-and-home with the Warriors. Foxboro made it tough, leading 2-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth, but the North offense exploded for five runs to grab the lead for good. Emily Nardelli’s two-run homer tied the game and Kelly Colleran put North in front with a solo shot. Colleran added her fourth homer in two days when she knocked one out in the sixth and also picked up the win in the circle, striking out eight. Colleran and Zoey McDonough each finished with three hits and Belle Clarkin had two hits for North. Morgan Sylvestre had a homer for the Warriors.
Franklin, 4 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final – Mansfield won for the third straight time and moved within a game of .500 on the season. The Hornets scored the winner in the bottom of the sixth, after Franklin had rallied from three runs down to tie it. Ashlyn Conley (3-for-3) doubled and then came around to score on a Nicole Kobasa (2-for-3) single. In addition to driving in the winning run, Kobasa also came up big in right field, throwing out a pair of runners at first. Franklin jumped in front in the second, but Mansfield scored three in the fourth inning to lead 3-1. Casey Moussette (2-for-3) started it with a single, Molly Kucharski reached on a fielder’s choice, Conley singled, and another fielder’s choice from Kobasa scored the first run. Abby DeCoste (2-for-3) tripled to score one and then came around when the throw got away. The Hornets tacked on a run in the fifth on a walk by Jill Koppy, a stolen base, and then an RBI-single from Moussette. Live Madeira also had a hit for Mansfield.
Canton, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 8 – Final – Canton grabbed the lead, scoring four of its five runs in the top of the third, but the Tigers rallied, answering back with two in the bottom half, three in the fourth, and then a big insurance run in the sixth. Katie Melendy went the distance in the circle to pick up the win. Offensively, Maddie Homer (2-for-3, three runs, and three steals), Emma Varella (2-for-3, three runs scored), and Taylor Lake (2-for-3, two runs, and two RBI) each had a pair of hits. Grace Simone drove in a pair and Caitlin Miller added one RBI. Amanda Vrabel went 3-for-3 for the Bulldogs and drove in a pair of runs. Ellie Bohane added three hits and scored twice, while Taylor Reynolds went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Liz Bickett and Steph Trendell made two great plays in the field for Canton.
Stoughton, 13 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Nicole Baker allowed eight hits and struck out 11 in a complete game win that moves the Black Knights into a tie with Foxboro for second in the Davenport division. Stoughton had 18 hits as a team, including a 4-for-4 game from Julia Driscoll. Sydney Menz went 3-for-5 with two triples and Melody Casna went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer. Alyssa Edwards and Baker also had multiple hits in the win.
Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro @ King Philip, 3:45
Canton, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 14 – Final – Jake Manthous and Ross Carroll had the goals for OA.
Foxboro @ North Attleboro, 6:00
Stoughton, 1 @ Sharon, 10 – Final
Girls Lacrosse
King Philip, 14 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – KP won its fifth straight and got to 10 wins on the season. The Warriors used a balanced attack with two players accounting for five points, Julia Marsden and Morgan Cunningham, and two accounting for four points, Lily Brown and Haley Izydorczak.
North Attleboro, 4 @ Foxboro, 19 – Final – Paige Curran (two assists) and Lilly Vey each scored four goals, as Foxboro swept a two-day series with North Attleboro and, in the process, clinched the outright Davenport division title for the ninth straight season. The Warriors continue to fire on all cylinders offensively, with eight different players finding the back of the net. Mya and Ella Waryas each scored three times and assisted on another. Kate Collins scored twice, while Mary Collins had a goal and two assists and Dylan Rappoli had a goal and an assist. Val Beigel added a goal. Maddie Maher had another strong game in goal for the Warriors, making seven saves.
Franklin, 23 @ Mansfield, 6 – Final – Franklin secured at least a share of its eighth straight league title, beating Mansfield for the second time in as many days, and extending its lengthy league win streak by another game. Katie Jones powered the Panthers with six goals and an assist, but Franklin showed off its balance on offense. Jackie O’Neil scored four times and assisted on another and Stella Regan scored twice and had five assists. Jamie Tanner had a pair of goals and a pair of assists. Lindsay Atkinson had a strong game in the Franklin midfield, winning 10 draws.
Boys Tennis
Attleboro, 2 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip won all three singles matches in straight sets and that was enough for a 3-2 win over visiting Attleboro. Nick Putney (first singles) and Jon Cohen (third singles) both won without dropping a game while Brady Jannell scored a 6-4, 6-0 win at second singles. The Bombardiers won both doubles matches with Alejandro Jimenez and Kevin Rebelo taking a 6-4, 6-3 win at first doubles and freshmen Kyle Neuendorf and Tyler Rocchio secured a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 win at second doubles.
Canton, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – Canton kept alive its hopes of sharing the league title with a win at OA. Minh Duong battled cramps in a marathon match against Kylash Ganesh at first singles, but managed to pull out a win. He took the first set 6-4, lost 7-5 in the second, and won a third set tiebreaker 10-4 to grab the point for his team. Ethan Nguyen won 6-1, 7-5 at second singles and Elias Jabbour and Huy Hung won 6-0, 6-1 at first doubles. In second doubles, Shawn Welch and Jackson Santos fell behind 5-2 in the first set but rallied to win 7-5 and then closed out the match with a 6-2 second set. Freshman Nick Westerbeke won OA’s lone point at third singles with a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Stoughton, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final – Sharon swept doubles and won a pair of singles matches to stay unbeaten in the league and clinch at least a share of its second straight Davenport title. Ridhuik Neti and Deyan Kassev (first doubles) and Alex Budovaloev and Ben Levinson (second doubles) both won their matches 6-0, 6-1. Max Chen took his match at second singles by a score of 6-3, 6-4 and Matthew Lally won 6-1, 6-0 at third singles. Waseem Sabion grabbed Stoughton’s lone point, winning the first set 6-0 and then bouncing back from an 0-6 loss in the second to close out the match with 6-3 third set.
Foxboro, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final – North Attleboro kept up its pursuit of first-place Sharon with a sweep of Foxboro. The Rocketeers are two games back of the Eagles and will face them twice next week. Sam Gallagher (second singles), Will Folan (third singles), and the team of Brody Carter and David Marroquin each won their matches 6-0, 6-0. Jonah Manso won his match at first singles 6-3, 6-0 and the second doubles team of Niteesh Saravanan and Visruth Chavalam won 6-1, 7-5.
Girls Tennis
King Philip, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – King Philip made it a sweep of Attleboro to remain unbeaten and sealed at least a share of its fourth straight Kelley-Rex division title. Ahunna James and Shea Mellman (6-3, 6-0) and Resha Ajoy and Amanda Van Roon (6-1, 6-0) won their doubles matches in straight sets, as did Katarina Schneider (6-0, 6-2) at first singles. Sammie Taylor also won in straight sets at third singles, but had to battle in a second set tiebreaker before pulling out a 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) win. Mia Valencia lost her opening set to Lauren Anthony in a tiebreak but then won the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to seal the fifth point for the Warriors.
Mansfield, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – The first doubles team of Morgan Vasiliou and Caroline Peper won 6-3, 6-1 to earn OA its third point and to seal the first league win of the season for the Tigers. OA also got points from Mia Corradini at third singles and from Celine Souaidan and Courtney Lake at second doubles, both matches finishing 6-1, 6-0. Canton won the top two singles matches, as Rachel Kupferman didn’t lose a game in a straight sets win and Laura Correal won 6-2, 6-4 at second singles.
