By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Porkers took their second consecutive State Championship against the Andover High School Warriors on November 16. Walpole shut out Andover to win 2-0 and take home the trophy.
The first quarter contained all of the action. Senior Captain Caitlyn Naughton led the front line, weaving through Andover’s defense to try and score. Junior Kendal Cusak got in between Andover’s passes, taking possession of the ball for Walpole. Junior Nadia Michienzi would not easily give up plays, fighting with opposing players for control of the ball. Walpole’s first goal came from junior Kate Schneider, assisted by junior Emily Hagan with 6:20 left in the quarter. Less than a minute later with 5:24 left, senior captain Sophia Fruci knocked in a goal, assisted by senior Jenna Wong.
The second quarter had Walpole showing off their defense. Senior goalkeeper Aideen Smith was a star the entire game, keeping Andover from scoring. Fruci and Micheienzi were huge powerhouses in front of the net, blocking shots from even reaching Smith. Naughton put herself in between Andover’s plays, forcing them to change how they played the game. Schneider had a huge breakaway from the opposing defense, attempting to score another goal.
The third quarter focused on keeping Andover from scoring. Fruci worked hard on defense, sending the ball out of Walpole’s zone. Wong worked hard to keep Andover in their own zone, giving Walpole more shots on goal. Senior Abby Poirier helped fight through Andover’s defense and keep the scoring attempts rolling. Every player on the field was fighting to keep possession of the ball and force Andover back into their own zone.
The final quarter proved how hard Walpole trained to earn the championship. Smith was a star in the net, staying unphased when Andover crashed around the net or drew a corner attempt. Junior Grace Hagan was a force on defense, sending the ball into the scoring zone for Walpole. Wong was able to fight through Andover’s defense to attempt a third goal. Both teams drew several corner attempts and crashed at the goal in an attempt to score, but both goalies stood strong.
The Walpole Porkers ended their season by taking home the State Championship trophy for the second year in a row. Coaches and returning players are already looking forward to next season, and wishing all the best to their graduating seniors.
