Boys Soccer
Foxboro, 1 @ Taunton, 6 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Taunton senior Riley Rebello scored a pair of first half goals and the Tigers raced out to a big lead and never looked back. After trading goals in the opening 20 minutes, the Tigers finished the first half with four goals. Quincy Jones-Sylvia opened the scoring, Devin Poe scored his first of the game for Taunton’s second goal, and Rebello scored back-to-back goals: one on a terrific strike from distance and another off a free kick. Conal Scully and Poe each added a goal in the second half. Marco Pacini scored a first half goal for the Warriors.
Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Franklin scored a pair of first half goals and tacked on a key insurance tally in the opening moments of the second half to secure a win over visiting Stoughton. Sophomore Garrett Scagliarini opened the scoring for the hosts, finishing off a feed from junior Rex Cinelli in the 13th minute to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Just past the half hour mark, sophomore Wyatt Herndon set up junior Hansy Jacques to double the hosts’ advantage. Just two minutes into the second half, Trey Lovell capped the scoring with an unassisted strike.
Mansfield, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – Mansfield got the odd goal in five to pull out a win at KP. All the goals were scored in the opening half. Dan Checkoway opened the scoring for the Hornets finishing off an assist from Grady Sullivan. Aiden Steele got the second with a pass from Lucas DeSousa. Sullivan got what turned out to be the game-winner after 27 minutes. Tyler Znoj had the assist. Matt Crago had a goal and assist for the Warriors and Oliver Blackburn got a goal from the penalty spot. Will Bowen also had an assist for KP. Mansfield coach Steve Sheridan praised his team’s effort in the second half to hold onto the one-goal lead.
Sharon, 0 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Carson Dameron scored seven minutes into the second half to give North a big win over Sharon. Bryce Newth got the assist on the goal. North’s back line of Jack Regan, Brody Carter, Sam Bush, and Kaden Burns put in a strong shift to limit Sharon’s scoring opportunities.
Canton, 0 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final
Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 3 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Jamie Davies recorded three points (two goals and an assist) and Alexis Campbell saved a penalty, as Attleboro picked up a critical road win that moves the Bombardiers back within a win of .500. Davies had a first-half brace, the first assisted by Tatum O’Brien after seven minutes and the second assisted by Tatum Leahy 15 minutes later. Campbell came up with a big stop on a penalty kick that kept the Bombardiers in front at the break. Attleboro kept up the energy to win the midfield battle in the second half and O’Brien sealed the win with a goal, assisted by Davies, three minutes from the final whistle.
Taunton, 0 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Lauren Miley had a goal and an assist and Foxboro ended a 10-game winless streak to pick up the home win on senior night. Freshman Shea Dorney opened the scoring off a Miley pass and then Miley double the lead in the second half, assisted by Erin Foley. Lindsey Resnick led a strong defensive effort for the Warriors along with goalie Allie Sougaris.
Franklin, 1 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Franklin got its second clean sheet in as many days, holding on for a win that moves the Panthers one point ahead of KP in the league title race ahead of Friday’s showdown. Lauren Mitchell and Emma Tremblay both played well in the Stoughton defense, helping keep Franklin to one goal. Katrina Varnum made 11 saves for the Black Knights.
King Philip, 1 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – Avery Hawthorne scored a winner midway through the second half to lift Mansfield to the upset of Kelley-Rex leader King Philip. Bridget Hanley opened the scoring for the Hornets with a first-half penalty. Mikayla Thompson equalized with an unassisted goal for the Warriors 12 minutes after the break, but Hawthorne popped up five minutes later to finish off a pass from Meghan McCann.
Milford, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – OA scored six times in the first half and the Tigers made it 10 straight wins, opening up a five-point lead atop the Davenport division. Taylor deVos scored a brace, while Lucinda Li Cotter, Jolie Diaz, Jenna Gilman, and Carly Gibson each scored once to build a 6-0 lead. Cotter and Diaz also had assists. Dani Atherton scored a brace in the second half to bring Milford closer.
