2023 HockomockSports Field Hockey Awards

 
King Philip senior Kelly Holmes has been selected as the 2023 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year. The midfielder was one of the top scorers in the league this season, helping the Warriors compete for the Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year.

Holmes finished the season with 15 goals and 37 assists, one of only five Hockomock League players to accumulate more than 50 points this season. Even against the top teams in the league, Holmes was able to contribute in front of goal, while also providing cover for the KP defense at the other end of the field.

With Holmes leading the way, KP scored 115 goals this season, which was the second-highest total in the league. Her 52 goal contributions were more than seven other teams scored in total. Holmes was selected as a league all-star for the third straight year and was chosen to the Best of 60 Senior All-Star Team. The St. Anselm College-commit closed out her career with 105 points.

“Kelly is a talented athlete with tremendous skill that sets her apart from others but her competitive edge is what keeps her motivated to be the best that she can be,” said KP coach Kaitlyn Wilder. “She has been a formidable force in creating offensive opportunities for us this season, but her skillset goes beyond the stat sheets, being a contributor all over the field. As a team, we can always count on her to step up and rise to the occasion. We relied on her as a team, and she truly has left her mark in our program.”

HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry said, “When Kelly has the ball, you automatically assume something good is about to happen. She was unique in the way that she could control the ball, even in traffic, and just weave her way into open space. No matter who she was playing against, Kelly instantly stood out as one of the best players on the field.”

Holmes is the third King Philip player to be chosen for this award, following Christina Hathaway (2017) and Alli Meehan (2018). This is the seventh straight season that a player from the Kelley-Rex has won the award, including Mansfield’s Caroline Maher (2015), Franklin’s Annie Walsh (2016), Attleboro’s Anna Beck (2019), and Franklin’s Kaitlyn Carney (2021).

Honorable Mentions: Emily Carney (Franklin), Mary Collins (Foxboro), Erin Cottam (Oliver Ames)

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Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed by position.

HockomockSports.com First Team

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Siany Ortez – Attleboro – Goalie
Attleboro junior goalie Siany Ortez continues to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the league and helped the Bombardiers secure a top 32 ranking and a spot in the Div. 1 state tournament. Ortez was one of the busiest goalies in the league this season, making 221 saves in 18 regular season games, and allowing just under three goals per game. Ortez recorded her 400th career save earlier this season. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Attleboro coach Jessica Pink said, “Siany is an athletic and aggressive goalkeeper capable of making split saves one minute and stopping aerials the next. She leads by example, communicating to her teammates on the field, giving 110% to everything she does, and always working to improve.”

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Laura Valkanas – Canton – Defense
Canton senior defender Laura Valkanas had another solid season in the heart of the Bulldogs’ defense. The three-year starter helped the Bulldogs stay in contention for the Davenport division title right up to the final week of the regular season, reach the Div. 2 quarterfinal, and have the fourth-best defensive record in the league, allowing a little more than a goal per game. Valkanas was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor said, “Laura has been a solid defender and as a starting sweeper for the past three seasons will be difficult to replace. As our go to for free hits and being so steady in the backfield, Laura has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league.”

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Lindsay Dennett – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior defender Lindsay Dennett was a two-year starter for the Panthers, helping them run through another undefeated league campaign, win a fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, and reach the state semifinal for the second time in three seasons. Dennett scored three goals and had five assists this year and was the team leader with five defensive saves. With Dennett leading the way, Franklin allowed a league-low 10 goals in 22 games this season and only 27 goals in the past two years. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Lindsay is a smart, patient defender who makes excellent tackles and accurately clears the ball to the sidelines. She is an aggressive defender, and getting by her and into our defensive circle is very hard.”

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Macy Quinn – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro senior Macy Quinn had another standout season anchoring the Warriors’ impressive back line. Positioned in the heart of Foxboro’s backline, Quinn was a major factor in helping the Warriors secure a second consecutive Davenport division title. Her ability to read the play and win one-on-one battles made it difficult for anyone to get a clean look on the goal. Foxboro yet again had one of the best defenses in the league with just 15 goals allowed in 21 games, and Quinn played a big role in that.
 

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Maggie McCready – Canton – Midfield/Forward
Canton senior Maggie McCready solidified her spot in the center of the Bulldogs midfield and put together a stellar senior season at both ends of the field. The St. Anselm College-commit was second on the team with 17 goals and 26 points. That was double the amount of points that she accumulated as a junior and helped the Bulldogs finish second in the Davenport and make a run to the Div. 2 quarterfinal. McCready was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor said, “Maggie worked extremely hard in the offseason to not only secure her commitment to play at St. Anselm’s but to become our center midfield player involved in most aspects of our game this season.”

