Tuesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/25/23

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Franklin, 5 @ North Attleboro, 1 – FinalA strong start offensively and another stellar start from senior Alfred Mucciarone helped the Panthers land a key win over division rival North Attleboro. Franklin wasted little time as it pushed a pair of runs across the plate in the first and another run in the second handed the visitors an early 3-0 lead. A two-run fifth inning extended the lead; North Attleboro got on the board with a run in the bottom of the sixth. Mucciarone threw six innings, scattering five hits (and no walks) for one run, striking out 12, and Dillon Cashin struck out two in a scoreless inning in relief. Ben Jarosz was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Tyler Bellan hit a sac fly to give Franklin its 2-0 lead, and a sacrifice fly from Jase Lyons in the second made it 3-0. Bellan added a two-run, two-out single in the fifth for Franklin. Chris Hanewich led off the bottom of the sixth with a single and scored on a double from Jordan Paradis to get the Rocketeers on the board. Dillon Harding pitched well for North, allowing five runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks, striking out four in five innings while Ayden Delaney tossed two shutout innings in relief.

Softball
Oliver Ames, 6 @ Canton, 4 – Final A four-run fifth inning helped Oliver Ames surge ahead and secure a win on the road over Canton. The Bulldogs built a two-run lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single from Chloe Guerschuny that scored Kailyn Durham (double), and back-to-back walks to Abby Stock and Shealyn Murphy — the latter with the bases loaded. OA cut the deficit in half with an RBI single from Devon Morris in the third, but the most damage came two innings later. Samantha Johnson led off with a single and courtesy runner Skylar Dearborn came home to score after Caitlin Miller reached on an error, making it 2-2. Morris brought in two more runs after getting on base via error, and an RBI double from Crystyliah Covel capped the big inning making it 5-2. Canton cut into the deficit on an RBI from Olivia Mackwell but OA answered with an RBI double from Emily Martin an inning later. Canton threatened in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI from Mackwell, but Katie Melendy got her sixth strikeout of the game, stranding the tying run at second. Durham and Sam Grady each finished with two hits for the Bulldogs while Mackwell had three RBI; for OA, Covel finished with three hits, and Maddie Homer and Johnson each had two.








Boys Lacrosse
Milford, 6 @ Foxboro, 12 – FinalA balanced offensive effort and strong goaltending helped Foxboro take down visiting Milford. Sophomore Jon Sacchetti led the offensive charge with four goals and two assists while Tony Sulham had a big game with a hat trick and one helper. Mike McCabe chipped in with a pair of goals and one assist while both Conor Noone (one assist) and Cam Deleskey each scored one. Adam Addeche was busy in net, making 16 saves in the win.

Taunton, 12 @ Norton, 3 – FinalAfter slipping past Norton in double overtime in the first meeting, the Tigers showed off their improvement as they rolled to a big win over the Lancers on Tuesday. Senior middie Tommy Selfridge paved the way for the Tigers, scoring a team-high five goals while senior attack Thomas Murphy also had a strong day with a hat trick. Connor McGrath and Colt Kennedy both recorded three points in the win with a goal and an assist each, and Liam McFarland and Jake Matos each scored once to round out the Tigers’ scoring. Freshman Oren Cullins was terrific in net, making 16 saves on 19 shots.

Franklin, 19 @ Bishop Feehan, 11 – FinalA big fourth quarter helped Franklin avoid a scare from visiting Bishop Feehan, outscoring the Shamrocks 7-2 in the final frame. The Panthers led by just one at the end of the first quarter (3-2) and at halftime (7-6), and the advantage was only three (12-9) going into the fourth quarter. Luke Davis was nearly unstoppable as he scored an impressive 10 goals to pace the offense, including six in the second half. Jayden Consigli added three goals and two assists, Tyler Sacchetti netted a pair with one helper, and Eddie O’Brien (two assists), Anthony Lampasona, and Ben Paterson each scored once.




Girls Lacrosse
Attleboro, 18 @ Stoughton, 4 – FinalAmelia Collins had seven points and Isabella Cavallini added six points as the Bombardiers rolled to a big win on the road over the Black Knights. Collins scored a hat trick and added four assists while Cavallini scored five goals with one helper for Attleboro, which led 9-3 at halftime. Addison Papagolos and Jordan Mooney each added three goals in the win, Molly Moore chipped in with a pair of goals, and Mekenah Stokes and Megan Ferreira each scored once. Papagolos (five draw controls) and Jess Harrington (four draw controls) both played well. Casey Groppi scored a hat trick for the Black Knights and Amanda Reid scored once.

