04/05/201704/21/2019

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Hockomock Softball Preview

Attleboro

2016 Record: 2-18
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Mark Homer

Attleboro struggled through a difficult 2016, the first season under new head coach Mark Homer, winning only two games while giving up a league high 177 runs and scoring a league-low 46. Heading into this spring, the Bombardiers will be counting on a group of young players to try and turn things around and it seems to be working so far, as Attleboro has played two games and already matched last year’s win total.

One of the true bright spots from last season was freshman pitcher McKenzie Bergdoll, who showed flashes of the potential to be an ace for Attleboro, and this season she will be counted on to keep the Bombardiers in games and to provide big hits from the three-spot. Julia Woyton will be behind the plate this year while senior Ilea Caverley and junior Casey Whelan (outfield) and Jordyn Lako (second base) are the few returning players on the roster.

The Bombardiers are going to turn to youth this spring with freshman MacKenzie Killough taking over at shortstop. Freshmen twins Emma and Jenna Gittle will add depth to the Attleboro pitching staff and classmate Ashley Macia will take over in centerfield. Homer also said that there were underclassmen who would provide speed off the bench.

“The expectations are to play hard, be committed and get excited with every game and practice that they take part in,” said Homer. “With the added depth in each position this year, the girls hope to gain advantages from the previous year and reach their set goals for the season.”

Canton

2016 Record: 3-17
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Jennifer Robillard

Former King Philip and Sacred Heart University shortstop Jennifer Robillard takes over the Canton program this spring with the hope of bringing some of the success that she enjoyed playing for two state champions and a Division I college to the Bulldogs, who are coming off a three-win season.

The Bulldogs will be looking to their experienced players to help turn things around in 2017, including seniors Molly Loughran, Taylor Carrington, and Julia Ezepik and junior Hannah Jerrier, who are all captains this spring. Jerrier and Ezepik will start the season injured, but Robillard is hoping that other players can step up until they return. Canton will have depth in the circle, as both junior Caitlyn Cahill and freshman Caroline Hughes will see action at pitcher.

Lillian Carrington and Samantha Keefe are two other players that will be counted on to contribute and both provided home runs in a loss to Mansfield in the second game of the season. Robillard is excited about the opportunity to get back into the Hockomock League and she sees a team that “wants to learn.”

“This team has a lot of potential. If we can tap into this potential, I truly believe that we are going to take teams by surprise,” Robillard said. “I am here to share my passion for and knowledge of the game I love with these girls. It is important to me that these girls learn how to be strong, independent and respectful young women.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 9-13
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South First Round
Coach: Mark Maguire

In 2016, Foxboro finished 6-10 in the Hockomock League but got its chance to play in the postseason and took advantage with a preliminary round win over Westwood and a near-upset of Abington in a nine-inning classic. The Warriors will hope to build on that experience this spring with a number of key players returning.

League all-star Hannah Davis is back behind the plate for the Warriors and will be one of the top hitters in the Hockomock. Davis will likely be in the three-spot in the lineup and right behind her will be senior Kelly Fisher, who head coach Mark Maguire called one of the best first basemen in the league. Kelly McCarthy will try to set the table for the power hitters in the lead-off spot.

Sophomore pitcher Emma Rohan is back in the circle and Maguire expects that she will compete every game and build on her rookie campaign. Behind Rohan, Cam Willis will moved from second base to short and Chelsea Gibbons will provide good ‘D’ and a solid bat at third. Lefty Lexi Buckner could grab the second base spot and senior Jamie Gorham could provide an unexpected boost as a first-year player in the outfield. Mandy Ryan and Kayla Wheatley are two of the players coming up from JV that Maguire is hoping will step in to provide depth.

“They’re all working hard and they’re ready to build together as a team,” said Maguire. “The expectations are really to compete every game.”

Franklin

2016 Record: 12-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Kate Fallon

Once the rains go away for a few days, Franklin will be able to open its new field and make official its move back to the high school after a couple seasons playing at Dean College. The Panthers are excited about the new facility and about the team’s potential for success this spring with seven returning starters from last year.

Leading the way is third baseman, and four-year starter, Olivia DiGiacomo, who has been a mainstay at the hot corner and provides leadership for the infield. To her left is shortstop Alyssa DaSilva, a three-year starter with two years of experience at short. Sophomore Allie Shea is back at first base and senior Clara DeCarvalho is back behind the plate and poised for a “breakout season,” according to head coach Kate Fallon. The outfield is also filled with veterans, including seniors Rachel Cousineau in left and Olivia Haba in center.

