Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
Hockomock League MVP
Mary Collins, Foxboro
Hockomock League All Stars
Siobhan Landers, Attleboro
Marley Young, Attleboro
Ellie Bohane, Canton
Carolyn Durand, Canton
Carolyn Schiavo, Canton
Laura Valkanas, Canton
Mary Collins, Foxboro
Mya Waryas, Foxboro
Valerie Beigel, Foxboro
Katherine Ferguson, Foxboro
Kaitlyn Carney, Franklin
Shaw Downing, Franklin
Emily Carney, Franklin
Kelly Holmes, King Philip
Mara Boldy, King Philip
Nicole McDonald, King Philip
Lily Danehy, Mansfield
Lola Varricchione, Mansfield
Ashlynn Ringo, Milford
Julia Puccio, North Attleboro
Caroline Folan, North Attleboro
Erin Cottam, Oliver Ames
Olivia O’Rourke, Oliver Ames
Julia Maclaine, Oliver Ames
Katherine Giroux, Stoughton
Kaysie DeMoura, Taunton
Honorable Mentions
Jordan Mooney, Attleboro
Audrey Koen, Canton
Mia DiNunzio, Foxboro
Haley Wernig, Franklin
Leah Santoro, King Philip
Ava Adams, Mansfield
Samantha Fazo, Milford
Ava McKeon, North Attleboro
Abby Welz, Oliver Ames
Natalie Kessler, Sharon
Kerry Driscoll, Stoughton
Thal Nogueira, Taunton
Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league. Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars and honorable mentions, selected by the coaches in the league.
Field Hockey
Oliver Ames, 6 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames found the back of the net three times in each half to secure a big win on the road at Attleboro. Junior Erin Cottam led the charge for the Tigers, scoring four goals and assisting on OA’s other two, which were both scored by Kayla Kenney. Julia Maclaine registered two assists and Megan Crabtree had one in the win. For Attleboro, Nora Desrosiers and Siobhan Landers each scored once with Marley Young assisting on both.
Foxboro, 2 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – King Philip twice erased a one-goal deficit in the third quarter to earn a 2-2 draw against visiting Foxboro. After a scoreless first quarter, the visitors took the lead when Cam Collins took a pass from Val Beigel and found the back of the net with less than a minute to go in the first half. King Philip came back to tie it on a goal from Leah Santoro to make it 1-1, but Foxboro got its second of the game off the stick of Jenny Gallagher with 2:17 left in the third. Before the buzzer, the hosts pulled level yet again as Mara Boldy found the back of the net to make it 2-2. Charlotte Raymond, who also had an assist, and Abby MacDonald had strong performances while Haley Bright made seven saves in net for KP.
Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final – Franklin senior Shaw Downing scored four goals in the first quarter and finished with five overall and one assist as the Panthers rolled to a big win at home. Sydney Rogan added two goals, Ella Aldred, Kaitlyn Carney (four assists), and Sophia Cuneo each scored once, and both Chloe Essam and Maeve Rolston netted their first career goals.
Mansfield, 0 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Taunton and Mansfield battled back-and-forth for 60 minutes but ended in a stalemate as both teams earned one point from the draw. For Taunton, Jasmine Lucier made four saves in net to record the shutout while the defense of Thal Nogueira, Bridget MacDougall and Sydney Moreton, along with Kaysie DeMoura in midfield, played well for the Tigers.
North Attleboro, 9 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Katherine Giroux, Carly Sanda, and Sophia Tombros all played well for the Black Knights.
Canton, 6 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Canton went on the road and earned their fifth straight win to open the season, this time a 6-1 decision over the Scarlet Hawks. Izzy Digirolamo had a huge day offensively for the Bulldogs with four goals. Milford senior goalie Stella Portes made 24 saves in net.
Volleyball
Canton, 3 @ Milford, 1 – Final – The Bulldogs bounced back from a one-set deficit to win three in a row and grab a 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22) win on the road at Milford. Jess Wright was everywhere for the Dogs, finishing with 21 kills, 10 digs, and an ace. Fatima Sidibay was a force at the net with seven kills and four blocks while Zoe Scibelli was a calming force on defense with 12 digs and three aces.