Foxboro, 16 @ Milford, 3 – Final Foxboro made it two wins in a row as they returned home from Milford with a big victory. Paige Curran scored four goals for the second straight game, adding three assists, and Val Beigel (one assist) also found the back of the net four times to pace the Warriors’ offense. Mary Collins had a hat trick and one helper, Cate Noon scored twice and set up three goals, Mya Waryas (two assists), Kaelin Connors, and Addie Riley (one assist) each added a goal apiece, and Grace Riley recorded two assists. Audrey Campbell earned the win in net, making four saves. Emily Croteau, Carly Haley (from Jordan Douglas), and TJ Downing (from Kaitlin Landry) each scored for the Hawks while Caitlyn Bangert made nine saves in net.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 20 – FinalThe Panthers snapped a rare two-game skid, getting back into league action with a big win over North. Franklin used a total team effort to earn the win and senior Katie Peterson scored her 100th career goal.

King Philip, 17 @ Mansfield, 7 – FinalKing Philip’s Makenzie McDevitt had a memorable performance, leading the Warriors to a win on the road at Mansfield. McDevitt had 10 draw controls in the game, including the 100th DC of her career, while also recording a team-high eight points in the win. Alyssa Legere added five points and both Abby MacDonald and Sammy Cloutier added four points for KP. Ava Adams and Ella Palanza (assist) each scored a pair of goals for the Hornets, who also got a goal from Rose Maher (assist), Brooke Butler (assist), and Carys Colby. Lana DiSangro made 13 saves in net for Mansfield.

Oliver Ames, 15 @ Sharon, 7 – Final

Boys Tennis
Franklin, 0 @ Attleboro, 5 – FinalAttleboro took care of business and defended home court with a clean sweep over shorthanded Franklin. Kyle Neuendorf took a 6-2, 6-3 victory at first singles, Tyler Rocchio dropped just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles, and Shashank Shrithar completed the singles sweep with a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. Brady Rosen and Luke Hinton won a close first set and grabbed a 7-5, 6-2 win at first doubles, and Attleboro’s second doubles pair of Clay Tyler and Noem Cook rolled to a 6-1, 6-2.

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – FinalFranklin won both doubles matches in three sets and added two straight set wins in singles action to take down Attleboro. Neither Chloe Essam and Brooke Taylor — both juniors — dropped a set and picked up wins at second and third singles, respectively. The team of sophomores Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen prevailed in a tight battle at first doubles (6-0, 4-6, 7-5) while seniors Allison Bagley and Tanvi Shah rallied from a one-set deficit to win 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-3 at second doubles for the Panthers. Attleboro’s Maddie Fuscaldo emerged victorious, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, in a close contest at first singles.




Boys Outdoor Track
Attleboro @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Stoughton, 91 @ Canton, 46 – FinalFor Canton, Mo Arugollu was a double-winner individually and apart of the Bulldogs’ 4×400 winning relay team. Arugollo took first in both the 400M hurdles (66.8) and the triple jump (36’9), and then teamed up with Dan Krasylnykov, Dan Glemaud, and Ruairi Ritson to win the 4×400 relay. Krasylnykov also won the 400M for Canton, clocking in a season-best time of 53.9. Canton’s 4×100 relay team of JJ Faulk, Casey Lee, Dhruv Patel, and Christian Hanlon took first, and Austin DiBiasio finished second in both the 1 Mile and 2 Mile races. Tyler Baird, who won the 2 Mile in 11:41, and Rhancy Jean Baptiste, who took third in the discus (85’2″) each scored their first varsity points.

Foxboro, 42 @ Mansfield, 92 – FinalMansfield swept the 2 Mile and the long jump, went 1-2 in the 100M and the 1 Mile, and won both relays to take down visiting Foxboro. John Sylvain (10:59) anchored the 2 Mile sweep with Kieran Hoff (11:05) and Sam Taylor (11:18) taking second and third, respectively, while Evan Thevenot led the way in the long jump (18’11) followed by Allen Gouboth and Kenny Barton. Evan Rawlings added a win in the 400M hurdles (58.0) and set a new PR in a win in the 110M hurdles (15.5), Nate Kablik won the 100M (10.9) followed by Sirius Li (11.5), and Talon Johnson crossed first in the 1 Mile (4:37.2) with Marco Geminiani taking second. Troy Penney took first in the 800 (2:07.1) with Colby Quersher finishing third, Ayden Agbasi had a massive PR in the shot put with a winning throw of 47’4″ with Dan Mintz picking up key points with a third place finish; Mintz and Agbasi also took second and third, respectively, in the discus. Mansfield’s 4×100 relay team (Myles Brown, Matt Breitenstein, Li, Kablik) put together a fast time of 44.3 for the win while the Hornets’ 4×400 team (Kyle Dickinson, Tommy Giudicianni, Johnson, Penney) ran 3:40 for the win.

