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Girls’ soccer, volleyball qualify for tournament in Week 6

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The rain put a halt to much of the action for Week 6, but a pair of the games that were played resulted in a trip to the postseason.

Boys’ cross country (3-3) just barely dropped its meet to Duxbury on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 26-29. Junior Theo Kamperides took first overall with a time of 16:24.

Girls’ cross country (2-4) got a first-place finish for Myah Kamperides (20:14) but was let down by the rest of its pack, as it fell to Duxbury, 20-35, Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Field hockey (2-6-4) dropped its game against Plymouth North, 5-2, Tuesday, Oct. 8. Sophomores Lauren Dunn and Olivia Phelps provided the Panthers’ offense.

Football (2-4) couldn’t hold on to its 6-0 lead and fell to Marshfield, 20-6, Saturday, Oct. 12. Junior Cam Cummings scored the lone Panthers touchdown.

Boys’ golf (3-11) kicked off the week dropping a 224-228 decision to Plymouth North on Monday, Oct. 7. Sophomore Chris Ross shot a 5-over par 36 for W-H. … On Tuesday, Brian Dempsey’s club fell to Silver Lake, 265-274. Senior captain Ian Brown was the low man for W-H, carding a 7-over par.

Boys’ soccer (6-6-1) was edged by Marshfield, 1-0, Monday, Oct. 7.

Girls’ soccer (9-1-1) received a goal and an assist each from junior Alexis Billings and sophomore Olivia Borgen to get by Marshfield, 2-0, Tuesday, Oct. 7. The Panthers qualified for the tournament for the 19th straight year with the win.

Girls’ volleyball (10-5) had a busy week. On Monday, Oct. 7, Samantha Richner’s club swept Marshfield, 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-19). Junior Sophia Berardinelli led W-H with six aces, while senior Brooke Beauregard chipped in 22 digs. … On Thursday, W-H drooped a nail bitter to Hingham, 3-2. The set scores were: 24-26, 15-25, 25-21, 30-28, 10-15. Junior Kayla Faghan and senior captain Olivia Martin tallied six kills apiece. … On Friday, W-H powered by Plymouth North, 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-11), and qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2016. Junior Delaney Rowell had seven kills, while sophomore Megan Stone pitched in five.

*Express weekly roundups include scores from Sunday to Sunday. 

Hall of Fame Panthers

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By Austin J. Schofield
Express correspondent

Whitman-Hanson Regional School District hosted its first induction ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of 11 inductees, into the newly established Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 6, at the Pembroke Country Club.

More than 50 nominations were received, and from that, the committee chose the following student-athletes to be inducted in this first class: Dennis Lozzi (Class of 1970), Mike Frisoli (Class of 1989), Robert Clifford (Class of 1991), Shayna Micol (Class of 1996), Sean Conover (Class of 2002), Noel James (Class of 2009) and Samantha Mewis (Class of 2011). In addition, the following coaches were inducted: Bob Bancroft (Football), James Daley (Girls Basketball), and Kevin Black (Cross Country, and Track & Field). Finally, the committee also inducted Susan Moss as a contributor, for her time as a student athlete, work as a teacher and coach, and her service as Athletic Department Assistant.

According to Athletic Director Bob Rodgers, about 195 were present at the Country Club for the ceremony.

“This night is so special in so many ways. I mean, for one, we’re recognizing a lot of great athletes that have come through Whitman-Hanson – many of them, I had an opportunity to see them perform,” said David Floeck, the assistant principal and girls’ soccer coach.  “It’s just a great event for the community.”

His excitement was mirrored by that of the group in attendance; many friends were reunited, many mentor-mentee relationships rekindled, and the energy surrounding Panther Nation was felt.

“This is panther nation,” said Moss. “You are looking at Panther Nation.”

Inductions started with coaches.

“He could affect positive change in all areas of sports at Whitman Hanson Regional,” a colleague said while speaking on the career of James Daley, who excelled in his career as the freshman girls’ basketball Ccoach, boasting 509 wins upon his retirement. Notably, his career also included founding the volleyball team, and coaching JV baseball. Following this came the induction of Bob Bancroft, who led the Whitman-Hanson Panther Football team to three seperate super bowl victories.

