By HockomockSports.com Staff

2025 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

2024 Record: 14-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro has been right behind the top two teams in the league (and arguably the state) for the past few seasons and the Bombardiers again look like the team best positioned to challenge Taunton and King Philip in the Kelley-Rex standings. Despite some key players lost to graduation, Attleboro’s lineup looks balanced and experienced.

The key for the Bombardiers will be in the circle. Junior Jenna Callahan and sophomore Lola Ronayne give Attleboro a strong one-two punch, enabling them to change things up mid-game and give rest when needed over the course of the season. When not pitching, both play shortstop and are consistent threats at the plate.

Senior Emily Eby will return at second base, senior Madison Moran is back at third, and senior Lily McGilvray will add leadership to the outfield. Attleboro will lean on its experienced players early in the season, as the Bombardiers get the underclassmen up to speed with playing at the varsity level.

“We as a program collectively will work together to be successful, win more games than we lose, and have fun throughout it all,” said Attleboro coach Mark Homer. “Our motto is that we are a better team today than we were yesterday, but not as good as we will be tomorrow.”

Canton

2024 Record: 6-14
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Canton is going to lean on its returning, experienced players to try and get back into the tournament conversation, looking to end a six-year playoff drought. The Bulldogs will need to force their way up the standings in a Davenport division that has become even more competitive with the return of North Attleboro.

The Bulldogs will be young in the circle. Sophomore Reilly MacEachern is back after a solid rookie campaign and will split time with freshman Kennedy Burke, and sophomore Fiona Trendell will work with the staff behind the dish. Canton will hope that MacEachern can build off the experience of her first varsity season and keep competing against the league’s best. Seniors Chloe Guerschuny (second base), Kailyn Durham (centerfield), and Klara Redquest (left field) will be key on-field leaders this season.

Junior Abby Stock will step in at first base and will try to replicate some of the production from graduating all-star Jess Wright. Junior Caitlyn Reynolds will jump into right field and fellow juniors Kayley Furbush and Kiera Yu, senior Hannah King, and sophomore Delany Clegg are looking to fill the open spots at third base and shortstop. Senior Amy Murphy and junior Emerson Martin are versatile players who can come off the bench and fill multiple positions.

“We have a talented group of players this year who have been working hard this preseason,” said Canton coach Sandy Lombardi. “We are looking forward to competing against the talented teams in the Hockomock League.”

Foxboro

2024 Record: 14-8 (Davenport co-champion)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 16
Coach: Mark Maguire
After waiting 50 years between league championships, Foxboro has won back-to-back Davenport division titles. The Warriors return all but one starter from last year and look poised for a three-peat. This year’s goal is to not only take the Davenport crown outright (would be the first outright title since 1972) but also make some noise in the Div. 3 tournament.

Foxboro has plenty of pitching to lean on this season with the return of seniors (and Bentley-commits) Vittoria Cuscia and Emma Callahan. Cuscia will be the primary starter and has been a league all-star each of the past two seasons. Callahan can step in and pick up wins when called upon, while also being the team’s spark plug at the top of the lineup and giving the Warriors solid play at second. Senior Ava Hill adds experience and athleticism behind the plate and has worked with both pitchers for a couple of seasons.

Juniors Mia Flanagan (third base) and Meghan Kelley (shortstop) are three-year starters on the left side and are solid performers in the field and at the plate. Sophomore Brynn Allen (first base) joins Callahan on the right side. Senior Natalia Leach will return in left and classmate Jillian Slattery is back in center. Juniors Emma Fisler and Isabelle Theis, sophomores Jocelyn Hillery and Olivia Jaworski, and freshmen Mackenzie Crockford and Ruby Klos give the Warriors plenty of athletes who can produce off the bench.

“Our strengths are leadership provided by the seniors and captain Meghan Kelley,” Foxboro coach Mark Maguire said. “Offensively we have a great mix of speed with some pop throughout our lineup. We look to be competitive in every game. The girls are excited for the challenge of the Hockomock League.”

