Baseball Division 1
#21 King Philip, 3 @ #12 Westford Academy, 4 – Final – King Philip rallied for a pair of runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game but Westford Academy regained the lead in the bottom half, and then survived a threat from the Warriors in the top of the seventh to get the win. KP struck early when courtesy runner Brady Herlin (in for Leo Downling, who singled) scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded in the top of the first inning. The Ghosts tied the game in the bottom of the first and then took the lead with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. In the top of the sixth, Cam Hasenfus kept the inning alive with a two-out single, stole second, and then scored on a single through the right side from senior Max Robison. Robison moved up to second after Dowling was hit by a pitch and came home to tie the game on an opposite field single from Drew Herlin to make it 3-3. Westford Academy loaded the bases in the bottom half on a pair of singles and a walk and pushed across the go-ahead run after an infield error. Tommy Gately and Jonny Prater had back-to-back two-out singles for the Warriors in the top half but were stranded.
Softball Division 1
#26 Franklin, 1 @ #7 Saint Paul Diocesan, 4 – Final – Franklin tied the game with a run in the top of the second inning and the game was deadlocked through 4.5 innings before the Knights scored twice in the bottom of the fifth and once in the sixth to secure the win. After Saint Paul scored a run in the bottom of the first, Carly Johnson-Pellegri (RoE) and Sophia Sacramone (single) reached to start the second inning. Josie Drucker put one in play and reached on an error to allow Sacramone to scamper home to make it 1-1. Johnson-Pellegri, Sacramone, Drucker, and Ella Weston each had a hit for the Panthers.
#37 Amherst-Pelham, 1 @ #28 Milford, 13 – Final (5 inn.) – Milford pounded out 15 hits in five innings on its way to a dominant 13-1 win over Amherst-Pelham in a Division 2 Preliminary Round contest. The Hawks scored in four of the five innings they went to the plate, including a three-run first inning and four-run second inning. Junior Cae Pellegrini led the hit parade for the Hawks, going 4-for-4 with a triple, four RBI and three runs scored. Both Olivia Baglione (three RBI, three runs, two doubles) and Camille Bonina (two RBI) added three hits each and Grace Bonina chipped in with a pair of hits, a pair of RBI, and four runs scored. Maeve Driscoll tossed four scoreless innings to get the win, only allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four. #28 Milford will play at #5 Milton on Monday, 6/3 at 4:00.
Boys Tennis Division 1
#27 Franklin, 0 @ #6 Brookline, 5 – Final
Division 2
#34 Billerica, 0 @ #2 Sharon, 5 – Final – Sharon opened its tournament run in style, winning all five matches in straight sets and dropping a total of six games against Billerica. Senior Matthew Lally (6-1, 6-0), junior Jacob Slavsky (6-0, 6-0), and senior Alex Budovalcev (6-1, 6-1) all dominated in singles action for the Eagles. At first doubles, sophomore Isaac Chen and freshman Alex Pinnix dropped just one game in each set in a 6-1, 6-1 while the veteran second doubles duo of senior Savir Basil and junior Joel Zwicker rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win. #2 Sharon will host #15 Somerset Berkley on a date and time to be announced.
#25 Melrose, 2 @ #8 Mansfield, 3 – Final – A pair of dominant singles wins plus a straight set doubles victory propelled Mansfield past visiting Melrose. Senior Nikhil Nain dropped just one game in an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles while classmate Iniyan Karruppusami only lost two games in a convincing 6-0, 6-2 third singles win. The veteran team of senior Jake Weiner and junior Josh Weiner battled to a 6-2, 6-2 win at first doubles to help secure the playoff win. #8 Mansfield will host #9 Northampton on Tuesday, 6/4 at 4:00 at Memorial Park.
2023 Record: 13-9 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Mark Homer
With a handful of returning players back in the mix for 2024, Attleboro will be a team to keep an eye on in a deep and talented Hockomock League.
The Bombardiers saw a small but talented senior group graduate from last year’s squad, so while the majority of the lineup is back in the mix there are some voids to fill. Head coach Mark Homer, now in his ninth season at the helm, will lean on the leadership of this year’s three captains: seniors Rylie Camacho, Merry Bosh, and Paige Quaglia. Under their guidance, Homer is hopeful the Bombardiers can make a return trip to the state tournament after winning a playoff game last year and coming close to a spot in the Elite 8.
Attleboro did lose its two top hitters from last year in Sarah Maher (.460) and Lily Routhier (.450) but Camacho is coming off a very impressive season in which she hit .450 with 20 RBI. Sophomore Jenna Callahan also hit .450 for the Bombardiers in her rookie season and emerged as a reliable option in the circle, going 5-3 with 47 strikeouts in 56.2 innings during the regular season. Junior Emily Eby is also coming off a breakout campaign and will look to build on that in 2024. Homer is also excited to incorporate a strong freshmen class to continue building the program into one of the best in the Hock.