The seventh starter is senior Alex Niss, who started as a pinch hitter last season before taking over the DP role and turning into one of the top power hitters in the Hockomock League. The Panthers should be solid defensively and at the plate and Fallon is hoping that sophomore pitchers Jackie Cherry (who carried a shutout into the seventh in the season opening loss to North Attleboro) and Emily Valentino can make an instant impact in the circle.

“Win 11 games and make the tournament again,” said Fallon when asked about the expectations for the team this season. “I expect the seniors to provide leadership and be role models for the underclassmen. It’s always a dogfight in this league…but I think we are a good team.”

King Philip

2016 Record: 24-4
2016 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Norm Beauchemin

King Philip comes into 2017 on the back of its third state title in the past six years and, while expectations remain high for one of the region’s top programs, there are key pieces from last year’s team that need to be replaced in order for the Warriors to get back on top in the Kelley-Rex division and in the state.

The biggest absence this season is, of course, pitcher Kali Magane, who is now in the circle for Boston University and who was dominant during KP’s playoff run a year ago. Senior Jenn Hutnyan will step in to be the team’s starting pitcher after several starts and relief appearances in the past two seasons. Hutnyan will also be an important bat in the lineup. Junior Brie Lacy will be back behind the plate to help Hutnyan and head coach Norm Beauchemin noted that junior Jessica Bonner will be a solid defensive third baseman.

KP rarely rebuilds and almost always reloads for another title push. This year should be no different with a lineup that features several familiar names from last season’s title run, including sophomore Meghan Gorman and juniors Brooke Taute, Elise Pereira, and Hailey McCasland. Each of those players had important roles last season and will be ready to step up for the Warriors this spring as KP tries to regain the league title after Taunton ended its nine year run in 2016.

“Though it’s hard to replace last year’s seniors,” said Beauchemin, “we have a solid core of returning players ready to represent King Philip and its proud softball legacy.”

Mansfield

2016 Record: 13-9
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Lori Letendre

Mansfield is coming off a 13-win season that included a tournament win against Notre Dame Academy, but after four years of being able to count on Maddie Letendre in the circle the Hornets will be handing the ball over to a new pitcher this spring, although as it turns out only the first name will be changing.

Megan Letendre, who played shortstop as a freshman, will take over in the circle for the Hornets and her development as the No. 1 pitcher will go a long way to determining if Mansfield can repeat last year’s success. Pitcher is not the only position that needs to be replaces, as the Hornets will have a new catcher and three new infielders. Still, with nine returning players, there is plenty of experience on the roster.

Kara Bendanillo will move from third base to second, according to head coach Lori Letendre, and Megan Letendre will sometimes see time at second when not pitching. Liz Mackin will take over at first base, while Marissa Staffier and Amanda Giambanco will take the corner outfield positions. Mady Bendanillo will be back in center after an impressive first season for the Hornets.

“This is one of the hardest working teams I have had at Mansfield and they have been putting in a lot of effort to get ready for the season,” said Coach Letendre.

Milford

2016 Record: 17-5
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford has been the class of the Davenport division for the past four seasons and the Hawks come into 2017 with the expectations of being heavy favorites for another league title, but, with three seniors and nine juniors on the roster and eight starters returning, head coach Steve DiVitto is hopeful that the talent will translate to a deep run in the state tournament.

The Hawks are one of the few contenders to return not just one but two starting pitchers from last season. Senior Ali Atherton is back to be the primary option in the circle and the Southern New Hampshire-commit has been dominant at times in her career. If Atherton gets into trouble or needs a rest, junior Kelley Reichert has demonstrated that she is more than just a fill-in but can also shut down opponents. They will be pitching to sophomore Emily Hartman, who will step into the starting lineup this season.

There are very few question marks in this year’s lineup with junior Emily Piergustavo moving from second to short to replace Jill Powers, which is Piergustavo’s natural position and one she has played several times in the past year. Junior Jess Tomaso is back at first base and in the heart of the lineup where she will be joined by senior outfielder Maggie Farrell and senior third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua. Junior Kate Irwin will try to be the table-setter at the top of the order and juniors Maddy Bonvino (second base) and Shannon Cormier (outfield) will also be contributors.

“This has been a focused and driven group ever since the end of last season,” said DiVitto. “They have worked hard in the off-season and that was very apparent in the early stages of the season. We are excited to compete in the best league in the state, which will hopefully prepare us for a long run into June.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 11-10
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Bill Wallace

North Attleboro returned to the postseason in 2016 and for the Rocketeers to get back to the tournament this spring it will be the younger players that will lead the way. Head coach Bill Wallace knows that his team will be “green” (with only four seniors on the roster), but he is excited about North’s athleticism and versatility.

