10/24/201705/31/2018

Tuesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/24/17

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final – Attleboro junior Will Halben scored the game-winner with 10 minutes to play, handing the Bombardiers their second win in three games, and three straight games with at least a point. After a scoreless first half, sophomore Michael Russo set Halben up for the late winner.

Canton, 1 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

King Philip, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – In a battle of two heavyweights, Mansfield edged King Philip to stay within one point of Oliver Ames in the hunt for the Kelley-Rex title. Senior Nick Wisnieski headed in a corner kick from Luke Savoie in the 56th minute for the lone tally. Nick Ferraz made five saves in net for Hornets.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Milford, 2 – Final – North Attleboro scored a pair of goals in the second half and held off a late push from the hosts to clinch its first-ever Davenport title, and first league title since 2007. Big Red took the lead in the 12th minute as Ryan Pasquel’s service was flicked by Gabe Pinhancos and then headed in by Zach Matracia. North made it 2-0 just eight minutes into the second half when Pinhancos converted at the near post on a service from Noah Barney. Milford cut the deficit to one 12 minutes later when Andre Oliveira got free and scored. But North responded five minutes later when Pinhancos volleyed in a header from Barney. Oliveira scored again on a rebound in the 76th minute.

Taunton, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 7 – Final – Oliver Ames celebrated senior night with seven goals from seven different seniors. OA went up 1-0 before Taunton tied it; OA extended its lead to 4-1 before Taunton found the back of the net again and then the hosts scored three straight. Nathaniel Cardoza scored once and had three assists in the win. James Gillespie, Michael Nikiciuk, Jack Galas, Mason Galbato, Brandin Osborne and Nick Zwerle each scored once. Chris Lawrence added three assists and Matthew Alvarado had one helper.

Stoughton, 2 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Sharon overcame an early deficit and then broke a 2-2 game with a late goal to earn two points against Stoughton. Stoughton senior Tyler Melo scored on a free kick from distance but Sharon’s Tyler Goldstein nodded in a throw from Tyler Hippler in the 33rd minute to tie it. Andy Reyes-Jones put the Eagles ahead in the 36th minute but Stoughton’s Terry Lapomarede knotted the score in the 65th minute. Goldstein grabbed his second, and the game-winner, heading in a free kick from sophomore Michael Baur in the 70th minute.

Girls Soccer
Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Molly Duncan scored five minutes into the game off an Anna Balkus assist to put the Panthers ahead early. In the second half, Miranda Smith scored off a Duncan assist just two minutes after the restart and Calen Frongillo wrapped up the scoring from Emily Mastaj with 11 minutes to play. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said that all of the Panthers stepped up and “played really well,” despite the blustery conditions.

Foxboro, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton scored three times in the second half to break open a tie game and earn the two points. Olivia Rodman continued her standout freshman season with a hat trick for the Bulldogs and Sarah Connolly added a 30-yard free kick in the win. Foxboro’s goal was scored by Jordyn Collins and Foxboro coach Katie Stalcup said her team struggled to get into its typical passing game in the wind.

Mansfield, 0 @ King Philip, 0 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Milford, 1 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final North put in a stellar performance and Haley Guertin reached another career milestone in a big win. Guertin scored the game’s third goal for her 100th career point, making her only the second Rocketeers player to ever reach that mark. Haley Ferrin had a hat trick and Ashlyn Gaulin had a brace for North, while Rachel Labonte added the seventh. Gaulin added three assists, Leah Jette had two and Aine Mendonca and Guertin each had one apiece. Emma Noreck picked up the win in goal and North coach Bill Wallace said that Britta MacDonald and Brie Wescott “played inspired soccer.” Madeline Boyle scored the lone Milford goal.

Oliver Ames, 4 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Abigail Reardon and Anna Tempestoso each scored a pair of goals for OA in the win. Sophia Cox recorded a pair of assists and Emily Freeman had one.

Sharon, 0 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Stoughton coach Tara Daniels said that Gaby Diaz, Victoria Fallon, Sarina Hutchinson, and Nikki Anderson played well defensively to limit the Sharon strikers and goalie Emma Harrington earned the clean sheet. Daniels said, “Great game played by all.”

09/28/201709/29/2017

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 09/28/17

Today’s games are listed below.

Game of the Week – Football
Mansfield, 10 @ King Philip, 28 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.
1st Quarter: (M) Danny DeGirolamo 39-yard run, Mike DeBolt XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) M. DeBolt 37-yard field goal; (KP) Shane Frommer 96-yard interception return, Cole Baker XP good.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (KP) Brendan Lydon 19-yard pass to Dylan Leonard, C. Baker XP good, B. Lydon 31-yard pass to Thomas Madden, C. Baker XP good; S. Frommer 47-yard run, C. Baker XP good.

Football
Foxboro, 27 @ Canton, 21 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (F) Mike Henri 5-yard rush, XP missed.
3rd Quarter: (C) Alec Ragusa 59-yard rush, Owen Lehane XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) Devin Hassett 13-yard pass to Jack O’Donnell, D. Hassett 2pt pass to J. O’Donnell; (C) Kyle Fitzgerald 2-yard rush, O. Lehane XP good; (F) D. Hassett 1-yard sneak, Russell Neale XP good; (C) Johnny Hagan 70-yard pass to Tony Harris, O. Lehane XP good.
Overtime: (F) D. Hassett 6-yard pass to J. O’Donnell.

Franklin, 22 @ Oliver Ames, 40 – Final
1st Quarter: (OA) Noah Fitzgerald 29-yard rush, XP no good; (OA) Anthony Berksza 15-yard rush, XP no good.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 20-yard pass to Jack Nally, XP no good; (OA) A. Berksza 19-yard rush, Curtis Cann 2pt pass to A. Berksza; (OA) C. Cann 34-yard pass to Ralph Derolus, A. Berksza 2pt rush; (F) J. Noviello 25-yard pass to Sean Leonard, J. Noviello 2pt pass to Evan Wendell.
3rd Quarter: (OA) Michael Mulrean 50-yard interception return, Derick Hanscom XP good; (F) Nick Gordon 4-yard rush, J. Noviello 2pt pass to S. Leonard.
4th Quarter: (OA) A. Berksza 7-yard rush, D. Hanscom XP good.