Sharon, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final
North Attleboro, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – The Warriors beat North Attleboro for the second time in as many days to remain unbeaten and clinch at least a share of the Davenport title for the first time since 2015. Athena Li continued her dominant rookie season, remaining unbeaten with a 6-0, 6-0 victory at first singles. Pam Nelson also won 6-0, 6-0 at second singles and Sarah Prag won 6-1, 6-1 to make it a clean sweep of singles. At first doubles, Maggie McAuliffe and Abby Costa battled with North’s Anoushka Banerjee and Julia Curran and pulled out a hard-fought, straight-sets win, 6-4, 7-6 (2). North’s point came at second doubles, as the team of Lauren Consentino and Kyna Shah won 6-0, 6-4.
Wrestling
Mansfield @ Canton, 4:00
Oliver Ames, 31 @ North Attleboro, 40 – Final – The dual meet came down to the final match, as Keysun Wise was able to hold off Jaden Hinton 6-4 at 285 to seal a win for the Rocketeers. North now moves one game up in the win column on Foxboro and sets up a final match with the Warriors to decide the Davenport title. Tanner Ferguson (113), Kyle Dumke (132), Ethan Smith (145), and Griffin Gouck (160) each had pins for North. Kyle Hardie remained unbeaten for the Tigers with a pin at 120, while Giovany Juste (170), Anthony Hoffman (182), and Onye Nwadiugwu (195) also had pins for OA.
Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 3 vs. Quincy, 0 – Final – Taunton swept Quincy in three sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-23). Tyler Stewart had another big match for the Tigers, leading the team with 17 kills but also adding three aces and seven digs. Faisal Mass chipped in with six kills and three blocks and Jakob Thorpe had eight kills and two blocks. Mattia Casagrande (six kills) and Colin McDougal (three kills) added to the Taunton offense, which was spearheaded by setter Daniel Medina, who finished with 36 assists. Travis Nunes had 12 digs and was a key in Taunton serve-receive game.
Aldrich is coming off back-to-back HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year seasons and has the potential to be one of the top hitters in the league again this spring. The Lehigh University-commit hit 0.451 in 2019 and led the league in homers with eight. She drove in 33 runs for the league champs, stole 11 bases, and also was one of the league’s top defensive shortstops. Aldrich and second baseman McKenzie McAloon give Taunton one of the best up the middle combinations in the state and with Aldrich adding power in the middle of the lineup the Tigers will be looking to claim another league crown.
Stoughton took a lot of momentum from the 2019 season after finishing second in the Davenport and earning a walk-off win in the playoffs. Baker’s emergence as one of the league’s top pitchers will give them confidence that that momentum can carry over after a season off. Baker finished with a record of 13-6 and an ERA of 2.32 in 2019. She struck out 141 batters, which was second-best in the league, and threw 130 innings for the Black Knights. The Simmons University commit also added some punch in the lineup and her ability to control games in the circle will be a key to Stoughton’s challenge of North Attleboro in the Davenport this spring.
Bickett is coming off a breakout season for the Bulldogs. As a sophomore, the athletic center fielder was second in the league with a 0.545 batting average, hit six home runs, and drove in 21 runs. Bickett was hard to get out and her speed made her a threat on the basepaths as well. She was also one of the top defensive outfielders in the league, capable of covering a ton of ground. With someone who can hit for average and power in the middle of the lineup, and someone who has state championship experience as a volleyball player, Canton has a good foundation to build around this spring.
Colace is one of only two players remaining from the 2019 team that nearly snagged the Kelley-Rex title, finishing one game behind Taunton. A strong defensive second baseman, Colace is also a spark plug at the top of the lineup for the Panthers, able to work counts, get on base, and then put pressure on the defense with her speed on the basepaths. The Johnson & Wales University-commit has the eye-hand coordination and reflexes you’d expect from a goaltender and she puts them to good use on the softball field as well. Her experience will be a necessity for Franklin to make another push up the league standings.
One of several players who had their debut seasons postponed for a year, Colleran is an exciting addition to the North lineup and the Rocketeers will be excited for her to step into the circle and up to the plate this spring. Her sister Meg was a Gatorade Player of the Year at North and her brother Dennis is a DI prospect for the baseball team, so there is a family legacy of strong pitchers that Colleran is continuing. A hard thrower and power bat, who can play multiple positions, Colleran has the potential to step right in and be an impact player from the opening game and could be a key to North retaining the Davenport division title.
Mansfield is returning only two players with varsity experience from 2019 and there will be a lot of underclassmen who will get the chance to contribute right away. Moussette was in a similar position two years ago, getting regular playing time as a freshman, and the junior first baseman will provide a little experience and a big bat in the middle of the order. After a strong season at the plate in 2019, Moussette gives the Hornets some extra pop and a good glove at first to help them stay in the league title mix in what should be another ultra-competitive Kelley-Rex division. After scoring 11 runs and recording 16 hits in the season opener, Mansfield’s offense looks like it will be a strength this year, and expect Moussette to be in the middle of it.
Attleboro made a run to the state tournament in 2019 with a relatively young lineup. Now, the Bombardiers will hope that experience can translate into continued success two years later. Perry is going to be a key player if the Bombardiers can continue their upward trend, as she will step into the circle for the first time as the regular starter. After getting some playing time as a freshman, Perry allowed no earned runs in her first start of the season and also had four hits in the leadoff position. She will be setting the table for the power hitters in the Attleboro lineup and trying to silence the potent lineups that the Bombardiers will face every game in the Kelley-Rex division.
Sylvestre was the on-field leader for the Warriors in 2019, helping them make another trip to the postseason with both her bat and with outstanding defense at shortstop. The Fairfield University-commit led Foxboro in a number of offensive categories, batting 0.400 with 26 hits. She also hit four homers and drove in 26 runs in 2019, while covering a ton of ground at short. Her experience and presence in the lineup will be important for the Warriors as they try to challenge North Attleboro and Stoughton in the Davenport this spring.
Another of the talented players who didn’t get the chance to showcase their skills as freshmen, Walsh will continue the run of strong defensive shortstops at KP and can also step into the circle if needed. There was a lot of hype about Walsh coming into last year as she prepared to take over at short for Meghan Gorman and, after a year delay, she got that chance and produced with a pair of RBI in the season opener against North Attleboro. The Warriors will be hoping to regain the league title after falling to third in the Kelley-Rex in 2019 and adding Walsh’s power in the middle of the order and solid defense up the middle has raised expectations for the perennial league power.
White is fully recovered from the knee injury that would’ve kept her out of the 2019 season and could be poised for a big spring. The Villanova University-commit is the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year after leading the Tigers to a Kelley-Rex title. White won 18 games as the Tigers starter in 2019, including three shutouts of rival King Philip, and finished with an ERA of just 0.45. She struck out 138 batters in 125 innings, while also being one of the best fielding pitchers and a solid bat for the Taunton lineup. A state champion as a freshman, White will look to cap her Taunton career with one more strong season.
King Philip’s Paige Berdos attempts a sliding catch against Attleboro during the 2019 season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2019 Record: 11-11 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round Coach: Mark Homer
The Bombardiers will be fielding one of the most balanced lineups the program has seen in recent memory. Head coach Mark Homer believes his group of enthusiastic, hard-working, and motivated players can compete for the division title in what is always a very competitive division.
