By HockomockSports.com Staff

2025 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2024 Record: 11-8
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Kerri Beland
Attleboro is coming off the two best seasons in program history, having made back-to-back playoff appearances. Former player Kerri Beland will take charge of the team this spring (after being the assistant coach the past two seasons) and will be looking to build on recent success by bolstering the schedule to be better prepared for the playoff competition.

The attack should be a strength for the Bombardiers this season with the team’s top scorers from last year returning. Senior Isabella Cavallini (Bentley) has been one of the league’s top playmakers for a couple of seasons and she will run the attack again this year along with junior Amelia Collins, who has been a standout scorer each of the past two years. The midfield also returns a strong core of players who can impact the game at both ends of the field. Senior Ryann Mooney and juniors Makenah Stokes and Abigail Titmas add athleticism in the middle of the field, with Stokes also a big factor on the draws.

Attleboro’s defense will have a few new faces this season after graduating three starters. Senior Ashley Cordeiro will be the leader at the back and classmate Peyton McAuliffe has been among the league’s top goalies for the past two years. Junior Sofia Sprovieri will take a bigger role in defense. Junior Jordyn Riley will be a newcomer to watch in midfield and senior Kaya Hannon will add another scorer up front.

“With our mix of experienced players and new talent, our season is filled with excitement,” Beland said. “These girls have shown up each day ready to compete and build on the success this program has had the past few seasons. The skill, athleticism, and lacrosse IQ are all there – at the end of the day it’s who wants it more and from what I’ve seen so far this preseason, this team is ready to go.”

Canton

2024 Record: 10-8
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Jess Powers
Canton has finished second in the Davenport division in each of the past three seasons, but the Bulldogs come into this spring with a lot of new faces, including on the bench where former player Jess Powers takes over as the team’s third coach in three years. With three of the team’s top four scorers and three starters on defense lost to graduation, Powers will have a relatively inexperienced group to get ready for the new season.

This is still an athletic group and that speed and aggressiveness will be a strength of the team. Junior Nora Giannacopoulos will be the focal point of the attack. The reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year gives Canton a creative playmaker to run the offense through. Senior Izzy Digirolamo adds experience up front and sophomore Cassidy Lyons could be poised for a breakout season. Sophomore Shannon Lane and junior Deanna Kolokithas add two quick, athletic weapons in midfield and attack.

The defense will be a work in progress at the start of the season, as it’s an almost entirely new group at the back. Junior Michaela Dickie returns this spring and she will be the anchor and leader at that end of the field. The midfield group will also be counted on to help out in transition and defense while new players get up to varsity speed. In goal, senior Ashley Balunas and junior Sammy Gardner will split time to start the year.

Powers said, “This team will look to establish a new identity while continuing to build on the success of previous seasons. We have a great group of players with a lot of potential and I’m excited to see what they accomplish this year.”

Foxboro

2024 Record: 15-7 (Davenport champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Final Four
Coach: Kathleen McCullough
After winning a 12th consecutive Davenport division title and reaching the Div. 3 Final Four for the second year in a row, Foxboro returns 15 players to try and continue its run as one of the league’s perennial powers. With seven seniors and seven juniors on the roster, the Warriors have plenty of experience to call on to make another tournament run.

The key to Foxboro’s attack is senior Cate Noone. The Furman-commit and reigning HockomockSports.com Player of the Year is the creative fulcrum for the Warriors and a consistent threat on draws. Junior Addie Riley is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which she led the team with 76 goals and the Warriors expect her to be an impact player at both ends of the field. Sophomore Chloe McGarry is looking to take a big leap after a 47-point freshman season. Junior Lily Kelley is a new addition to the attacking unit this season.

The defense should remain a strength this season. Senior Hannah Higgins (Hobart William Smith-commit) is a rock at the back and the leader of the defensive group. With senior Audrey Campbell (Norwich-commit) back in the cage, the Foxboro defense has plenty of stability and experience to lean on.

“We are looking forward to the 2025 season as we have several returning players that have watched develop and step up this preseason,” said Foxboro coach Kathleen McCullough. “We hope to use some of our veterans as ‘utility players’ providing flexibility and versatility for the team. Our team is focused and ready for the challenges ahead.”

Franklin

2024 Record: 12-10 (Kelley-Rex champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino
Franklin has dominated the Hockomock League for more than a decade. The Panthers have won 122 straight games in the league going into this season (a run that stretches back to 2012) and have won 14 straight league titles. The Panthers were in transition last spring, with a relatively inexperienced team learning the ropes, and many of the players seem poised for breakout seasons.