“It was a tremendous 32 years at Whitman-Hanson… I still feel at home when I walk in there,” Bancroft said as he recalled his career at the school. The last coach to be inducted in the newly found Hall of Fame was Kevin Black, who coached boys’ cross country, indoor track, and track & field.

“These accomplishments will never duplicated. They stand alone,” Sean Clifford said On the statistics from Black’s career.

At the podium, Black summed up his career.

“Thirty-six years. Many teams. Many championships. A lifetime of memories,” he said.

Following the induction of these coaches, student athletes were inducted.

Lozzi credited to his coaches’ guidance for his success

“Head coach Bob Teahan, he was the reason I ended up at Notre Dame,” said Lozzi, who played football at Notre Dame before moving on to play professionally for two years in the World Football League. Later, he returned to Whitman-Hanson to teach for a short time.

Frisoli, a graduate of the class of 1989 played football, wrestling, and track & field during his time at Whitman-Hanson.

“Coach Reagan, he truly made me fall in love with offensive line,” Frisoli said as he recalled memories of his time playing football at Whitman-Hanson. He continued his athletic career at Tufts University, winning multiple awards during his time there.

Up next was Clifford, who played football and track & field, and is now regarded highly as one of Whitman-Hanson’s most talented athletes. “I watched my two older brothers play and I was awed by them. I saw the pride in my family,” Clifford said.

The next to be inducted was Shayna (Ross) Micol, who, as a girls’ soccer goalie, held the record for most shutouts (41) for 20 years.

“Strong hands, a great vertical jump, and unbelievable quickness – perhaps her greatests assets, however, were her decision-making and her internal desire to be the best there was,” said Glenn Ward, former W-H girls’ soccer coach. Following her career as a student athlete, her athletic career continued as she went on to play in the Women’s Professional Football League.

Conover, who, following his career at Whitman-Hanson and Bucknell University, played in the NFL for four years. While reflecting on his career as a football player, he said, “I have been able to play in some big stadiums, in front of some big crowds, but I will always remember those games under the friday night lights on O’Brien field.” Interestingly enough, he wasn’t just successful in football and basketball, but also in track & field, which he participated in for one season and ended up being the top discus thrower for the Atlantic Coast League championship.

“[This] is pretty surreal. A lot of hard work and dedication went into this,” James said prior to his induction. “I appreciate this opportunity a lot.” James played football, basketball and track & field while at W-H, receiving many recognitions and leaving behind a school high jump record of 6’11. He went further with athletics, competing at American National College and the University of Connecticut.

Following the inducted athletes & coaches that were present for the ceremony, the career and contributions of Sue Moss were celebrated.

“She was an outstanding student athlete, a tremendous coach,” Rodgers said. “An amazing teacher, and an administrator at Whtiman-Hanson as well, but the biggest thing about her is how much she wants to give back to others.”

She received a standing ovation from the crowd as she approached the podium to accept her award, which is a testament to the relationships she built within the community during her extensive career serving Whitman-Hanson.

Though a member of this class of the Athletic Hall of Fame, Samantha Mewis was not present at the event due to a scheduling conflict, though according to Rodgers, she was technically an inducted member following the conclusion of the night. Heavily decorated in awards from her high-school athletic career, Mewis is still playing soccer professionally, and is currently a starter on the United States National women’s team, who won the World Cup this past season. Due to her absence, Whitman-Hanson athletics will be celebrating her accomplishments later in the month, on Oct. 30, though scheduling is still tentative.

The Whitman-Hanson Athletic Hall of Fame is accepting new nominations for the second class of inductions, which will occur in October of 2021. Those with nominations of deserving student-athletes or coaches are asked to visit the W-H Athletics website (whathletics.com).

Curry’s Villanueva develops new appreciation for football: ‘I missed it more than anything.’

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Nick Villanueva. / Courtesy photo: SportsPix

Nick Villanueva is an “all-around” leader for the Colonels.

As he sat in his dorm room at the University of Rhode Island in the fall of 2015, Nick Villanueva couldn’t help but think about one thing — football.

For the first time since third grade, there were no shoulder pads to put on, cleats to tie or playbook to study. He was out of the game. 

“I missed it more than anything,” Villanueva, a Hanson resident said. “At that time, all I could really do was follow the Patriots. I was watching football every day.”