Pitching may be North’s biggest strength this season with five players in the rotation, led by freshman Bella Erti, who won her first career start, and last year’s starter Amelia Murphy. Juniors Olivia DesRoches, Jaclyn Buckley and Abby Warren could also step into the circle to help out. Senior Sam Courtemanche will be behind the plate to help the pitchers.

Senior Liz Morehouse returns at first base and Andrea Miceli will be at second. Megan Barlow moves in from the outfield to take over at short (and provided the walk-off hit in North’s season opening win), while Murphy will see time at third when she’s not pitching. Olivia Capobianco will play center with Katherine Munley and Kristina Murphy in left and right with freshmen Ashley Cangiano and Abby Gallagher getting playing time.

“With only four seniors on the roster, I am hoping the learning curve will be brief!” said Wallace. “This may be the year we see a lot of pinch hitting and pinch running! For a young team, they are very focused between the lines!”

Oliver Ames

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames finished in second in the league in 2016 and qualified for the postseason, but that will be an even tougher task now that the Tigers have made the move to the Kelley-Rex division. Even with facing the likes of defending state champion King Philip twice this spring, head coach Lindsey Allison is optimistic that the 10 returning players have the experience to get back into the playoffs.

Senior Victoria Ziner will be the spark on offense for the Tigers this season, but OA also has a number of juniors that Allison said can “do some damage at the plate.” Among those players is Caroline Mahoney, whose bat “is still as dangerous as ever,” according to Allison. Freshman Katie Abreu will be a newcomer to watch for the Tigers as her versatility will make her a valuable member of the lineup.

The Tigers will bring back sophomore Kayla Georgeu in the circle and will be hoping that she continues to develop and keep OA competitive against the league’s top teams. Junior Alexis Campbell will be a second pitcher and also help out at second base.

“We have a solid 10 players returning from last year’s roster,” said Allison, “and we are looking to fill holes behind the plate, in the outfield and at first base this year. Definitely hoping to use some of the speed we have on our team to our advantage this year.”

Sharon

2016 Record: 4-16
2016 Finish: Missed Postseason
Coach: Deb Parker

Sharon is coming off a four-win season in 2016 but head coach Deb Parker believes that the Eagles have the potential to be a contender in the Davenport division this spring as long as the players continue to develop over the course of the season.

Although the Eagles are a relatively young team, Parker is counting on senior captains Clara Cook and Sam Marglous to provide the leadership needed to keep the team on the right track. Cook will be back in the circle for Sharon, while Marglous will be back behind the plate. Parker said, “Both have been solid contributors for their entire high school careers.”

Sophomore centerfielder Rebecca Clayman and shortstop Ally Small, who Parker referred to as “standouts,” will be the anchors of the defense. Freshman Shoshanna Lowe will step in to play third base and should have a positive impact in the lineup as well.

“I believe we have the right combination of experience, talent and drive to be a contender in the Hock,” said Parker. “This is a team that works hard every day to be better than they were the day before. They have great chemistry and our captains have done an excellent job leading them into the season.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 10-11
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Tim Norton

The Black Knights made a return to the state tournament in head coach Tim Norton’s first season in charge, and nearly pulled out a win against Braintree, and Stoughton will be counting on last year’s freshmen to continue developing and keep the program heading in the right direction.

One of the sophomores that the team will be leaning on is third baseman Jordan Lyons, who brings a strong bat to the hot corner and her leadership skills had her named a captain for this spring. Brianna Ferrandiz will take over behind the plate for Sam Tullis and Karly Estremera will move into the infield and continue to be the table-setter as the leadoff hitter.

Norton is excited to have depth in the circle with Shannon Flaherty and Gina Carafa both capable of racking up innings and “setting great examples on and off the field.” Stoughton will also have depth in the outfield with first-year starters Krista Michienzi, Val Whalen and Alessandra Loffredo.

“We were extremely fortunate in Stoughton last year to have such a strong freshman class with great senior leadership,” Norton explained. “This year that sophomore class is going to have to come into their own. While this team is young they got a taste of the post season last year and are hungry for more.”

Taunton

2016 Record: 22-2
2016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Dave Lewry

Last season, Taunton won its first outright league title, ending King Philip’s nine-year reign atop the Hockomock. It was a fitting coda to the impressive careers of Taunton’s senior class, but this spring the Tigers will now have to move forward with six new faces in the starting lineup, including at pitcher and the middle infield positions. Taunton typically reloads quickly and head coach Dave Lewry believes this year’s team has a plenty of potential.

Senior Courtney Fisher will step into the circle hoping to make a seamless transition from 2016 Player of the Year Aimee Kistner. Fisher tossed three shutout innings and had three hits in the season opener and got several opportunities to pitch in the past two seasons. She will be pitching to junior captain Kya Enos, who is making the move back to catcher after two seasons in the outfield. Other starters coming back include first baseman Katie VanZandt, junior outfielder Liana Duarte, and sophomore Jaime Brown, who is in her third year at third base.