Stoughton, 33 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (Sto) Evan Gibb 1-yard rush, XP blocked; (Sto) Justin Ly 11-yard rush, 2pt failed;
3rd Quarter: (Sto) E. Gibb 1-yard rush, E. Gibb 2pt pass to Ruben Gonzalez; (Sto) Jason Joseph 50-yard fumble return, XP failed.
4th Quarter: (Sto) J. Ly 1-yard rush, XP good.

Boys Soccer
Franklin, 0 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Foxboro, 2 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.

Mansfield, 3 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – Mansfield built a 1-0 lead at halftime and added two more in the second half to pick up a win on the road at KP. Jackson Murphy opened the scoring on an assist from Sean Lanzillo to put the Hornets ahead. Cullin Anastasia scored what proved to be the game-winner with a penalty kick in the second half and then added an insurance goal on an assist from Sam Hyland. Mansfield goalie Nick Ferraz made 11 saves in the win.

Milford, 1 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North Attleboro scored all three of its goals in the second half to pick up a key division win over Milford. Big Red went up 1-0 when Gabe Pinhancos scored just under eight minutes into the second half, running onto a flick from junior Joe Hilf and converting. Pinhancos made it 2-0 just three minutes later, heading in a cross from Zach Matracia. Milford cut the deficit in half in the 62nd minute when Anthony Salvador volleyed in a throw from Joey Madden. Nate Burns put the game away with his first career goal, scoring off a flick from Connor MacIver.

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Taunton, 1 – Final – Oliver Ames senior Matt Alvarado collected his third and fourth goals of the season, helping OA pick up two points on the road. Michael Nikiciuk netted his fourth goal of the season as well. Nathaniel Cardoza, Colin Evin and Cam Valla each had an assist in the win.

Sharon, 4 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Sharon had four different goal scorers in the win on the road. Tyler Hippler, Andrew Reyes-Jones, Tyler Goldstein and Michael Baur each found the back of the net for the Eagles.

Girls Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin scored four times in the opening half hour to break the game wide open. Emily Mastaj, Halle Atkinson, Olivia Dellorco, and Sarah Yelle scored the goals for the Panthers before halftime and Molly Duncan added a fifth with five minutes left to play. Julia Hayes netted the lone goal for Attleboro. Breanna Atwood made five saves for the Panthers and Ashley Macia made five for the Bombardiers.

Canton, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Katelyn Mollica scored what turned out to be the game-winner with 12 minutes remaining to extend Foxboro’s win streak to five games. Shaina Abbott had the opening goal on a volley from a Mackenzie Fraser assist before Mollica doubled the lead. Canton cut the lead to one with a late goal, but the Warriors held on for the win. Jamie DeVellis made eight saves to earn the win in goal.

King Philip, 2 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final – Avery Snead scored one and set up the other to lift KP to a win over the defending Kelley-Rex champs and put the Warriors into a tie atop the standings. Chloe Layne opened the scoring off a Snead assist in the first half, firing a low shot into the corner. Kerina Geminiani equalized for the Hornets with a 25-yard free kick that sent the game into halftime 1-1. Snead scored the game-winner with 11 minutes remaining, sending her shot just past the outstretched arms of the Mansfield keeper. KP coach Gary Pichel credited his “great defensive line” for helping the Warriors earn the two points.

North Attleboro, 3 @ Milford, 0 – Final – North Attleboro scored all three of its goals inside the first half hour of the match and played a strong defensive game to earn the shutout. Ashlyn Gaulin opened the scoring in the 15th minute, converting a feed from Haley Guertin to make it 1-0. Guertin then doubled the lead off an assist from Kayla Pasquel before Emma Gaulin made it 3-0 in the 30th minute, with Leah Jette getting the assist. Emma Noreck made six saves for North to earn the shutout. Milford head coach Jay Mastaj said Briana Braza played well defensively for the Scarlet Hawks.

Taunton, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – OA scored a pair of second half goals to come back from a goal down and pull out the win. Erin Holmberg scored off a through ball from Anna Tempestoso in the first minute after the break and Gabrielle McLaughlin netted the winner on an assist from Maeve Hogan. Samantha Tichelaar scored the lone goal of the game for Taunton in the opening minute. Alex Wapenski had the assist for Taunton.

Stoughton, 2 @ Sharon, 6 – Final – Ally Filipkowski and Fallon Pfeifer both scored hat tricks for the Eagles and Filipkowski added an assist as well. Bridget McManus and Marika Fillon also had assists for Sharon. Stoughton got goals from Nicole Weir (off a cross from Brigid Pearl) and Mia Greene.

Field Hockey
Sharon, 2 vs. Bellingham, 2 – Final – Emily Locke scored both goals for the Eagles to earn the non-league tie.

Golf
Foxboro, 173 @ Stoughton, 189 – Final – Foxboro’s Dylan Quinn earned match medalist honors, carding a low-round of 41 for the Warriors. Brendan Campbell shot a team-low round of 42 for the Black Knights.

Attleboro, 197 @ North Attleboro, 198 – Final (5 cards) – It came down to a fifth card tiebreaker after rivals Attleboro and North Attleboro were knotted at 154. Kyle DelSignore led the Bombardiers with a par round of 35 while Corey McKenna carded a 38. Dylan Kane led North Attleboro, carding a 37 at the middle course of Heather Hill.