“With some power and speed in the lineup our runs should be there, and our defense and pitching should keep us in games,” Homer said. “We are excited to get the season going to see what we have and what we have to work on to improve and succeed in reaching our team goals. We want to be better today than we were yesterday but not as good as we will be tomorrow.”
2023 Record: 6-14 2023 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Canton showed glimpses throughout last spring, including a win over Davenport champion Foxboro, and now have nine returners back in hopes of making a push for the playoffs.
It starts with the Bulldogs’ four senior captains in Jess Wright, Sam Grady, Anna Lehan, and Laura Valkanas — a group that possesses a lot of varsity experience that will lead the way both on and off the field for head coach Sandy Lombardi. On top of those seniors, the Bulldogs are returning juniors Chloe Guerschuny, Kailyn Durham, and Klara Redquest so there will be a lot of familiar faces in the lineup this year.
Canton will also lean on some new faces to complete the lineup. A pair of freshmen are both in contention for innings in the circle with Reilly MacEachern and Shannon Lane set to split time as the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs. It will be all-rookie batterymates as Canton also has a pair of freshmen contending for time behind the plate in Fiona Trendell and Delaney Clegg. Abby Stock, Caitlin Reynolds, Hannah King, Amy Murphy, and Kayley Furbush will look to contribute throughout the season as well.
“We have a talented group of girls that have been working hard this preseason and we hope to have a strong season in the Hockomock League this year and quality for the state tournament,” Lombardi said.
2023 Record: 9-12 (Davenport co-champion) 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 32 Coach: Mark Maguire
After earning a share of the program’s first league title since 1972, Foxboro has its sights set on winning the Davenport outright in 2024. Without graduating anyone from the roster, the Warriors are in a good position to make a run at it.
Foxboro’s lineup is littered with familiar faces, especially in the key spots. Junior Emma Callahan already had three years of experience and after tossing a good amount of innings in that span, will primarily play at second base and will set the table as the leadoff hitter. Coming off a 25-hit season and hitting .329, Callaghan will be key for the Foxboro offense. The offense will also get a boost with the return of sophomore shortstop Meghan Kelley, who enjoyed a successful rookie year and led the Warriors with 26 hits. Junior captain Ava Hill (22 hits, .319) is another reliable offensive option and will handle catching duties behind the plate. Junior Vittoria Cuscia should get the bulk of the pitching and with two years of experience already, will be one of the top pitchers in the Davenport division.
The Warriors also boast a strong group of outfielders. Junior Natalie Leach has a ton of speed to cover a lot of ground in left and will hit second in the lineup, junior Jill Slattery will patrol center field, and senior captain Fiona Dunn will play right — and all three can provide some pop at the plate. Rounding out the infield, juniors Mia Flanagan and Autumn Stowell are both strong offensively and defensively and will be joined by freshman Brynn Allen. Emma Fisler and Olivia Jaworski have played well in the preseason and have the potential to contribute.
“These kids have been playing together for a couple of years and are primed to compete every game, every pitch,” said Foxboro head coach Mark Maguire. “The girls have worked hard and are excited to go up against the tough Hockomock League. Their attitude, hard work, and teamwork early in the season should set the tone.”
2023 Record: 210-12 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16 Coach: Breanna Shaffer
Franklin graduated a good-sized senior class that helped the Panthers make the playoffs and win a tournament game but the majority of the lineup returns for second-year head coach Breanna Schafer with intentions to get back to the postseason.
There will be a lot of familiar faces in the infield for the Panthers. Junior captain Sarah Boozang was named a Hockomock League All Star last year and was one of the top threats at the plate, hitting a team-high .480 on the season with 17 RBI. Boozang will return to first base while sophomore Ava Florest will take over fulltime at third base. Senior captain Carly Johoson-Pellegri enters her fourth year and has been one of the most consistent bats in the lineup for the Panthers during that stretch; she’ll make the switch over to second this year while sophomore Ella Weston will slide in at shortstop.
Junior Marley Allen returns for another year behind the dish and will look to build on a strong year at the plate in which she had 15 hits for a .441 average. Allen will be working with some familiar faces with sophomore Sophia Sacramone back in the circle. Sacramone led the Panthers with 71 innings pitched last year with 83 strikeouts. Shaffer will also look for sophomore Ciara O’Brien and senior Maddie Bergeron for some work in the circle. Franklin will feature some new faces in the outfield with sophomore Brooke Bonetti and junior Sophie Arena battling for time in left, senior captain Katie Dowley patrolling center field, and junior Josie Drucker taking over in right.