The attack returns all but one starter and the coordination and communication built last year should pay dividends. Seniors Julia Flynn and Sophia Sacchetti are quick, athletic midfielders who will be key players on the draw and getting the team into the attack. Senior Gabi Caonsigli is coming off her best scoring season and could be among the league leaders this year. Junior Vera Hansen is another impact player in midfield and Franklin will hope that sophomore midfielder Callie Joyce and freshman attacker Clara Blongstainer will step in and produce right away this season.

On defense, Franklin will be led by senior Maeve Grasso. Coming off a terrific season, Grasso will keep the team working as a unit at the back along with classmate Hannah Blongstainer. Senior Maisie Streeseman and freshman Codi Lai will battle for the starting goalie position and both should see plenty of minutes this season.

“We return a strong core group of players who have a year or two of playing experience under their belts,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “Last year was more of a developmental year for us, and now this season we are looking to make bigger strides and win some more out of league games. I am looking forward to another great season!”

King Philip

2024 Record: 15-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16
Coach: Matt Custodio
New head coach Matt Custodio inherits a roster filled with experience to try and match last year’s 15-win season and berth in the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. With six seniors who are all committed to play at the next level, King Philip will go into the new season with hopes of not only being one of the league’s best teams but to end Franklin’s 12-year dominance of the Kelley-Rex division.

Defense is the foundation that the Warriors will build on. Senior Sierra King will be the leader at the back along with classmate Kaitlyn Parish, who returns in goal after being one of the best shot stoppers in the area last season. Juniors Katie McGann, Ashleigh Whitbread, and Lauren Obara will all step into the defensive unit and Custodio expects the defense to set the tone for the team and enable the talented attacking group to do its work on the other end of the field.

Senior Makenzie McDevitt is the team’s standout attacker and top returning scorer. The BU-commit has been one of the league’s most dynamic attackers for a couple of seasons and will be KP’s top creative force. Seniors Emily Heslin, Sammy Cloutier, and Abby MacDonald will all chip in with goals while giving KP additional cover in transition and in the defensive half of the field.

“This is a very special group of players and seniors who have high expectations of themselves,” Custodio said. “If we can do all the little things successfully, we know that our end goals will fall into place.”

Mansfield

2024 Record: 11-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Katy Garvin
Former Mansfield star Katy Garvin had an impressive first season on the bench for the Hornets, as they won 11 games, tied for second in the Davenport division, and returned to the state tournament. With 11 seniors coming back this spring, Garvin is hoping the Hornets can quickly fill some of the holes from graduation and once again challenge Foxboro at the top of the league standings.

Senior Ella Palanza will be the lynchpin in midfield for the Hornets. The three-sport standout delivers plenty of energy and athleticism to contribute on both ends of the field, while also being the top returning scorer from last year. Sophomore Sadie Jablonski returned from injury late in basketball season so will be a big addition in midfield with classmate Sophie Clang. Senior Lily Niosi and sophomore Caitlin Niosi will lead the way in attack with juniors Maddie Boyle and Tessa Johnson giving the Hornets experience up front.

In defense, the Hornets will be steady with seniors Carys Colby, Paige Carrow, Vail Dubeau, and Lyla Nappa. Junior Lana DiSangro will return in goal after a breakout sophomore campaign.

Garvin said, “We have a great group returning this year and a roster full of competitors. We are aiming high this season and are excited for the tough matchups we will see in and out of the Hock. I am especially excited for our new group on attack and their ability to work off of each other to play team offense.”

North Attleboro

2024 Record: 7-12
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dawn Kafel-Forge
North Attleboro needed a few results to go its way last year to be in the state tournament picture under first-year coach Dawn Kafel-Forge. With just two players graduating from last season’s roster, the Rocketeers are hoping that the experience on the roster will help turn things around and make the playoffs a legitimate possibility.

Senior Ellie Regan will be the key to North’s success in attack. The team’s leading scorer last year, Regan had 55 goals and will hope that she can produce even more this spring. Sophomore Abby Wholey, Reese Hickey, and Addie Curran will try to build on promising rookie seasons and senior Sara Maciejewski gives North welcome leadership in the offense. Seniors Avery House, Lauren Inglese, and Bella McQuade give Big Red athleticism in the midfield and can make an impact on both ends of the field.

The Rocketeers will also lean on its seniors in defense, including goalie Brianna Burns, who had a breakout season between the pipes and emerged as one of the league’s most consistent shot stoppers. Seniors Grace Gouck, Carleigh Swenson, and Ava McDuff, and junior Grace Jordan provide a lot of stability in the defensive unit and that familiarity will help communication at the back.

Kafel-Forge said, “It’s a quick turnaround this year from preseason to our first game. We are pleased to see how the team is coming together. Our crew is focused, determined, and looking to improve our game week to week.”

Oliver Ames

2024 Record: 9-10
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Fred Isleib
Oliver Ames narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last season, missing the tournament by just one game. The Tigers started the season well but had a difficult closing stretch and lost the final four games of the regular season (all against playoff teams, including league champs Franklin and Foxboro). After getting so close last spring, the goal this year is to take that next step.