Milford, 165 @ Canton, 156 – Final – Canton’s Jack Goyetch carded a round of 37 to earn match medalist honors and help the Bulldogs pick up another key division win. Joey Vaughan finished with a 38 and Bubba McNeice chipped in with a round of 40. Zach Tammaro and Andrew Fauerbach each shot 39 for the Scarlet Hawks.

Sharon, 190 @ Mansfield, 171 – Final – Freshman Nathan Morreale carded a low-round of 41 while classmate Joseph Gormley shot a 42 to help the Hornets fend off visiting Sharon. Senior Brett Kessler, junior Jake DiSangro and freshman Brian See each carded a 44 for Mansfield.

09/14/2017

Stessman’s Brace Helps Sharon Double Up On Attleboro

Sharon boys soccer — Attleboro’s Devin Andre avoids a challenge from Sharon’s Andrew Reyes-Jones in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

SHARON, Mass. – Sharon head coach Bryan Kelly didn’t hide his excitement in the preseason for the group he had this season, including a handful of younger players.

But because of an injury, sophomore
Isaiah Stessman was stuck on the bench for the team’s first three games, and the Eagles were limited to just three goals so far.

Stessman made a splash in his season debut, scoring a goal in each half, including the game-winner in the final 10 minutes as Sharon recorded a 4-2 win over visiting Attleboro.

“His presence in the middle is huge,” Kelly said. “He’s young but he’s smart. With him and [Michael] Baur in the middle, we’re dynamic.”

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

It took the Eagles less than 10 minutes to take the lead over the Bombardiers. Using one of their most reliable options, senior
Tyler Hippler launched a long throw-in inside the attacking third that went over Attleboro’s keeper, deflected off sophomore
Michael Baur, off the post and in for a 1-0 lead.

Attleboro registered its first chance of the game in the 18th minute when
Devin Andre tracked down a long punt from keeper
Nick Hasenfus, touched it wide for sophomore
Michael Russo but his bid went just over the bar.

Big Blue’s momentum didn’t last long though. Just three minutes later, the Eagles doubled their lead. Sharon senior
Marques Benton found some space at the top of the area, turned and ripped a shot that forced a diving save by Hasenfus. But Stessman pounced on the loose ball and buried it to make it 2-0.

“That’s the offense we’ve been expecting,” Kelly said. “During the OA game, we were kind of stagnant in our midfield and weren’t moving the ball well. So yesterday during practice we focused on moving the ball and keeping our formation and it showed today. We kept the ball on the ground, we were stringing together some passes together.”

The Eagles nearly added another tally in the 31st minute when
Andrew Reyes-Jones laid a pass off for sophomore
Brian Higgins but his bid on net was saved.

Attleboro had a last minute chance in the first half when
Connor Dunn struck a half volley inside the area, but Sharon junior goalie
Ethan Kantor made an acrobatic save to preserve the two goal lead at the break.

Sharon came close to adding a third just over five minutes into the second half but Hasenfus had a big answer. Sophomore
Viktor Schneider’s low cross found the feet of Baur inside the area, but a tackle from
Nathan LaPlume forced it free. Hippler jumped on the loose ball and placed his shot in the upper corner but Hasenfus timed his jump perfectly and knocked it away.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

The save proved big for Attleboro as the Bombardiers cut the deficit in half just four minutes later. Russo launched a big clearance off a Sharon corner and junior
Will Halben was able to flick the ball behind the defense. Halben then tracked down the loose ball, taking advantage of a miscommunication between a Sharon defender and Sharon goalie, touched it wide and finished into the open net to make it 2-1.

The Bombardiers nearly pulled level three minutes later when
Aidan Lanc put a half volley on goal, but Kantor was positioned well.

Two minutes after Andre had his floating header stopped by Kantor, the Eagles found the game winner. After a first corner we cleared away, Baur whipped a cross into the near post and Stessman – who was on the bench for the majority of the second half as he eases into game form – made the run and connected with a header to make it 3-1.

“We have a bunch of young players so when we can score off a set piece, it’s a bonus,” Kelly said. “Our second goal and our last goal to ice it, those are the goals we want to see. But set pieces are big too, a lot of teams score on set pieces in this league. If you’re not scoring on them, you could be down. You take away the set piece goals and it’s a 2-2 tie.”

With Attleboro pushing almost all of its players forward, Sharon’s
Antonio El-Khoury took advantage and tucked his shot into the far corner in the 80th minute.

On the final play of the game, Attleboro sophomore
David Medeiros hammered home a corner from junior
Eli Araujo to make it 4-2.

Sharon boys soccer (2-1-1 overall, 2-1 Hockomock) is back in action on Friday when it opens its Davenport schedule with a visit from Foxboro. Attleboro (0-2-1) is on the road for the second straight game, visiting King Philip on Friday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

09/07/201709/08/2017

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 09/07/17

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 2 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton senior Jake Verille opened the scoring and junior Simon Cruz added two first half tallies as the Bulldogs led 3-0 at the halftime break. Attleboro junior Will Halben pulled one back but Canton’s Griffin Roach found the back of the week to make it 4-1. Brandon Lewis added a second strike for the Bombardiers.

Mansfield, 0 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – Mansfield senior Nick Ferraz made eight saves in net for the Hornets to earn the shutout.

Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North Attleboro twice erased a one-goal deficit and scored the game winner with just two seconds left to open the season with two points. Franklin senior Connor O’Rourke put the Panthers ahead in the sixth minute, finishing a shot from distance. North tied the game in the 28th minute when junior Joe Hilf put home a rebound on a corner kick. An own goal put Franklin back ahead but North Attleboro tied the match in the 61st minute. Senior Gabe Pinhancos broke through in alone on goal, touched around the keeper and finished into the net. Hilf scored the winner at the death, putting his shot at the back post with two seconds left.

King Philip, 1 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Milford pushed King Philip to the brink but the Warriors found the game-winner five just five minutes go. Senior Cam Koch provided the winner as his shot from outside the area hit off the crossbar and back off the keeper and into the net. Milford head coach Bryan Edwards played the effort of defender Joey Madden and goalie Josh Orellana.