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final – After dropping the first set by double digits, Attleboro stormed back to win three straight and secure a 3-1 win (12-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-17) over visiting Oliver Ames. The Bombardiers picked up key contributions from Sadie Whitmarsh, who notched 15 digs, and Addie Shelton, who added seven kills in the win. Natalie Brojek dished out 25 assists and Julia Leonardo did it all for the Bombardiers with 20 digs and 18 kills. For Oliver Ames, senior Mary Derba had eight kills, sophomore Clare Kavoulis added 33 assists and three aces, Maddie Homer had 23 digs and 28 serve receptions, Sarah Hilliard added 14 kills, and Addyson Smock finished with seven kills and three assists.
Mansfield @ Taunton, 5:15
Boys Cross Country
Mansfield, 19 @ Canton, 41 – Final – Mansfield swept the top three spots to earn a win on the road over Canton at Pequitiside Farm. Junior Talon Johnson was first overall followed by senior John Sylvian and junior Sam Taylor. Canton junior Sam Vail clocked in a personal best 19:26 as the Bulldogs’ top finisher, while sophomore Max Mateo also had a strong showing for the hosts.
Foxboro, 39 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final
Sharon, 15 @ Stoughton, 50 – Final
Attleboro, 24 @ Milford, 36 – Final
Franklin, 39 @ Taunton, 17 – Final – Taunton swept the top three spots to clinch a win at home over visiting Franklin. Sam Denis crossed the finish line first while Brayden Cali and Andrew Cali took second and third place, respectively, for the Tigers.
Girls Cross Country
Mansfield, 15 @ Canton, 48 – Final – Mansfield had the top five runners to earn a sweep on the road at Pequitiside Farm against Canton. Junior Anna Moore won the race, followed by senior Alexis DiVasta, sophomore Sierra Wojick, senior Devin Anderson, and freshman Alex Petrova to round out the top five. Johanna Bouwmeester was Canton’s top runner while freshman Honesty Johnson had a big personal best and finished fourth for the Bulldogs.
Foxboro, 43 @ Oliver Ames, 17 – Final
Sharon, 27 @ Stoughton, 32 – Final – Stoughton took second, third, and fourth but a first place from Sharon’s Sara Lessard and six straight finishers from fifth on helped the Eagles clinch the win. Stoughton’s Lilly Branco was second overall followed by teammates Elaine McCarty and Julie Richardson.
Attleboro, 39 @ Milford, 19 – Final
Franklin, 19 @ Taunton, 42 – Final – Taking four of the top five spots, Franklin ran away with a big win on the road at Taunton. Junior Alex Batla won the race in 21:21 with sophomore Fiona Morrison just three seconds back at 21:24 to take second. After Taunton’s Colby Dunham (21:27) took third, Franklin senior Ashley Tighe was fourth (21:34) and sophomore Abby Baker (22:29) was fifth. Senior Artemisia Saparoff rounded out Franklin’s scoring by taking seventh (22:57). Taunton’s Emersyn DePonte was sixth overall at 22:54.
Golf
Stoughton, 168 @ Milford, 154 – Final – Milford junior Anthony LaPierre had one of his best rounds of the season, firing a one-under par round to lead the Scarlet Hawks past Stoughton. LaPierre carded a one-under round of 34 to earn medalist honors at Hopedale Country Club. Jacob Hipolito added a 39 and Nate Lawrence chipped in with a 40 for the hosts. For Stoughton, David Monaghan shot a 39 and Mason Page finished with a 42.
Sharon, 192 @ Foxboro, 166 – Final – Foxboro’s Patrick Callahan carded six pars and one birdie on his way to a medalist round in the Warriors’ win over Sharon. Callahan finished with a 37 on the front nine at Foxboro Country Club to lead the way for the hosts. Reese Curreri (three pars, one birdie) added a 41, Zac Georgantas (five pars) finished with a 42, and Louis Carangelo (two pars) came in with a 46. James Spoto shot a team-low round of 43 for the Eagles.
Canton, 172 @ Mansfield, 168 – Final – Sophomore Will Riley proved to be a vital addition to the Hornets’ lineup on Tuesday, shooting a medalist round to lead Mansfield past division rival Canton. Riley, who was added to the starting lineup late in the day, was a co-medalist along with Canton’s Huck McCready as both sophomores fired a 40 on the day at Norton Country Club. Junior Jason Friedman added a 42 for the Hornets while junior Cody Nieratko and sophomore Brendan Vokey each shot a 43. For Canton, Joey Ryan chipped in with a 41, Brian Middleton added a 44, and Teddy Shuman carded a 47.