Villanueva opted to attend URI in order to pursue a degree in engineering despite being recruited by colleges to play football, after hauling in 31 passes for 538 yards and two touchdowns in his senior season at Whitman-Hanson Regional High in 2014. He quickly realized URI wasn’t the place for him.

“I started missing the game and everybody because I saw the football team there playing and everyone preparing for the season,” Villanueva said. “It was the first time I hadn’t had to go through camp and everything.”

It wasn’t completely lost time for Villanueva, though. He pushed himself to the limit in the weight room, with a mission of getting back into the game the following year. After transferring to Curry College, he was one step closer.

“I had a coach who coached at W-H and coached at Curry, coach [Steve] Scott, and he told me a lot about Curry and the program and I should give it a shot,” Villanueva said. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been waiting,’ and I kind of made my decision really quick.”

His next step was to pick up the phone and call Curry head coach Skip Bandini.

“I told him who I was and that I was interested in playing football,” Villanueva said. “I had to almost ask to play.”

Bandini let Villanueva come to camp. He caught the coach’s attention right away.

“I saw a kid that was very well mannered,” Bandini said. “He’s very articulate. Coach Scott said that this is a kid that we want on our team and coach Scott was right.”

Since making the team, Villanueva has blossomed into Curry’s go-to offensive weapon at wide receiver, earning Second-Team All-Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Football Offensive selection in 2017 and Second-Team All-CCC honors last season. But his biggest achievement came heading into this season: being voted as team captain.

“It’s a great honor,” Villanueva said. “To have my teammates think of me as a leader for them makes me feel incredible. I just want to be a member of the team and not only lead by example but make sure everyone’s on the same page.”

Bandini called Villanueva an “all-around leader.”

“Any company would love to hire this kid,” he said. “We have players speak in front of recruits all the time and their parents. He gets up there and is very articulate, passionate about what he talks about, clear and concise and he certainly delivers a great message, so I think that makes him stand out above the other people.”

Last season, Villanueva ranked in the top five in the conference in receptions (50, third), receptions per game (5.0, second), receiving yards (655, fourth), receiving yards per game (6.5, third) and yards per reception (13.1, third).

“The system is great and practicing every day and just being part of the system kind of made it happen,” Villanueva said. “My teammates make me that much better, I just happened to be the one in the right place at the right time.”

Villanueva said he has a new appreciation for the game of football now, after going a year without it.

“Coming to Curry changed my whole life,” Villanueva said. “It was probably the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Whether I have anything going on in my personal life or school, once I step foot between those sidelines and get on the field, all that goes out the window and it’s a whole new life. I loved the game my whole life but having that time off made me realize it’s not always going to be there for me so I have to take advantage of it while I have it.”

‘Thank God I didn’t quit’: Adversity drives Newman’s cross country career to Bentley

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Abbie Newman. / Courtesy photo from SportsPix

Hanson resident Abbie Newman is a junior co-captain on Bentley University’s cross country team.

Abbie Newman remembers her freshman year at Whitman-Hanson Regional High well. But the first few weeks, predominantly, come to mind.

“I got into cross country because my mom ran,” said Newman, who hails from Hanson. “I was just like, ‘Whatever, I’ll try it.’ But I got through the first couple of weeks of practices and was like, ‘This is horrible.’”

After that, she was ready to quit.

“It was so much work and I didn’t think I could do it,” Newman said. “It was a lot.”

But those feelings were altered over time because of her supporting cast.

“Coach Keith Erwin (former Whitman-Hanson cross country coach) and my teammates kept me going,” Newman said. “They just kept pushing me.”

And Newman said she’s thankful they did keep her running. If they didn’t, she wouldn’t have been elected as a junior captain this fall for Bentley University women’s cross country team.

“Being voted as a captain is probably my greatest accomplishment,” Newman said. “It gives me a lot of confidence.”

Newman admits her results weren’t what she wanted them to be last season, as she battled through some dietary issues, but her work ethic and upbeat attitude at practice never wavered, according to her coach.

“She leads by example,” said Bentley women’s cross country head coach Kevin Curtin. “Just week in and week out she does the work, and takes care of things academically. She shows up to practice and does what she’s supposed to do and she just consistently goes out and does it.”

