By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023 Hockomock League Girls Soccer Preview

Attleboro

2022 Record: 8-10-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Steve Santos
After a long playoff drought, Attleboro has made it to the postseason in back-to-back years and the Bombardiers will be relying on a talented group of attackers to fire them into another tournament berth. If Attleboro can find the cohesion it needs defensively, head coach Steve Santos thinks that he has the talent to compete with anyone in the league.

Senior Jamie Davies is the team’s top returning playmaker. A versatile player, who can line up as a forward, a winger, or dropping into the midfield, Davies will be counted on to provide the creativity Attleboro needs in attack. Sophomore Tatum O’Brien jumped right into the attack last year and is ready for a breakout season as the starting forward. Junior Isla Thompson will provide speed on the wing and classmate Zenda Gjoni can play in multiple positions. Sophomores Sophia Sprovieri and Jordyn Riley and junior Sophia Lyons give the Bombardiers depth and balance in the midfield.

Defensively, Attleboro will have a few changes and new faces. Senior Bethany Alves is back and will provide cover either as a center back or as a defensive midfielder. Senior Presley Biller and junior Rylee Medeiros can also play in the back line or center of the pitch, depending on matchups. In goal, Attleboro has several players competing to replace Lexi Campbell. Senior Kim Packard-Flores, sophomore Ava Gattoni, and freshman Ciara O’Driscoll bring different skill sets to the position and are both in the running to start the season. Seniors Jessica Harrington, Molly Moore, and Morgan Taliaferro will add leadership to a young squad.

Santos said, “We should be able to generate some offense and score some goals. We just need to find the balance defensively to compete in the Hock. We have some young players in some key spots. It’s about who is going to step up and take on the leadership role.”

Canton

2022 Record: 11-4-5
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Idris Senyonjo
Despite a young roster, Canton stayed within three points of Oliver Ames in the league standings and reached the Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen last season. The Bulldogs remain a young team, with only four seniors on the roster, but an influx of new talent and players building off a year of varsity experience make head coach Idris Senyonjo confident that Canton can stay in the title mix.

On attack, it will be difficult to replace Emily McCabe’s 19 goals from last year, but senior Mekhala Costello is back to run things in midfield and her creativity will be the key to unlocking opposition defenses. Junior Emma Cahill had 10 points in 2022 and looks poised for a breakout season, while sophomore Alyssa Wong is going to step into a bigger role this year. Junior Paige Sullivan also returns in the midfield, although a preseason injury means her impact may be delayed until later in the fall.

Defensively, Canton is very young. Ava Gilmore is the lone senior on the back line and will provide much-needed leadership, as the Bulldogs focus on a collective, team defense. Katherine Powers will take over between the posts and is ready for the challenge of providing direction for defense against the tough attacks in the Hockomock League. Freshmen Maddie McCabe, Gabriella Berardi, and Charlotte Campbell are new additions to the roster who can step right into the lineup.

“Going into my fourth season, I feel ready for another interesting season,” said Senyonjo. “I feel like if we learnt from our mistakes last season, we should be in a better position to make a good run at trying to win the title this year. The girls have worked hard all summer and the team looks more ready coming into preseason than they did the last three years. They all cannot wait to get started.”

Foxboro

2022 Record: 5-12-3
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 32
Coach: Jen Lippolis
Foxboro won back-to-back league titles in 2018 and 2019, then finished just one point out of first for each of the next two seasons. The Warriors had a transition year in 2022, winning just five games (with four losses by one goal), but the potential in a young squad was emphasized when they took eventual Div. 3 finalist Dedham to overtime in the Round of 32. With the majority of the starting lineup returning, Foxboro is hoping to bounce right back and be in the mix for the Davenport title.

An experienced defense should be a strength for the Warriors this season. Senior Lindsey Resnick has been a four-year standout at center back, using her speed and reading of the game to clean things up at the back. Senior Ally Tuohey will partner Resnick in the middle and junior Maddy Luck, a three-year starter, will join them on the outside. Senior Allie Sougaris is back in goal and has developed into one of the top shot stoppers in the league.

Senior Erin Foley adds bite and creativity to the midfield and is critical to the Warriors quickly turning defense into attack. Sophomore Shea Dorney had an impressive rookie campaign and will add another level of passing range in the center of the park. Senior Chloe Ostis and sophomore Morgan Riley are back at the forward position. Freshmen Mauve Casey and Caroline Power will give the Warriors a boost in the attacking third.