Franklin

2024 Record: 8-13
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Breanna Shaffer
Franklin has been on the cusp of challenging the top teams in the Kelley-Rex for a couple of seasons and the Panthers are hoping that an experienced lineup, depth in the circle, and the return of several big bats will make the difference this spring.

The Panthers have plenty of arms to throw at the league’s tough lineups. Juniors Sophia Sacramone and Ciara O’Brien are both back from last year and both gained valuable experience. Sophomore Abby Souza gives Franklin a third pitcher that could see time this season. Senior Marley Allen is back behind the plate and her leadership and relationship with the pitchers will be important from game to game.

Senior first baseman Sarah Boozang remains one of the league’s top hitters and she gives the Panthers a tough out and run-producer in the heart of the order. Sophomore Olivia Ross will start at second, junior Ella Weston is back to play short, and junior Ava Florest will be back at third. Sophomore Brooke Gatewood is a strong utility player to come off the bench in the infield. The outfield includes senior Josie Drucker in right, junior Brooke Bonetti and senior Sophie Arena will be in left, and sophomore Amelia Rakitin is taking over in center. Junior Lily Santiago will see time in the outfield this spring.

“We are excited about the talent we have this season!” said Franklin coach Breanna Shaffer. “This senior class is determined to work hard and compete every day to achieve our goals for the season.”

King Philip

2024 Record: 17-10
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Final
Coach: Kate Fallon-Comeau
King Philip has been arguably the second-best team in the state for the past two seasons but has been knocked out in the semifinal and final by league rival Taunton. Despite graduating several key players from last year’s lineup, the Warriors remain not only one of the teams to beat in the Hock but also in Div. 1.

Junior pitcher McCoy Walsh remains a key player for the Warriors. When she is on her game, as she was through the majority of last season’s playoff run, then KP knows it can beat anyone. Senior Liv Petrillo is back at shortstop and will be a big bat in the middle of the order. Junior Ali Gill has been one of the league’s best players for two years. She returns in center field (and might see time in the infield) and will continue to be a spark for the offense. Senior Allie Cecere will take over at first this season and give Walsh a rest in the circle, while senior Lucy Weineck has an injury to start the season but the Warriors hope she can give the lineup a boost later in the regular season.

Sophomore Kiera Lawrence returns in the outfield and will take a bigger role in the lineup. Junior Lauren Griffin and sophomore Bailey Cederbaum will split time behind the plate this season. Freshmen Annabelle Curran, Cheyenne Murray, and Liv Wainwright look ready to step right in and make an instant impact with their athleticism and versatility. Sophomores Kelly Donahue and Lexi Gebhard and junior Leah Hayes will add depth and can contribute in multiple spots. Sophomore Anna Cusano and freshman Reegan Durden are additional arms that KP can rely on over the course of the season.

“We’re excited for a fresh start this season,” said KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau. “The team has been working hard, and we’re ready to compete, grow, and leave it all on the field.”

Mansfield

2024 Record: 13-8
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Ernie Ortega
While Foxboro and Oliver Ames shared the league title for the second year in a row, Mansfield quietly put together a strong campaign, finished just one game out of first, and won 13 games overall. Former Abington coach Ernie Ortega takes over this season, following the retirement of Lori Letendre, and he is optimistic that the Hornets can be in the title mix again this spring.

The starting lineup is still in flux, as expected with a new coaching staff learning about its roster, but the Hornets, despite graduating eight players, have an experienced core returning to lead the way. Senior Julia Marinkovic and junior Avery Lake will provide leadership on and off the field and bring great softball IQ to the lineup. The development of junior pitcher Dani Jameson will be key, as she builds on the experience of facing the league’s tough lineups.

Junior Allie Koppy and sophomores Mary Donovan, Ava Scotti, Emmy Peterson, and Ashleigh Cromack are all back from last year and Mansfield will rely on their athleticism. Sienna Niccoloro, Hanna Soares, Jennylise Sequeira, Gabrielle Rogers, Claire Rea, and Gabriella Mazzeo are all new faces who are ready to step in and make an instant impact.

“After playing our scrimmages, we are cautiously optimistic, and looking into a very competitive season,” Ortega said. “With a new coaching staff, Mansfield softball is on the move and looking forward to taking the field.”