Oliver Ames, 163 @ Taunton, 183 – Final – Oliver Ames returned home from Segregansett Country Club with a non-league win over Taunton in a crossover clash. Senior Michael McGinnis and junior Sean Kearns shared medalist honors in the win after both finished the day with a 40. Senior Daniel Paul and junior David Rodgers rounded out the scoring for OA with at 42. Sean Murphy had a team-low round of 44 for the Tigers while Noah Faidell added a 45.
Franklin, 159 vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, 152 – Final – Franklin came up just short in a non-league challenge against visiting St. John’s. CJ Steel and Caden Sullivan each shot a 39 for the Panthers.
Boys Soccer
Canton, 1 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – After a scoreless first half, Canton found the net early in the second half for the lone goal of the game to secure a key two points on the road at Sharon. Senior Caden Mirliani nodded in a cross from classmate Jake McCabe minutes after the break for the only tally of the contest.
Girls Soccer
Taunton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final – Taunton got a scoreless draw on the road at North to earn first-year head coach Dan Borges his first Hockomock point. North had a significant edge in shots but couldn’t convert any of their scoring chances, including a bid from Abi Pratt that hit the post and stayed out. Borges praised the play of Cali Melo and Christina DaCosta on the defensive end. Eighth grader Ashlyn Hebert earned her first career start and first career clean sheet in the Taunton goal.
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 6 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Attleboro’s Marley Young scored once and recorded three more assists to lead the Bombardiers to a win over a gritty Stoughton squad. Siobhan Landers scored a pair of first quarter goals to set the tone for the Bombardiers while Alyvia Bessette, Nora Desrosiers, and Emilie Chartier each added one. Young added a penalty stroke in the fourth quarter for the visitors. For Stoughton, Katherine Giroux had an outstanding game offensively while Morgan Groppi and Nicole Reid also had strong outings.
King Philip, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – King Philip countered with three unanswered goals in the second half to take care of business on the road in Easton, earning a 3-1 decision over OA. Following a scoreless first half, the Tigers took the lead in the third quarter on a goal from Erin Cottam off a feed from Olivia Stevens. KP tied it before the end of the quarter and took its first lead going into the fourth, where they added a key insurance tally. Leah Santoro scored a pair of goals for the Warriors, Kelly Holmes added one, and sophomore Lucy Weineck added a strong all around performance in the win.
North Attleboro, 2 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game – A pair of second half goals and a few key saves in the final moments helped North Attleboro secure a win on the road in a competitive contest at Alumni Field. North registered 11 corners in the first half but couldn’t solve Mansfield’s defense and goalie Lily Danehy. The Rocketeers finally broke through with just under five minutes to go in the third as Francesca Spencer kept the play alive near the touchline and dropped a pass into the middle where Julia Puccio was able slide a low shot into the net. North added a key insurance goal as the clock ticked under two minutes to go in the game as Puccio got her second, finishing off an assist from Caitlin Vacher. Puccio and Rory McGinley made key stops on Mansfield corners (six total) in the final minutes to prevent a look at goal. Eman Farid (six saves) made multiple saves with a minute to go to preserve the win. Gracie Leary (two saves) and Farid combined for the shutout for North.
Taunton, 0 @ Canton, 7 – Final – For Taunton, Thal Nogueira, Kaysie DeMoura, and Caelen O’Leary all had strong performances.
Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 1 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game – Sharon senior Alejandra Aguilar scored moments into the game and that proved to be enough as the Eagles fended off visiting Milford. Aguilar carried possession from midfield into the attack before sliding a lot shot into the back of the net just 16 seconds into the game. Sharon’s Natalie Kessler recorded the shutout in net.
Volleyball
King Philip, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – King Philip bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 3-0 sweep (25-19, 25-21, 25-23) on the road over Oliver Ames. Senior middle Emily Sawyer had 11 kills, four blocks, and four aces to lead the way for the Warriors. Senior Ahunna James added six kills, three blocks, and three aces, and senior Sami Shore recorded four kills and four blocks in the win. For Oliver Ames, junior Rachel Fleischman had a standout game defensively with 15 serve receptions, 12 digs, and three aces. Maddie Homer added 25 digs, Clare Kavoulis finished with 24 assists, and Sarah Hilliard recorded 14 kills.
Taunton @ Canton – Postponed to TBD.
Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final
Milford, 3 @ Sharon, 1 – Final
North Attleboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this match – After dropping the opening set, Mansfield rallied to win three straight — including a thrilling 26-24 win in the fourth set — to take down the visiting Rocketeers. Keira Fitzpatrick recorded eight digs and dished out 24 assists in a balanced attack for the Hornets. Elyssa Buchanan had 11 kills along with five digs, three aces, and two blocks, Lexie Scibilia added six blocks, five kills, and a pair of aces, and Lilly Verheggen finished with seven kills, four digs, and two aces for Mansfield.