Taunton, 1 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Liam Crowley put Taunton ahead just before halftime but the Eagles netted a pair of second half goals to grab two points. Marques Benton leveled the match in the 52nd minute, heading in a long throw from Tyler Hippler. Isaiah Stessman netted the winner in the 66th minute with a shot from distance.

Girls Soccer
Canton, 2 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Lilah Sullivan scored off a Riley Duserick assist to open the scoring for the Bulldogs and freshman Elisa Diletizia added a debut goal for Canton. Attleboro coach Steve Santos said that his team played well and created chances, but just couldn’t find the finish.

Foxboro, 1 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final – Click here for a recap o this game.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Click here for a recap o this game.

Milford, 0 @ King Philip, 4 – Final – Chloe Layne scored a pair of goals and had an assist as KP scored four goals for the second straight game. Layne opened the scoring off a corner and Jenny Hinch made it two by finishing off a loose ball to the near post. Avery Snead scored off a Layne assist to make it 3-0 at halftime. Layne redirected an Emma Corcoran corner for her second and the fourth for the Warriors. Milford goalie Olivia Marshall made eight saves and Hawks coach Jay Mastaj said that Rachel LeBlanc had a solid game on defense.

Stoughton, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – Abby Reardon, Sofia Masciarelli, and Erin Homberg scored goals for the Tigers and Sophia Cox and Abby Hodges had assists. Stoughton coach Tara Daniels said it was a “well-fought game” by the Black Knights. She added that senior Mia Greene created a number of chances from center midfield and goalie Emma Harrington played tough in goal.

Sharon, 0 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Emily O’Gara had a goal and an assist for the Tigers. Maggie Sullivan had the other goal and Samantha Tichelaar had an assist. Grace Pimenta made three saves to earn the clean sheet.

Field Hockey
Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 8 – Final – Canton senior Andrea McNeil netted a pair of goals and registered a pair of assists in the Bulldogs’ big win.

Franklin, 1 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Franklin freshman Victoria Quinn tied the game midway through the first half off an assist from freshman Amanda Lewandowski. FHS goalie Christina Luccini helped the Panthers preserve the tie with a stellar second half, making five her of nine saves in the second half. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper also praised the play of junior Cassi Ronan and senior defender Jolie Bua.

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames broke open a tie game at the half with a pair of second half goals to beat Stoughton. Liz Nuss led OA with two goals while Hannah Stryke scored one goal. Caitlin Grant recorded 11 saves in net for Oliver Ames. Haley Apotheker and Allie Howe scored for Stoughton.

Taunton, 4 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Taunton led 1-0 at the break and netted three more goals in the second half to pull away from Sharon and earn the win. Kya Enos scored a pair of goals while Diana Brend Lauren Torres each netted one goal for the Tigers. Senior Liana Duarte and freshman Alana Tavares each registered an assist in the win. Sharon head coach Andrea Vandette said goalie Lindsay Moses played an amazing first half, turning aside 20 shots.

King Philip, 9 @ Milford, 0 – Final – King Philip raced out to a 6-0 lead in the first half and never looked back in a shutout win on the road. Alli Meehan had a hat trick and two assists to pace the Warriors’ offense while Claire Lawler scored twice and Caroline Klim had two helpers. Liz Furfari (goal, assist), Dana Truini and Raegan Simeone each scored once while Christina Hathaway and McKenzie Mazur each had one assist.

Volleyball
Taunton, 0 vs. New Bedford, 3 – Final – Junior Kayli Fagan recorded 10 assists and Sam Reaume finished with four kills and a block for the Tigers.

Golf
Attleboro, 172 @ Taunton, 189 – Final – Attleboro’s Kyle DelSignore led the Bombardiers with a low-round of 39 while Corey McKenna carded a 41 to lead Big Blue to its first win. Jack Giebel, Jack Patneaude, Cam Williams all shot 46 for Taunton.

North Attleboro, 171 @ Milford, 172 – Final – North Attleboro’s Dylan Kane earned match medalist honors, carding a low-round of 38 to lead the Rocketeers. Riley Lynch led Milford with a 40 and Will Middlecoat shot a 42.

King Philip, 168 @ Franklin, 171 – Final – King Philip’s Danny McLaughlin was the medalist with a low-round of 37.

Cross Country
Canton @ Nauset, 4:30

09/04/201709/05/2017

Boys Soccer: 2017 Davenport Division Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Davenport Boys Soccer Preview

Canton

2016 Record: 8-7-5
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round
Coach: Danny Erickson

After playing a good handful of juniors and sophomores during the 2016 season, the Bulldogs look to be an experienced group heading into this year. Leading the way will be senior and two-time captain Jake Verille, who leads the Bulldogs from the middle of the pitch. Fellow captain Abe Garber is back for another year in net and senior captain John Agnitti with anchor the defensive line.

Verille, a HockomockSports.com Best XI selection last season, has been one of the top playmakers the past two years. On top of Verille’s offensive ability, Canton also returns junior Paul Corcoran – the team’s leading scorer (nine goals) and the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. Alongside Corcoran, the Bulldogs have a slew of juniors with varsity experience including Griffin Roach, Simon Cruz, Paulo Ruggeri and Avery Minkin that will all factor into the attack.

“We are confident that we will be able to keep the ball and attack this year,” said Canton head coach Danny Erickson. “The chances should be created, but we will need to finish. We will also need to defend as a group of 11 MUCH better than we did last season.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 6-9-4
2016 Finish: Reached D3 South First Round
Coach: Joe Franchino

After graduating just five seniors last season, head coach Joe Franchino brings back the majority of squad that had just one loss in its last eight regular season games in 2016. However, two of those five players – Anthony Barreira (two-time Best XI selection) & AJ Bubencik (now playing at Mass. Maritime) – were four year players and will be tough to replace.

