By HockomockSports.com Staff

2024 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2023 Record: 12-7
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Shane Collins
Attleboro is coming off the best season in program history, winning 12 games and clinching its first postseason appearance. Second-year head coach Shane Collins is hoping to build on that momentum and build depth in the roster to keep the Bombardiers headed in the right direction this spring and hopefully get another shot at a first playoff win.

The Attleboro attack was dynamic last year, seeing a big jump in production from the season before. Junior Isabella Cavallini and sophomore Amelia Collins both scored more than 50 goals last spring and will be relied on to run things offensively. Senior Molly Moore is a four-year starter and, with 39 goals and 30 assists in 2023, is one of the team’s top playmakers in front of goal. The midfield group is deep with senior Addison Papagolos and junior Ryann Mooney back to contribute on both sides of the ball. Sophomores Makenah Stokes and Abby Titmas and senior Jess Harrington give the Bombardiers added weapons in transition.

Defensively, Attleboro will be counting on the experience of seniors Kristin Vasquez-Trudeau and Leandra Lennon. Junior Peyton McAuliffe is also back in goal after an impressive sophomore season where she was among the league leaders in saves. Senior Nyla Eweka and junior Ashley Cordeiro are also back in defense for the Bombardiers and will get help from several new faces in the back line.

“We have a great group of athletes this spring with depth among our starters at a number of positions and a bunch of girls ready to step up and make an immediate impact when the opportunity presents itself,” Collins said. “Our success again this season is directly tied to the commitment of the girls to bring that team first mentality to the field every day and work together as a group.”

Canton

2023 Record: 9-9
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Kelly McGowan
Over the past two seasons, the only league losses that Canton has suffered were to the big three of Franklin, Foxboro, and King Philip. This spring, Kelly McGowan takes over as coach looking to keep Canton among the best teams in the Hock and keep the Bulldogs in the state tournament mix.

Senior Devan Spinale highlights an athletic, quick, and talented group of attackers and midfielders. The St. Anselm commit was second on the team in scoring last year and should be on the ball a lot this spring. Sophomore Nora Giannacopolous had an impressive freshman season as a starting attacker and she can make an impact all over the field. Sophomore Kayleigh Koen and freshmen Nora McLean and Lauren Raffeto are multi-sport standouts who give the Bulldogs a lot of speed and creativity in the attacking end of the field.

Canton’s defensive unit is as experienced as anyone in the league. Seniors Tori Carr, Maggie McCready, and Ava Gilmore are all back and provide leadership, communication, and strength to the back line, which is a big boost for the new coaching staff. Junior Ashley Balunas and sophomore Sammy Gardner will split time in goal at the start of the season.

“Our coaching staff is new to the team so we are still getting to know the team’s strengths and personality,” McGowan said. “We are going to be an athletic, aggressive team. Looking forward to challenging the Hockomock teams this season.”

Foxboro

2023 Record: 19-3
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four (Davenport champions)
Coach: Kathleen McCullough
Foxboro reached the Div. 3 Final Four last year before a tough loss to top seed (and eventual champ) Newburyport. With a strong group coming back this spring, the Warriors are looking to continue their dominance in the Davenport division and make another tournament push to try and reach the program’s first title game.

The Warriors graduated several key players in the attack, so there will be a lot of scoring punch that this year’s group needs to fill, but senior midfielders Val Beigel and Mary Collins give Foxboro a dynamic presence at both ends of the field. Senior Kaelin Connors and sophomore Addison Riley give the Warriors additional depth and energy up front, while junior Cate Noone gives Foxboro extra possessions on the draw and contributed 67 points as a sophomore.

Senior Ella Campbell will be the veteran leader in the back line, while her sophomore sister Audrey will be back between the pipes. They provide much-needed communication along the back line and keep everyone organized. Junior Hannah Higgins also returns in the defense and adds experience to Foxboro’s back line.

“We had a memorable Final Four run last year, so we have set our goals high to reach that point again,” said Foxboro coach Kathleen McCullough. “We are working hard this preseason to gain some early chemistry and figure out our strengths and weaknesses as a unit. We’ve booked some tough scrimmages to help us prepare. We look forward to what’s ahead.”