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Mary Collins – Foxboro – Midfield/Forward
Foxboro senior Mary Collins concluded a spectacular career with the Warriors with another stellar season. One of the most dynamic and skilled players in the league, Collins was the heartbeat of the Foxboro offense. She finished the regular season with 29 goals and 22 assists, giving her a league-best 51 points, which was a big reason why Foxboro secured its second straight Davenport division title. For her efforts, she was voted as Hockomock League MVP for the second straight season. She will continue her career at Stonehill College next year.
 

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Erin Cottam – Oliver Ames – Midfield/Forward
Oliver Ames senior forward Erin Cottam completed a stellar varsity career by helping the Tigers to 12 wins and earn a spot in the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen for the second year in a row. The Merrimack College-commit was one of the league’s top scorers this year, finishing the season with 30 goals and 22 assists. She was tied for second in the Hock in scoring in the regular season and nearly 100 points over the past two seasons combined. Cottam was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. OA coach Alexandria Sylvia said, “Erin was a strong leader on the forward line, and was able to control the game when the ball was on her stick. Her stick skills are amazing and she will do great things at Merrimack!”

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Val Beigel – Foxboro – Midfield/Forward
Foxboro senior Val Beigel was a workhorse for head coach Melissa Bordieri this season, making plays up and down the field. As a midfielder, Beigel’s ability to get back and thwart opposing attacks and also get forward to contribute to the attack made her one of the best midfielders in the Hock this year. Her work ethic played a big role in Foxboro’s great season with a record of 17-3-1 and it finished with a second consecutive Davenport division title and a trip to the Division 2 quarterfinals. Though her impact went far beyond stats, she scored twice during the regular season and had six assists.
 

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Mara Boldy – King Philip – Midfield/Forward
King Philip senior Mara Boldy had a great individual season to close out her career, finishing second on the team in points and helping the Warriors finish a close second in the Kelley-Rex division and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. Boldy scored a team-high 28 goals and had 12 assists. She finished her career with 90 points. Boldy was selected as a Hockomock League and Best of 60 Senior all-star and named to the NFHCA All-Region First Team. KP coach Kaitlyn Wilder said, “Mara has so much heart and hustle for this sport and our team. She always gives it her all every day, which sets the tone that inspires her teammates to do the same. Her value on this team will be hard to replace. It has been a pleasure watching her improve continuously to be a top goal scorer and threat in this league.”

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Emily Carney – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Franklin junior Emily Carney was a dynamic playmaker in the heart of the midfield and one of the main reasons that Franklin continued its long unbeaten run in league play, secured a fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, and reached the state semifinal for the second time in three seasons. The Fairfield University-commit was among the league leaders with 29 goals and 19 assists, including six points during Franklin’s run to the Final Four. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Emily does a great job defensively by protecting the center of the field, but her field hockey IQ and her amazing 3D skills allow her to get by opposing defenders, making her an offensive threat. Emily is so talented it is very fun to watch her move the ball up the field using her impressive skills.”

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Kelly Holmes – King Philip – Midfield/Forward
King Philip senior Kelly Holmes capped off her four-year varsity career with another impressive season, helping the Warriors finish second in the Kelley-Rex and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. The St. Anselm College-commit and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) was one of the league’s top scorers with 15 goals and 37 assists. She finished her career with 105 points and was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. KP coach Kaitlyn Wilder said, “Kelly is a talented athlete with tremendous skill that sets her apart from others but her competitive edge is what keeps her motivated to be the best that she can be. On top of that, she is an unselfish player and has great playmaking abilities. We relied on her as a team and she truly has left her mark in our program.”

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Raena Crandall – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Franklin junior Raena Crandall had a breakout second season as a starter in attack. After missing a lot of last season with an injury, Crandall scored 38 goals and dished out 21 assists, including a team-high nine points in the postseason, to lead the league. Crandall was a main reason for Franklin’s dominant play in the league, as the Panthers went undefeated and clinched a fifth straight Kelley-Rex title, and for its run to the state semifinal. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Raena is a tenacious forward who works very hard in front of the net to put the ball in. Raena has excellent stick skills to easily get by defenders because she is fast, agile, and highly skilled.”

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

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Shaelyn Murphy – Canton – Goalie
Canton sophomore Shaelyn Murphy decided to give field hockey a try this season and immediately became one of the top shot-stoppers in the league. Murphy made 153 saves this year, allowing only 25 goals in 21 games (1.56 GAA). She also came up with her best performance in the biggest game, making 23 saves to help Canton push top seed Reading to overtime in the Div. 2 quarterfinal. Murphy’s okay in goal helped Canton to the fourth-best defensive record in the league and second place in the Davenport. Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor said, “Having never put goalie pads on before she came into the season with a great attitude and a competitive spirit that has allowed her to improve with each day. Her future is very bright with Canton field hockey.”