The Tigers have always found young players who can step right in an make an impact at the varsity level and this year could be a breakout season for eighth grader Hannah Aldrich, who will take over from Jordan Wade at short. Sophomore Alexa White looks ready to step in at second, while senior Rebekah Lajoie and junior Hailey Medeiros are in line to start in the corner outfield places. Taunton could also get contributions at pitcher from eighth grader Kelsey White and freshman Jaylin Couto.

“While we lost six starters from last season, I am excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Lewry. “I expect there will be some growing pains with six new starters in the lineup, but with some seasoned veterans and good young talent we are optimistic that we’ll be competitive this season.”

06/06/2016

Hawks Grounded By Defending South Champs

Milford softball — Milford third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua had a solid game in the loss to Silver Lake in the D1 South quarterfinal. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

KINGSTON, Mass. – Coming into the game, Milford knew the challenge that it would face against top seed Silver Lake. The Lakers were undefeated and boasted the top player in the state in senior pitcher Maddy Barone. They had also beaten the Hawks in the regular season and in last year’s tournament.

Knowing what is coming does not always prevent it from happening.

Barone was stellar in the circle, striking out six and limiting the Hawks to just two hits and three base runners, and also went 3-for-4 at the plate with the game-winning RBI in a 5-0 victory that sends the Lakers into the Div. 1 South semifinal.

“She’s the Gatorade Player of the Year for a reason,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “She’s an outstanding pitcher and outstanding player and I thought we put the bat on the ball a couple times but not in the right spots.

“You have to tip your cap to a pitcher and player like that.”

Silver Lake coach Tony Pina admitted that Barone and her battery mate, catcher Emily Critch, learned from the team’s meeting in May (the Lakers won 5-2).

He explained, “It definitely helped us in terms of knowing what to expect. Because we know their approach at the plate and have seen them before, it allows Maddy and Emily to call the game they need.”

Megan Jacques had Milford’s first hit in the second inning, but pinch runner Antonia Bonina was caught stealing to end the inning. Barone retired the next 11 hitters before allowing a two-out single to Shannon Cormier in the sixth.

Pina said, “Maddy did what we expected her to do – hit her spots and get us ground balls, fly balls. I thought her ball was moving pretty good. I thought she did a good job keeping them off-balance today.”

Milford starter Ali Atherton, who will join Barone at Southern New Hampshire in 2017, got through the first inning unscathed with help from third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua who made a pair of excellent plays on two hard hit balls.

The second time through the lineup the Lakers did not hit it quite as hard but seemed to find some holes. With one out, three straight singles loaded the bases for Barone, who lined a two-run single into right center to get the Lakers on the board.

“The way that this turned out today was a lot like the first time we played them – a lot of dink and dunk hits there in the middle and Barone with that big two-run single,” said DiVitto. “That’s the way it goes.”

A sacrifice fly and an RBI single made it 4-0 after four innings, which was plenty for Barone but in the fifth Silver Lake added an insurance run on a fielder’s choice with runners at second and third. After a walk loaded the bases again with no outs, DiVitto made a change and brought in sophomore Kelley Reichert.

Reichert escaped the difficult situation without allowing another run. She induced a comebacker to get the lead runner and a grounder to DeCapua at third to again force the runner at the plate and then a line drive to Emily Piergustavo at short to end the inning.

Milford finally put together something at the plate in the top of the seventh. Piergutavo led off with an infield single and Jess Tomaso drew a walk to get the Hawks a runner in scoring position for the only time in the game.

Barone bore down and struck out Maggie Farrell, got a line drive from DeCapua and then a grounder from Jacques that shortstop Caroline Videtto fielded in the hole and managed to scoop to third to force Piergustavo and end the game.

“I know our girls came out today and put forth a great effort,” said DiVitto. “I’m really proud of what they accomplished this season.

“I’m never satisfied and I know they feel the same way. I told them that remember that taste in your mouth and that feeling in your gut and let it fuel you moving forward.”

There is plenty of optimism around the program, as the Hawks will bring back 14 of 16 players from this year’s roster and will be one of the few top teams in Div. 1 South that will bring back two starting pitchers.

“But you can’t overestimate the seniors (Jill Powers and Megan Jacques) that we’re going to lose,” said DiVitto. “I know it’s only two but sometimes it’s quality not quantity. Those are going to be two very tough seniors to replace.”

He added, “We’re going to try and reload and come back even stronger next year.”