Milford

2024 Record: 10-12
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Steve DiVitto
Milford had a lot of positives last season with 10 wins and a second straight playoff appearance and nearly pulled an upset of Milton in the Round of 32. The Hawks graduated six players from last year’s team so there are open positions that will need to be filled this spring but there are some new faces that look ready to make major contributions.

Senior third baseman Cae Pellegrini will be the lynchpin of the Milford lineup and has been one of the top power hitters in the league for the past couple of seasons. Senior Olivia Baglione can play short or center and brings a lot of speed to the lineup. Senior Gianna Santiago will compete for time in multiple positions. The junior class is strong with Ava Baglione in center, Angelina Bonina in the circle and at first, and Katelyn Kearnan in a corner outfield spot. Junior Isabella Loscerbo will be behind the plate and classmate Lucia Testa will compete for a spot at second.

Milford also has three sophomores and three freshmen on the roster. Sophomores Lilah Driscoll, Amelia Maloney, and Kyla Nashawaty all bring athleticism and versatility. The freshmen will have big roles to play, as all three are pitchers and exciting additions to the lineup. Avery Macchi and Lauren Williams are righties and Brooke Stokes is a lefty who will also contribute in the outfield when she’s not in the circle.

“We are looking to take the next step with a young roster,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “This group has been focused in the offseason and early on to continue the strides this program has made. We say it every year – this is the best league in the state – we can’t wait for the chance to compete at the highest level.”

North Attleboro

2024 Record: 5-15
2024 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Jamie Duffy
North Attleboro coach Jamie Duffy is hoping that the experience she and the team gained during her first season will have the Rocketeers poised to turn things around this spring and get back into the playoff hunt. Despite graduating three players who contributed throughout the season, all 10 of the players who saw significant playing time last season are back and North will be hoping to make some noise in its return to the Davenport division.

Senior leadership will be key this season. Maryellen Charette can play behind the plate or at third, Arianna McDavitt was the team’s starting pitcher last year, Emily Tucker will start at second, and Mary Rogers will be in left. Junior Grace Forman is also a key player for the Rocketeers whether it’s in the outfield or taking her turn in the circle.

Juniors Molly Willey (shortstop), Lucy Palmer (catcher/third base), and Jill Lewicki (first base) form an experienced infield, while junior Brooklyn Hasler and sophomore Ava Pratt are back in the outfield. North has a few newcomers who add depth and versatility in the lineup. Senior Alex Saviolakis, sophomore Gracyn Cuzzi, and freshmen Kate Jurgens and Lindsey DeGirolamo will all contribute right away.

Duffy said, “We are looking confident at the plate with some real potential for power throughout the lineup. They’ve come in with an overall sense of confidence there and it’s great to see. As a group they all are ready and eager to get to work and have created a really positive dynamic already. They’ve been playing together for a long time and have a great chemistry.”

Oliver Ames

2024 Record: 12-9 (Davenport co-champion)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 preliminary round
Coach: Lindsey Allison
Oliver Ames shared the Davenport division title with Foxboro each of the past two seasons and the Tigers bring a strong lineup back this spring with the goal of winning the title outright for the first time since 2012 and making a run in the state tournament.

The Tigers have one of the league’s top middle infield combos in senior second baseman Devon Morris, who has been a consistent threat at the plate for three seasons, and sophomore shortstop Katie Berg, who batted 0.406 as a freshman. In the field and at bat, that duo will be a constant menace for the opposition. Senior Taylor Marino had an ERA of under 4.00 last season and her experience in the circle facing some of the state’s best lineups will be crucial for OA’s chances at a three-peat. Sophomore Jackie Solimine takes over behind the plate and the Tigers are excited about adding her speed and power in the lineup.

OA has plenty of experience in the roster. Seniors Ava Tracia and Annabelle will be back in the outfield this season and classmate Emily Martin takes over at first base. Junior Lindsey Solomon will be at third after an impressive sophomore season at the hot corner. OA coach Lindsey Allison is also hoping an influx of underclassman talent will give the Tigers a new dimension in the lineup.