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Linda Cooper – Oliver Ames – Defense
Oliver Ames sophomore Linda Cooper impressed at both ends of the field for the Tigers this season, helping them amass 12 wins and reach the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen for the second year in a row. Cooper was a solid performer in the OA defensive unit, which held opponents to 26 goals in 20 games. She could also jump into the attack and contributed eight goals and two assists this season, making an impact on corners both offensively and defensively. Oliver Ames coach Alexandria Sylvia said, “Lin is a very strong sophomore defender with a very high field hockey IQ. She also has great offensive skills on corners and is one of the most well-rounded players on the team.”
 

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Fiona Dunn – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro senior Fiona Dunn proved to be a vital piece of one of the state’s best defensive units this year. Patrolling the outside, Dunn dealt with some of the most dangerous attacking players both in the Hockomock League and in the state. She helped the Warriors record 12 shutouts this year as Foxboro allowed just 15 goals in 21 games. Her stick skills and ability to read forwards allowed her to consistently deny chances for opponents in the attacking end. Defense has been a calling card for the Warriors in recent history and that was the case again with Dunn playing a vital part of that.
 

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Bridget King – King Philip – Defense
King Philip senior defender Bridget King was a rock in the back line for the Warriors, helping them challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. King had a goal and an assist this season but she contributed leadership at the back, one of the reasons that the Warriors allowed only 20 goals in 20 games this season, which was the third-lowest total in the league. King Philip coach Kaitlyn Wilder said, “Bridget has played a major role for us being the leader on the defensive end of the field. She reads the field well to be able to break down other teams’ offenses. She has great poise inside the circle defensively, making smart decisions with the ball. She was able to make key defensive saves for us this year along with being relied upon to send the ball up in transition.”

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Siobhan Landers – Attleboro – Midfield/Forward
Attleboro senior Siobhan Landers was instrumental in the Bombardier securing a top 32 seed and a place in the Div. 1 state tournament again this season. One of the most dynamic players with the ball on her stick, Landers led the Bombardiers with six goals and was tied for the lead in points with 14, while also chipping in with coverage in the defensive half of the field. The Stonehill College-commit was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Attleboro coach Jessica Pink said, “Siobhan is a dominant force in the midfield capable of controlling the field and providing offensive and defensive pressure. She was a significant part of most offensive scoring opportunities setting up plays for those around her.”

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Haley Wernig – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Franklin junior Haley Wernig added a third excellent season as a starter for the Panthers, helping them go unbeaten once again in league play, clinch a fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, and reach the state semifinal for the second time in three seasons. The UMass Lowell-commit finished the season with 28 goals and 24 assists, one of the top marks in the league. She added four goals and three assists in the playoffs. Wernig was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Haley is a highly skilled and fast right wing who has excellent 3D skills and her ability to carry the ball down the wing and get the ball into our offensive circle is amazing. Haley is so talented in how she carries the ball with speed, making it difficult for opposing defenders to stop her.”

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Makenzie McDevitt – King Philip – Midfield/Forward
King Philip junior Makenzie McDevitt had a breakout season for the Warriors, one of the attacking threats that allowed them to challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen, while amassing the second most goals in the league. McDevitt, a Boston University lacrosse commit, scored 21 goals and had 10 assists this season. She was an honorable mention for Hockomock League all-star. King Philip coach Kaitlyn Wilder said, “Makenzie is a naturally athletic player with great speed, skill, and discipline. She had a very successful season as a forward on our team. She always seems to have her best games in the biggest moments which played dividends to her reliability on the field.”

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Carolyn Schiavo – Canton – Midfield/Forward
Canton sophomore Carolyn Schiavo built on her impressive freshman season to become one of the leading playmakers in the league. Schiavo scored 12 goals and dished out 15 assists, as part of Canton’s young attacking unit, which powered the Bulldogs to second place in the Davenport division and to the Div. 2 quarterfinal against top-seed Reading. Schiavo was selected for the MSFHCA Rising Sophomore Squad and was chosen as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor said of the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below), “Carolyn is a hard-working, skilled player. She is a threat inside the circle and is a great playmaker.”

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Ella Morgan – King Philip – Midfield/Forward
King Philip freshman Ella Morgan had no problem fitting into the varsity team this fall, immediately becoming one of the team’s leading scorers. Morgan scored 22 goals and dished out nine assists to help the Warriors challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. Adding Morgan’s production helped the Warriors amass 115 goals this season, which was the third-highest total in the league. King Philip coach Kaitlyn Wilder said, “Ella fluidly fit right into our team this season, building strong chemistry with our top players. Her speed and knack for scoring goals from the gecko made our depth on the team stronger. Excited to see her continue her success in the years to come.”