2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
It will start with a strong group of returners that picked up valuable experience two years ago during the 2019 season. Senior captains Brenna Morse and Lora Woyton have been leaders both on and off the field during the offseason and so far during the preseason. Homer credits their commitment for setting the tone for the entire program. Juniors Lindsey Perry, Hailey Perry, and Meghan Gordon all burst onto the scene as freshmen during the 2019 season and will be key pieces this year.
Homer is going to lean heavily on his senior class, which also features Natalie Mansur, Gabby Bosh, Nina Campbell, and Janie Hillman. The Bombardiers are set to get a boost from a strong core of underclassmen as well, including sophomores Lauren Eby and Sarah Mayer as well as freshmen Rylie Camacho and Kayla Goldrick.
“This year’s team represents one of the most balanced groups we’ve had here at AHS in a while,” Homer said. “Win, lose, or draw this year’s team is about working hard and having fun doing it.”
2019 Record: 6-14 2019 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Dave Bohane
With four seniors returning and five sophomore and freshmen making their varsity debuts, Canton has a good mix of youth and experience to build on this season. It will be the senior class that the Bulldogs hope will provide the leadership to make a move up the standings and maybe challenge the top teams in the Davenport.
Senior center fielder Liz Bickett has been a star for the Bulldogs, earning all-star honors as a sophomore, and is a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Senior Steph Trendell can play both corner infield positions or jump behind the plate and senior Sarah Kelly can step in at either middle infield spot. Both will be setting the table at the top of the order. Senior Amanda Vrabel will start at catcher and work with Canton’s younger pitchers including juniors Gillian Gordon and Sophia Santos and freshman Jess Wright.
2019 Record: 8-13 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Preliminary Round Coach: Mark Maguire
Youth will be the story for Foxboro this season, as the Warriors will be relying on players seeing their first varsity action in several positions, including a pair of eighth-graders who have been called up for the spring. Still, confidence is high that the Warriors have the talent to compete with the top teams in the Davenport and make a push up the standings.
2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Senior shortstop Morgan Sylvestre gives the Warriors a good foundation to build on, batting third and giving them a strong arm at short. Junior Peyton Feldman will see time at both third and second and will bat leadoff. Senior Nicole Theriault will play second and center, one of the few outfielders on the roster with any varsity experience, and Fiona Dunn can also jump in at second as well. Eighth-grader Ava Hill has impressed in preseason and will play first. Junior Alexandra Willis will be behind the plate and working with a young pitching staff led by eighth-grader Emma Callahan. The Warriors will also count on Dunn, Juliana Pettigrew, and Lucy Mulkern as pitchers. Andrea and Jill Slattery, Sadie Calabrese, Kaylee Bruce, Ellie Smith, and Grace Pisarczyk will all get the chance in the outfield this season.
Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said, “I’m expecting the girls to compete hard, and really feed off the energy that Peyton and Morgan bring to the top of our order. With strong leadership from our captains, we’re looking for this team to come together quickly and, hopefully compete for the Davenport.”
After coming within a game of sharing the league title with Taunton in 2019 (and within one run of facing the Tigers in the South semifinal), Franklin returns only two players and has a new coaching staff with Katie Holbrook taking over this season. Despite all the new faces, the Panthers expect to be in the mix for the league title again this year.
Senior Gabby Colace is the lone player on the roster with significant varsity experience and she will be counted on to be a run producer. Fellow senior Molly Collins will join Colace in the middle infield positions and the Panthers have players who are versatile to play multiple positions. Franklin has a potentially strong lineup with Libby Carter, Georgia Harvey, and Lauren Cote all capable of coming up with big hits and driving in a lot of runs. Juniors Julia White and Aislinn Lavery, and senior Jenny Maciel give Franklin good pitching depth and will try to keep the opposition off-balance and allow the defense to make plays behind them. Sophomore Hailey Fales will get the call behind the plate.
“They have already shown in just one scrimmage and a couple of practices great strides in gelling as a team and their commitment to team unity,” said Holbrook. “What we lack in experience we are making up for in determination and commitment to growth. I am impressed with the depth and solid foundation of all the players and it will give us a lot of options with lineups.”
2019 Record: 13-9 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
The Warriors will have a new coach this season with former Mansfield standout player and former Franklin coach Kate Fallon-Comeau takes over at the helm.
King Philip will have a relatively young and inexperienced group at the varsity level so Fallon-Comeau will lean on her four seniors to lead the way. Paige Berdos is a three-year starter and a captain for the Warriors, a member of the varsity team since her freshman season. She’s joined by classmate Anna Bradley as captain and that duo will look to provide excellent leadership to the young Warriors. Seniors Libby Curran and Rubi Butler round out the class of 2021.
Berdos will anchor the outfield from center field and will be the spark for the offense from the leadoff spot. Bradley returns to her spot at first base and provides some pop to the lineup. From there, the Warriors will feature a lot of faces new to the varsity level. Junior Meg Sherwood and sophomore Charlotte Raymond will round out the outside for KP while junior Mia Bennett takes over at second base. Sophomore Libby Walsh brings a big bat to the lineup and will be a reliable option defensively at shortstop while freshman Maddie Paschke is slated to start at the hot corner. Junior Lauren Hooper provides depth and can fit into multiple spots in the lineup.
2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Junior Emma Sheehan and freshman Jordan Bennett are both options to start in the circle for Fallon-Comeau. Both will be new to the varsity level this season so the Warriors will look to play strong defense to help out the pitchers. Sophomore Sarah Cullen will do the bulk of the catching for KP.
“We’re excited to be back out on the field and looking forward to having a successful season,” Fallon-Comeau said.
2019 Record: 12-9 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield has consistently been a playoff team and competitive in the Kelley-Rex division but, with only two players returning from 2019, the Hornets enter the spring as a little bit of a mystery. With four freshmen and a sophomore on the roster, and only two seniors, Mansfield will be looking to put talented players in the right spots to keep battling the league’s top teams.
Senior pitcher Ashlyn Conley is one of the few players with any varsity experience and will be back in the circle this year. Junior first baseman Casey Moussette is the other returning player, after a strong freshman season at the plate in 2019. Abby DeCoste is the only other senior on varsity this season, while Jill Koppy, Molly Kucharski, Callie Lake, and Liv Madeira are all rookies who could step in and make instant impacts. Sophomore Olivia Harnden is another underclassman stepping right into the varsity team this year.
“We have a lot of talent but are still trying to learn to work together at new positions,” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre. “It has been great to be on the field playing again and we are looking forward to the season.”
2019 Record: 2-18 2019 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Steve DiVitto
Milford is turning the page on a tough 2019. The Hawks have been a powerhouse since joining the Hock but have gone through a transition period after graduating the core of the last state title-winning team. That transition won’t be helped by moving into the Kelley-Rex division this season, but head coach Steve DiVitto is hoping his seniors can build a foundation for several talented underclassmen that are excited about their first opportunity on varsity.
2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
The Hawks return five players from the 2019 team. Junior Olivia Morelli will be in the circle this season and can also play shortstop. Seniors Erin McEvoy and Carly Ferreira will be at the corner infield spots and senior Natalie Casilli will be back in the outfield. Senior Elise Fauerbach can play behind the plate or in the outfield. Junior Gianna Cacciola is a new face to watch at third base. Freshman Maeve Driscoll could see time at pitcher or at short and her classmate Camille Bonina will see time at first and in the outfield.
“This year’s team is focused on the here and now and not the past,” said DiVitto. “Keeping our awesome team chemistry will be an important part of this season. We’re excited for the challenges of playing in the Hock!”