“We’re excited to be back on the soccer field,” said Foxboro coach Jen Lippolis. “Preseason has been off to a good start. The majority of our team are returning starters and we’re looking forward to a fun, competitive season.”

Franklin

2022 Record: 15-4-1 (Kelley-Rex champion)
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16
Coach: Jodi Klein
Franklin has won three straight league titles and the Panthers bring back a roster that looks primed to make a run at a fourth. Jodi Klein, who coached Franklin to the 2021 title, returns to the sidelines after the retirement of long-time coach Tom Geysen, and she has a deep squad at her disposal to not only go after the Kelley-Rex title but also make a deep run in the state tournament.

The Panthers boast one of the league’s most prolific attacking trios. Senior Anya Zub leads the line and has been among the Hock’s top scorers. Junior Kelly O’Connor has been terrorizing defenses on the left side for the past two years and senior Olivia Costa emerged last year as a speedy, goal scoring threat on the right wing. The interchange between the forwards keeps defenders on their toes. In the midfield, Franklin has experience and depth. Senior Selene Hammad returns to run things in the center of the pitch and sophomore Morgan Lovell and junior Ava Villela (who missed last year with injury) will jump right in to contribute.

After allowing only 11 goals in 20 games last season, and despite the graduation of center back Norah Anderson, defense remains a strength. Seniors Maddie Horton (also returning from an injury that cost her time in 2022), Alli Powderly, and Lily Deforge and junior Eiley Cinelli give the Panthers a solid foundation. Sophomore Cassidy Carmignani and Gwen Holland add speed on the outside to jump into the attack. Senior Rachel Welch returns in goal and will split time with sophomore Jill Hamilton, as Franklin’s run of talented netminders continues.

“The girls are putting in a lot of work this preseason and playing very good soccer,” Klein said. “We have so much talent and finding our best 11 is proving to be a challenge. Good news is we have several players to rotate into the games at various positions to keep us at 100% for 80 minutes.”

King Philip

2022 Record: 14-5-1
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16
Coach: Gary Pichel
King Philip was just a point away from claiming a share of last year’s Kelley-Rex title and the Warriors return a versatile, athletic lineup that expects to be right at the top of the league standings again this fall and ready to make noise in the state tournament as well.

The graduation of Ella Pisani, top scorer in the Hock last year, leaves a big hole to fill in attack, but KP has the weapons to remain potent in front of goal. Junior Dani Lomuscio will be key to getting the Warriors on the front foot. Her ability to control the game in midfield and find the right pass to spring KP’s quick forwards into space can unlock any defense. Senior Heidi Lawrence led the team in goals last year with 14 and has the ability to score with either foot. Junior Mikayla Thompson is a quick, versatile winger who plays multiple positions and has an accurate shot from distance.

Speed will also be a feature of an experienced KP defense. Junior Addisyn Lamothe-Vaughn was a standout as a sophomore and she is solid along the back line while able to jump up into the attack when she gets the chance. Lamothe-Vaughn’s aerial ability is also a weapon on set pieces. Junior Rihanna Mason is a solid one-on-one defender and senior Rylie Wesley is a quick center back who will be a leader along the back. Sophomore Lauren O’Bara will take over in goal and has good handling and consistent footwork.

“The strengths of both the offense and defense will depend on how well they will work together in every game,” said KP coach Gary Pichel. “If our chemistry together is good, we will give every opponent we face a good challenge and a strong effort right until the final whistle blows!”

Mansfield

2022 Record: 13-4-4
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Elite 8
Coach: Kevin Smith
Last fall, Mansfield narrowly missed out on its first Davenport division title, finishing one point behind Oliver Ames, and its first Div. 2 Final Four appearance, losing in overtime in the quarterfinal. The Hornets will expect to be right back in that mix again this season, returning eight players, including their entire backline and their forwards. Mansfield will need to replace the leadership of goalie Olivia Salisbury in goal and defensive midfielder Bridget Hanley but has the foundation in place for another title run.

Even with the graduation of a record-setting netminder, defense should remain a strength for the Hornets. Senior Kara Santos is a four-year starter at center back and sophomore Olivia Dunham will be her partner in the middle after an impressive rookie campaign. Seniors Alexis O’Keefe and Jill Koppy also return to help out on the outside. While Hanley will be missed in the middle of the park, sophomore Lauren Signoriello was a standout creator last season and junior Aniela Diieso and senior Maeve Anastasia each stepped in and played important minutes.

