By HockomockSports.com Staff
2024 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview
Attleboro
2023 Record: 5-12-2
Coach: Jessica Pink
The Bombardiers boast a relatively young roster but there’s some good experience there and there’s an eagerness to improve on last year’s campaign.
Attleboro returns the backbone of last year’s team in net with senior Siany Ortez Amaya looking to build off a tremendous junior season. Ortez Amaya established herself as one of the top goalies in the league with her play last year, earning a HockomockSports.com First Team selection. As one of the captains, her leadership on the defensive end — a group that will feature some new faces — will be vital. Senior captain Nora Desrosiers has impressed throughout the preseason and is a workhorse for the Bombardiers, making plays all over the field. Her ability to set the tone will be key for a team that features a lot of younger players.
While young, the Bombardiers do have some experienced players looking to take the next step in 2024. Junior Kelsey McCleary begins her third season on varsity and will anchor the Bombardiers’ midfield unit. After graduating one of the top two-way players in Siobhan Landers (Stonehill), McCleary will take on the responsibility of controlling the middle of the field, using her speed to transition Attleboro from defense to offense. Sophomore Megan Huntington made a strong impact as a rookie and will be a key piece in Attleboro’s attack this season, and the Bombardiers have already shown an improvement in their play in the circle this preseason. Defensively, sophomore Cassandra Fisante will try to help fortify a new-look group in front of Ortez Amaya. The Bombardiers graduated three seniors from its back line from a year ago. Additionally, freshman Nile Kerr will factor into Attleboro’s new-look defense while classmate Breanna Aveiro could be an immediate impact player on the offensive end.
“Our team is excited for this new season,” said head coach Jessica Pink. “We are young but bringing in some talented freshmen alongside some skilled returners, many of whom have put in extensive work in the off season. This team is pushing each other in preseason to improve and work hard. I’m looking forward to competing in the Hock and seeing what this team can accomplish!”
2024 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview
Canton
2023 Record: 16-5-0
Coach: Chrissy O’Connor
Canton is almost always one of the more competitive teams in the Hockomock League, and this year looks like it could be a very good one for the Bulldogs.
Longtime head coach Chrissy O’Connor has some talented pieces returning from last year’s 16-win squad, which nearly pulled off an overtime upset of Reading, who went on to win the state championship. The Dogs have their top two scorers from last year back in the mix in sophomore Shannon Lane (22 goals, seven assists in the regular season) and junior Carolyn Schiavo, last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, who scored 12 goals and added 15 assists in the regular season. That duo will be complemented by senior and four-year varsity player Izzy Digirolamo, who has a knack for coming up with big plays in big moments. With such a talented and experienced group of offensive players, the Bulldogs have a chance to pick up right where they left off and will certainly be a challenger for the Davenport division title this fall.
Entering last year, the Dogs had a little bit of a question mark at goalie after graduating Hock all-star goalie Carolyn Durand, but those worries were quickly erased by the standout play by Shaelyn Murphy, who quickly established herself as a strong presence between the pipes and earned HockomockSports.com Second Team honors. Canton had one of the best defenses in the league last year with just over a goal a game allowed but there was a good amount of turnover in the defensive group in front of Murphy. Senior Jules Gilchrist will be one familiar face returning in the back while a handful of newcomers are vying for playing time in the back.
“We look forward to getting started with a strong, seasoned offensive unit,” O’Connor said. “With Shealyn in net Canton is ready to get going this season.”
Foxboro
2023 Record: 17-3-1 (Davenport division champions)
Coach: Melissa Bordieri
The Warriors are coming off a terrific 2023 season and in order to replicate that success again this go around, Foxboro will need some new faces to step up.
There’s no hiding the talent the Warriors lost from graduation, including all four of their Hockomock League All Stars and two-time Hock MVP Mary Collins. Just about every senior from last year played an important role in helping Foxboro win the Davenport division and take Sandwich to overtime in the state quarterfinals. Foxboro will lean on some of its experienced returners to take on expanded roles this season. Junior Laine Moore is the top returning goal scorer for the Warriors after 10 goals and five assists last year and has proven she can score in the big games and in the big moments.
Another player to keep an eye on this season is Izzy Leclair, who did a great job facilitating last year. A selfless player, Leclair did a nice job setting up teammates and putting the ball in a good spot, especially on passes into the circle, for others to capitalize on. Sophomore Brynn Allen had a memorable rookie season with Foxboro, contributing to successful seasons for girls basketball and softball on top of her nine-goal field hockey campaign.
franklin
2023 Record: 20-1-1 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
Head Coach: Michelle Hess
Expectations remain sky-high for Franklin, who has dominated the Hockomock League for the last five seasons. Even with some speed bumps coming into the season, Franklin remains the team to beat.