Being a captain has many different responsibilities.

“We lead the practices, all the stretches and running with them and making them feel comfortable with our training,” Newman said. “They also come to us with a lot of questions based on academics.”

Curtin said Newman raises the bar for the newcomers.

“The freshmen look to her and see her and know what they should be striving for,” said the coach.

Newman is still a key contributor on the course. In the Bentley’s latest race, the Capital Cross Challenge out in Sacramento, California, held on Sept. 28, Newman was the third Falcon to cross the finish line with a time of 24:28.3.

“I’m really looking to stay healthy and be a contributing member of the team and be at least top four or top five,” she said.

Now, six years later, when Newman reflects on those first few weeks of her freshman year of high school, she does it with a chuckle.

“I just think it’s funny now and looking back realizing that thank God I didn’t quit,” Newman said.

Dissecting Week 5

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A look back on the fifth week of fall sports action at Whitman-Hanson Regional High.

Boys’ cross country (3-2) split a tri-meet on Tuesday, Oct. 1, falling to Hingham, 25-30, while topping Pembroke, 15-50. Junior Theo Kamperides finished first overall for W-H with a time of 16:09.

Girls’ cross country (2-3) also split its tri-meet on Tuesday, Oct. 1, falling to Hingham, 20-43, and cruising past Pembroke, 15-50. Sophomore Myah Kamperides took first overall at 19:47, but Hingham placed the next nine runners.

Field hockey (2-5-4) played to three ties. On Monday, Sept. 30, junior Brooke Nisby scored as the Panthers tied Norwell, 1-1. … On Thursday, junior Madi Savicke notched a shutout in net, as W-H tied Hanover, 0-0. Senior captain Victoria Ryan and juniors Noel Cornetta and Skylar Leonard clamped down on defense. … Then on Friday, Savicke recorded another shutout, as Todd Humphrey’s squad played to a 0-0 draw against Marshfield.

Football (2-3) routed Plymouth North, 35-14, Saturday, Oct. 5. Junior quarterback Jason Murphy hooked up with senior wide out Colby Garden for a pair of TD passes in the win.

Boys’ golf (3-9) opened the week Wednesday, Oct. 2 with a lopsided loss to Marshfield, 239-258, despite senior captain Ian Brown earning match medalist by shooting 4-over par 38. … On Thursday, W-H dropped a close one to Hingham by the final score of 224-225. Senior captain Brian Fox paced the Panthers, shooting 1-over par 35.

Boys’ soccer (6-5-1) tallied 7-0 shutout over East Bridgewater on Monday, Sept. 30 to begin the week. Senior captain Jason Broduer (two goals and two assists), junior Peyton Collins (goal and an assist) and classmate Brendan Nehiley (two goals) led the scoring barrage. … On Wednesday, Dave Leahy’s team fell to Pembroke, 1-0. … The Panthers rebounded on Friday for a 4-1 win over Hanover behind a pair of goals from junior Joel Arsenualt.

Girls’ soccer (8-1-1) received a goal from sophomore Olivia Borgen with 17 minutes to go to top Pembroke, 1-0, Wednesday, Oct. 2. … On Friday, both sophomore Kelsee Wozniak and senior Erin Wood scored in a nine-minute span as W-H rallied to tie Hanover, 2-2. Junior Alexis Billings had the assist on both goals. Senior captain Samantha Perkins and sophomore Ava Melia anchored the defense.

Girls’ volleyball (8-4) swept Pembroke, 3-0, Wednesday, Oct. 2. The set scores were: 25-20, 25-17 and 25-18. Sophomore Abby Martin led the Panthers with nine kills and five solo blocks. … Then, on Friday, Samantha Richner’s team swept Hanover, 3-0. Junior Delaney Rowell had seven kills, while Abby Martin chipped in with four.

*Express weekly roundups include scores from Sunday to Sunday. 

Girls’ soccer unbeaten through three weeks

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Another week of fall sports is in the book at Whitman-Hanson Regional High.

Here is a look back on all the action:

Boys’ cross country (2-0) edged Plymouth North, 26-30, Wednesday, Sept. 18. Junior Theo Kamperides finished second over all with a time of 14:07 for the Panthers, who took three of the next four spots thanks to senior captain Brandon Hager (fourth, 15:02), sophomore Nathan Tassey (fifth, 15:07) and senior captain Adam Solari (sixth, 15:18).