2019 Record: 16-6 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal Coach: Bill Wallace
North Attleboro ended a two-decade wait for a league title in 2019 and had the potential to be even better last season, but the Rocketeers will come into this spring having graduated seven starters, with only three players returning with varsity experience, and looking for a new crop of players to search for a second straight Davenport crown.
Senior second baseman Emily Nardelli has been a starter since her freshman year and will be an impact player in the lineup and in the field. Senior Belle Clarkin adds versatility with her ability to play catcher, outfield, and first base, and junior Mandi Hanewich will step into center field. Pitching should remain a strength for North with a pair of promising sophomores, Kelly Colleran and Zoey McDonough, jumping into the circle. Colleran will also see time at shortstop and McDonough at first. Junior Ally Levine will be the new starter at catcher and juniors Chloe Mearn and Shaelyn Burns can play corner infield spots. Emma Bailey and Grace Simmons will add to the outfield, while there are a host of young players, including the lone freshman on the roster, Aubrey Amado, who can play multiple positions and add useful depth.
“I feel like a new coach this year after missing last year,” said North coach Bill Wallace, who also notched his 200th career win in 2019. “Since the last time we had softball I have graduated seven starters.”
Oliver Ames is back in the Davenport division and has a small roster, but it is one that has coach Lindsey Allison excited about its potential and versatility. The Tigers will hope that a change of scenery and a speedy, athletic lineup will see a jump up the standings to put pressure on the top teams in the division this season.
2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview
The Tigers will have a pair of pitchers this season as senior Emma Varella will be joined by sophomore Katie Melendy. Both have multiple pitches to keep batters off-balance and both can play other positions when they’re not in the circle. Senior Grace Simone will provide leadership for the pitching staff and a big bat in the middle of the lineup. Her leadership will be important as the Tigers will be carrying four sophomores and a freshman along with its five seniors.
Allison said, “As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to a season with a versatile team that works together and picks each other up. These kids work hard every day, strive for greatness, and are hungry for wins. Looking forward to a great season.”
Sharon is filled with upperclassman so experience will be key as the Eagles look to compete in a wide-open Davenport division. The three captains this year are shortstop Julia Earley, second baseman Sneha Kini, — both seniors — and junior pitcher Trinity Payne so the Eagles will lean on their strength up the middle of the field.
Payne picked up plenty of experience during her freshman year so will be battle-tested for the 2021 season. Earley and Kini give the Eagles a strong defensive foundation and will provide leadership both in the field and at the plate. Of the 11 players on the roster, 10 are upperclassman so head coach Heather Poliferno has an experienced group at her disposal. Poliferno believes her team has a strong mix of power and contact hitters so versatility throughout the lineup will be key.
The one underclassman on the roster is sophomore Ally Foulsham, who could make an immediate impact in her first season with the program. Foulsham can also toe the rubber in the pitcher’s circle so the Eagles have options to work with in the pitching department. After missing out on last season, the Eagles are eager to get back on the field and compete for a division title.
“My high school coach always used to say ‘why not us?’ and I would say the same thing – Why not us? Our players work hard to be the best they can be,” Poliferno said. “They can compete in any setting. We are hungry to play and we have the skill set to do it. So, why not us?”
2019 Record: 15-7 2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round Coach: Deb Parker
Stoughton had an impressive 2019, finishing in second place in the Davenport behind North Attleboro and winning its opening playoff game on a walk-off against Somerset-Berkley. With five returning starters, the Black Knights will be looking to carry momentum into this spring and make another push for a league title.
One of the keys for Stoughton’s high hopes for the season is the return of senior pitcher Nicole Baker, who had a breakout sophomore campaign and emerged as one of the top arms in the league. Baker is the lone infielder returning but senior Julia Driscoll will take over at third and senior Sarah McGrath will be behind the plate. Junior Sydney Menz, who batted over .400 as a freshman, will start in center, while junior Melody Casna takes over at short. Junior Kate Bulger will get the nod in left and senior Lauren Turner starts in right. Sophomore Kerry Driscoll adds depth in the circle and Stoughton has a crop of freshmen who could contribute right away, including Alyssa Edwards, Maddie Hinds, and Julie Powers.
“It’s a little surreal coming back to the field after losing an entire season,” said Stoughton coach Deb Parker. “If we’ve learned anything from last year it’s that nothing is promised, and we have to take advantage of every opportunity we have on and off the field. These young women work hard, and I believe we have the depth, drive, and talent this year to have a great showing in this very competitive league.”
Taunton is one of the few teams that is coming back from the two-year layoff with a lineup that looks pretty similar to the one from 2019. The biggest change for the Tigers will be on the bench with long-time coach Dave Lewry retiring at the end of the 2019 season and Carrie Consalvi taking over. Consalvi goes into her first spring with a team loaded with talent that looks ready to defend its Kelley-Rex title.
Senior pitcher Kelsey White is back healthy following an injury that would’ve kept her out of last season. The reigning league MVP looks back to the form that helped Taunton win a state title three years ago. Reigning HockomockSports.com Hanna Aldrich is back for her senior season at shortstop and as one of the top power hitters in the Hock. Aldrich is joined up the middle by senior second baseman McKenzie McAloon. All three will be playing DI softball next year. Senior Skylar Rheaume and Tayah Decosta add to the leadership on the team and Taunton will have enviable depth with sophomore Olivia Mendonca back after playing as an eighth-grader and freshman Sam Lincoln looking like Taunton’s next pitching prospect.
“These players have had just about every challenge thrown at them over the past year, but if there was one group that could take all of this and rise to the occasion it is this group,” said Consalvi. “They are hungry to win, and I am hopeful my senior leadership will recall what it took to win that state championship back in 2018 and impart their wisdom with this group of younger players, as it will take every single one of them to make something so special to happen again.”
Baseball
Attleboro, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Canton junior Andrew Middleton tossed a perfect game, recording 16 strikeouts along the way to lead the Bulldogs to a season-opening win.
Taunton, 11 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Taunton broke open a two-run game with a big sixth inning and never looked back to start the season with a win, running the program’s current win streak to 10 games dating back to the 2019 season. The Tigers scored once in the top of each the first and second innings before exploding for seven runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh inning. Senior Danny MacDougall got it done both offensively and on the mound for the visitors, knocking in a pair of runs and scoring twice while tossing five scoreless innings. He struck out six with just one hit allowed and no walks to earn the win. Matthew Ferrara pitched two scoreless innings in relief with two strikeouts. Sophomore Ryan MacDougall had a strong debut for Taunton, going 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI, Jack Gobin added two hits, and senior Bretton Heggs started his final season in style by going 2-for-3 with three RBI and two walks.
Sharon, 6 @ Milford, 3 – Final (9 Inn.) – Sharon’s Elliot Pototsky knocked in a pair of runs with a base-hit in the top of the ninth inning to break a tie game and help the Eagles open the season with a win. JD Rittenberg, who had two hits including a double, came on in relief and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings, striking out seven to get the win. Justin Brown also had two hits for the Eagles, including a triple, while Dylan Labbe was solid on the mound, striking out seven with one earned run allowed in five innings of work. For Milford, Mario Lee (double, two walks), Tyler Lane (triple, run scored), and Sean McGee (RBI) each had two hits.
Franklin @ Foxboro – Postponed to Friday, 5/7 at 4:00
Mansfield @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to Friday, 5/7 at 3:45
King Philip @ North Attleboro – Postponed to Friday, 5/7 at 3:45 at Community Field.