The Panthers have three players who registered over 40 points last year on the roster, but injuries have already played a major factor. The good news is senior Raena Crandall, who finished second in the Hock in the regular season with 50 points (and 59 points including playoffs), is back to spearhead Franklin’s dangerous attack. Senior Haley Wernig, who finished last year with 28 goals and 24 assists, is working her way back into the fold and Franklin expects her to be a main contributor when back healthy. The bad news is senior Emily Carney (29 goals, 19 assists), a centerpiece of the Franklin offense, is out for the year after an injury in lacrosse season.
Franklin has proven time and time again the ability to reload and there are plenty of players on the roster eager to make their mark with this opportunity. Senior Sawyer Whitmore has worked her way into an expanded role this season and will be a key piece in Franklin’s midfield while junior Addi Weiss (eight goals, one assist) is a versatile player that can factor in both as a forward or in the midfield. Sophomore Jossie Camp is another candidate to fill the void and will look to use her speed and skill to become a threat in the middle of the field. Sophomores Ella Marzullo and Cayden Canavan along with freshman Penelope Brady will also be contributors in Franklin’s high-powered offense.
With so many contributors and eye-popping stats on the offensive end, it’s easy to forget just how good Franklin was defensively a season ago. The Panthers only allowed 10 goals all season and just six all regular season. In net, Franklin has two terrific options in senior Chloe Strassner and junior Devon Barry; both saw time throughout the regular season and can be counted on to make big plays. In front of the goal, Franklin returns the majority of its defensive group: senior captain Ella Griffin, senior Maddie O’Brien, and junior Ava Lucente. All three were rock solid in the back and can play just about anywhere in the back four. Freshman Clara Blongastainer has impressed early on this preseason and is a candidate to complete the defensive unit.
“We’re ready to defend our Hockomock Kelly-Rex Championship title,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “The girls have worked extremely hard in the offseason to prepare. Several new players will be asked to fill some tough spots [due to graduation and injury] but I feel that they have the skill and confidence to do it. We feel confident and ready to accomplish our goal of winning the Hockomock title and are hopeful to once again make it deep into the state tournament. The preseason has been great, so exciting to see all their offseason preparation come together. I have enjoyed getting to know the new players and it’s fun to see the returning players step up into leadership roles. This is a fantastic group of girls and I have no doubt it will be a fun, enjoyable, and successful season. We are most definitely going to miss having Emily Carney on the field but she will be with us on the sidelines leading her teammates as their captain with advice and support.”
King Philip
2023 Record: 15-5-0
Coach: Kaitlyn Wilder
After a 15-win season a year ago, King Philip is looking to blend a mix of veterans and new talent to try and have another successful campaign.
The Warriors had one of the best senior classes last season so filling that void will certainly be a challenge. That includes HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Kelly Holmes, midfielder Mara Boldy (HockomockSports First Team), and defender Bridget King (Second Team). But the cupboard is far from bare for head coach Kaitlyn Wilder and the Warriors plan on being in the division title hunt again this year. Seniors Makenzie McDevitt (Second Team, 21 goals, 10 assists), Abby MacDonald, and Lucy Weineck will anchor the offense for the Warriors while seniors Caitlin O’Brien, Morgan LeBlanc, and Addison Lewis will be reliable, experienced options on the defensive end for KP.
Junior Camryn O’Shea and sophomore Calleigh Brady will be two more key pieces on the defensive end, which will be playing in front of a new face. Junior Lauren Griffin will step in and take over between the pipes and try to solidify KP’s defense, which had an impressive season last year with just 20 goals allowed in 20 games played. Sophomore Ella Morgan returns to spearhead the offense after a breakout rookie season in which she scored 22 goals and added nine assists, and she’ll be joined by classmate Tayla McDuff up front to give the Warriors a powerful forward tandem. Fellow sophomores Courtney Lewis, Abbey Pompei, and Molly Murphy will also factor in to KP’s midfield unit this fall.
“We’re fortunate to have these weeks of practice and a few scrimmages to prepare,” Wilder said. “The team is coming together well, and we’ll need that cohesion throughout the season. It will take the whole team together to improve. Our defensive strengths will be our positional experience, game awareness, and decision-making. Offensively, we’ll rely on our speed, stickwork, and teamwork. We are ready for competition and the challenges ahead. These challenges will push us to improve, and we’re excited for the fresh start and the chance to showcase our new look.”
Mansfield
2023 Record: 7-11-1
Coach: Carrie Ciccarelli
For the first time in a long time, Mansfield begins a new chapter under head coach Carrie Ciccarelli, who takes over for the now-retired Theresa Nyhan.