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

05/23/2016

Milford Breaks Out of ‘Lull,’ Hands Taunton First Loss

MILFORD, Mass. – In the middle of the season, Milford went through a rough patch, what head coach Steve DiVitto labeled a “lull.” The Hawks followed up a big win against defending state champion St. Peter Marian with a loss to North Attleboro. They beat Sharon but then were beaten 12-0 by King Philip. A win against Foxboro was was followed by a loss to Franklin.

At the beginning of last week, DiVitto spoke to his team and told them it was time to get past the “Dog Days” of the schedule and start ramping up to be ready to go in the tournament.

In front of a huge crowd and with an intensity that felt more like June than the middle of May the Hawks responded on Sunday afternoon with a 7-3 victory over previously undefeated Taunton in a battle of Hockomock League champions.

“We wanted to play a complete game and we knew it would take a complete game to beat them,” said DiVitto. “We wanted to come out and play our brand of softball and compete…and we were fortunate enough to come out on top.

“We said today was a great test to come out and see where we are at and we’re happy with the result.”

Taunton took the lead in its first at-bat. Jordan Wade reached on a fielder’s choice with one out and moved up to second on a groundout. Fellow five-year starter Meghan Navarro provided the big hit with a single to center that brought home the opening run.

While Milford entered the game having scored 171 runs, the Tigers had only allowed nine all season. So, an early one-run deficit felt like a lot more to the Hawks.

In the bottom of the second, they received a jolt of life from one of their seniors. Kaitlyn DeCapua opened the inning with a single to left off Aimee Kistner. Megan Jacques was up next and the catcher blasted a two-run homer over the left field fence (her first home run of the season) to put Milford in front.

“We needed something. Something needed to be ignited,” said Jacques. “Once that happened, I think it trickled down among the team and everyone had a fire lit in them.”

DiVitto added, “That was a big boost for us and it proved to the girls that we can compete and we can come out on top if we play our game.”

Kelley Reichert started the game for the Hawks, who were playing their fourth game in six days, but after Wade led-off the third with a single, DiVitto made the change and brought in Ali Atherton. She would allow only three hits in five innings of relief.

One of those hits tied the game in the third, as Kya Enos lined a double that Maggie Farrell laid out for but missed by inches in left center. Wade came around to score her second run of the game.

It stayed tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth and the game was being played at a tempo and at a competitive level befitting two teams that have the potential to add to their Kelley-Rex and Davenport division titles.

Enos made a sliding grab of a sinking liner to end the third, after Kistner, Wade and Katie Van Zandt turned a 1-6-3 double play. Navarro was also excellent in the field, creating all three outs in a perfect fourth inning and making a nice pick of a liner to start the sixth. Jill Powers and Emily Piergustavo made similar plays in the field for the Hawks.

The wheels fell off for Taunton in the fifth. With one out, Wade made a rare throwing error to allow Shannon Cormier to reach. Kate Irwin was next and she bunted past the charging Jaime Brown at third for an infield single. Cormier would come in to score on a second Taunton error and an inning that should have already been over continued for the Hawks offense.

Milford made the Tigers pay. Jess Tomaso singled to center and that scored Irwin and two batters later DeCapua cleared the bases with a single that plated a pair of runs and pushed the Milford lead to 6-2.

“We’ve played a lot of great teams and it’s just that; its the team that can capitalize on the mistakes that’s going to win,” said DiVitto.

Taunton coach Dave Lewry remarked, “We haven’t had an inning like that all year, especially where the snowball goes down the hill and it just gets bigger and bigger and it did that.

“Maybe it’s good to get it out of our system and not in tournament time, but they’re a real good team, they hit the ball, and if you give them five, six outs in an inning you’re going to have a tough time.”

With two outs in the sixth, Cormier again provided Milford with punch at the bottom of the order with a triple that landed just inside the line in left. She scored on Irwin’s second infield single in as many innings.

DiVitto explained, “There are no easy outs in our lineup one through nine. Shannon Cormier is a great bat in the nine-hole and turning the lineup over.”

Navarro picked up her second RBI of the game with a single to score Liana Duarte in the seventh, but that was as close as Taunton would get, as Atherton finished the game with her third strikeout.

“This is one of the better teams that we’ve seen this year and even losing I think it’s good for us because we had to play with more intensity,” said Lewry. “Maybe, we just lost a little bit of that edge and this can help us get it back.”

Jacques said, “This is a really great win. Everyone did their job and they did it well and I think that was the ultimate deciding factor between who won and lost.

“I think this gave us a little belief that we can beat anybody. This whole week we’ve been having a playoff mindset and this was the topping to the cake that we’re ready.”