Franklin, 80 @ King Philip, 56 – Final

Milford @ Taunton, 4:00

Sharon, 52 @ Oliver Ames, 84 – Final

Girls Outdoor Track
Attleboro @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Stoughton, 77 @ Canton, 59 – Final – Katie Oliver, Lianna Camille, Johanna Bouwmeester, and Emma Massih all had wins for the Bulldogs, who fell against visiting Stoughton. Oliver was a double-winner, taking first in both the triple jump (34’9″) and the long jump (16’7″) as well as second in the 200M (27.1). Camille won the 400M (63.7), Bouwmeester crossed first in the 1 Mile (6:21.4), and Massih took first in the discus (88’9) and second in the shot put. Jayda Proffit added a pair of second place finishes in the 100M hurdles (17.9) and the high jump (4’4) as well as third in the triple jump (32′).

Foxboro, 33 @ Mansfield, 103 – Final

Franklin, 98 @ King Philip, 38 – Final

Milford @ Taunton, 4:00

Sharon, 40 @ Oliver Ames, 94 – Final

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 3 vs. Norton, 0 – Final

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview
Taunton has won back-to-back D1 state titles and the Tigers will be among the favorites to bring home another championship this spring. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 15-7
2022 Finish: Reach Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro is hoping a mix of experienced veterans and skilled newcomers will keep the squad playing competitively in the best league in the state, and more specifically maybe the most talented division across any sport in the league.

Senior Lily Routhier returns to the circle after going 8-2 last season, striking out 47 with a 2.24 ERA during the regular season. Routhier will likely see an increase in innings with the graduation of Lindsey Perry (69 innings), and she’s also one of the best offensive weapons in the league after posting a 0.510 average (fourth in the Hock) with 41 hits and 45 RBI. There are a lot of weapons in the lineup back with senior captains Rylie Camacho (0.410) and Lauren Eby (0.490) leading the way, and senior Sarah Maher, fresh off a 36-hit, 22-RBI regular season, will take over in center field and set the table offensively from the leadoff spot. Paige Quaglia, Merry Bosh, Lilly McGilvray, Jenna Callahan, and Nina Sullivan are all in the mix to get some time in the outfield and provide offensive depth.

In the infield, there are some newcomers looking to find a spot in the lineup. Maddie Moran and Victoria Parent are in the mix for time at third base while Emily Eby, who had an impressive freshman campaign with 20 hits, will play at second base. Destiny Miranda is also competing for time behind the dish while Ari Amaral will continue to be a force with her bat in the lineup.

“Things will not change for us as far as offense and defense, and we will work to be consistent and continue to improve as the season goes on,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Homer. “We want to be at our best when the competition calls for it and find positives in all adversity that we will face during the season. We want to continue the success we had as a team last season and improve. Every game will be a challenge for us.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Canton

2022 Record: 4-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
With seven returning players, Canton coach Sandy Lombardi is confident that the Bulldogs can make a jump in her second year in charge. Playoff contention is the aim for a team that won only four games in 2022 but also lost four games by four runs or less, including a pair by just one run.

Junior first baseman and pitcher Jess Wright was the team’s MVP last season and she returns to the heart of the lineup along with senior catcher Olivia Mackwell. The pair combined for 48 hits and 30 RBI last season, so will be important pieces in the heart of the order. Also returning for the Bulldogs are junior shortstop Laura Valkanas, sophomore infielder Chloe Guerschuny, and an outfield of junior Anna Lehan and sophomores Klara Redquest and Kailyn Durham. Senior Abby Chin carries an injury into the season but Canton will hope that she can return to contribute.

Canton is hoping that a group of newcomers will add the depth it needs to compete over a long season. Junior Alexa Gordon and freshman Shaelyn Murphy can both step into the circle to give the Bulldogs big innings. Freshmen Abby Stock and Caitlin Reynolds and junior Sami Grady can all fill spots in the infield and junior Kaitlyn Bigham is a versatile player off the bench.

“We have a great mix of returning varsity players and new varsity players,” Lombardi said. “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and to qualify for the tournament.”