Golf
Attleboro, 184 @ Oliver Ames, 183 – Final (5 cards) – Tied through four cards, Oliver Ames pulled off a one-stroke victory on the fifth card to take a win over visiting Attleboro. Oliver Ames’ Sean Kearns and Attleboro’s Leo Lombardo shared medalist honors after each shot a 34 on the day. Michael McGinnis and Braden Shapiro each added a 37 for the Tigers, Daniel Paul came in with a 38, and Ryan Smith, Carter Hanson, and David Rodgers each shot a 39. For Attleboro, Carter Shelton fired a 35 and Ryan Hill finished with a 36.
North Attleboro, 176 @ Foxboro, 187 – Final – Jake Gaskin was the only player to shoot a sub-40 round, taking medalist honors with a 39, as North pulled out the non-league win. The Rocketeers also got rounds of 41 from Tyson Laviano, 47 from Caiden Albergio, and 49 from Ishan Kohli. Foxboro was led by Zac Georgantas, who had three pars and a round of 45. Louie Carangelo was one back with a 46 and Reese Curreri and Josh Connolly each shot a 48 for the Warriors.
Taunton, 177 @ Sharon, 174 – Final
Stoughton, 39 @ Weymouth, 100 – Final
Milford, 155 @ Canton, 161 – Final – Milford earned a close win over Canton, led by Jacob Hipolito’s medalist round of 36. Anthony LaPierre also broke 40 for the Hawks, finishing with a 37. Eric Farrell added a round of 40 and Zach Hippolito shot a 42. Canton’s low scorer was Brendan Tourgee with a 38, while Brian Middleton had a 39. Charlie Vaughan finished with a round of 41 and the Bulldogs had three golfers, Matt Yeaton, Danny Hall, and Joey Ryan, shoot rounds of 43.
Boys Soccer
Mansfield, 0 @ Canton, 5 – Final – Canton’s offense continued its strong week, scoring five goals for the second straight game in a key Davenport division win over visiting Mansfield. After netting his first goal of the season earlier in the week, sophomore Owen Morrissey scored twice in the Bulldogs’ win on Thursday. Morrissey opened the scoring in the first half, cleaning up a rebound, and then extended the hosts’ lead to 3-0 with the first goal of the second half. Seniors Ryan Kovner, Jack Lauro, and Carson Eagles each scored once for Canton.
Girls Soccer
Sharon, 0 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – Shayla Ford’s brace helped Stoughton pull out the home win. Ford scored once in each half, leading the Black Knights to a third win in the last four games and back to .500 on the season. Katrina Varnum picked up the assist on the opening goal and Emma Tran had the second assist. Varnum made six saves to earn the clean sheet. Stoughton’s five wins so far this fall are the most for the Black Knights in a single season since they won six times in 2006.
Attleboro, 4 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Attleboro got off to a great start, scoring a couple of early goals to pull away for a big road win. Jamie Davies scored just 27 seconds into the game and then added a second on a Bethany Alves through ball after four minutes. After setting the tone with that quick start, Attleboro added a third when Tatum Leahy finished Zenda Gjoni’s free kick. Gjoni then found the back of the net herself to make it 4-0. Emma Pratt would get one back for the Rocketeers with a second-half goal. Attleboro coach Steve Santos praised his team for playing well in all phases and controlling most of the play.
Field Hockey
Canton, 4 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – After trading goals in the first quarter, Canton took the lead with a goal in the second quarter and added key insurance with a pair of third quarter tallies to secure a win on the road at Mansfield. Canton’s Audrey Koen opened the scoring but Mansfield’s Liv Barry leveled the scoring. Koen gave the Bulldogs the lead back with her second goal of the game and then goals from freshman Carolyn Schiavo and sophomore Izzy Digirolamo in the third iced the win. Mansfield goalie Lily Danehy was spectacular in goal for the Hornets, recording 19 saves. Canton goalie Carolyn Durand made eight saves in the win.
