By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 8-12-0
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Jessica Pink
Attleboro has a year of experience under head coach Jessica Pink under their belts, and the Bombardiers boast 10 returners which could be the recipe for another tournament this year.

Hockomock League All Star Siobhan Landers is back after a breakout junior season in which she finished top 10 in goals scored on the season. Pink praised her improvement throughout the offseason and Landers will be the heartbeat of Attleboro again this season. Another key returner is junior goalie Siany Ortez following a stellar season in the cage as a sophomore. Ortez impressed against some of the top teams in the state so having her anchor the defense and Landers spearheading the attack gives Pink a solid foundation.

The Bombardiers also have some veteran talent returning in the midfield alongside Landers in senior Bailey Ellis and junior Nora Desrosiers, who had six goals in the regular season last year. While Attleboro possesses a good amount of experience in the midfield, the forward line will feature some younger players. Sophomore Kelsey McCleary could be an immediate impact player while Pink has a handful of freshmen fighting for spots in the lineup. Paige Parenteau, Kelsey Hodson, and Tori Westwater will anchor a veteran defensive unit in front of Ortez.

“Attleboro is coming into the season with a renewed sense of energy and desire to improve,” Pink said. “With many returners vying for their spots back alongside a handful of freshmen who are pushing them to be better, I am excited about this year and the future of the AHS program.”

Canton

2022 Record: 14-4-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Chrissy O’Connor
Canton lost some veteran names to graduation including a pair of Hock all stars, but if you’ve been around the Hock at all, you know Chrissy O’Connor is always ready to reload instead of rebuild.

While two all stars are gone, two more are back in the mix this season. Senior Laura Valkanas returns to anchor the defense from the sweeper position, and her leadership and experience will be key as Canton integrates some new faces into its defensive unit, which only allowed 22 goals against all over last season (just over one per game on average). Senior Julia Wilkinson also returns to the defensive unit alongside Valkanas while sophomore Shaelyn Murphy and junior Ashley Balunas battle for minutes in goal.

Senior captain Maggie McCready returns to orchestrate everything from her spot in the midfield. McCready (Saint Anselm commit) is a vital part of both the defense and the offense, registering eight goals and 13 assists during the regular season. The other all star that O’Connor has back in the lineup this year is sophomore forward Carolyn Schiavo. It didn’t take long for Schiavo to impress during her rookie season and finished the regular season with 10 goals and five assists. A newcomer to keep an eye on is freshman Shannon Lane, who could make an immediate splash on offense for the Bulldogs.

“Canton looks forward to a very competitive run this season,” O’Connor said. “We have a young but talented forward and midfield line that have come ready for action.”

Foxboro

2022 Record: 16-2-3 (Davenport division champion)
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Elite 8
Coach: Melissa Bordieri
Foxboro claimed the Davenport division title last year for the third time (and 12th league crown overall) and with a loaded roster of returners, there’s a lot of optimism for continued success in 2023.

The Warriors bring back reigning Hockomock League MVP Mary Collins after an incredible 2022 campaign in which she scored a league-best 33 goals in the regular season and finished second in points with 55. Collins is one of the most talented forwards in the league and she will have a strong midfield to bolster Foxboro’s offense. Val Beigel is a seasoned veteran who works non-stop up-and-down the field. Beigel and Collins are joined by classmates Ella Campbell, Cam Collins, Izzy Chamberlin, and Izzy Leclair to help lead Foxboro in the field.

Last year, the Warriors had one of the best defenses in the entire state with only nine goals allowed (less than half a goal per game), and that has been Foxboro’s calling card historically. Over the past three seasons, Foxboro has allowed less than a goal per game on average. One of the reasons for Foxboro’s success on the defense end has been in goal. This year, senior Kathryn Ferguson and sophomore Kathleen Staruski have had a competitive preseason and provide legendary head coach Melissa Bordieri with two outstanding options.

“Our strength on offense this season is our speed and ability to move the ball in tight space,” Bordieri said. “Our attack has players with diverse skill sets that complement each other, so we are hoping to bring that to every game. I feel like Foxboro has always been a strong defensive team, and this year should be no different. We have very strong backs that can control the ball and clear it, and our goalies are both outstanding so I am excited to see how we do.”