“We have a good mix of returning varsity players and new players joining the team this season,” Shaffer said. “We are looking forward to an exciting season.”
2023 Record: 23-3 (Kelley-Rex co-champion) 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Final Four Coach: Kate Comeau
Coming off of a second consecutive Kelley-Rex title and a trip to the Division 1 Final Four, expectations remain sky-high in Plainville for King Philip.
The Warriors lost an experienced and talented senior class to graduation but the Warriors still have their sights on another division title and another deep postseason run. Starting in the circle, KP has one of the best arms in the entire state in sophomore McCoy Walsh. Walsh burst onto the scene a year ago and put up some impressive numbers: 215 strikeouts in 128.2 innings. Walsh’s dominance certainly gives the Warriors an edge while senior Jordan Bennett and junior lefty Allie Cecere give head coach Kate Fallon a pair of viable options in the circle.
King Philip also has a lot of firepower back offensively in the lineup. Senior catcher Maddie Paschke returns behind the plate for the second straight season and brings a lot of pop to the lineup while junior Liv Petrillo (seven home runs) takes over at shortstop and will be one of the top hitters in the league. Senior Ava Kelley, who was third on the team last year with 30 hits, returns to the hot corner at third and Bennett takes over at second and will see an increased role offensively. With senior Taylor Regan (16 RBI, 15 runs) working back from an injury, first base duties will fall to Cecere.
Sophomore Ali Gill is another player who had a breakout season in 2023, finishing second on the team and fourth in the Hock with seven home runs in the regular season. Gill is joined by senior Syd Burch and junior Lucy Weineck in the outfield, two players eager to contribute to the lineup with expanded roles in 2024.
“We are really excited for this season,” said KP head coach Kate Comeau. “I’m looking forward to the leadership this group of seniors is going to provide!”
2023 Record: 6-14 2023 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Lori Letendre
With just two seniors gone from last year’s squad, the Hornets enter the 2024 season hoping to battle back into the state tournament after missing out last spring.
Mansfield has already hit some early speed bumps as the Hornets are battling the injury bug to start the year with a couple of starters out to begin the year. But in totality, Mansfield aims to have a similar starting lineup as last year but this time with a year of experience under their belts after battling against some of the top teams in the entire state.
“I really like the chemistry that the team came into the season with and feel good about our lineup,” said Mansfield head coach Lori Letendre. “I know the girls will work hard and will be ready to compete.”
2023 Record: 8-14 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Steve DiVitto
A young squad battled its way to the playoffs a year ago, and now with the entire roster back in the mix, the Hawks are aiming to contend with the top teams in the Hockomock.
After not having a senior on the team last year, the Hawks have six this season and will lean on their experience and guidance to navigate through a very competitive Kelley-Rex division. Captain Maddie Burns returns behind the dish, captain Camille Bonina is back at first, captain Grace Bonina is one base over at second, and captain Maeve Driscoll will toe the rubber in the circle once again after tossing 113 innings last year with 102 strikeouts. Senior Maeve Williams provides a big bat in the lineup and will look to build upon her .345 average from last year while Sarah Wengal gives the Hawks a veteran presence in the outfield.
Milford also boasts its two top hitters from last year in junior Cae Pellegrini, who can play either corner in the infield, and shortstop Olivia Baglione. Both were named Hockomock League All Stars last year after hitting .524 and .406, respectively. Junior Jianna Fernandes also brings experience to the outfield after starting there last year. Sophomores Ava Baglione, Angelina Bonina, Katelyn Kearnan, and Isabella Loscerbo all contributed as freshmen and will look to take the next step in 2024.
“The days of people calling us young have come and gone,” said Milford head coach Steve DiVotto. “No more excuses. We are ready to compete in the best league in Massachusetts. After making the postseason and taking a Final 4 team down to the wire, we are determined to work to be a real challenger in 2024.”
2023 Record: 17-6 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 8 Coach: Jamie Duffy
It’s a new chapter in the North Attleboro softball program’s history following the graduation of a talented senior class and the retirement of longtime head coach Bill Wallace.
Jamie Duffy takes over at the helm while the Rocketeers will look to continue their sustained success following the graduation of a five-member senior class featuring the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year Kelly Colleran. With those five seniors gone, there is a lot of opportunity this season but there are also a lot of experienced returners for Duffy. In the circle, junior captain Arianna McDavitt and sophomore Grace Forman both have experience at the varsity level and will be back pitching this year while sophomore Emma Diel is another reliable option for the Rocketeers. North Attleboro brings back veteran Maryellen Charette behind the plate and the junior will be key both defensively and in the lineup.