King Philip, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – King Philip junior Mara Boldy recorded four points to lead the Warriors to a win under the lights on Macktaz Field against visiting Taunton. Boldy scored a pair of goals and added two assists while Kelly Holmes scored once with a pair of helpers. Kari Calderone and Nikki McDonald each added one goal apiece in the win.
Sharon, 0 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final – Stoughton notched its second straight win and second straight shutout, this time earning a 3-0 decision over visiting Sharon. Bella Iacobucci scored a pair of unassisted goals to lead the offensive charge for the Knights while Carly Sanda added a goal off of an assist from Kerry Driscoll.
Franklin, 4 vs. Concord-Carlisle, 1 – Final – In a battle of two teams ranked in the top 10 in Division 1 in the latest MIAA Rankings, Franklin emerged with an impressive 4-1 win over visiting Concord-Carlisle. Haley Wernig put the Panthers ahead just over two minutes into the game and Kaitlyn Carney doubled the lead at the midway point of the opening quarter. Franklin was held scoreless for the second and third quarters but Carney set Wernig up just 19 seconds into the fourth to make it 3-0. After C-C pulled one back a couple of minutes later, Carney iced the win with just over two minutes to play. Devon Barry made seven saves in net for the Panthers.
Foxboro, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – Foxboro junior Mary Collins scored less than a minute into the game to set the tone and the Warriors picked up a key division win on the road over Oliver Ames. Collins took a pass from Mya Waryas and found the back of the net just 40 seconds into the game to give the Warriors an early 1-0 lead. Collins and Waryas linked up again before the end of the quarter with the former grabbing her second goal of the game to make it 2-0. After a scoreless second quarter, Foxboro’s Jenny Gallagher added a key insurance goal with five minutes to play in the third.
Volleyball
Foxboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Foxboro hit the road and gave Oliver Ames it could handle, winning the second and fourth sets to push the match to five but the Tigers were able to finish it off and fend off the upset bid, 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-9). Junior Sarah Hilliard continued to pace the OA offense with 24 kills while sophomore Caroline Hansen had a big day, adding 13 kills. Senior Larissa Martins recorded 20 service points (five aces) and eight digs, Maddie Homer added 24 digs, and sophomore Clare Kavoulis dished out 35 assists.
Canton, 3 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final – In a great back-and-forth battle, Canton outlasted Mansfield in the fifth set to grab a 3-2 (18-25, 25-14, 25-18, 23-25, 15-8). Sophomore Zoe Scibelli had an outstanding game defensively for the visitors, recording 20 digs, and also had a great serving night with seven aces. Sophomore Kaitlin Bigham was key to the defense with seven blocks and added six kills for Canton while Fatima Sidibay also had a strong game at the net with five kills and two blocks. Elyssa Buchanan put down 20 kills to pace the Mansfield offense, adding 13 digs while Lilly Verheggen had five kills and nine digs. Keira Fitzpatrick dished out 20 assists and Anna Goulet had eight blocks for the Hornets.
Franklin, 3 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Franklin grabbed its second straight sweep, this time going on the road and returning home with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-19) win at Milford. Makayla Kuykendall (five aces, 12 kills) had 14 digs and Taylor Lacerda (12 kills, one ace) had 20 digs to anchor the Panthers’ defensive effort.
King Philip, 3 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – King Philip bounced back from dropping the first set to winning three in a row in convincing fashion to secure a 3-1 (19-25, 25-9, 25-9, 25-10) victory over an upset-minded Taunton squad. King Philip once again had a balanced attack with Emily Sawyer (10 kills, two blocks), Sami Shore (eight kills), Ahunna James (eight kills, three digs), and Olivia O’Neil (seven kills, four aces, three digs) all playing well for the Warriors.