While Ciccarelli is in her first year as head coach, she’s hardly new to the program; she’s been involved with the Hornets field hockey program for years as both the freshman coach and as the varsity assistant for the past three seasons. With that familiarity in place, the transition for the Hornets should be a smooth one. One of the first challenges will be replacing a dozen seniors who graduated from last year’s squad. While Mansfield looks to fit in the new pieces of the puzzle, they can rely on some key veteran players back in the lineup.
Last year’s leading scorer Ella Palanza is back for her senior year and brings a lot of speed to the Hornets’ attack. Her ability to finish in the circle makes it tough on opposing defenders to contain her, and she will be flanked by classmates Chloe Gerdeman and Cat Smith in the attack. Mansfield also features a familiar face in the defensive third in senior Carys Colby, a three-year varsity player who is now committed to play collegiately at Franklin Pierce. Colby’s presence and leadership in the back as Mansfield welcomes two new faces competing for time in the cage in senior Sakina Krieche and freshman Addie Cooper. In the midfield, returning seniors Lily Niosi and Riley Charest both possess strong playmaking abilities and will have an impact on both ends of the field.
“I’m excited to be working with such an energetic and determined group of athletes this fall,” Ciccarelli said. “We have had some challenges graduating most of our starters and working without a home field this preseason, but these girls have been beyond resilient. This group plays with a lot of heart and grit and we continue to come together as a team every time we take the field. ”
Milford
2023 Record: 2-15-2
Coach: Jenna Casello
After reaching the state tournament for the first time in over 20 years, Milford is hoping to capitalize on that momentum and keep trending in the right direction.
The Scarlet Hawks were rewarded for their tough schedule and earned a home play-in game in the tournament. Now with the majority of last year’s team back, Milford is hoping the foundation is set for the future. This year’s senior class has picked up some important experience over the past couple of seasons and will be looking to make their mark in 2024. Senior captain Samantha Fazio is a proven leader both on and off of the field and she was selected as team MVP last year. Patrolling the center of the field, Fazio makes an impact on both offense and defense. Her ability to connect the dots to get the ball up the field will help the Hawks transition from defense to offense, and her selfless play helps get other teammates involved.
Milford will also lean on senior captain Lindsay Casman, who can feature either in the midfield or as a forward. As Milford looks to improve its offensive production this fall, Casman will be a key piece with her ability to move the ball field and does a nice job supporting teammates, following up on shots and passes in the attacking third. Another senior who can feature both as a forward or a midfielder is Taryn Bethel, who will be a main option in the circle for the Hawks. Her ability to play at both positions gives the Hawks some flexibility working in other pieces to the lineup and her effort on the field sets the tone for the rest of the team.
“We have a majority of our team back together looking to continue moving the Milford Field Hockey program in the right direction,” said Milford head coach Jenna Casello. “After earning a spot in the MIAA tournament last year for the first time since 1995, we are ready to show our competition that we are here to compete. 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
2023 Record: 8-10-1
Coach: Karen Folan
The Rocketeers might not have the biggest roster in the Hockomock League this season, but the players they do have back in the mix boast valuable varsity experience.
Not only does North Attleboro have the majority of last year’s team — which made the state tournament — back in the mix, most players have multiple years of varsity experience. That includes a veteran group of attackers that should give North an edge against opponents this year. Senior captain Madison Folan enters her third year on the team and led the Rocketeers in points last year while junior Julia Smith (eight goals, four assists) will look to build upon a solid debut season. Sophomore Brooklyn Crump will help complement the attack in her second year on varsity.
In the middle of the field, North will lean on senior captain and three-year varsity player Ellie Regan to set the tone on both ends of the field. Regan is joined by classmates Alex Fernandez and Raegan Gagne, juniors Maggie Mazmanian, Bailey Converse (four goals, four assists in 2023), and Grace Jordan, and sophomore Greta Gouck, who earned some valuable minutes as a rookie a year ago. All of those midfielders have at least one year of varsity experience already and that will give head coach Karen Folan some options in the midfield. Defensively, two more seniors will anchor the back line with captain Marissa King and Avery House leading the way. North graduated both of its goalies from a year ago but senior Grace Gouck has made the transition from the field to the cage. Gouck is no stranger to the position though, having played keeper while playing soccer for two years before moving over to the field hockey team last year.
“We have some great varsity experience returning on the field for us,” Karen Folan said. “In past years, we’ve needed a few games to find our groove on the field as a team. This group is using their varsity experience from last year, added some on ball intensity and are playing as a cohesive unit one week into the season. They are off to a great start.”
Oliver Ames
2023 Record: 12-9-1
Coach: Alexandria Sylvia
Oliver Ames enters the season with a renewed energy and a lot of optimism looking to build on last year’s tournament team.