Softball
Canton, 2 @ Attleboro, 14 – Final (5 inn.) – Attleboro’s offense was in midseason form, belting out 17 hits in a season-opening win over visiting Canton in the first game played on the new turf field on Drummond Street. Haley Perry set the tone from the leadoff spot, going 4-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Lindsey Perry, who had two hits including a two-run homer, earned her first win in the circle after giving up two unearned runs in five innings of work. Lora Woyton belted a three-run homer for the Bombardiers while freshman Riley Camacho (3-for-4, two-run home run) and Kayla Goldrick (2-for-3, two doubles) played well in their debut games.
Foxboro, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final – Eighth grader Emma Callahan tossed a complete game shutout in her varsity debut, striking out one to help the Warriors win on the road. Senior Morgan Sylvestre paced the Foxboro offense (10 hits as a team), going 4-for-4 with two RBI while Peyton Feldman added two hits in the win. Senior Nicole Theriault came through with a big sacrifice in the third to set the Warriors up for runs.
Oliver Ames, 5 @ Mansfield, 11 – Final – Mansfield rallied from an early deficit, using a big fourth inning to grab control and start the season with a home win. OA jumped in front with three runs in the top of the first. The Hornets got one back in the home half, but Mansfield took the lead with an eight-run fourth inning. Five straight singles, a hit-by-pitch, a walk, and then back-to-back singles turned things around for Mansfield in a big rally. Freshmen Callie Lake (3-for-4), Jill Koppy (2-for-5), Olivia Madeira (2-for-4) and Molly Kucharski (1-for-3) each had hits in their debuts. Alanna Conley, Ashlyn Conley, and Nicole Kabosa had two hits apiece and Ashlyn Conley struck out six Tigers to pick up the win. The Hornets outhit OA 16-10. For OA, Maddie Homer went 4-for-4 with three stolen bases and two runs scored while both Grace Simone and Lexi Galsband had two hits and a run scored.
North Attleboro, 9 @ King Philip, 11 – Final – KP opened the season with a win in a shootout against defending Davenport champ North Attleboro. It was an ideal start for the Warriors, who plated five runs in the first and went on to score in the second, third, and fifth innings. Senior Paige Berdos had three hits, including an RBI and a run scored, as KP totaled 13 hits as a team. Sophomore Libby Walsh (two RBI) and freshmen Jordan Bennett (run) and Maddie Paschke (two RBI) each had two hits for KP while junior Mia Bennett launched a three-run home run. For North, Kelly Colleran led the Rocketeers with four hits and drove in two. Zoey McDonough had a pair of hits, including a three-run homer, and Shaelyn Burns smashed a grand slam for North. Emily Nardelli and Ally Levine each had two hits and Mandi Hanewich scored a pair of runs in the loss.
Stoughton @ Taunton, 3:45
Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 3 – Final – Sharon grabbed a 3-2 lead after the first inning and never relinquished its advantage the rest of the way. For Milford, Camille Bonina (two RBI) and Grace Bonina each had two hits while Olivia Morelli struck out five with just one earned rune allowed in six innings of work.
Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 19 @ Attleboro, 9 – Final
Foxboro, 6 @ Franklin, 18 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. – Sophomores Luke Davis and Jayden Consigli combined for 10 goals in their Franklin debuts and senior Matt Lazzaro had five points, as the Panthers opened the season with a dominating home win. Davis got the Panthers off to a great start with a first quarter hat trick. Tim Walsh, Owen Kielty, and Consigli each added one as well for the Panthers and freshman Lincoln Moore got his first varsity goal for the Warriors who trailed 6-1 after one. Tommy Sharkey scored a man-up goal to start the second, but Franklin answered with seven straight goals to open a double-digit lead. Consigli had a hat trick in the second, two of them assisted by Davis, who added two goals of his own in the quarter. Mike Griffin and Lazzaro also scored in the run, before Foxboro got one back to make it 13-3 at the half. Lazzaro and Davis traded assists on each other’s goals to start the third, but freshman Connor Noone got his first career goal and Moore added his second. Conor O’Neil scored back-to-back goals to push the lead up to 12 in the fourth. Noone got his second of the day, but Ravin Chaudhury capped the scoring with his first with two minutes to go.
Oliver Ames, 5 @ Mansfield, 15 – Final – Mansfield opened the season in impressive fashion with a 15-5 win over visiting Oliver Ames. Senior Nico Holmes set the tone with a great game at the faceoff X and scored five goals. Thomas Norton added two goals and five assists, Jake Quirk scored a hat trick and added one helper, and Ryan DeGirolamo was terrific in goal for the Hornets, allowing just two even strength goals. OA junior Wyatt Fritchman led the offense for the Tigers with three goals and two assists while senior Ross Carroll added two goals and an assist.
North Attleboro @ King Philip, 3:45
Sharon, 16 @ Milford, 3 – Final
Girls Lacrosse
Canton, 11 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final
Foxboro, 10 @ Franklin, 19 – Final
Oliver Ames, 7 @ Mansfield, 12 – Final – Mansfield broke open a tied game with a strong second half to pull out the win, the first for the Hornets under new coach Brittany Sherry. Ava Adams made an instant impact with four goals in her first varsity game. AnnMarie McCoy pulled down seven draw controls and Caitlyn Zajac made 11 saves for the Hornets, who outscored OA 8-3 after halftime.
North Attleboro, 4 @ King Philip, 16 – Final
Sharon, 12 @ Milford, 7 – Final – Sharon opened the season with a road win. Jenna Goldstein led the way for the Eagles with four goals. Cass Barbera added a hat trick and Tess Letendre made nine saves to preserve the win. Molly McAlevey had a strong game in midfield for the Eagles.
Boys Tennis
Canton, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Canton went on the road and grabbed a win in its first match of the season, taking down the host Bombardiers. Junior Suraj Ramanathan and freshman Max Kupferman each won in straight sets in singles while senior Minh Duong picked up a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. The team of Ethan Nguyen and Jalen Townsend earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles while Elias Jabbour and Charlie Doody teamed up for a 6-0, 6-2 win at second doubles for the Bulldogs.
Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final – Franklin swept both doubles matches in straight sets and added two more wins in singles action to open the season with a win over Foxboro. Senior Liam Marr won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles while junior Vayshnav Malhotra secured a 6-0, 6-2 decision at second singles. The team of Anish Gundimeda and Sameen Shaik earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles for the Panthers while Thomas Broyles and Jay Gorgas picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles. Foxboro’s Jason Kandula won 6-2, 6-2 at third singles.
Oliver Ames, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final – The Hornets won all three singles matches in straight sets and didn’t lose a game in doubles action to beat the visiting Tigers of Oliver Ames. Freshman Kailash Elumelai picked up a 6-3, 6-0 win at first singles, senior Dheeraj Valluru notched a 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles, and senior Kai Schirmacher registered a 6-2, 6-2 decision at third singles. The team of senior Nikhil Lankipalle and sophomore Benson Delaney won 6-0, 6-0 at first doubles while senior Adam Elsner and junior Jonah Fine won by the same score at second doubles.
North Attleboro, 5 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – North Attleboro went on the road and opened the season in style, sweeping all five matches against King Philip. Seniors Jonah Manso (6-0, 6-2) and Sam Gallagher (6-1, 6-1) each won in straight sets at first and second singles, respectively, while junior Will Folan rallied for a 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 10-6 win at third singles. Seniors Connor Willis and Sayf Siddiq earned a 6-4, 6-4 win at first doubles while senior Niteesh Saravanan teamed up with sophomore Brody Carter for a 6-4, 6-3 win at second doubles.