Foxboro

2022 Record: 12-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Mark Maguire
It has been over 51 years since Foxboro last won a softball league title, but with experienced pitchers and a versatile lineup of players who can fill in at multiple positions, this might be the season that the Warriors can finally come out on top.

Pitching depth should be a strength for the Warriors this season. Sophomore Vittoria Cuscia was a league all-star after being Foxboro’s ace last year and classmate Emma Callahan was an all-star as an eighth grader. Despite their youth, both pitchers have already won games in the postseason. Both players will also fill in at third base. Sophomore Ava Hill, who is already entering her third season on varsity, will move from first to behind the plate.

The Warriors should be athletic this year. Freshman Meghan Kelley will get the start at short, the latest in a line of talented underclassmen to step into that position, and will bat third. Freshman Mia Flanagan and sophomore Autumn Stowell can each play second base, while junior Angelina Rifai, sophomore Natalia Leach, and Stowell will get time at first. The outfield is experienced with all three starters returning. In left is Leach, while sophomore Jillian Slattery is back in center, and junior Fiona Dunn will be in right. All three will also be in the middle of the order for the Warriors. Freshman Emma Fisler will get chances to contribute in multiple positions.

“Our strengths are our young, tough pitchers,” said Foxboro coach Mark Maguire. “We are very athletic in the outfield and we have pretty good team speed. Although we are a young team, mostly freshman and sophomores, this group has been ‘battle tested’ the last couple of years playing significant games in the Hockomock League and state tournaments.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview







2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Franklin

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Breanna Shaffer
Last season, Franklin won nine games in the league, but was only able to take fourth in the Kelley-Rex division. This year, the addition of North Attleboro makes the division even deeper, but the Panthers will turn to King Philip alum, and two-time state champion, Breanna Shaffer and lean on an experienced lineup to try and make a push up the standings.

The Panthers will have plenty of pitching depth this year. Senior Kiera Kotwicki returns in the circle and has the experience of battling the top teams in the league. Senior Caroline Bruso and freshman Sophia Scaramone will also get their chances to toe the rubber. Senior catcher Hailey Fales will guide the pitching staff as well as being a big bat in the heart of the Franklin lineup.

Junior Carly Johnson-Pellegri is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign and returns at short. Senior Katy Liberman is back at third base, while sophomore Sarah Boozang takes over at first base and junior Katie Dowley will be at second. Seniors Reece Allen and Dana Stott are back as starting outfielders and classmate Avery Chalk will step into the outfield as well.

“This group of seniors work hard and lead by example every day,” said Shaffer, who previously coached JV at Canton and Sharon. “The leadership and experience that they bring to this team will leave such a positive impact on this program. I am excited to see what this team will accomplish this season!”

King Philip

2022 Record: 22-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Quarterfinal (Kelley-Rex champion)
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip comes into every season with state title aspirations. This spring, the Warriors have added motivation, as the defending Kelley-Rex division champions watched rival Taunton, who KP beat twice in the regular season, go all the way for the second year in a row. The league seems as competitive as ever, but the Warriors return a strong core that looks ready to make a run at another title.

There is plenty of experience and leadership coming back this season. Junior Jordan Bennett will be in the circle for the third year in a row and has developed into an ace who can be relied upon against even the strongest lineups. Freshman McCoy Walsh and junior Taylor Regan will add depth to the pitching staff and can eat up some innings. Junior Maddie Paschke will be behind the dish to work with the pitchers.

Seniors Charlotte Raymond and Sarah Cullen will both patrol the outfield this season, while classmate Ava Lanza will be at third. Sophomore Liv Petrillo returns to the left side of the infield while senior Libby Walsh is back in the mix this season. Junior Ava Kelley had a big season at the plate in 2022 and she returns to take the third outfield spot.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting season and competing in one of the best and most respected leagues in the state,” said KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau.

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Mansfield

2022 Record: 10-12
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: Lori Letendre
Mansfield finished 4-2 in non-league play a season ago and reached the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen. This year, the Hornets will play in the Davenport division for the first time and could benefit from not having two games apiece against perennial powers like Taunton, King Philip, and North Attleboro. With a roster that is still relatively young, only two seniors and nine freshmen, Mansfield will hope that being battle-tested in 2022 could help in a fight for a league title in 2023.