McDevitt, returning to start at shortstop, is another key piece in the offensive lineup after hitting .364 with 24 hits last spring. Sophomore Molly Willey is another key bat in the lineup and plays at the hot corner defensively at third and sophomore Lucy Palmer, a first baseman, could be a big spark at the dish for North. Juniors Emily Tucker and Mary Rogers will help secure the middle infield while senior Angelina Benedetti provides depth at the corners; senior captain Aubrie Amado, sophomore Brooklyn Hasler, and freshman Ava Pratt all add speed and versatility to our lineup. In the outfield, Jill Lewicki, Hasler, Sarah Goeller, Forman, and Pratt are all vying for time.
“I’m very excited for this season,” Duffy said. “There are a lot of hard-working athletes on this team who have been giving 100% since day one. They’re well-rounded players who are willing to take on any role we may need them to. I know we will just continue to grow together throughout the season.”
2023 Record: 10-12 (Davenport co-champion) 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Lindsey Allison
Coming off a share of the Davenport division title last season, the Tigers are hoping to find continued success during the 2024 campaign.
Oliver Ames didn’t graduate a lot of seniors — just three — but did lose a lot of production including two Hock all stars in pitcher Katie Melendy and shortstop Maddie Homer, plus starting center fielder Caitlin Miller. Despite losing those key seniors, OA is returning a core group of players that have worked hard all offseason in an effort to repeat the finish atop the Davenport division. This year the Tigers boast seven seniors and all are key contributors including outfielders Paige Taylor, Crystyliah Covel, and Madison Monteiro. Senior Skyler Dearborn could also see time in the outfield and provides a speedy option on the base paths for the Tigers.
Senior captain Sammy Johnson returns to handle first base while senior Katherine Farley will be back behind the dish for another season. Melendy pitched a lot of innings over the past two seasons (over 200 innings) but junior Taylor Marino, who has a good amount of varsity experience, is set to take over in the circle this season and has looked strong in the preseason. Junior Devon Morris is coming off a strong sophomore campaign and earned Hock honorable mention honors and is a key piece defensively at second base. Juniors Ava Tracia and Emily Martin also provide some key varsity experience while newcomers Lindsey Solomon, Annabelle Webber, Sarah Hartman, Katie Berg, and Jackie Solimine are all in the mix to contribute to the lineup.
“With nine returners, many of them still starting seniors and juniors, and an infusion of new talent, we are expecting to have a very productive offense, and a defense that gels well with their combined experience and time playing together at OA over the last two years,” said OA head coach Lindsey Allison.
2023 Record: 2-17 2023 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Heather Poliferno
Sharon is hoping a mix of veterans and fresh faces will be the recipe for a successful season on their new field at the new high school.
The Eagles will lean on two returning seniors to guide the way both on and off of the field. Senior Maddie Hu, a team captain, is returning to start at shortstop for another year and will be a key piece at the top of the lineup. Hu led the Eagles in both average and on-base percentage a year ago so her presence at the top of the lineup will be key. Senior Ayanna Vega starts in left field for Sharon and is a reliable defensive option. Vega is also a key piece offensively, hitting in the clean up spot.
Sharon will turn to sophomore Kapri Brimhall, a new transfer this season, to take over in center field. Brimhall’s speed, power, and defensive abilities allow her to contribute right away, including at the plate. In the circle, Sharon turns to freshman Alexa Newbold and sophomore Chloe Brown to take over the starting role. The two have different styles but head coach Heather Poliferno said the duo complements one another. So far, Sharon’s returners have worked closely with the new additions to help solidify the defense.
2023 Record: 10-12 2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Laura Whittaker
Following a trip to the state tournament and a win in the playoffs, Stoughton is eager to make a return trip in 2024 while also making a run at the Davenport division title.
The Black Knights finished just two games outside of the title picture last year and split the season series with both co-champs Oliver Ames and Foxboro. With just three seniors gone from last year’s group, the Knights have a potent lineup. It starts with a trio of seniors who are entering their fourth year on varsity: Alyssa Edwards, Maddie Hinds, and Julie Powers, along with three-year veteran Caitlin Driscoll. Edwards, Stoughton’s lone Hockomock All Star last year, is one of the best bats in both the Hockomock League and in the state and will return to third base this year. Driscoll and Powers will patrol the outfield once again and Hinds returns to provide strength and stability at first base.
Stoughton will turn to sophomore Julia Monaghan to begin her pitching career and she’ll be working with a pair of freshmen, Addison Greenlaw and Kelsey Whitman, behind the dish. Sophomores Emersyn Grover and Megan McGowan are in competition for some time to complete the outfield along with Driscoll and Powers while Lauren Price, Angie Berry, and Isabella Kuznitz will give Stoughton flexibility and range up the middle of the infield. Junior Grace Weisenberger brings some pop to the lineup offensively.