Sharon, 2 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final – Stoughton recorded its second straight win and made it four wins and the last five matches, outlasting Sharon, 3-2 (25-17, 22-25, 18-25, 25-16, 15-10) in a five-set thriller. Junior Annalia Eschleman had a strong showing at the net with nine kills while Reagan Lewis added four kills and Maya Ashu chipped in with three kills. Senior Patrik Oliveira shined at the service line with 10 aces while senior Kenna O’Donnell anchored the defense with nine digs.
North Attleboro, 0 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – Attleboro pushed its win streak to seven by defending home court in a 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-15) sweep of rival North Attleboro. Natalie Brojek (four kills) put the offense in motion with 18 assists, with Addie Shelton (11 aces, four kills) and Julia Leonardo (seven kills) leading the way.
Golf
Oliver Ames, 156 @ Sharon, 163 – Final – Oliver Ames avoided an upset bid from Sharon to pick up a close win and stay undefeated on the season, taking a 156-163 win home from the Cape Club of Sharon. Senior Michael McGinnis and sophomore Braden Shapiro shot matching 38’s to lead the way for the Tigers while juniors Lucas Riley and Sean Kearns each came in with a 40.
Mansfield, 169 @ Foxboro, 173 – Final – Mansfield went on the road and returned from Foxboro Country Club with a close win over their rivals. Cody Nieratko and Nate McClean earned co-medalist honors after both shot a 41 on the day. Brendan Vokey added a 43 in the win and Davon Sanders chipped in with a 44. For Foxboro, Zac Georgantas (two pars, one birdie) and Mat Sullivan (four pars) each shot 42 on the day, Louis Carangelo (three pars) added a 43, and Reese Curreri (two pars) rounded out the Warriors’ scoring with a 46.
King Philip, 161 @ Franklin, 163 – Final – King Philip freshman Jason Silva fired a co-medalist round and the Warriors picked up their biggest win of the season, knocking off Franklin on the road. With the win, the Warriors clinch at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title; the Panthers can earn a share with a win in their final division match against Taunton. Silva shot a match-low round of 39, junior Ethan Sullivan shot a 40, and both Cam Hasenfus and Evan Regan shot 41 on the day. For Franklin, CJ Steel and Liam Lewandowski each shot 39 in the loss.
Canton, 169 @ Taunton, 173 – Final – Brendan Tourgee fired a team-low round of 41 to help the Bulldogs grab a win over Taunton at Segregansett Country Club. Huck McCready and Brian Middleton each shot 42 while both Joey Ryan and Teddy Shuman carded a 44. Taunton’s Logan Letourneau was the match medalist after carding a round of 40 for the Tigers. Alex Dias added a 43 and both Jesse Chaves and Brody Boucher finished at 45.
Milford, 153 @ North Attleboro, 158 – Final – North Attleboro senior Jake Gaskin had another strong outing this week, firing an even-par medalist round of 35 to lead the Rocketeers to a close win over a strong Milford squad on the south course at Heather Hill. Dillon Harding added a 37 for the Rocketeers while Ishan Kohli (40) and Tyson Laviano (41) rounded out the scoring in the win. Milford junior Anthony LaPierre shot a one-over round of 36, David Fleming added a 39, Jacob Hipolito chipped in with a 41, and Nate Lawrence shot a 42 for the Hawks.
Stoughton, 169 @ Attleboro, 149 – Final
Boys Cross Country
Attleboro @ King Philip, 3:45
Girls Cross Country
Attleboro, 34 @ King Philip, 21 – Final – King Philip took the top three spots and had four of the top five finishers to earn a win over visiting Attleboro. Kate Buban was the winner, clocking in at 20:10 for first place. Rachel Bailer (21:20) took second overall, Leah Burke (22:07) was third overall, and Keira Evans finished fifth overall, crossing in 23:10.
2021 Record: 10-8-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Steve Santos
Attleboro ended its long wait for a return to the postseason in 2021 and head coach Steve Santos is hoping that success will breed more winning for the program. The Bombardiers will have a strong foundation this season because of a big senior class and experience across the pitch. If Attleboro can overcome some early season injuries and illnesses, they could be in the mix for another postseason spot.