The good news is that while the Warriors were young a year ago, a good portion of the team has at least a season of varsity experience under its belt. Senior captain Shawn McNamara, now in his fourth year starting for the Warriors, will lead the way along with fellow captains Matt Rongione and Ryan Kelley. Senior Cam Cass also has plenty of experience and will be relied upon as a playmaker. Junior Shane Vandenboom had a strong sophomore season and will be an important piece in the midfield along classmate Nic Beigel and senior Hussiein Kafel.

Seniors Bobby Harrison will be the starting goalie for the Warriors.

“Coming into my third year, I am confident the team has bought into the system and I’m really looking forward to see how they compete,” Franchino said. “We have experienced senior and junior classes with a couple of sophomores to watch out for. We may not have a target on our back but when it’s all said and done, I believe we have the team to win! I believe in this group and really excited to see what they accomplish.”

Milford

2016 Record: 4-10-4
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Brian Edwards

The Scarlet Hawks are looking to take the next step in year two with Brian Edwards at the helm. After just four wins a season ago, Edwards is hoping that the experience gained by his younger players will translate into more success this time around.

Midfielder Andre Oliveira will be a key piece for Edwards and the Scarlet Hawks, helping both the offense and defense. Oliveira’s ability to transition from defense to offense will be key for the Scarlet Hawks this season. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Jacob Balzarini is back in the center of the defense. After getting plenty of time in that spot last season, Balzarini will be the anchor of the backline this year. On top of Oliveira and Balzaini, Edwards is looking for new players to step up and make an impact.

“I’m looking for us to be a team that stresses balance,” Edwards said. “I am hopeful that the experience many of these guys gained last year translates into more success in the standings. I am also excited to see what the new guys bring to the squad. There are a bunch of hungry young players that want to make their mark on this team and in this league.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 2-10-6
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Geoff Burgess

North Attleboro boasts over a dozen seniors on the 2017 version of the Red Rocketeers and head coach Geoff Burgess is hoping that experience will translate into success on the field.

Leading the way will be senior and 2016 HockomockSports.com Second XI selection Gabe Pinhancos, who has been Big Red’s field general for the past couple of seasons. Josh Rodriguez and Ryan Pasquel are also back this season to help bolster the midfield. Junior Joe Hilf and senior Jeff Gale will be relied upon to pace North Attleboro’s offense.

Big Red’s biggest strength could be in the back, having a defensive unit with plenty of experience. Noah Barney and Zach Matracia both saw significant time and will be joined by classmates Andrew Fontaine and Kevin Aguilar. That defensive unit will be in front of senior goalie Brendan Matracia.

“I am hoping that we are going to be a team on the rise this year,” said Burgess. “I have a strong senior class and we’ve had a good summer and an even better preseason.”

Sharon

2016 Record: 11-4-4 (Davenport Division Champions)
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round
Coach: Bryan Kelly

The defending Davenport division champs will boast a large senior class (14) but will also rely on some younger players as they look to win back-to-back Hock titles.

The Eagles’ tri-captains will provide leadership in each part of the pitch, with senior center back Shubo Roy-Chowdury on the back line, senior Tyler Hippler leading the midfield and senior Spencer Hall up front. Sharon’s attack will bolstered by seniors Marques Benton and Andy Reyes-Jones, who both saw plenty of time up top a year ago. Meanwhile, sophomore Michael Baur is back after a standout freshman season and classmates Isaiah Stessman, Brian Higgins and freshman Brice Nathan will all play a role in helping the Eagles go forward.

Maybe the biggest advantage the Eagles have is returning keeper Ethan Kantor. The junior had a terrific season in net a year ago and will be the backbone of the team’s defense.

“With a solid defense that is smart and has speed, we should be able to keep up with fast offenses while not losing the capability to support a potent offense,” said SHS head coach Bryan Kelly. “Overall, we are solid from goal to forwards, it just depends on if we can put the ball in the back of the net.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 8-9-2
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Chris Suchorski

Stoughton will be looking to make it back again to the postseason, this time under first-year head coach Chris Suchorski. The Black Knights just made it in a season ago but it marked the third straight year for the program.

Suchorski is tasked with replacing 12 seniors that graduated from last year’s team. However, all of the players he is returning all saw varsity time last season and that should soften the blow dealt by graduation. Senior Tyler Melo (six points) is back and will likely be a vital part of the Black Knights’ midfield and attack. Junior Fabio Ponce de Leon (six points) begins his third season on varsity and will once again be one the Black Knights’ top offensive options. Brian Peoples also returns as one of the team’s top playmakers.

The biggest question could come with the back four, as the Black Knights must find a replacement for 2016 Best XI selection Goddy Fombe, who anchored the back line the past two season the sweeper position.

11/06/2016

Missed Opportunities Hurt Sharon in Loss to Pembroke

SHARON, Mass. – The opportunities were there, but unfortunately the finishing wasn’t for Sharon on Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles had the advantage in possession and chances created but couldn’t take advantage. Meanwhile, Pembroke was efficient in the offensive third, making the most of their opportunities and picked up a 3-1 win over the Eagles.

While both sides had chances early on – Pembroke’s Cory Arscott’s header pushed aside by Sharon keeper Ethan Kantor in the 5th minute and Sharon’s Andrew Reyes-Jones having his shot blocked by a scrambling Pembroke keeper Dan O’Neill both inside the first 10 minutes – it took until after the Titans to score for the Eagles to settle in.

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“They capitalized on our mistakes, I thought we controlled the majority of the possession,” Sharon head coach Bryan Kelly said. “But sometimes that third or final pass wasn’t there and that’s where they got us a couple of times. They didn’t have much in the midfield, they were all about counter attacks and that’s where they scored. They weren’t a possessive team, they liked to get one or two passes and then get it up and they caught us on our heels a couple of times.”