“Having played together for years, this promising group looks to build upon their prior success to build a strong program for Stoughton High School,” said head coach Laura Whittaker.
2023 Record: 24-1 (Kelley-Rex co-champion) 2023 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship Coach: Michelle Raposo
Taunton always has a big target on its back going into the season, but somehow it continues to get bigger.
The Tigers won their third straight Division 1 state championship last year with a 24-1 mark, allowing just two total runs on their way to a 6-1 win over Central Catholic in the final. Even with the graduation of a very talented senior class, Taunton comes into the season as the team to be and with aspirations of winning it all again. It starts in the circle with senior Sam Lincoln, a Texas Tech commit who went 17-1 with a minuscule 0.40 ERA and an eye-popping 228 batters. Lincoln’s power in the circle often overwhelms opposing hitters and it gives Taunton a massive advantage. Junior Cate Larson provides a reliable option in the circle as well after a 6-0 campaign a year ago.
Not only did Taunton have one of the best pitching/defense combinations last year, the Tigers had a lethal offense. Graduation took away some big bats with the likes of Ava Venturelli (Louisville), Kaysie DeMoura (Southern New Hampshire), and Hayley Krockta (UMass Boston) highlighting a very talented group. Despite losing so much in the lineup, Taunton still returns some of the top offensive talents in the league and the state. Junior Brooke Aldrich has a ton of varsity experience and will anchor the defense in the infield, sophomore Mia Torres is coming off a breakout (.536 in the regular season) freshman season and will pair with senior Molly Carnes in the outfield, and freshmen Bella Bourque (league-high 36 hits as an eighth grader) and Aniyah Bailey are already two of the biggest bats in the league. The Tigers are also leaning on the slogan of “Leave a lasting Mark” for the season in honor of athletic director Mark Ottovianelli, who is a longtime supporter of the program and retiring at the end of the school year.
“We are eager to get out there and compete as we just take it one game at a time again this year,” said second-year head coach Michelle Raposo. “We have a lot of open positions and will be making adjustments as the season goes on, but we are excited about the talent we have.”
Baseball Division 1
#32 Lexington, 1 @ #1 Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin jumped out to an early lead and Alfred Mucciarone took care of the rest as the Panthers started their postseason run with a win over Lexington. The Panthers plated a pair in the bottom of the first inning and tacked on three more in the second inning. Mucciarone allowed just one unearned run on five hits and two walks, striking out 10 in a complete game effort for the win. A two-out walk from Eisig Chin sparked the hosts in the first inning; Chin stole second and came home to score after a single from junior Henry Digiorgio, who made it all the way to third after an error. Ben Jarosz followed with a base hit of his own to bring Digiorgio home for an early 2-0 lead. After Mucciarone retired the side in order in the top of the second, Franklin cashed in with two outs once again in the bottom half. Rex Cinelli singled and Ryan Gerety singled, and after a wild pitch and a stolen base helped moved the runners along, Jase Lyons delivered a clutch hit with a two-run single. Chin was hit by a pitch, Digiorgio singled to load the bases, and Jarosz brought another run in with a walk. Top-seeded Franklin will host #17 Walpole on Wednesday at 7:00.
#31 Durfee, 4 @ #2 Taunton, 9 – Final – A five-run second inning helped the Tigers establish an early advantage and Taunton went on to earn its third win over the Hilltoppers this season. Dwayne Burgo smacked a two-out, two-run single to center to hand Taunton a 2-0 lead after an inning, and after sophomore Johnny Escobalez worked around a two-out single in the top of the second, the Tigers erupted for five runs in the bottom half. Braden Sullivan tripled in Andrew Cali (leadoff single) and then came home to score on Brayden Cali’s sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. Ryan MacDougall kept the inning alive with a two-out single, AJ Lewis followed with a walk, and courtesy runner Jared Spencer came home to score on another RBI single from Burgo. Sean Murphy was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Shawn Cali was also hit, bringing a run home. A passed ball brought Burgo home to make it 7-0. Escobalez pitched well in a no decision, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, striking out six in 3.1 innings of work. Brady Morin earned the win in relief, allowing one run on five hits in 2.2 innings, striking out one. #2 Taunton will host the winner of #15 Natick and #18 Springfield Central.