Franklin

2022 Record: 18-2-1 (Kelley-Rex champion)
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Elite 8
Coach: Michelle Hess
Franklin has been the dominant team in the Hockomock League for the past four seasons. Despite graduating several key players, including leading scorer Kaitlyn Carney, the Panthers return a talented roster that seems poised to challenge for a fifth straight league title and try to get back to the state semifinal, which they reached in 2021.

The Panthers will need to find extra scoring punch this season but have a host of players who are capable of finding the back of the net. Junior Haley Wernig, who recently committed to UMass Lowell, had 31 points in 2022 and looks ready for a breakout season. Junior Raena Crandall and senior Chloe Essam will add a scoring touch around the goal. Junior Emily Carney is a creative force in the midfield (also putting up 31 points as a sophomore) and she’s joined in the midfield by senior Sophia Cuneo, junior Sawyer Whitmore, and sophomore Maeve Rolston.

When you score 50 more goals than anyone else in the Hock, the attack gets plenty of attention, but the Panthers also allowed the second-fewest goals in the league, so defense is also a strength. Senior Lindsey Dennett leads the back line this season and her experience and reading of the game will be key. Juniors Maddie O’Brien and Ella Griffin and sophomore Ava Lucenta will give Franklin a solid defensive core. Sophomore Devon Barry had an impressive rookie season and she will split time in goal with junior Chloe Strassner.

Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “We are looking forward to defending our Hockomock League unbeaten streak and playing well in order to accomplish our team goal of winning the Hock for the fifth year in a row and going deep into the state tournament.”

King Philip

2022 Record: 13-6-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Elite 8
Coach: Kaitlyn Wilder
King Philip had a strong regular season in 2022, taking second in the Kelley-Rex but the Warriors also had a very memorable playoff run that included upset wins over 10th-seeded Natick and sixth-seeded Bishop Feehan in overtime. With a large group of returners set to hit the turf this year, KP is looking to pick up where they left off.

Although King Philip graduated a rather large class, most of the returning players were key pieces of head coach Kaitlyn Wilder’s lineup. Two strengths that stick out right away for KP are its forward and midfield units, which are both full of familiar names. This year’s senior class is smaller but Wilder has been impressed with the senior leadership provided by Kelly Holmes, Mara Boldy, Nikki McDonald, Bridget King, and Meg Dowling. Holmes, who recently announced her commitment to Saint Anselm, is one of the most talented and experienced players in the Hock. A returning all star (along with Boldy and McDonald), Holmes is a big time playmaker in the midfield and she has great chemistry with McDonald, who has great speed. Boldy is a true goal scorer (18 goals in the regular season last year) and is very dangerous around the net.

Speed and athleticism aren’t limited to just the midfield as the Warriors possess both among its forwards and defense. Juniors Makenzie McDevitt (seven points), Abby MacDonald (10 points), Addison Lewis, and Caitlin O’Brien are all key returners to the squad as well. Wilder also has four freshmen on the roster this year that are pushing for minutes in the lineup. Junior Kaitlyn Parish’s work ethic and coachability have made her a great fit for the new starting goalie.

“I am enthusiastic about getting the season going,” Wilder said. “The girls came ready to work in this preseason and continue to do so. We have a great balance of experience from our veteran players to our newcomers that I am optimistic will blend into a strong team. I’m looking forward to competing in the Hock amongst all the strong teams in the league.”

Mansfield

2022 Record: 7-10-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Theresa Nyhan
A large senior class is hoping to lead a turnaround in Mansfield with the goal of getting the Hornets back to their winning ways.

Longtime head coach Theresa Nyhan has a dozen seniors setting the tone both on and off the field. The Hornets doubled their win total from 2021 to 2022 and this year’s senior class has been a big reason for the upward trajectory. The large senior class has set the tone in what has been a positive and productive preseason so far. Four senior captains are scattered throughout the lineup for Nyhan, including Hannah DiSangro on defense, Emma Redding and Lola Varricchione in the midfield, and Frankie Smith up top.

DiSangro anchors a seasoned defensive unit that features senior Celia Botelho and junior Carys Colby. The defense is backed up by senior Ally Yarlas, who saw some action a year ago but will take over as the starter going into this season. The midfield has some speed with Varricchione and Redding leading the transition from defense to offense; senior Liv Madeira will provide some needed depth in that unit. Offensively, Smith will be joined by classmates Grace DiMarino and Liv Barry to form a veteran forward group.