The Hornets graduated seven seniors, including five starters, from last year’s team, so there will be a lot of new faces in the lineup, but a talented group of juniors will provide leadership for the younger players. Junior Callie Lake was a spark plug for the Mansfield offense last season and a strong defensive center fielder. Junior Live Madeira returns at shortstop, giving the Hornets another good glove and tough out, while classmate Jill Koppy controls the game from behind the plate and fellow junior Molly Kucharski will start again at second.

Senior Amanda Schwarz will be the starting pitcher for the Hornets at the beginning of the season after sharing time with Julia Kelly last year. Mansfield will have plenty of depth in the circle this spring, as freshmen Molly Crowley and Dani Jameson can also step in and give them important innings.

Mansfield coach Lori Letendre said, “We have a lot of new players on the team this year and will be looking for leadership from our captains and returning starters. They are a talented group and I am starting to see the chemistry that will bring us together as a team. It should be a fun season!”




2023 Hockomock League Baseball Preview

Milford

2022 Record: 3-17
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Steve Divitto
With a young squad last season, Milford struggled through some growing pains during the spring of 2022. After only graduating a pair of seniors from the roster, the Scarlet Hawks are looking to compete against one of the most talented leagues in the state and make a push for the postseason.

Milford is still young as they don’t have any seniors on the roster this year but the majority of the players on the team have one or two years of experience already. There is a group of seven juniors that include catcher Maddie Burn, first baseman Camille Bonina, middle infielder Grace Bonina, pitcher/shortstop Maeve Driscoll (who can also play in the outfield), outfielder Olivia Luchini, who is back from injury, infielder/outfielder Maeve Williams, and outfielder Sarah Wengal. Head coach Steve DiVitto will be leaning on their experience and leadership to guide a young squad.

Cae Pellegrini, Jianna Fernandes, and Olivia Baglione emerged as key contributors as freshmen last year and are looking to take the next step this time out. Pellegrini returns to third base, Fernandes will patrol the outfield, and Baglione is back at shortstop. A group of freshmen featuring Ava Baglione, Angelina Bonina, Katelyn Kearnan, and Isabella Loscerbo will look to make an impact right away. In the circle, Driscoll will look to pick up where she left off last year before being derailed by injury, with freshman Angelina Bonina in line to get some innings as well.

“With no seniors this year, we will be looking to our juniors and returners as leaders,” DiVitto said. “While still considered young, the vast amount of game experience that our players have had makes us a veteran team. No more excuses; we are ready to compete in the best league in Massachusetts. The girls are ready to get on the field.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 17-7
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final Four (Davenport champion)
Coach: Bill Wallace
After three straight Davenport titles, which was the first three-peat in program history, and reaching the Div. 2 Final Four for the first time last season, North Attleboro returns to the ultra-competitive Kelley-Rex division with a lineup that features a lot of new faces and a lot of underclassmen. The Rocketeers still expect to be right in the title mix and make another run in the tournament.

Pitching will be the key for North this season. Reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kelly Colleran will be back in the circle as the team’s main starter. Colleran was dominant last year, both as a pitcher and a hitter, and will have big expectations this spring. Sophomore Arianna McDavitt got a couple of starts last year and freshman Grace Forman can step in to eat some innings as well. Sophomore Maryellen Charette will be behind the plate for North after a solid freshman campaign.

Colleran and McDavitt will also play short when not pitching. Senior Maddie Bailey and sophomore Mary Rogers will play second and freshmen Lucy Palmer (first base) and Molly Willey (third base) will take over at the corners. Sophomore Emily Tucker gives North versatility off the bench. The outfield will be relatively experienced, as seniors Emma Hanwell and Grace Simmons will be in center and right. Senior Julia Forman and her sister Grace can play multiple positions.

“If our hitting continues to improve, we should be a dangerous team,” said North coach Bill Wallace. “We will continue to work on defense and hitting but team chemistry and leadership will give us the opportunity to continue to grow as a team. I really enjoy coaching this group.”




2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 7-14
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Oliver Ames didn’t graduate a single player from last season and the Tigers will be aiming for another playoff appearance and to make a run at their first league title since 2014. The Tigers should be solid defensively and have a lineup able to manufacture runs and they will hope to build on last year’s postseason experience.

Pitching is always critical and senior Katie Melendy returns for her third year in the circle. After a strong offseason, Melendy could be ready for a breakout year after putting up a 2.03 ERA last spring. Senior shortstop Maddie Homer and senior center fielder Caitlin Miller give OA a strong spine and junior catcher Katharine Farley brings her cannon of an arm back behind the plate.

