Meehan to keep KP going forward
FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW
The King Philip field hockey team is on a steady rise.
From out of the postseason in 2014, to reaching the sectional semifinals in 2016, and winning the sectional title last autumn, the Warriors now have to be counted among the state’s best as they seek to go another step further in Division 1 field hockey.
This year, that upperechelon status is due to the return of six playmaking seniors who are ready to lead King Philip. Striker Alli Meehan stands out after a 40-point campaign despite an injury last year.
“Alli is a skilled player who will bring her speed and quick hands along with her never-quit work ethic,” said Warriors co-coach Erin MacDonald.
Senior defender Emma Izydorczak adds four years of experience at the varsity level. “Emma is strong and a smart player who knows how to stop players in their tracks,” said MacDonald.
With so much talent back on its roster, KP is in a different boat than defending Div. 1 state champ Andover, which defeated the South champs, 1-0, in the 2017 state semifinals. Andover returns three starters, but considering the program’s long and strong history, the Golden Warriors can’t be counted out.
“We have great leadership with Anna Zdunczyk, Joanna Archambault and Carissa Agostino and a very strong group of younger girls willing to work hard,” said Andover coach Maureen Noone, whose team went 22-0-1 last year. “I know we will struggle at times with a very tough league and nonleague schedule, but know we will continue to improve as the season moves on.”
Andover opened its season with a 2-2 tie against Masconomet, which is expected to be a contender in Div. 1 North. The Chieftains rely on a tough defense. First-year coach Maggie Bridgeo looks to three-year starter Mak Graves in the midfield plus Nicole Amyouny on the offensive end.
Beverly is another powerhouse in the North.
“This season I would consider our biggest strength to be our speed,” said Panthers coach Trish Murphy. “We have been working hard on our movement off ball and really opening up the field with our passing.”
Traditional powerhouse Acton-Boxboro will be in the mix. Watch for Clare Kearney to pick up where her graduated older sister Emma left off with the Colonials. Central Catholic has big goals with highscoring senior Erin O’Neil and junior Maddie DiPetro, two of the team’s six returning starters. You can also never count out Middlesex League power Winchester in Div. 1.
Challenging King Philip in the South will be perennial powerhouse Walpole. A deep senior class will keep the Porkers fighting for the top spot in the Bay State League. Somerset Berkley returns nearly all of its starters from an undefeated run through the 2017 regular season, before it was derailed by KP in the sectional title game. Canton multi-sport star Maggie Malloy hopes to build on her 27-goal season of last year.
Coming off a ninth straight state title, Watertown once again is the team to beat in Div. 2. There is no break in the production line of talent available to the Raiders, who look to Gabby Venezia and Olivia Lampasona for senior leadership.
Gloucester is primed for another stellar year in the North, with Cate Delaney and Jemima Grow set to lead the team back to the tournament. Goaltending will be the strength for Manchester Essex as the Hornets have one of the state’s best in senior Christina Calandra.
Foxboro forwards Sophia DiCenso and Lily Daly will look to propel the Warriors to the top of the Hockomock League as well as Div. 2 South. Daly had 41 points last season, while DiCenso tallied 33.
The biggest roadblock for Foxboro is defending South champ Dennis-Yarmouth, which boasts a strong defense in front of Cassandra Francis in net.
Bishop Stang hopes for another great season from senior Madison Halstead, who scored 25 goals last year. Apponequet has a stellar midfield lead by senior Lily Gendron.