These current seniors have taken some lumps and learned lessons the hard way [but] this has built resilience and bolstered their tenacity!” Nyhan said. “I love the vibe these seniors have put forth this August and I look forward to watching them compete this season!”

Milford

2022 Record: 0-17-0
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Jenna Casello
Head coach Jenna Casello has a young squad this season but the Scarlet Hawks are eager to show off improvement throughout the 2023 campaign.

Milford doesn’t have any seniors on its roster this year so Casello will be leaning on the leadership of captains Lindsay Casman and Samantha Fazio. The Hawks lost over half of their team when they graduated 10 seniors, so the makeup of this year’s squad is mainly juniors and sophomores. Captain Lindsay Casman is a strong stick handler that will benefit the Hawks in the attack as she navigates through opposing defenses while captain Samantha Fazo is quick to transition the ball, finding open space to get Milford out of the back.

The Hawks do have seven players back on the roster but integrating new faces into key spots all over the field will be key to the success both this season and for the future of the program. One new face in the lineup this year for the Hawks will be sophomore Kylie Merrill, who is taking over in net. Merrill has shown potential this year and Casello said she is ready to step up and defend the Milford goal this season.

“Our sophomores and juniors make up the core of our team and are looking to continue moving the Milford Field Hockey program in the right direction,” Casello said. “With a focus on spreading out, scanning the field, and moving the ball up the sidelines, we will be ready and hungry in the circle for goals!”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 10-7-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Karen Folan
Graduation took some of North Attleboro’s top players, including both of their league all stars Caroline Folan and Julia Puccio. But head coach Karen Folan is hoping the combination of a large senior class and a mix of talented returners results in a competitive group that can reach the state tournament again this season.

Senior captains Kelsey Thompson and Emily Burnham are both three-year members of the varsity squad and they will run the show from the heart of the Rocketeer lineup in the midfield. Both Thompson (eight points) and Burnham (four points) factored in on the offensive end last year and could have an expanded role this time out. Another returning starter is senior Francesca Spencer, who will patrol the forward line for North Attleboro. Thompson and Burnham will be flanked by Ellie Regan and sophomore Bailey Converse in North’s midfield diamond. Second-year varsity forward junior Madison Folan is looking to build on her strong sophomore campaign.

Another strength for North Attleboro will be in the net as the Rocketeers boast not one, but two experienced keepers. Senior Gracie Leary starts her third year playing in the cage for North while Eman Faried, who had some standout games last year, is also back the duo will continue to split minutes. Senior Maeve Onorato and junior Marissa King look to give North some big swings defensively, junior Alex Fernandez is joining the midfield unit, and underclassmen Julia Smith (sophomore) and Greta Gouck and Brooklyn Crump (both freshmen) bring some speed to the lineup. Seniors Hannah Bell, Sophia Hooban, Rachel Coley, and Sadie Barend provide much-needed depth for North.

“We have spent preseason working on cohesiveness,” Folan said. “Taking the great skills these players have as individuals and finding the best fit to piece them together into something even greater.

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 11-7-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Alexandria Sylvia
Oliver Ames has consistently been a top team in the Hockomock League and this year looks to be no different for the Tigers.

Under second-year head coach Alexandria Sylvia, Oliver Ames returns the majority of its roster from last year’s 11-win squad that reached the state tournament, won a playoff game, and reached the Round of 16 in the MIAA Division 2 bracket. There are familiar faces up and down the lineup for Sylvia, who had a successful playing career locally at both Brockton High and Stonehill College. Senior Erin Cottam has been making plays for the Tigers for a long time and her fourth year on varsity could be her best as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. Sophomore Kayla Kenney is another dangerous offensive option after scoring eight goals as a freshman.

In the midfield, the Tigers have a pair of experienced and talented players who will play an important role both offensively and defensively. Senior Megan Crabtree is a threat to score off big swings from the top of the circle while junior Amaya Smith bolsters the Tigers’ defensive efforts. Senior Annabel Juste provides a calming presence and will anchor OA’s defense. Senior Olivia O’Rourke might be the best returning goalie in the league and that will give OA an advantage on the defensive end.