With 34 goals as a team last year, Attleboro wasn’t one of the league’s most prolific attacking groups, but the Bombardiers have talented players who can make an impact in the final third. Junior Jamie Davies had a breakout sophomore year with nine goals and two assists and will be expected to lead the line this fall. Senior midfielder Kahlan Gray, who is dealing with an injury, can add to the attack either in the center of the field or out on the wing and freshman Tatum O’Brien is a newcomer to the lineup that has a good soccer IQ and will provide playmaking from the center of the pitch. Sophomore Tatum Leahy will give the team a boost after a year on JV.
The Bombardiers are going to be experimenting with defensive groups early in the season. Senior Emily Dunlea is a versatile player who can impact play no matter where she slots in and could be used in the defense at the start. Senior Ella Stromfors is battling illness but will give the team good experience and aggressiveness in the back line and junior Bethany Alves had an impressive sophomore season at the back and can also step into midfield. Junior Presley Biller will also add depth in the defensive unit. Senior Alexis Campbell is back in goal and her composure and vocal leadership will be important to keep things organized while the team gets healthy.
“We’ve had a good preseason,” Santos said. “We have a lot of seniors who are a good group of friends who all look out for each other. We had a good season and now they expect more this year. We want to not just get into the tournament, but win a couple of games.”
2021 Record: 6-7-5 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Canton battled through injuries for much of last season, but the Bulldogs were able to rally and made a playoff push. Entering his third season as coach, Idris Senyonjo has a roster filled with players that understand his style of play and he believes that the Bulldogs will be ready to push on and challenge the top teams in the division.
Senior midfielder Emily McCabe had a breakout season in 2021, becoming the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, and her leadership will be a key to the team’s success this fall. Senior Han Hong and sophomore Paige Sullivan add more experience in the center of the pitch. Up front, sophomores Emma Cahill and Caira McKinney (who missed last season with an injury) will be the top forward options.
Defensively, the Bulldogs graduated several starters, but seniors Kristine Keefe and Sarah Dempster are back and will provide the foundation for the back line. Junior Ava Gilmore is a versatile player who can help out in the midfield or drop into the defense, giving the Bulldogs options in the lineup. Junior Mekhala Costello took a year off to shine on the golf course, but she is back on the pitch this fall and is another dynamic player who can line up in multiple spots.
“Yes we have had multiple players graduate over the past couple of years but this is the first time in my tenure that most of the players from last year will be returning and my hope is that it brings a sense of continuity going into this season,” said Senyonjo. “The best we can do now is prepare to the best of our ability and we will be taking it game by game.”
2021 Record: 16-2-4 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four Coach: Jen Lippolis
Despite an injury to All-American Kailee McCabe, Foxboro made a historic run to the Div. 3 state semifinal last fall, and the Warriors will try to use that experience to put together another tournament run this season. In addition to the graduation of McCabe, who set a program record with 32 goals in 2021, the Warriors will also be making a change on the sideline with assistant Jen Lippolis taking over for Katie Stalcup.
Foxboro will be young this season but many of those players got valuable experience last fall. Seniors Lauren Miley and Jaclyn Vecchione will be back in the middle of the pitch this season, as junior Erin Foley will be moved further forward to try and bolster the attack. Sophomore Neve Taylor had a strong rookie campaign and will step into a bigger midfield role this year, while senior Grace Riley will give the Warriors a boost when she returns from a preseason injury.
The Warriors were known as an attack-minded team last season, but the defense was excellent, allowing only 20 goals in 22 games and recording three clean sheets in the tournament. Junior sweeper Lindsey Resnick will be back in the heart of the defense and sophomore Sophia Auclair is coming off an impressive freshman season. Sophomore Maddy Luck is another young defender who should be ready for a big step up in responsibility this season. Foxboro should be strong in goal with senior Maddie Maher joined by junior Allie Sougaris, fresh off her playoff heroics.