Attleboro, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Attleboro went on the road and prevailed in three sets against a tough Stoughton squad (25-19, 25-10, 27-25). Natalie Brojek set the offense in motion with 33 assists and had a stellar day at the service line with nine aces. Julia Leonardo (14 kills) and Addie Shelton (eight kills) led the charge offensively for the Bombardiers. For Stoughton, Patrik Oliviera and Jessie Queeney had strong defensive performances while Maya Ashu led the front row with a great offensive game.
Golf
Stoughton, 186 @ Sharon, 175 – Final
King Philip, 150 @ North Attleboro, 155 – Final
Attleboro, 173 @ Mansfield, 155 – Final – Mansfield earned its first win of the season by taking down visiting Attleboro at Norton Country Club. Senior Drew Urban and junior Cody Nieratko shared medalist honors for the Hornets, each coming in with a round of 38. Nathan McClean added a 39 in the win and Michael Creedon finished with a 40 on the day. Leo Lombardo led the Bombardiers with a team-low round of 39.
Canton, 165 @ Oliver Ames, 149 – Final – Oliver Ames had six golfers come in under 40 in a key win over division rival Canton in a battle of Davenport heavyweights. Junior Sean Kearns was the match medalist, shooting a low-round of 36 to lead the way for the Tigers. Junior David Rodgers chipped in with a 37 while seniors Noah Isleib and Michael McGinnis each shot a 38 to round out the scoring for OA. For Canton, Huck McCready continued his strong start to the season with a team-best round of 39 and Brian Middleton added a 41 for the Bulldogs.
Boys Cross Country
Franklin, 16 @ Attleboro, 45 – Final
Foxboro, 25 @ Canton, 32 – Final – Canton got strong runs from Riley Swearingen, Austin DiBasio, Dom Gray, Maks Alves, and Declan Monahan.
Milford, 26 @ North Attleboro, 29 – Final
Girls Cross Country
Franklin, 15 @ Attleboro, 50 – Final
Foxboro, 20 @ Canton, 43 – Final – Canton’s top finisher was Johanna Bouwmeester and freshman Maddie Driscoll had a solid race with an eighth-place finish.
North Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Canton converted a penalty kick in the final minute of play to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw against visiting North Attleboro. After a scoreless first half, the Rocketeers went ahead on the opening goal of the game midway through the second half as Kaden Burns headed in a cross from Bryce Newth. A unlucky bounce led to a penalty kick in the final minute and Canton senior Jake McCabe buried it to bring the Dogs level in the 80th minute.
Field Hockey
Taunton, 1 @ New Bedford, 2 – Final – Taunton fell to 1-1 on the season after dropping a close contest on the road at New Bedford. Caelen O’Leary scored the lone goal for the Tigers off of an assist from Caroline Vallarelli. Jasmine Lucier made seven stops in net while Bridget MacDougall (one defensive save), Thal Nogueira, Sydney Moreton, and Casey O’Leary all played well defensively.
Volleyball
Attleboro, 3 vs. Bishop Feehan, 1 – Final – Attleboro picked up one of its best wins in recent program history, knocking off in-town rival Bishop Feehan, 3-1 (26-28, 25-18, 25-12, 25-19). Junior Natalie Brojek had a strong game for the hosts with 23 assists and 12 digs. Sadie Whitmarsh added 16 digs and sophomore Julia Leonardo hammered down 21 kills.
2021 Record: 11-6-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Jessica Pink
Attleboro has been a team on the rise for the past few seasons with a couple of tournament appearances and wins over some of the league’s perennial powers. New head coach Jessica Pink takes over a roster that sees a lot of turnover from 2021, but one that she believes is filled with players ready to step in and take their chances in the lineup.
Speed will be the main strength of the Attleboro attack, which will look to transform any turnover into a quick transition. Junior Siobhan Landers returns to the midfield and will be one of the team’s top playmakers and senior Marley Young will be a focal point on the front line. Their combination of stick skills and leadership will help the younger players adapt to the varsity level. Senior Jordan Mooney will play in midfield with Landers and will help set the tone with her energy to keep the Bombardiers on the front foot.
The back line will have a lot of inexperience, but senior Megan Ferreira is a returning starter and she is going to need to keep communication strong and provide cover in the center of the field. Attleboro is working hard to build more familiarity in the defensive unit this preseason. Sophomore goalie Siany Ortiz will be the new starter this season and, despite being an underclassman, has been very vocal in organizing the defense and keeping things solid.