#22 Beverly, 0 @ #11 Milford, 2 – Final – Milford senior Evan Cornelius dazzled on the mound, leading the Scarlet Hawks to a shutout win over visiting Beverly. Cornelius was close to untouchable on the night as he allowed just one hit — a one-out single in the second that was erased at second — and didn’t issue a walk, striking out 13 for the win. The Hawks cashed in for two runs in the first inning and that was all the run support Cornelius needed. Damien Carter had a one-out walk and scored on a big double from Keith Lee. After Beverly got the second out, Louis Consigli came through with a clutch hit to right to bring Lee home to make it it 2-0. #11 Milford will travel to #6 St. John’s Shrewsbury on Wednesday at 4:00.
#18 Westboro, 3 @ #15 Mansfield, 4 – Final – Junior Drew Urban delivered the big hit in the sixth inning as the Hornets secured a close win over upset-minded Westboro. Mansfield jumped ahead 3-0 with a big fifth inning but the momentum didn’t last as the visiting Rangers rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game. In the bottom of the sixth, senior Will Lund kept the inning alive with a two-out walk and then came scampering home when Urban launched a double deep to left field to make it 4-3. Connor Curtis (7 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) worked around a leadoff walk in the top of the seventh to get three straight outs to close the game out. Lund and Urban helped ignite Mansfield’s big fifth inning as Lund had a one-out walk and Urban doubled. Aiden Jones drove in the first run of the game with a single up the middle, Jake Maydak scored courtesy runner Kyle Marnikovic after reaching on an error, and Sam Martin made it 3-0 with a two-out single to left to bring Conner Zukowski home. #15 Mansfield will travel to #2 Leominster on Wednesday at 6:30 at Doyle Field.
#19 North Attleboro, 2 @ #14 Duxbury, 1 – Final – North Attleboro’s Jordan Paradis and Dillon Harding combined to deliver a strong pitching performance as the Rocketeers landed an upset on the road against Duxbury. Paradis allowed one run on just two hits, walking five and striking out six in five solid innings to earn the win while Harding tossed two shutout innings in relief, issuing just two walks with no hits against. Offensively, North scored once in the third and once in the fourth; the Dragons’ lone run came in the bottom of the fourth. Paradis got it done on the offensive end as well, smacking a solo home run to right field in the third to hand North the lead. In the fourth, Jack Munley and Chris Hanewich had back-to-back singles and Nate Kelly walked to load the bases. Reed Collins grounded into a fielder’s choice with the force out at second but Munley came home to score to make it 2-0. Duxbury put the tying run on with a two-out walk in the seventh but Harding induced a grounder to Zach Corsetti at short for the final out. #19 North Attleboro returns to familiar territory as they will travel to Wrentham to take on Hock rival #3 King Philip on Wednesday at 3:45.
Division 3
#38 Watertown, 0 @ #6 Foxboro, 1 – Final – Foxboro’s first inning run proved to be enough for the Warriors in a tight 1-0 win over visiting Watertown. Tyler Prescott led off the bottom of the first with a walk and made his way to third after a pair of outs from the Warriors. That set the stage for sophomore Ryan O’Leary, who delivered the biggest hit of the game with an RBI single to center. O’Leary took care of business from there as he allowed just four hits, walking one with five strikeouts in five scoreless innings on the mound. Senior Sean O’Leary came in and tossed a scoreless seventh inning for the save, working around a one-out single with back-to-back strikeouts to end it. #6 Foxboro will host #22 Archbishop Williams on a date and time to be announced.
Softball Division 1
#35 Wellesley, 1 @ #3 Taunton, 13 – Final (5 Inn.) – Taunton started its playoff run with a bang, earning a mercy-rule win over visiting Wellesley. The Tigers scored three runs in the first, four more in the second inning, five more times in the fourth, and plated one in the fifth. Mia Torres led the offensive charge as she went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a run, Bella Bourque (2 RBI, 2 runs) and Morgan Fitzgerald (RBI, run) each added two hits, and Ava Venturelli drove in a pair and scored twice for Taunton. Sam Lincoln was strong once again in the circle, allowing one unearned run on two hits and no walks, striking out 12 in five innings. #3 Taunton will host Hock rival #19 Franklin, who upset Westford Academy, on Wednesday at 7:00.
#19 Franklin, 12 @ #14 Westford Academy, 2 – Final – A six-run second inning set the tone as Franklin upset Westford Academy in convincing fashion with a 12-2 win. The Panthers had five of their 17 hits in the second inning, resulting in an early 6-0 lead over the Grey Ghosts. Reece Allen (double) and Katy Liberman (error) both came to score on a one-out double from Dana Stott, who came home to score on an RBI from Avery Chalk. Sarah Boozang delivered a big two-out single to bring another run home and Carly Johnson-Pellegri followed with a two-run home run to center to stake a 6-0 lead. Westford Academy got on the board with a run in the bottom half, and tacked on another in the third, but Franklin scored once in the fourth, pulled away with four runs in the fifth, and tacked on another insurance run in the fifth. Boozang finished 4-for-5 with three RBI and a run, Kiera Kotwicki (two runs) and Chalk (four RBI, run) each chipped in with three hits, and Allen (two doubles) and Stott (two RBI, two runs) each had two hits. Kotwicki allowed two runs (one earned) in the start, scattering six hits and one walk, striking out three in three innings. Sophia Sacramone closed the door with four scoreless innings in relief, allowing three hits and no walks while fanning five batters. #19 Franklin takes on a familiar foe in the next round as the Panthers will travel to #3 Taunton on Wednesday at 7:00.