“We’re excited to be back on the soccer field,” Lippolis said. “We are a young team this year. With the leadership of our returning varsity players, we’re excited for a fun, competitive season.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Kelley-Rex champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Tom Geysen
In 2021, under interim coach Jodi Klein, Franklin continued its success in the Kelley-Rex winning a second straight league title. Head coach Tom Geysen is back on the sidelines this fall and the Panthers have a lineup loaded with experience that looks ready to make a challenge for a three-peat.
Defense has long been a strength for the program and last year was no different. The Panthers allowed only 11 goals in 18 matches and bring back one of the league’s top center back pairings. Senior Norah Anderson is a four-year starter in defense and she will be partnered by junior Maddie Horton, who had a breakout sophomore campaign. Junior Rachel Welch will be back in goal behind them and has proven to be one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. Junior Lily Deforge is a versatile player who can also help out at the back.
The Franklin attack took a big step forward last year. Junior Anya Zub moved from the wing to center forward and the reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put together a 20-goal season. Sophomore Kelly O’Connor was a breakout star on the wing who could take over a game. There were a few graduations in the midfield, but seniors Bridget Leo and Avery Greco can control the game in the center of the pitch and create scoring chances for the forward group.
“They have worked incredibly hard all year and done all the things necessary for success,” Geysen said. “All that is left is putting it all together on the field.”
2021 Record: 12-7-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Gary Pichel
Despite being very young in 2021, King Philip was in contention for the Kelley-Rex title until the final weeks of the regular season and took highly ranked Bishop Feehan to overtime in the Round of 16. With a more experienced roster this year, the Warriors will be looking to take the next step and get back on top of the division for the first time since 2019 and make a deep tournament run.
The Warriors were the third-highest scoring team in the league last year with 57 goals and offense should be a strength again with senior Ella Pisani back to run things in attack. The team’s leading scorer in 2021, Pisani had 19 goals and eight assists last fall and she will be the focal point on offense. KP has talent on the wings that can take advantage of any space defenses leave open. Junior Eilish McGowen and sophomores Danielle Lomuscio and Mikayla Thompson have the pace and skill to create scoring chances as well. The forward line is also boosted by the return of junior forward Heidi Lawrence and senior Danielle Gresham will shore up the midfield.
The defense has plenty of experience from last season. Senior Grace Lawler will be the leader of the back line and continues to be called upon to mark the opposition’s top attacker. Junior Rylie Wesley and sophomores Rihanna Mason and Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn give KP a lot of athleticism in the defensive third of the field. There will be experience in net as well with the return of senior Lauren Casper and junior Makenna Norrman, who both saw action in 2021.
“I am really looking forward to competing this season with all the great Hockomock teams,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “We were very young last year. With a year under our belt, we should see improvements across the board in every facet of our game.”
2021 Record: 12-5-1 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Kevin Smith
Mansfield was in the running for the Kelley-Rex title into the final weeks of the regular season and this year the Hornets will be hoping that their first fall in the Davenport will feature a similar title challenge. With a young roster that features four freshmen and four sophomores, the Hornets will be relying on the upperclassmen to keep the team heading in the right direction in what promises to be a very competitive division.
The Hornets are without their top three scorers from last season (Tarynn Smith, Katie Miller, and Gabby Smith) so there will be room for other players to step in and provide an attacking threat. Senior forward Olivia Homsi will lead the line and junior Carly Devine is a skilled forward who can play up top or just behind the strikers, while senior Abby Jean gives Mansfield speed on the wing. Senior Bridget Hanley is coming off a breakout season in a holding midfield role and could be asked to get forward a little more this season to help support the offense.
Defense was a significant strength for the Hornets last year, allowing only 17 goals in 18 games, including a shutout of Canton in the opening round of the playoffs. Junior Kara Santos is back for her third year in the heart of defense and, although she will have her third center back partner in three years, gives the Hornets a strong foundation. She is also the team’s top returning scorer with seven goals and is a threat on any set piece opportunity. Senior goalie Olivia Salisbury has become one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. They’ll provide vocal leadership for the younger players at the back.