Taunton (18-1, 14-1) can clinch its first outright Hockomock title with a win at Mansfield on Monday. Milford (15-4,12-3) will wrap up the regular season against Stoughton on Tuesday.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

05/10/2016

Magane, Hutnyan Power KP to Big Win Over Milford

King Philip softball — Jenn Hutnyan is greeted at home plate by her teammates after the first of her two home runs against Milford. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

PLAINVILLE, Mass. – Tuesday afternoon’s game between Milford and King Philip at “Butch” Watters, Jr. Field in Plainville was a showdown between not only two of the best teams in the Hockomock but also in Div. 1 South.

KP needed only one inning to take control.

Kali Magane struck out two in a perfect top of the first and then the Warriors came to bat in the bottom half. KP sent 11 batters to the plate, scored six runs and pretty much wrapped up a dominant victory that keeps the Warriors just one game back of Taunton in the Kelley-Rex title race.

Magane struck out 10 over five innings and allowed only one hit to the potent Milford lineup, while Jenn Hutnyan smashed two homers and drove in five runs, as KP rolled to a 12-0 win.

It is the sixth win in a row for the Warriors and in five of those games they have scored at least 10 runs. KP scored 13 against defending state champion St. Peter Marian and 12 against Franklin, Foxboro, and now Milford.

“Everybody’s making solid contact,” said KP coach Norm Beauchemin about the Warriors’ offensive attack. “Even most of our outs were loud. It was a great game.”

Beauchemin was asked how good this team can be when it stays focused. He responded, “Offense is never the issue. Whether we can give the other team three outs or give them extra bases by throwing the ball around, that’s where our issue is, but if Magane throws the ball the way she did today we don’t have to worry about the ball being put in play.”

Magane, the reigning HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, struck out two batters in each of the first three innings and the only hit that the Hawks mustered in her five innings of work came when Maggie Farrell beat out a grounder to second and got a generous call at first.

“They’ve got what four kids batting .500 or better and she shut them down,” said Beauchemin of Magane. “She’s throwing better this year than last year.”

The Boston University-commit struck out the side in the fifth inning to close out her afternoon’s work and finished with 10 strikeouts overall.

The performance was made a little easier by the Warriors’ offense, which had essentially wrapped up the win before Magane stepped in the circle for the second inning.

Christa Wagner led-off with a single to center and the Penn State-commit promptly stole second and third. Hailey McCasland knocked in the first run with a single to left. After Ali Atherton struck out Elise Pereira, Hutnyan reached on an error and Sydney Phillips beat out a bunt single, when no one covered first, to load the bases.

Ashley Hession broke open the game by lining a double over the rightfielder’s head to bring in a pair of runs. Magane helped her own cause with a single that drove in two more and then scored on Brooke Taute’s single to right, which chased Atherton from the game after retiring just one batter and with six runs already home.

“They’re a great team 1-14 and they have girls on the bench who would start for most teams and we do too,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “It was two good teams doing battle today and they obviously had a better game.”

Kelley Reichert came in and the first hitter she faced reached on an error, but Reichert was able to get a pop up and a grounder to end the inning.

Milford coach Steve DiVitto was asked if that was the worst inning of the season for the Hawks. He responded, “Yes, without a doubt.

“But, you know what, that’s going to happen. During a season, you can’t expect your team to play perfect defense all year long. You cannot give good teams more than three outs and we gave them six or seven.”

KP added two more runs in the second. Pereira lined a triple into the rightfield corner and Hutnyan lined a shot over the centerfield fence for an 8-0 lead.

In the sixth inning, Hutnyan took over in the circle and Milford tried to get a rally going. Emily Piergustavo had a single to deep short and Farrell (2-for-3) ripped a single right up the middle. After Jess Tomaso walked, Milford had the bases loaded, but Hutnyan got a pair of fly balls to escape the jam.

The Warriors walked off with the win in the sixth. Meghan Gorman started the inning with a double and stole third. She scored on an infield single by Wagner. A sacrifice bunt and a single by Pereira put two runners on for Hutnyan and she ended the game with a blast to center.

“Bad at-bat, bad inning, you’ve got to turn the page and I think that the one thing that we did do today was that we did battle,” said DiVitto. “After that first inning, outside of that, it was a tight ball game.

“We know if we want to get where we want to be we’re going to have to go through a team like that, so we’re going to have to be better and I know we will be.”

KP (11-3, 9-1) will look to continue its winning streak on Wednesday against North Attleboro. Milford (10-3, 7-2) has lost two of its last three games but will try to turn things around against Foxboro on Thursday.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

04/21/2016

Tomaso Homer Lifts Milford Softball to Win

MILFORD, Mass. – It was not a banner day for the Hawks at the plate. Heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, Milford had only three hits of Hopkinton pitcher Bri Mirabile and none of them had traveled more than 10 feet from home plate.