#28 Milford @ #5 Peabody – Postponed to Tuesday, 6/6 at 5:00.
Boys Lacrosse Division 1
#29 Methuen, 0 @ #4 Franklin, 20 – Final – Franklin came out flying in its playoff opening, finding the back of the net 13 times in the first quarter on its way to a convincing win over Methuen. Tyler Sacchetti had three goals and three assists in the Panthers’ big first period while Luke Davis scored a hat trick. Jayden Consigli (one assist) and junior Dylan McEvoy (three assists) each chipped in with a pair of goals for Franklin. #4 Franklin will host the winner of #13 Needham and #20 Natick, who are playing on Tuesday, on Thursday at 6:00.
#27 Oliver Ames, 5 @ #6 Scituate, 17 – Final – Oliver Ames kept it close in the first half and trailed by just three at the break but the hosts pulled away with a strong second half. Ben Reardon had a hat trick for the Tigers while Shaun Teehan and Victor Romeiro each scored once.
#20 Canton, 7 @ #13 Plymouth South, 9 – Final
#17 Tantasqua, 8 @ #16 Sharon, 11 – Final
#19 North Attleboro, 10 @ #14 Westwood, 18 – Final
Division 3
#19 Holliston, 4 @ #14 Foxboro, 12 – Final – Foxboro picked up where it left off, finishing off a game started last week and landing a 12-4 win over visiting Holliston. Jon Sachetti led the charge offensively with four goals and one assist, Tony Sulham netted a hat trick, Conor Noone added three points with two goals and one helper, and freshman Cam Deleskey found the back of the net once. Adam Addeche made eight saves in the win. #14 Foxboro will travel to #3 Newburyport on Tuesday at 5:00.
Girls Lacrosse Division 1
#18 King Philip, 6 @ #15 North Andover, 11 – Final – King Philip’s tournament run was cut short as the Warriors fell on the road to North Andover. Makenzie McDevitt, Nikki McDonald, and Abby MacDonald each scored twice while Kelly Holmes played well on the draw and registered two assists for KP. Senior Ilah Weiblen had a strong game on defense and Emily Campbell played well in net.
Division 2
#28 Oliver Ames, 8 @ #5 Leominster, 18 – Final
#18 Canton, 5 @ #15 Billerica, 14 – Final
Boys Tennis Division 2
#22 Nauset @ #6 Sharon – Postponed to Wednesday, 6/7 at 3:45.
#13 Mansfield, 0 @ #4 Hingham, 5 – Final
Division 3
#14 Foxboro @ #3 Dover-Sherborn – Postponed to Tuesday, 6/6 at 3:00.
Girls Tennis Division 3
#18 Wilmington @ #15 Foxboro – Postponed to Tuesday, 6/6 at 3:00 at the Woburn Racquet Club.
Baseball
Attleboro, 4 @ Bishop Feehan, 12 – Final – Ryan Landry (RBI), Peter DelPozzo, Casey Victorio (RBI), and Johnny Pagano (run) each had a hit for the Bombardiers while Jackson Huntington tossed a scoreless sixth inning in relief, striking out a pair.
Canton, 6 vs. Brookline, 3 – Final – Canton rallied from two runs down and then broke open a tie game with a three-run fourth to pick up an important non-league win, as the Bulldogs fight for a playoff spot. Brookline scored a pair of runs in the top of the first, but the Bulldogs answered back with three in the second. After the Warriors tied the game with a run in the fourth, Canton put together a three-run rally in the bottom half to take control. Hayden Rose went the distance on the mound to pick up the win. He walked three and allowed five hits, striking out seven. Jack Digirolamo led Canton’s efforts at the plate with a pair of hits and four RBI. Matt Hart continued to swing a hot bat, going 3-for-3 with a run, Shane Kelleher and Nick Gillis each had two hits, with Gillis driving in a pair. Owen Lane and Matt Chafin each doubled and scored runs.