“We have a very young team with many first-year varsity players,” said Mansfield coach Kevin Smith. “We will be leaning on our seniors and returning players to provide leadership as we grow as a team.”
Milford is coming off a three-win season in 2021, but the Hawks are hoping that an influx of young talent from a successful JV team will help them climb the league standings and make a playoff push. The Hawks have 10 seniors and have added seven freshmen who can contribute right away in their first varsity seasons.
The key for Milford this season will be the play of leading scorer Dani Atherton. The four-year starter has been the focal point of Milford’s attack since she jumped on the team and this year head coach Lou Colabello is counting on a move to outside midfield to give her more chances to get on the ball and run at defenders. Freshman Ava Baglione will step in up top and there is hope she can add firepower to the Hawks’ attack. Sophomore Paige Caldon had a good season in attack as a freshman and this year will drop back to help out in the center of the pitch.
Senior Serena Borges will be moved further up in midfield so that she can produce more in the attack, but classmate Brooke Ferreira will be pushed from midfield to the back line to cover for preseason injuries. Ferreira will be joined by senior Evalysse Pierce, who is coming back from an injury that kept her out of last season. Freshman Kayleigh Tourtellot is another rookie who should be ready for the physical test of the Hockomock League, while classmate Chloe Murdock will step between the pipes after a strong season as an eighth grader on JV.
“It’s a fun team,” Colabello said about the mix of veterans and talented newcomers. “There is a lot of talent there. We’re deeper than we were last year. We’ll hold our own. We’re hoping to get out of the blocks well and build some confidence.”
2021 Record: 8-10-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Geoff Burgess
North Attleboro is making the move back to the Kelley-Rex division this fall and the Rocketeers will be turning to a familiar face on the sidelines, as Geoff Burgess moves back to the girls’ program after coaching the boys for the past few seasons. After graduating 12 players, North will have a lot of new faces implementing a new style this season.
Up top, North will be counting on senior Emma Pratt. After scoring nine goals last year, Pratt is the team’s top returning scorer and will be counted on to give the Rocketeers the firepower to compete with the league’s best. Senior Caroline Ferrin will be one of the key playmakers in the center of the pitch and will help Burgess bring in a more possession-based approach.
The North boys have been known as a strong defensive team and Burgess will hope that solidity carries over to his work with the girls as well. Senior Haley Sinacola will be the team’s leader at the back. Sinacola was the team’s MVP last season and gives North a strong foundation in the defensive third, as well as a constant threat on set pieces. Senior Maddie Ferrin is back in goal for the Rocketeers and adds experience to the back line.
“Lots of changes to the team, the philosophy and the style of play,” said Burgess. “We are still learning about ourselves and who we can be this season. We are going to try and possess the ball and build attacks rather than kick and chase.”
2021 Record: 14-2-2 (Davenport champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Even after graduating 10 players from last season, Oliver Ames looks prepared to defend its Davenport division title. Many of the younger players got experience on the pitch in 2021 and could be poised for big years as they step into larger roles.
OA was second in the league with 68 goals last year and the attack will continue to utilize the speedy wings that have become a signature of the Tigers’ style. Junior Lucinda Li Cotter and senior Jenna Gilman will continue to provide width and service into the box. Senior Carly Gibson will move into the forward line to give additional creativity in the final third.
The midfield will continue to be strong, physical, and direct. Senior Mary Cross will move forward from defense and give leadership in the middle of the field. Sophomore Emma Gavin impressed during her rookie season and gives another weapon in the midfield. Seniors Sophia Byron and Molly Capace will be leaders in a back line that allowed only 11 goals in 18 games last year. Sophomore Taylor deVos is a versatile player who can line up on the wing or at outside back. Sophomore Janiya Matier will be the team’s new keeper this season.
