After a near perfect season that included a postseason win over Needham and a thrilling overtime victory over Franklin in the South Sectional Semi-Final, the Porkers lost to Somerset-Berkley in the South Finals on Nov. 10 by a score of 3-0. Walpole Field Hockey clinched the number one seed in the Division 1 South Tournament with a 17-1-0 record for the regular season, with their only loss to Moses Brown.
“As a team we always stuck together and we remained positive,” Giovanna Anello said. “We gave it everything all season, even though it unfortunately ended earlier than we wanted.”
All three of Somerset-Berkley’s goals were scored during the final 15 minutes of the game by freshman Lauren Rothwell, junior Lucas Crook and senior Olivia Silvia. The game was fairly equal in possession and opportunities—each team had 11 shots—but Somerset-Berkley capitalized on their late opportunities to put the ball in the net, whereas Walpole was unable to do so. Even though Walpole beat them 2-1 in the regular season, they were unable to repeat their success again.
“It’s very sad that we have come to an end of our season, but I am so proud of everyone on this team,” senior captain Nikki Griffin said.
In the game to qualify for the South Finals, Walpole beat Franklin in a thrilling overtime victory overcoming a 3-1 deficit during the second half. Early in the game, Murphy scored to put Walpole up 1-0; however, at the end of the first half, Franklin led 2-1.
After a Franklin penalty shot, Walpole was down 3-1 with 10 minutes left to play. Three minutes after the final Franklin goal, Murphy scored her second of the game, and sophomore Molly Weiand scored the tying goal a few moments later. The Porkers held the Franklin offense from scoring to force a 10 minute 7 v 7 sudden death overtime. With 2:20 minutes left in overtime, senior Captain Caileen Quinn scored the winning goal, sending Walpole to the South Finals.
“Considering I play defense and don’t get to score that often, being able to score such a crucial goal in overtime playoffs was an amazing feeling,” Quinn said. “It was definitely a big moment in my field hockey career.”
To move onto the South Semi-Finals, Walpole faced Needham in the Quarter Finals, who they beat 2-1. The defense was a major factor in their win, as Anello only had 14 shots taken on her. The two goals were scored from seniors Emery Murphy and Brooke Skulski.
“I feel really proud of my team for accomplishing all they did this season,” Murphy said.