“We have strong, decisive playmakers who haven’t had a chance in past years to make a name for themselves that are ready to compete,” said Pink. “This team is hungry. Coming in this year to take over the program, I have been impressed every day with the attitude and hard work of my players. I know this season will be a lot of growth for the girls coming up from JV this year, but we are ready to show the Hockomock League what we have in store. “
2021 Record: 16-4-0 (Davenport champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Chrissy O’Connor
Expectations remain high in Canton as the defending Davenport division champions are ready to defend their crown and make another run in the state tournament.
The Bulldogs went 16-4 a year ago before dropping a second-round matchup on the road to Reading in triple overtime. They’ll have to find production to replace all three of their all stats from a year ago, but there is still plenty of key pieces all over the field that puts Canton in a prime position to repeat.
It starts in goal with senior Carolyn Durand, who had a breakout junior campaign and earned HockomockSports Second Team honors. She will have a familiar face defending the cage in front of her with Laura Valkanas back at sweeper. In the midfield, the Dogs have Maggie McCready back in the mix. Freshman Carolyn Schiavo and Izzy Cusack have impressed in preseason so far.
Up top, Canton has its leading scorer back in Assumption-commit Ellie Bohane, who scored 13 goals along with nine assists in the regular season and earned HockomocokSports First Team honors. She will be one of the most dangerous players in the attacking half this season.
“Ellie comes into her senior season with experience and confidence,” said Canton head coach Chrissy O’Connor. “We will look to her for her goal scoring ability and overall leadership on the field.”
2021 Record: 15-6-0 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 16 Coach: Melissa Bordieri
Foxboro came up just two games back in the hunt for the Davenport division title a season ago, and with the majority of the team back this year, the Warriors look poised to challenge for the crown this go around.
The Warriors have two of their biggest offensive threats back in the mix led by 2021 HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year Mary Collins, who scored 15 goals and added 18 assists. Foxboro will also feature Mya Waryas up front, who was second on the team with nine goals and eight assists in the regular season. Val Beigel and Mia Dinunzio will be key pieces in the midfield again this year.
Defensively, there are more familiar faces with Katherine Ferguson back in the cage and Catherine Cotter returning to a defensive unit that gave up just over a goal a game last year. Freshman Kathleen Staruski will push for minutes in net as well.
“The Hockomock League is historically a very competitive and experienced group of teams and I believe one of the best leagues in the state for our sport,” said Foxboro head coach Melissa Bordieri. “This year will be no different…so we have our work cut out for us, no doubt, but this group has been working hard this offseason and now in preseason. They are a gritty and determined group, so I am very optimistic about how we will perform as a team.”
2021 Record: 20-2-0 (Kelley-Rex champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Final Four Coach: Michelle Hess
Franklin had one of the most dynamic offenses last season, not only in the Hockomock League where they went 16-0, but also one of the best in the entire state as they reached the Division 1 state semifinals.
What’s good news for Franklin is bad news for everyone else: the Panthers have nearly their entire attacking group back ready to make another run at a state title. The offense will be anchored by Kaitlyn Carney, the 2021 HockomockSports Player of the Year, who scored a league-best 37 goals and added 18 assists. Franklin also has dynamic forward Shaw Downing back fresh off a 20-goal, nine-assist season a year ago. The attack will also feature junior Sophia Cuneo, sophomore Haley Wernig, and sophomore Raena Campbell.
One area that will have some new faces is the defensive unit after the Panthers lose two of the best defenders in the league in Kendall Jones and Kate O’Rourke. Head coach Michelle Hess is looking for Ella Mahoney to anchor the group after starting last year while freshman Devon Barry joins Megan Sullivan and Chloe Strassner as the goalies on the roster.
“After graduating five seniors and winning the Kelley-Rex Division, we are looking forward to defending our three-year title and working hard towards being four-peat champions,” Hess said.
2021 Record: 12-5-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Kaitlyn Wilder
There are a lot of new faces on the roster for King Philip this season, as the Warriors make a push to unseat Franklin from the top of the Kelley-Rex division and win the league title for the first time since 2018. First-year head coach Kaitlyn Wilder, who takes over for Lisa Cropper, will still have plenty of experience to call on with 18 seniors in this year’s squad.