With the home team finding itself down by a run with just six outs remaining, the Hawks needed a response. Jess Tomaso, a sophomore transfer from Hopedale, has proven to be a clutch hitter for Milford during its opening four games of the season and she came through again on Thursday afternoon with the big hit that the Hawks needed.

Tomaso lined a two-run homer to left to provide Milford with the go-ahead runs in the sixth inning and the Hawks threw out the tying run at the plate in the seventh to walk away with a 3-2 victory over Hopkinton and stay unbeaten through the first five games.

“She’s a great hitter,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto about Tomaso. “She’s worked really, really hard and it pays off in games like this. You’re battling, you’re grinding, and she got a 2-0 pitch and found one she’d like to drive and she did just that.”

Hopkinton took the lead in the top of the sixth against sophomore pitcher Kelley Reichert, who had limited the Hillers to just one hit and two base runners through the first five innings. Kate Welzel drove a one-out double to right center that plated a pair of runs and made it 2-1.

Reichert managed to get the next hitter to line to Kate Irwin in left for the second out, but then gave up a single to her opposite number, Mirabile. Sydney Pounds throw to the plate was blocked by catcher Megan Jacques, forcing Welzel to hold at third.

“She’s been a rock all year,” said DiVitto of his catcher. “She calls a great game, the girls, like throwing to her, she’s a senior and a leader, and she’s doing a great job back there.”

A grounder to second ended the inning for Reichert, who finished with four strikeouts in six innings and showed that Milford has depth in the circle behind junior Ali Atherton.

DiVitto said of Reichert, “She threw great. She kept them off-balance early; towards the later innings she maybe got a little tired, but overall i thought she battled for us.”

He added, “We view the two of them (Atherton and Reichert) as our two pitchers. In order for this team to go somewhere we need them both to pitch effectively and they have so far.”

Mirabile had only allowed two infield singles and a bunt single through the first five innings, as Milford struggled to make significant contact, but Maggie Farrell started the sixth by lining a shot nearly to the fence in center that the Hopkinton player tracked but could not haul in. The error proved costly.

The next hitter was Tomaso, who had walked and flied out to right. She got hold of a 2-0 pitch and drove it well past the fence in left to instantly put Milford back on top, 3-2.

“It’s definitely not the best game we played this year but tip your cap to their pitcher, Mirabile, she kept us off-balance all day, threw strikes, and I just don’t think it was our best day with the sticks,” said DiVitto.

“You’re going to have those days; you’re not always going to score a bunch of runs. You have to find a way to win and we did that today.”

Atherton came in to close the game out in the seventh, but got a little help from her defense to shut the door. Katey Holly, the No. 7 hitter, led-off with a single to center and, after a strikeout, was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Lead-off hitter Emily Whelan lined a two-out single to left and Hopkinton coach Kiely Murray elected to send the runner.

Irwin scooped the ball cleanly and hit third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua who then relayed the ball to Jacques at home. Jacques blocked the plate, applied the tag, and Milford had the victory.

DiVitto explained, “We work on those things all the time. The girls may think it’s tedious work but it comes up big in those situations where you know what to do. They knew exactly what to do and they executed it.”

Milford’s only other run came in the third inning. With two outs, following Mirabile’s fourth straight strikeout, Irwin bunted down the third base line. She would have been safe at first anyway, but the throw was wild and she advanced to second.

Emily Piergustavo drew a walk and then drew a throw from the catcher, which sailed into right field. The rightfielder’s throw back to the infield was errant allowing Irwin to score an unearned run for the Hawks.

Milford (5-0) will look for its third non-league win of the week when it travels to take on Silver Lake (widely considered the No. 1 team in the state) on Saturday.

Josh Perry can be contacted at JoshPerry@hockomocksports.com and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.

04/04/2016

Softball: Davenport Division Preview 2016

Davenport softball — Junior pitcher Ali Atherton and Milford enter the spring with expectations of repeating as Davenport division champs. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

CANTON
2015 Record: 2-18
2015 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Tracy Andrews

Canton reached the postseason two seasons ago, despite only recording four wins, and this year’s crop of Bulldogs will be hoping to replicate that experience by getting the program back to the postseason. With senior lefty Sarah Reissfelder back in the circle, Canton has an experienced pitcher to rely on this spring and a power bat in the middle of the order.

Senior captains Gabby Matthews, Colleen Phelan, and Kaitlin McCarthy will also provide some pop, while sophomore Hannah Jerrier is hoping to carry over her success from the basketball court to the softball diamond. Taylor Carrington (third base) and Lillian Carrington (centerfield) will also be players to watch as the Bulldogs fight for a spot in the Div. 2 tournament under head coach Tracy Andrews.

