Hockomock Sports Preview for FHS Girls Softball and Lacrosse

Girls Softball

FRANKLIN

• 2015 Record: 14-10
• 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South first round
• Coach: Kate Fallon

For the past few seasons, Franklin has been solidly entrenched as the third best team in the Kelley-Rex division, behind KP and Taunton, and also a team with the potential to make a run in the tournament. This spring, the Panthers will look to sustain that success with a number of new faces.

Senior Maddie Connelly returns as one of the team’s leading hitters and is a strong defensive outfielder. She will be joined by classmate Julia Arms and by Olivia Haba, as the Panthers look to fill the void left by Erin Hanley’s graduation. Seniors Caroline D’Aprile and Emily Sawyer will take over in the circle and try to replace Sabrina LoMonaco. In the infield, Olivia Di Giacomo returns at third base and classmate Alyssa DaSilva is back as well.

While there are question marks coming into the season, Franklin coach Kate Fallon is still expecting a strong year. She said, “We have some holes to plug from last years graduates, but we have a very hungry group!”



http://www.hockomocksports.com/softball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

Girls Lacrosse

FRANKLIN

• 2015 Record: 15-5
• 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 East semifinal
• Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino

Franklin enters this season as it does just about every season, as the heavy favorite to win another Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers will need to replace the scoring and all-around game of Emily Jeffries, but have plenty of players that can step in to fill that production.

Senior midfielders Kenzie Pleshaw and Emily Spath will continue Franklin’s strength in the middle of the field and Sam Jones will be back to lead the defense. University of New Haven-commit Julia Jette will spearhead the attack along with junior Kendall Reardon, last year’s Underclassman of the Year.

Freshmen Annie Walsh and Halle Atkinson will also step into the lineup and show the future remains bright for the league’s top program.

Head coach Kristin Igoe, who has loaded the schedule this year with six of the top seven teams in the state, said, “We have a lot of talent, and when we put all the little pieces together, it is fun to watch. Our goal is to win the Hock and make it back to the sectional final.”


http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

Franklin is once again the favorite in the Kelley-Rex with senior midfielder Emily Spath one of the key returning players. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)