After Sharon had an offensive possession thwarted, Pembroke jumped out on the counter with Nathan Horner grabbing possession on the right sideline. After a couple of touches to get into the attacking third, Horner launched a shot to the far post that just eluded Kantor’s leap and found the side netting to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The Eagles used long throw-ins from Tyler Hippler to generate some chances but a handful of opportunities bounced through the area without a Sharon player getting a clean touch. In the 37th minute, Sharon freshman Michael Baur did get on the end of a throw from Hippler but O’Neil did well to stop the chance.

“We had so many opportunities in the first half…balls right in front of the goal,” Kelly said. “Their goalie was outstanding, he made some great saves. If we finished…I mean I think we had way more opportunities going to goal than they did but it was just one of those games we couldn’t find the back of the net. I have to give it to my players, they played hard, they played great. But the name of the game is putting it in the back of the net.”

While Sharon had a strong start to the second half, Pembroke grabbed the all-important next goal in the 50th minute. Christian Pulselli played a through ball behind the defense to Sal Perrotto. Kantor made the initial stop charging out but the rebound went right back off Perrotto and found the back of the net.

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Sharon nearly responded immediately when O’Neil dove out to punch a corner kick from Baur. The ball ended up at the feet of Ian Camilli, who uncorked a shot from inside the area but O’Neil was back in position and handled the strike.

Pembroke iced the game in the 60th minute when Roman Frattasio was able to generate some space along the left wing and hit a shot that snuck in at the near post.

The Eagles pushed numbers forward at the end and were able to draw a penalty kick in the final minute. Jeffrey Gao, who drew the foul, buried the penalty to the bottom left to make it 3-1.

Sharon boys soccer finishes the season at 11-4-4 and as the 2016 Hockomock League Davenport Division Champions. It was the program’s first league title since 1994.

“We’re getting better every year. My first year and second year we had away games for playoffs, this year we had a home game,” Kelly said. “Hopefully next year we get that first round win that’s eluded us. This program is great, this team was great this year. Our season was awesome, first time in a long time we won a league title. They have all of that to be proud of.”

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10/22/2016

Eagles Win at Canton to Clinch State Tournament Berth

CANTON, Mass. – Two days of rain forced the game to be moved from its home field, but Sharon did not seem bothered by having to play at Canton for a second time or to be without two of its starting midfielders.

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The Eagles locked down defensively, with keeper Ethan Kantor largely untroubled by the Canton attack, and got second half goals from Andrew Reyes-Jones and Ben Stamm to walk away with a 2-0 victory that clinched a spot in the state tournament and extended Sharon’s lead in the Davenport division to four points over the Bulldogs.

“We’ve been talking about the importance of getting these two points,” said Sharon coach Bryan Kelly. “This puts us in. That’s great; now we’re playing for seeding.”

The weather forced the game to be played on Canton’s turf pitch rather than the grass at Sharon and that decision looked prescient when the skies opened up during warmups and the pitch was deluged by rain through almost the entire first half.

The downpour had its effect on the opening 40 minutes with the ball skidding around and both teams struggling to create any scoring chances from open play. Both teams relied on set pieces to get the ball into the attacking third with Sharon’s TTyler Hippler sending in a number of long free kicks and long throws into the box.

Canton’s best chances fell to Jake Verille in the 19th minute and to Sam Papakonstantino a minute later but the first effort sliced wide and the second was easily held by Kantor. That would be the lone save that the Sharon keeper was forced to make.

“We had no attack today,” admitted Canton coach Danny Erickson. “They pressured very well and we didn’t handle it. Tackles were all Sharon, everything in both boxes were Sharon and they clearly deserved to win today.”

The best chance of the opening half came on a Hippler throw that fell to Jeffrey Gao, who managed to flick a shot to the far corner where Canton keeper Abe Garber was able to tip it around the post. On the ensuing corner Shalin Patel headed over.

The sun came out just before halftime and the Eagles seemed to gain energy from the changing weather. The second half saw Sharon push forward and look far more dangerous in the attacking third.

“We’ve been looking for the diagonal ball and we haven’t been hitting it, so we just need to continue to do that and win the ball,” said Kelly about the second half surge. “We weren’t doing much in the first half and once we started to do that in the second half the game really changed.”

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That change in momentum created the opening goal nine minutes after the break. Hippler squared a pass from the right into Stamm on the edge of the box and he turned his defender before laying the ball into the path of Reyes-Jones. The junior took a touch past his marker before firing a shot inside the far post for what turned out to be the game-winner.

“Ben Stamm was the difference tonight,” Kelly explained. “Getting that solid touch, the first-time ball, nice turn on it to Andy and Andy put it home. Without Ben in the middle there, it’s a different game.”

Six minutes after the goal, Reyes-Jones nearly played provider with a through ball to Spencer Hall but his shot was saved by Garber. Canton had only one clear chance from the run of play in the second half when Griffin Roach turned on the edge of the box after a Paul Corcoran throw but his shot slid wide of the post.

The only chances that Canton was able to manage came on free kicks and corners with Matas Leveckis having a couple of headers in the box that he was not able to put on target.

Erickson said, “Our only chances were on set pieces and we never really got any test on them. It was a tough one for us today.”

With the game winding down, Canton was caught with everyone up field and a quick ball played over the top sprung Stamm, who was onside because he started the run in his own half. Stamm beat Garber to the ball, touched it past the keeper and then walked it in for the goal that settled the game.

When asked if he felt a little better after the second goal, Kelly laughed and responded, “Absolutely, that second one was, thank you…thank you.”

Sharon qualified for the postseason for the third straight season. The past two years have seen the Eagles get knocked out on the road in the opening round and Kelly said that the team is intent on changing that this fall.

He said, “The important thing is my boys aren’t focused on that first game. We want to get through that first game, we don’t want it to end in the first game this year.”