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Sophia Cuneo – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Franklin senior Sophia Cuneo wrapped up her fourth year on varsity with another unbeaten league campaign, another Kelley-Rex division title, and by reaching the state semifinal for the second time in three seasons. The University of Rochester-commit scored nine goals and had 14 assists from her right midfield role, while giving Franklin defensive cover on that side of the field and being a key player on offensive and defensive corners. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Sophia is the ultimate team player. Sophia’s field hockey IQ is impressive. She is excellent in transition and uses her speed and skills to play the right mid position with ease. Sophia is an unselfish player who is very respected by her teammates and coaches.”

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Kelsey Thompson – North Attleboro – Midfield/Forward
North Attleboro senior Kelsey Thompson had another strong year for the Rocketeers, wrapping up a successful career with the Rocketeers. A two-year starter and three-year member of the North Attleboro field hockey team, Thompson – a team captain – was all over the field helping off both offensively and defensively from her spot in the midfield. Her speed allowed her to get past defenders while also tracking back to make key stops. She was selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches after scoring two goals and recording seven assists. “Kelsey has solid stick handling skills and maintains possession of the ball under pressure,” said North Attleboro head coach Karen Folan. “Her endurance, accurate passing, and her smart off ball positioning make her a valuable player to have at midfield.”

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Chloe Essam – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Franklin senior Chloe Essam was an underrated piece of the league’s best attacking group. Playing down the left wing, Essam scored 25 goals and had three assists, including a pair of goals in the postseason. She was a major factor in Franklin going unbeaten in league play again this season, winning a fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, and reaching the Div. 1 state semifinal for the second time in the past three years. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Chloe does a great job on the left side of the field, which is the most challenging side of the field to play due to having to use excellent stick work and footwork as you are forced to use your reverse stick a lot. Chloe is a strong and tenacious player who is excellent at finishing inside the circle.”

 

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Canton sophomore midfielder Carolyn Schiavo has been selected as the 2023 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Underclassman of the Year. Schiavo was one of the league’s most dynamic attacking threats and helped the Bulldogs reach the Div. 2 quarterfinal.

Schiavo seemed to always have the ball on her stick for Canton as the Bulldogs competed for the Davenport division title and won their opening two playoff games. As part of a young attacking group, Schiavo scored 12 times and dished out 15 assists, but her creativity and skill created numerous other chances for Canton, even against the best defensive teams. Schiavo was selected as a league all-star and chosen for the MSFHCA Rising Sophomore Squad.

“Carolyn is a hard-working, skilled player,” said Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor. “She is a threat inside the circle and is a great playmaker.”

“There were so many times when it looked like the attack was over and then Carolyn would find the tiniest seam, make a move, and find her way through a crowd,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Carolyn was fun to watch because she seemed to find openings that no one else could see or have a trick to squeeze out of trouble. Her scoring total doesn’t do justice to her ability to create chances.

Schiavo is the second Canton player to receive this honor, joining Kaitlyn Goyetch, who was Underclassman of the Year in 2017. She is also the fifth player from the Davenport to earn the award in the eight years it has been given out, following OA’s Hannah Friend (2013), Foxboro’s Lily Daly (2016), Goyetch, and Foxboro’s Mary Collins (2021).

Honorable Mention: Ella Morgan (King Philip), Shaelyn Murphy (Canton), Linda Cooper (Oliver Ames)

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Canton’s Chrissy O’Connor has been selected as the 2023 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Coach of the Year. O’Connor guided the Bulldogs to a 16-5 record and a playoff run that reached the Division 2 state quarterfinals.

“Canton came into the season with a couple of question marks after losing a large senior class including key players in key positions,” said HockomockSports.com Editor. “But once again, Coach O’Connor showed why the Bulldogs are one of the best programs around and they quickly reloaded. She was able to integrate some talented young players into the lineup right away and had another successful season.”

Canton lost nine seniors from last year’s team, including their leading scorer and starting goalie. That didn’t stop the Bulldogs from increasing their win total and goal output while keeping their goals against level from a year ago. O’Connor’s balanced approach on offense led to four players recording 15 or more points this season.

Against league foes, O’Connor led Canton to a 12-4 record and a second-place finish in the Davenport division. The regular season ended with one of the most impressive wins of the year as Canton knocked off Norwood, who reached the state championship game. In the playoffs, Canton took down Westboro and Westwood before pushing top-seeded Reading to the limit before falling in overtime. Reading went on to win the state title.

This is the first time O’Connor has been selected for this award. Previous winners include Franklin’s Michelle Hess (2021, 2019) and Lisa Cropper (2013), Foxboro’s Melissa Bordieri (2018, 2016), King Philip’s Liz Hathaway (2017), Mansfield’s Theresa Nyhan (2016), and Oliver Ames’ Janice Sundell (2014).

Honorable Mention: Michelle Hess (Franklin), Kaitlyn Wilder (King Philip), Melissa Bordieri (Foxboro)