Stoughton, 4 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Brothers Waseem and Rayan Sablon each won in straight sets without dropping a game to lead Stoughton to a season-opening win on the road at Taunton. Waseem notched a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while Rayan won by the same score at second singles.
Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Sharon picked up right where it left off in league action, grabbing a 5-0 win on the road over Milford. Ruemon Bhattacharyya earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles for the Eagles while both Mehul Bhattacharyya (second singles) and Max Chen (third singles) took 6-0, 6-0 decisions. Sharon’s first doubles team of Matt Lally and Rithvik Neti claimed a 6-1, 6-0 win while the team of Mitch Weiss and Deyan Kassev prevailed 6-1, 6-2 at second doubles for the Eagles.
Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton was on the winning end of a pair of marathon singles matches, defending home court with a 4-1 win over Attleboro. Rachel Kupferman (first singles, 6-0, 6-1) and the team of Lily Hazam and Olivia Durham (first doubles, 6-1, 6-2) both won in straight sets for the Bulldogs. Laura Correal prevailed 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2 at second singles and Grace Powers came through with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 win at third to help secure the win. Attleboro’s Kyra Johnson and Maddie Fulsado picked up a 6-4, 6-1 win at second doubles.
Franklin, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Foxboro didn’t drop a game in singles action, sweeping all three matches and adding another win in doubles play to beat visiting Franklin. Athena Li (first singles), Pam Nelson (second singles), and Sarah Prag (third singles) all won 6-0, 6-0 while the team of Maggie McAuliffe and Abby Costa secured a 6-3, 6-2 win at first doubles. Franklin’s Amulya Jayam and Shriya Rajesh earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at second doubles.
Mansfield, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Mansfield’s Alex Burnham prevailed in three sets at first singles, winning the match-clinching point as the Hornets won on the road at OA. Mansfield had wins from Aryanna Khosravani (6-3, 6-2) and Kate Martin 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 at second and third singles, respectively, while OA swept doubles action. Burham’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win at first singles clinched the third point for the win. OA’s Kate McLaughlin and Grace Houser won 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 at first doubles while Morgan Vailiou and Caroline Peper didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles.
King Philip, 4 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – King Philip won all three singles matches in straight sets and added another win in doubles action to take a win on the road at North Attleboro. The team of Ahunna James and Shea Mellman dropped just two games in a 6-0, 6-2 win at first doubles for the Warriors. In sweeping singles action, Katarina Schneider won first singles 6-0, 6-0, Mia Valencia record a 6-2, 6-0 win at second singles, and Sammie Taylor secured a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. North Attleboro’s Ashlyn Cziria and Teresa Fan won 6-3, 6-3 at second doubles.
Taunton @ Stoughton, 3:45
Milford @ Sharon, 3:45
Boys Outdoor Track
Foxboro, 73 @ Canton, 59 – Final – For Canton, Kyle Downing was a triple-winner and Deyontai Dennis won a pair of events and took second in another. Downing was first in the 1 Mile, the 2 Mile, and the high jump while Dennis won the triple jump and the 400M hurdles, adding a second place finish in the long jump.
Sharon, 40 @ Oliver Ames, 90 – Final
Girls Outdoor Track
Foxboro, 60 @ Canton, 76 – Final – Canton’s Maddie Rousseau broke her own school record in the 100M hurdles, taking first place with a time of 15.1 to lead the Bulldogs to a win over Foxboro. Rousseau also was first in the high jump (4’10) and took second in the 200M (26.4) and the long jump (15′ 6.5″). Kiara Cerruti was a double-winner for the Bulldogs, crossing first in both the 1 Mile (6:02.8) and the 800M (2:41.1).
Taunton, 68 @ Milford, 44 – Final – After a close first quarter, Taunton exploded for 22 points in the second quarter while limiting the Hawks to seven points to create a double-digit lead it held onto the rest of the way. Milford led 9-8 after one but Taunton senior Josh Lopes scored nine of this team-high 21 points in the second while senior Tyler Stewart added six of his 10 points to give the Tigers a 30-16 lead at halftime. Junior Trent Santos scored nine of his 16 points in the third as Taunton extended its lead to 50-32 through three quarters. Senior Ben Blanchard scored a team-high 14 points for the Hawks.
Girls Basketball
Oliver Ames, 76 @ Canton, 40 – Final – Oliver Ames used a number of runs and great team defense to create a big lead by halftime and never looked back. The Tigers built a 35-16 lead by halftime. Caroline Flynn scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, Caroline Peper added 12 points, and freshman Jasmyn Cooper chipped in with 10 points and eight boards for OA. Sydney Gallery led the way for Canton with 19 points while Fay Gallery added 12 points.
North Attleboro, 46 @ Foxboro, 57 – Final – Foxboro held off North Attleboro in the second half to make it three wins in a row. Katelyn Mollica continued her hot streak, scoring 17 to lead the Warriors. Morgan Sylvestre had a career-high 12 points and Erin Foley added 11 in the win. The Rocketeers were able to get as close as eight points but Foxboro managed to keep them at arm’s length. North didn’t help its own cause with 11 missed free throws, but North coach Nikki Correia was happy with the team’s effort. She highlighted the defensive work of Ava McKeon, who tried to slow down Mollica and make her work for every point. Lydia Santos, Amanda Kaiser, and Taylor McMath all scored 10 points apiece in the loss.
Mansfield, 43 @ Franklin, 62 – Final – Franklin broke the game open in the second half to stay perfect on the season. Behind a strong second quarter, Mansfield had cut the lead to just 25-21 at the half, but the Panthers extended the lead to seven after three and exploded for 25 points in the fourth to put the game out of reach. Olivia Quinn scored a game-high 16 points in the win, while Brigid Earley chipped in with 12. The Hornets were led by Ashley Santos’ eight points. Sarah Dooling and Anna Darlington each scored seven for the visitors.
Sharon, 23 @ Stoughton, 35 – Final – Junior Makiayah Singleton brought a big spark on offense, leading the Knights in scoring with 12 points while senior Camille Firmin grabbed 16 boards and junior Vanessa Phelimond snatched 11 boards and had six steals. Rachel Hager led Sharon in scoring with 10 points.
A new girls basketball season will tip off in January. Read a team-by-team look at each team. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2019-2020 Record: 10-12 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Martin Crowley
After a couple of rebuilding years, Attleboro made a jump last winter and clinched its return to the playoffs in the final game of the regular season. While the Bombardiers will miss the all-around game of Nyah Thomas, who is at Worcester State after a breakout senior season, Attleboro will count on six returners from last year’s roster and a couple of promising newcomers to make some noise in the Kelley-Rex.
Thomas’ scoring and ball-handling will be tough to replicate, but the Bombardiers have strength and athleticism in the post. Junior Meg Gordon developed into a double-double machine last year, using her quickness and length to cause problems in the paint. Senior Ryan Johnson is another forward with length that can impact the game on the glass and protecting the rim.
In the backcourt, senior Gabby Bosh is back to run the point as well as being a pesky defender. Juniors Hailey and Lindsey Perry will also add to the depth at the guard position and to the team’s overall speed and defensive effort. Freshmen guards Kayla Goldrick and Narissa Smith are newcomers that have the potential to make an instant impact and should immediately find themselves in the backcourt rotation.
Attleboro coach Marty Crowley said, “For us to be successful we must be able to play defense consistently and rebound. This is by far the most athletic team we have had and hopefully we can use that to our advantage. We are blessed to be in the gym everyday with such great kids and that is a win in itself.”
