By HockomockSports.com Staff

2024 Hockomock League Softball Preview

Attleboro

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.”

Canton

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.

Foxboro

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.”

Franklin

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.”

King Philip

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!”

Mansfield

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.”

Milford

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.”

North Attleboro

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.”

Oliver Ames

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.

Sharon

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.

“Let’s go Eagles!” Poliferno said.

Stoughton

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.

Taunton

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.”