Girls’ cross country (1-1) dropped a nail bitter to Plymouth North on Wednesday, Sept. 18 by the final score of 27-29. Sophomore Myah Kamperides led the way for W-H, placing first overall at 17:16, but the Blue Eagles took four of the next five spots.

Field hockey (0-5-1) continued to struggle, falling to Marshfield, 3-0, Tuesday, Sept. 17. … On Thursday, the Panthers then fell to Silver Lake, 3-1. Junior Christina Short got the Panthers on the board first, but it was all Lakers from there.

Football (0-3) fell to New Bedford, 27-7, on Saturday, Sept. 21. Senior Jon Zeiden had seven catches for 50 yards in the loss.

Boys’ golf (3-4) went two for three in Week 3. Brian Dempsey’s club just nipped Plymouth South, 275-277, Tuesday, Sept. 17, on the back of a 2-over par 38 from junior Aidan Miller. … The following day, Miller continued to stay hot, carding a 4-over par 40 but the Panthers fell to Silver Lake, 280-289. … On Thursday, the seniors found their strokes, and W-H walloped Quincy, 259-318. Senior captain Matt Korzec shot an even par 36, and fellow senior captains Ian Brown and Brian Fox both registered 6-over pars.

Boys’ soccer (3-3-1) beat Plymouth North, 3-1, Monday, Sept. 16. Junior Peyton Collins tallied a goal and an assist, while both senior captains Jason Brodeur and Stevie Kelly had goals. … On Wednesday, Broduer scored twice, as the Panthers shut out Martha’s Vineyard, 3-0. Junior Joel Arsenault had two assists, and Collins added a goal and an assist. … On Friday, the boys fell to Silver Lake, 3-1. Broduer had W-H’s goal.

Girls’ soccer (5-0) tallied three goals in an eight-minute span to rally past Plymouth North, 3-1, Monday, Sept. 16. Senior Erin Wood notched the score with 20 minutes remaining and senior captain Samantha Perkins gave the Panthers the lead when she headed home a corner kick from classmate Anika Floeck. Sophomore Kelsee Wozniak tacked on some insurance with 10 minutes to go. On Friday, David Floeck’s team routed Silver Lake, 5-1. Wozniak, junior Ana Sullivan, sophomore Nora Manning, senior captain Zoe Cox and sophomore Olivia Borgen (also three assists) all scored for W-H.

Girls’ volleyball (5-2) topped then-undefeated North Quincy, 3-1, Monday, Sept.16. Senior Marissa Connell shinned for the Panthers with four kills and six solo blocks, while sophomore Lily Welch pitched in three kills and three solo blocks. … On Wednesday, the girls dropped a tough one to Plymouth North, 3-0. Each set was dropped by two points. Sophomore Abby Martin paced the losing Panthers with four blocks and four kills. … On Friday, Samantha Richner’s team topped Plymouth South, 3-1, behind 12 kills and 12 blocks from Welch.

*Express weekly roundups include scores from Sunday to Sunday.

Season Preview: New coach, new expectations for girls’ volleyball team

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Photo by: Sue Moss

The girls’ volleyball team is looking to return to the tournament.

It’s been three years since the girls’ volleyball team at Whitman-Hanson Regional High has made it to the tournament.

This season’s group wants to change that, and first-year head coach Samantha Richner is up for the challenge. A 2013 W-H alum, Richner played four years for the Panthers.

“[Coaching] is something I have always wanted to do, and to do it in the program I was once a part makes it even more special,” Richner said. “I think I bring a different energy to the team than there was in past years.”

Richner inherited a program on the up, doubling its win total from four to eight last fall under then-head coach Ashley Balbian.

“My main message to the girls is that it is up to them what they get out of this season,” Richner said. “I believe this team has the talent and the potential to go far. I try and help them realize that, and to also realize that they need to put in the appropriate and required time and effort to get the results they want.”

Seniors Lexi Connolly and Olivia Martin return as captains to anchor the club, while classmate Maya Faich also serves as captain. Richner said they’ve made her transition seamless.