2019-2020 Record: 13-10 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round Coach: Jim Choquette
Canton has been a youthful team with potential for the past two seasons and the Bulldogs come into the winter with an opportunity to turn that potential into the program’s first league title since 1992. After graduating just one player from last year’s team and with many of its standout players now in year three as starters, Canton has the experience to match its talent.
Juniors Fay and Sydney Gallery and Kiara Cerruti have been standouts since their first games as freshmen and have the all-around games to cause match-up problems for the opposition. All three can score from the perimeter, but Sydney gives the Bulldogs a presence on the post while Fay can score off the dribble and be a playmaker on offense. Cerruti is a pure scorer, with good range and the ability to take defenders off the bounce.
Depth should be a strength for the Bulldogs this season, with players able to come off the bench and produce at every position. Carly Fitzgerald and Marissa Staffiere will return in the backcourt, giving Canton solid ball-handlers and a pair of strong defenders. Senior Kayla Albert adds length and rebounding in the paint and sophomore Samya DaSilva showed off great footwork last year and will be another scoring threat on the block.
“I’m very excited to take the floor with this group of girls,” said Canton coach Jim Choquette. “I love their desire to improve, win games and represent the town of Canton to the best of their abilities. We all want to improve on our past successes, and we’ve been working hard to do so. Very lucky to be coaching this team!”
2019-2020 Record: 24-2 2019-2020 Finish: D2 State Co-Champion Coach: Lisa Downs
Foxboro closed out the 2019-20 season by winning its final 16 games and securing a second state title in the past three seasons. The Warriors graduated four starters from last year’s team, so players will have to step into bigger roles this season and newcomers will have to produce right away to make it five straight Davenport titles.
Defense and tempo are the hallmarks of Foxboro’s success under head coach Lisa Downs and that should be the same this year. For scoring, the Warriors are going to count on senior Katelyn Mollica. One of the top players in the league for the past three seasons, the Stonehill College-commit is one of the league’s top shooters and strong help defender. Senior Jordyn Collins is another key component from last year’s team, as a tenacious defender and a slasher who can get to the rim.
Senior Hannah Blake will step into the starting lineup at center this winter and Downs thinks that she has the potential to be one of the best bigs in the league. Senior Morgan Sylvestre had some big moments last year (for instance, the D2 South final against Hingham) and will see more time at point guard this year. Freshmen guards Camryn Collins and Erin Foley will both be in the mix right away and sophomore Lauren Miley is back after missing all of last year with an injury.
“We graduated a large chunk of our roster from last season so we will have quite a few new faces on the court to accompany Katelyn,” Downs said. “We will continue to focus on our defensive efforts and will strive to pursue the fast pace that we have become familiar with. Safety of the girls is obviously my first concern, but it is also my hope to be able to provide the most fulfilling season possible in terms of overall improvement on both ends of the court.”
2019-2020 Record: 25-0 2019-2020 Finish: D1 State Co-Champion Coach: John Leighton
Last winter, Franklin went start-to-finish as the top team not only in the league but in the state and capped off an undefeated season with the program’s first state championship. The graduation of center Ali Brigham, who was arguably the program’s best-ever player, is a big change for the Panthers this year but there is plenty of talent and experience on the roster to make a push for a three-peat of Kelley-Rex titles.
Junior Olivia Quinn is one of the main reasons that the Panthers are considered the favorites in the Kelley-Rex again this year. Quinn scored nearly 400 points and was one of the top three or four players in the league last season. She continues to develop and improve and will be the focal point of the offense this year. Senior Erin Quaile is the two-time Defensive Player of the Year but is also a solid point guard who limits turnovers, calms things down, and gets Franklin into its sets.
The offense will obviously look a little different this year, without a 6-foot-3 center in the middle, but the Panthers have talent on the wings to cause problems. Seniors Elizabeth Wilson and Kaleigh Houlihan, and junior Stefany Padula can all stretch the defense with their ability to knock down perimeter shots. The forward position should also be strong with Emma Sousa, Brigid Early, and Katie Peterson giving Franklin length and athleticism on the block.
“We are excited to be back on the court and I have been very impressed by our depth,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “Our girls have been committed to getting better and competing on every play.”
2019-2020 Record: 12-9 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Dan Nagle
King Philip head coach Dan Nagle has implemented a unique system based on high pressure and constant running. The Warriors don’t have to worry about shot clock violations. With a roster of athletic players who will all be counted on at some point and have a year of experience in the system, Nagle hopes this year’s team can create even more chaos that last winter and push Franklin at the top of the Kelley-Rex.
Senior Emma Glaser is the team’s top returning scorer and the Springfield College-commit will be counted on to take a step up, as the Warriors lost their top three scorers to graduation and transfers. Glaser is an athletic wing with range out beyond the three-point line. Athleticism is a common theme for this roster. Senior Caroline Aaron is another versatile wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Depth won’t be an issue for the Warriors, who regularly sub five players at once and everyone gets playing time. Junior guards Elizabeth Molla, Liv Lafond, Grace Clyde, and Julia Marsden will provide scoring punch. At 6-foot-3, sophomore center Emily Sawyer gives KP a unique weapon in the middle and looks more comfortable with the speed at varsity. Senior Courtney Keswick battled injuries last year but is back healthy and gives KP a consistent three-point threat. Sophomore Jackie Bonner is a scorer being moved up from JV who could be poised for a breakout year.
Nagle said, “It’s year two in the system, so the learning curve has been a lot smaller and kids are picking things up fast. What we do is no secret. It’s going to be pandemonium every game, win or lose. This year’s team might even be a better fit for it because generally we have better team speed and it being year two makes a huge difference.”
2019-2020 Record: 9-14 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Heather McPherson
After more than two decades in charge, Mike Redding retired as head coach after last season. There will be some continuity for the program however, as former player and assistant coach Heather McPherson will move into the first seat this year. McPherson can count on continuity on the floor as well, with six seniors among the returning players for the Hornets.
While the Hornets missed the playoffs last year, they also had some impressive wins against playoff teams along the way, beating Attleboro, King Philip, and Bishop Feehan. Senior Kayla Vine was one of the league’s top perimeter shooters and also a solid playmaker with her ability to get into the paint. Senior Ashley Santos extended her range as a shooter last year was a strong all-around player that was a tough matchup on both ends of the court. Sophomore Abby Wager showed flashes of her potential as a scorer during a strong rookie season and her development could be a big boost this year.
Mansfield will have plenty of depth to call on. Senior Ally Prentis adds another shooter, senior Sarah Dooling is another versatile forward, and seniors Brooke Berube and Kacey Veiking give the Hornets a lot of height in the paint. Junior Anna Darlington and sophomore Olivia Salisbury should see more time in the backcourt.
McPherson said, “I couldn’t ask for a better senior group to begin my varsity coaching career, they have set an exciting tone to the season with their energy, effort, enthusiasm. With all of the uncertainty that this year has brought we are excited for the opportunity to be playing basketball. For us to compete each night we will need to play good fundamental basketball.”
2019-2020 Record: 3-17 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: TJ Dolliver
While Milford went winless in league play last year, the Hawks lost no one to graduation and will have seven seniors on this season’s roster. Experience will be a key for Milford, which for the first time will be playing in the Kelley-Rex division. Although the Hawks have struggled at times offensively, no one can argue with the team’s effort and athleticism, especially on defense (ask state champion Foxboro, which was held to just 44 points last year) and that should once again be the team’s strength.