Franklin

2023 Record: 20-4
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Final Four (Kelley-Rex champions)
Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
Franklin has firmly established itself as the program to beat in the Hockomock League, as head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino has yet to suffer a league defeat (the program has won 111 straight league games going back to 2012), and one of the top programs in the state. The Panthers are coming off a second Div. 1 state semifinal appearance in three seasons but, while expectations remain very high because of the roster’s potential, this year’s team is relatively young and untested.

There will be a lot of new faces for Franklin this season, and players moving into different roles, but there is still an enviable amount of talent. Senior Katie Ryan and juniors Emily Carney and Gabi Consigli are all back in the attack but all three will be stepping into much bigger roles this year as playmakers and finishers. Junior Julia Flynn and sophomore Vera Hansen are moving from defense into midfield and will need to take on more of the offensive responsibility. Junior Sophia Sacchetti should give Franklin’s attack a boost after missing time last year due to injury.

Defense should be the strength of the team this year. Senior Keira Kucich is back from an injury and will play a big role in the back line, while classmate Norah MacCallum and junior Maeve Grasso both are coming off impressive seasons. Juniors Ella Mahoney and Maisie Streeseman are both strong shot stoppers in goal. Junior Hannah Blongastainer and freshman Callie Joyce are new additions that give the Panthers additional depth in defense and midfield.

“This is a new Franklin girls lacrosse team with a lot of fresh faces on the field,” said Igoe Guarino. “I am excited for this season because this team has a ton of upside. We will work very hard to grow every day!”

King Philip

2023 Record: 5-13
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Kourtnie Webster
The last team to win a Kelley-Rex title before Franklin’s run began, King Philip enters the new season with the goal of getting back on top of the league standings. The Warriors will lean on an experienced lineup, returning the bulk of its starters from last year’s 12-win side, to try and unseat the Panthers and make a run in the state tournament.

With all seven starters back from last season’s attack, the Warriors should be able to build on the 254 goals they scored in 2023, which was third-best in the league. Senior attacker Nicole McDonald and junior Makenzie McDevitt, who recently committed to play at Boston University, will lead the way. The pair combined for 108 goals during the 2023 regular season. Seniors Alyssa Legere, Sarah Brown, and Kelly Holmes will give the Warriors plenty of punch in attack and juniors Abby MacDonald and Sammy Cloutier add energy and creativity in midfield.

Defensively, KP will continue to be aggressive and try to force teams out of their comfort zones. The Warriors allowed a league-low 136 goals last year (in 19 games) and they hope it will be a strength again this spring. Senior Lily McNulty will be the leader of the back line and junior Sierra King can support her either in defense or in midfield. Junior Kaitlyn Parish will be the starting goalie and the experience she’s gained over the last two seasons will be crucial for the back line.

“This year we are looking to pick up where we left off and be a competitive team in the state,” said KP coach Kourtnie Webster. “The players have put in a lot of work in the offseason. As coaches, we are looking to build on our strengths, especially on our attack, and try new things to get us to the next level.”

Mansfield

2023 Record: 10-9
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Katy Garvin
There have been a lot of changes at the top for Mansfield in recent seasons and this spring the Hornets will turn to one of the program’s best players to try and make a challenge in their second Davenport division campaign. Former standout Katy Garvin is the new coach this season and she has eight seniors to help her through the first season and keep the Hornets in the state tournament conversation.

Mansfield will have plenty of experience in the attack. Senior Lola Varricchione is the top returning scorer (30 goals and 10 assists) and she brings playmaking ability to the midfield. Seniors Kiera Fitzpatrick and Stella Moore also return, and their energy is crucial in transition. Senior attacker Ella Souza adds another strong presence around the cage. A strong freshman class could be a big boost to Mansfield’s attacking threat, with Sophie Clang, Sadie Jablonski, and Maddie Boyle new faces to watch this season.