“Even graduating seven senior starters (10 total) we feel we have a competitive team returning this year,” said OA coach Britt Sellmayer. “The key will be returning taking on larger roles and new players having an impact for a successful season.”
2021 Record: 3-14-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Catherine Sullivan
Sharon went through a tough 2021 season, with only three wins, but the Eagles are another team returning the bulk of its roster, and the experience that they have from back to front promises the potential for more positive results in 2022.
The key for Sharon will be senior Sofia Goclowski. The team’s top playmaker, Goclowski is a back-to-box midfielder who will contribute on both ends of the field and, as she continues to develop her finishing, could be ready to lead the Sharon attack. The Eagles will also lean on a pair of underclassmen in the forward line. Sophomore Autumn Simon, who also played in goal last season, makes good runs behind the back line and is one of the team’s top returning scorers. Freshman Jessica Li is an exciting newcomer that will add speed and athleticism on the wing.
Defense will be bolstered by the return of senior Sally Brouhard. After missing all of last season with an injury, Brouhard provides reliability in the back line and is a leader that will keep things organized. Senior Carly Pinnix is another technically proficient midfielder that gives Sharon composure in the midfield and can jump into the attack when she gets the chance.
“With so many returning varsity players, we have strength across every line this season and we have the potential to be very good,” said Sharon coach Catherine Sullivan. “We will need to stay focused and committed to continuous improvement if we are going to be competitive in the challenging Hockomock, but I am excited to see what this talented group can do together.”
2021 Record: 3-15-0 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Jon Grant
Stoughton had three wins in 2021, but the Black Knights also displayed potential for a brighter future with a host of underclassmen that looked ready to start competing with the top teams. Former boys coach Jon Grant has taken over the girls’ program this season and he will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, hoping to shore things up at the back to help secure more positive results.
The Black Knights should be dynamic in the final third this season. Senior Shayla Ford is back for her fourth varsity season and her speed and ability to find space make her a constant threat to the opposition defense. Sophomores Makenzie O’Connor and Bianca Casna both had strong freshman seasons and can cause problems with the ball at their feet. Sophomores Morgan Cook and Emma Tran showed good chemistry in the midfield last year and will help provide the killer pass to the forwards.
After allowing 86 goals last year, defense will be a priority for the Black Knights this year and there were several players who will be leaning on the valuable experience they got in 2021. Senior Sabrina Rodrigues will add a veteran presence, while junior Ally Lada and sophomore Lauren Mitchell will anchor the middle of the back line. Junior Katrina Varnum is a vocal leader in goal.
“This season we are focusing on team and individual defending,” said Grant. “I’m excited to watch this group grow throughout the season and compete in such an extremely competitive league. Everything I’ve thrown at them so far has been received positively. This group is very coachable and has such a passion to learn and get better.”
2021 Record: 2-15-1 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Danny Borges
Taunton is coming off a difficult 2021 season, after just two wins, but there is optimism in the squad with many younger players gaining valuable experience last season. The Tigers will have a new face on the sideline this fall, with Dan Borges taking over. Although new to the Hockomock, Borges spent 34 years as the coach of the boy’s team at Coyle-Cassidy and he is excited about the progress the team has made in picking up his system in the preseason.
Goals were hard to come by at times last season, as Taunton scored only 14 overall and just eight in league play. Senior midfielder Emily Calderon returns to be the team’s primary playmaker and will be counted on to get the Tigers moving upfield into the attack. Junior forwards Jenna Pereira and Ava Alves will be the main targets up top, as Taunton is looking to add more firepower at that end of the field.
On the other side, the Tigers have a question mark in goal with several younger players looking to replace Izzy Anslow, who was impressive between the sticks for the past couple of seasons. Senior Christina Da Costa and junior Cali Melo will give Taunton athleticism and leadership in the back line to try and shore things up and limit the opposition.
“Our team spirit is high, the girls have been working very hard and adjusting to a new game model,” Borges said. “I believe we have a good mix of experience and youth, and we hope to be more competitive in the traditionally strong Hockomock League.”