Offensively, KP will once again lean on junior midfielder Kelly Holmes to set the tone. The team’s leading second-leading scorer in 2021 was instrumental in pushing the Warriors into the attack. Junior Mara Boldy (12 goals and eight assists last year) will join up with Holmes to give KP a potent forward line and classmate Nicole McDonald is poised for a bigger role in the attack. Junior Bridget King will be a key player in transition and sophomore Abby MacDonald could be ready for a breakout year in the midfield.
The Warriors were strong on the defensive side of the ball last season, allowing only 17 goals in 19 games, but that was a senior-laden group and new players will be counted on to step in this fall. Seniors Lauren Barriero and Charlotte Raymond will give the relatively inexperienced group valuable leadership and provide much-needed communication on that end of the field. Goalie should be a position of strength for KP this year with seniors Haley Bright and Samantha Sweetman both back between the pipes.
“Preseason has been great so far, we have a big roster with talented, hardworking field hockey players,” Wilder explained. “Looking to use our big roster to our advantage, utilize our senior leadership to help them, and the underclassmen to excel this season.”
2021 Record: 4-13-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Theresa Nyhan
Mansfield has battled through back-to-back difficult seasons, and even though the Hornets qualified for the state tournament based on the new statewide rating system a year ago, the Hornets are looking to have a big bounce-back campaign in 2022.
Behind a renewed enthusiasm, a youthful energy boost, and strong team speed, the Hornets look ready to challenge for the division title, this season in the Davenport division. The team is led by seven seniors that bring experience to each layer of the field. It starts with senior Lily Danehy, a three-year starter in goal for the Hornets. One of the most experienced netminders in the Hock will be the backbone of the defense while classmates Fadila Krieche and Audrey Murphy are returners on defense.
Senior Danni Cuzzi and junior Lola Varricchione both bring speed and experience to the Hornets’ midfield unit. Up front, Mansfield will look to improve its scoring output and will turn to Rose Maher, Ava Adams, and Kristin Kipp to apply pressure on opposing defenses.
“The team intends on turning things around this year,” said head coach Theresa Nyhan. “The Hornet squad is young, fast, and enthusiastic!”
2021 Record: 1-17-0 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Jenna Casello
Milford has a new head coach this season in Jenna Casello and she’s hoping to push the program in a positive direction as they navigate a daunting Hockomock League schedule.
The Scarlet Hawks have 10 seniors on the roster this season and will lean on their leadership and guidance, both on and off the field. Casello will look to her three captains — Hailey Beagle, Jordan Douglas, and Ashlynn Ringo — to lead the way. Ringo will be a player to watch this season as she patrols the midfield, playing a crucial role in helping the Milford back line while also organizing and orchestrating the Hawks’ offense.
Up front, senior Kay Wheelock is set to provide pressure on opposing defenses. Although new to the center forward spot, Casello has liked what she’s seen so far and the team will be looking to target Wheelock up front.
“Being a new coach this year, I am hopeful that I will have a positive impact on the team and lead them in the right direction this season,” Casello said. “We will have a fresh new start and are ready to show off our skills in the Hock. One strength for us this year will be using the entire field. Throughout our preseason we have been working on not only stretching the field vertically but horizontally as well. Our midfielders are constantly scanning the field and looking to transition the ball as needed.”
2021 Record: 7-9-3 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Karen Folan
With the majority of the roster intact from a season ago, North Attleboro is looking to take a big step forward and make some noise in their first season back in the Kelley-Rex division.
The Rocketeers are loaded with experience all over the field, especially in the attacking half. Senior center forward Julia Puccio starts her fourth year on varsity and emerged as one of the most dangerous scorers a season ago. She was third in the Hock with 23 goals last season and earned HockomockSports First Team honors. She’ll be joined on the left wing by classmate Caroline Folan (nine goals, five assists), a three-year member of the team that is often the catalyst of the attack with her strong passing.
North has a lot of veterans in the midfield with seniors Ava Spencer and Caitlin Vacher along with juniors Kelsey Thompson and Emily Burnham – all four saw valuable minutes last season and will help North both defensively and offensively. In the defensive half, junior Gracie Leary had a breakout season in net and had a great offseason preparing for this year. In front of her are returning varsity members and seniors Rory McGinley, Maddie Bailey, Ava McKeon, and Ella Luistro.
“This group has played together for some time and they have developed strong skills throughout their careers,” said head coach Karen Folan. “The chemistry and camaraderie they have off the field, shows on the field, with cohesive passes and strong communication.”