Foxboro, 2 vs. Oakmont, 3 – Final – Foxboro carried a 2-1 lead into the final inning but visiting Oakmont (#3 in MIAA Division 3 rankings) plated a pair in the top of the seventh to take the win. Ryan O’Leary went 2-for-3, Sean O’Leary hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, and both Tyler Prescott and Mike Marcucella had a hit. Nolan Gordon had a strong start for the hosts, allowing one run on five hits and three walks, striking out four in five innings.
Mansfield, 7 @ Xaverian, 10 – Final – Mansfield had 10 hits and pushed across seven runs but couldn’t overcome an early deficit against this year’s recently crowning Catholic Conference champions. Jake Maydak continued his strong month by going 2-for-3 with three RBI, Wyatt Bolduc (two runs), Brian Butler (run), and Anthony Saraiva (two RBI, two runs) each added a pair of hits, and Conner Zukowski and Aiden Jones each had a base hit. Luke Rogan pitched well in relief for the Hornets, striking out six with seven hits and no walks resulting in three runs (two earned) in four innings.
Softball
Franklin, 12 @ Braintree, 6 – Final – Franklin had a big start with five runs in the first inning and finished strong with seven runs in the sixth to pull away from the hosts. Junior Katie Dowley and sophomore Marley Allen led the offensive charge, each going 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored while sophomore Sarah Boozang had three hits and two runs scored. Carly Johnson-Pellegri (RBI, run) and Katy Liberman (double, two RBI, two runs) each added two hits in the win. Freshman Sophia Sacramone pitched well in relief, allowing just one run on four hits and one walk, striking out five in 4.1 innings of work.
Boys Lacrosse
King Philip, 14 vs. Bishop Feehan, 11 – Final – King Philip scored a pair of goals late in the third quarter to create some separation and held the Shamrocks to just one goal in the fourth quarter to land a key non-league win. The Warriors built a five-goal lead (10-5) by halftime but the visitors pulled even with a 5-0 run in the third; KP tacked on two late goals to stake a 12-10 lead going into the fourth. Offensively, Hayden Schmitz scored four goals and had two assists, Donovan DeVellis recorded seven points (three goals, four assists), Mason Thompson potted a pair along with three helpers, and Noah Minkwitz scored a hat trick. Tommy Kilroy had a trio of assists, Pat Weiblen scored once with one assist, Henry LeClair scored once, and Alex Viscusi added one assist. James Boldy had another strong game in net for KP, turning away 10 shots.
Milford, 16 @ Hudson, 0 – Final
Girls Lacrosse
King Philip, 15 vs. Bishop Feehan, 5 – Final – KP rolled to a big win over a fellow D1 playoff contender. Sarah Brown led the way offensively with four goals, while Nicole McDonald had a hat trick and Makenzie McDevitt scored twice and assisted on two others. Alyssa Legere chipped in with two goals and a helper and Abby MacDonald and Kelly Holmes each found the back of the net twice. Emily Campbell made five saves to backstop a strong defensive effort.
Mansfield, 12 @ Norwood, 8 – Final – Mansfield outscored Norwood 6-4 in each half to pick up a crucial win in is bid to get back into the D2 tournament. Ava Adams scored five times and Brooke Butler added four goals for the Hornets. Rose Maher (assist), Carys Colby, and Maeve Anastasia each scored once in the win. Lola Varricchione dished out a pair of assists and Keira Fitzpatrick set up one goal. Caitlyn Zajac made 13 saves to help the Hornets beat the Mustangs, who are ranked No. 22 in the division.
Milford, 15 vs. Hudson, 8 – Final – Milford freshman Avalina DiGiallonardo had a strong showing in net in her first career start to help the Hawks land a season sweep of Hudson. Sophomore Alexa Landry netted a game-high five goals while senior Emily Croteau moved into a tie for second place in program history at 150 points after adding three goals and three assists. TJ Downing and Kiara Ortiz each added a pair of goals while Erin Michelson, Yasmin Martinez, and Jordan Douglas each scored once. Senior Molly Hartman earned her first career point, assisting on a goal from Ortiz.
Boys Tennis
King Philip, 1 vs. Xaverian, 4 – Final
Girls Tennis
Franklin, 0 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 5 – Final
King Philip, 4 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final – King Philip took two wins from singles and doubles to land a victory on the road over Foxboro. Shea Mellman (6-3, 6-0) and Caroline Freese (6-2, 6-2) took straight-set victories at second and third singles, respectively. The team of seniors Carlie Burns and Priya Riar only dropped a pair of goals in a 6-1, 6-1 verdict at first doubles, while senior Lauren Casper teamed up with Jaelyn Dang for a 6-4, 7-5 second doubles win. Foxboro’s Hailey Kornbluth picked up another impressive win at first singles (6-0, 6-0) for the Warriors.