Up front, the Hornets have some young talent that gained valuable experience last year, including leading scorer Alexandra Fernandes (team-high eight goals) and her twin sister Maddie. Both can play up top, out wide, or drop into midfield to create chances. Sophomore Meghan McCann adds a physical presence and willing runner into the channels. Senior Carly Devine is a talented player on the ball and offers versatility because she can line up in a variety of positions.

Although still a young team, the Hornets have the talent to meet the program’s usual high expectations.

Milford

2022 Record: 4-12-2
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Lou Colabello
After four wins in 2022, Milford comes into a new season with a young, hungry roster looking to make waves in the Kelley-Rex and fight for a postseason berth. For the Hawks to fulfill those goals, they will have to find ways of making up the production of graduated forward Dani Atherton, who had a hand in two-thirds of their goals in 2022, and they will be relying on talented underclassmen to lead the way.

One of those younger players is sophomore Ava Baglione, who was one of even freshmen on last year’s roster and was tied for second on the team with five goals. A speedy forward, who can play up top or out on the wing, Baglione will carry a lot of the playmaking role this fall. Senior Erin Michelson gives the team athleticism and speed in midfield, and junior Paige Caldon is a creative player in the center of the pitch. Freshman midfielder Kyla Nashawaty is a new player to watch, as her quickness and soccer instincts are ready for her to play a big role.

Defensively, Milford returns its entire back line from last season and the Hawks have added junior Cae Pellegrini, who brings more physicality and athleticism. Sophomore Chloe Murdock returns in goal, looking to build off a busy but solid rookie campaign. If the Hawks can use its experience to solidify the defense, Murdock is a solid shot-stopper.

“I am very excited about the upcoming season,” said Milford coach Lou Colabello. “Their work ethics have been excellent and I think we can surprise a lot of teams. We are young, but we are deep in a lot of positions. One thing we definitely will do is compete for 80 minutes every game.”

North Attleboro

2022 Record: 3-9-6
2022 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Dan Burdick
North Attleboro struggled to find the back of the net in 2022, scoring just 19 times in 18 games, and finished with only three wins as a result. That will be one of the challenges for new coach Dan Burdick, who is relying on his team’s speed up front and experience in the back line to bounce back and challenge for a tournament place.

Sophomore Caroline McKenna and senior Samantha Hardy will lead the forward line for North this season and both can stretch opposition back lines. Senior Abbie Pratt will provide leadership for a relatively young squad (with 12 players graduated from last year’s team and only four seniors on this year’s roster) and can line up in defense or midfield. Freshman Ava Pratt (Abbie’s cousin) will be one of the new players to watch.

An experienced defense, led by senior center back Casey Butanowicz, should be a strength for the Rocketeers this fall. While the back line has some familiar faces, newcomers freshman Gracyn Cuzzi and sophomore Riley Buckley are in a battle for the starting goalie position.

Burdick said, “The team is continuing to build on an awesome offseason and tryout week. We’re a young team, with only four seniors, but our goal is to make the playoffs.”

Oliver Ames

2022 Record: 16-4-1 (Davenport champion)
2022 Finish: Division 2 State Finalist
Coach: Britt Sellmayer
Following a run to the Div. 2 state title game, the defending Davenport division champions return a strong core of players from front to back. It is the foundation for a roster that long-time head coach Britt Sellmayer hopes can keep Oliver Ames among the teams to beat in D2.

The attack is going to look very familiar this season. Senior Lucinda Li Cotter (eight goals and nine assists) leads a speedy group of forwards that have plenty of experience playing in OA’s typical style, which means stretching the defense out wide and getting balls into the box. Sophomore Jolie Diaz was a revelation on the wing as a freshman, scoring seven goals and dishing out seven assists, and could be ready for a breakout campaign. Junior Laney Carroll adds a focal point up top for the wingers to play off. Junior Emma Gavin, coming off a 10-goal season, will lead the midfield group and provide additional scoring punch with her late runs into the box.