Defense is going to be a steady unit led by senior Cammy Shanteler and classmate Maeve Anastasia. Juniors Carys Colby and Ella Palanza give added athleticism at the back and sophomore Lana DiSangro will be back in net after a solid rookie season.

“I am so excited for the season with this group of girls,” Garvin said.

Milford

2023 Record: 11-8
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Kacey Young
Milford is coming off two of its best seasons in program history, with 11 wins in each of the last two years and a pair of playoff appearances. The Hawks graduated 15 players, including three of the top four scorers, but have nine seniors on this year’s roster so there is still a lot of varsity experience to build around to make another tournament push.

Junior TJ Downing is the team’s top returning scorer. She had 35 goals as a sophomore and her athleticism will be a big boost around the cage. Senior Erin Michelson and juniors Alex Landry and Yasmin Martinez are also back to bolster the attack, while junior Maya Santos is a new face that could fire in goals for the Hawks. Sophomores Kayleigh Tourtellot and Grace Beagle will bring energy to the midfield and creativity on offense.

There are a lot of new faces on the defensive side of the ball, but senior Khatrina Leger is back to provide leadership and be the anchor on that end of the field. Sophomore Avalina DiGiallonardo will take over in goal. Milford has a big roster, 26 players, so depth won’t be an issue for the Hawks and there are nine sophomores who will be getting valuable varsity experience this season.

“Our focus this year is to rebuild our defense, continue to improve our skills, and work together as a team,” said Milford coach Kacey Young. “This is a fun group of girls with a lot of potential to be very successful! I’ve been impressed by their competitiveness, positive energy, and work ethic. Every player will be a contributor on this team, and I look forward to seeing them all play together this season.”

North Attleboro

2023 Record: 6-13
2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dawn Kafel-Forge
There is a new face on the sideline for North Attleboro this season, as former Mansfield coach (and former Hockomock champion) Dawn Kafel-Forge takes over the program. The Rocketeers will hope to find a spark to move up the Kelley-Rex standings and get back into the playoff picture this spring.

North will lean on its experience defensively to try and improve at that end of the field. Senior Gabrielle D’Amico and junior Grace Gouck will be key to disrupting the opposition. Both are vocal leaders who read the game well and their leadership will be important to keep things organized. Junior Brianna Burns returns in goal to be the anchor of the defensive unit.

Junior Ellie Regan is coming off a 50-goal season and she will once again be the focal point of the attack, while also delivering energy in midfield. Classmate Lily Ramm added 40 points as a sophomore and is a good foil to Regan’s cutting and movement in front of goal. With only two seniors on this year’s roster, the large contingent of juniors will be expected to push the Rocketeers and help them improve on the six wins in 2023.

“This is a hard-working group of athletes,” said Kafel-Forge. “We have been impressed with their commitment to our team goals. Our pre-season has had a great atmosphere, and we are planning on building on that momentum as we enter the regular season.”

Oliver Ames

2023 Record: 9-11
2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Fred Isleib
Oliver Ames graduated only one senior from last season, so experience will be a key asset for the Tigers, but that one player (Catie Wilson) scored 76 goals in 2023, which means new head coach Fred Isleib will be looking for several players to step in and try to make up some of that scoring punch.

The Tigers will have plenty of speed through midfield and attack. Seniors Olivia O’Rourke, Taylor McAndrew, and Kayla Magit will be expected to drive the Tigers forward and provide leadership on the field. Seniors Erin Cottam and Hailey Goldman and junior Summer Silverman give the Tigers great depth in the midfield. Senior Leanna Hudson is the team’s top returning scorer after a 39-goal 2023. Freshmen Kit Perron and Kayla Isleib are new faces who could make an instant contribution in attack.

OA’s defense will see a lot of players in new roles. Seniors Janna Bailey and Gennie Fulford will be the anchors, providing much-needed leadership at that end of the field. Sophomore Isabella Lane gives the Tigers some size in the back line and junior Deanna Flaherty reads the game well to disrupt attacks. Freshman Olivia McGee will take over in goal.