The Tigers will need to replace some key players from last year’s roster, particularly four starting roles in midfield, but OA has 10 seniors coming back to form an experienced core that should be able to step up. Senior Deana Flaherty can fill in both in midfield and defense and, along with classmate Chloe Finch can give the attack a boost. Sophomores Kit Perron and Kyla Isleib impressed as freshmen and will be counted on to keep the attack firing.

Second-year coach Fred Isleib is excited for his defensive unit’s size and athleticism and the potential of sophomore goalie Olivia Magee, who is entering her second season as the starter and continues to improve each game.

“As a second-year coach, I feel like we are ahead of where we were a year ago,” Isleib said. “My message to the team, if we do three things it will be a successful season: Have fun, work hard, and compete.”

Sharon

2024 Record: 6-12
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Aisling Lydeard
Sharon closed last season with a pair of non-league wins and the Eagles will hope they can carry some momentum into their first season in the Kelley-Rex division. Second-year coach Aisling Lydeard is counting on the experience built from last year to help push the Eagles forward.

In the midfield, senior Bailey Garte will be back to run the offense. A league all-star last season, Garte is a dynamic playmaker and will impact the game on both ends of the field. Joining Garte in the attack is a talented group of underclassmen. Sophomores Sarah Scappaticci, Lilian Bourgeois, and Ella Cummings are back after impressing in their rookie campaigns. Senior Serene Bien-Aime will be a key addition to the midfield, as she moves up from defense this season.

The defensive unit will be anchored by seniors Ava Jacobsen and Lauren McLoughlin, who both provide great leadership on the field. Sophomore Samantha Humphreys is back in goal and junior Fatima Houdroge will give the Eagles good depth in the cage.

Lydeard said, “We have a solid foundation as we head into the season and are focused on improving our draw control percentage and offensive opportunities, as well as refining our fast break defensive skills.”

Stoughton

2024 Record: 7-14
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Alicen Flewelling
Stoughton made a big leap in its second season as a varsity program, winning seven games, including a pair of league victories, and the Black Knights want to build on that for even more success in year three. With seven returning seniors, Stoughton has some experience on its roster but will also have several young players getting their first taste of varsity action who will need to step into big roles right away.

Junior Casey Groppi will be the key for the Black Knights in attack. The St. Michael’s-commit spent most of last season in defense but will move back into midfield this spring and should see a big bump in her scoring stats. Seniors Lauren Mitchell and Madi Falcione will provide athleticism in midfield, while seniors Angie Berry and Ella Derby and sophomore Olivia Joumaa should contribute in attack. Senior Adalina Tucker will take over in goal in her first season on varsity and classmates Pamela Pereira, Lily Nourse, and Ruby Guglia and sophomore Jillian Falcione will provide cover in defense.

As expected from a still-young program, there are players who will be experiencing the sport at this level for the first time, including freshman Cailin McGowan, sophomore Morgan Derby, and juniors Faith Sekundaya and Mickaelle Pierre. Sophomore Julia Henein will make the jump from JV this season and Paige Enokian (attack) and Chloe Hannaford (defense) return as swing players to help Stoughton’s depth.

“Stoughton has been working hard at the start of this season to adjust to not having the six seniors from last season but we have a strong set of girls both new and returning to the sport!” said Stoughton coach Alicen Flewelling. “Going from zero varsity wins to six was a huge morale boost for our players and our program as a whole! We are looking forward to growing more as a team this year!”

Taunton

2024 Record: 0-17
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Adilson Galvao
Taunton is coming off a difficult 2024 season. The Tigers were winless last year but, with all but four players returning for this spring, there is hope that they can turn it around and be more competitive this time around.

Offensively, Taunton will build around seniors Maddison Szala and Giovanna Guarino. Szala is the team’s top returning scorer after a 58-point season. The graduation of top scorer Cali Melo and transfer of Taryn Campbell will have an impact but senior Jayla Leonardo and junior Madison Cardoso give Taunton welcome dynamism and depth up front. Senior Caroline Vallarelli and junior Talia O’Leary will provide leadership and energy in the midfield. Senior Niyla Correia will boost the midfield, after moving up from defense.

At the back, sophomore Laila Brum will step into a key role this season and senior Savannah Sylvia returns from an injury to give the back line a big upgrade. Seniors Jaclyn Tokarz and Emily Lane complete a solid defensive group for the Tigers. Freshman Sydney Leavitt is the lone goalie returning from last year’s roster, after jumping on varsity as an eighth grader.

Taunton coach Adilson Galvao said, “With a strong core of returning starters and a senior class that raises the bar higher than ever, this season holds limitless potential. In my four years of coaching, this group has demonstrated the heart, commitment, and leadership that will propel us to new heights.”