“I am very excited for this season as I have a good chunk of my starting lineup returning to the field,” Sylvia said. “We did lose a few key seniors in all positions, but the team this year has stepped up to fill in those gaps. Overall, we have a very strong team that communicates and works well together. The captains have done a fantastic job in preparing the team and all my players are ready to get the season started.”

Sharon

2022 Record: 1-17-0
2022 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Ashley Servideo
New Sharon head coach has seen firsthand how to turn a program around. Servideo was a senior when Melissa Bordieri took over at Foxboro, and as Hockomock fans well know, the Warriors have become a top team year in and year out. Now Servideo is aiming to change the culture at Sharon in a similar fashion.

The Eagles continue to draw a lot of numbers to the program, fielding varsity, JV, and freshman teams this season. In her first year, Servideo will lean heavily on her veteran players to help start the program turnaround, especially after losing over half of last year’s team to graduation. Senior Isabella Melpignana is one of the captains this year and will play in the midfield. Her speed and leadership skills will be key in the midfield for the Eagles this season. Jane Hendrixson begins her third year on the Eagles and Servideo is counting on her to anchor the defensive unit this season. Senior Zoe Gopin will patrol the attack and look to help improve Sharon’s offense throughout the year.

Senior Rachel Mabee takes over in net this season and has worked hard throughout the offseason. On the offensive end, Gopin will be joined by junior Adiba Belal, who has had a solid preseason so far. Hendrixson will get some support on the defensive end from Maddie Moses.

“We need to focus on becoming a stronger team offensively, and do better with our offensive transitions in the midfield,” Servideo said. “I have been working with the girls on the passing and the communication skills that are needed to improve on these things. These girls have come into shape which gives us an advantage coming into our season, this way we are able to focus on growing in knowledge of passing and creating plays off the ball.”

Stoughton

2022 Record: 3-14-1
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Caitlin Jamiel
The Stoughton squad might trend on the younger side, but the Black Knights are eager to get on the field and compete in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

Now in her second year as head coach, Caitlin Jamiel has seven seniors on the roster to lead the way. The Black Knights will lean heavily on her four senior captains to guide the team both on and off the field: Morgan Groppi, Caleigh Clark, Nicole Reid, and Sophia Tombros. That quartet will provide leadership all over the field as Reid and Groppi form a dangerous duo in the attack, Tombros is all over the field as a midfielder, and Clark is a seasoned veteran who anchors the defense.

Seniors Aliesha Seemungal and Alyssa Antonino provide depth in the middle of the field while classmate Maddie Reiser will play alongside Clark in the back. In net, the Black Knights have a pair of juniors that have had a spirited competition throughout the preseason. Both Bailey Howsen and Grace Weisenberger have worked hard to try and earn minutes in the cage this season. Stoughton’s junior class has a strong core of defenders while the Black Knights are hoping to get a boost in the midfield from three sophomore additions.

“We are a young program but eager to get started!” Jamiel said. “Our strengths are our quick forwards, and never give up mentality. We are excited for the season!”

Taunton

2022 Record: 4-13-1
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Liz Hathaway
Taunton lost some key pieces from last year’s starting lineup to graduation but head coach Liz Hathaway has talent scattered throughout the field that are aiming to lead the Tigers this year.

The Tigers had a lot of fight last year with almost half of their losses coming in games decided by two or fewer goals, including great battles against playoff teams Oliver Ames and King Philip. In the midfield, Taunton boasts junior Caroline Valarelli. After gaining some valuable experience as a sophomore, Vallarelli is in a position for a breakout campaign this year. She has a strong skill set with strong field awareness and will be a leader in helping Taunton transition from defense to offense. Up front, senior Ayla Jackson anchors the forward group for Taunton. She has a nose for the ball in the circle and will be someone opposing defenses have to keep an eye on.

Defensively, Hathaway is turning to the experience of senior Bridget MacDougall. A veteran in the back, MacDougall does a great job disrupting opposing offenses and has a strong presence in the circle and against corners. Having experience defensively is a plus as Taunton turns to freshman Kennedy MacEachern, who plays with an aggressive and fierce mindset, to take over in the net.