The seismic shifts within the document books, and the escalating juice between acquainted title contenders, have been nothing wanting epic during the last 4 years of MIAA area hockey. This season, the depth solely will increase within the smaller divisions.
The competing dynasties between Watertown and Uxbridge are about as delicate as a nosebleed. The Raiders have a goal on their again because the four-time defending Div. 3 state champions on a 100-game win streak. They had been the one program ever to four-peat, too, up till Uxbridge joined them with a fourth straight in Div. 4. The Spartans’ goal is simply as massive – or possibly even bigger, with how they’ve thrived towards a harder common season schedule.
With Uxbridge shifting up within the state event realignments this offseason, one of many two will likely be de-throned as new rivals in Div. 3.
“The gamers accepted the change nicely, they embraced it,” stated Uxbridge head coach Kelly Rosborough. “I believe they’re excited for it, it’s a brand new problem.”
The Spartans stay a heavy favourite to return to the Closing 4, rostering eight Div. 1 collegiate commits.
Senior ahead Julianna Casucci (New Hampshire commit) had a hat trick within the final Div. 4 state closing, serving as one of many many premier scoring threats within the lineup – together with sophomore sensation Ava Rosborough. Seniors Kendall Gilmore (Maryland) and Amelia Blood (Wake Forest), and juniors Brooklyn Kaferlein (Louisville), Aubrey Bouchard (Bryant) and Addie Blood (UMass), are versatile gamers within the midfield who excel in filling opponent-specific roles at a excessive degree.
Star senior goalie Julia Okenquist (Holy Cross) can be again behind a stellar protection of Maddie Cammuso (Stonehill), Sydney VanderZicht and Morgan Charbonnier, fortifying a bunch that would very nicely go the gap if it performed in Div. 1, too.
Watertown doesn’t have as a lot star returning expertise, however has a manner of overcoming challenges. Senior captain Sophia Setouhi is blazing quick up high, whereas juniors Kaylee Grasp and Katelyn O’Connor complement her with scoring prowess. Ava Lamacchia is a standout senior captain, and Natalia Keuchikarian has impressed early on in internet. By no means doubt the teaching acumen of Eileen Donahue and her workers to arrange the Raiders sufficient for an additional state championship.
Simply ask Sandwich.
Throughout the final 4 years, with three journeys to the Div. 3 state closing and one other to the state semifinals, solely Watertown has crushed the Blue Knights within the state event. Fourth time felt just like the appeal towards Watertown, however as a substitute, they had been left with the sting of what might have been after it couldn’t convert any of its 20 offensive corners within the closing.
The hungry group graduated simply two seniors. Star senior Khloe Schultz facilities fellow star senior Julia O’Neil, and junior Sadie Clarkin, within the midfield. Quinn Jordan, Megan Dwyer and Elisabeth Stutzman anchor a potent assault, whereas Abigail Cotter and Kyla Darmon lead a powerful backfield.
Lynnfield strikes up from Div. 4 to affix the combination of high groups, returning most of its beginning lineup. Junior Lauren Mattia (Holy Cross commit) stars alongside seniors Lily Alves and Izzy Fiorentino in a stacked midfield. Sophia Morgese is a scoring magnet whereas freshman phenom Nora Dacey stands out on protection.
North Studying is a powerful group alongside it within the Cape Ann League, coming off a profitable yr. Midfielder Alaina Driscoll, defender Lucia Mini and forwards Josie Lambert and Sophia El-sheikh all return with three-year varsity expertise. Gloucester is one other premier menace up North, looking forward to a deep run after dropping only one senior. Keagan Jewell (goalie), Liv Madruga (midfield), Emma Charaticosa (protection) and sophomore Fiona Black (ahead) stand out in a well-balanced lineup.
The Tri-Valley League is dynamic but once more. Dover-Sherborn is tremendous younger with three freshmen starters, however tremendous athletic. Midfielder Avery Hadfield and ahead Elise Bissada lead the group. Medfield returns 14 gamers with Closing 4 ambitions, anchored by midfield standouts Cecilia Crosby (Merrimack commit) and Genna McDonald, and ahead Eva Thompson.
St. Mary’s of Lynn is off to a sizzling begin to the yr with a number of wins over signature opponents to date, anchored by a protection that’s allowed only one purpose in six video games.
Foxboro is all the time powerful out of the Hockomock League whereas Medway turned heads in final yr’s run to the Div. 3 state semifinals.
The Patriot League might make some noise as nicely. Hannah D’Angelo is red-hot scoring the ball for Pembroke, whereas Scituate seems to be harmful with 4 wins in its first 4 video games. Hanover might be pesky, too.
With Uxbridge’s transfer up, Div. 4 seems to be as open because it’s been since 2021 – nevertheless it nonetheless gained’t be straightforward.
Monomoy leads the pack regardless of a gradual begin, returning a lot of the core that made a second straight journey to the ultimate final yr. Emery Cappallo, Mia Zimmerman and Sam Clarke make up one of many state’s most dynamic assaults. Kate Huse and Tessa Grodzicki are versatile midfielders, and Maddy Swett returns in internet.
Manchester Essex is a group to look out for. Senior Abby Kent (Holy Cross commit) anchors the engine as a premier midfielder, Kiernan Day and Laila Mears impress on the ahead line, and Penelope Riggs leads the protection to spherical out a powerful “backbone.”
Ipswich knocked out the Hornets final yr and exhibits the indicators of contending once more. Abbie Allen is without doubt one of the state’s finest goalies, backing longtime starters Lindsey Dolaher (protection) and Bella Bruno (midfield) as three of seven returning seniors. Sophomores Ella McCarthy (main scorer) and Ava Poire (participated in AAU Junior Olympics) additionally stand out.
Sutton seems to be to return to the Closing 4. Seniors Allison DaSilva (midfield), Leah Medeiros (midfield), Aubrey LaPointe (protection), Claire Acocelli (ahead), Maeve Rogan (sweep) and Emma Leveille (midfield) have every performed distinguished roles since they had been freshmen, and sophomore Dani Eykman has established a vital scoring function.
Dennis-Yarmouth strikes down from Div. 3 after reaching the Closing 4 and is a number one candidate to make a run at it as soon as once more, behind Jenna Richard and Leah Woodward. West Bridgewater is off to a quick begin, as Haylee Krakowski and Sarah Diedrichsen have soared on the assault.
Cohasset and Frontier are all the time main threats to succeed in the Closing 4, and Elly Schofer continues to attain at an electrical price to guide Northbridge.