Juniors Madison Monteiro, Paige Taylor, Sammy Johnson, and Skylar Dearborn are all back for the Tigers, while sophomores Emily Martin and Devon Morris round out the infield after solid freshman campaigns. Junior Crystaliah Covel and sophomore Ava Tracia are newcomers who will add versatility to the OA roster.

“It has been a really smooth transition into the season in order to get game-ready,” said OA coach Lindsey Allison. “We are looking forward to a great season and continuing to build on last year’s successes. In practices, the defense has been really solid, as they are all used to each other mostly from last season. Katie Melendy has put in a lot of work in the offseason, and we are looking forward to seeing her build on her success from last year with support from the power and speed of the OA lineup.”

Sharon

2022 Record: 2-16
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
Sharon swept a season series with Duxbury last year, but struggled in Hockomock play, scoring only 13 runs in the 16 league games. The Eagles will go into this season hoping to pull some surprises and, with a roster that includes eight freshmen and sophomores, build some momentum for the future as well.

Ally Foulsham will get the call in the circle this season. The senior has worked this offseason to finetune her pitches and Sharon coach Heather Poliferno is hoping for big things from her captain both as a pitcher and in the middle of the lineup. Senior Natalie Kessler also returns for the Eagles. After spending 2022 in a utility role, playing multiple positions, Kessler will start in center this season.

Junior Natalie David will be moving from the outfield to first base this spring and is another hitter that the Eagles will be counting on to try and improve their offensive output. Junior Maddie Hu will be at shortstop, using her speed to cover a lot of ground in the field and causing havoc on the base paths.

Poliferno said, “Every year, we go into the season with the mentality of ‘why not us?’ We will be going into every game this season with that thought.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Stoughton

2022 Record: 11-10
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Laura Whittaker
Stoughton heads into the spring with a new coach, as Laura Whittaker takes over in the dugout. The expectations will remain high for a team hoping to challenge for the Davenport division title, which would be its first league title since 2005, and to make a run in the Div. 2 tournament.

The Black Knights will have a lot of returning talent to lean on this season. Senior Kerry Driscoll will be back in the circle, after an 11-8 season, and also in the heart of the order here she was the team’s leading hitter in 2022. Senior Camryn Whitman returns at shortstop with junior Alyssa Edwards next to her at third. Both players provide leadership and swing big bats to add to a potent lineup. Junior Julie Powers gives the Black Knights a lot of stability from behind the plate.

Juniors Leila Alaoui (second base) and Maddie Hinds (first base) round out an experienced, tested infield. Sophomores Caitlin Driscoll and Angelina Berry and newcomers Anna Hobbs and Lauren Price will give Stoughton plenty of speed in the outfield and some big arms to slow down runners. Julia Monaghan, Emersyn Grover, and Megan McGowan add depth and consistency to the lineup, while Alyssa Antonino, Grace Weisenberger, and Isabella Kuznitz give Whittaker a lot of versatility off the bench.

Taunton

2022 Record: 21-4
2022 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Michelle Raposo
The two-time defending Div. 1 state champions have a new coach this season, as Michelle Raposo, a starter on the Taunton teams that won titles in 2002 and 2003, takes over the Tigers this spring. Taunton looks poised to make a run at a three-peat with the return of six starters and the addition of one of the state’s top pitching prospects.

Pitching is always the place to start when thinking about a team’s state title qualifications and the Tigers will bring back sophomore Cate Larson, who was part of a pitching duo that helped Taunton win it all in 2022. In addition, junior lefty Sam Lincoln is back after a year away from the program and the Texas Tech commit would be a boost to any team’s staff. Senior Kaysie DeMoura is back behind the plate after a breakout season and her leadership and ability to work with both pitchers will be critical.

There is plenty of experience on Taunton’s roster. Senior Ava Venturelli had a standout season in 2022 and the Louisville commit is back in the outfield this year. Senior Kyleah Plumb is the spark plug at the top of the order, senior first baseman Hayley Krockta added power in the heart of the order, and senior Mia Fernandes will return at second base. Sophomore Brooke Aldrich returns at short following her solid freshman season. Eighth-grader Bella Bourque will take over at third and freshman Mia Torres will start in the outfield. Senior transfer Morgan Fitzgerald and Molly Carnes will give the Tigers extra depth in the outfield as well.

“The team chemistry these 15 girls have in such a short amount of time is remarkable,” Raposo said. “Not only do these girls have chemistry, they all have talent and determination to work hard and get better every day. I am excited to see where this season takes us as my first year taking over as head coach.”

2023 Hockomock League Softball Preview