FOXBORO
2015 Record: 9-12
2015 Finish: Reached D2 South preliminary round
Coach: Mark Maguire

Despite being below .500 again last season, Foxboro continued to improve its win total from the year before, going from six to seven to nine over the past three years, and clinching its fourth straight trip to the state tournament. Head coach Mark Maguire expects that a fifth trip will be in the cards for the Warriors again this spring but he is also setting his sights on challenging Oliver Ames and Milford at the top of the league standings.

Senior Jenna Weinstein is back in the circle for the Warriors and will be the primary starting pitcher, but Foxboro also has depth at pitching and that can make a big difference over the course of the season. Freshmen Camyrn Willis and Emma Rohan will be developed as pitchers of the future.

Weinstein will also be one of the Warriors’ top bats this season along with sophomore Hannah Davis, who is moving behind the plate to replace league all-star Bri Stern after a season at shortstop. Mary Lou Long will take over at short and Kelly Fisher will be at first base and batting cleanup, while senior Carolynn Will continues in center and has been a three-sport captain (soccer and basketball).

“We expect to compete for the Davenport division as long as our pitching comes along,” said Maguire. “We expect to make the playoffs and challenge for the league…and the girls are ready to go.”

MILFORD
2015 Record: 19-4
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South quarterfinal
Coach: Steve DiVitto

Milford enters the season with the potential to win a fourth straight league title and challenging the top teams in the Div. 1 South. Senior shortstop Jill Powers and catcher Meg Jacques will provide leadership for an experienced and still young roster that features sophomore infielder Emily Piergustavo, who is already getting Div. I college interest.

In the circle, junior Ali Atherton returns for a third year and she showed last year that she can compete with the best, as evidenced by her regular season win over South champ Silver Lake. Junior Maggie Farrell will add a lot of pop to the lineup and sophomore Jess Tomasso has transferred in from Hopedale and could make an instant impact in the middle of the order. Sophomore Kate Irwin will step in to fill an outfield role and freshman Emily Hartman will be used at multiple positions this year.

Milford coach Steve DiVitto said, “They are motivated to continue to exceed others expectations and truly believe they can compete with the best of the Hock and state. They have set the bar high-and have worked tirelessly in the off-season to strive and reach those goals.”

OLIVER AMES
2015 Record: 11-11
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South first round
Coach: Lindsey Allison

Oliver Ames finished behind Milford in the Davenport last year, but pulled an upset over league rival Mansfield to advance to the first round of the state tournament to face eventual South champ Silver Lake. The Tigers will be hoping to challenge the Hawks again this spring and make a run at the league title.

Spearheading the offensive attack for OA will be senior Jamie Gottwald, who led the Tigers with a .449 battling average and three homers last year. Classmate Katie Pursley will also be back after hitting .389 last year and fellow senior Missy Krim will bring experience to the outfield. Caroline Mahoney hit .352 last season and the sophomore return at third base, while junior Victoria Ziner has been off to a strong start at shortstop this preseason.

One of the biggest changes for the Tigers will be in the circle where freshman Kayla Georgeu will be the starter with sophomore Alexis Campbell will help out as a pitcher and second baseman. Head coach Lindsey Allison said, “There are still some puzzle pieces we are working on to finalize positions being filled from graduating seven last year…We are definitely looking to play .500 ball and make tournament again this year.”

SHARON
2015 Record: 3-16
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Deb Parker

Sharon will look to build on last season and while the Eagles may not be challenging for the league title this season they will be hoping that the mix of experienced starters and talented underclassmen can make a push towards the postseason.

Sharon will be aided by experienced pitching, as junior Clara Cook will be the starter for the third season in a row and her battery-mate is senior Rachel Ulsen, a two-time Hockomock all-star. Senior Jenna Kranseler will be back at first base and junior Sam Marglous will be at shortstop. Head coach Deb Parker will also be counting on versatile freshmen Allison Small and Rebecca Clayman.

Parker said, “Both play a variety of positions so we will spend the next few days figuring out where they will help us the most.”

STOUGHTON
2015 Record: 7-13
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Tim Norton

After many years in charge of Stoughton softball, Janet Sullivan has stepped down and first-year head coach Tim Norton has taken over. Norton inherits a team that has lost nine seniors from last year and has as many as eight starters playing new positions this season.

Sam Tullis will be behind the plate this year and the Black Knights will also return seniors Courtney Campbell, Nicole Bodette and Shannon Flaherty. Freshman Karly Estramera will be a player to watch, according to Norton, and may be the starting centerfielder.

Norton said, “Even with the high degree of turnover this year I think the tournament isn’t out of the question. We have a very solid core of young talented players and if they play up to their potential it could propel us back into the tournament.”