Versatility has been a major strength so far in the preseason for head coach Alex Sylvia, who enters her third year at the helm of the Tigers. Throughout the preseason, Sylvia has been impressed with how many players can successfully contribute in a variety of positions. And that’s led to an improvement in OA’s transition game, getting the ball out of the defensive zone smoothly to get the offense going. Up front, the Tigers will look to capitalize on their pace, especially with speedy forwards Kayla Kenney and Summer Silverman. Kenney, a junior, and Silverman, a senior, will look to build on last year’s success and try to help fill the void left by 50-point producer Erin Cottam, who is now starting at Merrimack.
In the midfield, senior Amaya Smith is a returner who will be a key piece in improving OA’s transition game. Her vision and ability to control the play will help the Tigers get things going on the offensive end. Junior Linda Cooper, a HockomockSports.com Second Team selection last season, can factor in both defensively or in the midfield and is very confident with the ball on her stick. Classmate Anna Luke also provides flexibility and can play both on defense in the midfield. In net, there is a battle for the starting spot with both senior Bailey Franzini and freshman Carly Basse in the mix.
“I am very excited for this upcoming season just based on the energy the girls bring to practice each and every day,” Sylvia said. “They are willing to work hard, take the corrections I provide, and immediately implement them to their play. I have strong leaders on the team that control the energy, and it makes everyone excited to be on the field.”
Sharon
2023 Record: 1-17-0
Coach: Liz Krasofski
Sharon continues to try and build its program back up, and there are some new — yet familiar — faces on the sideline this fall.
Liz Krasofski takes over at the helm of the varsity program; she was a three-year player and a captain her senior season for the Eagles and then came back to coach the freshman program for three seasons from 2008-2010. Another familiar face will be Krasofski’s assistant — and mom — Peg Arguimbau, who coached the Eagles for over a decade up until 2015. With a lot of experience and knowledge on the sideline, the Eagles are hoping to create a foundation that they can build upon.
Leading the way this year will be four senior captains: Chloe Allaire, Maddie Moses, Jenny Sand, and Julia Dunn. Their experience and leadership will be key both on and off of the field this season. Sharon will also have some experience in the cage with junior Laasya Allam back in the mix and has impressed so far this preseason.
“We are excited for a fresh start and looking at a strong defense and offense who is ready to work together,” Krasofski said.
Stoughton
2023 Record: 4-13-1
Coach: Caitlin Jamiel
Stoughton’s roster boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and some newcomers eager to make their mark, and head coach Caitlin Jamiel is hoping that’s a recipe for success this year.
The Black Knights are led by four senior captains: Lauren Price, Bailey Howsen, Pamella Perreira, and Grace Weisenberger. That group will provide leadership on both ends of the field with Weisenberger returning as the starting goalie, looking to build off some impressive performances last year (262 saves). Both Howsen and Perreira are part of the defensive group in front of Weisenberger and will look to deal with opposing forwards. Price will be tasked with leading the offensive group, a unit that will have to fill the void left by the graduation of leading scorer Morgan Groppi.
Juniors Julia Monaghan, Megan McGowan, and Casey Groppi are all returners from a year ago and will be looking to use that experience to their advantage as they control the midfield for the Black Knights.
“We have a great group of girls who are all excited to improve every game, and be better than our last,” Jamiel said.
Taunton
2023 Record: 5-13-0
Coach: Liz Hathaway
With returners back at each position, Taunton is hoping to build off last year and make a push for the postseason.
While the Tigers will have to find new pieces to the puzzle due to the graduation of a small albeit important senior class, they have a solid group of players make in the mix with varsity experience. Senior Caroline Vallarelli brings a wealth of varsity experience to the heart of the Tigers’ midfield. Vallarelli has been on the team since her freshman year and makes an impact on both ends of the field. Sophomore Logan Wade is another returning midfielder with good field awareness and will help orchestrate the Taunton offense from the midfield.
One of those key attacking pieces will be senior forward Camryn Emond, who will relied upon to set the tone up top with her leadership. The Tigers lost a good chunk of their offensive production due to graduation so there will need to be new names to step up and take over. On the defensive end, Taunton has a reliable and veteran presence in senior Hannah Albert. Albert has been a strength on the backend for a couple of seasons and will look to be the backbone of this year’s group. Behind Albert will be a familiar face in net in sophomore Kennedy MacEachern, who had a really impressive first year. MacEachern is an aggressive goalie and her toughness between the pipes will be key as the Tigers navigate through a difficult Hockomock schedule.
“We graduated a lot of key players and have some people ready to fill those spots,” said head coach Liz Hathaway. “We have a great team vision this season and are looking forward to all the fall brings.”