2021 Record: 11-7-2 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach:
With key returners spread out all over the field, new head coach Alex Sylvia is looking to continue the momentum that the Tigers have had the past couple of seasons.
The Tigers won the Davenport division two seasons ago and had a thrilling overtime playoff win last year before bowing out in the second round to top-seeded Masconomet. Sylvia, who played collegiately locally at Stonehill College, will have contributors from all four classes, including senior Julia Maclaine. Maclaine is a seasoned veteran that plays the full length of the field, a key piece of the defense as well as a dangerous attacker with the ball. She’ll be joined by junior Megan Crabtree in the midfield, both of which are returners.
Up top, junior Erin Cottam is one of the top scoring returners from last year after scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists. She will be one of the main options for OA up front and freshman Kayla Kenney has impressed so far in the preseason and will be a key new addition to the attack. Defensively, OA has some veterans on the back line with senior captains Olivia Stevens and Abby Welz. They have a lot of varsity experience and will anchor the defense in front of junior goalie Olivia O’Rourke.
“I am excited for the season as the head coach this year,” Sylvia said. “During tryouts, I witnessed amazing talent, and now our team is strong and ready to work for this entire season. Each player understands their role and is ready to work toward their goals.”
2021 Record: 4-13-0 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Caitlin Jamiel
For the first time in over 40 years, Stoughton field hockey will have a new head coach on the sidelines. Caitlin Jamiel takes over for the legendary Dan Mark and she will be leaning heavily on the returning players.
After moving to goalie for the first time last year, Stephanie Costerio (109 saves last year) is back in the cage for the Black Knights with much more experience under her belt, and she will be the backbone of the defense.
Jamiel will also look for guidance from her four captains: Kerry Driscoll, Andrea Khouzami, Carly Sanda, and Katherine Giroux. Driscoll was a key piece of the defense last season, Khouzami patrolled the midfield, and both Giroux and Sanda were a part of the Stoughton offense.
“We will be relying heavily on our returning captains to show their maturity on the field, and lead our young team through difficult moments,” Jamiel said. “We have a lot of energy coming into our program this season, and we are so looking forward to building our program into a competitive one.”
2021 Record: 5-11-2 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Liz Hathaway
With a blend of experience and new faces, Taunton is hoping to compete in a very deep Kelley-Rex division and push for a spot in the postseason.
Senior Kaysie DeMoura is fresh off a super season with the state champion softball team and is looking to carry some of that success onto the turf with the field hockey team. She burst onto the scene last year as one of the top box-to-box players in the Hock and finished as the team’s leading scorer with four goals and six assists. She’ll look to work with senior forward Caelyn O’Leary (six goals, one assist) to give the Tigers a dynamic 1-2 punch offensively. Sophomore Caroline Vallarelli has impressed with a strong skillset in the midfield so far this preseason.
There will be some familiar faces on the defensive end, but some changes as well. Junior Jasmine Lucier, who previously started on defense for the Tigers, will make the transition to goalie this year. Head coach Liz Hathaway notes that Lucier has worked very hard during the offseason and has established herself in between the pipes. Taunton will lean heavily on Thal Nogueira, a smart defender that has been the anchor of the defense for the past few seasons. They are a great ball tackler with a great sense for defensive position.
“We are a young team, we graduated seven starters from last season,” Hathaway said. “We have a strong returning defense and a young forward line that have stepped up during the preseason. Our younger players are really looking to make a name for themselves and working hard. Our team has worked hard and is looking forward to the season ahead.”
Boys Soccer
King Philip, 3 @ Bishop Feehan, 0 – Final – Behind a pair of first half goals and a shutout defensively, King Philip opened the season with a win over Bishop Feehan. The Warriors opened the scoring just inside 20 minutes in as Dermott Amorim set up Brad Lynn to make it 1-0 in the 17th minute. KP went on to double its lead shortly before halftime as Will Bowen finished off an assist from Matt Crago. The Warriors put the game away in the 62nd mintue when Neel McGrath nodded in a service from Bowen.
Canton, 0 vs. Braintree, 1 – Final
Franklin, 2 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final – Connor Brown had a dream start to his senior season, scoring both goals for the Panthers and putting in a strong performance all game long. Junior Andrew O’Neill registered an assist on the second goal for the Panthers.
Mansfield, 0 @ Wayland, 4 – Final
Girls Soccer
King Philip, 1 @ Hingham, 1 – Final – KP started the season with a very impressive point on the road against top-ranked Hingham. With 11 minutes to play, Ella Pisani hit a long, diagonal pass to Ailish McGowen on the left and she hit a 35-yard shot over the keeper’s head. Makenna Norrman made eight saves, including several diving stops to preserve a point for the Warriors. Grace Lawler and Rihanna Mason had strong games in back for KP.