With several new faces in the back line, OA’s defense is a work in progress at the start of the season. Junior Taylor deVos returns in the middle after a dominant sophomore season but will miss the early part of the season with an injury. Her speed, skill on the ball, and leadership will be a big boost when she is back healthy. Senior Lindsay Nosalek and junior Rhiya Fisher are moving into the back line this year and have already impressed in preseason. Junior Janiya Morales-Matier is back in goal and has proven to be one of the top shot stoppers in the area.

“We are looking forward to seeing how the season plays out,” Sellmayer said. “We bring many experienced forwards and are rebuilding the back four.”

Sharon

2022 Record: 5-11-2
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Preliminary Round
Coach: Becca Kemp
Although the playoff appearance lasted only one game, a tough loss to Pembroke, Sharon’s run to the state tournament was a big step forward for the program. Now, with Mansfield alum Becca Kemp taking over on the sidelines, the Eagles will try to build on that success and make another postseason push this fall.

Sharon’s attack should be fun to watch this year. Junior Autumn Simon is a relentless forward, who can take defenders on physically and with her quick feet. Sophomore Jessica Li is a dynamic winger coming off a strong rookie season and looks ready to be the team’s primary playmaker. The interchange of those two up front will be tough for opposing defenses. Sophomore Sophia Melpignano and junior Olivia Landstein add more creative punch in the midfield, as Sharon will need to cope with the graduation of Sofia Goclowski.

The Eagles boast enviable experience on defense. Seniors Jordanna Morris, Maddie Hu, and Meghan Weibe (who can also play in midfield) will provide plenty of leadership along the back line. Sophomore Unnimaya Sajeev impressed in her first varsity season and gives more speed on the outside. Senior Claire Baur, who can also play in defense, will start in goal this season.

“Our three captains, Jordanna Morris, Maddie Hu, and Meghan Wiebe, hold down the defensive line with strength, speed, and confidence,” Kemp said.

Stoughton

2022 Record: 8-8-4
2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Jeff O’Sullivan
Stoughton waited 14 years to get back into the state tournament and the Black Knights made sure it was a memorable return with a thrilling, overtime win against Marblehead. After ending their playoff drought, the Black Knights, under first-year coach Jeff O’Sullivan, will try to continue the momentum and make it back-to-back postseason appearances.

Defense was a primary focus in 2022, as Stoughton allowed 60 fewer goals (only 26) than it had the previous season. With senior Ally Lada and junior Lauren Mitchell returning in the heart of the back line, the Black Knights will have experience in the middle to keep opposing attacks away. Stoughton also has depth at goalie. Senior Katrina Varnum brings size and athleticism between the posts and sophomore Molly Fox is ready to fill in whenever needed.

The junior class is very deep and talented. Emma Tran, Morgan Cook, and Madi Falcione all return from last year and all played integral roles in helping the Black Knights finish with a .500 record. They are dynamic playmakers, tough in the tackle, and do a lot of running for the team. Up top, juniors Makenzie O’Connor and Bianca Casna (who was the playoff hero with the winner against Marblehead) will get the chance to shine this year. They can create for themselves and each other and will be a tough combo to stop.

“We are a team of extremely hardworking ladies,” O’Sullivan said. “I am extremely excited to see where we go this year, and hopefully with a lot of effort they will get their rewards on and off the field.”

Taunton

2022 Record: 1-14-3
2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dan Borges
Taunton had five eighth graders and seven freshmen on last season’s roster, so even with a lot of returning faces the Tigers remain one of the youngest teams in the league. With six underclassmen expected to start, the experience built in their first season under head coach Dan Borges is going to be pivotal to be ready this fall.

While youth will get plenty of chances to shine for Taunton, the Tigers have a core of seniors providing welcome leadership on and off the pitch. Senior forward Ava Alves will lead from the front and classmate Jenna Pereira brings a mix of skills to her role in the midfield. Senior Juliana Matos is the team’s leading playmaker and her creativity is key for the Tigers in the attacking third.

Defensively, senior Cali Melo is the anchor, adding a dose of athleticism that has made her a three-sport standout. Freshman Madison Crowley will partner Melo at the back, bringing a season’s worth of experience that she gained as an eighth grader. Freshman goalie Ashlyn Hebert saw a lot of action as an eighth grader (highlighted by an 11-save performance against King Philip) and will be called upon again this season.

“The girls have been working very hard in preseason, learning a new system, and looking to improve day-by-day,” Borges said. “I believe they will be competitive in a lot of games, and hopefully we can surprise a few teams.”