Sharon (8-3-3, 7-3-3) will step outside the league on Monday to face Norwood, before getting back into Hockomock play against Stoughton the following day. A win against the Black Knights would clinch at least a share of the Davenport crown for the Eagles, the program’s first league title since back-to-back championships in 1993 and 1994.

Canton (6-5-4, 5-5-3) needs two points to clinch a spot in the postseason and will next face Foxboro on Tuesday night.

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10/17/2016

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/17/16

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 4 – Final

Canton, 0 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – North Attleboro’s offense exploded for three goals, snapping Canton’s seven game unbeaten streak. Gabe Pinhancos opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing off a cross from Zach Matracia to put North up 1-0. Leo Charlebois doubled the lead, converting from the penalty spot after Andrew Fontaine drew the foul inside the area. Pinhancos got his second of the game in the 53rd minute, taking a through ball from Conor Danahey to put the Rocketeers up 3-0. Shawn Watters made six saves in net and North head coach Geoff Burgess said John Brennan was huge defensively for Big Red.

Foxboro, 1 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – Sharon scored once in each half to pick up a key division win against Foxboro. Jake Teven opened the scoring in the first half, scoring an unassisted goal from just outside the area to put the Eagles up 1-0. Andrew Reyes-Jones doubled Sharon’s lead, converting a long throw from Tyler Hippler to make it 2-0. An own goal with three minutes to play put Foxboro on the board.

Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Cullin Anastasia scored inside the opening 10 minutes off an assist from Sam Hyland to set the tone for the Hornets. John Cooney doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, scoring off an assist from Max Gurnon and James Chotkowski iced the game in the 72nd minute off an assist from Anastasia. Nick Ferraz notched his first career shutout with four saves. Head coach Steve Sheridan had high praise for Sam Nugent, Ethan Brill-Cass, Harry Braidt, Jalaj Singh, Jake Tuleja and Gurnon for their defensive play.

Franklin, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final – Kevin Hall scored the lone goal of the game in the second half on an assist from Noah Scafati to help the Panthers earn the win. Freddie Beckmann recorded the shutout in net for Franklin.

Stoughton, 1 @ Milford, 0 – Final – Stoughton’s Marco Antunes scored his first goal of the season early in the second half as the Black Knights beat Milford. Noah Schulze served in a free kick that Antunes was able to eventually latch on to. Matt Gallagher recorded his second straight shutout of the year. “Milford was excellent and made us play hard for the win tonight,” Stoughton head coach Aaron Salter said. “Marco Antunes was excellent and so was my defense.” Milford head coach Brian Edwards said Andre Oliveira and Marcello Panno put in great performances in midfield for the Scarlet Hawks.

Girls Soccer
King Philip, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – King Philip freshman Avery Snead scored a pair of goals in the first 20 minutes of the game to lead the Warriors, who qualified for the postseason with the win. Snead converted a pass from classmate Chloe Layne for the game-winner in the eighth minute and doubled the lead in the 19th minute, netting a through ball from Julia Massarone from 10 yards out. Riley Magane iced the game on a shot from just inside the area off an assist from Skylah Caruso.

North Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Riley Duserick gave Canton a lead in the first half but North Attleboro’s Aine Mendonca leveled the scoring before the break, scoring on a free kick. North Attleboro head coach Bill Wallace said Haley Guertin, Rachel LaBonte and Emily Chiasson played well for the Rocketeers.

Sharon, 2 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – Alex Rabb scored a pair of goals, putting Sharon ahead 1-0 just over 10 minutes into the game and then netting the game-winner on a free kick from 30 yards out just before halftime. Ally Filipkowski notched the assist on Rabb’s opener. Foxboro’s Kristen Bortolotti scored on a penalty kick in the first half for the Warriors.

Mansfield, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Hannah Reiter netted a pair of second half goals to lead Mansfield to the win on the road.

Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 0 – Final – Regan Benton had the shutout for Oliver Ames in Net. OA head coach Britt Sellmayer said Zoe Chazan, Dana Lowney and Kiana Lozzi had strong games for the Tigers.

Milford, 6 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Gabbie Riley and Maggie Boyle each scored a pair of goals while Julianna France and Sydney Morrison each netted one goal to lead the Scarlet Hawks. Olivia Marshall notched the shutout in net for Milford.

Volleyball
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – King Philip defended its home court with a 25-16, 25-13, 25-19 sweep of the visiting Bombardiers. Kat Kmetz led KP with 16 service points while Carly Adams had 14 service points and Sydney Phillips finished with 12 service points and had a strong game at the net. Emma Lopez had six kills and Liv Balduf finished with four kills and 10 service points for the Warriors.

Canton, 3 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – Canton dropped the second set but rebounded to get the next two for a 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, 25-20 win. “It was a gritty, hard fought battle,” Canton head coach Pat Cawley said. Nicole Poole dished out 21 assists and added six kills and six aces to lead the Bulldogs. Emma Murphy had seven kills six blocks and two aces, Cassie Loftus had her best all around match of the season according to Cawley with five kills and some impressive defensive play. Julia Panico controlled Canton’s defense with 15 digs.

Foxboro, 2 @ Sharon, 3 – Final – Sharon won the second and third sets but had to battle all the way to the fifth set to earn the win over Foxboro. Sharon junior Jess Allan led Eagles’ offense with 10 kills along with seven aces. Junior Naomi Topal added nine kills and six aces, senior Faythe Gomolka tallied 17 assists and Cori Jermyn had five aces, six digs and four blocks.

Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Mansfield picked up the sweep, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19, at home against Tainton. Chloe Peters had 14 service points and 20 assists, Jess Haradon had 11 digs and eight service points, Meg Hill added 11 kills and Lexi Gardner chipped in with six service points .

Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Franklin picked up a big division win in five sets on the road at Oliver Ames. Erin Skidmore led the Panthers with 12 kills while adding 23 digs and a pair of aces. Maddie Kuzio also had two aces while leading Franklin with 31 digs. Lauren McGrath had 31 assists to go along with an ace and Maggie Doyle had six kills and five blocks.

Stoughton, 0 @ Milford, 3 – Final

Field Hockey
Attleboro, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final – Caitlin Donahue scored a hat trick, netting two goals in the first half as KP held a 4-0 lead by the break. Liz Furfari and Alli Meehan each scored once for the Warriors.

Canton, 3 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final

Foxboro, 7 @ Sharon, 0 – Final

Taunton, 0 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final

Franklin, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final – Franklin punched its ticket to the state tournament with an impressive win on the road. Sophomores Annie Walsh and Cassi Ronan each had scored two goals and grabbed an assist to lead the Panthers. Senior Kayla Marshall added a goal and senior Caroline Lounsbury had an assist. Franklin sophomore goalie Christina Lucini made four saves to get the win in net. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Dana Lewandowski and Kate Morse had outstanding games through the midfield and on defense.

Stoughton, 5 @ Milford, 3 – Final – Olivia Schlehuber scored a pair of goals for Stoughton, while Kayla Oliviera, Mia Russell and Julia Russell scored once to pace the Black Knights.

Golf
Sharon, 167 @ Oliver Ames, 146 – Final – Oliver Ames’ Brady Allbritton and Mark Bissonette shared medalist honors, both shooting 36 for the Tigers. Nolan Donze and Thomas Walsh each shot 37 for Oliver Ames. Sharon’s Andrew Glover and Max Avratin each shot 41.

Canton, 165 @ Attleboro, 178 – Final – Canton’s Joey Vaughan earned match medalist honors after shooting a low-round of 40 for the Bulldogs. Danny Powers shot a 41 and both Jackson Maffeo and Matt Minichiello carded a round of 42. Attleboro’s Corey McKenna shot a team-low 41 on the day.

Milford, 169 @ King Philip, 180 – Final – Ryan Tomaso earned match medalist honors, shooting a round-low 36 for the Scarlet Hawks. Anthony Arcudi shot a 40 for Milford while Danny McLoughlin carded a team-low round of 41 for KP.

10/15/2016

Stamm’s Brace Helps Sharon Pick Up Win Over Franklin

SHARON, Mass. – Sharon senior Ben Stamm scored once in each half and the Eagles’ defense was able to limit Franklin in a 2-0 win on Friday afternoon.

The Eagles didn’t waste much time to seize the lead, finding the back of the net inside the opening five minutes. Sharon then iced the game with just over 10 minutes to play. Both goals came off long throw-ins.

“We haven’t used the long throw-in at all,” Sharon head coach Bryan Kelly said. “Two goals off of long throws is really nice. And on those direct kicks, if could get on the end of some of those, we could have scored more but it’s something we’ve got to work on. This season is the most we’ve scored on set pieces since I’ve been here.”

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In the fourth minute, Shubojit Roy-Chowdhury launched a long throw from the attacking third into the area. The ball fell to Stamm, who had his first shot blocked. The senior kept with it and got another shot, this one was partially blocked but trickled in at the far post to put Sharon up 1-0.

“We’ve been working on possession and switching the field a lot since the KP game,” Kelly said. “Some of the pieces fell into place today. Getting that early goal, just that little poke in, it gave us confidence to ride. We lost a little composure after that but I have a good group of seniors that can get it back for us. And I have a lot of subs at my disposal and we don’t get any worse.

“We’re deep, we’re fast and when we play the way we know how to play, we come out on top.”

Franklin had the only other scoring chance of the first half. In the 16th minute, Matt Poirier launched a service from the right sideline, just a few steps over half. The ball was deflected and bounced through Sharon’s area and found Farley Asmath, but his bid went over the bar at the far post.

Chances were aplenty in the second half, the first just two minutes into the stanza. Spencer Hall worked to get some space on the left sideline and hit a service to the back post. Oliver Hu elected to have a go on a one-time volley but his bid went high.

In the 55th minute, the Panthers had a free kick from midfield that Asmath met with his head to flick on. Kevin Hall ran onto the ball at the back post but his touch went just over the bar. Two minutes later, Sharon had a chance when Alex Romantz flicked the ball to Andrew Reyes-Jones in the area but Franklin keeper Freddie Beckmann was first to the ball to end the chance.

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Ten minutes later, Sharon’s Marques Benton played a ball into Reyes-Jones but once again Beckmann was quick off his line to gobble the ball up. In the 68th minute, a free kick from Franklin’s Liam Kapples found the head of Hatim Brahimi in the area but Sharon keeper Ethan Kantor smothered the loose ball before a Panther could latch onto it.

Finally in the 69th minute, the Eagles cashed in on another long throw. Tyler Hippler tossed the ball into the area and a scoffed clearance from the Panthers defense led to an open opportunity for Stamm and he buried it at the far post to make it 2-0.

“In practice, we emphasized making sure, even if we lose the ball, we don’t stop playing,” Kelly said. “We have to keep playing until we get the ball back. When we have players start to buy into the system, that’s what we see. We have a great defense this year too. With Shalin [Patel] at stopper and Shubojit at sweeper, we hopefully shut down the best player on the other team.”

With the win, Sharon boys soccer (6-3-2) moves into a tie atop the Davenport division with Canton – both 5-3-2 in league play. The Eagles have three straight home games, starting with a visit from Foxboro on Monday.

After picking up five wins in its first six games, Franklin (5-6-2, 4-5-2) has now gone winless in its last seven games. The Panthers will try to bounce back with a trip to Oliver Ames on Monday.

“I don’t have any answers, it’s a funny team,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said. “We’re just finding ways to lose games. It’s been a combination of things. I don’t think it’s from a lack of effort but I don’t know what it is, I can’t figure it out.”

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