Mansfield, 0 vs. Bishop Feehan, 2 – Final – Feehan scored twice in the second half to pull out the win against Mansfield. A young Hornets roster battled with one of the highly-ranked teams in the state and showed that it can compete at that level. Goalie Olivia Salisbury made a handful of top-level saves and the center back pairing of Kara Santos and freshman Olivia Dunham also had a strong game against Feehan’s attack.
Milford, 2 vs. Norton, 2 – Final – Milford twice held a lead against Norton and walked away with a point in the season opener. Serena Borges put the Hawks ahead with a 30-yard free kick. Norton tied the game in the second half but Milford regained the advantage with 10 minutes play on Dani Atherton’s first goal of the season. With three minutes to play, the Lancers were able to score again to share a point apiece. Milford freshman goalie Chloe Murdock made 10 saves on her debut before leaving in the second half with an injury.
Field Hockey
North Attleboro, 3 @ Dartmouth, 3 – Final – North Attleboro found the back of the net twice in the opening quarter but needed a goal midway through the fourth to earn a tie on the road at Dartmouth. The Rocketeers opened the scoring just under five minutes in when Ava Spencer finished off a pass from Caroline Folan. After the hosts tied the game, Spencer returned the favor to Folan on a corner to give North the lead back with less than a minute to go in the quarter. Dartmouth tied the game in the second and took its first lead in the third but Folan’s second goal of the game (assisted by Julia Puccio) with 7:44 left brought the Big Red level. Gracie Leary made five saves in net for North, Francesca Spencer had a strong performance on the right wing, and both Ella Luistro and Ava Mckeon played well defensively.
Sharon, 0 @ Taunton, 5 – Final – Caelyn O’Leary registered four points and Sophia Cabral scored a pair of goals as Taunton rolled to a big win in its first game of the season. O’Leary opened the scoring (from Jillian Emond) and then assisted on goals from Olivia Reposa, Cabral, and Ayla Jackson. Cabral also netted an unassisted goal to make it 4-0. Jasmine Lucier had the shutout in net while Thal Nogueira, Caroline Vallarelli, and Sydney Moreton played well for the Tigers.
Cross Country
Attleboro @ Bishop Feehan, 3:45
Milford @ Hopedale, 3:45
Stoughton @ West Bridgewater, 3:45
Golf
Attleboro, 169 @ Milford, 163 – Final – Milford got its season underway by earning a win over visiting Attleboro at Hopedale Country Club. Jacob Hipolito and David Fleming led the way for the Scarlet Hawks, each shooting a low-round of 40. Attleboro’s Leo Lombardo was the match medalist, carding a 37 on the day.
King Philip, 151 @ Oliver Ames, 146 – Final – Oliver Ames won its second match in a row to start the season, this time knocking off a strong King Philip squad in a crossover contest. Seniors Michael McGinnis and Daniel Paul shared match medalist honors along with King Philip’s Cam Hasenfus as all three shot a 36 on the day. Juniors Lucas Riley and David Rodgers rounded out the scoring for the Tigers, each coming in at 37 for the day.
Franklin, 151 @ North Attleboro, 152 – Final – Franklin grabbed a pair of wins on the day, including a one-stroke win over North Attleboro in a huge division showdown. Tyler O’Brien hit back-to-back birdies on the final two holes to finish with a team-low round of 36 for the Panthers. Jack Hagerty and Brendan Collins both fired a 38 and CJ Steel and Liam Lewandowski both came in at 39 for the day. North Attleboro’s Tyson Laviano was the match medalist with a low-round of 35 at Wentworth Hills. Caiden Albergio added a 38 and Jordan Paradis shot a 39 for North.
Taunton, 184 @ North Attleboro, 152 – Final
Taunton, 184 vs. Franklin, 151 – Final
Stoughton @ Mansfield – Postponed to TBD.
Sharon, 184 @ Canton, 162 – Final – Canton broke into the win column by taking down visiting Sharon at Blue Hill Country Club. Sophomore Huck McCready had the best round of the day, firing a match medalist round of 38. Brendan Tourgee added a 40 for Canton while both Brian Middleton and Joey Ryan came in at 42. Sharon’s Dylan Cummings, Reid Nierman, Mihir Basil, and Patrick Dykeman all shot 46.