Senior Emma Lawrence will be the team’s focal point this year after an all-star junior season. Lawrence has long arms, endless energy, and the ability to get to the basket. Fellow senior Jillian Michelson is another player who will shadow the opposing team’s top offensive player and use her speed and length to cause problems. Sophomore Brooke Ferreira stepped in at point guard last year and had an impressive rookie campaign. Her ball-handling and ability to get into the lane was critical to the team’s offense, which could at times struggle from the perimeter.
Milford is not a tall team, but the Hawks have several versatile forwards that crash the boards and will make it tough for teams to score in the paint. Seniors Carly Ferreira, Katie Maietta, and Elise Fauerbach add physicality on the block for a team that likes to get up and pressure the ball.
“Having a senior-heavy roster and a team of hard working girls, this season will be a lot of fun,” said Milford coach TJ Dolliver.
2019-2020 Record: 9-11 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Nikki Correia
Under first-year head coach Nikki Correia, North Attleboro bounced back last year and went into the final game of the regular season with a chance of clinching a return to the postseason. Although Big Red missed out on the tournament, the Rocketeers come into this season with optimism. A year of experience in Correia’s system and a strong corps of returning players gives North hopes of springing a surprise in the Davenport division.
Senior guard Amanda Kaiser will remain the focal point for opposing defenses and will force them to extend beyond the three-point line to prevent her from getting going. Kaiser is also a strong defender, who can kickstart the North break by forcing turnovers. Sophomore Summer Doherty is another wing player whose quickness and length causes problems on defense and her strength allows her to get into the lane on offense.
Senior Siobhan Weir keeps things calm even as North tries to get out and run as often as possible, while also adding a strong mid-range game. Senior Lydia Santos missed last season with injury and will be another strong ball-handler and leader in the backcourt. Sophomore Ava McKeon had an impressive rookie season on the wing and uses her strength and athleticism to get into the lane and her energy to get on the boards. Fellow sophomore Taylor McMath got called up last season and made an instant impact as a post player. North isn’t the tallest team, but McMath gives the Rocketeers extra length in the paint on both ends of the floor.
“I know with my team they have been so excited just to be on the basketball court again with their teammates and ready to compete,” said Correia. “Overall we have a strong unit and I can not wait to start the basketball season and see what these girls will do as a team. They all bring different strengths to the game so once they can mesh it all together on the court it will be great to see.”
2019-2020 Record: 14-7 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Laney Clement-Holbrook
Oliver Ames is back in the Davenport division for the first time since 2016, when the Tigers won their last league title. OA returns with the goal of ending Foxboro’s four-year run as the top team in the division and has a talented, experienced roster to try and win the program’s Hock-best 23rd league title.
The Tigers pushed Franklin for the Kelley-Rex crown all the way to the final week of league play last year and that experience has given them added confidence heading into the new season. Injuries took their toll down the stretch, but when fully healthy OA boasts one of the deepest rosters in the league. Caroline Flynn is more of a point forward than a point guard but she has developed into one of the league’s top playmakers, while also being one of its top rebounding guards. Caroline Peper battled a back injury all of last season, but when healthy is one of the top shooters in the Hock.
Junior Hailey Bourne has emerged as one of the top defensive players in the league, capable of guarding players on the perimeter or in the post. Senior Jess Erlich adds shooting from her forward position. OA has six returning players who will be bolstered by an exciting crop of newcomers, including freshman guard Jasmyn Cooper.
OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook, who passed the 700-win mark last season, said, “OA’s strengths will come from the depth of their lineup and a cast of young and upcoming players with great intensity and love for the game. Despite the challenges associated with pandemic, OA is excited to have the chance to play this season and value every second they get to compete for the top spot.”
2019-2020 Record: 4-16 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Sharon finished with only four wins last season, but the Eagles also lost seven games by 10 points or less, including five games by five points or fewer and twice lost by a single basket. With a good core of versatile players returning, the Eagles are hoping to make a move up the standings in what continues to be a competitive Davenport division.
The graduations of Ally Brown and Kaitlyn Wallace take away two of the team’s top ball-handlers and perimeter scorers, but the Eagles can make up for that with strength in the paint. Senior Leah Fandel and junior Trinity Payne are difference makers on both ends of the court, capable of crashing the boards, protecting the rim, and offering interior scoring. Both players are capable of stepping back and knocking down short jumpers too, adding a different dimension to the offense.
Sophomore guards Tess Letendre and Emily Freeman will be counted on to pick up some of the slack on the perimeter and get the Eagles into their offensive sets. Seniors Gaby Cabral and Julia Early will also be counted on to take bigger roles this season. The Eagles will also have a pair of freshmen, Rachel Hager and Eva Poulton, who will be expected to contribute right away.
“I’m excited for the girls to have an opportunity to play this season,” said Sharon coach Sandy Lombardi. “Looking back a few months ago I would not have imagined us having a season at all.”
2019-2020 Record: 9-11 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Charmaine Steele Jordan
Stoughton narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last year, falling just one win short of qualifying for the tournament (that included a one-point loss to North Attleboro midway through the season). The Black Knights will have to try and make up for the graduation of their two leading scorers, Aliyah Wright and Shyanne Trinh, but head coach Charmaine Steele Jordan expects that this year’s roster will live up to the program’s standard of hustle, hard work, and aggressiveness.
Mackenzie Manning is the team’s top returning scorer and Steele Jordan is counting on the senior guard to provide leadership and passion for the younger players. Fellow seniors Cate Downey and Jess Maddalena (who is out for the season with an injury) are also going to be counted on to set the tone for the team.
Junior guard Makaiyah Singleton Rivera saw plenty of time last year and gives the Black Knights a boost of speed and energy on the perimeter. There are also several underclassmen who will be jumping up to varsity and could add important minutes this season. Sophomore guards Kiara Scardina and Shayla Ford and freshman forward Alyssa Edwards are newcomers to keep an eye on this season.
Steele Jordan said, “I’m really thankful for all the players that came out for our program this year in the middle of pandemic. Looking forward to kicking off the season in 2021. Our goals have not changed, the Black Knights will play hard, play together and represent the Stoughton community with pride this season.”
2019-2020 Record: 5-15 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Amy Siggens
Taunton has struggled to get going this winter, as practices were halted after just three days and the teams won’t resume basketball activities until next week, which has forced the opening games with Attleboro to be postponed. The Tigers will also be without last year’s leading scorer, sophomore Kameron St. Pierre, who has opted out. With all of that, second-year head coach Amy Siggens is still excited that the team this season and building on the fundamentals of her system.
The Tigers will be an experienced, if still young, team this season. Seniors Jaelyn and Sonya Fernandez will be the focal points on the offensive end. They are both versatile players capable of stepping back and knocking down shots and also taking their defenders off the dribble. Their athleticism on both ends of the court makes them a tough matchup. They also provide leadership for a team that is building consistency. The Tigers won five games last year, but also lost seven times by single digits, including once in overtime.
A strength of the team will be its depth in the backcourt. Senior Tori DaRosa is a tough defender and gets the Tigers into their sets. Juniors Abby Souza and Braeley McDonald are also strong options to provide shooting off the bench. Sophomore Maddie Michenzie can be a force on the boards and adds a different dimension in the post on both ends of the court.
“We’re rolling with the punches here,” said Siggens about having to postpone practices until the New Year. “Everyday is something new and you just have to adjust. We’re focusing on the leadership of our seniors but also the development of our young kids. This is a year to really pull it back and go after the fundamentals and the basics.”