“So far the girls are working hard in practice and trying to grasp new concepts,” Isleib said. “As a first-year head coach, we are all trying to familiarize ourselves with each and understand our strengths and areas of development. The Hock is a tough league with so many talented teams and we are excited to go out there and compete.”

Sharon

2023 Record: 3-17
2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Aisling Lydeard
It has been a few years since Sharon has been in the mix for a postseason spot and new coach Aisling Lydeard will be hoping that her experienced midfield group can pull the Eagles back up the division standings and get back into tournament contention.

Sharon’s top two scorers from last season are back. Seniors Anna Hertzel (35 goals) and Bailey Garte (30 goals) return to provide scoring punch from midfield along with classmate Keira Lydeard. Their experience and skill around the goal will be crucial for the Eagles. Freshman Sarah Scappaticci, who has two years of varsity experience in hockey, will debut for the Eagles this season and give them another weapon in attack.

Defense is an area where Sharon is hoping to improve this season, leaning on a group of experienced players. Senior Sophia Pandey is back to lead the defensive unit and juniors Ava Jacobsen and Serena Bien Aime give the Eagles a pair of athletic defenders with a lot of time on the field.

“We are a unique combination of fresh young talent joining the team in key positions and strong leadership from our returning players setting us up for a winning season,” said Lydeard. “We are a refreshed team with a strong hunger to change the tide of Sharon lacrosse.”

Stoughton

2023 Record: 0-15
2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Alicen Flewelling
Stoughton will have a new coach for its second season as a varsity program, as Alicen Flewelling moves from assistant to head coach this spring. The Black Knights had a tough first year in Hockomock play, but it was a foundation for the program to build on and, with all but one player returning, provided valuable experience.

The Black Knights have six seniors on the roster who will give the team much-needed leadership on both ends of the field. Franklin Pierce-commit Morgan Groppi is back to spearhead the attack after a 31-goal debut season and will be counted on to provide creativity in front of goal. Hazel McBurney adds another strong player in the attack, while Nicole Reid can play multiple positions in defense and midfield. Mia Rivera Sevieri and Makayla Pimental will be instrumental in the defense and Katrina Varnum returns from a year off and will be an imposing figure in the Stoughton goal.

Junior Ruby Guglia will be another key part of the Stoughton defense, while sophomore Amanda Reid and junior Sarah Riker give the Black Knights more scoring punch. Junior Lauren Mitchell, sophomore Casey Groppi, and freshman Neala Garrells will give the midfield a lot of energy and athleticism. Juniors Lilly Nourse, Madi Falcone, Morgan Cook, and Pamella Pereira, and freshmen Jillian Falcone and Olivia Jouma give Stoughton added depth.

“We started off our preseason strong with two scrimmage wins against East Bridgewater and Pembroke,” Flewelling said. “We hope this positive start also reflects into our record for games and we are ready to work hard to get there!”

Taunton

2023 Record: 2-16
2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Adilson Galvao
Taunton brings back the bulk of its roster from the 2023 season, as it looks to try and move up the Kelley-Rex standings. With both of its leading scorers among the returning players and several new faces ready to step into the spotlight, Taunton coach Adilson Galvao is hoping this spring will see a big improvement in results for his team.

Senior Cali Melo (41 goals and 11 assists) and junior Madison Szala (24 goals and 17 assists) had parts to play in 93 of the team’s 102 goals last year, so their return to the attack is a big lift for the Tigers going into the new season. Juniors Caroline Vallarelli and Giovanna Guarino and sophomores Talia O’Leary and Taryn Campbell will add athleticism and energy in the midfield. Campbell also brings her height and reach to the draw, which should add to Taunton’s possessions.

Junior defender Niyla Correira will bring leadership to a relatively young back line and goalie Olivia Espada looks ready to step in and be the anchor of the defensive unit. Freshman Kassidy Glynn got valuable experience on varsity as an eighth grader and could be a player to watch in Taunton’s transition game as either an attacker or midfielder.

Galvao said, “This year, with a majority of our key players returning, the Taunton girls lacrosse team is looking to build onto the foundation of our team.”