“OA is returning some talented athletes from last season, all of whom are eager to pick up right where they left off,” Allison said. “The culture on this team is incredible; they show up every day ready to work hard, with a list of personal and team goals they want to work on every day. We are looking forward to another great season, making the state tournament, and continuing to be a top contender for the Davenport title.”

Sharon

2024 Record: 0-20
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Heather Poliferno
Sharon is making the move to the Kelley-Rex division this season but head coach Heather Poliferno hasn’t changed much in terms of preparation. The Eagles will continue focusing on building skills and working hard to battle against the depth of the Hockomock League.

The Eagles will lean on returning players to try and earn a first league win since 2021 and their first win overall since 2023. Junior center fielder Kapri Brimhall will be a leader on the diamond this spring after batting 0.364 last year. Sophomore Lily Xavier will be back behind the plate to catch classmate Alexa Newbold. The duo is growing together and that developing connection has a lot of potential.

Freshman Sadie Meixel is a newcomer to watch this year and Poliferno is excited about what she can contribute at the plate and the new dynamic she brings to the lineup. Senior captains Haily Fernando and Mikayla Lai will be important voices on and off the field to keep the Eagles heading in the right direction.

Poliferno said, “There is a lot of potential in this team, and I’m very excited to see what we can do!”

Stoughton

2024 Record: 4-15
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Laura Whittaker
Stoughton battled through a series of injuries in 2024 and the Black Knights dropped down the Davenport standings as a result, finishing with four wins. This spring, Stoughton is hoping to bounce back and get into the state tournament conversation with a combination of experienced returners and a talented crop of underclassmen.

Junior Julia Monaghan is back in the circle to be the team’s starting pitcher with freshman Lily Shirey jumping in to give the Black Knights depth on the mound. Sophomore Addison Greenlaw returns behind the plate and that year of varsity experience should be a big boost for the whole staff. Senior Caitlin Driscoll returns in center and in the middle of the order. Also in the outfield are juniors Megan McGowan and Isabella Kuznitz and freshmen Raegan Costello and Kayla Monaghan.

Senior Lauren Price will be the leader on the infield, which has the potential to be strong defensively this year. Senior Chiara Nallar, junior Emersyn Grover, and sophomores Siena Schwenzfeier and Kelsey Whitman will all play big roles this season. Senior Grace Weisenberger will be back as a power threat in the heart of the order.

“The aggressive and intelligent play by the Stoughton team will be something to watch in 2025,” said Stoughton coach Laura Whittaker.

Taunton

2024 Record: 25-0 (Kelley-Rex champion)
2024 Finish: Won Div. 1 State Championship
Coach: Michelle Raposo
Taunton has won three of the last five Kelley-Rex division titles and five straight Div. 1 championships. After a perfect season in 2024, expectations remain sky-high for the most consistent program in the state and the Tigers remain the favorite to bring home another trophy at the end of the season.

It is an experienced, talented lineup that returns this season. Senior Catherine Larson will take over in the circle from Gatorade Player of the Year Sam Lincoln. Larson is a five-year varsity player and, while the backup starter last year, has started in a state final, so she has plenty of experience to compete with the state’s best. Senior shortstop Brooke Aldrich is also back for her fifth season on varsity. She delivers solid defense and is a clutch hitter in the middle of the lineup (batted 0.600 in the tournament last year).

Junior Mia Torres is a three-year starter in the outfield and she’s the catalyst for Taunton’s offense, setting the table for the power hitters. Sophomore Bella Bourque is heading into her third season as the starting third baseman and has been one of the league’s top hitters for the past two years. Sophomore Aniyah Bailey had a breakout freshman season, hitting seven homers, driving in 40 runs, and providing composure behind the plate. Sophomore Madison Crowley and juniors Gracie Oliveira and Victoria Corrao add depth and athleticism for the Tigers in various positions and will be counted on to take bigger roles this season.

“Every season presents its own set of challenges, but this group has the right mix of talent, leadership, and heart,” said Taunton coach Michelle Raposo. “These girls are already so bonded, and they’re fully committed to each other on the field. I love their intensity and the way they root for one another. It’s something special.”