“To prepare myself for the season, I frequently reached out to the captains, who have been amazing, to see where the program was at, what they wanted to change, what they thought should stay the same,” Richner said. “I realize how important this sport is to these girls.”

Connolly, a four-year varsity player, who posted 103 digs and played in all 52 sets last season, starts at outside hitter and can also play the back row.

“Lexi is a crucial part of our team; she is such a well-rounded player,” Richner said. “Lexi is someone I know I can count on the get the job done, and I am sure the team feels the same way.”

A three-year varsity player, Olivia Martin (41 sets played last season) starts at right side hitter.

“Liv is a great player to have on the team and because of her we are able to have three strong front row hitters on the court at the same time; which is a huge advantage,” Richner said.

Faich, who racked up 81 digs last autumn, takes over at libero following the graduation of Nicole Scott.

“Maya is willing to do about anything to get a ball; she is such a selfless player,” Richner said. “Maya is an athlete who puts in the work year round, and she is one of our strongest players because of it.”

Sophomore hitters Abby Martin and Lily Welch, junior setters Caileen Hurley (119 assists last season) and Sophia Berardinelli and senior hitter Marissa Connell will also be pivotal the team’s success this season.

And Richner said in order to obtain success, it starts with having the right attitude.

“You have to have a competitive mentality,” said the coach. “You also have to have a learning mentality; we have to be able to learn and grow from or mistakes to make ourselves better.”

The Panthers return to the court Friday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. at Plymouth South.

“Our goal this season it to make it tournament,” Richner said. “I met with the captains last spring and they expressed to me that this was their goal for this season. I believe, without a doubt, that we have the talent to do that. For right now, our focus is to fine-tune our skills, and then we will take it from there.”

 

*This story will run in the Express’ print edition on Thursday, Sept. 26. 

Season Preview: For field hockey team, it’s about acting like you’ve been there 

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The team is introduced before its game against Pembroke. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Panthers will try to get their offense going this season.

There’s no magic recipe for fixing the Whitman-Hanson Regional High field hockey team’s offensive woes.  

So, sixth-year W-H head coach Todd Humphrey is instituting an “act-like-you’ve-been-there approach.” 

 “Our forwards and midfielders need to be more poised when they shoot the ball when they are in the offensive zone,” said Humphrey, whose team finished 2-10-6 last fall, while scoring just 14 goals. “They also need to be the first to rebounds for second opportunities.” 

The Panthers’ inability to create much of anything in transition was a major reason for their struggles on offense. This fall, senior captain Victoria Ryan is asked to quarterback the transition game for her post at left defender.  

“She will need the help of her teammates,” Humphrey said. “Victoria comes up with ideas on how to improve the team and the program as a whole. She is willing to do anything on and off the field to support the program.” 

The Panthers also return their two leading goal scorers from last season – juniors Lauren Clark (captain) and Delanie MacDonald – so that should help expedite the growth of the offense. MacDonald netted a team-high five goals, while Clark (starting left-center forward) poked home three last season.  

“Lauren Clark is a speedy ball-handler and has a high-powered shot,” Humphrey explained. “She is truly passionate about field hockey and cares deeply about the program.” 

“Delanie is great at taking advantage of opportunities in the offensive zone. She is quick at finding seams to the net and taking advantage of them.” 

Senior Robin Goyette flanks Clark to her left as the starting left wing, while sophomore Lauren Dunn starts at right-center forward and senior captain Maddy Tassey anchors the right wing. 

The midfield is occupied by sophomore Joli Flamos (left midfielder), Rosie MacKinnon (center midfielder) and Mary Kate Ryan (right midfielder). All factor in heavily to the Panthers’ strength – their speed.  

“Our forwards and midfielders are fast,” said the coach. “We like to move the ball as quick as we possibly can through the neutral zone to give ourselves as many scoring chances as possible.” 

In net, the Panthers return junior Madi Savicke, who posted a sparkling 1.67 goals against average last fall.   

“She played exceptionally well for us last year,” Humphrey said. “She and the new-look defense are looking to gel early so they can lock down opposing offenses early in the season.” 

After splitting time on the right side last year, juniors Noelle Cornetta and Skylar Leonard are now starters. Cornetta’s moved to center defender, while Leonard remains at right defender. Both have their work cut out for them, with the graduations of defenders Kathryn Dunn and Olivia Sheehan (now playing at Bridgewater State University), the team’s two lone league all-stars last season. 

