By Jack Stanton
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
This year’s MIAA State Championship games were loaded with local talent. Seven teams within the Hometown Weekly six-town reach made their way to the state championship game with three taking home the title.
Walpole High School had three teams advance to the championship. No. 3 Walpole Softball dominated the tournament, reaching the Division 2 finals against No. 4 Westfield. The game was close throughout, starting off with three and a half scoreless innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Walpole’s Caroline Doran scored off a wild pitch, making it a 1-0 game. Walpole pitcher Sharlotte Stazinski put on a masterclass performance all tournament. Stazinski not only shut out Westfield in their finals appearance, but she also did not allow a run in all playoffs. This incredible performance led Walpole Softball to its first-ever state championship victory.
Walpole Baseball faced off against Plymouth North in the Division 2 final. Plymouth North started out hot and maintained the lead, winning 9-1 in a competitive matchup.
Walpole Girl’s Lacrosse, the number two seed in the Division 2 tournament, faced off against top-seeded Notre Dame Academy. The game was back and forth, with NDA holding a 6-4 lead at halftime. Walpole came out strong in the second half, tying the game at 7-7 in the third quarter. Unfortunately, impressive efforts from Walpole could not fend off NDA. In a tight game, Walpole fell to Notre Dame Academy 14-10.
The Needham Rockets also sent two of their teams to the state championship. The Boys Volleyball team faced off against Newton North in an absolute thriller. Needham and Newton North were tied 2-2 going into the final set. Newton North came out victorious after a hard-fought matchup, ending the Rockets’ season.
Needham Boys Lacrosse faced off against St. John’s Prep in the Division 1 final on Saturday. SJP came out hot, leading 10-5 at halftime. However, Needham would not let up; the boys worked their way back to within three goals early in the fourth quarter. However, St. John’s would leave state champions, winning 17-13.
Medfield Lacrosse emerged victorious in both of their state title games. The boy’s lacrosse team claimed the first seed in playoffs after a phenomenal 19-3 season. The Warriors faced off against the second-seeded Scituate, defeating the Sailors 13-4. Medfield Girls Lacrosse was also the top-seeded team in the tournament after a remarkable 21-3 season. The Warriors battled against Newburyport in the championship, coming out on top in a 14-10 thriller.
Congratulations to all of these programs on their valiant efforts throughout the seasons.