“Noelle and Skylar offer experience at the defensive position,” Humphrey said. “They both are quite good at playing in front of Madi.” 

The Panthers are back on the field Thursday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. on the road with a league game against Silver Lake.  

“I am looking forward to my players getting better at working together on the field,” Humphrey said. “The Patriot League is made up very talented teams, and we are going to need to be a unified front if we are going to push to the top of the standings.” 

Season Preview: Cheerleading team eyeing another state title

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The cheerleading team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders enter the new year chasing the program’s 15th state title. No. 14 came last fall. 

Their eyes are always on the next one. 

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders enter the new year chasing the program’s 15th state title. No. 14 came last fall. 

“The team definitely has a fire under them this season to return as back to back fall state champions,” said Alyssa Hayes, who enters her second full year as the team’s head coach. 

The Panthers return nine cheerleaders from that championship squad. They’ll be part of a 20-player varsity club, the largest roster in some time, making depth an obvious strength.

“I am so excited to see four stunt groups in the air,” Hayes said. “We have flyers that can also base, bases that can fly, back spots that have done all four stunting positions. With that type of dynamic team where everyone can be anywhere on the mat at any time — our opportunity to have a difficult, challenging, but rewarding routine really increases.”

W-H is led on the mat by a trio of decorated captains — seniors Ryley Hurley, Kaylee Diehl and junior Savannah Poirier. 

“All three of them bring positivity, talent, and hard work to the table,” Hayes said. “They’re often the three that are after practice cleaning up or working with someone on the team to get a skill down. I think it’s important to lead by example and these three most definitely do that.”

The winning history of the program is also always on its side.

“Cheerleading is a sport where every single person on the mat is needed to achieve success,” Hayes said. “I think in that way, it takes 100 percent trust to be prosperous and achieve a goal. That in itself is what makes this sport special- it demands complete teamwork, selflessness and belief.”

The Panthers open their competition season with the Braintree Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Braintree High.

“I think it’s important to remember that the most important part of high school sports will be the experience, the memories, and being able to walk away from it better in some way than when you began,” Hayes said. 

Mixed results in Week 1

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There were some mixed results on the field and course in the first week of the fall sports season at Whitman-Hanson Regional High. 

Football (0-1) fell to Concord-Carlisle, 34-21, Friday, Sept. 6. Sophomore quarterback Conor Meehan (10 of 14 for 203 yards, 3 TDs) hooked up with senior wide receiver Colby Garden (five catches for 128 yards, 3 TDs) for three touchdowns. W-H went up 14-0 early but couldn’t hold on. 

Field hockey (0-2) succumbed to Pembroke, 3-2, in its first action of the fall on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The goals were provided by sophomore Joli Flamos and junior Nicole Clack. … On Thursday, the Panthers fell to Plymouth North, 2-1. Junior captain Lauren Clark scored the lone goal in the defeat.   

Boys’ golf (0-1) fell in its first match of the season to Scituate, 248-253 on Thursday, Sept, 5. Senior captain Matt Korzec was the low scorer for the Panthers, carding a 3–over par 37. 

Boys’ soccer (1-0) opened its season without a problem, taking care of Plymouth South, 5-1, Wednesday, Sept. 4. Juniors Brendan Nehiley and Peyton Collins led the way with a goal and an assist each, while senior captain Jason Brodeur, senior Adam Milewski and sophomore Jayden Stafford all added single tallies. Junior Joel Arsenault and sophomore Alex Kuzmich also had assists.  

Girls’ soccer (1-0) also cruised in its opener, shutting out Plymouth South, 6-0, Wednesday, Sept. 4. Sophomore Olivia Borgen had a hat trick to pace the revamped offense. Sophomores Nora Manning, Kelsee Wozniak and senior Anika Floeck also scored. 

Girls’ volleyball (1-0) rolled past Abington, 3-1, Wednesday, Sept. 4 to open the year 1-0. Senior captain Lexi Connolly racked up eight aces, while junior captain Maya Faich totaled 19 digs. Senior Marissa Connell added four blocks in the triumph.  

*Express weekly roundups include scores from Sunday to Sunday.